Use this…not that
For anyone who knows me, you know that I’m a self-proclaimed, make up wearing, hair product using, and infomercial buying JUNKIE! With that said, it shouldn’t be a surprise to know that I am actually THAT person who immediately rushes to the store to buy whatever product I’ve just read a review about in Cosmo, and unknowingly orders things off two o'clock am infomercials (thank you, Ambien). The latest things I’ve fallen victim to: Max Clarity Foam and Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Blow Dry Perfector. Let’s start with the product that I actually like…
MAX CLARITY
I’ve never had perfect skin, always trying new things whether over the counter or a prescription from the dermatologist, even toothpaste (come on, you all know you’ve tried that before). Trust me, I’ve tried it ALL!!! The moment my skin breaks out, I’m headed for a quick fix. I’ve tried ProActive like three times (first, when it was introduced to the market, second, when it made Jessica Simpson more famous than her second album, and I think the third time was because I found some unused bottles under my sink that were still good. All three times I was as unimpressed as the time before (I know, you’d think I’d have learned my lesson). That didn’t stop me from getting suckered into trying this new product called Max Clarity. Although persuaded while in an “Ambien Fog” at watching an early morning infomercial, it just wouldn’t be fair to put all of the blame on my favorite little blue pill. I do remember two things that appealed to me in my semi-medicated state. One, only $19.95 (shipping included and a 60 day money back guarantee). Can you say DEAL? And two, the product is made by Stiefel, which is a well-known, well-respected manufacturer of dermatology/acne products. What REALLY reeled me in you may ask? This three-step treatment is delivered in a foam form; a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide deep cleanser for morning and evening use, a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide advanced acne treatment which goes on lightly and dries quickly for acne fighting for the day (good for under your make up), and a rejuvenating toner with 0.5% salicylic acid to exfoliate dead cells and promote brighter, healthier skin at night. How I’ve become an addict? Well, the foam is just, COOL :) Not a rich, creamy cleanser that leaves your skin with a greasy film, this goes on so smoothly and your face feels so clean when you wash it off. Next, the cute little travel sizes they send you. Since receiving my product (which may I add, got to me in 4 days!!), I’ve gone on 2 weekend trips and it was so convenient since I carried on because each can is under 3 ounces so I can stash them in my bag and they are easily concealed.
Verdict: I LOVE IT, I use 3 times a day! My skin is SO clear and SO soft, I may actually stick with this product for a while…that is until Jessica Simpson gets dumped and is back to endorsing new beauty products.
Bottom-line…it just WORKS, and it works well! I would highly recommend this product to anyone I know looking to improve the appearance of their skin. It’s cheap, convenient and effective! Since I don’t remember which channel I was surfing on that early morning (insert Ambien reference here), go to www.maxclarity.com for more information on the best product I’ve found in a long time!!!
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Blow Dry Perfector
The product claims to in 20-minutes, give you “frizz-resistant, silky-smooth hair that’s easier and faster to blow dry for up to 7 shampoos”. Sounds good, picture on package looks nice, but then again, so does a flame broiled Whopper in a commercial, then when you get through the drive through, you’re sadly disappointed. I bought the product for a mere $12.99, quite a savings from the $250 I have spent on previous straightening treatments at the salon (we’ll address that later). AFTER purchasing the treatment, I read on the box that you have to wait at least 14 days after any color/chemical processing. Wait? I had it in my hand, how could I not use? I had just had my hair colored, so it sat under my cabinet until I could get the green light. With my two weeks being up, and me having gone through mild-to-moderate withdrawals, it was finally time. I had some time to spare one morning and began the 2-step process. First, let me just tell you, it smells like a 1992 Andrea Zuckerman perm. (And yes, we’re talking the West Beverly days, not CU). Second, it takes more than 20-minutes because of the washing you have to do in between. Okay, not that big of a deal. You don’t put a conditioner in your hair, just a “heat activated – perfect-it cream” as the last step of the process. Didn’t make much sense to me!?!? As I went on to blow dry my hair as usual, I could still smell the “perm” and could immediately feel the difference in my now stringy hair. It dried within seconds, but NOT in a good way. Although I’ll admit I’m due for a good hair trim, I immediately noticed that my ends were like straw and somewhat fried, DEFINITELY NOT the “frizz-free” it promised. It felt gross all day. No one could really notice, but every time I touched it I had to look in the mirror because I was sure I looked like Courtney Love. This stringy, frizzy, straw-like mess was NOT what I expected and for those next “7 shampoos” I had to follow it with a deep conditioner and I had to put in an emergency call to my hair stylist, which I’m still waiting on.
In conclusion, I’m just not a big fan of any of these straighters/smoothers/frizz-freeing products all together. I had the Brazilian Keratin Treatment at the salon for $200 and that I was happy with, however, over time, my hair was constantly greasy and was falling out. It did blow dry quicker though and it lasted a good six months. Not being able to wait much longer, I got it again about 8 months ago ($250 this time) and wasn’t as happy with the results. Maybe because I was no longer a virgin (my hair, I mean), it must not have taken to slutty hair!?!? Either way, I think I’m done trying all of these new hair treatments. Being born with really curly hair was a pain in the ass growing up, I just wanted straight hair like all of my friends, but as I got older, I learned to do so many things with it from ironing it (ahhh, girls, remember those days with the ironing board in the Oviedo house?), to making it have beachy waves (still my favorite look). But as I sit here with this scraggily mess, I feel regret. Maybe how a former meth addict feels when they smile in the mirror, I don’t’ know, but I just wished I would have taken better care of my hair before trying to do so much to it! Thanks to a Neutrogena Deep Moisturizer, it’s slowly repairing for the next couple of days, until I have to go to my counselor (stylist) to get the proper treatment. I hope to learn a lot and be able to help others when I come out of this!
If anyone else has tried these products or has any more questions about them, feel free…
Jenn
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