John Frieda Precision Foam Hair Colour

Because I am a menace with hair color, every now and then I decide I don't need to color my hair.  After all, greys are a natural part of life, right?  Then I catch a glimpse of myself in certain lighting and, after the shock has worn off, I run out and buy some home hair color right away.  I am very interested in the new foam colors because I make such a mess.  I usually end up with it all over my bathroom, my ears, the back of my neck and my forearms.  But my last try with foam hair color did not go so well and although I never reviewed it, I tried the L'Oreal Sublime Mousse first.  The foam was thick but it didn't cover my greys at all.  Being the optimist that I am, I decided to try another brand.

The John Frieda is the only other one that is sold widely in drugstores.  I got mine at CVS and it was a little more expensive than L'Oreal or Clairol but I bet you could find it on sale for a better price.  You should always read the instructions and perform an allergy test (I don't but you should!).  The biggest difference in this is that you don't shake the developer and color to mix them.  You just gently tilt it from side to side.  The gloves that came with it were professional grade and went up an inch or two farther than the ones you usually get which was really nice.  However, the fact that they are black kind of made me feel like the Russian scientist getting ready to torture information out of a captured spy.  The foam was pretty thick and went on easily enough.  At first I felt like it wasn't saturating my hair but I was probably not applying it properly.  The directions on this step were very vague.  In the end it did cover all my hair although it didn't look as "foamy" as the picture in the instructions.  The smell was neutral.  I left it on for 30 minutes.  It rinsed out very quickly in the shower and I applied conditioner from the generous tube included.

The final result:  the color is very natural looking (sometimes with dark brown it looks black for the first few washings), it covered most of my greys (I've got some resistant little buggers right in front of my ears), and the smell of the conditioner is lovely.  I don't think it helped condition my hair but it didn't damage it either.  All in all, a nice (and except for one blob on my toilet seat), mess-free experience.  I will definitely use it again.

http://www.johnfrieda.com/en-US/homecolour/precision-foam-colour/

The Mascara Wave #2 - tarte gifted Amazonian clay smart mascara

This product is a perfect example of how much of a sucker I am for advertising.  Amazonian clay?  Nature's perfect ingredient?  And the tube is made to look like wood.  So natural!  So good for you!  Not to mention it is "clinically-proven to increase lash volume by 121% instantly!"  Holy cow!  That's exactly what I am looking for!

This mascara goes on nicely and does seem to add volume (with two coats) to lashes without clumping.  I have noticed only minimal smudging throughout the day.  The brush is a good size and easy to work with.  Lashes are a little stiff but not brittle.  I can't speak to the long term benefits and how the Amazonian clay is intuitive making it a "smart" mascara.  Most likely the hydration comes from the second ingredient on the list, cyclopentasiloxane, a silicone that is found in the majority of beauty products.  I really like this mascara for day time.  It doesn't have quite enough oomph for night.

http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-gifted-Amazonian-clay-smart-mascara

The Mascara Wave #1 - Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara

As a birthday present to myself, I got a sampler of mascara from Sephora.  I'll be reviewing these as I try them.  It's all very exciting!  Up first is a volumizing mascara from Bare Minerals.  I never really got on the Bare Minerals band wagon so this is my first experience (not counting Buxom which I learned is owned by the same company along with MD Formulations).

So, I'll just come right out and say it, "I am very impressed!"  It claims to volumize your lashes up to 600% after two coats.  I don't know about all that but they definitely look more lush.  And yet they are still soft.  It also looks like I have more lashes.  It has a thick, soft brush that easily captures all your lashes.  I have to admit I was not very excited about this one.  The packaging is just a boring, plain black.  However, when the product inside is this good, I guess you don't need a lot of flash!  Highly recommended.

http://www.bareescentuals.com/Flawless-Definition-Volumizing-Mascara---Black/masterfdmvolume,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=BE_SUB_MASCARA

Tip: If you have a problem area on your lashes (just one spot that doesn't seem to lengthen as much), try using the mascara wand vertically.  It really works.

