Small Business Saturday

Back when I lived in Jersey, one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday afternoon was to drive to Target in Edgewater and go shopping. 

Did I need anything? 

No, not really. 

But it was such fun to browse the aisles with my ridiculously large red cart and load up! Where else can you get throw pillows, fuzzy socks, light bulbs, a birthday card, Pop Tarts, Q-Tips and a Starbucks Venti Passion Fruit Shaken Iced Tea Lemonade in 5 minutes flat? 

Of course, we have a Target nearby in Florida too -- and another brand new one on the way -- but these days, I don't really have the time for freewheelin' with my giant cart. 

So I shop online. A lot. Like, a lot a lot. This isn't really new. I've been doing it for decades. Honestly, I'm like a silent online shopping ninja -- in and out before you even know I'm there.  

One time, I shopped on so many sites so fast, Amex called because they thought a THIEF had my  card.  

Hi, my name is Jen. I buy loads of silly things I don't need. Quickly.

I do try, though, to practice some conscious consumerism in my sprees. So I support small businesses. Or businesses that make their products in the US. Or brands run by women. Or brands that give back to their communities. Kinda like Target! (Kidding -- although they do do that.)

Now that the holiday season is upon us, I thought I'd spread some Christmas cheer to the many small businesses across the country that had the courage to start up.  After the past few years, they could probably use some extra revenue in their stockings.  

Over the past year or so, I've shopped on these sites -- 24 in all -- and I've loved the loot I got. So save Santa a trip and check off your nice list in your jingle jammies...

Or, buy a whole bunch of stuff for yourself. 

I won't judge.

Aviator Nation

- Founded: 2006 in CA by Paige Mycoskie 

- Style: 70s surfer

- What I Got: 5-Stripe Hoodie in Navy

- Fun Fact: I learned about this brand from my 14 year old niece

Draper James

- Founded: 2015 in TN by Reese Witherspoon 

- Style: Southern belle

- What I Got: Crewneck Sweater in Pink Colorblock, 2 Headbands & a Scrunchie (!!)

- Fun Fact: Named in honor of her grandparents, Dorothea Draper & William James Witherspoon

Faherty

- Founded: 2013 in NY by Alex & Mike Faherty

- Style: Beachy good vibes

- What I Got: Throwback Sweater Hoodie in Varsity Blues

- Fun Fact: They partner with Native American artists to make authentic designs that benefit their communities

Firstport

- Founded: 2020 in CT by Dillon Milardo

- Style: College-inspired vintage

- What I Got: Nantucket Rugby Crewneck in Dark Denim

- Fun Fact: This looks so authentic that people will ask you about the team when you wear it -- be ready with a good story

Homage

- Founded: 2007 in OH by Ryan Vesler

- Style: Vintage varsity

- What I Got: Retro Yankees & Giants Tees

- Fun Fact: Their "Chief T-shirt Officer" started this company in his parents' basement

Kiel James Patrick

- Founded: 2008 in RI by Kiel and Sarah Patrick (though I hear that's not their real last name)

- Style: New England Ivy League prep

- What I Got: Lakeside Crewneck in Navy & Newport Tennis Club Tee

- Fun Fact: They'e been together since they were teenagers and taught themselves to sew

Saint + Sofia

- Founded: 2020 in London by Malcolm and Dessi Bell

- Style: Brit chic

- What I Got: Cotton Biker Jacket in Navy Stripe

- Fun Fact: All their clothes are made from natural or recycled fabrics

Summersalt

- Founded: 2017 in MO by Lori Coulter and Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin

- Style: Classic athleisure

- What I Got: The Softest French Terry Quarter Zip Pullover in Santorini & Midnight and Pullover in Midnight & Slate

- Fun Fact: They got Insta-famous over a one-shoulder one-piece swimsuit sensation

Vineyard Vines

- Founded: 1998 in MA by Shep & Ian Murray

- Style: Beach casual

- What I Got: Flag Whale & Beach Fireworks Tees

- Fun Fact: The brothers' smiling whale logo is meant to inspire customers to live the good life

Vuori

- Founded: 2015 in CA by Joe Kudla

- Style: Coastal Cali

- What I Got: Performance Joggers in Blue Quartz & Charcoal Heather (I have Navy too)

