Say goodbye to dry hair with Phyto Phytojoba!

Phyto offers a newly updated  moisturizing care routine for dehydrated, dull and unruly dry hair - Phytojoba to intensely moisturize hair from roots to tips, without weighing it down providing lightweight softness and shine to dry hair.

The formula is rich in hydrating and beautifying jojoba - a  phenomenal plant, capable of drawing moisture from the depths of the arid land; and mallow extraction - renowned for its high concentration in mucilages which are capable of maintaining hydration at the heart ot the hair fiber -it also replaces water in the Phytojoba formulas to create unique active formulas.

Available in the collection:

Moisturizing Shampoo - 250ml - $20 - with a pearly jojoba milk light texture that gently washes the scalp, reinforces the hydrolipidic film and limits evaporation of moisture, hydrating dry hair to bring softness and shine, without weighing it down.

Moisturizing Mask - 150ml - $30 - with a rich texture that untangles and intensely hydrates dry hair, without weighing it down. Enriched with jojoba oil, it restores the hydrolipidic film and strengthens the hair fiber, thus protecting from dehydration.

Moisturizing Care Gel - 150ml - $30 - with a fresh, melting texture containing jojoba milk that hydrates and strengthens dry hair thanks to Hydra-Soin technology which forms a protective film on the surface of the hair and releases hydrating active ingredients into the heart of the fiber, making styling easy and offering a soft, silky finish.

Best of all, the entire line smells great with an irresistible coconut scent, refreshed by ripe peach and subtle warm and bewitching hints of vanilla and tonka bean - yum! And is good for you with a formula that is silicone, paraben and colourant-free.

Available at Murale and select Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca and phyto-canada.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Test Driving - Phyto RE30 Grey Hair Treatment

Phyto RE30 Grey Hair Treatment - 50ml - $59 - the first anti-grey hair treatment that brings back colour to the hair without using colouring pigments thanks to a revolutionary technology that is able to boost the natural pigment production while protecting from future depigmentation.

The main ingredient in the formula is Peptide RE30 - a patented active ingredient that boosts melanin production at the bulb and helps stimulate the natural pigmentation of hair during regrowth; along with purple tulip extract - which acts on keratin-associated proteins to strengthen hair from the roots.The results are clinically proven: repigmented at the root, for hair that grows back with colour, stronger and softer.

It's easy to use, just apply 8 sprays once a day on dry or wet scalp and don't rinse out - you can rub it into the roots a bit especially at the back where it's harder to aim the spray.

One bottle will last you about a month with daily use - possibly a bit more or less depending on how big your head is and it will take 3 months (3 bottles) to see full results. Don't expect all of the grey to go away but it should be reduced by 77%, so the less grey you have, the better the visible results. And of course you'll have to keep using it to maintain the results so you will need to make it part of your daily routine forever to keep the grey at bay.

I don't have a lot of greys but they are noticeable enough that I tried it out for the 3 months just to see how well it would work and I ended up impressed. By month 2 there were definitely less greys growing in and by month 3, hardly any at all. Of course this would only be really useful if I was  looking to maintain my natural hair colour - since I usually dye it a different shade I might as well keep doing that - less money and effort - but I will say this for the treatment, for the 3 months I was using it my hair smelled great and was so soft!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at phyto-canada.ca.

- Lisamarie -

My fave five products from the beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart 9th Annual TIFF Beauty Suite!

TIFF may be over but the beauty will live on for a long time thanks to the beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart 9th Annual TIFF Beauty Suite which was chock-full of amazing products to keep you looking great on the red carpet and beyond - here are a few of my faves:

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Hitch Hike - $22 - in the perfect brick rose shade - it has a comfort matte finish with a creamy formula that is packed with nourishing ingredients including: a butter blend - that comforts, hydrates and enhances, leaving lips soft and conditioned, and never dry; aloe vera, jojoba, avocado, and babassu oils - to nourish and soften lips; illipe butter, derived from Malaysian illipe trees it provides long-lasting moisture; while vitamins C and E deliver a hint of antioxidants.