FLIRT! Peek-A-Blush sheer powder cheek color

If you read any "best cosmetics list,"  NARS blush in Orgasm.  With such a scandalous name, I had to check it out.  It's expensive at $27 but, hey, if it's the best.  It is not a color I would have picked.  It seemed too bright pink.  It also has flecks of gold.  But, I was surprised when I put it on.  It was a good color and very layerable (it's a word now!).  It gave a nice pinkness to the cheeks without looking too phony.

Now, you might be asking, "why are you telling me about this?"  Because I found a knock-off that is comparable at almost half price.  At Kohl's of all places.  This line is designed exclusively for Kohl's so you may need to go online to get it if you don't have a store near you.  The color Popsie is an almost exact match to Orgasm.  It is pretty long lasting (although if I go out after work I usually refresh but I had to do that with NARS as well).  If you want to save a little money and still get a quality product, give it a try!

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/beauty/brands/flirt/flirt1/cheeks1/PRD~91979/PEEKABLUSH+Sheer+Powder+Cheek+Color.jsp

Burt's Bees Radiance eye cream

The first thing I think when I see Burt's Bees is...arrrrggghhhh BEES!!!  The second is...maybe bees are good for something.  Like many people, my first experience with Burt's Bees was their lip balm which was introduced in 1991.  With it's interesting packaging and natural ingredients, it was just the thing for us grungers.  I have used other Burt's Bees products throughout the years and have never been really disappointed.  They make a decent product at a reasonable price and they are a socially conscious company.  They use almost all natural ingredients (half the products are 100% and the other half 99%), use recycled packaging materials and they don't test their products OR ingredients on animals (an important distinction I've learned).

This eye cream is no exception.  It gives a decent amount of moisture and, although it looks a little greasy when you first put it on, it absorbs nicely into the skin.  I wouldn't say it has any miraculous curative powers but I have yet to find an eye cream that does.  I will keep searching for an eye cream that does but until I find it, Burt's will remain a staple in my make up drawer.

http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/face-care-eye-cream/radiance-eye-creme.html

Tarte LipSurgence natural lip tint

"This natural lip tint is clinically proven to give you a 6000% increase in lips' moisture content in 28 days!"  6000%...really??  That's good if you want lips the consistency of watery Jell-O.  I'll settle for lips that don't crack and bleed.  This is a sheer lip stain.  It goes on easily and has a wonderful minty smell.  It makes your lips feel slippery, not sticky.  The color does stain your lips but not as much as a regular lip stain would.  However, it doesn't dry out your lips as much as most stains.  I got it in Moody (dark berry) and I have found that most lip stains work better in darker colors.  I would like to try one of the lighter colors but I'll probably wait until Spring.  It is similar to both Sephora's Ultra Vinyl Lip Pencil (the best deal) and Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil.  And for you True Blood fans, they have an exclusive color.


http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-lipsurgence-natural-lip-tint

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes mascara

In the time it takes you to read this, 11 tubes of Great Lash mascara were sold in America.  This iconic mascara was released in 1971 with the distinctive package design by Lilly Pulitzer.  It really hasn't changed much over the years.  The big innovation on this one is the "heart-shaped" brush.  It has rows of teeth-like combs like many newer brushes but tapers to almost a point.  I guess the point is to get your smaller, inner lashes with the smaller side of the brush.  It's a good idea in theory but the brush is not long enough.  It feels very awkward when using it.  The formula is the same as you're used to and it doesn't flake or smudge.  Great Lash has always been a decent mascara at a decent price.  However, their new wand falls short.  If you like the mascara, I would stick with the original or the Big Lash brush.


http://www.maybelline.com/products/153/eyes/mascara/great-lash-lots-of-lashes-washable/very-black/141?shadeId=837

Interesting fact:  The inventor of mascara developed a modified version of the coal dust and Vaseline he saw his sister using to darken her lashes.  It was a local hit but the name, Lash-Brow-Ine kept it from having wider spread success so he renamed it Maybelline for his sister, Maybel and Vaseline, his two inspirations.  (The company is now owned by L'Oreal)