- Fun Fact: These might be the most comfortable pants I've ever owned

Wooden Ships

- Founded: 1992 in Bali by Paola Buendía

- Style: Instagrammable sweaters

- What I Got: Customizable Jersey Sweater in Loden and Pure Snow

- Fun Fact: Each sweater is made to order

AllBirds

- Founded: 2014 in CA by Tim Brown

- Style: Eco-friendly flats

- What I Got: Tree Breezers in Hazy Cocoa and Thrive Yellow (I have about 6 pairs total)

- Fun Fact: These shoes hug your foot like a sock

Rothy's

- Founded: 2016 in CA by Stephen Hawthornthwaite and Roth Martin

- Style: Classic comfort

- What I Got: The Flat in Indigo Zebra and Orchid (I have at least a dozen pairs)

- Fun Fact: These shoes are washable, made from recycled water bottles and are super comfy

SeaVees

- Founded: 2008 in CA by Steven Tiller

- Style: Retro casual

- What I Got: Balboa Court Shoe in Kelly Green (This is my 3rd pair)

- Fun Fact: Originally owned by Converse, this brand was shelved for 40 years then brought back to life

Superga

- Founded: 1911 in Italy by Walter Martiny

- Style: Euro sport

- What I Got: Platform Sneaker in White

- Fun Fact: This footwear brand has been around for over a century

BaubleBar

- Founded: 2011 in NY by Amy Jain and Daniella Yacobovsky

- Style: Trendy bling

- What I Got: Snowflake Studs, Twinkle Trees and Blanche Earrings

- Fun Fact: This company started as a class project when they were at Harvard Business School

Charm It

- Founded: 2000 in NY by Renee Levy Klarreich

- Style: Girly nostalgia

- What I Got: "Gold" Chain Bracelet and a whole bunch of Charms

- Fun Fact: Another business that began in her parents' garage

Claire V.

- Founded: 2008 in CA by Clare Vivier

- Style: French chic

- What I Got: Flat Leather Stripe Clutch & Foldover Clutch

- Fun Fact: They have a resale marketplace for their own clothing & handbags

Ink + Alloy

- Founded: 2016 in GA by Gretchen Hollingsworth

- Style: Modern bohemian

- What I Got: 10 Strand Stretch Beaded Bracelets in Rainbow, Hot Pink, Red + Blue & Colorblock

- Fun Fact: Their founder designed for Whole Foods, Urban Outfitters, West Elm, Crate and Barrel and Target

Love Is Project

- Founded: 2012 in Kenya by Chrissie Lam and her mom, Gladys

- Style: Lovingly handmade

- What I Got: The Original Love Bracelet in Red as a gift, the red beads represent bravery, strength, and unity

- Fun Fact: Women in the Maasai tribe make these beaded bracelets

Marleylilly

- Founded: 2010 in SC by Kelly Owens

- Style: Personalized sorority

- What I Got: Monogrammed Nantucket Bracelet Set in Navy & Mixed Bead Bracelet Set in Multi

- Fun Fact: This company was started by a crafty college grad on a monogram machine she bought off Ebay

Tuckernuck

- Founded: 2012 in by sisters Jocelyn and Maddie with their college friend, September

- Style: Curated classics

- What I Got: Momogrammed Green Embroidered Tennis Racquet Boat Tote

- Fun Fact: The company is named for a small island off the coast of Nantucket

Beautyhabit

- Founded: 1996 in CA by Teresa Mitchell

- Style: Luxe beauty

- What I Got: Child Perfume Roll On

- Fun Fact: I discovered this scent on a business trip to LA and always get complements on how it smells

Thrive Causemetics

- Founded: 2014 in CA by Karissa Bodnar

- Style: Beauty with a conscience

- What I Got: Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara in Brynn (Black)

- Fun Fact: All their products are vegan and cruelty-free and this makes your lashes look amazing

Just for fun, here's few new shops that have caught my eye, and might show up under my tree...

Frank & Eileen

The Last Line

Mrs. Alice

Rowing Blazers

Happy shopping and happy ho-ho-holidays to you!

Dear 1800-FLOWERS

Sunday is Mother's Day. But, you already knew that.

 

It's probably a pretty huge holiday for you, right?

