Hana Shine Shield Thermal Protectant

Hana Shine Sheild Thermal Protectant ($29.99) is a leave-in conditioning therapy that is silky smooth and lightweight.  It is designed to protect your hair and scalp from styling and the environment.

After using Hana Shine Shield Thermal Protectant I found that a little goes a long way with my fine hair. I noticed that a dime sized amount was too much for my medium length style but my daughters curly hair it was just enough.  It isn't greasy and it absorbs into your hair quickly and does add shine.  Made with Jojoba is adds to your highlights and helps to bring your hairs natural color.  The days I used Hana Shine Shield my hair had less frizz, more shine and kept its style better. It just looked more polished overall. 

While I don't love the price a full-size bottle of Hana Shine Shield will last me a long time.  It is a good product and does what is says.

PLUS orders $75 and over receive free shipping, use the code CYBERMONDAY for $10 off orders $100 or more.

MPR Rating:  Three Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only.

Uncle Funky's Daughter

Fun Find- Free of parabens, mineral oils, synthetic ingredients and dyes and super moisturizing Uncle Funky's Daughter is the answer for curly hair.  The website offers a very comprehensive way to figure out what type of curly hair you have and the products that will work best for you. In addition you can purchase the products on the website.  The DeFunk Spray ($11) is great for taking out grease, oils and odors on  hair while stimulating your curls.  It works well on all curly hair types. My girl with her Frizzy Gillespie type curls uses this every few days to keep her curls looking fresh.   

Sally Hershberger Professional Hair Hyper Hydration Super Argan Serum

That sure is a mouthful of a title but it is well-deserved.  I have such a hard time with hair and styling products.  My hair is fine, color-treated and has a bit of a coarse wave to it.  When there is any sort of moisture there is frizz.  My ends look a mess and because I am a blond it can easily be devoid of shine.  Sally Hershberger, a famous hair stylist, has had hair products on the shelves of stores like Target and on HSN.com for some time.  I just could never commit to buying a brand I knew so little about that carried a heavier price tag.  Then came this review. 

Whoo hoo! 

Argan oil is like magic on my hair. I have used it in various forms for a few years now. It smooths it without weighing it down and adds super shine even on my most frizzy, dried out looking days. I noticed a difference in my hair the very first day that I used the Hyper Hydration Super Argan Serum.  For one my hair not only looked smooth and glossy it felt that way too, even my ends.  I couldn't stop using the lab sample I was given.  I'm half-way through the bottle and just can't believe how great this product really is.  It lasts all day, a little goes a long way and it doesn't have a scent that is overpowering or lingers.  I love that it can be used on wet hair and protects it from heat styling.  It deep condtions and protects against sun damage too.  Loaded with Rice Bran Oils, Argan oil and Amala oil (Indian Gooseberry) it penetrates the hair fast and leaves lasting results.

I highly recommend purchasing the Sally Hershberger Professional Hair Care Hyper Hydration Super Argan ($15, 1.7 oz) to everyone. Available at Folica.com, Ulta and Duane Reade.

MPR Rating:  Five Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only. 

BWC Daily Benefits Shampoo & Conditioner

Fun Find-I have long been a fan of Beauty Without Cruelty products.  The eye make-up remover is a must-have in my beauty regime.  Consistently well made and always organic and from natural ingredients BWC products are paraben free, 100% Vegetarian-Vegan and contain no animal ingredients.  They are not tested on animals either.  I keep a bottle of both the BWC Daily Benefits Shampoo and Conditioner in my guest bathroom at all times. I use it on myself, the kids and hope that guests will try it when they visit and buy some when they return home.  I don't just test the products myself you know!

Both items are gentle and plant-based products.  Using natural plant proteins and Oshadhi Organic essential oils they both fortify the hair and improve its look, feel and texture.  The Shampoo and Conditioner ($10.95, 16 fl oz)really are great for daily use.  I don't have to worry about overly scented fumes because they don't contain synthetic or engineered fragrances.  The conditioner is light and works well on most hair types (curly is the exception). 

