Wednesday, May 26, 2010

See You On The Flipside!

Going to my crazy annual campstravaganza! I'll let you know what kept me beautiful and sunburn free and what let me down......(And/or what I forgot to take that I cannot BELIEVE I lived without!)

Friday, May 21, 2010

Only The Best of Etsy April Sampler

Only The Best Of Etsy     seems to be one of the newer kids on the block of samplers, but I was totally pleased with what I got. A full, hand painted wine glass? GORGEOUS! Click on their name to go their Etsy page and buy one of your own. They have the full package for $20.00 (including shipping) or you can even get a sample with just a few of the items for only $6.00. Each of the current boxes contain the same items, so I'll let her YouTube video give you the lowdown.....

 

Thursday, May 13, 2010

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things GIVEAWAY!

For the rest of the month of May I will be sponsoring a Beauty Pirate's Favorites giveaway! 

Entering is simple- leave a comment on this post with a way to get in touch with you. If you have a profile with your contact email that's fine, otherwise leave me your email (the winner of my last contest didn't leave her email and never got to claim her prize!). To avoid spammers, you can always type it as, for example "janedoe AT hotmail DOT com".  If I do not receive a response from the winner within 1 week, a new name will be drawn using random.org.

With each entrant, another item will be added to the booty, so if 30 people enter, there will be 30 items in the treasure chest! WOW! 

This contest is open worldwide. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON! 
Allrighty, then! That's the way it's done, my budros! Now I've got 3 items to add! See, I'm not so selfish after all....
Item #5 Sassy Minerals Fashionista Mineral Eye Shadow
And I said:



The picture does not do this stuff justice. i have used Sassy Minerals before, and their shimmers are so shimmery that the husband was fascinated by it. I rubbed some on my hands and we were mesmerized by the multihues sparkles it left behind. He even suggested I coat myself in it some time just for fun! (Okay, so we do get a little silly sometimes....) I see blues, greens, pinks, and silvers, making this a gorgeous color for almost any eye color. On me, the blue and green sparkles really make my blue green eyes go kapow. It's a really long lasting color and has little cheek fallout when you apply it (though somehow I do have little sparklys. I actually like to put it on my eyebrows as an unexpected brow shadow with a glam glitz. Twinkle twinkle little brows......
sassy minerals
Item #4 DDF Moisturizer travel size 
What I said then:
That thing I mentioned about using moisturizer for the day with SPF? I'm not kidding. Protecting your skin is the single most imortant thing you can do to stay gorgeous! I BEG OF YOU, please use sun protection! DDF, or Doctor's Dermalogic Formula Daily Protective Moisturizer is a great choice. It's a UV protectant with SPF but goes on light and nongreasy and doesn't interfere with makeup primer or foundation. I do receommend that you give it about 5 minutes to settle into the skin before applying your other products. It has 4 different types of sun filters, and lasts all day (provided you aren't swimming, playin' Wimbeldon, etc.) They claim it's fragrance free, but when you first put it on, it does smell like old-school sunblock which can be a bit disconcerting, but the smell fades almost immediately. I carry their travel size in my ready to go at all times facial travelin' bag.














Item #3 
A travel bar of Thalgo Exfoliating Soap
What I said then:
Thalgo Delicate Exfoliating Bar

