hair therapy: frizz-fighting products that won't break the bank

taking tresses from frizz to fabulous is not always easy. and when it comes to hair products, there are so many to choose from! as any beauty product lover knows, it's certainly fun to discover and try new things, but {if we're being honest } it's not always in the budget to do so. with that thought, allow me to introduce you to some products that are not only effective in battling the dreaded f-word, but are also effective at keeping money in your favorite wallet…

Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment
 illuminate frizz, flyways and unruly hair with just one application; i love this sweet-smelling fluid that is a powerhouse when it comes to keeping hair looking fab. it can be used on damp hair then styled as usual. i also use a little on the ends of my hair post-styling and between washings {on dry hair} to smooth it.

Zero Frizz Corrective Hair Serum
formulated with a combination of ceramide proteins and vitamins, this serum instantly smooths and seals hair, leaving it more manageable and frizz free. i apply it after washing, while it's still wet, and the silky textured leaves my hair smoother and softer than without. i love that on dry hair it chases away any flyways while adding gorgeous shine.

Garnier Sleek & Shine Moroccan Oil Treatment 
a fabulous, non-greasy oil that i love for its ability to condition while adding shine and keeping frizz at bay. the argan oil {from morocco} is instantly absorbed, so all that's left is soft, pretty-looking hair. i love to apply this to my ends at night as a little treat for my hair, and also works great before i heat style.

La Bella Shine and Repair Argan Oil Styling Treatment
if you need to revive your hair, you will love this treatment; this is a fave of mine because it adds essential moisture while also giving my tresses flexibility, soft texture and shine. this beauty not only keeps my hair looking fab, but it's less than $5, so my wallet is thankful for that! 

L.A. Looks Define & Shine Gel
i never thought i'd be raving about hair gel {because i never use it}, but since i was given the opportunity to try it, i had to share. if you need to keep your mane under a bit more control, this classic brand does that without any issue. this gel definitely gets my vote when it comes to frizz-fighting and hold, whether you're creating a sleek style or just want to keep certain pieces of hair in place.

what are some of your favorite frizz-fighters? share in the comments!

products featured, except Avon and Garnier, were sent to me for review consideration; all opinions are my own; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: Nexxus Frizz Defy Shampoo and Conditioner

combating frizz and unruly tresses isn't just for serums, creams or leave-in products. in fact, the battle to win gorgeous tresses begins in the shower; choosing the appropriate cleanser and conditioner makes a difference! the Nexxus Frizz Defy collection includes a shampoo and conditioner {reviews of the other products coming soon!}, and even if you choose not to use the other products in the range, i recommend you start with these...

lightweight ingredients, moroccan argan oil and coconut extract, are the stars in this Frizz Defy duo; the shampoo cleans and moisturizes while the conditioner, you guessed it, conditions and smooths, protecting hair against frizz and dryness.

so what makes Nexxus Frizz Defy shampoo and conditioner different than other shampoos and conditioners that promise to fight frizz?

the way my hair looked and felt immediately after using: clean and soft, not heavy or oily, the way some oil-containing products can leave it. after styling, my hair was impressively bouncy and shiny. also, the fragrance is light and pleasant, not overpowering. i also love knowing that Nexxus doesn't test on animals, so obviously, i have to give them kudos for that!

if you have the opportunity, do give Frizz Defy shampoo and conditioner a try! visit nexxus.com for more info about this line, other collections and where to purchase.

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: Garnier Sleek Finish Serum Spray

your is hair is one way to show the world just who you are, and you want your tresses to look their best. so when you're done styling your hair, what's next? to keep it looking its best all day, a finisher of some sort should be used, of course!

from waxes to creams, serums to sprays, it's always a must {at least for this beauty girl} to complete your  look with a finishing product.

for the past couple of weeks i've been using a gorgeous-making product from Garnier ~ Sleek & Shine Sleek Finish 5-in-1 Finish Serum Spray. this multitasking spray doesn't just leave hair looking smooth {thanks to moroccan argan oil}, shiny and incredibly soft. it also protects against frizz and tames pesky fly-aways.

because i'm sharing this with you, you've probably already guessed that i am in love this product. from first use i was impressed; the more i used it, the more i know that when my can runs out* i'll definitely buy another. i think Garnier has a great line in Sleek & Shine. receiving compliments on my hair the days i've used Finish Serum Spray {from strangers who have no idea what i've put in my hair} makes it even more fabulous.

Garnier Shine Serum with its mag ad

other pluses regarding this beauty goodie: it can be used on curly and wavy styles and a little goes a long way. the fine mist need only be sprayed for a few seconds {in total} on my hair to achieve results.

but don't take my word for it, try it for yourself! you can find Garnier Sleek & Shine Sleek Finsh 5-in-1 Finish Serum Spray online and in drug and mass retailers.

visit garnierusa.com for more info.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield

frizz is pesky (to say the least) and can easily put any gal in a bad mood. it's a dilemma that can occur anytime of year, but thankfully, there are products to help. the newest comes from an unexpected brand, Avon, and it works really well!



as the "big things come in small packages" saying goes, Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield comes in a small bottle (2 ounces), but the formula inside it gives fabulous results. apply the silky creme on damp hair, let hair air dry or style as usual and tresses are protected from yucky frizz. the best part: it continues to work for 3 days, so applying everyday isn't necessary!

not only did i use this on my own hair, but i also used it on my daughter's. as you can see, she has naturally gorgeous soft curls...


my daughter's hair, natural, air-dried after applying Avon's Lotus Shield (and playing most of the day).

i have to say, i am very happy with this product (it's a great compliment to my favorite No Frizz shampoo and conditioner). so much so that i ordered more so we won't be without it when it runs out.

contact your local Avon rep or visit avon.com to learn more and to order.

xo
product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

my favorite drugstore beauty buys 2.27.09

well, this has been a crazy week for me. remember on monday when i told you about my son being sick over the weekend? yeah, well, that little cold turned into the flu, and he's been home all week. my poor little guy slept a lot, felt and looked miserable. thankfully he's feeling better, but is still not 100%**. i also sent my 8 year old daughter off to her first winter camp, which was exciting for her-- she practically jumped out of the car, lol-- but a little bittersweet for me...

well, that's life, right? but on to some fun stuff-- this weeks drugstore beauty buys-- yay!



Olay Age Defying Intensive Nourishing Night Cream is a product i thought i'd already shared with you, but i haven't, and i can't believe it! this night cream is great because it's oil-free and contains soothing chamomile plus a beta hydroxy complex (fabulous) to keep skin looking great. my skin loves this-- it smells wonderful, feels like silk and never irritates or causes breakouts.




L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara is a mascara i had for a long time in the package and didn't start using until i found it in a box full of other products i needed to use (oops). well, i fell in love with this one, as it delivers full, rich, black lashes but without any icky stiffness. it's never clumped on me, smudged or flaked. i wear it almost everyday, and when it runs out you can bet i'll be re-buying this!



John Frieda Frizz-Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum is a fabulous serum to use if you have any problem combating frizz. i like to put a few pumps of this in my hands after washing and towel drying my hair. i then let my hair air dry and style it as usual. the result? smooth hair that is resistant to frizz, of course!


have a great weekend!

xo
**by the time you are reading this, hubby has also come down with the same flu :(