eye4style

Cheap Thrill: Teddy Charles for Sunsilk

eye4style — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:59:04 -0800

While hairdressers have a reputation for being gay and fabulous, the reality is that many are actually straight and heartbreakingly sexy.

Exhibit A? Teddy Charles, who's newly partnered with Sunsilk® to reformulate and redesign their affordable haircare collection. While this Parisian stylist (yes, he has an entirely devastating accent in addition to looking like THAT) may not be a household name just yet, he IS one of the fashion industry’s most notable and cutting edge hairstylists.

While I had to dash out of last week's intimate launch event in a frenzy (nothing - not even a pack of wild dogs - could keep me from a private performance by Seth Meyers) without even speaking to Teddy (WTF was I THINKING?), I have had a chance to test the new ThermaShine Shampoo and Conditioner.

Designed for hair that's regularly tortured by heat styling (i.e. mine), I'm pleased to report that the products leave my hair feeling soft and healthy - and smelling divine. While Teddy is not included, you can pick them up at www.drugstore.com and at Walmart stores for about $5 a bottle.

FTC Disclosure: Samples provided for potential review.

Best of 2009: Beauty

eye4style — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:20:14 -0800

AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel $60 - Sephora

Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil - Thriller $20 - Barneys New York

Maybelline Superstay No-Transfer 24 Hr Wear Concealor $10 - drugstore.com

Frederic Fekkai Femme Fekkai Sensuelle Conditioner/6.7 oz. $45 - Saks Fifth Avenue

Frederic Fekkai Femme Fekkai Sensuelle Shampoo/6.7 oz. $45 - Saks Fifth Avenue

Essie Nail Polish $8 - Ulta

Each year, I test a near-unimaginable volume of beauty products, new releases, niche brands and cult favorites. But the truth remains that very few products actually make it into my daily rotation. My taste is discerning - not only must a product be effective (duh!) but it should also be an experience to use. Here are my picks for the very BEST products of 2009.

Frederic Fekkai Sensuelle Shampoo & Conditioner - Scented with orange blossom and jasmine, this shampoo and conditioner leave hair incredibly soft and smelling delicious for hours.

Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencils - These chunky lip pencils make me want to paint by numbers. They deliver the perfect dose of glossy color and look oh-so-cool when you pull them out of your purse.

Maybelline Superstay Concealer - It's rare that I endorse an inexpensive foundation or concealer, but this one gets the job done. If you can find a match (there are only five available shades), it covers a myriad of skin sins and lasts all day.

essie Mink Muffs - This taupe-y gray nail lacquer has a hint of purple to it; it's at once edgy and chic.

And last but not least, AmorePacific's Treatment Enzyme Peel is the most gentle exfoliator imaginable. Try it on your face or body; the bottle will last you a lifetime (okay, or at least a year with regular use.)

What were the BEST products you tried in 2009? Leave a comment and share!

FTC Disclosure: Samples received for review.

Luxe Must: Frederic Fekkai Sensuelle Shampoo & Conditioner

eye4style — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:40:58 -0800

$45.00 by Frederic Fekkai at Neiman Marcus

As I've said a million times before, fragrance should be an indelible part of any woman's style signature. In fact, if I go without it, I feel absolutely naked - and not in a good way. One of my fave ways to wear scent has always been in my hair, but since most perfumes are alcohol-based, they wind up leaving your hair dry and the fragrance dissipates quickly.

Not the case with Frederic Fekkai's new Sensuelle line ($30-95). This fragrance and haircare collection includes not only an Eau de Parfum, but also a coordinating Shampoo, Conditioner and Hairspray that boast a feminine, clean mix of neroli and jasmine entwined with woody and amber notes.

And since it's not enough for your hair to smell amazing (and it DOES, not to mention the scent lasts all day), the Sensuelle Shampoo & Conditioner leave hair feeling beyond silky and with unbeatable shine.

Since all good things must come to an end, Sensuelle is a limited edition. Don't be afraid to stock up!