I usually keep a separate facial cleanser in the shower since I don't like using regular soap to wash my face. Thalgo is the exception to the rule however. This mild exfoliating soap is wonderful on both the face and the body, with shea butter and natural seaweed extracts. It isn't so exfoliating that you feel like you're scrubbing yourself raw (in fact, the first time I used it, it was so soft I wondered if it was actually doing anything) but afterward your skin feels so clean and refreshed. It leaves me with that squeaky clean feeling without the soapy dryness. It's made in France, and apparently those Frenchies still know their beauty stuff! I've even read a review online from a man who's a mechanic who swears by it to keep his hands soft! It's got a clean, almost milky smell that doesn't cling to your skin, so you can use your normal scentsy stuff afterward and men can use it without feeling girly. Item #2 (yay! someone entered!) 
1 travel size Estee Lauder Splash Away Cleanser 
My busy day go-to! For when I want to clean my face but barely have the energy to turn on the faucet....
What I said then.....
"Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Splash Away Foaming Cleanser is my go to for when I'm in a hurry and just want to clean up as quick as possible. It works especially well for those days when you're not wearing makeup or have on mineral makeup, it's not as effective at cleaning if you have on long wear makeup unless you use a washcloth, which negates the whole point of being splash away. Now if you do use a cloth, it'll get you squeaky clean, but I like that I can just splash some water on my face and be done. it rinses off extremely easily and doesn't leave a residue. This is also a favorite for starting my skin out in the morning to get off my sleep funk." 



 
ITEM #1 
Intelligent Nutrients Certified Organic 100% Nontoxic Plant Chemistry Lip Delivery Nutrition
 (whew! say all that in one breath!). Not waxy and with penetrating moisture. I always like it when I can trust a lip product to be safe since I know I'll wind up eating 5 pounds of it. It has a slight tingly feel reminiscent of Carmex. I keep a tube of this next to the bed for my nightly balm needs. I will never buy a tube of Chapstick again. 
WHOA! I didn't know THIS- I just thought it was an awesome lip balm! According to the company:

"Product Description

INVIGORATING NUTRITION-PACKED EMOLLIENTS FEED DRY LIPS WITH ANTIOXIDANT INTELLIMUNE® SEED OIL COMPLEX.

Think about it—we ingest our lip products every time we lick our lips. One of the fastest ways we absorb substances into our blood is through sublingual assimilation. It only makes sense that we formulate all lip products with nutrition, rather than harmful synthetic ingredients, petrolatum, mineral oil or lead.
Our super-antioxidant Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex—an anti-aging, synergistic blend of black cumin, pumpkin, red grape, red raspberry and cranberry seed oils—comprises 20% of the total composition of our lip balm. The other nutritious food ingredients  are coconut, sunflower seed, castor seed and palm kernel oils. Lip Delivery Nutrition® — providing nutrition and antioxidants both externally and internally every time you lick your lips."


WOW, now I love it even more. SWEET.
   

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

A Shoe Of The Month Club? Who'da thunk it? And now they have purses too!

INVITE FOR SHOE FABULOUS HERE  
Okay mom, you've been bugging me about it, so I'm finally posting the invitation link! And no, you do not have to be my mother to use it.

Seriously. This is one of the coolest concepts ever. These guys kick Columbia House's a**. This blew my mind when I first heard about it. You go on their site and take a quiz that comes up with an idea of your fashion style and what you're looking for. Then once a month, they send you 6 choices of shoes based on your preferences. You can also rate each shoe submitted in a number of categories from style to color to help them further define your future choices. If you don't want any shoes that month, you simply pick to skip that month. If you don't like the choices offered, you can tell them and they'll send you a new set of picks after asking you specific questions about what you want that month. Their shipping is lightning fast and I have been pleased as punch with every pair I've gotten from them. Their web site shows you photos for each shoe offering of celebrities wearing similar styles, a video of a model walking in them, and multiple photos from all angles to help you make your choice. They even come in a shoe bag to keep them lovely and paired together. 
(In my case this is a blessing, as I'm the queen of shoe mislocation. I have been known to reach levels of near psychosis trying to locate a shoe's mate.) 

These are the shoes I've picked over the last few months, but don't be afeared- this is purely based on my own off kilter sartorial style, your offerings will be based on YOUR preferences. not everyone is a cross between a midget overcompensating for their height and a drag queen. Oh yeah, me and the silver shoes are planning on starting a family, we've been told we'll have lovely children.
 

Time to Check out The latest From Kokokahn!