The BWC Fragrance Free Hand & Body Lotion ($11.95, 16 fl oz.)) is another great product from the company.  It is a soft, smooth formula that isn't greasy and absorbs well.  Containing shea butter, kukui nut oil and organic aloe vera it keeps skin super moisturized all year long.  I use it daily right after the shower and my skin is soft all day. 

BWC products are available at Drugstore.com, Wegmans, Amazon, and many drug and grocery stores nationwide.

Itzy Bitzy Shoes & Accessories

Those big flowers, knit headbands and giant bows. I laughed whenever I saw them on some little baby's head. Then Itzy Bitzy sent me a box of those very same bows, headbands and giant flowers for my own daughter's head and I fell in love.

I know. I can't quite believe it myself but it is hard to resist a baby with a big ol' pink flower on her head, or a yellow one, or purple or blue. We seem to have them all now. And not just for the baby either. Headbands, barrettes and shoes by Itzy Bitzy abound in our house now, decorating all three of my girls almost every day. When we are out and about or just playing in our neighborhood people stop me and squeal or express delight in how cute and adorable these accessories are on my kids. It's true. The entire Itzy Bitzy line of accessories is diverse and goes with anything.

y favorite is the frayed flower clips on my oldest daughter. She sports them in yellow or small purple checks quite often, while my two year old adores the feathery soft marabou clip. All three girls wear the ribbon and flower clips, the headbands and wraps too. It is the first time that they willingly choose things for their hair and get excited about them. What I like about them is how they stay put and can be used in a variety of ways. I can attach them just to their hair, on a band, hat or elastic.

The Itzy Bitzy shoes are pretty swell too. They have flip flops, squeaky shoes for boys and girls, sandals and mary jane style shoes. All of them come in many colors and styles and each is well made. Celebrity kids all over wear Itzy Bitzy shoes, from Coco Arquette and Seraphine Affleck and many others. It's form, function and style all in one little shoe.

Itzy Bitzy shoes and accessories were created by mom, Michelle Ruesch. After having twins Michelle wanted shoes that helped her not just keep tabs on her kids roaming but also assisted them in heel to toe walking. When kids step right the shoes squeak. They love it and continue to get the squeaking going. Soon they are walking and then running! Itzy Bitzy shoes and accessories donates a portion of their proceeds to The Treacher Collins Connection and Children's Craniofacial Association. It's a cause Michelle holds close to her own heart as one of her own daughters was born with Treacher Collins.

Itzy Bitzy shoes are available online.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. All products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

GIVEAWAY: I have 3 pairs of size 3 boys Itzy Bitzy shoes! That is a pair of flip flops (camo style), Austin style Brown lace ups and Easton boys sandals in light brown (Value of over $50!). Enter to win by commenting! I will choose a winner at random on July 1, 2011.

O-Snap! Girls Hair Products

O-Snap! The hair accessories line that allows young girls to express themselves in limitless ways by using interchangeable charms. Girls have the ability to build an O-Snap charm collection and even swap charms with friends. O-Snap makes it easy to create custom headbands, clips and hair ties.

O-Snap works like this- Find your flair whether it is a headband, clip or even bracelet just pick one and then add step two- picking a charm ($4.95) to accessorize your clip or tie. Then snap it on and wear it! Even small kids can do it. There are all sorts of charms ranging from sports themes, animals, flowers, girly items, hearts, stars and so much more. You can also buy a special pack which includes a headband and a few charms
($24.95).


I tried these clips,headbands and bracelets out with my girls. They thought they were cute but didn't show a lot of interest. They wear ribbons daily and bows but are not into charms yet at the age of two and five. I think its a great idea for older girls who like to trade items with their friends and get into collections like silly bandz and more.

Visit O-Snaps Facebook page here. Free shipping on all orders over $35!