Phyto Phytovolume Actif Spray Volume Intense - 125ml - $32 - a heat activated blow-out must-have for fine, limp hair that leaves hair bouncy and holds any voluminous style in place all day long. A great way to perk up limp, sweaty hair - a few sprays of this and a shot with the blow dryer totally revived my do!

Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Enchantress - $31 - an amazing peach with duo chrome bright gold pearl that makes an impact in just one sweep of colour with a holographic-like, multi-colour, multi-dimensional effect.

Jowae Revitalizing Moisturizing Lotion - 400ml - $24 - a deeply moisturizing body lotion made from 97% natural ingredients such as bamboo water, sunflower oil, shea butter and soy with a light formula that melts quickly into the skin, leaving it supple, toned, and naturally bright - and with the extra bonus of smelling like watermelons!

Silk'n Titan Skin Tightening and Lifting - $299 - a painless, non-surgical treatment with no recovery time that reverses the effects of gravity and aging as it repairs damaged and sagging skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that is safe for all skin types. It works by affecting the upper layer of skin for improved skin texture, reaches into the dermis for rejuvenation and collagen restoration and penetrates deep into the subdermal fat for deep tissue tightening and wrinkle reduction - with visible results after just 10 treatments - but honestly you will see results after just one treatment too, people were asking me if I had just had a facial after my session!

All available at select Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Phyto Phytomillesime for hair colour that looks like new day after day!

Anyone who colours their hair knows the joy of fresh colour and the agony of colour fade-out even when just a week or two old...

Now with Phyto Phytomillesime there is an innovative hair care ritual that prevents color stripping all  thanks to the anti-fading action of extraordinary anti-oxidative powerhouse Red Love Apple contained within each formula along with apple blossoms and fruits and hibiscus extracts - for colour that has a vibrant intensity and dazzling shine, like the first day of application.

Available in the collection:

Washing no longer needs to be the enemy of colour retention thanks to:

Color Locker Pre-Shampoo - 100ml - $48 - with a unique gel in oil texture, the gel smooths down the scales of the hair and the oil strengthens the natural protective film - together they form a cosmetic mesh that traps the leakage of pigments when washing the hair while a complex of plant-based active ingredients rich in amino acids, delicately coats the fiber.

It's easy to use - just apply on dry hair from the roots to the ends, leave on for one to two minutes then, without rinsing, proceed directly with the shampoo - protected against stripping, colour remains intact and intense, its shine is maintained and lasts longer.

Color Enhancing Shampoo - 200ml - $30 - with a delicate sulfate-free lather that gently washes the scalp and hair while preventing colour from fading with exclusive care formula that also contains edelweiss flower extract.

Color-Enhancing Mask - $54 - with a thick, creamy texture and a formula containing argan butter - rich in fatty acids and protective vitamin E - to nourish and repair fibers - for hair that is incredibly soft, supple and shiny.

Beauty Concentrate Leave-in - 150ml - $45 - makes styling easy, strengthens the hair fiber and gives it a radiant shine, while protecting the hair against daily aggressive factors - caused by the environment and successive styling - which alter colour intensity and radiance - for hair that doesn't frizz, falls sensuously and has a radiant shine. Can be used on hair that is wet or dry every day to enhance or protect the hair.

Color Protecting Mist - 150ml - $40 - keeps colour from stripping while enhancing and helping hair colour last longer - as well, it contains  hibiscus extract to boost shine and sunflower extract for its photo-protective properties to protect the intensity of the reflections.

I have the best hair in the world to really test out this line, not only is it coloured, it's red - the hardest colour there is to maintain! And I must admit, I am totally sold on the pre-shampoo - the vibrancy and shine of my colour 3 weeks now after colouring is amazing, by now my colour would normally be really faded but it looks like I just had it done! The other product I really love is the mask - it makes my hair so super-soft!

Available now at drugstores across Canada and online at phyto-canada.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Phyto Phytodensia offers renewed youthfulness for hair!

Phyto has formulated a new hair care ritual specifically intended for hair losing its beauty over time, or less politely, aging hair - Phytodensia - to bring back hair that is bold, voluptuous and youthful by delivering action on the hair fiber morphology and the aging scalp.