Seriously, you should really check these guys out. They had me at "hello". An awesome company, awesome products, and a font of information. They have sooooo many products that I swear by! (Just search through my blog posts and just see for yourself how often their name pops up!)
Sale on Essential Oils


New! French Lavender & Australian Tea Tree
10% Off thru May 31st
Click Here to Shop


What are Parabens?
Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.  Chemically they are esters.   Some shampoos, moisturizers, toothpaste and other personal care products contain them.  They are also used as food additives.
How can they be harmful?
Probably the most known association of parabens in relation to negative health side effects is their relationship to breast cancer.  They have been found in the tumors of breast cancer, but it is not known if they cause the tumors.  They are known to cause many allergic reactions and skin rashes. 
Click Here to Read More......

Get Daily Tips on Aromatherapy, Essential Oils & Product Specials on our Facebook Fan Page




Our mailing address is:
Kokokahn Inc.
PO Box 3788
Placida, FL 33946

Add us to your address book

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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

SUPER Cheap Go Smile- SIXTY Percent off!

Haute Look
Has GoSmile products for 60% off now- which is AWESOME! These products really do work- quickly and easily. I've just bought the ampules based on the recommendation of a number of other bloggers and so of course right after I do, Haute Look runs this awesome sale. Man, my timing stinks.

YVES ROCHER BOTANICALS Now has a selection of plane friendly minis



Get $10 OFF & FREE SHIPPING at Yves Rocher with orders over $45! Use coupon code 10OFF45 at checkout.

Sampler Village Mother's Day Video With My Pirate Mama!

I could really mess with my little brother's head and make his name a tag on the video so he could be humiliated in front of all of his friends like I told him I would, but I decided I'm too nice.

For now ;-)

Monday, May 10, 2010

Pure, Natural, Organic?

J/A/S/O/N "Pure Natural & Organic"
Dulce de Leche Shower Gel, Hand & Body Lotion 

I put that in quotes, because apparently there's nothing pure, natural, or organic about their products. Well, there's SOME things that are, but not enough for someone who is looking for TOTAL pure, natural and organic. I am NOT a product snob, I have merrily slapped stuff on my mug that would scare Elizabethan beauties. BUT I did it knowingly. I took my health into my own hands and rolled the dice, not unlike knowing that you don't really need that last glass of wine, but what the heck? Calculated risks are fine if you are aware of the risk you are taking. I feel really cheated, because I love the bath gel, it's creamy and leaves the skin soft and delightfully scented with an aroma similar to Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar but not as cloying. (I'm not as crazy about the lotion- the scent seems a bit off). If they'd just be honest with me, I'd be happy to recommend the bath gel, but I can't get past their deceptive advertising.


Too many people, myself included, naively believe that if a label proclaims certain things that they can back it up. Unfortunately, you can CALL yourself anything you want, but it doesn't make it so. After doing some internet research on this company, I was HORRIFIED that they dare to call themselves what they do. DO your own research and you'll see what I did. Thanks to the All Natural Beauty Mall's new video channel for opening my eyes.

To check them out, go to
the All Natural Beauty Mall
and scroll down- their video links are on the right hand side under their main menu.

I also previously posted a blog explaining all of the different natural and organic cosmetic certifications and what each one means and requires of the product carrying that label.

Tummy Tuck in A Tube

Currently has Rodial,  
Anti-aging skincare that targets cellulite, stretch marks and more for 50% off. I've read good things about them, and supposedly it works! (fingers crossed, fingers crossed....)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Everyday Minerals

Everyday Minerals Eye Minerals are awesome! I love that they have colors available in matte, pearl and shimmer since most mineral makeup eye colors tend to be solely of the shimmery variety. While I do adore getting my glitter on, it's great that they have a matte option- a rarity in the world of mineral makeup. Particularly women "of a certain age" tend to have difficulty pulling off the sparklier eye since the light reflection can emphasize fine lines.
I like to use Pic Nic & Beach Towel together. The blue of Beach Towel really makes my eyes sparkle, and the creamy buttery Pic Nic as a highlighter really makes my eyes look a lot bigger. I love to use these with a liquid cat eye liner for a mod-ish go-go look.

