Beauty Immunity

I love It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product. I actually have been using this leave-in conditioner for almost two years now every day when I get out of the shower! However, I think I have to stop using it. It was making my hair soft and shiny, but I don't think it's doing what I need it to do anymore. Does that ever happen to any of you? You use a product for so long that you eventually become immune to it?

This beauty immunity, if I may, is so frustrating! It has happened to me countless times. I think this is worse than when a product is discontinued! I fall in love with a product, but then it stops working on me. Other people can continue to buy and use it, but I cannot. I get so jealous! Now, I must find a new product to replace it. In the meantime, what do I do? I spend countless dollars trying new things. Sure, I can read the musings of my fellow beauty bloggers (thanks everyone!) and I can even try out some samples (but they may not always be available). Speaking of samples - have you ever walked into a store and they have the shampoo and conditioner on display with a "Try Me" sticker on it? I mean, how can I try shampoo when I'm walking through a store? I just think that's funny.

So now, I'm left to my dilemma. Last week, when I was on my cruise, I didn't bring my It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product. Instead, I just used some Chi Silk Infusion and occasionally some mousse. My hair had a lot more volume then. I think I need to switch up my hair product routine. If anyone out there knows of a fabulous leave-in conditioner, please let me know! Until then, I will forgo the extra product and try to get my hair looking livelier.

I have other beauty immunities too, but what are some of yours?

-A

Photo: Overstock.com

Falling Flat

I have a dilemma. It may sound silly. And it actually is not makeup-related. But for the sake of beauty I must ask this question: what flat iron should I be using?

Let me tell you a little story. I was about 15 years old at a debate tournament in Albany (yes, I was a nerd) when I tried my first straightener. It was a 2" Solano Sapphire flat iron with a comb on one side. I was instantly hooked and needed to purchase one immediately. Ever since then, I've been using the same flat iron. I know, it's crazy. It's been eight years - EIGHT! But I can't seem to get rid of it.

Last year, in fact, I decided that I needed a new one so of course I went with the Chi. I figured that the 1" would be perfect for me. However, it seems that this is not the case. I cannot get as straight or as silky as I do with my Sapphire. I'm actually not satisfied with my Chi at all! When I cut my hair significantly to have a bob in April, I thought the Chi would work much better for me, but to my utter disappointment it still does not.

I've been doing a lot of thinking on this puzzling problem and came up with a few things: maybe my Chi doesn't get hot enough or maybe I need to have a comb in my flat iron like the Sapphire to brush through my hair as I straighten. Whatever the case may be, I must get on it. I can't get the Sapphire again because I just feel like it's too heavy and bulky - this is technology from eight years ago that we're talking about here.

Can anyone suggest an amazing flat iron for this slightly wavy-haired gal?

-A

A Dove for Everyone

Although we usually write about makeup, I think hair is just as important as makeup, so that will be the subject of today's post. And when I find a product that steals my heart, I feel it is my duty to tell you all about it.

Dove Frizz Control Therapy Taming Cream is AMAZING. Now the best part is that it is the perfect taming product, whether your hair is curly or straight. You can literally use handfuls of Dove's Taming Cream and your hair will not be greasy. This is unlike other formulas, such as Biosilk, where if you even overdo it a little bit you look as if you have not washed your hair for days.

This product is only $4 and can be found at any drugstore or Target. Personally I get the best results when I add this product to my wet hair straight out of the shower, style as usual, and then add some more, if needed after styling. That's the beauty of the product - there are literally no mistakes. When I go out I usually have glossy waves created by the curling iron. Without this product they would just be lifeless waves with no shine.

-S

Photo: Drugstore.com