ShopStyle user Omarion was highly inspired by the Matrix. Hence, she Matrix-ified her ensemble via slick black patent pieces, and green and silver accents. I am especially drawn to the Fendi patent leather jacket and the bullet-hole necklace. Although this paint it black ensemble may be harsh for everyday, I can see it going over real well at a nighttime party.
We've found new hair care love: Sleek.Look hair products by Matrix. The story goes like this: Allure magazine sent us the Sleek.Look shampoo and conditioner as part of a beauty picks care package (Allure, among other magazines, have rated these products as the best of the best) and then, when we requested some hair product for shooting and review, we received the sealing serum and iron smoother spray. So, in a week's time we'd ended up with the entire system in our bathroom shower caddy, and found ourselves the subject of a full-fledged beauty trial. We're big fans of the straight iron over at Coutorture (but not in a burned out, too-straight way) and so we were crossing our fingers that these products would work. Did they ever. The spray and serum combination made our hair really slinky (that is the only word to describe it) and gave us the look that our hair has on 'day two' (as in, yesterday's shampoo). You see, the problem with day two, conceptually, is that day two translates to no gym and that just doesn't seem fair. Why should we have to sacrifice a workout for a good hair day? We know we sound like fashion bunnies right now but we also know we're not alone in this matter . The Sleek.Look product line also has a ton of ingredients to be thankful for. There are UV filters for protection, apricot oil and shea butter for moisture, and ceramide which seals split ends. The line, available this Fall in salons (if you find it at Duane Reade, we discovered, it's illegal), is something we wholeheartedly endorse. Our hair has never looked so wonderfully day two.
The idea of Spring conjures images of sunny days and fresh flowers. Those with finer hair have a darker fate as the days get longer, and tresses become oil laden as the result of humid conditions. Professional hair care companies have developed treatments to remedy oily scalps, but those tend to be as messy as they are inefficient. Matrix, the company behind Biolage, recognized the need for a targeted solution that both volumizes and minimizes oily hair.
Part of the scalpthérapie line of products, the Biolage Oil Control Treatment is used similarly to other root targeted volumizing solutions. Scalpthérapie utilizes the oil absorption properties of mint extract to efficiently eliminate a generous amount of oil. The scent is minty fresh, and your scalp tingles ever so slightly after application.
The Oil Control Treatment performed best when used at the end of the workday to revitalize our tired style. It didn't rejuvenate our second day hair as much as we had hoped, though in fairness our hair is generally oily to the point of no return. It is possible to over use this product, but the problem is quickly remedied with a blow dryer. After testing this product, we realized it's a Spring/Summer necessity for anyone with the slightest hint of fine or oily hair. Make room in those handbags ladies, this product is a keeper.
Unfortunately, I have to give Biolage Fortetherapie Cera-Repair ($13.49) a double thumbs-down for being a colossal waste of time. It's not often that a hair product can disappoint me this much, but after spending fifteen minutes in the shower, I was left waterlogged with knots in my hair. I actually had to step back into the shower and re-condition just to get a comb through it.
And not only that, but I was upset to have spent my allotted weekly hair mask ritual time on something completely unsatisfactory. Also, the key ingredients are lemongrass and mango and I don't think the product had any kind of scent whatsoever.
The claim from Matrix is that with continued use, these ceramide-rich conditioners help strengthen, repair and reduce breakage in your hair. The box comes with five treatments, and while I understand that you are supposed to complete them all over the course of five weeks to see the full effects, one experience was enough for me.
Matrix recently launched a new line of thermal styling products called Vavoom Gold Heat.The four-product collection contains micronized gold, which acts as a protectant against heat-styling tools (hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons). They also claim to style your hair faster, since the formulas supposedly disperse heat more evenly.
The collection is broken down into two categories: volumizing and control. Its four pieces are Blow In Volume (protective lotion for thin hair), Iron In Volume (adds shine to thin hair), Blow In Control (protective serum for thick hair), and Iron In Control (prevents static on thick hair).
All of the Vavoom Gold Heat products cost between $13.95 and $15.95 and are sold only in salons (see the box on the top right to find one close to you). For more details on each of the products, read more
In case you've forgotten, Father's Day is this Sunday, and it's not too late to get your dad a gift. Obviously, I'm a bit biased, but I think fragrance and grooming products make great Father's Day presents. Give your dad an excuse to pamper himself, and I promise not a drop will go to waste. If you don't want to opt for rush delivery, all of these products are also sold in stores.
If your dad has modern and sophisticated tastes, consider picking up a sleek bottle of Gucci Pour Homme II. Available in a 3.3-ounce bottle for $65 or a 1.7-ounce bottle for $50, this fragrance is spicy, woodsy, and musky.
For two more suggestions, read more
We all know how important good hair days are. So for Mother's Day, why not make sure your mom has plenty of good hair days to go around? Biolage has created a limited edition Smooththérapie Spa Gift Set ($24.95) that helps to control waves, fly-aways, and unruly hair.
The package includes Biolage's famous Smooththérapie smoothing shampoo, conditioner, and a body balm made from delicious-smelling avocados and grape seeds.
Using smoothing products helps tame dry and over-processed locks, so this is an especially great present for moms who battle frizzy hair. The key is to find something that won't weigh hair down: These products are light and rinse out completely, so residue won't be an issue. Just visit the Biolage salon locator to find a retailer near you.
For details on the set, read more
These super intense deep conditioning treatments will transform your hair after just one use. They are intended to replace your daily conditioner and to be used once a week, left on as a treatment for two to five minutes. They will help add shine, volume and elasticity to dry, damaged hair - how fab!
Don't let this bright orange tube scare you, this new Sleek.look Smooth Recovery™ Treatment, $16.95 (for a box of five), is the latest product from the amazing Matrix Sleek.look System. It repairs your hair from the inside out with one single dose - just leave on hair for a few minutes once a week. It works wonders on damaged, coarse hair and especially ethnic hair. It's made from a mixture of ceramide, apricot and coconut oils to deeply penetrate your hair shaft; post-treatment hair will be smooth, soft and shiny. Type in your zip code to find a local Matrix retailer nearest you.
TIGI S-Factor Serious Conditioner, $22, is an intense hair remedy containing silicone amino acids. Leave it in for three-five minutes to protect, strengthen and add shine to your hair. The special sunflower seed oil, as well as the Vitamin E help to restore moisture and prevent split ends.
For one more, read more
