Springtime bring so many special occasions: Mothers' Day, Father's Day, graduations, and weddings,  just to name a few. This column focuses on great gifts for men and women, and also all those "little things" that can help make life easier, more beautiful, and more fun. 

I hope you enjoy this What Works column and will take a moment to let me know what you try and like.  You can leave comments on the Advice Sisters Blog and re-tweet blog posts there as well.  You can also participate on The Advice Sisters Forums,  and follow me on  Twitter @advicesisters and Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman, or you can send me an email, I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

You might think a facial mask isn't a gift idea, but it is, when it's the Phyto-Black Lift Lifting Mask  $65.00 2.5 fl. oz. by Shu Uemura. This mask is a luxury that any woman would appreciate. This fresh & herbal smelling, gel-like mask,  contains tightening polymers and soybean extract for tightening and smoothing the skin while improving elasticity and fighting against wrinkles. Not to worry, the mask is clear, not black. Key ingredients include: black tea ferment (firms, densifies and detoxifies the skin of impurities); black sugar complex (boosts collagen production while visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles); litchi shell extract (neutralizes oxidative stress which can accelerate the aging process); Deepsea water (a Shu Uemura signature ingredient, a clean and pure water rich in minerals that helps to naturally provide moisture to the skin); and pro-xylane™ (boosts synthesis of certain GAGs in order to lift and plump the skin while retaining ample moisture. it also has a collagen boosting effect enabling skin to smooth away fine lines and wrinkles). I tried this as I do most products, on one side of my face, first.  It looked smoother, fresher, and definitely smoother after just one use. The mask is so pleasant, easy to use, and fast, and you can use it up to 2-3 times a week if you wish. You can feel it tightening as the minutes go past.  Although it's meant to be used in tandem with other Shu Uemura Phyto-Black products, it still does a good job on it's own. Simply take a small (cherry size) amount of mask and spread it evenly on your entire face avoiding the eye areas, Wait 3-5 minutes, then tissue or wipe off the remaining mask. Blend in whatever is left, and follow with  your hand and (ideally)  follow with Shu Uemura products, or your own moisturizer and serums. 

For a lip gloss lover, there's nothing more lovely than a new collection of colored glosses. The Naked Beauty Lip Gloss Collection by Smashbox will wow you even if you're not crazy over color!  Eight, mini-sized, vanilla-scented lip glosses with  wanded tops give you just enough product (0.4 fl. oz.)  to slip into the teeniest purse, and you'll still have enough sheer gloss to last a few weeks or months, depending upon how much you use it.  The glosses for the most part deliver just enough color so you know you're wearing some--but they're still pretty sheer, This well edited selection has just about every color you could ever really want:  buff (creamy light peach); Sunkissed (shimmery brown); exposed (creamy light pink); bare (barely there flesh); nude  (shimmery nude), naked (shimmery champagne) pure (Creamy rose) and natural (creamy rose). The glosses are luxuriously silky. The set is nicely boxed in an ivory cardboard display with peek-a-boo window showing the glosses all lined up, inside.  Who says great things don't come in small packages!

Several years ago, I wandered into the gift shop on a cruise ship, and discovered Bijoux Terner's ten dollar wonders. Bijoux Terner sells trendy accessories: watches, handbags, evening bags, shawls, scarves, belts, sandals, jewelry and more and everything is just $10.00!  Fashionable items that cost less than a sandwich and a soda? It didn't seem possible, but it is. In fact, Bijoux Terner is not just sold on cruise ships and airports, they also have some franchise stores as well. If you haven't seen Bijoux Terner displays in an airport, or perhaps in a shopping mall, you have been missing one of the best bargains in fashion accessories. The company's claim to fame is the one, low price, and while you won't find super-premium quality, for $10.00 you can't go wrong. With wedding season coming up, why spent more than $10.00 for an evening bag you may hardly wear again?  Read more about Bijoux Terner on the Advice Sisters Blog. 

