Want The Shiny Hair?

My hair has a bent toward haystack dryness and brittleness. I have to be progressive about it, or the locks look dull...like they might snap right off. My hairdresser (and friend), Debbie pointed me toward this:

Real Control

Intense Renewal

I would have never bought this on my own, because the name "Real Control" doesn't make me think of moisture. However, I bought it under her recommendation, and wow, does it work. You can use it once a week and leave it on for up to 15 minutes, before rinsing out. After I use it, it's like someone else's hair is on my head. Smooth, soft and silky. I would call myself Rapunzel, if it weren't for the fact that I sport a short pixie cut. Anywhoo...

I will say that this stuff is a little pricey for a bargain shopper such as myself ($20ish), but used once a week, it lasts forever, so it's totally worth it.

The Best Mascara.

I adore makeup and my close friends know that I call Sephora the "Mother Ship." I love to experiment with new products, but as many as I have tried, including several expensive brands, I always go back to one mascara:

Loreal Voluminous.

I get the original formula in blackest black (about $7). I find that it thickens and lengthens my lashes, stays put all day, and comes off easily--when I want it too--with soap and water.

I have a couple of mascara tricks too.

--First off, I put the brush at the base of my upper lash and then spin the brush in place several times. This creates a dramatic lash line.

--Then as I am coating the rest of the lash to the ends, I go slow, and do just the slightest side to side motion with the brush.

--Then, I coat the top of the lash.

--Last step...I use Sonia Kashuk's Lash Comb (available at Target for $5):

This comb is the best one ever, because the comb side is made of metal and not plastic. It truly separates and de-clumps the lash.

(side note: Proudest moment ever...I was at Sephora in Frisco and I actually taught my technique to the sales person who was a male, who was wearing mascara, which was kind of weird.)

Awesome Nail Polish

I am a big fan of short squared off nails, painted fun colors. In the fall and winter, I go black or charcoal, even though my friend Jackie calls me goth-Mindy. As a nurse, I am super hard on my hands and nail color rarely lasts one day. UNTIL I found this:

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure is in it for the long haul. For me, it lasts way longer than the more expensive brands (i.e. the one with a 3 letter name), and all for around $8.

Fun Spring Tip: I just bought Angel Wings, which a light pink/pearl color that is nice and subtle alone OR could be used in top of another color to give it a shimmer.