Giorgio Armani Face Fabric foundation

I have totally been remiss with my reviews and I apologize.  I'm going to try to "make-up" for it as the holidays approach.  And the best place to start is the foundation.  I have never been a big fan of liquid foundation.  I know it gives the best coverage but I just never liked the way it feels.  But, with the shorter days and lack of sunlight, I need to do something to keep people from constantly checking my pulse.  So, I did some research.  I had never used Girgio Armani make up but the Face Fabric got rave reviews.  I went to Nordstrom's so I could try it on first.  She put on color 1 and my face was transformed.  I wondered though, if it would still be the same when I put it on at home using my fingers instead of a sponge.  I decided to give it a try.  It turned out to be way to light for me!  If looking warmer than death was my goal, this was not the shade for me.  I went back to exchange it and got color 2.  This one is great.  It has a velvety feel and smooths out my skin tone and wrinkles.  Once it's on, I can't even feel it.  It only comes in 7 shades so it might be hard to match but if you can find a color that suits you, I highly recommend it.  The price tag is a little hefty but, like many good cosmetics, a little goes a long way!

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/face-fabric-foundation-spf-12/A247,default,pd.html

Tip:  (from the make up counter girl) when trying on make up in a department store, hold the mirror above your head and look up.  This helps block some of the flourescent lights and gives you a better idea of the real color.  (from me) walk around the store or mall a bit to see the make up in different lights.  Even go outside if you can.  It's also a great way to not be pressured into buying something you aren't sure of.

La Mer Creme de la Mer The Moisturizing Lotion

While trying some new foundations in Nordstrom's, I got into a conversation with the sales lady about Le Mer.  She talked about how great the products are and how she never uses anything else and she really had beautiful skin.  I already knew they were expensive so I asked for a sample.  The La Mer liaison came out and introduced herself and gave me a .17 ounce sample (street value = $50).  I took it home and tried it.  You are supposed to "warm a small amount between your fingertips" and pat it on your face.  The smell was interesting (kind of marine-y).  I think some people wouldn't like it but I thought it was ok.  And you weren't able to smell it once it was on.  When I got to work, I looked up the site and saw the price for a full 2 ounces.  $210...what?!?!  I read a little more about the company.  I mean, for that price I expected it to be manufactured in an enchanted forest with ingredients like unicorn tears (which everyone knows have magical healing powers).  Well, it was quite that but they do have an interesting back story.  The Miracle Broth was developed by aerospace physicist Max Huber, to help heal scars he had suffered in a lab accident.  He experimented with sea kelp and bio-fermentation.  It worked and he (and then his daughter) marketed and sold the product until Estee Lauder bought the rights to manufacture and exploit, oops, I mean, sell it.

So, does it work?  Sadly, I think it does.  I say sadly because now I am in the predicament of deciding whether or not to spend that much money on a face lotion.  I will say that the sample lasted me almost 2 months so you would probably have to buy it twice a year.  (I sometimes don't wash my face again in the morning - just rinse it with water - and I really felt like I didn't have to with this.)  It doesn't have spf so they also sell a separate spf 30 lotion for the bargain price $70 for 1.4 ounces.  I feel like it made my face smoother and got rid of the bumps on my chin.  My budget will probably not allow me to remain bump-free but if you can afford it, I think it's worth a try.

