The Wen Challenge Day 7

Hello Everyone !

Well it's been 1 full week since I started using the WEN hair cleansing system and I am back to do an update.

As I mentioned on my last post, I was going to be getting the Sweet Almond Mint and Pomegranate duo which I was going to include in my regime and mixing with the Six Thirteen Treatment. I got the duos on Monday so I have been using all 3 ever since.

After 4 uses of the WEN hair cleansing system, here are some of my findings:

1. You don't need that much product ! This is good news because if I want to use this product long term I don't want to go broke doing it. Now I obviously only speak from the perspective of someone with thin hair but still I cannot imagine that anyone would actually need 10 pumps for thick hair.  If you add the Six Thirteen treatment to any of your regular WEN conditioners you almost double the amount. The Six Thirteen treatment is thicker, creamier and add lots of moisture. I tried using the Six Thirteen alone but I do feel it was over kill . I like the results I am getting by using the product in combination with the regular line.

2. WEN is not for the 5 minute shower type gals ( which I used to be ) I made the big mistake of taking a quick shower  and did not rinsing my hair thoroughly. What a mess !! My hair was heavy, greasy and all I wanted to do was jump back into the shower. We were out at a dinner when this happened so the moment I got home I bee lined it to the sink to rinsed my hair. After a good rinse all was well with the world again.

3. When I started with this product I had real bad dry scalp. I am happy to report my scalp is no longer dry nor flaking. I give this credit to the Sweet Almond Mint conditioner which I have been using only on my scalp. The Six Thirteen also had that tingly minty effect on my scalp too which was very refreshing. I do have to say that I haven't seen my scalp this healthy in a very long time. This was an unexpected surprise.

4. Color. I was going to refresh my color this week but I think I am going to wait a little longer. Since starting to use WEN my hair color has remained the same no more fading. Granted my hair was already fading and getting a bit brassy but using a normal shampoo I would have noticed it lighter and lighter with each shampooing. If anything my color looks decent. I am going to see how long I can last without new color

This is a quick description of how I have been using these products this week:

First I use 2 pumps of the Sweet Almond Mint and use it on my scalp and massage for about 30 seconds.
The I use 2 pumps of the Pomegranate with 1 pump of the Six Thirteen and use it on the lengths of my hair.
I add a splash of water and it gets creamy enough to massage all over hair. I then left it on for about 6-7 minutes while I finished with the rest of my shower. I then rinsed as long as I could ( although it felt like forever I am sure it was only a few minutes ) You can actually feel when you hair is fully rinsed when the slip of the product is gone.
Now on to styling:
I first air dried my hair for about 30 min and then used a round brush with my hair dryer for 5-6 minutes ( same thing I did last week )  This is what my hair looked like today:

Right away I can see there is more shine to my hair and not as dull










The back of my hair was easier to manage and the ends do not look dry and unruly.








So far I am liking WEN and my hair is liking it too. I have to continue using it longer to see how holds up in the long run. I have heard about build up the longer you use the product which I am prepared to tackle with an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse if needed. So far I have no build up and my hair feels softer than ever.
The only thing I am still looking for is less shedding. I shed more hair than my cat ! This week I will be paying special attention to see if I am losing less hair as WEN promises. Keep you posted !

Until next time
Karen

The WEN Challenge Day 1

If you are like me and watch way too much late night infomercials, then you have seen the infomercials for WEN hair care system.

What is it ? According to the website for WEN :

WEN® Cleansing Conditioner is a revolutionary new concept in hair care. A 5-in-1 formula, this one product takes the place of your shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler and leave-in conditioner. It cleanses hair thoroughly but without lathering and all the harsh ingredients that may be found in ordinary shampoos—it is designed so it won't strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils. Your hair is left with sheen, moisture, manageability and better color retention

Well like the good product junkie that I am, I was dying to try it BUT it is super expensive.I just could not justify spending 20 bucks on something that was going to last me 1 month. Fortunately Sally's has a dupe called HairOne which claims to be just like WEN but less expensive ( around 10 dollars for a 1 month supply ) I used an entire bottle and I actually liked it but it was nothing that wowed me enough to stop looking for the next best thing.

 A few years have passed since then and I recently found myself in front of the TV watching one of WEN's infomercials wondering if my hair can really be that lovely by using this product. I was now on a mission to get me some WEN ! so I took advantage of my upcoming birthday/wedding anniversary and I used my birthday wishes and got me some WEN goodies to try.

I got it all from QVC which is a much better value. After much research this is what I got:

WEN by Chaz Dean Six Thirteen Cleansing Treatment

WEN by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond Mint and Pomegranate Duo

The reason I got these products is because both the Sweet Almond Mint and the Pomegranate Duo work best when mixed with the Six Thirteen which is suppose to be like a booster ( more of a treatment but can be used on it's own )

So far I have only received the Six Thirteen so my following opinion is only on my experience with this one product. I get the rest in a few days so when I post my follow up review I will then also be using the other Cleansing Conditioners.

