San Diego Union Tribune - What Price Beauty & Hair?

The title of the article posted Friday, June 12, 2009, in the San Diego Union Tribune caught my eye.  it said What Price Beauty?

The article was written by Jennifer Davies, Jenifer Goodwin, R.J. Ignelzi, Susan Shroder and brilliantly offered low-cost alternatives to everything from pricey jeans to expensive shampoos.

(Image by Carl Dwyer - All Rights Reserved).

Mention the word shampoo and my eyes zone right in.  And mention shampoo they did.  I was curious to see what they had to say about products that offer great alternatives.

I have included only the recommendations made regarding specific hair and/or beauty options and when appropriate have included my own notes.

I was interested to see their recommendations in the hair world and with related products ....see below:

Using Suave Professionals Humectant Conditioner As A Shave Gel

OLD FAVORITE: Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfumed Shave Gel, $15

NEW FAVORITE: Suave Professionals Humectant Conditioner, $2-$3

I used Amazing Grace because the great smell dulled my senses into thinking that maybe leg-shaving was less drudgery. But on the advice of a girlfriend, I traded scents for cents and found that hair conditioner works great as a frugal follicle de-fuzzer. Really, no smell can make this chore less of a snore.

Karen's Note: This has always been a great option - to use hair conditioners as shaving cream substitutes.  The only issue is to make sure you don't experience any type of allergic reaction since some conditioners may contain ingredients that cause breakouts.

MUST-HAVE SPLURGE: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $58

There's no Armani hanging in my closet, but I don't feel well-dressed if I'm not wearing this award-winning fab foundation. All the skin superlatives - flawless finish, dewy feel, etc. - fit this makeup perfectly to its last decadent drop. People will compliment your skin, not your makeup.

-- Susan Shroder

TIGI S-Factor Smoothing Shampoo versu Garnier Fructis Haircare Fortifying Shampoo

OLD FAVORITE: Tigi S-Factor Smoothing Shampoo, $24 for 6.76 ounces

NEW FAVORITE: Garnier Fructis Haircare Fortifying Shampoo, Sleek & Shine, $4 for 13 ounces

Let's get this straight: Both products do wonders for taming frizzy, curly hair, but for the price, you can't beat Garnier's offering. Combine it with the Garnier's Sleek & Shine Conditioner, which also goes for around $4, and you are on your way to the silken hair of your dreams.

Karen's Note: If you have dry, damaged or chemically treated hair you may not be able to switch to some types of drugstore shampoo lines since they may be drying.  If you wish to try the switch you may wish to try diluting the shampoo 1 teaspoon of shampoo to 1 quart of water to make sure you do not dry out your delicate tresses.

MUST-HAVE SPLURGE: Benefit You Rebel Lite SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer, $30 for 1.7 ounces

Not sure if this actually counts as a splurge since Benefit is known for its frugal yet funky cosmetics. Still, plunking down $30 in one pop can be a dicey proposition in this economy. The good news is this product does triple duty, moisturizing as well as providing sun protection and sheer cover. Also, the small tube should last you several months.

-- Jennifer Davies

Out With The Fekkai In With The Suaves

OLD FAVORITE: Frederic Fekkai Glossing Shampoo, $35 for 16 ounces

NEW FAVORITE: Suave Professionals Sleek Shampoo, $2.50 for 14.5 ounces.  Suave is among the most economical (and best-selling) drugstore shampoos. Though I can't say for certain if it really adds luster to dry hair, it smells nice and seems to work just fine. Best of all, you can buy Suave for under $1 if it's on sale at the grocery store and you have a coupon.

MUST-HAVE SPLURGE: Kérastase Resistance Expanseur Extra-Corps, 3.3 ounces for $29. Spray this on your hair from the roots to the ends after towel-drying. It adds a light hold without feeling sticky like hair spray, helps control frizz and adds volume when drying. Maybe I desperately need it to counteract the effects of shampooing with Suave, but this product works wonders.

Karen's Note: Great observation.  While you may save by buying drugstore shampoo, if you do have dry, damaged or color treated hair, you may lose all the saving by netting more damaged hair that requires a high powered conditioner (leave-in or deep) which can wipe out the savings.

Another great way to save is to continue to use your favorite products but dilute them or use them less often.  Consider washing your hair every other day instead of every day or even 1-2 times a week.  It gives your hair a rest and you can still use your favorite products.

Other options are to substitute with homemade products.  Try Extra Virgin Olive Oil hot conditioning treatments for your hair (unless you have colored hair) instead of expensive hot oil salon treatments.  Use cool water rinse to help smooth the cuticle and add natural shine without adding a shine serum products.  There are lots of great options you can try to keep using your favs without busting your budget.

More Information

Please follow me on Twitter at: http://Twitter.com/HairBoutique.  I love to meet new Tweeple from all walks of life on Twitter and learn from their Tweets.