After all, not everybody celebrates Christmas.  And birthdays come just once a year.  But everybody has, or had, a mom. And all us kids, no matter how big or small, like to show our love with cards and gifts and brunches and flowers and... berries.

Like millions of others, I went online the other day to order something special for my mom. And I stumbled upon your company, Shari's Berries. 

"Send a smile," they said!

That sounds nice, right? So I ordered a dozen chocolate covered strawberries and 9 strawberry cheesecake bites, pictured here.

Plump, juicy strawberries with creamy cheesecake bites, both covered in chocolate, all for the bargain price of $114.46.  I know you're not taking advantage of this holiday at all.  Besides, mom's worth it.  And it looks so yummy, she's absolutely going to love it, right? 

Wrong.

My gift was scheduled to arrive today.  At 6:30pm I received an email from you that a delivery attempt was made but no one was home.  Huh.  We were, in fact, home and nobody ever knocked on the door.  So I called customer service and spoke to a women who told me to ignore this message, that the driver was in my area and would be here soon.

Hooray!  I was relieved.  But I bet YOU can guess what happened next...

No one ever arrived. 

So, I called you again at about 7:45pm and spoke to another representative.  She told me that my order was now scheduled for delivery tomorrow, and I told her that was an issue.  

I specifically chose delivery TODAY because we were not going to be home tomorrow.  And since this was a perishable order that sat on a delivery van all day, I wasn't sure if it would even be good when it finally was redelivered.  She apologized and told me she would credit my card for the full order and I would receive an email after our call confirming this. 

I never received an email.  Shocker.

Instead, what we got was someone ringing our doorbell at 11:30pm to deliver a warm, crushed box of strawberries and cheesecake.  

Let me repeat that: SOMEONE RINGING OUR DOORBELL AT 11:30PM.

Talk about a shocker!  When I answered the door and told the delivery man that it was REALLY inappropriate to make deliveries at this hour, he told me they were very busy with Mother's Day.  Then he wanted to take a picture! 

I slammed the door in his face.

To say a delivery at this hour, with a beat up box, is unacceptable is an understatement. Who do you hire to deliver these gifts?  It is frightening to have someone standing outside your front door in the dark at almost MIDNIGHT!

And what the hell happened to these puny, melted, smashed up berries on the way to our house?

I don't even care anymore.  Thanks for nothing, except a mild heart attack that almost wiped out my whole family. I will NEVER shop at Shari's Berries -- or any of your brands -- ever again.  

And that's too bad for you, because I don't think twice about buying your grossly overpriced yet totally mediocre flowers and gifts. 

I'll be contacting you at a decent hour for a full and immediate refund and to report this shop for their poor judgement and terrible service.

Please see the photos below and change your name to 1800-FAILURE.
Jen

Beauty Products I Can't Live Without

I'm often told that I look younger than I am (45 and a half -- barf).

Honestly, I think everyone looks about a decade younger than our parents did when they were our age.

But I will share my #1 beauty secret...

It's Snapchat filters!

Okaaaay. I kid! Mostly. I mean, they ARE magical and they do wonders for your self-esteem, amiright?

But seriously, my beauty routine is simple. And I've used many of the same products and brands since college.

And I've kept it pretty real with the whole aging thing. Nothing against anyone who turns back the hands of time with potions and procedures.

You do you!

But for me, what you see is what you get. My lips, lashes, hair, nails and all the rest are all natural. I even accept the lines on my forehead and the tiny wrinkles outside my eyes.

I DO draw the line at gray hairs, though. Those effers got to GO.

So, I pluck them.

Of course, I don't look (or feel) great every day -- but when I do, it's probably due to some combination of the stuff below. And maybe also happiness. And maybe genetics. And maybe the fact that I haven't been in the sun in, like, a decade.

Anyhoo, my go-to beauty products range from the corner drugstore to the fancy department stores. Read on for my faves and why I love them sooo much...