Let me first start with a quick description of my hair.  I can sum it up in a few words..

THIN, DULL, DRY ... Did I already mention THIN ?

Okay so maybe I am being harsh on my poor hair.. It's not that bad.. AFTER I spend an hour with curlers, flat irons and hair clips. I just want what ever girl wants... Victoria Secret's Angel Hair ( duh ) Long Layers sexy hair that I wake up to without having to do anything. Is that too much to ask  ?

But seriously, my biggest concern is my thinning hair and doing what I can to avoid breakage. I color my hair about once every 6-8 weeks and in the spirit of getting it healthy I don't abuse heat unless I am going on a hot date with the hubby *wink *wink

Right now I am using a combination of products including Aveda and Kerastase. I like how my hair feels but it still needs a lot of help to make it look presentable. Most days it ends up in a ponytail which I am desperately trying to avoid because it's making my hairline even thinner as the years go by. So here we go trying something new and this time I would like to share the experience with you.

Day One of the WEN Challenge is about to begin:

If you have seen the commercial it tells you over and over how to use the product so I won't bore you too much details ( if you are curious about the product check out their site and they even have videos )

The instructions are simple.. wet hair, use 6-8 pumps and massage into hair like you are shampooing ( minus the suds) then leave on for as long as you can while you finish your shower then you rinse with cool water. Repeat if necessary. Once done put 1 pump on soaking wet hair as a leave in.

Personally I found the process very simply. Maybe it was because the product SIX THIRTEEN is thicker and creamier that the other conditioning creams which I think is actually a good thing.
I used a total of 4 pumps to completely cover my hair. ( I have hair that is approx 3-4 inches below my shoulders but it is baby fine.. for thicker hair you will have to use more ) then I left it on for about 5 minutes then rinse with cool water. Immediately I noticed how soft my hair was. I used about half a pump on the length of my hair as a leave-in then I toweled dry.

I woke up this morning and after drying overnight and my hair was uber soft and not the rats nest I am used to waking up to. So far I am happy with the results. Now on to the styling test.
I used a hair dryer with a round brush to style it. I don't have much patience so I mostly did the front and some of the back. I found my hair shinny, soft and easy to brush through. Here are some after pics:

As you can tell the front is smooth while the back was frizzy ( made worst by the brush and heat )

For only using the dryer for 5-6 minutes it was not all that bad. I ended up taking a flat iron to it and my hair was silky smooth.

Final Verdict. Too early to tell really.  I am going to color my hair in the next week and keep using these products for another 2 weeks before having an opinion.

If you have tried WEN I would love to hear about your experience.

Until next time

K.

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month !

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, I want to talk about a very special deodorant that is a great natural alternative to what we are using today.

"Crystal® is the world's leading all-natural mineral salt deodorant for a reason. It works to prevent odor while other products attempt to mask it or plug pores with aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium. Crystal is safe, healthy and totally effective"

I started using this product shortly after I read an article linking ingredients in anti perspirant with breast cancer. Now I don't want to get into a debate about how much truth there is behind this theory but knowing that there is an alternative that is natural and effective is enough for me to give it a try.

At first I purchased the actual stone. The way you apply it is by running it under water and rubbing it against the skin. Although effective I just couldn't wrap my head around the sensation of the stone. It just didn't feel like there was anything going on.. Even though it was .. I know its strange but we are creatures of custom and sometimes we need something that is familiar so that's where the roll on comes in.

The roll on is the same exact product as the stone but its already diluted for you and put into a presentation that is easy to use and familiar to most of us already.

In regards its effectiveness , I am really impressed by the results. The product itself is completely odor free and It keeps you dry and odor free all day ! It's just as effective as my dove without the stickyness or white marks left on my clothes.

You can find this product at any drug store and recently Walmart started carrying it too. The average cost is about 3-4 bucks and 1 bottle will last you about 3 months. During my last trip to Walmart I saw they have a new line with some fragrance. Personally I like that it has no fragrance just don't be fooled into using more than normal because it feels like water.. The stuff really works and you only need a swipe or two to get the best results. In my opinion these will be the best couple of bucks you will spend on yourself.

If you are using or have tried this product I would love to hear your thoughts

Until next time

Karen

" FAVORITE THINGS " Part 1

Hello everyone !

It's been a long long time since my last post. 8 months went by in a blink of an eye ! Where have I been.. WORKING WORKING WORKING. That is the story of my life. BUT that doesn't mean I haven't been testing a great variety of products and as you know, I don't recommend anything unless I believe it 100%.

