Review Series: Avon Lotus Shield Frizz Control- Part 2

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been testing Avon’s newest anti-frizz product, Lotus Shield.

When Avon reached out to TFH about reviewing this product, I jumped at the chance.  Not only am I always on the lookout for new ways to combat frizz (something you’ll understand when you check out the pics of my non-frizz-treated hair), but this product makes an especially bold claim.  According to Avon, Lotus Shield can deliver “manageable and well-behaved [hair] for three smooth and sleek days.”

Now, that would be something.  After much convincing from my stylist, I switched to an every-other-day shampooing schedule– shampooing and styling one day, giving my hair a break the next.  This works for me and has noticeably improved my hair’s texture and durability.  But three days?  After three days, I’m certain my hair would be limp and lifeless.  If Lotus Shield could actually deliver smooth, sleek, shiny hair on that third day, however, it certainly would come in handy while traveling or during particularly hectic weeks.

Plus, Avon Lotus Shield comes with a sweet, little price tag of $12, which makes it much less expensive than the salon brand anti-frizz product I currently use.

But does it actually work?

Well, before I can answer that, I have to show you what I’m dealing with naturally.  My hair is thick, curly, unmanageable, and stubborn.  And while it hurts me to show you this, I think you need pics to understand just what a challenge this is for Lotus Shield.  So here’s my hair washed and conditioned with no styling whatsoever:

And an even closer look:

Ouch!  As you can see, lots of flyaways and just generally out-of-control looking hair.

And here’s the difference after shampooing with Frizz Control Lotus Shield shampoo, conditioning with the companion product, treating with Lotus Shield Frizz Control, and styling.

I still see some flyaways, but overall the texture is a huge improvement from my hair’s natural state!  I would say it’s comparable to the results I normally get with my high-end products.  One area where Avon bested the products I normally use: body.  I sometimes feel like my usual hair products sacrifice a bit of body and volume to deliver smooth, shiny hair, so I really liked how much life my hair had when using the Avon Lotus Shield products.

But can it sustain that for a 2nd day?  We’ll see…

Fashionable Media Review Policy:  The featured product was provided to me, at no cost, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing and review.  Additionally, Fashionable Media is being compensated monetarily for this extended review series.  Opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced by compensation, monetary or otherwise.

What’s really lurking in your Shampoo & Conditioner?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Propylene Glycol (PG), most likely.

These common ingredients  found in most drugstore shampoos and conditioners may seem harmless, and save you money, but they might be costing you something else. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS  can cause blindness and lead to the formation of cataracts. Since SLS penetrates the brain, eyes and liver and remains in those areas long-term it can retard the healing process of certain cells and even degenerate them. For example, eyes that incur cell damage would not be able to heal properly while SLS is in the system. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) used by the US government, SLS can also cause burning sensations, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting.

Propylene Glycol is a chemical derived from petroleum; it can be found in most shampoos and conditioners of a pharmaceutical grade.  Industrial grade PG is present in anti freeze, paint, laundry detergent and de-icers. While the jury is still out on exactly how harmful the pharmaceutical additive is to the human body long term, during testing with the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel, it caused eczema and skin irritation in 50% of the participants who used it. Cases of liver, skin, and kidney damage were also reported by the MSDS.

It is a personal rule of mine to avoid SLS (and any cousins of SLS) products, and I don’t see much difference in the performance of SLS-free versus consumer brands with sulfates. The cleaning power is just as good, and much less damaging for my totally chemically damaged hair. Try a few natural shampoos and conditioners to keep your insides as healthy as your outside.

An added bonus of using SLS free shampoos is that perms and Brazilian blowouts last longer, and hair is less dry and frizzy over time with repeated use, so what’s the harm? Try a few of these SLS and PG free shampoos and conditioners in lieu of standard popular brands (most are pretty cheap) :

Beauty Without Cruelty Rosemary Mint Shampoo

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo

De-luxe Color Save Conditioner (For Color Treated Hair)

Earth Science Hair Treatment Conditioner

Next time you are about to pick up that economy sized bottle of shampoo or conditioner, take a quick perusal of the ingredients, you may be enlightened!