FACE

I don't wear a ton of makeup -- a little color on my cheeks, lips, lashes and I'm good to go.  That doesn't mean that I don't have blotchy skin sometimes, or breakout with hormonal acne on my chin once a month.  I do.  I just don't cover it up because I think it goes away faster if I leave it alone. If you looked inside my makeup bag right now, here's what you'd find:

• Clinique blush in Aglow: I've been wearing this one for 20+ years and I love it.
• H&M kabuki blush brush: It's the only thing I've ever bought from that store that's lasted.
• NARS bronzer in Luster: For summer days when I'm feeling pale.
• Julep So Plush lip gloss in All the Feels: I buy these 3 at a time (they discontinued my original favorite, so I can't be too careful).
• Fresh Sugar lip treatment (original): The world's best lip balm, smooth & citrusy.
• Tweezerman: Legitimately the only tweezers worth owning. I like a bushy brow, but these keep me from looking like Frida Kahlo.
• NYX butter gloss in Fortune Cookie: A cheap drugstore find with just a hint of color. I like.
• NARS lip gloss in Sweet Revenge: A sheer pink that's not gloppy, which is a win in lip gloss.
• Bobbi Brown lip gloss in Buff 4: You can't go wrong with Bobbi, especially if you like a more natural look.
• Kat Von D tattoo liner in Trooper Black: If a pencil and a liquid liner had a baby, it would be this. Bonus: It fades to a smokey eye the next morning if you "forget" to wash it off.
• Dior Show waterproof mascara Lash Extension in Black & Iconic Overcurl in Over Black: I don't waste money on any other brand of mascara. I'm hooked on the whole line, but Overcurl is the best.

HAIR

I've tried SO many hair products. But, truth be told, I only do my hair, like, once a week. That's when the blowdryer and the paddle brush get a workout. Most days I leave with a wet head and my hair dries in the car on the way to work. Nevertheless, I swear by these products and I stockpile them like a hoarder...

• Fekkai Brilliant Glossing shampoo & conditioner in Olive Oil: Smells. So. Good. And it last all day. You can even put your hair in a pony at night and the next day, it STILL smells good.
• Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield spray and Nourishing styling cream: This is worth the splurge, especially if your relationship with your hair is complicated, like mine.
• Pantene 2 in 1 Sheer Volume shampoo & conditioner: I think I've used Pantene since it was invented. We used to have jugs of it in our shower in college. And the 2 in 1 is still my fave esp when I'm running late for work and need to save time.
• Pantene Pro-V dry shampoo: When I REALLY need to save time and skip the hair wash entirely, this does the trick. Just spray the roots, give it a shake and you're good to go.
• Scunci large size hair elastics: I have a million hair accessories, but nothing holds my hair as well as a plain black elastic. (On a related note, can someone explain why Millennials now think they invented the scrunchie? Try again.) 
• Neutrogena Anti-Residue shampoo: This is like a reset button for your hair. And it also smells clean.
• Dove Extra Hold hairspray: Not sticky, and still keeps its shape. What more could you want? 
• Not Your Mother's Beach Babe sea salt spray: This Jersey girl loves her big hair, and this spray gives me a messy wave (in a good way). Like a day at the beach in a bottle!

NAILS

Unpopular opinion: I absolutely hate professional manicures & pedicures, and do not find them relaxing in the slightest. But I love doing my own nails. And I'm SO happy that navy nail polish was invented. What a time to be alive! Here are my top 7 shades...

• Smith & Cult in 1972: I bought this because I was born in 73, and the rose gold shade looks good on everyone all year round.
• Revlon in Iconic: A classic brand with a charcoal twist, this is a beautiful dark neutral that's less severe than black.
• Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Beatnik & Top Coat: My hands-down fave drugstore brand in a hot color.
• Zoya in Hunter: I get compliments every single time I wear this shade. This pic doesn't quite do it justice, but it's a great green.
• Deborah Lippman in Rolling in the Deep: Did I mention I love navy?  This one is a goodie.
• Tom Ford in Bitter Bitch: I would wear this for the name alone, but it's also the perfect brownish burgundy. 
• Julep in Jennifer (center): Need I say more? It's sheer perfection.

SKIN

You might be sensing a trend here, but I don't have a whole skin regimen either. In fact, I just use soap, most nights I take my makeup off and occasionally I moisturize. That's about it. I don't mess with serums, night creams, exfoliators, masks, oils or toners. It's not that I don't need them.  I probably do.  It's that I am LAZY. Here's all that I have the energy to use...