Something else I love about these guys is their commitment to creating safe products.

FROM THEIR SITE:

PRODUCTS

Cruelty Free & Vegan

We do not conduct animal testing on any of our products. To show our dedication to Animals, we have signed on with Peta.org to make sure that we continue to produce our products to this high standard. Please note that Everyday Minerals and Everyday Naturals only offers vegan products.

Brushes

We are proud to offer vegan bamboo handle brushes. Our brushes are super soft, we invite you to compare the price and quality of our brushes to others – they are simply, amazing for makeup application. The brush handles are made from bamboo, which is a renewable source and vegan synthetic bristles.

 Nanotechnology
Everyday Minerals and Everyday Naturals products are free of nanotechnology, carmine, dimethicone, fragrance, animal by products, bismuth oxychloride, silicone and lake dyes. We are a vegan line and do not believe that the above ingredients should be included in any products.

Fresh Cosmetics

At Everyday Minerals, all of our products are handmade with love in small batches. Each product has a batch code on it, which tells the date of manufacture. To ensure freshness of our products we stock small quantities.
While mineral makeup is comprised of inert ingredients, we recommend storing your products in normal conditions and used within 2 years of purchase.

Discontinued Products

Everyday Minerals products are all natural. Sometimes that causes certain products to become unavailable or for inconsistencies in the colors or textures of our products. In cases where ingredients change or there is something about the ingredient that we no longer feel contributes to the health and safety of women around the world, we will discontinue it. For the well being of your Everyday Naturals Ecosystem sometimes pruning back on certain colors and products will be necessary.
Everyday Minerals will periodically replace less popular colors. If the product costs more to carry than it makes in the store we will consider replacing the color or discontinuing it outright.
Some colors in the collection are perennials and others are seasonal. Everyday Minerals always likes to reissue colors, so let us know what your favorites are! We’ll plant some seeds and watch them grow :)

Skin Sensitivities

While we source natural and vegan ingredients, everyone’s skin is different, we recommend a Skin Patch Test for any new product application. Simply test a little swatch of product on a small confined area of your skin, like the underside of your arm or the inside of your elbow. Leave on for 48 hours to make sure your skin is happy with the product. If you have sensitivities to the product, wash your skin with water and discontinue use.
We offer a Free Sample Kit to test your product out before you purchase the large size. Please check our ingredient list on the website and the ingredient list on the bottom of the product jar to ensure that the product ingredients are compatible for your skin.
We always suggest keeping clean and sanitary makeup tools and wash them once a week. We offer the finest Synthetic Brushes available that are naturally more sanitary.

Safe Cosmetics

They have a 0-10 rating system. Our company rates from 0 to 3, which is excellent!
Everyday Minerals will never use lake dyes, parabens, carmine, fragrances, bismuth oxychloride, and is 100% Vegan and Cruelty Free.
Where we separate ourselves from the other safe cosmetic brands is the excellent performance of our product. Our goal is to always produce safe and easy to use products, but most of all makes you look beautiful naturally!

Are you a crafter, a baker, a candlestick maker?


Gabbriella's Closet Sampler is looking for new participants for their next Sampler. once I can get my act together, I'll be sending some stuff in, but in the meantime why don't you drop her a line! You know I love me some samplers, and hers was the first one I ever got. Since I have a YouTube Channel now, I'll be sure and review the next Gabbriella's Sampler and you'll get to see me doof out over your products! What fun!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Giveaway For Joey Junior Purse Organizer

Link To Giveaway

These are an amazing idea. MUST HAVE ONE! I can never find anything in my purse, and it generally looks like I'm carrying more supplies than a sherpa. I think the amount of time this booger would save me could possibly add up to the equivalent of an extra vacation day a year. And now you have a chance to win one for free!

Joey Junior purse Organizers RAWK!