Hair Win: Pureology Essential Repair System

eye4style — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:26:42 -0700

Despite what many hair stylists will tell you, some people DO need to wash their hair every day. I fall into that camp, thanks to my fine strands and oily scalp, so it's important that the shampoo that I choose is both moisturizing and cleansing. Since my current espresso hue is courtesy a box found at the drugstore, I also need color protection. In short, I'm one needy broad.

Pureology's new-ish Essential Repair System is pretty much IT. This shampoo and conditioner ($27 each) make my hair feel like silk and they smell like a salon treatment.

Designed specifically for color care, as well as over processed, damaged and fragile locks, protein-rich soymilk and a concentrated dose of pure biotin nicely fortify and defend against hair damage, while organic olive oil and chamomile restore softness and healthy shine.

Don't forget that Pureology can only be purchased at salons, so visit www.pureology.com for a locator.

Win This: Pantene Hair Care for a YEAR!

eye4style — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:34:59 -0700

While I love, love, love a drugstore bargain, hair is usually the category where cheap DOESN'T equal chic. My feelings changed a week or two ago, however, when I had the pleasure of meeting celebrity stylist and Pantene spokeswoman Hallie Bowman.

With clients like Keri Russell, Emmy Rossum, Isla Fisher, Liv Tyler and Lucy Liu, this woman knows hair, so when she talked trends and more importantly, product, I took notice.

Hallie's key trends for Fall 2009 were definitely mixed texture (love) and '80's shapes, which she called out specifically in the 'Lob' (or the long bob), Half-Up Glam (a deep side part with the top half of hair pulled back) and the Updo Upgrade (an ever-so-disheveled take on the classic chignon.)

When it comes to hair products and tools, Hallie advises women to spend where it really counts - invest in a high end blow dryer and flat iron as the pricier brands work more quickly, minimizing the damage done to hair. But when it comes to product, experiment with drugstore brands to find what works for your hair. She called out a few fave Pantene products, in particular the Texture Spray Wax, which is perfect for use wet or dry.

I left the event with a gift bag full of amazing shampoos and conditioners but I'm not the only lucky one. Pantene has graciously offered up FIVE year-long supplies of product for eye4style readers.

To enter, simply leave a comment below letting me know which collection you'd most like to try if you win:

Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Collection: · Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Shampoo, Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Conditioner, Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smoothing Crème

Pantene Pro-V Full & Thick Collection: Pantene Pro-V Full & Thick Shampoo, Pantene Pro-V Full & Thick Conditioner, Pantene Pro-V Full & Thick Mousse

Pantene Pro-V Moisture Renewal Collection: · Pantene Pro-V Moisture Renewal Shampoo · Pantene, Pro-V Moisture Renewal Conditioner

For the record, the Moisture Renewal collection works well for me - I get compliments on my hair every time I use it!

Winners will be selected at random next Monday (August 31) at noon, so get commenting!

Going Green Doesn't Have to Suck: Prive Concept Vert

eye4style — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:11:50 -0700

For the most part, green beauty products just don't do it for me. I need a little more glamour, a little more whimsy in my day. Prive's new Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner strike just the right cord though.

First, the ultra luxe, sulfate and paraben-free formulas are extra concentrated, meaning that the bottle provides TWICE the amount of uses that a comparable bottle from another hair care brand might. Not to mention, the sleek packaging can be returned to Prive salons for refill and recycling. Most importantly, of course, is the actual quality of the product - and it's good, folks. Both shampoo and conditioner boast a light but moisturizing formula that smells sweetly of lemongrass. Love!

Concept Vert Shampoo retails for $28 while the Concept Vert Conditioner goes for $30. For more info, visit www.priveproducts.com

Sebastian Collaborates with Charlotte Ronson

eye4style — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:44:18 -0700

From backstage partnerships at Fashion Week to designer Charlotte Ronson’s role as the face of Trilliant and star of the new advertising campaign, professional hair care line Sebastian is committed to high style.

