Top Heat Protectors For Blow Dryer And Flat Iron Users

Photo: Farouk

Every day I wash and blow dry my hair. Some days I also get out my flat iron to eliminate frizz. If you apply heat to your locks daily like I do, it is essential for the health of your hair to use a spray on/leave in hair protector before you blast and fry your locks dry.

Usually I don't like styling products in my hair. What's the point of a wash if your hair feels stiff from mousse, gels and volumizers? So I don't use them. The one exception is a heat protector:

My favorite is Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer. While it guards against heat damage during a blow dry, I can't feel the product in my hair. It leaves my hair clean, soft and shiny. It seems to reduce frizz too. On windy days, I also spray it on dry hair to get out tangles. 

Garnier's Frutis Style Flat Iron Perfector is another effective spray-on treatment. It's a close second only because I do feel product coating my mop of fine hair after a blow dry. For coarse hair, this may not be the case. Containing argon oil, it is sold as a straightening mist. The spray tames frizz and leaves hair looking sleek.

Choice is good! Tresemme (about $6.50 for 8 ounces) is slightly more expensive than Garnier (about $3.50 for 6 ounces), but both are sold at the corner drug store where there is often a 2 for 1 deal, so you can try them both to decide which is best for the texture of your hair. Thereafter, you can benefit when one of them goes on sale.

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Are Expensive Flat Irons Better?

The IZUTECH Flat Iron is $200 smackers

Yes, sometimes they are better, but not necessarily. When you use a flat iron to straighten, you are frying your hair. Just like a good kitchen skillet, a good flat iron gets hot quickly and conducts heat evenly. It lets you straighten strains of hair with a single pass. The frizz is conquered while doing the least amount of damage to the hair.

Look for ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline plates. Some of the super cheap flat irons might be made of materials that don't conduct heat as well as ceramic, titanium or tourmaline does; or have a thin ceramic, or titanium coating (over aluminum) that wears out fast. Look for solid not coated plates.

One-inch plates are perfect. Smaller than one inch, and the process of straightening takes all day; and over one inch is hard to control. Speaking of control, look for a flat iron that allows you to adjust the heat. Smooth, floating plates -- they extend beyond the surface -- won't pull or break off your hair.

Personally, I own a $19.99 model, called the BioSilk Ergonomic Tourmaline Flat Iron that I got at Bed, Bath and Beyond. It is made by Farouk, the same manufacturer of the popular, high end CHI Flat Irons. It heats in 10 seconds. Purchasing it was pure dumb luck. I give it 5 stars for performance and durability.

While I wouldn't settle for a lemon, I don't like paying $100+ for a flat iron since they all burn out eventually with use. So if you take a chance on a flat iron for less, go with one made by a company well known in the hair industry. They know the terrain, and you can return what doesn't work out. Also examine the flat iron: Like the looks and feel of it.

The Remington Anti-Frizz Therapy Straightener is getting raves. Under $45, it has the important features, plus excellent customer satisfaction. Again, I'd rather replace two of these than one $100+ flat iron. Pay the piper only if you get value. Unfortunately, hair appliances don't last twice as long because they are twice the cost. So perhaps you don't need the top of the line, you just need a straightener that performs as it should. Leave some bucks in your wallet on this buy!

Next I'll write a follow up blog on heat protectors, a hair styling essential when frying your hair. :) Stay tuned!

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Stylin' In A Hermès Scarf

Photo courtesy of Hermes

A Hermès silk scarf is a thing of beauty. Touching and playing with the scraves at the retailer's flagship Madison Avenue store feels so gooood! It's a practical, not to mention, ultra expensive accessory in a fashionable wardrobe. Queen Elizabeth II and Catherine Denuve wear a collection of Hermès scarves, as did Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Onassis.

Genuine Hermès scarves are made in France of Jacquard silk. If the scarf is manufactured anywhere else, or made of other silk, it is a fake. The standard size is 36'' by 36,'' and a real Hermès scarf is nearly always hand stitched towards the front. It is never, ever machine stitched. That's one reason why they're so darn expensive ... and oh yeah, there's the French aspect. The French like to keep their merchandise exclusive, so that we'll all want one. In the case of these luxury silk scarves, who won't want one?

There are a myriad of vivid colors and clever designs. According to the UK's Daily Mail, each scarf is "painstakingly screen-painted." The designers are commissioned from all over the world -- most are not famous. Hermès prefers to hire artists as designers with no prior fashion experience. As the company likes to say, every scarf tells a story.

Understand that owning a Hermès scarf might complicate our lives. It could introduce fear: Since normally I don't spend $400 - $766 for a status scarf, I'd be terrified of losing it. Just imagine: What if $400+ slipped right off your neck, and in a hustle and bustle, you failed to notice!? That would feel terrible, wouldn't it?