Available in the collection:

Plumping Shampoo - 200ml - $30 - gently cleanses the hair fiber with a wonderfully light lather that diffuses its anti-aging active ingredients including vernonia, grape extract, hyaluronic acid and acacia collagen on the scalp to restore volume and youth for hair that looks more beautiful and reveals a newfound volume, full of lightness and softness.

Unlike most shampoos, which most people try to get on and off as quickly as possible, you'll want to apply this one and let it sit for a bit to give the active ingredients time to do their thing!

Fluid Plumping Mask - 175ml - $54 -  brings body and substance to hair with a formula enriched with hyaluronic acid and acacia collagen to recharge the hair fiber instantly creating body without weighting it down leaving hair revitalized, shiny and voluptuous.

Plumping Serum - 30ml - $48 - with a non-oily formula stimulates the scalp and works like a booster form the roots up to transform devitalized hair by delivering the highest concentration of vernonia and grape extracts while hyaluronic acid and acacia collagen deliver complementary replumping properties - day after day, hair becomes stronger, more resistant, with new shine and luster.

After using the system you can look forward to hair that is stronger, more radiant, more alive-looking and stronger every day!

Available at Murale stores across Canada and online at phyto-canada.ca and beautyboutique.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Phyto Phytomillesime Beauty Concentrate!

Here's a must-have for colour treated and highlighted hair:

Phyto Phytomillesime Beauty Concentrate - 150ml - $45 - a leave-in product that combines the three essential actions for color-treated or highlighted hair in one easy bottle including:

intense protection - hair maintains its integrity for longer and colour keeps its vibrancy while helping to improve the resistance of colour-treated and highlighted hair to external aggressions;

ultimate care - by restoring the hair's lipid barrier to leave hair stronger, softer and more resilient. The hair is perfectly cared for, scales are smoothed and colour reveals an incomparable shine, with a new, pure, intense and dazzling radiance;

easier styling - detangling becomes a breeze, hair is easier to style and frizz is controlled.

Just spray onto wet hair for hair that is soft, flowing and frizz-free, stays in place better and just looks great or spray a little into your hand to smooth over dry hair to get rid of frizzies and add shine!

Available now at Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Bring dry hair back to life with Phyto Phytoelixir!

Phyto now has a way to give  ultra-dry hair the moisture and nourishment it's been craving thanks to it's new Phytoelixir line - which offers multi-benefits for needy hair - it hydrates and improves elasticity; nourishes and strengthens; and replenishes and protects - to repair and leave ultra-dry and damaged hair luxuriously soft and beautiful.

Available in the collection:

Subtle Oil Intense Nutrition - 75ml - $45 - a luxurious, renewal pre-shampoo oil with a fine, lightweight and easy-to-rinse, 98% natural and botanical formula that effortlessly penetrates into each strand.

Super rich in Vitamin E and ultra- nourishing egg yolk which blends with camellia and karanja oils to regenerate and protect the hair fiber from external aggressors for hair that feels immediately replenished and its original softness, elasticity and shine are restored.

Intense Nutrition Shampoo - 200ml - $30 - with a sulfate-free, gentle foaming formula that renews ultra-dry hair.

Narcissus flower wax is blended with encapsulated macadamia oil along with saponaria extract to replenish essential lipids and immediately transform hair and leave it soft, supple and hydrated with new radiance and the promise of long-lasting results.

Cleansing Care Cream - 75ml - $30 - a super concentrated, non-lathering cream that gently cleanses the hair and scalp while infusing hair with an unprecedented dose of care to give ultra-dry, impossibly thick hair with instant nourishment gratification.

It features narcissus flower to immerse hair in nourishment, softness and total beauty and works in tandem with lipid-rich, encapsulated macadamia oil designed to optimize continuous release of the essential lipids to the hair and provides long-lasting anti-dryness protection leaving hair incredibly soft and supple without the need to condition after.

Intense Nutrition Mask - 200ml - $54 - an indulgently rich mask that melts into a luxurious hair rescuer that transforms even the driest, most porous hair but is light enough that even the finest hair can use it too.

