PopSugar

Film Noir or Fancy Shampoo?

BellaSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:03:58 -0800

Do you know your film noir, doll? This cinematic genre often starred alluring actresses such as Veronica Lake, Rita Hayworth, and Ava Gardner. Common features of these types of films include a highly stylized appearance of both the characters and scenery, a crime, and some sort of dramatic, sexual undertone in the backdrop - think The Maltese Falcon and Out of the Past, or in more modern films, Basic Instinct or No Country For Old Men. Along with these artistic flicks come some pretty creative names. Now it's time for you to do a little sleuthing of your own. Is it a film noir or a fancy shampoo?

Source

Take the quiz

Reader Review of the Day: L'Oreal Hair Expertise Ever Pure Smooth Shampoo

BellaSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:11 -0700

It's hard to keep up with all the "green" products on the market right now, so I haven't had the chance to try L'Oreal Hair Expertise Ever Pure Smooth Shampoo ($7). It's supposed to be gentle and sulfate-free, and although those are both good things, that doesn't mean that it's the right one for you. Reader xholdxmexunderx took it for a test-drive and wasn't terribly impressed, saying:

"I got this after dying my hair dark, and it didn't rinse out my color like most other shampoos do. However, I couldn't get pass the smell of it - a weird herbal scent - and it did not do a good job of actually cleaning the product out of my hair."

Looking for a gentle but effective shampoo? Want to tell everybody about a beauty product experience you've had recently? Hit up our Product Reviews pages, then. They're chock-a-block with info, and there are more than 50,000 products up for review.

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.)

Three Ways to Get Some Clarity (In Your Hair)

BellaSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:00:00 -0700

If you've got buildup from chlorine or styling products, or perhaps your hair is looking a little lackluster, I've got a few solutions. Just head to the pantry, grab a few ingredients, and stir up your own homemade brew.

Do you need some clarity? Then perhaps it's time for a little DIY action. Keep in mind that for color-treated hair, it's probably best to use a clarifying shampoo specifically formulated to protect your color from stripping out. Check out three of my tips after the jump.

Reader Review of the Day: John Frieda Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture Shampoo, Dry Hair

BellaSugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:59:19 -0700

John Frieda's Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture Shampoo is formulated for dry hair, but it also works to help feed roots. Reader Brandysbug tried out the newer shampoo recently, and here's what she had to say:

I usually need to apply a hair mask after shampooing/conditioning, but I skipped it the past two days when using this shampoo, and my hair has been super silky and shiny. Plus, the eucalyptus scent is so refreshing in the morning.

What shampoos are worthy of your five-star rating? Let us know by heading over to our Product Reviews website, and perhaps you'll be featured on this daily post. Stay tuned for Brandysbug's review of the conditioner, too.

Reader Review of the Day: Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo

BellaSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 09:00:11 -0700

Reader Nycbeauty9349 has been one reviewing machine! Her latest post focuses on color-enhancing shampoo, a great product to use to freshen up both natural and color-treated locks. What did she have to say about Clairol's Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo ($8.80)? Find out below:

This is my favorite toning shampoo. Every hair color - dyed, highlighted, or natural - fades and gets brassy from time-to-time. This is the only at-home product I've ever used (gloss, color-focused shampoo, etc.) that I've seen an actual result with. I usually lather up twice and let the second round sit for a few minutes while I tend to my other shower-related duties. When I dry my hair afterwards, it looks like I've gotten it freshly touched up at the salon. It's been my life saver as both a redhead and a blonde.

Do you have something you need to get off your chest? It's Product Review therapy time. Tell us what you do and don't like about beauty items you've tried, from hairspray to tweezers to blow-dryers, and perhaps you'll be featured on this daily post.

Reader Review of the Day: Nexxus Dualiste Dual Benefit Conditioner

BellaSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:00:20 -0700

If you color your hair, you know it takes some extra steps to give it the love it deserves, particularly if you're going for those red tones. Recently, reader Norabora reviewed Nexxus Dualiste Dual Benefit Conditioner ($16), a dual pump conditioner that protects color from fading and delivers volume to limp locks. Here's what she had to say:

I just started using this conditioner (along with the matching shampoo) this week. My hair has serious volume issues, but I also dye it red, so it's really important that I use products for color-treated hair. I was stoked when I saw the commercial for these products, and so far I am pleased with the results. The scent is also pleasant and not overwhelming like some other products I have used.

If you've tried some new products, like Norabora, let us know about it on our Product Reviews website. See you back here tomorrow for the next featured review.