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products recieved are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Fun Find- Circle of Friends Shampoo

It's no secret that I like beauty products. However, I don't love venturing into the area of kid's products quite as much. When I found myself standing in front of an endcap display at my local Ulta I was surprised at how fast I swiped up a bottle of Circle of Friends Hans' Oom Pah Pah 2 in 1 Shampoo. Blueberry scented, this shampoo cleans, conditions, detangles, and adds shine and body. Loaded with botanical ingredients, tearless and free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate. It is a really gentle shampoo that has been a great find. My eldest daughter's very curly is easy to comb for two whole days after we use this shampoo. We never get that with other brands. So while the $10 price tag is hefty I will gladly pay it because it really does make things tear free.

Circle of Friends makes loads of bath products for kids. From soap-filled sponges in fun animal shapes to lice shampoo they have what you need.


*Image from Ulta.com

Suave Professionals - Get a Free Bottle!

Suave Beauty is holding a giveaway on their Facebook page!   The giveaway kicks off on TODAY, Thursday, March 24, and the first 200,000 visitors (hopefully some of my own readers!) will receive FREE product.


WHOO HOO!

In addition, on March 24 from 1-4 PM in New York City, “Shameless” star Emmy Rossum will be at the Suave Professionals Style Lounge in Union Square challenging New Yorkers to tell difference between new Suave Professionals products and salon brands. Visitors at the Union Square style lounge will also receive FREE full-sized Suave products! If you are in the NYC area I encourage you to visit them, both in NYC and online!


*image from freesamplereviews.com

My Effortless Extensions

I can't grow long hair. It is too fine and once it reaches a certain length it breaks and falls out.  However, I can't remember a time that I didn't dream of having Gwyneth Paltrow's long locks.  Oh, to have hair cascading down my back and flowing free.  My Easy Extensions promised me that with their no clip system.

The long, thin box full of medium blond hair arrived and it looked so simple. You can have real or synthetic hair. I got synthetic.  It was shiny, bouncy and with a slight wave to it.  A lot like my real hair and pretty close in color.  There is no taping, gluing or braiding with My Easy Extensions ($69.96).  To put on all you have to do is the following-
1.Take your extension and place the plastic line at top of your head approximately one inch from your hair line.


2.Make sure the plastic line is at the top and the wefts are in the back.


3.Let the hair extensions sit securely around the back of your head.


4.Once you have the correct placement you can pull out the hair around the plastic line making it invisible to the eye.


5.Once you have hidden the plastic line around your face area, simply pull out about ¼ to ½ of your own hair that sits above the wefts of hair on your extensions and have it lay on top of the extensions.


6.Use your fingers to blend your hair with the hair on the extensions.
 
So I did all that. I wasn't too impressed either. I could still see the line and it just didn't feel as secure as I would like. However, I will state that I have a small head.  Most things don't fit me quite right and here is one example. I think if my head was larger the fit would have been secure and I would have felt better about playing with the hair.  The color was a bit too dark as well and so it made me look a bit "skunky".  Oh well.  It was a free review and if you don't like your own hair extensions you have purchased the company offers a 14-day money back guarantee at 100%.  No loss to you. 
 
The pluses of the synthetic and real hair is that you can wash it.  It comes with a special brush for caring for the hair and you can curl it, flat iron it and it can last for a bit over a year.  It's also pretty fun to go from short to long hair in minutes!  I was amazed at the difference in my appearance after just adding about eight more inches of hair.
 
My Easy Extensions can be purchased online or at Ulta. 
 
MPR Rating:  Three Stars.
 
Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only. 
 

JASON Natural Lavender Shampoo & Conditioner

I was recently sent two 16oz bottles of JASON Natural Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner.  Created to strengthen hair both products contain no Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates or Paraben Preservatives. Loaded with Vitamins A, B5, C, E and F it is supposed to nourish your hair as well.