Clairol Nice and Easy Color Blend Foam

This experience was neither nice nor easy.  First, the smell.  The only way I can think to describe it is "dragon farts."  It does have the added benefit of burning away those pesky nostril hairs while coloring.  This formula is described as, "Delightful, drip-free foam hair color."  The lack of drips was my main reason for purchasing.  It comes with the color bottle, the developer bottle (with foam lid to put on after mixing), gloves, 2 packets of conditioner and instructions.  You still have to mix the developer and color so no saving steps there.  You don't pump the cap to get the foam out, you squeeze the bottle.  The foam seemed very runny to me and spilled as much as regular hair color.  Once I got it all on, I put my hair up and tried cleaning off the spots I inevitably get on my skin.  This stuff has staying power!  Most hair colors wipe easily off my sink but not this stuff.  I'm hoping the stain isn't permanent.  Then, I went into another room for some fresh air so I didn't pass out.  I left the color on for 30 minutes.  I then rinsed it out and applied both packets of conditioner since my hair is long and thick.  Once I rinsed that out, I let it air dry.  Luckily, the smell pretty much disappeared once it was dry.  The overall color, dark brown, is very nice and doesn't look black as they sometimes do the first few days.  I wouldn't say it did a fantastic job covering my greys but it did turn them a sort of light, reddish color.

Personally, I would not use this again.  Other companies are also making foam hair color.  One of them has to not smell like Death is standing behind you breathing down your neck after having a garlic and rotten fish sandwich.

http://www.clairol.com/en-US/hair-color-foam/science-ingredients

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum

"Pores ‘snap back’ into shape."  Say what??  Sign me up!  That was my first thought when I read Clinique's ad.  I ordered a deluxe sample through Sephora.  Now, I have to be completely honest, I used this more like a primer (only putting it on in the morning).  I find that the ingredients are similar in both.  It goes on smoothly and it really does give your face a velvety texture.  It also helps absorb oil throughout the day.  I can't say it made my pores "snap back into shape" but it did give my skin a more even look without any color.  The price is a little hefty at $39.50 but I would imagine a 1oz. bottle would last 6 months or more.

Clinique is owned by Estee Lauder and are known to be "Allergy Tested, 100% Fragrance Free."  And they aren't joking.  They test each product 12 times on 600 people.  If only one person has a reaction, they reformulate the product.  So, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to try Clinique.

http://www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY4919/PROD16751/Skin_Care/Pores/index.tmpl

Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil

Tea tree oil?  That's so yesterday!  Argan oil is where it's at.  Jose Maran has made argan oil (also known as Moroccan oil) the base of her cosmetics line launched in 2007.  I got my travel-sized bottle with bonus points from Sephora.  It really is 100% argan oil - no other ingredients.  It comes in a glass bottle with a dropper lid.  You can use it anywhere on your body.  Now, I'm not a huge "natural cosmetics" girl.  I always say, "if nature was so great we wouldn't have had to invent other stuff."  However, sometimes nature does get it right.  I love this stuff.  I keep it in my purse so I can use it anytime, anywhere.  I use it on my hair, my elbows, my cuticuls, and anything else that gets dry.  It really helps moisturize and somehow doesn't feel oily.  Pretty amazing for an oil!  It's also produced by a women's cooperative in Morocco and profits from the sales help support the women and the entire community.  Luckily they now harvest the pits directly from the tree instead of the the waste of argan tree-grazing goats.

I think that you could buy any brand but be careful to make sure it is 100% and intended for cosmetic use and not cooking!

http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/shop/favorites/organic-argan-oil

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat

A friend highly recommended this and was seconded by another so I looked into it.  $40?!?!  For cover-up?  Since I've been asked more than once if someone punched me in the eye when I was not wearing cover-up, I thought I'd give it a shot.  It comes in a shiny gold tube (not real gold as the price might indicate) and has a brush.  You click the bottom of the "pen" and the liquid moves up into the brush.  I've never been able to put this kind of cover-up on with only the brush.  I'm not sure if you're even supposed to.  I like to use my finger so I have more control.  (Tip: always use your ring or pinky finger when applying eye products, and pat, don't rub.)  I got the number 2 which is still very light.  It gives adequate coverage and I would say it's in the middle as far as getting into wrinkles.  But, I don't feel it works any better than L'Oreal VisibleLift concealor which is about one quarter of the price.  Bottom line: if you like paying more for a fancy name and packaging, this product is for you.

