BellaSugar

Leonor Greyl Gives the Star Treatment

BellaSugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 09:00:31 -0700

Recently, I was invited to the Carmichael Salon in San Francisco for a customized Leonor Greyl Parisian HairSpa scalp and conditioning treatment. The natural hair care line is a favorite of French women, as well as celebrities like Jessica Alba and Penelope Cruz. It's even what Gwen Stefani's stylist plans on using on the songstress throughout the No Doubt 2009 world tour.

As for my deep conditioning service, four different treatments were applied to my dry hair and scalp after a brief consultation: The Huile de Palme ($42) to detangle and nourish; the Regenerescence Naturelle ($42) oil to increase scalp circulation; the Masque Quintessence ($137.50) for deep conditioning; and Crème aux Fleurs ($37) to cleanse and hydrate. I have to admit that with the myriad oils and creams that were slapped on my hair and scalp, I feared my finer-textured locks would wilt under the rich intensity. Did they? Find out when you read more.

In actuality, my hair was shiny and had lots of bounce when I walked out the door. (However, if you don't like floral scents, this treatment might not be for you, as the aromas lingered for a few days.) The best part? The products are free of coal tars, parabens, sulfates, and silicone. Plus, who wouldn't love the unique cooling sensation provided by the seafoam green-colored Crème aux Fleurs? A tension-relieving scalp massage doesn't hurt, either.

Splurge of the Week: Leonor Greyl Masque Quintessence

BellaSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:00:34 -0700

Leonor Greyl Masque Quintessence ($137.50 for 7oz) is the only hair product I've seen come in one of those cubic cartons where the top and sides lift off to reveal a heavy-duty glass jar, sitting firmly on a built-in platform, much like being presented with an engagement ring, but the only commitment you're making is to spending a fortune. Careful opening it, though - the texture is not as thick as products like Terax Crema or Kérastase - lest you spill roughly $25 worth of it on the sink (like I did). The instructions say to smooth it on sparingly, so I did, focusing on the roots and ends of my hair. The scent has notes of Mock Orange and Linden, which is strong but pleasant.

Forty years ago, before most products claimed to be "organic" or "natural," Leonor Greyl started a line of products including ingredients like Wheat Germ Oil. The large line now has many almost unusual products, like a milky banana shampoo (Lait Lavant à la Banane), and an anti-dandruff shampoo including "propolis combined with a cocktail of botanical active ingredients [to] prevent the development of microbial flora and itching sensations."

To find out how I liked Masque Quintessence, read more.

I applied the mask on dry, clean hair, and kept it on for about 20 minutes. After rinsing well as directed, I washed and conditioned with products I consider average and let my hair air dry with no product for consistency. My split ends weren't magically mended, but my hair does feel incredibly soft (as in, my friend leaned over at brunch and touched it) and looks shinier than usual. While Masque Quintessence's price is so high that you could get a professional deep-conditioning service, complete with heat and some precious Us Weekly time, it would be a viable option if you're too busy to hit the salon. And, of course, if you have an extra $137.50 laying around . . .

Beauty Break: My Leonor Greyl Experience

BellaSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 08:59:30 -0700

The other week I was lucky enough to meet Stèfanie, a Leonor Greyl haircare representative, at a salon for a professional treatment. The experience was a blissful hour of hair pampering and great conversation. It began with an analysis of my scalp and to my surprise, I learned that it was dry and that I had a lot of new hair growth. Stèfanie believed that even a small bit of dandruff could have resulted in hair loss-which completely shocked me.

The first thing she did was apply Regenerescente Nautalle, (an oil) to my scalp to help stimulate, purify and encourage regrowth. After rubbing it in well, she applied Huile de Palme to the lengths of my hair as a pre-shampoo treatment and left it on for about ten minutes. Next, she mixed Creme Aux Fleurs, a nourishing shampoo with some Bain Traitant à la Propolis (dandruff shampoo), and carefully applied it with a color brush.

After rubbing it in for a while (without water), she took a few fingers-ful of Fleur de Jasmin Masque and applied the deep conditioner to the lengths of my hair.

After waiting another five minutes we went downstairs for the washing and rinsing process. Tthis is where all the magic happened. About every 15 seconds, she applied a little bit of water to my hair to completely emulsify the shampoo. The wash lasted for five minutes and the rinse was undeniably the most thorough I've ever experienced-my hair actually squeaked when she was done!

The next day my hair felt like it had a new lease on life! It was shinier, bouncier, softer and my scalp was constantly tingling. The only concern I have for people who use these products is that for proper use, they take an exceptionally long time. To follow the regimen, you need a recommended minimum of 25 minutes. That's a heck of a long shower, not to mention a waste of water. So I guess for all of you LG lovers out there, these products are a perfect for bath time. I can't say that they are totally unrealistic because the results are well worth the time investment!