• Child perfume: At least once a week someone tells me I smell good. It's all thanks to this baby. I'm SO picky about fragrance, but this one is a keeper.  It's expensive, so I get the rollerball instead of the spray, that way I don't waste a single drop. 
• Irish Spring soap: My college boyfriend used this soap and I grew to like it too. It's the only soap I use -- even on my face -- and I go back and forth between original and moisturizing.
• Vaseline Intensive Care moisturizer in Aloe: I find moisturizing annoying but this one smells good and I think it works fine.
• Neutrogena makeup wipes: Hands-down my favorite makeup remover.

SMILE

There's nothing better than a genuine smile to make anyone beautiful. I wore braces for 4.5 years as a teenager, and most recently, I had a run-in with a root canal, but still, my smile is my favorite feature. I always just use the toothbrush and floss that my dentist gives me, but there are 2 products my teeth can't live without...

• Crest Pro Health Advanced toothpaste with gum protection: This toothpaste is delicious! It has little grains in it that scrub my teeth and my mouth feels fresher longer after brushing. Extra Gum Protection is really my fave, but that one is hard to find. So regular will have to do.
• Crest 3D White whitestrips in the gentle formula: I do this about once a year but the original formula irritates my gums. This one works too and doesn't hurt!

Well, for someone who claims to have a low-maintenance beauty routine, I somehow found 32 products I can't live without.  Typical.

Did I hit on any of your favorites? Any I missed?  Spill YOUR beauty secrets below...

So Thrifty

We're still a month away from Earth Day, but I've been in a recycling state of mind.

I'm not talking cans, I'm talking clothes.

A few times a year, I dig through my closets & drawers and round up a couple bags of things to donate. It's all nice stuff -- some even brand new -- but in a size that doesn't fit (anymore), or I no longer like the style, or I never liked it in the first place (but was too lazy to return).

Shitty, I know.  But my careless spending is Goodwill's gain.  And I've given some great stuff over the years -- once a pair of Uggs, never worn still in the box, and a JCrew winter coat with the tags still on!

In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, I'm thisclose to becoming the old woman who lived in her shoes.

Anyway, a few weeks ago I was watching TV (what?!), and I saw a commercial for The RealReal, a luxury consignment shop.  It got me thinking: There are probably others out there who have nice stuff that they don't want or need.

So I gave it a Goog, and it seemed pretty legit.  People who have nice stuff sell it.  People who like nice stuff -- and discounts -- buy it.  And inbetween, somebody checks it out to make sure it really IS nice stuff, and didn't come from a basement in Chinatown.

Now, the sharing economy is nothing new. Think eBay, ZipCar, AirBNB, Rent the Runway or Uber.  Whether it's for a night or forever, it's just peer to peer selling with a tech middleman to handle the transaction.  And consignment is even older -- from Goodwill to used bookstores (which, for the record, are booger books and are totally disgusting.)

Could this be good?

I wasn't sure. So rather than sending my nice stuff into the abyss, I decided to try it out by buying something instead.  Here's how it went...

THE REALREAL

Item: Stella McCartney Falbella Foldover Tote

Condition: Very Good

Savings: 63% off (!)

Shipping: $11.95

The Verdict: Love it!  I've wanted this bag for ages, but spending $1000 on "vegan suede" seemed nuts -- even to me.  But there were all the high-end brands on this site, and they say everything has been verified for authenticity.  I also liked that they had a store in NYC. Shipping wasn't free, but it came quickly -- just 4 days after I ordered. And it looks new, it feels luxe, it doesn't smell or have anything funky going on in the lining.  It's just a really nice bag. I've got 4 words to sum up my experience: This. Could. Be. Dangerous. Somebody lock up my Amex.

Ok, so after that good experience, my mind was open.  I happened to be on Instagram and I saw a social media influencer promoting a site called thredUP, where she got a pile of secondhand clothes for a steal.  

Let's just say, I was influenced.

So, I browsed around the site, and picked up a thing or two... you know, for Science.

THREDUP

Items: Michael Kors sweater & Rachel Roy shirt

Condition: Brand new with tags

Savings: 75% off (each!!)

Shipping: Free

The Verdict: Really good! There were thousands of things to choose from, and you could filter by clothes with tags. My order took 8 days to arrive, but that was still a day sooner than the estimate. And the box (pictured above) was really adorable.  I'm a sucker for good marketing so the email & letter that I got from James Reinhart, their "Chief Knitwit," was a really cool touch as well. And the clothes are... nice! Really no different than what I would have picked up from Lord & Taylor, Macy's or Nordstrom, but at significant savings.