JASON Lavender Shampoo contains Lavender Extract, Evening Primrose and Vitamins A, B5, E & F. It has that tell-tale natural lavender scent that is revitalizing and fresh when used in the shower.  I liked that a lot about the products.  I have fine, color-treated hair and found that this shampoo really worked against it.  It made my hair dry and hard to work with when I styled it.  I didn't notice any significant increase in its shine either.  While it is supposed to leave it supple, shiny and reduce split ends I just wanted to stop using it.  It felt like it stripped my hair even when I used a double or triple dose of conditioner.  It was so disappointing.  However, it is possible that if you have normal hair that isn't chemically treated JASON Lavender Shampoo would work just fine.   I did not want to attempt to use it on my daughters very curly, dry hair. 

The JASON Lavender Conditioner is also meant to strengthen ones hair. I found that no matter what amount I used it still didn't take care of my hair. My fine hair was hard to comb through each time I used it and it was left feeling dry and limp.  Again, I was disappointed. I did try it out on my daughters ringlets and found the same thing.  She cried each time I combed it through her hair even when I let it absorb and sit for a bit.  It dried frizzy as well.

I am a fan of natural products.  I want to use them over the chemically-ridden ones.  I like how JASON products such as their lotions, body wash and more are available at most grocery and discount stores.  However, JASON everyday hair care products have underperformed this time and it leaves me with no choice but to give it the following rating.

MPR RATING:  Two Stars.


Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only. 


*Image from cloettafazer.com

Le Baby Hair- Detangler

Le Baby Detangler ($7.95) is a safe, natural detangler that gently detangles hair.  It's hypoallergenic and contains no harsh chemicals, parabens or sulfates.  You can spray it on wet or dry hair and its fragrance-free formula does not leave behind any sort of odor. 

Since my oldest daughter has extremely curly hair I am always searching for a good detangler that works fast and on dry hair.  I lean towards natural products as well but haven't had much success in the hair detangler category.  Kiss My Face makes hair seem sticky and doesn't make it much easier to comb through.  Would Le Baby be any different?  The answer is 'yes'. 

Le Baby hair detangler really works on her hair.  I spray it on while she brushes her teeth in the morning and then comb it.  It doesn't make her hair rough, sticky or dry.  It is a good but the specially designed spray nozzle is not a favorite of mine or my child's.  The nozzle sprays one solid stream at a time instead of a dispersed, light spray.  This is so the detangler reaches the roots.  Great idea except it makes one part of my child's hair saturated and the other bone dry.  I have to use a lot of product each time.  At almost $8 a bottle it isn't worth it.  Instead we have started to spray it into our cupped hands and massage it in but this takes more time and is messy as it usually drips too.  I wish Le Baby hair detangler had a different spray nozzle because it does work well on curly, tangled hair. 

You can purchase Le Baby Hair detangler or Gel at their website and some salons.

MPR Rating: Two Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  All products received are for review and test purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's own.






Image from lasplash.com

White Sands Liquid Texture

I think hair products as a whole are hard to review.  Everyone has a different texture and if you color or treat your hair a product can react differently than it would on someone else hair.  White Sands Liquid Texture Medium Hold ($19, 8.5 oz) claims to excel when using hot tools because it contains thermal guards, color enhancers, and the ability to resist moisture. Liquid Texture Medium allows you to put a hot iron on wet product: the more heat applied, the shinier the hair becomes. Sounds, a bit scary doesn't it?  It is also great for blow drying enabling massive shine and full volume. 

I can attest as a woman with fine hair that has a bit of wave to it and is color treated this product works!  It holds better than most medium sprays and holds a curl or wave perfectly.  I was quite surprised at how well it worked and kept working.  My hair was shiny, the volume was definitely there and I could keep playing with my hair and styling it without it becoming overdone.  The only drawback I found was that when I used just a bit too much some sections of my hair could become a bit hard and stuck in place. Yes, the shine and volume was there but my hair also didn't move. I am not a huge fan of that type of hair overall.  I go a bit easier with White Sands Liquid Texture Medium now.

This style on Christina from the film, Burlesque was acheived using White Sands Liquid Texture Medium Hold Spray.  It's that amazing. 

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review and testing purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's own. 

