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Get the Most From Your Makeup: Hair Conditioner

BellaSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:00:07 -0800

Okay, this isn't technically makeup, but since it's still in the beauty genre I thought it was relevant. Hair conditioner and hair masks can also be used as shaving cream. I realize that it doesn't foam or even lather really, but it does create a smooth, slippery surface that helps prevent nicks and scrapes from razor blades.

However, something to keep in mind is that conditioner is a lot heavier than shaving cream - so you've really got to clean out the blades of your razor well to ensure that no oily residue remains for your next shave. For more ideas to get the most from your makeup, click here.

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Reader Review of the Day: Burt's Bees Shea and Grapefruit Deep Conditioner

BellaSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:00:49 -0700

I like so many Burt's Bees products, but I'd never even heard of Burt's Bees Shea and Grapefruit Deep Conditioner ($8) until reader Yogaforlife reviewed it. It sounds great, though, and I'm really glad she mentioned it. She says:

"I normally use Pureology shampoo/conditioners to protect my color-treated hair in between salon visits, but I noticed that my hair felt really dry lately. I wanted to try a hair treatment and a friend recommended this. I shampooed like normal and then put this conditioner on. I left it on for about 20 minutes and then rinsed it using cold water. When my hair was wet and I tried combing it, I must admit I got a little scared that it didn't feel super slick like most conditioners leave my hair. Once my hair was dry, though, it felt incredibly soft and shiny and smelled so good. I now use this once or twice a week, and it's made such a difference."

Got a product you don't hear about much that's actually really great? Want to know what other readers' hair, makeup, and skincare saviors are? Just pop over to the Product Reviews pages, then. We have more than 50,000 products up for review, and we're adding new ones daily. It's a great way to inform others and learn a little yourself.

In Which Bella Falls Hard For a $5.99 Shampoo

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:00:34 -0700

When you're on crutches, even the smallest tasks can be daunting. (You just try to carry a glass of water while carrying yourself. Can't be done.) In the name of simplicity, I've minimized my grooming routine, which means that I haven't been blow-drying my hair. Normally, letting it air-dry makes it flatter than Flat Stanley under a steamroller. And yet, I've been getting compliments left and right on my hair. What gives?

Then I realized that it had been about a month since I'd switched my shampoo/conditioner combo. Since then, I've been using John Frieda Luxurious Volume shampoo and conditioner ($5.99 each). They promise to make hair look fuller, and, well, they deliver. Even without using a hair dryer, my hair is bouncy and shiny, and the products smell good, too. I know I might seem like some crazy shampoo proselytizer, but it is always pleasing to stumble upon a product that does what it says it'll do. And it's even better when it's reasonably priced. So while my body may have limited mobility, at least my hair has body. (It's the little things that make my day.)

Cold Winter - Dry Hair

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 03:30:00 -0800

Now that it's cold outside and you've got the heat pumping inside, your hair must be screaming for moisture.

Here's a great tip I learned from my hair dresser. Whether your hair is dry to begin with, or just dry during the winter, choose a shampoo and conditioner that's recommended for permed or color treated hair.

Even if you don't have a perm or highlights you can take advantage of the hair care products that offer a little extra moisturizing.

Wash your hair only as often as needed. If you have curly hair, you can get by washing your hair once a week. If you have silky straight hair, wash it every 2 days.

Try a leave-in conditioner to help moisturize even more. And if you can, skip out on blow drying and let your hair air dry.

Reader Review of the Day: John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Daily Conditioner

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:00:00 -0700

You might know that I'm a huge proponent of colored conditioners as a quick, inexpensive way to keep color looking fresh. Whether it's your natural shade you want to highlight, or your professionally dyed locks that need a boost, a good colored conditioner once or twice a week will perk your style right back up - or will it? Recently, reader Gooz1231 tried out John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Daily Conditioner ($7), and wasn't too pleased with the results.

This conditioner did nothing for me. It left my hair coarse and rough, and it certainly did not make my hair more "brilliant." You should pass up on this one!

Have you found the perfect colored conditioner? Tell us all about it on our Product Reviews website. Heck, tell us what you hate, too. We love to hear your unbiased opinions and humorous beauty tales. Better yet? You might even be featured here on this daily post.

Beauty Product Junkies Picks: Very Deep Conditioners

BellaSugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 10:48:23 -0700

In addition to my weekly Beauty Mark It challenges - including this week's about SPF lip gloss - the Beauty Product Junkies group on TeamSugar hosts its own weekly Beauty Marking challenges.

Most recently, the Junkies went hunting for something I've been coveting: a good deep conditioners. For the first time since high school, I'm wearing my hair long and slowly remembering all of the special needs that long locks require. Thankfully, the Junkies have found some great options for me. You can see the highlights here, and I've chosen my favorites from the conditioner challenge below.

Beauty Mark #1: Frederic Fekkai Overnight Hair Repair ($195), found by Audreystar.

Beauty Mark #2: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask ($6.99), found by Jennifer76, Ms Gemini, and TNGirl.

Two more, so read more

Beauty Mark #3: Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil, found by Baltimoregal.

Beauty Mark #4: Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Replenishing Mask ($6.29), found by SFKitkat.

