everyone needs dry shampoo

Once you have tried a dry shampoo you will find that you can't live without it.  Not only does it extend your time between regular washings, but it also is great for refreshing before a night out, waking up too late in the morning to do your hair, adding a little volume, or fluffing up your ponytail.  Dry shampoos are basically powders that absorb dirt and oil, and some even do a bit of detox as well.  They come in aerosol form or loose powder, and it's basically personal preference which type you like to use. I think the aerosols are easier to manipulate but occasionally they run out of air before the contents are gone so it won't work anymore (ie. a waste of money).

I have tried countless dry shampoos, both expensive professional brands and cheap drugstore brands.  A few of the drugstore brands are fantastic but I think the expensive ones are more refined, so it's up to you. Here's the best of the best and all of them have worked on my dark brown hair:

PROFESSIONAL AEROSOL:

Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo has got to be the best dry shampoo around and it is in high demand - total cult following.  However it is a little difficult to get a hold of.  Usually it is only available online or in a few hair salons that carry the brand.  If you don't mind paying a little more for your dry shampoo this is the one to get.

Easier to find is Alterna Bamboo Style Cleanse Extend Translucent Dry Shampoo and it is also pretty wonderful:  nice and dry and fluffy with no sticky residue.  It blends really well into darker hair.  There are some dry shampoos out there that contain color to supposedly blend better into your natural color but I'd watch out for them because if you get at all damp the color will run down your face.  So Alterna: a good bet.

PROFESSIONAL LOOSE POWDER:

Oscar Blandi the king of hair care, makes Pronto Dry Shampoo, a very popular item indeed.  Many hair stylists prefer to use a loose powder like this because they feel it is easier to control and gives better results. It may be easier for them but not so easy if you are applying it on yourself.  That said, plenty of people buy it.  This stuff is fantastic for creating those teased, poofy crowns that look so cute with a ponytail.

DRUGSTORE AEROSOL:

Aveeno Active Naturals Dry Shampoo is the best smelling and gives you the fluffiest hair.  It is pretty darn powdery but I find that with some significant brushing you can work it all through.  I always keep it on hand for when I am particularly greasy.  A bonus:  it is sulfate free.

Garnier Fructris Haircare Volume Extend Instant Bodifier For Fine Or Flat Hair is a wetter consistency but in the end gives good volume.  It also has a very strong, but not too bad smell (many dry shampoos can be pretty stinky).  It is the least expensive of the lot and if you are on a tight budget it certainly works well enough - I think you would be very pleased.

all products reviewed were either bought or sampled by me. And product pictures were stolen from the link's website. I am not financially compensated for my reviews.

splurge!

As far as I'm concerned, gift-giving and gift-receiving opportunities are too few and far between.  There's the occasional holiday and your birthday but that's it. And let's face it, presents put everyone in a good mood.  It's rewarding to give and a joy to receive, so why don't we do it more often?  Well, I have a remedy for this:  buy yourself a gift.  Buy something you normally wouldn't spend the money on - a real treat - an unexpected pleasure. It's high time you splurged on something special and I have just the thing for you to try.  These goodies are a little pricey compared to their competitors but they are luxurious all the way and guaranteed to make you feel fabulous.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

$59

Everyone needs a dry shampoo so why not buy the best.  Spilt Milk Mineral Hair Powder is an exclusive line of dry shampoos from Australia that come in a variety of luscious colors and fragrances.  If you are in between shampoos or even hair colors these mineral powders will absorb dirt and oil while covering up those nasty roots.  Spilt Milk takes an necessity and turns it into an indulgence.  Just imagine:  the red powder smells like raspberry creme, the dark brunette smells like mocha expresso,  the blonde - vanilla cupcake, and so on.

2.5 oz. $260

CREED is the world's only privately held luxury fragrance dynasty.  Founded in 1760 it has been passed from father to son, serving royal houses and the discerning public.  All that and you can just pop on over to Neiman's (or the occasional Bloomie's) and get some.  Besides having an incredible heritage, the ginormous selection of fragrances all smell extravagant and extraordinary.  They make the perfect signature scent because you won't find every girl at work wearing you.  Furthermore, the packaging is attractive and would look oh so classy on your dresser.  When in doubt what scent to pick I would start with the very famous Love In White - I have yet to meet someone who isn't attracted to it.

$50

I am always on the quest for the perfect lip balm, and in my book the best working lip balm that I have found so far is La Mer The Lip Balm.  This delectable lip treatment is the perfect velvety consistency - not too dry / not too greasy or goopy.  It wears fantastically well under any lip color.  Best of all, the Lip Balm contains the patented Creme De La Mer Miracle Broth, along with marine extracts, botanicals, and vitamins.  It is practical, containing all you could ever want for form and function, and if you are as picky about your lip balms as I am, absolutely worth the price tag.

$82

Chantecaille makes the most exquisite limited edition makeup palettes.  Each season brings out a new theme - usually nature oriented - of utterly lovely, utterly wearable colors.  The palettes are so stunning you will be reluctant to use them, and instead carry them around in your makeup bag showing them off to all and sundry.  But in the end you will want to use them because it is the highest quality makeup and will make you look your most beautiful.

(for more splurge-worthy goodies see my post splurge! part deux)