Bliss has a Mom's Day Goody Bag with purchase

Bliss Spa

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Spring Quarter Beauty Fix

Okee Dokee, for those of you who don't know about Beauty Fix- you are missing out! It's another quarterly beauty program, but what makes this one different is that YOU pick out what goes in your bag! You are given a ton of choices, and I'll be honest- I usually go and look up the products to see what's going to give me the most bang for my buck. You know why? Because most of these items are NOT samples- they are full sized products! Seriously, it's just nuts.  For $49.95, this quarter I received- DRUMROLL PLEASE.......


FIVE HUNDRED AND TWENTY EIGHT DOLLARS WORTH OF PRODUCT. You heard me right. That is not a typo.  

They do tend to have a wait list to join since there are only a limited number of membership spots available, but once you're in, you're in. When I first tried to join, I had about a month's wait before they added me because I didn't know any members to send me an invite, so if you want to join and get in ASAP,  go through the link below.


You're Invited!

You know finding the right beauty products can be just as hard as finding Mr. Right, which is why I'm inviting you to Beautyfix - an exclusive beauty club dedicated to matching you with the perfect products.

Each season, members receive 8 of the hottest beauty products recommended just for you by Beautyfix's panel of beauty experts + advice and tutorials on product usage so you can get the best results.

MORE REASONS TO LOVE BEAUTYFIX:

MEMBERS-ONLY DISCOUNTS: Visit the exclusive, members-only Beautyfix Boutique on glow.com and get BIG discounts on your favorite beauty brands.

WATCH EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS: Meet the brands and the panelists, discover what makes each product unique and how to use the products correctly so you'll get better results.

PRODUCT REVIEWS: Review products and share your tips and tricks. See what other Beautyfix members and beauty experts are saying too!

$25 GIFT CARD TO GLOW.COM: Share your opinions and get rewarded! When you complete two or more product surveys you will receive your gift card via email.

MEET THE PANEL: Get to know the beauty experts that personally test and select all your product matches each season for Beautyfix + Find out which Hollywood A-listers are their clients!

Get the details before your invitation expires.



Everything always comes in a makeup bag, and this quarter they've changed from the previous design (frankly I preferred the cotton train case style of the last bag)

 Zippered Beauty Fix Bag
This large cosmetics bag is big enough to fit all of your beauty essentials. Made from durable microfiber in a deep charcoal shade with a nylon silver lining, it's easy to clean and holds up well against daily wear and tear. Great for travel, this bag packs flat and the zipper closure makes sure your products stay put. Size: 8'' x 10'' x 3''


Hair Therapy Wrap

Now you can bring the salon home with you. This cordless thermal turban heat wrap is designed to hold heat for up to 30 minutes, simulating the effects of a professional bonnet drier. Keep hair healthy and repair existing damage at home by using your Hair Therapy Wrap with your favorite hair treatment. Higher temperatures allow for deeper penetration of repairing, softening, and strengthening hair products, and the patented gel packs inside the Hair Therapy Wrap ensure an even amount of comfortable heat with just a quick zap in the microwave. No cords, no uncomfortable chairs, and best of all, no pricey trips to the salon!











 



Raw Skincare Ambiaty Daily Revitalizing Cream 1oz
The RAW Natural Beauty Ambiaty Daily Revitalizing Cream is a double-duty day cream that you can feel good about using. The rare and potent ingredients not only help keep you beautiful, but they support local farming cooperatives in struggling nations around the world. It is formulated with potent botanical ingredients found all over the globe that moisturize, repair and protect the skin from daily stressors. The key ingredient, Ambiaty, is an extract from Madagascar's native flower of the same name. The local tribes of the Madagascar rainforest have been using this indigenous flower for its beauty enhancing and healing benefits for as long as they have been living, and after noticing its natural ability to build collagen within the skin, Raw Natural Beauty decided to ''do as the locals do,'' and formulated their own skin care system using the magical plant.