Reader Review: NelsonJ Brazilian Hair Masque

BellaSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:00:06 -0700

My buddy Nancita has the prettiest chestnut-brown hair, all tumbling waves and shine. And now that I've found the secret to its beauty, I've asked her to share it with all of you. Take it away, Nancita:

"The longer my hair gets, the more I need deep conditioners. I used to think of these products as an unnecessary expense, but I've since learned that conditioning treatments really keep my hair looking healthy, rather than ratty, between haircuts. (Like most long-haired gals, I tend to go a while between trims.) My new obsession is NelsonJ Brazilian Hair Masque ($18-54), a subtly fruity and satiny conditioner that works wonders in just five minutes.

The first time I used this stuff, I was astounded: It smooths my split ends and makes my naturally wavy hair dry just the way it's supposed to. I thought maybe I was imagining the too-good-to-be-true results, until my friend said, post-conditioning, "Wow, your hair looks great today! So curly!" For the rest of my raves, read more.

This conditioner was concocted by Beverly Hills hairstylist Nelson Chan using oil from the very trendy açai berry. I have no idea if the antioxidant powers translate to conditioner, but the rainforest fruit does give this creamy potion a clean, tropical scent. I also love that this deep condition works in the time it takes to shave my legs. You can also use it as a leave-in mask to protect hair from chlorine and salt water, though I have yet to try that.

But as a twice-a-week treatment, I can't imagine anything better suited to my hair. One day I'll think "I really need a haircut," and then I'll use this stuff and my hair will look and feel smooth and nourished again. Plus, nothing else allows my hair to air dry into such perfectly polished curls. My only complaint is that it doesn't disperse that well, so I probably end up using more than I should. But even if I plow through a jar a month, it's probably worth it."

Doing Drugstore: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask

BellaSugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:30:00 -0700

After reading all of the good things the Beauty Product Junkies had to say about this deep conditioner, I decided to pick up my own jar of Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask ($6.99). I've been using this therapeutic tress treatment once a week for a few weeks now, and so far, I've been really impressed.

I'm new to deep conditioners, so I figured I'd start with Neutrogena's version, mainly because it's a major bargain compared to some of the other products out there. Though I don't really have "extra dry or over-processed hair," which is what the conditioner is designed to tackle, it does tend to look ratty between haircuts, and this conditioner really made a difference, so read more

Made with olive, meadowfoam seed, and almond extract, this sweet-smelling cream conditioner definitely made my hair look shinier and healthier after just one use. It smoothed my frizzies and split ends and got rid of that dull appearance that hair gets over time.

Better yet, a little really goes a long way, so you only need a small finger-full to coat all of your strands. I also love that it doesn't add any time to my beauty routine: You just leave it on for just a few minutes while you're in the shower.

Dynamite Deep Conditioners

BellaSugar — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 11:29:14 -0800

Just as our skin feels the effects of our harsh environment, our hair does too. Not only does it face similar issues of dryness, dehydration and lifelessness, but because we tend to use heated tools for styling, our hair risks severe and irreparable damage from over-processing.

Once in a while, it's nice to give your hair a healthy glass of water to recharge and revitalize limp locks. These dynamite deep conditioners will help your dreary and dry hair undergo a dramatic change. Here are a few of my favorite products:

Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense Intense Enriching Treatment is often a professional's hair masque of choice. Jennifer Aniston's hairdresser Chris McMillan uses this on her fine hair frequently to add shine and luster. The rest of us are recommended to do this treatment twice a week.

I think that you'll love it. I've been hooked for months now. The smell is great and the jar lasts for a long time because all you really need is a few fingertips full. Leave it on for five-to-ten minutes and then rinse. Buy it here for $44.99 (This is the best price I've seen yet!)

Propoline Hair Mask For Dry, Colored Hair is a great product for travel since it comes in these nifty individually sealed packages. This conditioner is a pretty intense hair masque formulated to condition and moisturize. It contains natural and effective ingredients such as: olives, sunflowers and panthenol. It is also intended to prevent split ends and should help to restore elasticity and shine. Buy it here for $18.

To see the last one read more

Redken All Soft Heavy Cream is very rich, it smells delicious and you only have to use it once a week. However, there are two steps involved. First, apply it to your hair while it's still damp, then add heat to your hair anywhere from 5-15 minutes to activate the chemicals. Then rinse it off with cool water. It's made from avocado oil, amino acids and proteins to help with frizz and managability. Buy it here for $14.

At Home Spa Treatment: Moisturize Dry Hair

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:45:00 -0700

We all know olive oil is a healthy fat that is essential to our health, but it's not just for salads and warm bread. You can use it to nourish your dry and fuzzy hair. I've tried leave-in conditioners and deep conditioning treatments, but they don't seem to work. Here's something I do about twice a month, but you can do it once a week if your hair is really thirsty.

Here's what you'll need:

1/4 cup olive oil (you may need more or less depending on how long and thick your hair is)
plastic grocery bag

Here's what to do:

Rinse your hair with warm water.
Pour about 1 tbsp into the palm of your hands, rub them together to warm up the oil, then using your fingertips, gently massage it into your scalp and hair.
Continue doing this until your hair is covered evenly with the oil, making sure the ends of your hair are treated too.
Now place the plastic bag over your hair, tying the ends in a knot or securing it closed with a hair clip or clothespin.
Keep the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes. Then rinse, shampoo and condition as usual.

That's it. Your hair will look and feel shiny, soft, and smooth. It's especially good if you have thick and curly hair, but it's also great to do in the summer when the sun and saltwater can really dry out your hair. Try it and let me know what you think.

Fit's Tips: If your hair is NOT dry, do not try this treatment - your hair will end up looking really flat and greasy.

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