 Caldrea specializes in luxurious, fabulously scented, aromatherapy products, with an extensive line offering everything from candles to household cleaners, to hand lotions, to household gift sets. The earth-friendly products use plant-derived ingredients and natural essential oils. They're also biodegradable and not tested on animals. The company has an upscale collection and just recently introduced a more modestly priced "Essential Collection" available exclusively at Target stores. The dozens products in the initial collection (home ambience, and home keeping) are similar in formula to their pricier line, but with different packaging and scents: Home Ambience: Citron Ginger (grapefruit, ginger, and basil): Water Lily (jasmine and cedar leaf); Pomegranate (cassis, rose and palmarosa); White Birch (sandalwood, lemon, and parsley); and Cypress Leaf (cypress, sage and violet leaf) and home keeping: Olive Oil (coriander and cedar leaf); Herbs de Provence (rosemary, thyme and sage); and Citron Ginger (grapefruit, ginger and basil). The more upscale line has a new scent with real, unisex appeal: "Sandalwood Riceflower." It's a classic chypre, featuring a citrus accord with subtle floral notes and sophisticated woods and white moss. Just like a fine fragrance in a perfume bottle, Caldrea’s Sandalwood Riceflower starts with top notes of bergamot, riceflower and mandarin. The heart is floral: lavender, rosebud, and cedarwood, and the drydown has sandalwood, patchouli and amber. The smell is spicy, with just the merest hint of herbal-lavender and a lot of sexy woods. The best part is that if you love it (and I really do) you can get it in a dizzying variety of products. I’ve noticed that in the past few years, even though guys are still claiming they’re not all that interested in skincare, they seem to get very excited every time I present a new, scented hand or body cream (guy: how is that not skincare?). Check out both collections for great gifts for girls or guys!

Lolita went out on a girl’s night out with some dear friends in 2001 and, as the story goes, she thought the glasses they were drinking their cosmos from, were boring. Boring glasses inspired her to start hand-painting and selling unique glassware out of her basement. The designs commemorate special moments and personalities in life such as this wedding goblet. A cute touch is that each has a drink recipe or little message, on the bottom. The variety of products is dizzying!  The Lolita line also includes a new textile line of PJs, Robes, Aprons, beach towels, bath towels, bathroom accessories, outdoor party ware, soy candles...and more. You've just got to visit the web site (see The Advice Sisters May/June Shopping Guide) and check out all the special things that will make your special mom, smile.  Read more about Lolita Glasses on the Advice Sisters Blog.

Ready for flip flop weather?  Switch Flops $32.00 to $42 (and $10.00 for additional pairs of straps) by Lindsay Phillips  lets you take one pair of flip flops and create a totally different look every time you wear them. The original Switch-Flops has velcro lined straps so you can pull off one design, just stick on another.  There are three different shoe styles, four different colors, and more than 60 different straps to choose from. Choose a wedges, flats, and/or a kitten heel. If you love them, you can even get them in kiddy-sizes for your children. But now there are Switch Flops like the Jordi srp. $24.00 with a decorative snap "button" on the top. It comes with a plastic dome studded with rhinestones, but you can get different ones for as little as $12.00. Simply pull one off, and snap a different one, on- the heavy duty snaps stay snug! How cool is that?! The snap shoe concept also comes in a ballerina flat called "Liz" (srp. approx. $60.00) in gold or silver metallic, black, or leopard. And, of course, in the original SwitchFlop Designs. Read more and see more on the Advice Sisters Blog.

The Motormouse $49.95 is seriously cute. It is available in red, silver and black.  This little car drives me absolutely wild! It makes even a dull day, more fun, and makes a perfect gift for mother's day, father's day, a new grad, or for just about anyone You may be wondering whether it's a real car, well, not really!  It's a cordless, computer mouse that cordless computer mouse, although it is inspired by the Porsche 9-11. The 2.4g wireless mouse with 1200DPI optical sensor glides over a mouse pad, fits in the palm of your hand, and has luxe features like rubber wheels with silver trim, headlights and taillights and a trunk that opens (the "trunk" is where you put the two, AAA batteries that fuel the car). The unit comes with a small receiver you plug into a USB port on your computer. There is no software, no wires, and no start-up at all. Simply plug in the receiver, put the batteries in the Motormouse, and you're ready to "hit the road." You even get an energy saving, specially coated mouse pad and a velvety, drawstring pouch (the "garage" for your car when you're not using it). This is great for moms, dads, grads, anyone!