Jonathan Create Root Volume Brushable Lifting Spray 8oz














If you are tired of your limp, lifeless 'do, this weightless spray is the perfect spritz to wake up lazy roots. Packed full of exotic ingredients like Lemongrass Essential Water and Thermal & UV Damage Filters, you can create maximum volume and style, and don't have to feel guilty about harming your hair with damaging ingredients. Spray on wet roots before blow drying for medium lift, and for extra height, spray on partially dry roots while blow drying in sections. Once your hair is dry, you will be shocked at how much thicker your hair appears to be. And don't worry, the intense volume isn't just a short lived illusion, your hair won't deflate under any circumstances!
pur-lisse pur-youth preserve age-delay serum 1.7oz














Preserve youthful-looking skin with this breakthrough patent-pending, age-delay formula.
The powerful Lotus Lupine Peptide Complex combines a potent antioxidant system proven to combat wrinkles, smooth skin, and relieve dryness--leaving skin healthier, younger-looking, and more radiant.
Benefits:
  • Vitamin E protects skin from pollution and helps prevent premature aging.
  • Rice Bran Oil stimulates collagen to promote glowing, dewy, youthful-looking skin.
  • Extracts of Peony soothe sensitive, delicate skin.
pur-lisse pur-bright ultra skin brightening serum 1.7oz














Get bright, luminous, and even-toned skin with this proven skin-brightening serum.
This concentrated serum combines the exclusive Lotus Lupine Peptide Complex and 9 powerful plant extracts to safely prevent excessive melanin production, while protecting skin against future damage.
Benefits:
  • Stabilized vitamin C restores skin's health and protects skin from harsh environments.
  • Avocado Oil and Squalene soothe sensitive skin.
  • Extracts of Neem, prune, and licorice help diminish hyper-pigmentation and sun damage, leaving your complexion, brighter, healthier, and more luminous so you can have a brighter day!
iQ Derma SMARTLASH Eyelash Enhancer 4.8ml

iQ Derma SmartLash Eyelash Enhancer: A lash enhancement formula for a longer, fuller looking lash line.

Description: This physician-tested, non-irritating lash enhancement gem completely transforms the appearance of your lashes. If you desire a lash line that looks thick, long and full, SmartLash is the formula for you. The prostaglandin-free blend frees you from the harsh side effects of other lash enhancement products, and is ophthalmologist-approved for wearers of contact lenses and sensitive eyes. Results may be seen in as little as seven days! Also beneficial for brow enhancement. In clinical studies, participants experienced:



  • Up to a 68% increase in the appearance of lash length!*







  • 100% saw an increase in the appearance of eyelash length, fullness and thickness after 30 days.







  • 100% indicated a superior performance of this product when compared to previously used eyelash enhancement products.







  • 100% said they feel like they need less mascara.







  • 100% would recommend SMARTLASH to a friend.





  • *Results based on a 60-day independent clinical study with product application twice a day.

    iQ Derma Essentials Glacial Hydrating Gel Mask 1.7oz














    Drench your dry skin with long lasting moisture with iQ Derma�s Glacial Hydrating Gel Mask. The change of the seasons is a perfect time to give your skin a little extra TLC, and this mask offers a fantastic boost to any skin care routine. The cooling sensation refreshes your skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and clean. Weekly use will keep dull, dry skin at bay and will make irritated or sensitive skin feel cool, calm and collected. Made with Aquaxyl, which instantly boosts moisture and holds it in the skin, this mask brings thirsty skin back to life with an advanced moisture complex and eradicates free radicals with powerful antioxidants. We recommend rinsing with cool water for an invigorating experience.


    3Lab PERFECT Cleansing Foam 3.4oz


    Not only did 3LAB develop a cleanser exclusively for Beautyfix members, but they pulled out all the stops -- they told their chemists to create the perfect cleanser, regardless of cost. And there you have it (literally!). If you've found foaming cleansers to be a bit drying in the past, then you'll revel in this rich formula. This face cleanser doesn't just wash away impurities -- which it does effectively -- it actually nourishes and moisturizes the skin beneath the top layers. It has Vitamin E microbeads that are small enough to penetrate the skin, as well as lipids that provide long-lasting moisture. The researchers at 3LAB have developed this cleanser to work on all skin types -- even sensitive. Plus, the light lavender smell is instantly calming. Use it at night before bed to relax and wash away the day -- massage it in a circular motion until Vitamin E beads dissolve; rinse; then follow with serum, moisturizer and eye cream. It makes face-washing a treat that you look forward to rather than an end-of-day chore.