http://www.yslbeautyus.com/Touche-%C3%89clat/141YSL,default,pd.html

Hourglass Film Noir Lash Lacquer

This is my second Hourglass product and, so far, I am not impressed.  It's supposed to take your lashes from "day to night" by fanning "lashes out to sensational proportions" with its latex-like formula and special brush.  The brush is like a lipstick brush.  The directions say to hold it horizontally and apply using short, painterly strokes.  Even though I wiped off the excess on the edge (which I hate when you have to do that too much because it ruins the tube and, I believe, compromises the product), it is very wet and messy.  It says it works best with lengthening and defining mascara.  I tried it with Lash Stiletto, they're Real!, and alone.  It seemed to work best with the Lash Stiletto.  Alone, it made my lashes longer but they looked really thin.  With they're Real!, it made a clumpy mess.  This is because you don't really need it.  If you're going to spend the money, I recommend spending $22 on they're Real! instead of using this $28 enhancer and having to purchase a separate mascara.

http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/index.php?type=eyes&item=eyes_filmnoirLashLacquer

Benefit They're Real! mascara

Let me start by saying that I love Benefit's packaging and marketing. It's fun and whimsical without being juvenile. I also find their prices a little more reasonable than some other "department store" cosmetics. Now, $22 for mascara isn't cheap but I don't mind paying for something if it works the way it is advertised. However, I got a deluxe sample with my Sephora Beauty Insider points. I wish they would sell this size for a lesser price.

So, on with it! I believe I have found a new favorite mascara. It definitely give volume and length without clumping your lashes together. I can't say I find it to be glossier than any other mascara but it is a very rich black. One thing I've learned recently about mascara is to take your time. You can just brush on a few swipes and expect it to be perfect. Take the time and you can have beautiful, long, and lush lashes. This is not a natural looking mascara but, it's not meant to be. This is the best mascara I have found so far and I plan to buy the full size when my sample runs out.

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/b/2985617011/intid=2011_confessions

Maybelline Superstay 24 Color lipstick

While I've never had occasion to need a 24 hour lipstick, I do like something that doesn't need to be reapplied every 5 minutes. So far, this is the best long-lasting lipstick I've found. It's the same principle as others, a base coat and top coat balm. I got mine in #145, Constant Cocoa. It goes on smoothly and provides a good layer of color. There's no need to lay it on too thick. It really does feel very flexible (thanks to their "Micro-flex formula") and it doesn't seem to dry my lips as much as some other long wearing lipsticks (I don't have to apply the top coat as often). The thing I like best is that it doesn't turn flaky or feather as it wears. As a side note, I've noticed that the lighter colors seem to wear better in the long-lasting lipstick category although I have no idea why. If you're looking for no fuss lipstick for day or night, I'd give this s try.

http://www.maybelline.ca/products/51/lips/lip-color/superstay-24-color/constant-cocoa/145?shadeId=327&view=shades&position=596

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

Sometimes the oil on my face gets so bad I feel like I should blame BP. Nothing I use seems to control it for more than a couple hours. The reviews on Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer were great. I bought the "to go" size at Sephora for $17. Sadly, it was not worth the price. Its non-transparent white color makes it hard to blend in, even on my pale skin. It does feel nice when it goes on but only has a minimal mattifying affect. I'm not a big fan of foundation so it's important that a primer alone makes my skin look better. This doesn't really do anything. I did try it with powder foundation though and it wasn't any better. In addition to all that...the bottle clogs! It happens after only a few uses. That's just not acceptable. I will soon be standing in line to return this (but who knows what other goodies might catch my eye while I'm waiting!).

http://hourglasscosmetics.com/index.php?type=complexion&item=complexion_primer

Tip: A very cheap alternative when looking for shine protection is Milk of Magnesia. You have to be careful putting it on but it lasts a long time and is very mattifying.