With a nutrient rich formula that includes narcissus flower wax, a beauty powerhouse envelops hair in prodigious nourishment while fatty acid rich macadamia oil replenishes hair lipids with the promise of new suppleness and radiance. It's encapsulated in chronospheres designed to offer continuous release to the hair, protecting it against the recurring drying-out process for hair that is  infinitely soft to the touch and totally manageable.

Available now at Murale and beautyboutique.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Phyto Phytocitrus Color Protect Radiance Mask

Phyto Phytocitrus Color Protect Radiance Mask - 200ml - $44 - a colour-preserving hair mask designed to extend the radiance of hair colour thanks to a  formulation of citrus fruits and proteins including: grapefruit extract, sea buckthorn and hibiscus - that effectively lock in colour and restructure the hair fiber - boosting its vibrancy making hair look just coloured, longer.

The formula is especially effective because it's pH-balanced - which helps it avoid stripping colour out - and then seals the surface cuticle so that colour pigments are locked in - it's meant to be used for two weeks after colouring along with Phytocitrus Color Protect Radiance Shampoo, then once to twice a week to keep colour rich and create mirror-like shine, leaving hair intensely nourished and regenerated. It works in as little as 5 minutes but I like to slather it on before I take a bath and let it really soak in for 30+ minutes - you won't believe how incredibly soft your hair will feel and how good it will smell afterwards!

Available at Murale and Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca and beautyboutique.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Phyto Phytokératine Extrême Exceptional Cream

Phyto Phytokératine Extrême Exceptional Cream - 100ml - $48 - a luxurious, nourishing, leave-in, ultra-fluid cream styler with an instantly absorbed texture meant for those with ultra-dry, brittle and damaged hair of all types that deeply nourishes, regenerates, and protects hair to increase its smoothness, shine, strength and manageability.

The lightweight formula combines the repairing power of botanical keratin - which consists of 18 amino acids derived from wheat, corn and soy, that perfectly imitates the natural keratin found in hair and works to fill the gaps in the cortex - along with the nourishing properties of sapote butter and baobab oil to instantly reveal radiantly healthy hair while preventing breakage, dryness and frizz to help hair regain its softness and suppleness.

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Getting glam at the beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart & Phyto Paris TIFF Suite 2015!

Suites for celebrities are all well and good but those wonderful folks at Shoppers Drug Mart beautyBoutique know that those covering TIFF desperately need some pampering too!

On hand were Stila Professional Makeup Artists and beautyBoutique by Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Experts to create red carpet ready looks; Lash applications by DUO Professional Eyelash experts; Ceramic Glaze manicures and St. Tropez custom skin finishing treatments by Celebrity Tanning Expert Sophie Evans (and if you haven't checked out the St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Tanning Oil yet, you really should)!

Also, for the first time Phyto Paris was part of the suite with Chicago-based celebrity hairstylist and Phyto Artistic Director Anthony Chistiano and his team of experts providing hair styling and consultations. Sadly Anthony wasn't around when I was there but one of his talented team members turned my rather frizzy, heat ravaged hair into a smooth, sleek bob in under 10 minutes. And to get the whole mess under control she recommended I start using:

Phyto Phytokératine Extrême Exceptional Mask - 200ml - $54 - a regenerative treatment for ultra-dry, brittle, and damaged hair that works to repair and transform hair instantly and over time. With a sumptuous, melt-in formula that envelops each hair fiber in prodigious nutrition, restoring elasticity and strength to renew hair with ultimate softness, suppleness, and shine while it increases manageability and detangles for smooth, lustrous strands.

Rodial was providing prep and prime facial treatments which led to a nice chat about my favourite Rodial product:

Rodial Bee Venom Super Serum - 30ml - $200 - a concentrated skin-perfecting serum that illuminates and revitalizes skin. Containing Bee Venom that works in synergy with a unique complex of plant stem cells and Cyclopeptide-5 to help correct skin tone and plump and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while bio marine collagen 6 helps to enhance skin elasticity and MariMoist provides immediate and long-lasting hydration for a radiant complexion.What's nice about it is because it is a very light serum, you don't need to sacrifice your beloved moisturizer, it easily layers under it giving you all the benefits of the serum without making your skin feeling overloaded with product!

