I recently got a new haircut: short with small bangs at the front. Instead of ironing the waves straight like I usually do, I have been working with my natural curl and getting a great look with a new product available at Sephora: frizz (pronounced “no frizz”) by Living Proof. Specifically I am using the “No Frizz Wave Shaping, Curl Defining, Shaping Cream.” What a mouthful, but that is exactly what this product does.

I am most impressed by how effective, yet light, this product is. It holds my waves all day, and they do not get frizzy. At the same time, my hair does not get greasy, which is a real problem for me. I need to wash my hair every day to keep it clean.

After doing a little research, I discovered that this product contains an ingredient called PolyfluoroEster, instead of the silicone in most anti-frizz products.

How It Works:

PolyfluoroEster is a breakthrough ingredient that allows for control over hair’s surface energy and roughness. PolyfluoroEster, because if its small size, creates a weightless shield on the hair to prevent moisture flux in and out, and coats the cuticles to reduce the friction between fibers. Living Proof has taken PolyfluoroEster and formulated a collection consisting of six styling treatments and three hair care products that work to virtually eliminate frizz.

No Frizz even had some benefits Living Proof didn’t anticipate. Repeated use actually improves the hair’s own ability to resist humidity changes, so No Frizz works even better the longer you use it. And due to its low surface energy, the technology repels most other materials like water and oils, translating into a non-greasy coating that doesn’t attract dirt and other particulates. No Frizz is actually more repellent to dirt and particles than natural hair; as a result, you can actually go longer between shampoos.

Best of all, you can get a sample made-up at Sephora for free and try it before you buy it. I recommend you do. I LOVE it!

There are multiple other “frizz” styling products in the line, including products specifically for “course hair.”

Euphoria is about sexiness, fantasy, and being captivating. Sexy and sensual, euphoria speaks to the woman who has the urge to break free from everyday life – to provocatively be part of an exciting world filled with pleasure, surprise, and temptation. Her fragrance is a contrast between exotic fruits and seductive florals, for a rich, creamy, seductive signature.

Notes:
Pomegranate, Persimmon, Green Notes, Black Orchid, Lotus Blossom, Champaca Flower, Liquid Amber, Mahogany Wood, Black Violet, Cream Accord.
Style:
Confident. Sexy. Chic.

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Today’s review is by guest blogger, Anita Webster.

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Recently a friend, who is a little older than me and has lovely skin, described her skin care regime to me. One of the elements is Escents Facial Serum. I was intrigued, so we visited an Escents store together for an education and shopping trip.

Escents Aromatherapy is a Canadian company that specializes in sourcing pure, therapeutic grade essential oils from around the world and pairing them to create unique blends. Their network of stores sell aromatherapy, bath and body products.

After some sniffing, label reading and discussion I decided on Facial Serum Vital: Rose Geranium.  I’ve been using it for the last two weeks and have to say, I am surprised and delighted. This oil works!

Developed for dry mature skin, the formula suits me perfectly right now. I put a couple of gentle pumps into my palm, rub my hands together and smooth it over my face. It has an oily feel as it goes on (well, ya), which I found alarming at first. If I have time I let it sink in before layering another Escents product on top – the rose geranium hydrating cream — then my sun screen.

My skin feels great all day. Though the vial describes the serum as a night treatment, I have been using it morning and evening and really enjoying the results.

The serum is $21.95 for 30 ml (1 fl. oz.) which I think is good value. Bonus – the Escents line is made from pure ingredients, without artificial colours or animal testing.

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Bio:  Anita runs a PR business, and loves Iyengar yoga, cats and being outside.

Would y’all believe this MadTV sketch was created in 2006? What was Apple thinking. Seriously.

1. The Good: Vapour Organic Beauty “Atmosphere Luminous Foundation”

I was recently introduced to a line of cosmetics called VAPOUR Organic Beauty. They sent me some samples of their top-sellers, and I was immediately impressed with one of the products: Atmosphere Luminous Foundation.

The solid foundation comes in a (recycled) plastic tube, like an old-style Pan Stick. Unlike greasy pan sticks, however, this foundation is soft and light. Application is easy: rub all over your face directly, then blend with fingers as needed. I love the simplicity and portability. The product easily covered my redness and masked my dilated pores, without causing a chalky build-up that often accompanies solid foundations. The product gave me a luminous look, without being too greasy. I, however, prefer a matte look so I finished off my look with a dusting of Bare Minerals Mineral Veil.

Vapour Organic beauty has many products in a “tube.” Check out their website. The company also boasts a high percentage of food-grade certified organic ingredients, recycled packaging, wind power offsets and mineral pigments. Highly sustainable beauty! I like that.

$38 – Available only online or on the Shopping Channel (Canadian Debut: Jan. 31, 2010)

2. The Bad: L’Oréal True Match Roller Foundation

I’m a sucker for a gimmick, especially when it is a new and funky make-up application gizmo. When I saw L’Oréal True Match Roller I had to get my hands on it. The solid foundation is applied with a small painter-style roller brush. What a neat idea! Sadly the product failed on many levels.

Firstly, the applicator leaves lines on your face that need to be blended by hand. I guess excess product builds-up at the ends of the roller brush and are applied like thicker lines of foundation on the face. It is messy.

Secondly, the roller brush that was just on your face contaminates the product itself leaving visible dirt and hairs on the surface of the solid foundation — icky! It is not easy to clean the roller because it is so small. A disposable make-up sponge would make a better partner for this product.

I doubt we’ll see this product on shelves this time next year. Crazy bad.

Comes in 12 Shades. Retails for under $20 at drugstores.

3. The ugly: me without my make-up on!

Just kidding! In fact, I have been making a move towards wearing less and less make-up recently.

It seems that I am so busy keeping up with work and family commitments that my make-up routine is becoming streamlined of late. Wearing less make-up also makes me feel cleaner. I think that it gives my skin a break from all the “product.” I still stay true to my cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine. This is important because it keeps my pores clean!! I think I’m a little obsessed with my pores, but whatever. We all have our beauty “fixations”, right?