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Bellissima! Leonor Greyl Bain Traitant à la Propolis

BellaSugar — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 09:37:19 -0700

I've said it once and I'll say it again: the French can make anything seem fabulous, even getting rid of dandruff. Thanks to the chic (and discreet) packaging of the Leonor Greyl Bain Traitant à la Propolis ($32)-a.k.a. gentle treatment dandruff shampoo-your hair and scalp get the attention they need for a healthy recovery and balance.

This shampoo removes any existing flakes from your scalp, prevents further microbial flora from forming and stops itchiness. Your head and hair follicles receive the proper botanicals necessary to condition and calm your irritated scalp.

It's gentle enough for daily use and it happens to also smell like a beautiful bouquet of flowers, unlike lots of other brands which tend to make chemical-smelling dandruff shampoos.

To use, shampoo hair twice. The first time washes away grease, oils and impurities and the second time helps treat your scalp. Be sure to shampoo hair for a total of five minutes and finish with a cool and thorough rinse.

For two more dandruff shampoo suggestions, click here.

Bellissima! Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme

BellaSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 08:00:51 -0700

Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme ($39) is a before-shampoo treatment oil for dry hair. It helps to detangle and soften hair as well as deliver much-needed nourishment to ends that have been damaged by coloring, bleaching, perms or straightening.

It is made from an all-natural blend of concentrated botanical oils that help to restore full vitality and shine to dry hair. This is an amazing product for your summer beach bag because it coats and protects hair from the damages that sun, salt water and chlorine can cause.

To use, cover hair with a small amount of oil and brush it through, paying close attention to the ends. Leave it on for at least ten minutes (but it can stay on all night too as a treatment for stressed hair) and follow with a shampoo best suited for your hair type. Notice the difference in texture, elasticity, softness and shine. Sounds amazing, doesn't it?

Bella Brand: Leonor Greyl

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 13:00:45 -0700

Leonor Greyl is a favorite hair care brand of French women, demanding beauty professionals and models. Just ask Jessica Stam what drugstore products she can't live without, and she'll tell you: Leonor Greyl. (But Jess hon, upscale French pharmacies aren't exactly the types of drugstores we had in mind. Leave it to a model to only have the best-can you really blame her?)

What's great about Leonor Greyl products is that not only do they smell just incredible, but they correct, restore, nourish and pamper the specific needs of your hair type, never weighing hair down or altering the color. To date, there are over 30 products in the collection. All have been created from natural and high-quality ingredients. I can't wait to learn more about this line and experiment with a few of their treatments.

The philosophy of Leonor Greyl is based around the idea that healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp. She believes there are five basic steps that everyone can follow to attain a healthy head. For a detailed description of each of the steps, read more

Beautiful hair and a healthy scalp require adopting proper daily habits. . Shampoo hair for at least five minutes (!) and detangle before you ever begin shampooing to cut down breakage.
Find the right shampoo for you. After detangling, wet hair and apply shampoo. While lathering, also give yourself a scalp massage. Rub gently in circular motions, to rejuvenate scalp circulation. Keep adding water to the hair so that shampoo becomes completely emulsified.
Your rinsing-out method is important. Rinse your hair carefully with lukewarm water. Properly rinsed hair should ‘squeak’ under your fingers. If possible, end your rinse with a cold rinse. This will close the cuticles and leave hair looking shiny.
A conditioning mask will help repair your hair Apply to towel-dried hair and leave on for five to ten minutes. Detangle the ends by adding water to the hair with a wide-toothed comb. Rinse and gently towel dry.
Leave-in treatment should be applied to the scalp after hair is towel dried. Either dry with a hairdryer or allow hair to dry naturally.

What Women Are Buying at Sephora France

BellaSugar — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:01:31 -0700

How do you make a beauty product seem fancier than it is? Put a little French on its packaging - an elle suffix, a superfluous é - and some people automatically think it's a little better. Whether that's true is up for discussion, but the psychology often works.

As it turns out, the opposite is also true. While browsing a Sephora in Paris last month, I spotted a few differences from American Sephora. The stores look alike, but French Sephora has a few brands not carried in its American counterparts: Chanel, Sampar, Leonor Greyl, and so forth. What was more surprising, though, is that makeup from L'Oréal and Maybelline was also stocked, and they cost nearly twice as much as they do in the States. I spotted French women lingering over those eye shadows longer than they did while looking at offerings from French beauty brands - which just goes to show you, the allure of foreign beauty goods is universal.