GIVEAWAY! John Frieda + BCBG Take Style Transformations On the Road

Now that the brilliance of my Brazilian Blowout has faded out and left my hair back to its unruly, curled state, it’s time to make sure that I’m keeping the curls and frizz in check.

How do I do it? One of the big tips that I use is Frizz-Ease products. I’ve been using the drops since I was a child, and they’re one of the few things (and the only affordable one!) that really works to tame my hair.

Now, John Frieda has joined forces with BCBG, one of the hottest names in fashion today, to bring consumers everywhere the John Frieda Style On Site Tour.

Kicking off in New York City on April 27th, the team is hitting the road (literally) making style accessible to real women everywhere with their mobile salon via a 10-city tour. (side note: the salon is insane – it’s actually an 18-wheeler that has been gutted and the walls flatten out to reveal a true salon complete with styling stations and chairs, a receptionist, waiting area – the works!)

The tour will start in New York on April 27th, 28th and 29th and will then travel to Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, LA, San Fran, Minneapolis and Chicago – offering locals the A-list treatment: free hair styling sessions with stylists from John Frieda and fashion advice from BCBG, complete with access to exclusive pieces not available on counter.

Led by celebrity stylist Harry Josh (who works with some of the biggest names in the industry: Blake Lively, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gisele Bundchen, Amanda Seyfried, Ellen Pompeo), the John Frieda expert team will be providing complimentary 15-minute consultations and styling lessons to address every hair issue with targeted John Frieda solutions. One of the foremost stylists working today, Josh is in demand with top photographers, magazines and A-List celebrities alike.

When visitors arrive on site, they’ll have the opportunity to make a 15-minute appointment on a first-come, first-served basis. Each client will receive a styling lesson with a top John Frieda stylist, who will consult with her about her specific hair issues and educate her on how to address her unique concerns. Every attendee will walk away with a “hair prescription” from her stylist and will have the chance to purchase her recommended John Frieda formulas on-site!

For those of you like me who don’t live near one of their stops, we’ve got an exclusive opportunity for you…

Five lucky readers will WIN a set of the Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner!

Mandatory Entry:

1. Leave a comment on this post telling us why YOU need the Shampoo and Conditioner pairing.

Extra Entries:

1 Entry: Follow @thehousewife on Twitter (include your Twitter name in comment!)
1 Entry: (per day) Tweet about this contest. Leave 1 comment for each tweet with the link to tweet. (copy & paste the following:)

    GIVEAWAY! Enter to win Frizz-Ease products from John Frieda and @thehousewife http://wp.me/pbeJJ-5Gc Please RT!

1 Entry: Become a fan of The Fashionable Housewife on Facebook
1 Entry: Subscribe To The Fashionable Housewife RSS Feed
1 Entry: Subscribe to The Fashionable Housewife Newsletter
1 Entry: Become a fan of The Fashionable Bambino on Facebook
1 Entry: Follow @fashionablebaby on Twitter
1 Entry: Share this post on Facebook, StumbleUpon or any other Social Bookmarking site
10 Entries: Blog about this contest and link back to this post

(Note: You must leave 1 comment per entry. Extra entries will not be counted unless you leave a comment for each one.)

Contest runs from Friday, April 16th till Friday, April 23, 2010. Last chance to enter is April 23rd at 11:59pm ET. A winner will be contacted on or before Monday, April 25th and asked for full name, along with their mailing address. If no response is given within 48 hours, a different winner will be chosen, so please be sure to check your email. Must be 18 or older to enter. Contest open to USA!

Good Luck!

Paraben and Sulfate-Free Hair Products at up to 70% off!