    Saturday, May 1, 2010

    Video Review Of Sampler Village

    This is my first of hopefully many video reviews, and for my inaugural launch we have the Sampler Village!

    This is their Lavishly Samplicious Box, which has items from every Villager for the month. The regular box (at a mere $22) has generally 18 or so samples included. For links to the sellers and any applicable discounts available see my previous blog on the April box. And be sure to visit www.samplervillage.com to get your own box! Check out their blog too, there are always tons of great handmade giveaways and new artisans being listed.









    I'm gonna wash that man right outta my hair

    Sunsilk De-Frizz Shampoo, Conditioner, 24/7 Creme
     As much as I abhored their volumizing line (in a previous review) I actually liked this one. I do not have curls, but in the winter I DO have frizz from static electricity, so I gave these a go to see if they'd help and they did! I originally got these for the husband because he's got an Italian 'fro, but he's so slavishly devoted to his Aussie shampoo & Mane and Tail that I can't get him to use anything else. Rather than let them go to waste, I used them and was pleasantly suprised. It's super moisturizing but not heavy, and it kept the static monster at bay  without making my head all itchy like their other stuff did. The 24/7 Cream was my biggest surprise. I was worried that it would make my hair limp or greasy feeling, but no worries + I was able to brush my hair and it still stayed frizz free! Cool! The oddest thing is that the hair line made for hair like mine was awful, but the one not made for my hair type worked splendidly! Maybe they need to get their developers back in the lab and figure that one out......

    TRESemme Salon Formula Hot Oil Treatment
    I know tons of people are wary of hot oil treatments, thinking that they'll simply make your hair greezy, but I assure you that that's not the case. I try to do one about once a month, and it makes my hair super soft and shiny and actually INCREASES the body in my fine, flat hair. The hot oil gives deep penetrating moisture to hair that has been damaged by heat, styling, coloring, over brushing or enviromental exposure. I know people who swear by hot oil treatments to extend the life of a dye job. After doing one of these last night, my hair actually has a bit of 'puff' to it. I like the TRESemme brand because the tubes are slightly larger than the average sized ones and I have LOTSOHAIR.

    Ulta Ultimate Red Shampoo, Conditioner

    I have tried really expensive salon versions of color enhancing shampoos, and I find that the Ulta brand works just as well. If you dye your hair, it will extend the life of your color, and if you just want to pamper your natural color, these bring out highlights and (in the red, anyway) add a bit of sparkle to my hair. Sometimes I like to enhance my natural color by doing a lighter or darker shade of red on top of my hair, and I know that red is the hardest color to keep. Using this will definitely increase the life of your dye job and make your grow out less noticeable. On me, once it starts to fade out you can't really tell because it just goes blends into my natural red (and my greys start saying hello again!) but by observing my grey hairs, I've noticed that using this shampoo regularly adds a bit of color to them and keeps them more blended with my hair.

    Ulta is constantly having huge sales on their color shampoo line, so keep your eye out. I got my last bottles buy 2 get 1 free and have shampoo to last for eons. i know that right now they have their color shampoo line at buy one, get one 50% off at www.ulta.com

    Organix Hydrating Teatree Mint Shampoo, Conditioner
     I really love this brand. I need to check out their other scents, because I have been using the Teatree Mint for roughly a year now. It's a great price, and a great product. I even converted one of my guy friends to start using it, because his Wal-mart brand shampoo was making his head look a haystack. After a week of using this, he had a completely different head of hair. (Not literally, of course.) After using the shampoo I like to apply the conditioner with a comb and actually get in onto my scalp. I know that normally you're to avoid getting conditioner on your scalp, but this one rinses so well that it doesn't bog my hair down and I adore the tingly sensation. After using this my hair feels super CLEAN. It's an invigorating scent, so save this one for in the mornings when you need a kick in the keister to get you going.