It might entail more work: Consider, how you would clean it: Reportedly, dry cleaning thins the silk; therefore, hand washing is recommended by some experts. However, you need a special silk cleaning solvent to hand wash a Hermès scarf. Plus, you have to be mindful of the temperature of the water, least the silk shrivel up, or the dyes bleed. So with scarf ownership, see how complicated life becomes? Holy moly, the additional stress!

Sooo, do we still want a Hermès scarf? Mull it o-v-e-r carefully ... 

Hell yes!!! Plumb crazy to think otherwise! Doesn't mean I'll buy one soon though. Right now, looking is so much cheaper. How about you?

Meanwhile, I shall soldier on with my $16 silk scraves from TJ Maxx. Frankly, I feel alarmed when I misplace one of those!

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Pixi Glow Tonic Has A Cult Following

You are looking at Pixi Glow Tonic, an exfoliating toner. Once only available in the United Kingdom, it recently arrived in the U.S. by way of Amazon and Target stores.

In the UK, it has a cult following. The tonic contains aloe vera, ginseng, witch hazel and glycolic acid, ingredients we could call the fantastic four, because they hydrate, tone, firm, and smooth the skin, giving it a lovely glow.

Without alcohol, the toner gently removes dead skin cells for healthy looking skin. It's the fresh, healthy skin that produces the glow.

Now that Target stocks Pixi Glow Tonic, the price in the U.S. has been cut in half. It sells for $15, making it a budget friendly toner that packs a powerful punch!

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Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits

Fluffy and flaky ... yes, ma'am!

Buttermilk biscuits are delicious. The secret ingredient to making them light and fluffy is lard. Unfortunately, lard is a heart attack waiting to happen. I can't bring myself to put lard in home baked goods even as a treat. Only a person being served his last meal should ever eat lard!

So the goal is to develop a healthier (notice I didn't say healthy) buttermilk biscuit recipe. It is not possible to make biscuits completely healthy because without white flour and butter, the result won't taste anything like a classic biscuit. You may be able to come up with something else that is tasty, it just won't taste like a buttermilk biscuit. But don't fret because I have a recipe for an almost healthy buttermilk biscuit. It's flaky; has fiber; and although I cut the amount of fat by half, you can taste the butter in each and every bite:

Buttermilk biscuits

Ingredients: 

3 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons of ground flax seeds {Did it once, now always.}
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda {I put baking soda in for the buttermilk. It is optional.}
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup buttermilk
4 tablespoons cold butter

Lightly brush a 10 inch cast iron skillet with butter, and preheat the oven at 400 degree F. Have them ready, meanwhile ...

Directions: 

1) Into a mixing bowl, add 3 cups of flour, ground flex seeds, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir together, using a folk.

2) With a knife, cut the cold butter into little tiny cubes (work fast so the butter stays cold) and drop into the flour. Mix with a fork or your fingers. 

3) Make an indention in the flour mixture, then pour in the buttermilk. 

4) Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring with a fork, or your hand until a dough forms.

This next step is tricky. To get fluffy biscuits, try not to over work the dough. Although you need to mix the ingredients well enough to get a proper biscuit dough, try not to touch it too much. Not overly touching the dough keeps the butter cold and results in a fluffy texture.

5) Knead lightly in the mixing bowl by folding and turning the dough over. When the flour is incorporated and your dough is elastic (but not too wet or dry),  you are ready to form the biscuits.

6) Pinch off the dough and quickly form the biscuits. (I don't roll the dough out, or cut with a cookie cutter. It melts the butter.) I gently form balls, then press a little flat.

7) Lay the biscuits in the skillet, touching each other. Crowded biscuits have nowhere to go but up. They will rise higher.

8) Bake for 15 minutes, or until light brown and done.

Pop out of the oven and serve. As you can see before taking a photo, I ate 4 biscuits as a test to make sure they turned out. Someone has to do it!

Extra tip: When out of buttermilk, substitute 1 cup of regular milk with 1 teaspoon white vinager. Let sit for 20 minutes (to curdle) before pouring into flour.

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Uniqlo's Ultra Light Down Vest Is A Steal

Uniqlo put their Ultra Light Down Vest on promotion this week for $29, so I added a second color to my wardrobe. I now own two -- one in dark navy blue and a new fun, bright pink. Not only are they an unbelievably lightweight design, but they are super warm. Layer them without bulking up! The quilted pattern is slimming and polished.

They are also easy to take on a trip. The vest comes with a pouch. You just roll it up and carry it on a plane or train. Unfold the vest when you get cold, or even improvise to use it as a pillow. The thin outer nylon material is also water resistant, so it repels moisture on a rainy autumn day. And, it has handy side pockets.