Last night I was watching season 25 on Oprah's new channel and it happened to be on episode of this years " OPRAH'S FAVORITE THINGS" So I think it's a good idea to being my comeback with a list of my own.

Because I love everyone product so much I have decided to do a post for each. Come back each week for a new one !

Now let's jump in and start with the most important tool that you will ever use on your face and by far the one thing EVERY woman should have....

THE CLAROSONIC PLUS - AKA: THE MIRACLE WORKER

This is the kit I purchased from QVC . It included the Clarosonic and products from Philosophy.



The clarosonic is the ultimate face cleansing tool. For me this has become the foundation of my skin care routine. The concept behind it is very simple. Start with clean skin and everything you put on after will work better.
I have been using the Clarosonic for 6 months every night with the Philosophy cleanser that came with my kit. Let me just say real quick that this will work with ANY cleanser is your favorite, I just so happen to have an 8oz bottle of the PURITY cleanser so that is what I have been using. The Purity cleanser is a great cleanser but too expensive for my taste. There are plenty of other cleansers out there that cost less and are just as good. So moving on to the star of the show.. The Clarosonic.

In the 6 months I have been using this heaven sent tool, my skin has changed in way I have never imagined. I believe its a combination of the deep cleansing and that now my products are working as they should. The Claronic uses sonic waves to deeply cleanse your skin. On the skin it feels like a massage and although it's not an "exfoliator" per say, team this up with your favorite face scrub and it gives you spa quality results . Speaking of SPA's that is where I actually meet the Clarosonic, at the famous FOUR SEASON SPA In Miami. I got a fantastic facial and they used the Claronic PLUS on me and when I was done I was determined to get one of my own. The Clarosonic PLUS is a professional quality tool that has a built in timer and different speeds ( you can get it on QVC.com ). The Claronic Plus comes automatically programmed for a 60 second routine ( 40 on forehead, t-zone chin and 10 seconds on each cheek ) at speed 1. I have sensitive skin so I have not changed the speed but you can change it to your hearts desire. This is what makes the Claronic PLUS so great.

In 6 months I have seen: ( in combination with a good moisturizer )
A dramatic reduction in fine lines ( especially a pretty deep one I had on my forehead.. it's almost GONE )
My skin in supple and softer than ever
and most important... I no longer need the heavy creams I had become dependent on using. I am now good with
a light moisturizer ( I am using the HOPE IN A JAR by Philosophy which also came in the kit )
I no longer need the RETINOL nor the heavy night creams I had previously been using. In short, because I no longer need it. My skin is better than ever.
No more dry patches,No more big pores, No more flaky or oily skin. My skin is balanced and blemish free.

For all your makeup lovers I have good news for you ! As you know when you start with clean, smooth skin your makeup will go on smoother and give you a great finish. But one thing that I learned.. that thanks to my Clarosonic I need LESS makeup ! I can now get my foundation done with about 1/2 as much product as before.
My use of concealer has reduced to pretty much only those "times of the month" when I have something to hide. My current bottle of foundation has lasted me about 6 months !! Unbelievable !

So when it's all said and done you will actually SAVE money buying this machine. Now I have seen some imitations out there such as Olay one. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY. Nothing compares to the real thing.
Only the Clarosonic has the sonic techonology that is key to what makes this work.
The Claronic Plus will cost about usd 200.00 dollars. ( don't fall of your chair just yet )
There is a smaller version called the Clarosonic MIA that is half as much. But I suggest if you can make this one time Splurge and buy the PLUS, it's worth every cent.As an added bonus the PLUS comes with a Body Brush that is great for all self tanners and also for those who enjoy a body good body exfoliation from time to time. I personally like to use it on by chest, arms and legs at least once a week ( if you use it on your bikini area it will help prevent razor bumps)

If you are a professional makeup artist, you have to have this in your kit, no exeptions ! This will give you the perfect canvas to make that ultimate face.

I hope this have been a good introduction to the Clarosonic and I hope you give it a try.

Up next time my new favorite skin care product to use in combination with CLAROSONIC -
The Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate- Throw out all those creams, retinols, AHA ... this is the last skin care product you will ever need !

Until next time

Karen G.

Taking it old school !! The cure for your damaged dry hair..

Hello Everyone !!