Marc Jacobs too the opportunity to introduce their latest fragrance:

Marc Jacobs Decadence - a sophisticated, sensual and sultry scent that combines top notes of succulent Italian plum, golden saffron and velvety iris; a heart of Bulgarian rose and creamy nuances of jasmine; and a base of vetiver and warm papyrus woods - in the cutest bottle that wittily evokes a Marc Jacobs bag.

You can't smile at celebrities without pearly whites and luckily they can be easily achieved thanks to Luster White, an at-home teeth whitening system with painless products guaranteed to whiten teeth up to six shades in less than one hour over the weekend without sensitivity.

Available is the Luster Pro Light Teeth Whitening System - $59.99 - that uses the same technology as dentist's light treatments; Distinctly White Dual-Action Whitening System with the mouth rinse and whitening gel (basically the same deal as the Pro Light System without the light, doesn't work as fast but it's half the price at $29.99); and Luster Now! Instant Whitening Toothpaste.

Hopefully I have now had enough pampering to last me until next year!

- Lisamarie -

Problem solving shampoos from Matrix, Phyto and L''Oréal!

If you're a daily user of hairspray, mousse, gel or any other hairstyling products you may find that even after a fresh shampoo, your hair doesn't feel entirely clean which means you need:

Matrix Biolage CleanReset - 400ml - $17.95 - the paraben free formula contains lemongrass extract to leave hair fresh and clean. It purifies deeply without leaving hair dry and gently cleanses build-up and residue and can be used on all hair types, even colour treated.

Use it for a week with a Matrix conditioner every couple of months to get rid of the styling product build up and you will also notice that your regular shampoo and conditioner will work even better!

Available at participating salons - go to www.matrix.ca to find one near you.

Hair that has had too much sun, chlorine and heat stylers will appreciate:

Phyto Paris PhytoKeratine Repairing Shampoo - 200ml - $24 - repairs weakened, damaged hair with a formula rich in super hydrating hyaluronic acid - to help retain moisture and rice bran ceramides - to repair the outer surface and seal the cuticles to strengthen hair - leaving hair soft, smooth and visibly shiny.

The shampoo smells great - fresh and a little fruity but it is super rich so for my fine hair I had to make sure I triple rinsed my hair to make sure it was all out or my hair ended up looking limp - this would be better suited to those with thicker hair, coarse hair would especially love it!

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

Can't get the boy to use a conditioner no matter how much you can see his hair needs it? Then a 2 in 1 is a great option! This is not something I recommend for normal people (women) who aren't too lazy to take care of themselves properly - it's not going to give you as good a conditioning experience as you would get with a separate product - but in the case of beauty-challenged men, it might be the best you can hope for so take what you can get with:

L'Oréal Men Expert Arginine Resist x3 2 in 1 Reinforcing Shampoo & Conditioner - 385ml - $5.99 - features an energizing formula great for fragile hair with a tendency to fall out. With a triple action formula that nourishes the root; strengthens hair; and restructures hair from root to tip - for hair that is stronger and more resistant so falls out less. Enriched with two key ingredients: arginine - essential for hair growth and helps strengthen hair fibers from root to tip; and taurine - energizes hair to stimulate micro-circulation.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Hair is perfected with a serum from Rene Furterer, Herbal Essences, Phyto and Pantene!

Rene Furterer Karite Leave-In Repairing Serum - 30ml - $31.95 - with a lightweight, silicone-free  formula rich in shea oil and nourishing active ingredients to deeply repair damaged hair ends while limiting split ends - to leave ends nourished, repaired and perfectly smooth.

Available at salons - go to www.renefurterer.com to find one near you.

Herbal Essences Honey, I'm Strong Strengthening Serum - 47ml - $5.99 - infused with honey which helps provide strength against styling damage to leave hair feeling silky.