Sometimes a low price and all the pretty colors are too tempting, so I must stop myself from ordering more than I really need. The navy blue will act as my mix and match neutral color, and the bright pink will inject a little pizzazz into a dreary winter day. But if you look, the wine makes a lovely neutral color, and the red is lively too! Deciding may be hard!!

For men and women who have the height, I recommend ordering a size up for extra length, as well as, for the great combination of a fitted, yet slightly relaxed style. 

If you miss this price, don't worry. Another promotion will come around again.

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Cailyn Cocoon Lip Stain

Picture: newbeauty.com

I  am curious by nature. Makeup and new products from other cultures intrigue me sometimes. The Asian countries -- Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia -- are very beauty centric and come up with some brilliant cosmetics, as well as, skin serums and moisturizers.

Recently I heard about Peel-Off Lip Stains from Korea, which I will feature today. (I first read about them on newbeauty.com.) They are a little pricey, ranging from $22 - $30 for a 1.6 ounce size. Applied to your lips wet and sticky (like lip gloss), reportedly, the liquid has to set for ten minutes, then it peels off your lips in one solid piece, leaving a stain. What results is a natural pop of color that the manufacturer says lasts for up to 10 hours.

But is it worth the extra time, money and effort? Frankly, I don't know. It isn't cheap, and it takes more steps to color than lipstick, gloss or regular stain, which doesn't have to set, or be peeled off. And, what about the "up to 10 hour" staying power? That would be a winning selling point, if indeed, it turns out to be true. Usually though, such a claim is exaggerated. Regardless of the consistency and quality of lip color, I always have to reapply it during a day. So if a Peel-Off Lip Stain doesn't do something better, why would you buy it?

Nonetheless, since it exists, I'd try it in a heartbeat. Research! How about you?

Without an open mind, we'd never discover all the fantastic, "how did we not know about these," new products, right? According to credible beauty sources, lip stain is the next big thing. 

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Pope Francis In The USA

Photo: ABC News

I have lived in Manhattan during the visits of the last two Popes: Benedict XVI and Francis I. Fortunately, I was in the right place at the right time to see both ... and without waiting in 3-hour lines. They each traveled up to my Upper East Side neighborhood on their way to East Harlem, or the Bronx. Pope Benedict was on his way to say Mass at Yankee Stadium (2008), while Pope Francis visited a school in East Harlem (2015).

The streets where the Popes drove by were narrow, and I got a close look at both of them. Pope Benedict was absorbed in thought, perhaps thinking about his sermon, while the People's Pope, Francis waved at us. We were delighted!

Like many people, I am very impressed with Pope Francis. He seems to possess the right combination of intellect, compassion and humility. His order, the Jesuits, are smart and educated, requiring advanced university degrees to enter. At times in history, the papacy was at war with the Jesuits (not combat-wise, but out-of-favor-wise). Now a Jesuit is the Pope! 

Pope Francis sets an inspiring global tone and nails what is truly important: Treat all people as you want to be treated. Never forget that the poor, the migrant and all people with differences have something in common with you. They have a human face. Be true; and have tolerance and compassion for everyone, is the Pope's emphasis. (He is much more eloquent then I am. He has a bigger brain!)

Pope Francis is the first pontiff to address an American Congress. Wow, was it ever an impressive speech! The Pope is not afraid to shake things up and tackle political matters. He doesn't depict problems using philosophical rhetoric. His Holiness is a practical man, clear and precise. He gets political without overstepping and becoming political. I am linking the Pope's entire speech for everyone to hear. It is worth the time of a listen!

Pope Francis' visit to America is turning out to be like none other. He really took New York City by quiet storm! I have never seen such excitement in this town for another luminary. Personally, I think the Pope is a radical. He is not afraid of change, nor is he afraid of the status quo. Because he talks about a fair distribution of economic wealth, as well as, sustainability while acknowledging global warming, I think the Pope is progressive; but he will surprise both conservatives and liberals alike. He often goes in a direction, no one expects, like opposing the death penalty and supporting the US - Iran Nuclear Deal. His mind is big; his concerns expansive.

Lucky me ... for walking down the right avenue at the right time on Friday afternoon to get a glimpse of this historic figure, a special man, the People's Pope.

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The Sample Sales Of New York City

Photo: Mickey Sery of 260 Fifth Avenue

New York City has sample sales galore. It's a must stop for fashion forward shoppers who like to save up to 90% off of retail prices on designer goods. When visiting Manhattan, check Time Out's link for the Best Sample Sales In NYC This Week, as well as, racked.com.

Two excellent sample sales in Manhattan include ...

