New Hair Product Launches: Garnier, Shea Moisture and Schwarzkepf

 Whenever you walk into a drugstore or beauty store with free samples, take one. See if you like a newly launched product without risks. The following items were introduced to me as free samples, and I highly recommend each of them:

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1) Garnier Whole Blends Repairing Leave-in Conditioner - In general I'm not a big fan of leave-in conditioners, but the moment I rubbed a dab of this one between my fingers I knew I'd like it in my hair. Non-greasy, no perfume, and it doesn't leave a residue on my skin. Moisturizing and clean on my skin ... to moisturizing and clean with no residue in my hair. My no-fail test for any hair conditioner is how clean it feels on my hands. Readers may recall I normally spray Tsesumme Heat Tamer and Protector on my hair before blow drying it daily, but I think this Garnier new product works as well. So now I have two options, not just one hair protector and can buy the lowest priced when I go to replenish.

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2) Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intense Hydration Treatment Masque with Fig Extract & Baobab Oil - Let me cut to the chase, I highly recommend every beauty item this company makes, and they are many. I use them all for my skin or hair type, and I've never bought a failed skin or hair care product from the Shea Moisture line. I regularly use the soaps, moisturizers and treatments on my face, body and hair. The products are organic, affordable and fantastic!💙💙💙

3) Schwarzkopf Got2b Insta Hold High Hold Hairspray - Honestly I don't use hairspray much, but was happy to see the half tin-sized sample at CVS because, indeed, I needed some. Over the years, I've used a light spitz of hairspray in my hair on high humid or rainy days to tame and get the locks to behave. In NYC we've had several days in a row of high humidity this spring, and I'm not detecting any stickiness nor residue after a light spray. I brush through my hair after a spitz to avoid stiffness. Got2b stops flyways and unruly hair from doing its own thing.

Thanks Garnier, Shea Moisture and Schwarzkepf for the samples. I'm your newest customer -- numbers: 1, 2 and 3 are SAVVY SHOPPER approved!

You may also enjoy:

Hair So Silky, It Shines

First Time Ever I Cut My Own Hair

Shea Moisture Beauty For Everybody

Celebrity Hair: How Much Do Stars Spend?

Never Underestimate The Value Of A Sample

Receiving product samples is wonderful. Who doesn't like trying something for free? In our poor economy, businesses must scrabble to bring in and keep customers. This week while running my usual day-to-day errands – and just for walking into Kiehl's, a sales associate gave me samples of three new hair products to take home. It amounted to a full week's supply. Down the street at Godiva's – without even asking, I was handed two scrumptious gourmet truffles {at $44 a pound!} to try. 

 I've gotten a little spoiled because an introduction to an unknown luxury without opening a wallet is nice ... especially when the item costs a chunk of change. Trying before buying has made me a smarter consumer. By shopping with merchants, who dole out plenty of free samples, I've gotten good at figuring out what works for me, what is just a gimmick and what merchandize is worth its asking price. I don't waste money on goods I don't like once I get them home. And I don't clutter up my bathroom with one mistake after another. 

 Although the gourmet candies and snacks never see the light of day once in my hands, the trial sizes of shampoos, conditioners and moisturizers are perfect to take on overnight trips away from home. 

 Also retailers who offer lots of free samples tend to offer superior customer service and other shopping benefits like customer reward cards and free products with [and without] purchases. All worth considering to get the best deals. Naturally businesses are hoping if you try it, you'll like it. Meanwhile, you get to evaluate their goods risk-free. Go for it!

Extreme Sample Friendly Stores include:

For skin, hair and personal care products:

1} Aveda – They teach customers about skin care and wellness and give first rate massages and a "spot of tea" for free.

2} Bath And Body Works (sans make-up)

3} The Body Shop

4} Kiehl's (sans make-up)

5} Origins

6} Sephora

For gormet chocolate and food:

7} Godiva – If you sign up for their rewards card, you get a free chocolate every month.

8} Lindt – Samples galore at their Fifth Avenue flagship store!

9} Williams-Sonoma – Especially on weekends and the weeks leading up to holidays

10} Zabars – For New Yorkers and visitors to NYC

Your local 11} delis, 12} gourmet, 13} grocery and 14} drug stores – Particularly on the weekends and near holidays

Even ladies' clothing:

15} Victoria's Secret - When you sign up for a store credit card, you receive free VS undergarments and toiletries 3-4 times a year.