Yak Pak handbags, totes, messengers, backpacks and accessories, are really affordable, with most under $35.00. But that doesn't mean if you chose a Yak Pak you'll be sacrificing quality. All the bags are very well appointed, rugged, well finished (no frayed edges or cheap hardware) and the styles are trendy. You even get a lifetime guarantee.
We tried two different styles:  The unisex Express Messenger Bag srp. $19.00 is great for people who don't like backpacks, but who need something rugged and roomy to carry a lot of stuff. This one is crafted in a fabric like a laminated canvas, and you can choose from 15 different prints and colors (including basic black).  It is 4.75" x 14.00" x 12.00" and comes with all sorts of high quality details. The Nobu Handbag srp. $25.00 is a classic hobo bag of soft but substantial cotton twill, decorated in a wide variety of colorful prints (see photo on the Advice Sisters Blog). A single, magnetic closure keeps the handbag closed. There's also a shoulder strap in the same fabric (actually, the bag is cut in one piece shaped liked a "U"), wide enough to sling over your shoulder, even if you're wearing a puffy coat. There's a zippered inner pocket for valuables, plus two smaller pouch pockets inside for cell phone and so forth. If you are the type (and I'm in that group) who really likes to keep her purse, secure, you'll find this bag closes well  Read more about Yak Pak on the Advice Sisters Blog.

"Hot" and "fever" seem to be buzz words for designer fragrances these days.  Getting in on the sexy vibe is Avon's  U by Ungaro Fever Eau de Parfum  $34.001.7 oz / 50 ml. a sequel to  U by Ungaro for her and for him by Avon, that the Advice Sisters reviewed in the Fall 2008 What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column, Ungaro Fever for Her, moves the original fragrance to a more sensual level.  The outer packaging is a peachy, graduated, peach metallic, subtly embossed with the Ungaro logo of conjoined “U’s”.   The fragrance, developed by Honorine Blanc, a Master Perfumer at Firmenich, has top notes are raspberry, mandarin, and Chinese osmanthus, with a heart of lychee flower, rose absolute and white honeysuckle, and a drydown of sensual notes including sleek amber, patchouli, sandalwood and sensual musk.  The fruit shines through in the beginning as expected, in U by Ungaro for Her, it was the florals that peek through as a surprise in the drydown. In Ungaro Fever for Her, it's the spices mixed with just a tiny nod of the flowers, in the drydown.  This is a sensual, spicy, very feminine scent, but it's not so heavy you can't wear it in the daytime. Even the clear, glass bottle exudes sex appeal:  a very curvy, draped column of glass shaped like a woman's body, allowing the peach tinted juice shine through, making the bottle almost a mannequin for one of Emanuel Ungaro’s sophisticated, couture dresses. I like the scent...a lot.  Avon has done such a good job of attracting world class perfumers and designers to create sophisticated fragrances for men and women that are actually, affordable. This one smells like it should cost much more. And it's well balanced, neither too heavy, nor too insignificant.  This will be a new favorite for 20 to 40-something woman who wants to show her feminine side, but still be powerful.  It would make a wonderful mother's day gift, or a special fragrance just because.

CK one Summer $44.00 Eau de Toilette spray 3.4 fl oz/100ml is a bright and happy fragrance, a succulent blend of citrus in a  citrus orange and yellow bottle.  It begins fresh and fruity with top notes of pear, mandarin and kaffir lime leaves. The heart is light and watery: violet leaves, crisp verbena and water lily. But the drydown is a surprise: a light touch of vetiver, patchouli and cedarwood that instantly subdues the fruits and flowers, making it more masculine in feeling. This scent makes everyone happy. The CK One Summer bottle reminds me of an old-time elixir bottle, with a spray diffuser presented alongside the bottle and not in it. This bottle has been re-imagined from the original CK One,  for summer, with a coppery top and gradated packaging of orange and yellow, along with a sun glare graphic design on both carton and bottle, reminiscent of the sun's rays.  CK One Summer is a limited edition that is perfect for Mother's Day, Father's Day, a new graduate, or for yourself  as a light, Summer scent. But like Summer, it's only here for a short time!  Stock up now.

Eternity by Calvin Klein has gone through many different versions since the original was introduced in 1998. The original is a blend of spice, flowers and exotic fruits, combined with patchouli and amber, but for Summer 2010, the fragrance lightens up. Calvin Klein ETERNITY Summer Eau de Parfum spray 3.4 fl oz/100ml is $54..00, re-imagines the spicy scent as a light, watery floral that still has that signature hint of spice and "spunk." It opens with tangy notes of grapefruit, ginger and passion flower, but the floral, mid notes are almost immediately apparent: a beautiful bouquet of water florals with pink peony, freesia and muguet. Nicely blended into this mix are a subtle mix of musks, white amber and driftwood. Eventually, the scent becomes more fruity floral again. It has a light touch, but it also has staying power - pleasing, luxurious, and perfect for daytime. For women who like their scent to stick around but want the effect to be subtle, will adore this new, limited edition,  What hasn't changed is the ETERNITY signature flacon with "T" shaped all-in-one top and spray diffuser that feels substantial and nice in your hand. The outer packaging, however, wears it's Summer clothing:  a background featuring a scene of pink and lavender ocean waves, lightly enveloping the sand. The soft pink and lavender color palette is supposed to remind you of the light at sunrise. The same on the bottle, makes for a pretty display on your dressing table.  It makes a lovely Mother's Day gift, or a nice choice for a bridal fragrance.