Launching in May 2009 is an exclusive t-shirt designed by Charlotte Ronson, included in a gift set (above) which includes the Sebastian Professional Trilliant and LIGHT Shampoo and Conditioner. This trio of pro-shine care and styling products give hair attention-grabbing radiance and glam.

For more info on Sebastian products or a salon locator, visit www.sebastianprofessional.com.

Reviewed, Approved: Herbal Essences Hydralicious

eye4style — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:23:11 -0700

I've always wanted to love Herbal Essences but until I tested the new Hydralicious line, it just didn't work for me. Hydralicious is different. The line includes three sets of products - the Featherweight Hydrator (which adds body), Self-Targeting Hydrator (to balance roots and ends) and the Reconditioning Hydrator (for dry or damaged hair), all of which have spring-perfect fruity fragrances.

My fave of the three is the Self-Targeting Shampoo, which has two formulas that balance cleansing and conditioning ingredients in a gorgeous swirl. When you squeeze out the product, you can clearly see how moisturizing the shampoo is - it's a creamy, rich consistency as opposed to a thin gel. The Self-Targeting Conditioner is quite rich as well, I used it only on the bottom few inches of my hair and it left my locks looking shiny and healthy. Can't ask for more than that!

Hydralicious products retail for under $7 at drugstores - check them out if you're in the market for a new shampoo and conditioner!

Sulfate-Free Hair Care from L'Oreal

eye4style — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Sulfates are big issue for girls who love their hair. For example, my pal Amber over at Beauty Blogging Junkie. Amber loves her hair and thus, refuses to use products with sulfates. I'm not quite as hair-obsessed (I feel confident Amber will take this as a compliment, which is how I mean it) so I'll take her word on it when she says that sulfates strip and fade color and dry strands.

While a lot of salon specialty products have become sulfate-free in recent years, L'Oreal's new EverPure color care system is an anomoly - budget-friendly haircare, sans sulfates. It's designed especially for color-treated hair, using an Anti-Fade System and UVA/UVB filters to prevent sun damage.

While the ingredient list includes some deep moisturizers and Vitamin E, I found the EverPure Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner a bit drying. I'd definitely pair the duo with a leave-in conditioner as well.

If you're interested in trying the line, L'Oreal EverPure is available in Moisture, Smooth and Volume formulas and retails for just $6.99-8.99. Snatch it up at your local drug store!

Win This! Aveeno's New Haircare Collection

eye4style — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0800

Aveeno's fabulous line of skincare and body products are a drugstore fave of mine. And next month, the brand is finally branching into haircare with the NOURISH+ Hair Care Collection.

The NOURISH+ Hair Care collection debuted at the Glam.com VIP Touch Up Lounge with Ken Paves at the Leeza Gibbons Oscar party and the response from celebs was overwhelmingly positive. The line marries nature + science to nourish damaged hair back to life in just three washes, thanks to an exclusive Nourishing Wheat Complex with a positive electrical charge, which attracts to the negatively charged damaged parts of the hair follicle. When the complex is attracted to the damaged areas, it delivers the right amount of proteins needed to help moisturize and repair dry and damaged hair. I've been testing the collection for the past two mornings and so far, so good! I'm really digging it! But enough about me. On to you:

Two lucky eye4style readers will win: 2 AVEENO® NOURISH+ Shampoos, 1 AVEENO® NOURISH+ Conditioner and 1 AVEENO® NOURISH+ Condition Leave-In Treatment. Please note, this contest is only open to the US.

To enter, please leave a comment below telling me what's most important to you in a shampoo. Are you a lather girl? Do you care what the shampoo smells like? Or is it all about the results? I'll choose two random winners next Saturday at Noon.

Good Luck -and stay tuned for more giveaways in the coming weeks. It's my three year blog-aversary, but you're getting all the gifts!

UPDATE: THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED! YOURSTYLESTAR & DEEDREAMER ARE THE WINNERS!