Available now at food, drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Phyto Paris Phytokeratine Repairing Serum - 30ml - $35.99 - a leave-in treatment that is specifically formulated to repair damaged lengths and ends with botanical keratin and hyaluronic acid - to rebuild the hair fiber's internal architecture and restore optimum moisture levels; ceramides and pomegranate extract - to repair ends and leave hair silky soft; and Brazilian palm oils and silk peptides - to restore silkiness and shine.

Available at www.nailpolishcanada.com.

Pantene Pro-V Smooth Serum - 50ml - $7.99 - an instant frizz fighter that contains argan oil from Morocco to offer lightweight and 24 hour humidity control, silky softness and intense moisturization while combating high humidity and offering brilliant shine.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Help for thinning hair from Ducray, DS Laboratories and Phyto!

Ducray Creastim Anti-Hair Loss Lotion - 2 x 30ml - $69.50 - designed to help with the occasional hair loss that occurs after giving birth, by stress, fatigue, medication or seasonal changes - by significantly curbing hair loss and accelerating hair growth. With light-textured formula rich in creatine, tetrapeptide and vitamins B5, B6 & B8 to act as a true hair growth phase catalyst by encouraging the proliferation of hair root cells, providing the necessary energy and stimulating the main factors implicated in the maintaining of the hair growth phase and the microcirculation of the scalp. Hair is strengthened, gains density and hair loss is topped resulting in an increased hair mass.

Available at select drugstores across Canada.

DS Laboratories Spectral CSF Women's Targeted Therapy For Thinning Hair - 60ml - $38 - perfect for thin, fragile hair for the anti-aging formula that stimulates follicles aggressively while remaining light to avoid heavy buildup. Without extraneous ingredients targeted to men, it has a formulation specifically developed for women and their unique requirements.

Available online - check out dslaboratories.com for a listing of where to buy.

Phyto Specific Phytotraxil - 50ml - $75- a silicone and sodium free hair growth treatment for severe and localized hair thinning from traction due to weaving, braiding, relaxing, or blow drying.
This highly effective moisturizing formula is fortified with moringa and kiegla oils. While invigorating and stimulating keratin production, it regenerates and soothes the scalp. It hydrates and protects for a fuller, thicker, more voluminous look and feel.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Get Smooth Hair in 3 Steps with Kevin Murphy, Klorane, Phyto, KMS and Argan Magic!

I believe, I've finally found the perfect hair products combination to get rid of my frizzy hair. Even Lisamarie commented on how my hair looks smoother and as we all know, she's a mean machine (locking me in her basement to prevent me from meeting Colin Egglesfield, hello, how evil is that?!)

STEP 1 & 2 - WASH with Kevin Murphy Luxury Wash for thick coloured hair ($25.99) and CONDITION with Luxury Rinse ($25.99)

I reviewed this Kevin Murphy pack last year and still use it as it leaves my hair soft, clean and shiny without being greasy. This duo keeps the frizz under control but the Klorane Shampoo for dry and unruly hair with Papyrus Milk  ($12) is a good, cheaper alternative to the Luxury Wash.

STEP 3: STYLING - The Phytodefrisant from Phyto ($25)  is AWESOME, again I've been using this product for a few months and if you must purchase only one of these hair products, that would be it...this balm will kick the frizz to the curb!
It's a translucide plant-based balm which must be applied on wet hair. A small amount of product goes a long way so a tube will last you for a few months. The more you use it, the smoother your hair becomes (obviously it's nothing like a chemical relaxer! It's for frizziness only).

STEP 3 - STYLING - KMS Flatout straightening creme ($19.99)
This styling creme, with fig and jojoba extracts, is great to get a smooth finish and protect your hair before a blow dry. The cream is quite light and not greasy at all...and leaves my hair really soft. Use a small amount only. To me, it's a must-have for thick, relaxed hair.

STEP 3 - STYLING and Touch-ups - Soothing Skin Salve from Argan Magic, $25 (this line is carried by the Shopping Channel in Canada) - This is an interesting product: meant to soothe dry skin and soften cuticles as well as...split ends and fly-a-ways...is there anything this balm can't do? I love the light orange blossom scent, it moisturizes dry skin patches or hair well and again, it's rich but won't leave your hair sticky looking! Since it's a small container, this versatile product is a perfect travel companion.