Just when I thought I had the upper hand on this cold weather.. Winter played the wild card on me.. he played the HAIR Card !! ( enter here dramatic horror music ) Last week I went to get my hair trimmed and the stylist could not believe how dry my hair was, and to be honest I was surprised myself. I mean.. I thought I was taking care of my hair, weekly treatments, good shampoo/conditioner.. good hair creams.. what more was a girl to do ?? Well I over estimated the power of my hair cream and thought it would be enough to battle this cold weather, unfortunately it failed miserably . Well shortly after my hair cut I dashed to Sally for some serious hair treatments and while I was looking for a good leave in conditioner.. I ran into this:

Yes ladies !! They still make the original Infusium 23 leave in conditioner !!! OMG ! I have never been more excited to see a bottle of product before in my life ! For all those who don't know this product.. Infusium 23 is a leave in treatment that you spray into your hair. This product was a cult favorite back in the 90's and I think the reason why our hair didn't fall out after using so much hairspray and LA looks Gel.

Here is the product description:

"Infusium 23 Original Formula Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Conditioner corrects, restores, restructurizes and infuses hair with 23 essential pro-vitamin and treatment ingredients"

I have been using this leave in for the last 4-5 days and I can't believe how wonderful my hair feels. It's soft, hydrated and it does not weight down my very thin hair which is hard to find in a leave in conditioner.

Back in the 90's this product used to come in a bottle with a spray not anymore so what I did was some into a small sprayer bottle for easier use. I spray a bit into my hair after my shower and it also works great as a touch up spray when you want to refresh your hair in between washes.

Last night my husband even asked me what I was doing to my hair because it looks great.. Now if that's not confirmation that this product works, I don't know what is.

You can find this liquid hair potion at Sally's Beauty Supply for about 5-6 bucks. In my opinion this is definitely a must have product on everyone's beauty arsenal.

Check it out and let me know what you guys think !

Until next time - K

How to help you skin beat the winter blues...

Hello There !! I love winter ! I love getting getting all bundled up with my favorite scarf and enjoy the smell of the crisp night air. What I don't love is this itchy dry skin !! So here are some of my favorite items to keep my skin from suffering from winter blues...

Hands and Body - Eucerin Moisturizing Cream and Lotion

This cream is an oldie but goodie. What I love about this cream is that is does a great job in not only moisturizing but also protect it against the elements. This non-irritating , fragrance free cream and lotions are clinically proven to be effective on extra dry and sensitive skin. For those whose skin is not as dry as the sahara, check out their Intensive Repair Lotion which is great for all over the body.

Face - Olay regenerist micro sculpting night cream

Dear Olay, Thank you for finally putting out something that is worth spending money on !

This night time cream is an Allure Magazine Readers Choice award winning cream. Its super hydrating and packed with amino acids to help the with the regeneration of our skin.

Added bonus ** If you are a Costco shopper you can find a 2 pack for under $ 50.00. Check it out !

and lots but not least.. LIPS- Korres Lip Butters

Now I am about to talk some craziness.. I am about to tell you to go RUN to your nearest Sephora and pay $ 1o.00 for this gold in a jar. YES I said pay 10 bucks for a lip balm ! You must be thinking.. " that's it.. she lost her mind" Well I might have.. or I might have just found the most amazing lip product of all time !! ( I say the second option sounds best ) . Korres lip butters are 100 % natural lip smoothing goodness. This stuff is so hydrating, so absolutely smoothing that you will throw away that Carmex and never look back. This stuff is so great that me and my husband fight for it ( at $ 10.00 bucks a jar you know I am territorial with mine ) A great and added bonus is that they come in 7 amazing shades ranging from a beautiful wild rose to clear. These can be paired up with you favorite lipstick or worn alone. Ohhh and the smell ... THE SMELL !! AMAZING !! My favorite is Jasmine ( Sheer Neutral Pink ) with it's cotton candy like scent.. really it's worth every dime. Check it out here at Sephora or Sephora.com

Korres Lip Butters

Well that's it for now.. What are your favorite winter time beauty products ? Leave a comment below !

Until Next Time- K

The Ever Famous.. URBAN DECAY NAKED PALETTE

There is not much more that I can say about this wonderful palette that thousands of other bloggers or gurus have not already said. This palette is AMAZING period.

The reason for my post is that believe it or not ... there are people out there who still do not know about it. Just this weekend at a girlfriends house, she saw the palette and loved it. So I wanted to write this post for all my gals out there who still have not meet the ever famous.. URBAN DECAY NAKED PALETTE.

This will be the best $ 44.00 you will spend in your life. Now in addition to getting 12 of the creamiest most pigmented eyeshadows around, you will get their double sided 24/7 eyeliner in brown and black. ALSO you get a mini urban decay primer potion which is a great way to get to know the wonders of using an eye primer.

This has been my go to palette for the past month and it still looks as good as when I got it. We are talking some serious pigment my friends.. a little goes a long way ! and they all blend so beautifully together making it easy for even beginners to dive right in and start playing !

This palette will be your go to neutral palette. It is perfect for taking it from day into night with just a few strokes of the brush.

Trust me... you will love it !

Until next time - K