Since Sarah-Jean and I are both in the middle of needing some sulfate-free shampoos (you NEED to use them with Keratin treatments. It’s a must-have!), I thought there might be one or two of you out there who’d be interested in checking out this sale! Jasmere.com is offering Danu hair products for 24 hours only. The prices are phenomenal (and as more people buy, they go down even further!), the brand is owned by two moms (what do you bet that they’re quite the pair of Fashionable Housewives themselves?!?!), the products are better for the environment… and your hair!

Here’s a little more about the Danu brand:

The Mother of all hair care products.

Since we refuse to put up with a bad-hair day, hair care has been a chemical dependence of sorts; sulfates, parabens, and all kinds of nasty compounds. Are we high-maintenance for wanting our shampoo to be safe, natural and make us look great?

When it comes to your hair, go ahead and be high maintenance!

With naturally-based high-performance Danu hair products, you really can have it all- at least in those precious minutes you take to wash, condition and style your hair…

As professionals in the salon industry, Jess and Tiff had put up with harsh chemical formulas for years. Just like us, they tried the natural products out there and found them  underwhelming; but instead of going back, they’ve pushed forward with their conviction that there had to be a better way! As Moms-in-Chief of Danu, they draw on their experiences as top-notch stylists and as nurturing moms to bring us a blend of natural high-quality hair products.

Mother Fluffer, Moisture Mama, or The Multitasker?

Which one matches you? Today on jasmere you can choose from any of the amazing products in the Danu line at an exclusive discount.
These products are made from high quality natural and organic ingredients with infusions of keratin protein and botanical compounds. Gentle enough for your whole family, and formulated to preserve color-treated hair; always dye-, sulfate-, and paraben- free. Mix and match their shampoos and conditioners according to your hair type, or go ahead and have it all!
  • Mother Fluffer Shampoo and Conditioner Give your hair va-voom volume, movement and shine. We loved the ever-so-light pomegranate and berry scent!
  • Moisture Mama Shampoo and Conditioner Heal, nourish and infuse your dry or damaged hair with rich moisture. For healthy hair and a healthy planet!
  • The Multitasker A concentrated serum that does it all. Spray onto damp hair to detangle and protect against styling heat. Adds shine, while controlling frizz and static/  Gives hair a great finish and can even be used as a light body lotion. It does not do windows or make dinner; we asked.
Don’t mess around before you’ve had your coffee or put in your contacts: black cap means shampoo- white means conditioner. Just one of the details that make us want to tell Danu, “thanks Moms!”
Head over to Jasmere now to shop. As of 12pm EST, the product is already down to $9,  but the more people who buy, the cheaper it will get! Let us know if you grab it!
To see more of Jaime’s work, check out DenimDebutante.com.

Philosophy Trick-Or-Treat Duo from Sephora

Welcome Autumn with opens arms and treat yourself to this sweet duo of high-foaming, three-in-one cleansers. Indulge yourself with heavenly Pumpkin Spice Muffin and sweet Caramel Apple. These yummy three-in-one Shampoo, Showergel & Bubble Bath cleansers from Philospohy are a treat for the senses.

This little Philosophy Trick-or-Treat Duo contains one 8oz container of Pumpkin Spice Muffin and one 8oz container of Caramel Apple.

Get it at your local Sephora or on Sephora.com for $20.

This makes a wonderful present too!

Fabulous Summer Must-Haves From Amazon.com

Summer’s here and it’s time to turn up the heat with sexy summer color palettes. The Amazon.com Beauty Store offers everything you need to set your inner “hot child in the city” free. From this summer’s hottest lip gloss to summer styling aids, The Amazon.com Beauty Store is your one stop shop for everything summer!

I love shopping on Amazon.com because they have everything. I love that I can easily checkout in less than a minute, and I can get everything from books to diapers to beauty supplies all in once place. It makes shopping simple, easy, and many times I can get free shipping on most of the items too. I love Amazon!