Bella Brand: Oribe Hair Care

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:00:05 -0700

Y'all know Oribe, right? World-famous hairstylist who's worked with everyone from Kate Moss to Jennifer Lopez? Right, that Oribe. I've never been to his Miami Beach salon, but I've brought a little of his salon to me through his line of luxurious hair care.

The collection is extensive, comprising shampoos, conditioners, and styling products for different hair types and textures. I love the packaging not just for its aesthetic value, but for its practicality: In the dark cavern of my shower, I can tell shampoo from conditioner just by feel. (Sounds like a tiny thing, but at 6 a.m., every little simplified step helps.) I've been using the color shampoo and conditioner since dyeing my hair last month, and my color hasn't faded a bit. What's more, the conditioner is pretty much perfect: It smells fresh, it leaves my hair soft without weighing it down, and it's so luxurious that it lulls me into thinking that $39 for a conditioner is a bargain. OK, maybe not a bargain - but I think I've found an addition to my list of products worth the splurge.

Doing Drugstore: John Frieda Root Awakening

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:00:03 -0800

Along with its aromatherapy benefits, eucalyptus comes with a smell all its own. If it were a food, I'd call it an acquired taste. I like the earthy, slightly medicinal scent, so I was excited to test out this new Root Awakening line featuring natural eucalyptus and essential oil. Since cold weather isn't helping my dry hair, I tested the Nourishing Moisture shampoo first. The aroma is strong in the shower: After finishing up with the corresponding conditioner and towel drying, I could still smell eucalyptus in my bathroom. Of the two products, I preferred the conditioner to the shampoo because of its slick, non-clumpy feel. I didn't notice any special tingling (read: awakening) on my roots when I applied this or followed up with the detangling spray, but somehow either or both products helped loosen my waves.

Since I had dinner with a friend before this whole testing process, I gave her the Health Infusing duo (for "Normal Hair") to bring home. Read what she thought and see all seven products from this new John Frieda line when you read more.

Well, she also noticed the eucalyptus in the shower and was worried her hair would smell like that all day. However, as she said, the scent comes on strong but definitely fades fast (especially if you sleep on it) and she was pretty pleased with the results. While I'm not rushing out to purchase the shampoo, I have worked the detangling spray and conditioner into my rotation. Have any of you used these items? If so, share your finds on our Product Reviews website for a chance to win big.

John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo - Normal Hair - $6.49	John Frieda Root Awakening Conditioner - Normal Hair - $6.49
John Frieda Root Awakening Health Boosting Detangling Spray - $6.49	John Frieda Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture Shampoo - $6.49
John Frieda Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture Conditioner - $5.99	John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo Strength Restoring - $6.49
John Frieda Root Awakening Conditioner Strength Restoring - $6.49

Bella Takes Baby Steps to No-Poo With Sulfate-Free Shampoo

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:00:03 -0800

Hi, it's curly-haired Bella here with an update on that whole no-poo/ plopping conversation. To refresh your memory, the first step to no 'poo is using shampoos without sulfates and, as I happened to be nearing the bottom of my bottle anyway, I hunted for items falling into this category for my next purchase.

Instead of taking the no-shampoo-period route, I sought out those without surfactants – no sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate – to still have some power to rinse out my product. Because I know all too well the temptations of spending hours in the haircare aisle (or is that just me?), I'm sharing my researched roundup of safe suggestions to get you started.

This isn't just for curly girls either. Sulfates can be extra drying for people who color, have dry hair to begin with, or even sensitive skin that's easily irritated. Check out my list (and suggest your favorites in the comments below) when you read more.

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo 10 oz. - $25.00	Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo - $8.49
Burt's Bees Color Keeper - $7.99	Phyto Phytocyane - $24.00
Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo - $6.99	Hempz Color Preserve Shampoo - $22.00
Frederic fekkai au naturel shampoo - $23.00	Blow - Make My Day Shampoo 9oz. - $15.00
Samy Salon Systems Pure Shampoo - $5.99	Abba Pure Curl Shampoo 8.45 oz. - $15.99
L'Oreal HAIR EXPERTISE EVER PURE Volume Shampoo,Volume - $6.99	Jonathan Product Hydrating Shampoo - $20.00
Kenra Platinum Color Care Sulfate Free Shampoo - Normal to Medium Hair - $17.00	alba Hawaiian Gardenia Hydrating Hair Conditioner - $9.49
Alterna Hemp with Organics Straight Shampoo - $23.00	Vitamin Shampoo, Acai Berry Guava - $6.99