If you're still reading this -- and you know me well -- you might be shocked to hear I bought ANYTHING used.  I mean, sometimes it even grosses me out to buy clothes at a STORE if they look picked over!  Which is why I never buy clothes at Marshall's or TJ Maxx.

I might be scarred from my days as a 16 year old working the fitting room at The Gap. People are nasty (and they steal).

But this was different!  Everything was refurbished, either like new or it WAS new. And it was crazy cheap. So, my eyes have been opened to a different -- more economical and eco-friendly -- way of shopping. 

Hope yours have been too.  Happy recycling! 

(Oh, and if you've ever sold anything on these sites, let me know how it went.)

All Lathered Up

Do you remember that Friends when they were in the steamy Caribbean at Ross' dinosaur conference and Monica's hair got bigger in every scene?

That's me.

Now, don't get me wrong.  This Jersey Girl loves big hair.  What I don't love is the fuzzy halo that surrounds it.

I have combination hair.  Is that a thing?  You can see its true identity when I let it air dry.  Somehow I have ringlets underneath, with wavy strands on top, and a few straight chunks in the front.

The frizz is just a bonus.

I guess I could have just gotten a keratin treatment and called it a day, but I feel like that makes your hair sooo flat.  I need volume.

And since I can't do anything a little bit, over the past few months I tried 17 different brands to tame my mane.  Each time, all I did was use these products and blow dry or air dry my hair -- no flat irons or magic hair wands involved.

Here are my findings in the People vs. Frizz...from best to worst.

Or just skip down to the bottom for the top 8 products I can't live without.

(And since it's weird to see my giant head over and over and over again, I'm using Snapchat pics because... filters.)


ALL TIME BEST:

FEKKAI: Brilliant Glossing

Cost: $20.99/ea
Good Smell: YES!
Rich Lather: YES!
Key Ingredient: Olive Oil

Did it Work? Yes -- this is my all-time fave and I've been using it for many years. I buy it for myself every year for my bday.  I always get compliments on my hair when I use it, and people tell me I smell good.  Honestly, what more could a girl (or mouse) want?





BEST BEAUTY STORE BRAND:

LIVING PROOF FRIZZ

Cost: $28-$59/ea depending on the size you buy
Good Smell: Yes
Rich Lather: Yes
Key Ingredient: A bunch of chemicals I can't pronounce

Did it Work? Shockingly, yes!  I like it so much I bought the jumbo size.  I think the key is that it makes the texture of my hair better. It's quite a process with the cream & spray, but it helps.  Take THAT humidity!

BEST DRUG STORE BRAND:

AUSSIE: Total Miracle

Cost: $3.99/ea
Good Smell: Yes
Rich Lather: Yes
Key Ingredient: Australian Aloe, Jojoba Oil & Sea Kelp

Did it Work? I actually think it does! I let it air dry and my hair was wavy not frizzy. It claims to have 7 miraculous benefits in every bottle.  Cool.  I'll let you know if a genie pops out and grants me 3 hair wishes.






THESE 3 ARE WORTH A TRY:

PANTENE PRO-V: Smooth & Sleek

Cost: $4.99/ea
Good Smell: Yes
Rich Lather: Yes
Key Ingredient: Argan Oil

Did it Work? Sure. I've used Pantene forever and it always has a place in my shower.  I just think my hair needs a fling with some other shampoos from time to time.  But I always find my way back home.

TRESEMEE EXPERT SELECTION: Keratin Smooth

Cost: $5.99/ea
Good Smell: Sorta
Rich Lather: Yes
Key Ingredient: Keratin

Did it Work? Actually this one is pretty good, super affordable -- and smooth!  The only weird thing is they say you'll have 7 days of straight hair, but I'm not sure who could put it to the test and go 7 days without washing it.  Certainly not this little piggie!

MOROCCANOIL: Hydration

Cost: $48/kit
Good Smell: No, smells musky like bad cologne
Rich Lather: Sorta
Key Ingredient: Moroccan Oil

Did it Work? Ok the smell is funky to me but I definitely have smoother hair when I use it. So hold your little pink nose and jump in.