Image from beautyzip.com and fushionmag.com

Fun Find- Goody Girls Colour Collection

Just in time for the hot summer months we received a batch of Goody's latest hair accessories from their Colour Collection.  From headbands to hairbands, barrettes, bobby pins and elastics they were all done in light beige and brown colors perfect for all the blond heads we have in our home. 

Goody believes that we all have a unique hair color and that it should be celebrated, not the elastics and pins to hold it all in place.  I love my hairbands (ouchless!) in light beige for everyday wear.  They hold my hair back well and don't show that much.  The barrettes and pins work great in my hair and my daughter's as well.  It really is a great and FUN FIND.  Goody procuts are available at Target, Drugstore.com and many other retailers.

Tonic Organic Hair Care

Summer is almost here and with it comes a host of outdoor activities in the water and sun. All things that are fun to be sure but can also do a number on your hair.  Tonic Organic Hair Care is a great way to fight those hair stressors because it is specifically made for those who lead active outdoor lifestyles.

My household tried the Leave-In Conditioner, Threesome Tonic and Chronic Tonic.  Developed by surfer Lauren Otonicar these products are organic and environmentally-friendly. Tonic products are completely non-toxic, never tested on animals, and free of parabens and sulfate as well.

My husband found the Threesome Tonic (an all-in-one shampoo, conditioner and body wash) to be minty fresh. It cleaned his hair and body well and left a slight tingly feeling all over.  He smelled minty fresh too.  At $12 for an 8 ounce bottle it is more than he would want to spend on a product and unfortunately the bottle broke apart when he first tried to open it.  It then exploded all over the shower. I know that is not typical, but it was frustrating and it didn't leave a lot of product left for him or I to use.  He thought it cleaned well enough but didn't impress him or I enough to use it again.  Having an all-in-one product is very appealing to some people though and it's worth a try. 

MPR Rating: Three Stars

The Leave-In Conditioner Mist a.k.a. LusterTonic ($14, 8 oz) works great on my daughter's super curly and often dry hair.  It can be applied on wet or dry hair, which I love because it's great for after bath wet hair and then refreshes her hair while moisturizing and detangling the next day when it is dry.  What I found so amazing about this particular leave-in conditioner is how fast it worked as a detangler in her dry hair.  It sprays out in a mist that is quite visible on the hair.  Yet, I could quickly comb through her hair with incredible ease in ways I have never been able to do with her other detanglers.  There were less tears too. Who isn't a fan of that?

MPR Rating:  Five Stars

Tonic's ChronicTonic Conditioner ($14, 8 oz, shampoo is the same price) actually showed results on my color-treated hair the first time I used it.  I was in desperate need of a hair cut and used the ChronicTonic daily instead of my normal organic conditioner.  It's thick enough to hold onto my hair and fortify it but lightweight enough that it rinses clean without leaving a residue.  My hair, which is fine, was easy to comb through and always blew dry shiny and smooth in a way my other green conditioner failed in.  I was quite pleased and a bit surprised.  It really does work well on stressed, beaten-down hair.  I now use it daily with a break for a deep conditioning mask twice a week and have noticed a difference in the texture of my fine hair.  Bring it on summer! I dare you to mess with my locks now. 

MPR Rating: Five Stars

Tonic Organic products are available online at the company's website. 

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  All products received are for testing purposes only.    Opinions displayed in the review are MPR's only.

MopTop - Unruly Hair Care

Anyone who reads this review site regularly or who has ventured over to my other blog, The Mummy Chronicles, knows that my eldest child has some seriously unruly hair. It is positively wild most days and results in some serious crying jags every day. MopTop sent us a travel kit ($23) containing 2oz each of their Gentle Shampoo, Daily Conditioner, Detangler & Refresher Spray and Light Hold Anti-Frizz Gel. We tried them all and found that the Detangler/Refresher is worth keeping.