1. The Flat-iron District's 260 Fifth Avenue - for clothes, home goods and workout gear.

J Crew

2. Soho's 151 Wooster Street - for edgy apparel and accessories.

What's more, here are six rules for shopping the sample sales:

1) Bring cash. Some warehouses don't accept credit cards.

2) Wear comfortable shoes and non-bulky clothing. Shopping the sample sales requires lots of standing and walking; and sometimes showrooms lack dressing rooms to try on clothes. You may have to slip a dress over your head in a public area to see how it fits.

3) Know the value of merchandise. Not every offering is a good buy.

4) Stick within your budget. Determine what you can spend before shopping. You can still go broke by spending thousands of dollars on dresses, shoes or coats marked 70% off.

5) Arrive early for the greatest selection of goods, or late for the lowest prices.

6) Understand that all sales are final. Check the merchandise carefully. If you find imperfections, you might haggle to take a few more dollars off, or you might not want the garment after all.

Looking is half the fun, so shop with an adventurous spirit! You could leave with a great find and an experience that is unique to New York City.

Michael Kors in Elle

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Maybelline's Nude Shadow Palettes

Angie S., friend and reader of THE SAVVY SHOPPER, wrote to share glowing reviews for Maybelline's Nude Shadow Palettes. She advises, "Forget about laying $53 for Urban Decay's palette, these are $11 and magnificent!"

Maybelline offers a choice of 3 palettes: The Nudes, Blush Nudes and Rock Nudes. Angie likes the creamy consistency and finds they don't "flake off, nor fall on your cheeks" when applying them.

Here's what you get in a palette: a 12 shade collection to create a variety of looks with sultry beiges, sexy sands, shimmery bronzes and neutral taupes. You can color the entire eye area with taupe, then shade the lid, contour the crease and line around the eye with the different colors to create an altogether new look for each day of the week. Be subtle, or natural one day, then bold, or dramatic the next.

The Maybelline tag line says, "Dare to be nude!" An equally true, yet less risqué slogan could be "Cheap, but rich."😊 Look for the palettes at your local drugstore for savings. Our friend, Angie, scored a 2 for 1 deal at Walgreens, which is a steal! Thanks for the palette tip, Ang'.

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The Red Dress Boutique

An online retailer with the most adorable, ladylike style is about to explode. The Red Dress Boutique just partnered with two entrepreneurs from the television show Shark Tank, so their business will expand soon, going to the next level. Hopefully, the move will benefit customers. I wonder if they will open brick and moltar stores, or perhaps their website will grow to worldwide distribution. An exciting development, so stay tuned!

The Red Dress Boutique offers lots of fashion for the buck. Dresses, trousers, shoes and accessories cost well under $50. The clothes are cozy, wearable and have that extra pizzazz. If you need a little styling help, the website will suggest coordinating pieces to complete your outfit. Completed ensembles often tally for under $100.  So the Red Dress Boutique specializes in feminine fashion of merit that won't break the bank. Nice!

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Fall Fashion Trends: Hats And Sunglasses

Photo: Getty - Marc by Marc Jacobs show beret hat

As we approach the end of summer, fall is in the air. Already days are getting shorter, and nights are getting breezier.  

Salt City Optics invited me to put together a blog to showcase my favorite fall hats matched with sunglasses. I am not obligated to use their perscription sunglasses as examples -- but take a look at their website -- the eyewear is right up THE SAVVY SHOPPER's alley. The optical company offers a variety of all the latest eyeglass styles at prices you would expect to pay for prescription sunglasses, plus there is a 20% discount online. Ultra stylish and affordable, so after you take proper care of your eyes with new prescription sunglasses, you will still have money left in your wallet to buy that fashion forward fall hat!

I see more people out and about wearing sunglasses these days, and it's good thing. Here's why: Sunglasses shield our eyes from the sun's harmful ultra-violet rays, which helps to prevent the development of cataracts as we age. But let's admit to wanting to look celebrity chic as we protect our precious peepers. Are you with me? 

Here are my pairings of swanky hats with sunglasses to transition into the fall. What are your favorites?:

Kate Spade Darryl sunglasses	Cloche hat
Tommy Hilfiger, a classic knit hat	Oakley Changeover sunglasses
Ray-ban sunglasses	Wool Rose Applique hat
Red cloth or leather brimmed hat	Nike Ignition Rx sunglasses
Elizabeth And James Filmore sunglasses	Tommy Hilfiger fur hat

The last image of a Tommy Hilfiger fur hat is super trendy. Faux fur will be huge this fall and winter. Take a look around: There are racks of faux fur bags, shoes, vests, jackets and hats. Designers are putting fur on everything. Hello autumn!

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