THESE 7 ARE SO-SO:

WHOLE BLENDS: Smoothing

Cost: $3.49/ea
Good Smell: Maybe
Rich Lather: Yes
Key Ingredients: Coconut Oil & Cocoa Butter

Did it Work? The fox says no. It does have a super strong smell that really sticks with you.  This is great if you don't mind stinking like suntan lotion while you're sitting in a meeting.

GARNIER FRUCTIS: Sleek & Shine

Cost: $4.49/ea
Good Smell: Yes
Rich Lather:  Yes
Key Ingredient: Argan Oil & Apricot

Did it Work? In a word, no.  No sleek.  No shine.  No bueno.  It does smell really good though.  And I'm a sucker for good lather.

OGX: Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco

Cost: $7.99/ea
Good Smell: Yes
Rich Lather: Sorta
Key Ingredient: Argan Oil

Did it Work?  Ish. This wants so badly to be Moroccan Oil.  But it isn't. So my hair was as fuzzy as this photo.

NOT YOUR MOTHER'S: Curl Defining Shampoo

Cost: $8.99/ea
Good Smell: Yes
Rich Lather: Sorta
Key Ingredient: Mango butter

Did it Work? Not really. But to be fair, I wasn't going for curly, just for not frizzy. That might be why my hair looks so stringy. At least it smelled good!

BED HEAD TIGI: Small Talk

Cost: $20.99
Good Smell: No -- smells like a fruity stripper
Rich Lather: No, but it's not supposed to
Key Ingredient: Chemicals

Did it Work? It might but I hate the smell. It's like a blueberry died on my head.  I do love the one with the giant S on it though.  That one smells like papaya heaven and is a good leave in conditioner.

IT'S A 10: Miracle Leave-In

Cost: $33.29
Good Smell: Yes
Rich Lather: No, but it's not supposed to
Key Ingredient: Keratin

Did it Work? Unclear. I used to think this worked to make my hair smooth.  Then I tried all this other stuff.  And I realized, it kinda doesn't. Woof.

DRYBAR: 100 Proof

Cost: $36
Good Smell: Yes
Rich Lather: Yes
Key Ingredient: Some Kind of Oil

Did it Work? Not really. It smells a bit incense-y and I think I just don't like hair oils.  They make my hair floppy. The shampoo & conditioner are ok, but for $36 apiece, this bunny needs more.







THESE 4 LEGIT GAVE ME A BAD HAIR DAY:

JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ EASE: Beyond Smooth Frizz-Immunity

Cost: $6.99/ea
Good Smell: Yes
Rich Lather: Sorta
Key Ingredient: Coconut Oil

Did it Work? No. But they say it works gradually. If they mean decades, then maybe I'm on the right track.  But so far, this brand never works on my hair. Frizzy.  Fuzzy.  Fooey.

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE: BB Straight & Hairdresser's Invisible Oil

Cost: $31/ea
Good Smell: NO
Rich Lather: Sorta
Key Ingredient: A bunch of chemicals I can't pronounce

Did it Work? No. I'm pretty sure the shampoo/conditioner made my hair MORE frizzy and that invisible oil should be called Highly Visible Oil That Gives You Weird Shiny Patches And Does Not Come Off Your Hands.

NEXXUS: City Shield Sheer Frizz Resistance

Cost: $13.99 - $19.99/ea
Good Smell: No
Rich Lather: No
Key Ingredients: Lotus Extract & Wheat Protein

Did it Work? NO! In a catfight between my frizzy hair and the so-called frizz resistant city shield, my hair won.  Grrr.

KERASTASE: Nutritive Masquintense

Cost: $31.99-$51.99 depending on where you get it
Good Smell: NO-- smells like a guest soap at your grandma's house
Rich Lather: No, but it's not supposed to
Key Ingredient: Natural Lipid Conditioning Agent and Emollients with Irisome Complexe

Did it Work? Nope. I think Irisome Complexe is code for super greasy hair.  This dumb jar costs a fortune and it stinks in every sense of the word.





Ok.  Let's end on a high hair note!

Here are 8 hair products I can't live without -- fancy shampoo, daily shampoo, 2-1 for lazy days, dry shampoo for lazier days, hairspray, styling cream, leave in conditioner & sea salt spray.

What can I say?  The hair wants what it wants.

List YOUR go-to hair tips & tricks below...


tags: beauty, shopping, taste tests