Below, I put together a summer few must-haves you can purchase on Amazon.com…

For Your Lips

What: Huge Lips Skinny Hips Lip Gloss

Why: Because it’s a lip plumping gloss that curbs your appetite! This is a must-have for every girl who ever craved delicious pillow lips that beg to be kissed and sexy hips that just don’t quit. It shines, it softens and doesn’t stick to your hair in the wind making it a must-have for summer. You get sophisticated lip color, plumping performance and a natural way to curb those cravings with the infusion of Hoodia, extract from a cactus-like plant that has been used in South Africa for centuries for its appetite suppressing qualities. So let this gloss be your ultimate intention-setter, your secret weapon for staying slim this summer!

Price: $20




For Your Eyebrows

What: Tweezerman Point Tweezers

Why: Because well groomed eyebrows are a must for every woman. Nothing ruins a face faster than unkempt, unruly eyebrows. Keep yours in tip-top shape with the Point Tweezers. They have an extra-sharp, perfectly aligned hand filed point that is guaranteed to tweeze. Ideal for stubble and ingrown hairs too. For tips on tweezing and grooming your eyebrows, read “Perfect Eyebrows: Shaping, Grooming, Tweezing, and More!”.

Price: $22




For Your Eyes

What: Urban Decay Primer Potion

Why: Because it’s the best beauty products EVER. I kid you not! I would go as far as to say this is the must-have beauty product of all time. This miracle eyeshadow primer is unmatched by any other in the beauty industry! The genie in this bottle fulfills three wishes: eyeshadow that lasts, more vibrant and lasting color, and absolutely NO creasing. Apply Primer Potion to lids before shadow application. It dries down almost instantly (and invisibly), creating smooth lids that are super powered eyeshadow magnets.

Price: $17




For Your Skin

What: Shea Terra Organics Lavender of the Khoisan Indigenous Silk & Shea Body Butter

Why: Because silky soft skin is sexy! If you have been searching for a super rich and creamy luxurious body butter, this is for you. This ultra rich, non-greasy formula combines 40% certified organic shea butter with a proprietary skin-healing herbal blend. Slather is all over your whole body after you get out of the shower for a heavenly experience. Your skin will be so soft and supple! It’s great on feet too.

Price: $18




For Your Hair

What: Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Clean Detox Shampoo

Why: Because your hair needs pampering too! Marine botanicals help wash away chlorine, residue and impurities, leaving hair shiny and soft. The Limited Edition Marine Summer Hair collection features UV protection and AquaNutrients, an exclusive blend of Marine extracts with deep hydrating benefits: Sea Algae (Red, Blue and Green micro algae) protects against the elements. Sea Kelp Extract replenishes and revitalizes dry hair. Sea Water sustains long-term moisturization on hair. Marine Peptides repair damaged hair.

Price: $23




Visit www.amazon.com/beauty for tens of thousands of the best beauty products from the industry’s hottest brands.

I’m Going Great Lengths To Grow My Hair

Inspite of that fact that Pixie Cuts and cute little Cropped Bobs are the hottest hair styles for Spring / Summer 2009, I’ve decided to grow my hair…

hair1

I hate it at the length it is. It’s too long to style anymore and it looks like a mop on my head. But yet it’s too short to put in a ponytail. It’s at that horrible in between stage and my hair is just sooo thick, I don’t know what to do with it! My hair is really fine, but I have a lot of it, so it just looks like mop.

iconicon
So I’m going to grow it out and try to promise myself I’ll never cut it again. To help me grow it out, I’m using Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths Shampooicon and Conditionericon.

Advanced Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths Shampoo and Conditioner System is specially designed with Aquacurrent Science, which directs the movement of moisture and provides strength against damage to help you grow your hair longer. Plus it moisturizes to leave hair soft, healthy and beautiful.

A portion of the proceeds from every bottle will be donated to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a program that creates real hair wigs for women fighting cancer.

I’ve been using it for about a week now and I really like it. It’s making my hair really nice and soft! I’m hoping it helps my hair grow faster. I really miss having long, beautiful hair.

I’ll give you an update in about a month or so and let you know how it’s going…