Can't get enough?  Check out other anti-frizz hair products here.

-Christelle-

Thcken up with mousse from Living Proof, Pantene, Phyto and Rene Furterer!

Mousse is a really easy way to give fine or limp hair some body, you just need to make sure that it doesn't dry crunchy or leave a flaky film on your scalp.  Another thing I've learned, don't be cheap with the mousse, you need a good amount of it for it to actually do it's job!  Here are a few of my favourites:

Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse - 142g - $21 (or $17.85 on The Shopping Channel right now) - body boosting, naturally moving for all hair types- this was recommended to me as the best mousse ever and I can't say that I disagree, this gives me such great body that I forget I have fine hair!  I don't love the smell but it doesn't linger so that's not a deal breaker!  Get it while it's on sale at www.theshoppingchannel.com

Pantene Mousse for Fine Hair - Maximum Hold - 187g - $5.99 - boosts strands for all-over volume that lasts - creates invisible support for fine hair structure, volumizes by lifting hair at the roots, locks in your style with all-day humidity protection - out of all the drugstore brands I've tried, this one is the best.  I find that sometimes with the less expensive ones, they dry very crunchy but this one doesn't.  The volume isn't as impressive as it is with some of the pricey brands, but for the cost it's not bad.

Phyto Intense Volume Mousse - Medium Hold - 200ml - $23 - adds body to all hair types, especially fine and limp hair - creates structure, increases volume and controls the style - contains Acacia collagen, a moisturizing active ingredient which hydrates hair while protecting from environmental stresses, as well as a natural UV filter. It smells great and I really did find this one hydrating, I even used it without my leave-in conditioning spray and didn't notice its absence!  Phyto products are available at Sephora.

Rene Furterer Volumea Volumizing Foam - 200ml - $25 - brings body and structure to fine and limp hair - contains natural carob extract to create volume in the hair from root to end - an anti static ingredient provides a controlled look - hair is soft, shiny and regains a natural and flexible volume. I don't love the smell but I sure do love the amount of volume I got from this one! Available at Sephora.

- Lisamarie -

Hair spray to know and love from Phyto, Nexxus, Living Proof, Pantene, Nick Chavez and L'Oréal!

Given how many hairsprays exist out there, it is surprisingly hard to find a good one that isn't too sticky or too heavy which will actually last all day!  My favourite hairspray trick, spray a little on your brush and lightly run over your hair to tame frizzies!

After having tried dozens, here are six that have worked well for me:


Phyto Phytolaque Soie Hair Spray - 100ml - $26 - for sensitive hair - contains silk proteins which have a structure similar to the structure of hair keratin and give an in-depth action on the damaged parts of the capillary fiber to give hair the softness and shine of silk.  It's a non-aerosol spray with a very light smell.  My hair feels bouncy when I use it, not sticky or hard at all!  Phyto has a great line of haircare products that used to be more difficult to find but now that Sephora has picked them up, it's much easier to get my fix.  You can get more info on the line and where it is carried at
www.phyto-canada.ca

Nexxus Maxximum Super Hold Styling and Finishing Spray - 300ml - $12.99 -provides superior hold and a brilliant sheen without flaking, dulling or causing build-up.  Dries almost instantly to prevent stiffness and stickiness.  Works great as a finishing spray or creative styling tool.  It's a non-aerosol and smells the best out of all of them!  This one was especially good for getting a piecey look with my layers - it gave them definition without any stiffness.

Living Proof Hold Flexible Hairspray - 155g - $21 - humidity blocking, style protecting, shine popping for all hair types - contains PolyfluoroEster, a new molecule that prevents the damaging effects of humidity.  Can be layered for lighter to stronger finish yet remains soft and natural feeling.  It's an aerosol spray with kind of a weird smell - plum sauce maybe? This was my go-to hairspray this summer, it really did seem to work the best on days when it was humid and my hair looked much shiner then it normally would during hot weather!  You can find it at Sephora as well as The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com

Pantene Hairpray for Fine Hair - 327g - $5.99 - specifically designed to make creating and re-creating any volume look efforless.  Shaping polymers support the hair's structure so you can shape and re-shape your hair while you style.  A versatile, brushable formula that holds all day. Another plum sauce smelling aerosol spray. If you are on a budget, this one is a great choice - I didn't find it was brushable though, as soon as I ran a brush through it, my style fell flat!