    What else is great about this brand? 
    Sulfate Free & Paraben Free Formulas • Organic Active Ingredients • Amazing Scents • Safe For Color-Treated Hair • Safe For All Hair Types
    ...and Organix® bottles are Eco-friendly, manufactured from materials containing recycled post-consumer resin. All labels are printed utilizing 
    environmental inks and compostable label film made from annually renewable resource corn, not from petrochemicals.

    That right there gets me in my eco-lovin heart. 


    L'oreal Vive Pro 2-in-1 Anti-dandruff Shampoo/Conditioner
     A: That price over there is for a CASE of it, not a single bottle.
    B: What makes this for men besides the black bottle? I think men feel more hairy chested if it says it's for them so they it doesn't smell like flowers or something.
    C: I got this by accident because I didn't notice that it was gender specific when I bought it.
    D: It has not made me sprout chest hair as of this writing, and super models in bikinis don't follow me around running their hands through my hair.

    Lets face it. It happens to the best of us. DUN DUH DUNNNNNNN!
    The evil dandruff. It can happen for many reasons.

    What causes dandruff?


    The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. Most experts do know, though, that it is not caused by poor hygiene.
    • Not enough hair brushing - People who do not comb/brush their hair regularly have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff - this is because they are not aiding the shedding of skin that combing/brushing provides.
    • Yeast - People who are sensitive to yeast have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff, so it is logical to assume that yeast may play a part. Yeast-sensitive people who get dandruff find that it gets better during the warmer months and worse during the winter. UVA light from the sun counteracts the yeast. Some say, though, that during winter the skin is drier because of cold air and overheated rooms (exposure to extreme temperatures), making dandruff more likely. So, it is sometimes not that easy to know whether it is yeast or just dry skin.
    • Dry skin - people with dry skin tend to get dandruff more often. Winter cold air, combined with overheated rooms is a common cause of itchy, flaking skin. People with dandruff caused by dry skin tend to have small flakes of dandruff; the flakes are not oily.
    • Seborrheic dermatitis (irritated, oily skin) - People with seborrheic dermatitis are very prone to dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis affects many areas of the skin, including the backs of the ears, the breastbone, eyebrows, and the sides of the nose, not just the scalp. The patient will have red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.
    • Not enough shampooing - some people say that if you don't shampoo enough there can be a buildup of oil and dead skin cells, causing dandruff. However, many experts doubt this is true.
    • Certain skin conditions - People with psoriasis, eczema and some other skin disorders tend to get dandruff much more frequently than other people.
    • Some illnesses - Adults with Parkinson's disease and some other neurological illnesses are more prone to having dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Patients recovering from heart attacks and strokes, and some people with weak immune systems may have dandruff more often than other people.
    • Reaction to hair/skin care products - Some people react to some hair care products with a red, itchy, scaling scalp. Many experts say that shampooing too often may cause dandruff as it can irritate the scalp.
    • Malassezia - Malassezia is a fungus that lives on everybody's scalp. Generally, it will cause no problems at all. However, it can grow out of control. It feeds on the oils our hair follicles secrete. When this happens the scalp can become irritated and produces extra skin cells. These extra skin cells die and fall off; they mix with the oil from the hair and scalp, and turn into what we see as dandruff.
    • Diet - Some experts say that people who do not consume enough foods that contain zinc, B vitamins, and some types of fats are more prone to dandruff.
    • Mental stress - Experts believe there is a link between stress and many skin problems.
    • HIV - A study found that 10.6% of people with HIV have seborrheic dermatitis.

    Seems to happen to me in the winter when everyone in Texas thinks that you have to make it like the Gobi Desert inside. This proved to be a useful shampoo, and despite being a 2 in 1, is quite effective. I use it on those mornings when I hit the snooze button 6 times and have 93 seconds to take a shower before work. About twice a week seemed to do the trick!