Gee Your Hair Smells Like Summer...

Some of us here in California cannot wait for Summer to finally end. The heat seems to get worse with every year; oily faces and dry, parched strands are only part of the problem. Nevertheless, you've got to admit--that wind-blown, textured hair sure looks great (even if it is a little damaged)! Baptiste Tropical Dry Shampoo can give even the straightest hair a bit of texture and with minimal effort at that.

While I abhor the scent of the original Baptiste dry shampoo, I cannot get enough of this coco nutty concoction. It reminds me of lounging on a hammock on Gilligan's Island even if I'm stuck indoors and in front of a computer. And of course, this will make your greasy mane feel fresh and clean so that your boss doesn't even suspect that you rolled out of bed and ran out the door this morning.

Did I mention that washing your hair less often helps preserve artificial color or that a little bit of natural oil keeps your hair moisturized? That doesn't mean you don't have to wash the rest of you, though...

Per the instructions, shake the bottle vigorously between sprays and keep it a 30 cm distance from your scalp. I suggest you use your fingers in a raking motion to distribute the product through your roots, wait about a minute and then use a mixed bristle brush to comb the product through the length of your hair. Be sure to wipe the nozzle clean with a wet cloth to prevent buildup. It doesn't really matter if the product is concentrated around your scalp and roots since that's where hair tends to be most oily anyway.

Baptiste Dry Shampoo is priced at approximately $7 ($6 with Beauty Club Card) at Sally's but the Tropical version is only available in physical stores (not online). This product is also available in the U.K.

Please test the product on a small area of your head (prior to regular use) to ensure that you are not allergic. Baptiste Dry Shampoo does contain Alcohol Denat (denatured alcohol) which can be poisonous if consumed so use with caution. Warning: small amounts of alcohol can be bad for extremely damaged hair and fragrance can affect those prone to dandruff--this product may not be for you.

Brushes on a Budget--Part 1

As the title may imply, I plan to create multiple posts relating to brushes. I am a firm believer that the types of brushes one should own depends not only on budget and the makeup looks you plan to achieve but your specific eye shape (more on this to come). That being said, for those just staring their brush collection or looking to add a does-it-all eyeshadow brush, the Eye Counter brush by Face Secrets (available at www.sallybeauty.com) is a good choice. This work horse has been in my collection since my unhealthy obsession with makeup began. Originally purchased for being "cute" and "fluffy," this brush has not shed a single hair in the 5+ years I've washed it on a daily basis!

What makes it so versatile? The fluffy base can deliver a sheer wash of color when used in a side-to-side windshield wiper motion or pack on the shadow when pressed into the eyelid. The tapered end creates a precise crease shape without stabbing you in the eye! Bonus! It's soft enough not to damage your sensitive lid area but dense enough to do just about anything you need. And for approximately $5, you can get a pretty decent tool without spending very much. Enjoy!