Nick Chavez Volumizing Extra Hold Hairspray - 284g x 2 - $34.95 for a double pack - good for any hair type from fine to heavy to curly to textured.  Flash drying volumizing spray that provides a firm hold with a light mist. Aerosol, plum sauce, yadda yadda.  This one was really great for volume, I turned my head upside down, sprayed this on, especially at the roots and did it ever give it lift! Available at The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com

L'Oréal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold for Colour Treated Hair - 365ml - $14.99 - with a UV filter to protect the shine of your colour provides a long lasting hold and satin touch.  It's an aerosol spray and obviously plum sauce is a normal aerosol hairspray smell, or there is something wrong with my nose.  What I like about this one is you are meant to brush it after applying so there is no stiff "hairspray" look, it's very soft and natural.

What about you, do you have a favourite hairspray that I need to try?

- Lisamarie - 

Review: Kevin Murphy's Luxury Hair Care for Thick Coarse Hair

Despite Kevin Murphy's credentials: a stylist for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar... and the exclusive hair care for Melbourne Fashion Week,  I had never heard of this Australian brand before. So when, a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to try Kevin Murphy's hair care products at the Blonde salon's event in Toronto, I decided to give it a go. First of all, these products are paraben and sulphate free - which is good - but I was particularly interested in the Luxury line since it is especially designed for thick, coarse hair. And God knows, if my hair was any thicker, I would probably be a horse!

Anyway, the stylist from Blonde first used the maxi.wash shampoo ($25) to remove all the crap hair product residues from my hair, followed by the luxury.rinse conditioner and my hair was so smooth that I made Lisamarie caress touch it (and she liked it).

This time, I tried the smoothing shampoo (luxury.wash, 250ml, $25) which contains mango butter and Buriti nut oil (a source of vitamin A) as well as the restoring conditioner (luxury.rinse, 250ml, $25) which contains Kukui nut oil and Murumuru butter... again I had never heard of these nuts before (testing beauty products can be educational, apparently) but the scent is gorgeous without being overpowering and I have to admit the results are great. My hair feels clean, soft, and most of all combined with the phyto defrisant - once flat-ironed, my hair stays smooth and frizz-free for days!

The downside? $25 is not exactly cheap... but if you've got thick, frizzy hair, you should give this luxury duo a try!

Kevin Murphy products can be found at select salons across Canada..

 -Christelle-

Say Goodbye to Frizzy Hair with Rene Furterer and Phyto Anti-Frizz!

Being obsessed with frizz, I'm always willing to test anti-frizz products - here is the latest:

This Rene Furterer anti-frizz masque (100ml - $30, 200ml - $54) - from the Myrrhea line - is  a hair mask to be applied on rebellious, or curly hair after shampoo. You only need a small amount and just like the Myrrhea anti-frizz fluid (125ml - $30), it works pretty well: your hair feels softer and smoother.  Again the only thing I don't like about it is the scent, but since this mask must be rinsed out, it's a complete non issue.  You can find it at selected salons as well as Sephora.

I've known about Phyto for many years but I had never tried anything from this brand before. I know a few Caribbean girls who kept on gushing about this line and this hair relaxing balm (phytodefrisant, $24 for 100ml) is fantastic, indeed. Apply a dab of this translucent balm on wet hair, just before styling. It's designed for curly or permed hair and provides natural hair relaxing benefits.  It does not straighten your hair completely obviously, that's not the point, but it really eliminates the frizz. It left my hair smooth and not greasy at all which I really loved. It may seem pricey but to me it's worth every penny!
You can find Phyto products at Sephora as well as selected salons.

-Christelle-