What I like about MopTop is that it doesn't take away the shine in my child's blond hair. It is paraben-free and water-soluble too. The products do not have any invasive or harsh scents and all the products are moisturizing which every curly haired gal really needs. We use the Anti-Frizz gel on special occasions to keep her curls bouncy and together. The detangler is a daily must-have. We simply spray it in and let it sit for a minute while she brushes her teeth and then we are good to go and can commence brushing her tangly curls out. The shampoo (no sulfates or silicones) and conditioner are all lightly scented as well and rinse easily. They don't burn her eyes or irritate her skin.

MopTop has a kid’s line, Fuzzy Duck that I would love to try as well. I find MopTop to be gentle enough for daily use on my four year-old so I can only imagine how gentle Fuzzy Duck must be.

MopTop is available online on the company's website. 

MPR Rating:  Four Stars.

****GIVEAWAY****Win a MopTop travel kit of your own.  Just comment to enter to win. I will choose a winner at random on February 16, 2010. 



Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.

Fun Find- nuNAAT Chocolate Hair Care

Love chocolate but hate the calories and fat associated with mass consumption? Fear not! nuNAAT's special Chocolate hair care line can help you indulge without putting on the extra pounds. Ranging in price from $6.49-26.10 for a whole kit the nuNAAT shampoos, conditioners and masks are great for chemically treated hair. Using Brazil Nuts and Cocoa Butter nuNAAT works great on as an anti-frizz treatment too.

I tried the Creamy Chocolate shampoo, Chocolate Shake conditioner, anti-frizz therma active treatment and the Chocolate mask to see if they really did make my highlighted hair less frizzy and more silky smooth. Each time I poured the treatments into my hair I was always surprised to see their rich, chocolate brown coloring. They lathered and rinsed well leaving my bathroom smelling of a cocoa butter. My hair did have less frizz and after a few days of use it was softer while still maintaining its body.

nuNAAT products go beyond chocolate so check out the whole family here.

Wen Cleansing Conditioner

Created by Chaz Dean, a Los Angeles celebrity stylist, Wen Cleansing Conditioner is a new idea in hair care.  This sweet almond mint cleanser works as a shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner and detangler all in one.  It doesn't strip your hair or fade your hair.  According to the Wen website Wen has also been proven to "significantly retain color better" than other items on the market.

So how well does it actually work?  I was leery of it at first. I have fine hair and it has been going through a rough phase recently due to some medications I was formerly taking.  Add in that my hair actually caught fire while grilling one day and I needed some serious help.  When I started using Wen, I didn't hold out much hope.  I used sixteen pumps of the cleansing conditioner just like the bottle said and let it worked. I enjoyed the light tingling sensation on my scalp but didn't notice a difference after only one day.  However, after one week (five days) of use I did.  I was so surprised too.  My hair was brighter, still the same brilliant blonde I had colored it a month before and without a trace of brassiness that typically occurs at about that point.  The texture of my hair was soft; it had a glossy shine to it too.  Even my mother noticed and my color-treated, straightened hair is always a source of comment for her.  It didn't just look soft; it really felt soft, without being limp too. 

Wen Cleansing Conditioner is part of a whole hair care line ($29.95) by Dean.  It includes:

1 - 12 oz. WEN® Cleansing Conditioner
1 - 2 oz. WEN® Styling Crème
1 - 2 oz. WEN® Re Moist Intensive
Hair Repair Mask
FREE Bonuses:
1 - 10g WEN® Texture Balm
1 - WEN® Wide Tooth Shower Comb

I found that the Wen Cleansing Conditioner really works. A month after using it my highlighted hair has indeed, retained its color!  The scent is light and non-irritating and despite using a lot of it each time, the 16 oz bottle lasts longer than you would think. It rinses clean fairly quickly, leaving your hair shiny, clean and beautiful.  I highly recommend it. 

Wen products are available online at the Wen website. 

MPR Rating:  Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.

So Cozy Styling Cream

So Cozy Styling Cream (4 oz., $13.95) claims that it tames frizz, smooths and controls hair all without harsh chemicals or heavy oils. Perfect for curly or straight hair, infused with kiwi extracts, silk amino acids, vitamin E and Aloe Vera to keep hair moisturized, silky and shiny.