Original Chloé has always been one of my favorite scents, ever since a former love secreted a bottle into the pocket of my raincoat when I wasn't looking. The gesture, and the scent, has always enchanted me. But Chloé has re-envisioned itself with new product since that time. An exciting, new idea for Chloé is a trio of "splash" fragrance colognes called "Eau de Fleurs" $103.00 US/each. They are perfect for casual and warmer weather wear: Capucine (nasturtium), Lavande (lavender) and Néroli. They're not meant for shy dabbing on pulse points.  Splashes are light, so you can layer them, and splash them with enthusiasm. I love the bottles: large chunks of clear, rectangular glass that let the tints of the "juice" shine through (Neroli/gold, Capucine (green) and Lavande (light lemon). Each bottle has the name "Eau De Fleurs" and the fragrance, in black letters on the front. Each is topped with a shiny cube of silver metal into which the Chloé logo is embossed covering the spray diffuser. Even the outer box is elegant and modern, but minimalistic: a clean, hard-sided, white cardboard cube, marked only by a wash of beige for the embossed, Chloé logo in the front (and even lighter in the back of the carton), and the name of the fragrance in a small, black, letters on the front. Read More about these lovely Chloé splashes on the Advice Sisters Blog

If you want to give someone special a stunning, designer original, you can't do better than Balenciaga Paris Eau de Parfum Eau de Parfum 1.7 oz: SRP $95.00 and a 2.5 oz: Eau de Parfum Spray $130.00. Even the creamy, outer carton is chic. The clear, glass bottle has four facets, and is gently curved --a "bell jar" that is elliptical, not round. It is the perfect place to capture the pale, amber "juice" of the fragrance. on the top is a collar of ivory with the fragrance's name in small, black letters, and atop it, an ivory ball that looks like cracked marble. The flacon is swathed in a black, drawstring bag, making it a precious jewel. Like the packaging, the fragrance, developed by perfumer Olivier Polge is also elegant but modern. This fragrance is classified as a "floral chypre" and features violet leaves, cedar and patchouli. The floral notes of violet and carnation are the standouts, but there is a hint of peppery spice and even, a powdery aspect, in the drydown. I couldn't get a total breakdown of all of the notes, but basically there are: top notes of pepper and green notes, a heart of floral notes (violet, Violet leaves, carnation) and base notes of woods, plus some musks and patchouli. There is a lot that is familiar but with new twists. The vibe is fresh and green, and with the additional of the base notes, mystery and modernity in it, too. This is a lovely scent, and it's worth the investment if you're seeking a new signature!

When I first reviewed Nanette Lepore's hot-off-the-press fragrance: Nanette by Nanette Lepore 1.0oz/30ml Eau de Parfum Spray - $48.002.5oz/75ml Eau de Parfum Spray; $68.00 last Fall, I instantly loved it! The scent is classified as a "floriental," and it's spicy, but not so much you can't wear it in the daytime. Nanette by Nannette Lepore was created by perfumer Anne Flipo of IFF, with the designer, Nanette Lepore. There are top notes of pink pepper, neroli and glazed rose petals. The heart is a mix of rose absolute, violet and muguet, and the drydown is a spicy, sensual amber, incense and cedarwood. The incense note gives the fragrance an edge,  I mostly sense the amber and woody notes: mysterious and smooth, and rich. My senses didn't pick up a lot of florals -- not even the violet note (a nod to Lepore's 11-year-old daughter's name). With love for her own daughter at the heart of the fragrance, how can you not want it for your own Mom this Mother's Day? Budget Beauty Tip:  The Nanette by Nannette Lepore Eau de Parfum Rollerball is a bargain at $18.50 3.4oz/100ml  and there's a great Mother's Day Limited Edition Gift Set. Check out the Advice Sisters Blog for all the details.