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

So, one thing I've always wished for was bigger eyes. Those kind you can't look away from. When I first saw Clinique's new Bottom Lash mascara, I thought, "How dumb. It's just another scam." But, of course, I had to try it. I bought it in black for $10.50 (including tax) at Macy's. When I first took the brush out, I started giggling out loud in my apartment. It's SO TINY! And adorable. But would it work? The answer is...yes. This tiny brush gives you an amazing amount of control over where you put the mascara (say, only on the outer bottom as opposed to all of them). It seems to stay on really well. In fact, when I wash it off, there are remnants that remind of of Blinc's Kiss Me tube mascara. I also use it to give extra darkness and depth to the roots of my upper lashes.

Now, this product probably isn't necessary. You could get by using your regular mascara on your bottom lashes. However, if you love make up, this product does what it says and it's a lot of fun.

http://www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY4904/PROD16693/Makeup/Mascara/index.tmpl

Dove Body Bar

There are a couple of favorites I have used for a long time and I highly recommend them to anyone (especially if you're on a budget). I have used Dove soap for most of my life. Until my early 30s, I used it on my face as well. I have a new favorite face wash but if I was ever short on cash, I'd go back to Dove. A lot of beauticians will tell you not to use soap on your face but I think...whatever works! I look younger than my age and, although I have to give some credit to genes, I also give a lot to Dove (and Oil of Olay - more on that later). It's 1/4 cup moisturizing cream makes all the difference!

Maybelline Lash Stiletto® Voluptuous® Washable Mascara

It comes in a stiletto shaped container! How could I resist? I buy a lot of mascara, always searching for the perfect one that will make my eyelashes so thick it will look like I am wearing eyeliner (while looking like I'm not wearing anything, of course). I'm not even sure what made me try this mascara but I'm glad I did. The brush has a strange curve to it but somehow it works. It deposits more mascara on the outer lashes where it is needed. It coats the lashes making them look fuller in just one coat without clumping together. I like to do coats. I do my right eye, then the left, then back to the right, and the left again. You don't want the mascara to dry completely between coats but this allows it to get a little tacky. Although I can't say I have found the perfect mascara, I will continue to use this until the next irresistable ad comes along.

http://www.maybelline.com/search/stiletto

Tip 1: Most women keep their mascara too long. It's better to buy a cheaper brand and get a new one at least every 3 months (I usually get one every 2 months) than to buy a more expensive brand and keep using it.

Tip 2: I highly recommend watching an expert video on how to apply mascara. You could learn something that will totally change your "outlook!"

Sephora Body Self-Tanning Tinted Bronzing Mist

I think this is one of the better self-tanners I have tried. The smell is lovely and the color doesn't look too fake (I'm sorry but I just don't think you can completely fake a tan). You have to be careful when spraying it on but I feel like it does go on evenly. (I hold it a little farther away as I press the nozzle and then bring it closer while it is spraying. This keeps you from getting a spot where you start.) The best part is that it dries really fast. Really. Completely dry. I use this on my legs which never seem to tan as fast as my arms!

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml%3B$sessionid$Q55UINOFI1OCGCV0KQNQ5UQ;jsessionid=Q55UINOFI1OCGCV0KQNQ5UQ?id=P188203

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (Bahama)

I am generally a fan of NARS products but I ended up returning this product. I seem to have naturally dry lips and always need to put something on them or they get chapped. The reviews about drying were mixed on this one so I thought I would give it a try. It ended up chapping my lips. However, the color was nice, creamy and it went on smoothly. If you don't have naturally dry lips, this could be a great product. If you do have a problem with chapped, drying lips, please see my review on the NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil.

http://www.narscosmetics.com/Velvet-Matte-Lip-Pencil-C26_makeup_7.aspx

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo With Oat Extract - Non-Aerosol Pump

I love the smell of this dry shampoo. It takes a minute to learn to use it but I like that there is no aerosol pump to get clogged. I feel it does absorb oil. You have to be careful if you have dark hair (mine is almost black), but if you follow the instructions and use a light touch, it is fine. One way to avoid the visible powder problem is to do it at night.

http://www.kloraneusa.com/DryShampoo.htm

Tip: if you are on a budget, you can get similar results with baby powder. Just be careful applying it!

Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy 30 Day Smoothing Treatment

I have been searching a long time to find a way to smooth my thick, coarse hair. I have straightened it with chemical relaxers (usually Ogilve straightener), used a straightening iron, and countless leave-in conditioners and anti-frizz products to no avail. Perhaps it is the humid Washington DC weather that can't be conquered but I keep trying. My latest attempt is this at-home treatment from Organix* I have friends who have had success with salon treatments, both Brazilian and Japanese but I cringe at spending that much money. Especially on the Brazilian treatment which is temporary. While some salons offer an Express Treatment, I thought I'd give it a try by myself.

The product: the box comes with the straightening "cream," pre-treatment shampoo and pastic gloves. The shampoo is just a clarifying shampoo and you could use any brand but I used theirs for the first treatment. It is creamy and smells like coconut. Once you wash your hair (once or twice), you towel dry it 80%.

The application: separate your hair into sections and, using your hands (with the gloves), put the treatment cream on your hair in small sections being careful not to oversaturate. This is important later. Once you have the cream on your hair (you should NOT use the entire bottle), let it sit for 30 minutes. The smell of the straightening cream is quite strong but not bad exactly. It does stay with you for the 48 hours until you can wash it.

Finishing: using a blow dryer and paddle brush, dry your hair while pulling it straight. Then, using a very hot flat iron (they recommend 400-450 degrees), iron the hair in small sections going over each section 7-10 times. My hair was already pretty straight from the last time I used Ogilve and my iron doesn't get that hot. I did 5 or 6 passes for each section at 375 degrees. It takes a lot of time so put on some music or a tv show! The only thing I really didn't like is that there was remnants of the products in my hair, on my brush and flat iron, and on my shirt. However, I think this may be due to using too much on certain sections so I will use less the next time.

The results: so far, pretty fantastic. Once I was able to wash my hair, it felt so much better. It is very straight and shiny. I don't even have to use the straightening attachment I got on my new blow dryer. As far as frizz, it seems to be less frizzy but DC had to pick this week to cool down so it hasn't been throroughly tested. I will update when we get back up in temperatures. All in all, I think this is worth trying if you don't have the money to spend in salons. If possible, it's always nice to have a friend help you.

http://beautypureandsimple.com/product/30-day-smoothing-treatment

* Don't let the name fool you. As with any product which changes the structure of your hair, this treatment is not organic or natural. If you are worried about chemicals, I suggest you research the ingredients.

Update 1: After 3 washes (and one "air dry"), I can tell my hair is definitely less frizzy. Even after being in drizzly or humid weather.

Alterna Caviar Anti-aging Shampoo with Sea Silk

I use both this shampoo and conditioner together. However, because of the cost, I am going to try an OTC brand with the conditioner next time. That is not meant to take away from the shampoo though. First of all, the smell, is fantastic. It makes your hair smell very clean without smelling phony. It's a very thick, creamy formula and, although it doesn't lather much, it cleans very well while maintaining the hair's moisture. As with the conditioner, my hair hasn't looked this good in years. A bottle lasts me 3 months (and I have very thick, long hair). I highly recommend this if you have dry and damaged hair or even just coarse hair that needs a lot of moisture.

http://www.alternahaircare.com/caviar-care-duo.php

Alterna Caviar Anti-aging Conditioner with Sea Silk

This is the best stuff I have ever used on my hair. My hair is very thick and healthy but it is coarse and needs a lot of moisture. I got this set on sale at Bubbles salon. The smell is incredible and it really works. I'm 41 years old and my hair hasn't looked this good since my 20s. I use it with the matching conditioner (which I will review separately).

The biggest downside is the price. If you look around, you can find it on sale or as a combo pack. However, 8 oz. lasts at least a couple months for the conditioner and almost 3 months for the shampoo. It seems a small price to pay for something that works so well.

http://www.alternahaircare.com/caviar-care-duo.php