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BellaSugar's Top Five Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment Picks

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:00:33 -0700

I use a blow-dryer every time I wash my hair, and unfortunately that sets me on the fast track to Split Ends city. So I try to apply a hot oil treatment, a mask or a deep conditioner on my hair at least once a week to help restore moisture and shine.

My absolute favorite hair mask is a light product from Kerastase called Masquintense ($49.99). It leaves my hair looking shiny, bright and never ever weighed down. Because it's so expensive, I also like to alternate this with the beloved Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Treatment ($3.99). I've said before that I'm a big fan of their products and this is definitely a hair care item that I can't live without. Below are more of my favorite hair treatment picks; what are some of your favorites?

Leonor Greyl Masque Fleurs de Jasmin ($53) smells like a garden full of fresh cut flowers. It has a light texture that makes hair feel soft and smooth, and it doesn't leave behind any slimy, grimy residue.
Matrix Logics DNA Color Vitalizing Treatment Masque ($24.99) is so rich that all you need is a little bit on the ends for instantaneous results. It has a fresh, light scent that I love.
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer ($42-$125) is a great way to add moisture to your hair and help beat out some of the frazzled, frizzy ends. It penetrates deeply since it comes with a plastic cap that you use under heat to activate the ingredients. The result is smooth, energized and sun-protected hair - and it contains SPF, too.

How To: Wash Your Hair Properly

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:00:00 -0700

You may not know this, but learning how to properly wash your hair is going to have a tremendous impact on the bounce and brilliance of your locks.

While most big name hairdressers recommend about a five minute wash three to four times a week, I'm willing to bet that most of you do something more like a one minute wash max.

Leonor Greyl, Frederic Fekkai and Ted Gibson all believe that healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp and requires proper maintenance. They are all also huge believers in the cool rinse! If you want to learn more about what I mean, read more

Step 1: Begin by brushing your hair before you get into the shower. Not only with this help reduce the amount of hairs that get caught in your drain, but it will also reduce breakage as well as stimulate circulation going in your scalp.
Step 2: Wet your hair thoroughly and apply a quarter sized dollop of shampoo to the palm of your hand. Start by lathering hair at the roots and working your way down.
Step 3: If you hair is long you might need to add some more shampoo to your lengths. Once you think your hair is fully lathered and you are ready to rinse, think again. Start giving yourself a good two minute scalp massage with your fingertips.
Gently massage your head in circular motions and lift hair from time to time from the roots. After about every 20 seconds, add just a little bit more water to your hands and work it into your hair. What you are doing is emulsifying your shampoo so that it can reach it's potential and improving circulation in your scalp.
Step 4: Now comes the time to rinse away all of the grimy residue in your hair that you didn't even know could accumulate so quickly. Yes it's true, your hair does need some oils-but natural oils, not the ones that leave a lackluster buildup from styling products.
To begin, set your water to more of a lukewarm temperature and rinse your hair out until it starts to squeak! Lastly, for shiny, bright and smooth hair, close the cuticles by rinsing with cool water.

Model of the Week: Jessica Stam

BellaSugar — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 08:33:33 -0800

Welcome to our very first installment of Model of the Week. I've written a five question interview that I have conducted with several models to share with you. The questions are both fun and beauty-related and will always stay the same. I can't wait to hear what you think of this new feature!

Here's a little history on the gorgeous Jessica Stam. She was born in Kincardine, Ontario, Canada on April 23rd, 1983 and was discovered in a coffee shop on her way home from an amusement park.

You may recognize her from her countless magazine spreads, appearances in many fashion shows and ads for Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Vera Wang, Atsuro Tayama, Cerruti Jeans, Valentino, Miu Miu, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Holt Renfrew and BCBG. Did you know that Marc Jacobs's highly coveted Stam Bag was inspired by her? She has just signed on to be the face of Armani and Bulgari.

Known for her amazing cat-like blue eyes and long lashes, Jessica also happens to be super sweet, approachable and down-to-earth.

To read her interview that was done backstage before the Luca Luca Show, and to see more runway pictures, read more

BELLA: What is your secret to beautiful skin and hair?
JS: Don't over-wash your face and don't wash your hair too often.

BELLA: What is the one product that you can't live without?
JS: Aquafor. I put on my lips and anywhere that looks or feels dry on my body.

BELLA: What is your guilty pleasure?
JS: Shoes. I would say I have an equal collection of heels and flats, I love shoes!

BELLA: What is your favorite drugstore product?
JS: Leonor Greyl haircare products. You can get them at any high-end pharmacy and they are amazing.

BELLA: Happiness is...
JS: Eight hours of sleep and hot coffee.

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