My oldest daughter has extremely curly hair and it is baby fine in texture. It is so hard to keep the snarls out and frizz-free. I was eager to try out So Cozy's Styling Cream, from the famed NYC-based hair salon, on her wild little head of curls. I did what the tube told me to do. I put it in wet hair. I applied it to dry hair. Each time I got the same results. Her hair looked great for the first hour and then it became knotted and frizzed. I was really disappointed. Truthfully, it did work a bit better when applied to wet hair and allowed to dry. Her curls held in place and it didn't frizz out quite so much. However, her hair had a strange texture each time I used it -wet or dry that I didn't like. Placed on dry hair it straightens it out more than holds curls. Other reviewers have found great success with So Cozy products, especially this styling cream. Perhaps it is the fineness of my daughter's hair that made it a less than desirable product for us.

So Cozy has a wide variety of shampoos, detanglers, conditioners, styling products and even Boo! The shampoo which "scares away lice" by using Tea Tree oil and can be applied daily. Great for this time of year when lice can run rampant in your child's school system.

So Cozy products can be found online at the So Cozy website, in the salon and Amazon.com.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.

The All Nighter Powder for Your Hair

You get up late and realize you don't have time to wash your hair. What do you do? Try the The All Nighter Styling Powder. This dry shampoo promises to preserve your blow out, freshen up your hair and build body and texture. It comes in six shades to match a variety of hair colors too.

I'm a Pssst! girl myself and I've used baby powder and other salon dry shampoos to freshen my hair the morning after a great blow out. I really wondered how The All Nighter would compare to these other dry shampoo methods. I selected the Golden Blonde color and upon shaking it into my hair I noticed two things. First, I chose the wrong color. I should have picked out Platinum/Neutral. The Golden Blonde was a bit too yellow when I put is closer to my hair line. Once I combed it through it blended better if I didn't pull my hair back. It also had a slightly vinegar like odor. That too went away quickly but I was taken aback by it at first shake.

I noticed that The All Nighter does improve volume and create texture especially with my baby-fine hair but it didn't comb out as finely as I would have liked. I like that it comes in a small, easy to manage container and it is talc-free, paraben-free, all-natural and aluminium and silica-free which many dry shampoos contain. It also didn't rub off on my hands like other dry shampoos. Since you don't need to spray The All Nighter I didn't get any on my walls or bathtub like the aerosol types. When that happens it is almost impossible to remove from the sides of the tub. That is a definite plus for The All Nighter.

The $18 price tag for The All Nighter is comparable to other industry and salon dry shampoos and it can be purchased online here or at the website, A Beautiful Life. It worked fairly well and I'm sure if I had it in the correct color I would be inclined to use it more often.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

L'oreal Ever Pure Shampoo & Conditioner

Smooth. Moisturize. Volumize. That's what L'oreal's Ever Pure Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner promise. This new line from the L'oreal company is sulfate-free and free of harsh chemicals and salt. I tried it out for a few months and found a few things.

First, I like the fact that these products are readily available at my drug and grocery store as well as online. The $7 price tag won't break the bank and there is a whole slew of hair products included in the three lines. Second, the tubes are easy to open and close and the rosemary scent in the moisturizing line isn't strong and cloying. It doesn't smell artificial either. The shampoo lathers well and the both the shampoo and conditioner rinse easily too.

However, that is all I liked. As far as using this shampoo and conditioner for routine maintenance I just cannot back it. It stripped my hair and made it dull and incredibly dry. So dry my hairdresser noticed it as soon as I walked in for my regular trim. I had her do a deep conditioning masque and then when out and bought one of my own to do at least once a week. Do I have time for this? No. Do I want to spend more money on more products? Absolutely not. I wanted to like this shampoo and conditioner. I love the idea behind it and I'm a huge fan of L'oreal products from skincare to make-up. Unfortunately, the moisturizing shampoo and conditioner ruined my hair and I cannot recommend it.

MPR Rating: One Star.