Put Your Best Face Forward

I hope everyone who reads this blog (if anyone does) is enjoying the holiday season.
My Christmas was typical of my family. We don't have any little kids running around, so it's always just my mom, grandparents and younger brother and sister. It's small and quiet but it's prefect for us because we center on being together as a family, and that is what it's all about.
I got everything I asked Santa for this year and one of the items I really am happy I receiced was something I have wanted for quite a while. It's the
Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System
When it comes to facial brushes, you can spend up to $100 and over, or you can spend under $30-either way, as an esthetician, I can tell you-aside from price, they are really all the same. Sure there are a few things you will get with a more expensive brand, but if you are looking for an inexpensive facial cleansing brush that does a great job-look no further. The Olay Professional Pro-X is just as good-if not better-than the high priced and highly recommended Clarisonic.
Now, The Clarisonic will have a few extras, such as more speeds and additional attachments for the body, but if all you need is a high-quality brush for the face, why spend all the extra cash?
The Olay Pro-X is a really lightweight, small brush, making it easy to handle. It also makes it easy to take with you when you travel. It has a super-soft brush head, that works very well at either of the two speeds and replacement heads are sold separately and under $10 for 2. It only requires 2 AA batteries, which are included with it. No charger needed. It is water resistant, so it can be used in the shower. It also comes with a sample size of the Olay Pro-X exfoliating Cleanser, which is nice, but I have own my favorite products, and you can use it with any. And really-nothing against Olay products, but when you are in the business of skin care, as I am, you know what products are best for your skin and you don't start messing with your skin care regime and switch your daily cleanser just because you get a free sample. I just love the way my face feels after using this. You know how your teeth feel after using a electric toothbrush? That really,really clean feeling? Well, that is similar to how my face feels. Very "polished". It leaves my skin very clean and unlike with my last facial brush, I don't have to clean the whole countertop after I use it-no messy "spraying" of cleanser everywhere. The only downside I find to this brush is that it would be nice to have a cover or case to keep the brush head protected, but since it is so small, I can use a makeup case. Overall, a great brush for the money. But in the end, a brush is a brush and it's really all about what products you use. You can have a $200 brush, but if you use crap products, you will not see results. THAT is a FACT. Trust me-I am a professional. LOL

Happy New Year!!!
Lisa

Keeping It Straight

My last blog post was all about my experience with the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion 30 Day Smoothing Kit.

Since then I have also started using the hair care products that accompany it and I thought I would share my reviews on those. But first, I want to let you know The 30 Day Smoothing Kit is now available on amazon.com for the amazing price of $12.99. I was expecting it to be about $25.00 to $30.00, so this was great news.
I will tell you, as of this post, it is SOLD OUT. In fact, all the products are currently on backorder! Obviously, I am not the only one who loves this stuff! I was lucky enough to order more of my shampoo and condition while there was still some in stock. I don't know if stores have started to carry it yet, but amazon has a pretty good deal on them.
Ok, on to my reviews.

First up is Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Shampoo
Price: $7.38 for a pack of 2
This shampoo is the perfect companion to the Suave Keratin infusion 30 Day smoothing system. It helps keep hair smoother, softer, with less harsh chemicals. I would note that it contains LESS sulfates, and is not sulfate free, but I still find it leaves my hair soft, shiny and smoother than regular anti-frizz shampoos.
Next is Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Conditioner
Price: $7.38 for a pack of 2

Not much to really say about this ,except it does work very well and is not too heavy like some conditioners. It rinses away clean ,leaving my hair very soft and shiny. I feel this product is much better than the regular Suave Professionals conditioner for dry, frizzy hair and the cost is about the same. Certainly less expensive than some other brands and you get the same (if not better) results

I am also using the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Heat Defense Leave-In Conditioner
Price: $10.47 for a pack of 3
I first had the opportunity to try this leave-in conditioner when I used the Suave Keratin infusion 30 day smoothing kit. They gave you a small tube of this to use after and continue on with for daily use. I have to admit, for a tiny tube, it lasted me a whole month, which I found amazing. That is because you only need a tiny amount to give you the amount you need (even with my long hair). I just love the way it made my hair so soft and silky. It smells very nice and goes on light-not thick and heavy. It leaves my hair looking great and doesnt make me feel like I have a lot of product in it. It also helps to maintain the sleek look from the keratin treatment. I like to apply it to damp, towel-dried hair and wait about 20 minutes before blow-drying to get the best results for me. Even on days when I do not have time to wait that long, I still get excellent results.
All these are available at amazon.com and the prices listed are the current prices they are offering.

So if you have had a keratin smoothing treatment or Brazilian blow out at a salon, are brave enough to try the Suave kit as I did, or just want healthier; smoother; tamer hair, I highly suggest you get the hair care products that go with it. I promise you will be happy you did!