BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: Burt's Bees Shea and Grapefruit Deep Conditioner

BellaSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:00:49 -0700

I like so many Burt's Bees products, but I'd never even heard of Burt's Bees Shea and Grapefruit Deep Conditioner ($8) until reader Yogaforlife reviewed it. It sounds great, though, and I'm really glad she mentioned it. She says:

"I normally use Pureology shampoo/conditioners to protect my color-treated hair in between salon visits, but I noticed that my hair felt really dry lately. I wanted to try a hair treatment and a friend recommended this. I shampooed like normal and then put this conditioner on. I left it on for about 20 minutes and then rinsed it using cold water. When my hair was wet and I tried combing it, I must admit I got a little scared that it didn't feel super slick like most conditioners leave my hair. Once my hair was dry, though, it felt incredibly soft and shiny and smelled so good. I now use this once or twice a week, and it's made such a difference."

Got a product you don't hear about much that's actually really great? Want to know what other readers' hair, makeup, and skincare saviors are? Just pop over to the Product Reviews pages, then. We have more than 50,000 products up for review, and we're adding new ones daily. It's a great way to inform others and learn a little yourself.

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.)

Reader Review of the Day: John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Daily Conditioner

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:00:00 -0700

You might know that I'm a huge proponent of colored conditioners as a quick, inexpensive way to keep color looking fresh. Whether it's your natural shade you want to highlight, or your professionally dyed locks that need a boost, a good colored conditioner once or twice a week will perk your style right back up - or will it? Recently, reader Gooz1231 tried out John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Daily Conditioner ($7), and wasn't too pleased with the results.

This conditioner did nothing for me. It left my hair coarse and rough, and it certainly did not make my hair more "brilliant." You should pass up on this one!

Have you found the perfect colored conditioner? Tell us all about it on our Product Reviews website. Heck, tell us what you hate, too. We love to hear your unbiased opinions and humorous beauty tales. Better yet? You might even be featured here on this daily post.

Reader Review of the Day: Redken Extreme Antisnap Leave-In Treatment

BellaSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:00:07 -0700

The season is just under way, but your locks don't have to look abused by heat, chlorine, and/or windy days. Reader Jjasinsk gave Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment ($18) a whirl after experiencing some damage to her hair, and here's what she thought:

I've never had much faith in products that claim to repair damaged hair, but this product has really performed. After compulsively using Sun-In on my hair for a year, the front sections were broken, matted, and elastic. This product didn't fix my hair immediately, but after a week of use I can definitely see an improvement. My damaged hair no longer tangles and the actual texture seems to be improving. Worth the extra money!

Do you love certain products during these warm-weather months? Tell us all about it on our Product Reviews section and perhaps you'll be the next featured reviewer.

Reader Review of the Day: John Frieda Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture Conditioner

BellaSugar — Mon, 25 May 2009 08:00:02 -0700

The other day, I featured Brandysbug's review of the shampoo, and now it's time to hear what she had to say about John Frieda's Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture Conditioner ($8), a hydrating product that helps create healthier hair at the roots. Here she goes:

I usually have to apply a hair mask because my hair gets dry, damaged, and unruly without it. The Root Awakening shampoo and conditioner have made my hair shiny and healthy-looking and have made me happy! Again, the eucalyptus scent is wonderful.

If you have something to say on our Product Reviews website, don't be shy. It's your turn to tell us what you love and/or don't love about your recent beauty product purchases. Go on - we'd love to hear from you.

Reader Review of the Day: L'Oreal EverPure Volume Conditioner in Rosemary Mint

BellaSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:00:03 -0700

It's Earth Day, a great time to take a second look at what ingredients are found in your everyday beauty products. L'Oreal's EverPure Volume Conditioner in Rosemary Mint ($7) is a new favorite of Emalove's, and here's why:

I bought this conditioner (and the matching shampoo) at Ulta a few weeks ago, and I'm so glad I did. These days, I always buy haircare products that are eco-friendly and don't contain sulfates and all those other harsh chemicals. I was psyched to see this new inexpensive "green" line for color-treated hair and had to try it, especially when I saw that it came in a volumizing formula. My hair is so baby-fine that I need all the volumizing I can get! The smell is really fresh - definitely minty, but with an outdoorsy/fresh note to it. Most conditioners are way too heavy for my hair, but this one was light in texture and softened it right up. I had no flyaways, just smooth and soft hair.

In case you were wondering, Emalove also loves the shampoo, too, and she knows a thing or two about her products. Seriously, check her out. She's written almost 300 posts on the Product Reviews website. Now it's your turn. Tell us what you like and don't like, and perhaps you'll be featured on this daily segment, too.

Reader Review of the Day: Kérastase Resistance Substance Constructive Leave-In Conditioner

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:00:11 -0700

The good news? The end of cold weather is approaching. The bad news? Perhaps your hair has taken a beating. Recently reader DCStar tried out Kérastase Resistance Substance Constructive Leave-In Conditioner ($28), a treatment that helps improve damaged hair. Here's what she thought:

Kérastase never disappoints, in my opinion, and this product fits right in with my high expectations. After washing, I took a nickel-sized amount in my palms and rubbed it through the ends of my hair, working back towards the roots (but not above ear-level), and then used a blow-dryer as usual. My hair looked model perfect, straight, and with fewer flyaways than usual. The smell is an added treat all day long - every time you toss your gorgeous hair. I definitely recommend it.

I'm a fan, too - it does smell amazing. Do you love reviewing products? Well, then it's time to head over to our Product Reviews website. To sweeten the pot, we're having an amazing contest right now. For every three quality reviews you submit, you're entered for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate from Benefit Cosmetics. Woo hoo!

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

Hydrate Botanica Is Full of Spice

BellaSugar — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:00:22 -0800

If your daily styling routine includes a dollop of leave-in conditioner, consider Hydrate Botanica ($20) this season. Since it's even more important to keep hair hydrated in cold and dry weather, using a moisture rich product can de-stress your hair . . . and your mood in dealing with that hair. When checking the label on the bottle, it read something like a spicy grocery list – nettle, fennel, sage – and I was intrigued as to what these yummy ingredients could do for my strands.

As part of a seven ingredient Naturina Complex, nettle nourishes, fennel softens, and sage refreshes, along with vitamin-rich arnica, emollient chamomile, yarrow for conditioning . . . and hops. Ummm, beer?! Just like that beer facial led us to believe, it's a natural hair and skin softener. Bottoms up on this bottle and let it go straight to your head!