NOTE:  new fragrances Nicole Miller by Nicole Miller,  andDare Me by Kimora Lee Simmons, didn't arrive by the Advice Sisters' deadline, but reviews are scheduled on the Advice Sisters blog for early May 2010. Both make fabulous Mother's Day gift suggestions, and great new scents for the season ahead, so Please check out their reviews on the Advice Sisters Blog

Bouncy hair and hair with lots of texture is seen on every runway, and on red carpets. But to get those looks, you need the right products. Redken has a trio of new stylers that help re-texture your hair to make these looks, happen.  My fave is the Wool Shake 08 Gel-Slush Texturizer $17.00 3,4 oz.  It gives you volume at the surface, where you really need it.  The product name got my attention and love, before I ever tried it (I mean, who doesn’t love wooly sheep)? The “slush-like” gel comes in a plastic, pump bottle. It needs to be shaken (not stirred), When it leaves the bottle, it becomes a gel that adds extreme volume and texture, without being sticky or hard. Also inspired by the runway and to compliment professional cuts is Matte Sponge O5 $17.00 1.7 oz. It's a blue tinted “sponge-like” product in a jar that adds separation with a roughed-up finish, to make even “mom hair” look more edgy. All you need is a tiny bit of this product, smoothed throughout dry or damp hair from roots to ends. And for a better blow dry, and bouncy volume, there’s a new Redken product in a flip-top tube: Velvet Gelatine 07 Cushioning Blow-Dry Gel. $17.00 3.4 oz. Smooth it on damp hair and…blow dry for bouncier hair. The light gel will simply melt into your hair, giving you a much better blow dry with bouncy hair you might not believe is really yours! All of these bring out the best in your haircut, and in your look!

Sebastian’s Volupt line volumizes, without making your hair crazy/wild. The collection includes a shampoo, conditioner, and Volumizing Spray featuring  “Cushion Particle Technology.”  Without getting too technical, this is the fusion of two polymers (Sipernate, and Microthene) that work together to create volume that's soft, and not stiff ( no "helmet head," here).  The shampoo and conditioner are both 3.45 fl, oz, and are packaged in unusually shaped columns of plastic, with flip-top caps. The Shampoo is in the black bottle, the Conditioner, in a white one,  That may seem like a little thing, but some people really don't see well in the shower (I have accidentally, and more than once, squeezed conditioner on my hair when I meant to pick up the shampoo).  Color-coding the bottles makes it even easier to know which one you're picking up.  The spray gel (actually, it's a clear liquid gel) is of course, an after-shampoo product that you can use at the roots only as a root boosters (the way I'm using it), or all over.  These products can all be used daily.  I thought they were good, although volumizing isn't something I choose to need every day.  But if you do,  these products will do the job--up to 75% more volume than without the products claims the press literature.  I didn't measure it, but if you're looking for volume and bounce, and softness....you've found your trio of must-have, treats!

Conair Infiniti Instant Heat CS33 Ceramic Hair Straightener srp. $59.99  has everything you'd ever want in a flat iron, and then some. That's a pretty bold statement, but I love this tool! While there is a model with 1" plates (CS31TX- $54.00)  the Model CS33Fx $59.99 with large, 1 1/2" wide plates won me over, since it really works well for long hair, or a lot of hair, or both. The 100% tourmaline coated, ceramic plates glide easily across hair and reduce stress on your hair follicles, while infrared energy protects your hair and adds shine, while reducing frizz. The  flat iron has  a silver, ergonomic grip, and extra long, floating plates that head up fast in four heat settings, all the way up to a very hot, 446 degrees TIP: don't use high heat settings without a protectant spray. This flat iron bulldozed it's way through my thick, frizzy, hair like a steamroller, flattening it in one pass (and thereby avoiding additional heat damage). The lighted power switch and heat control settings are on the side, easy to access and to see. There is also an auto on/off in case you leave the iron on (this is a major plus)!  You get a professional style swivel line cord and a five year limited warranty, plus a soft-sided heat pouch. I am really impressed with this flat iron. Even better, instead of boring old black, mine was in deep, shiny fuchsia. The 1" model is in beautiful teal. What more could you ask for? I'm also crushing on the Infiniti by Conair Professional Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron $24.99 (PHOTO)  in amber, black, amber, purple and teal,  and in four barrel sizes from 3/4" to 1 1/2."  I tried the large, 1 1/2" size, that makes soft, loose waves and curls, and also did an awesome job of turning the ends under on my straight, long layers. The nano tourmaline ceramic technology helps keep hair soft, shiny and frizz-free, and four heat levels from 310 degrees to a high of 395 degrees means there's enough power to work with any type of hair, even wigs. The handle has a nice, silvery grip, and the controls light up, and are on the front, where you can see them easily, The unit comes with a plastic "cone" that is a protective heat shield, so you can safely leave it on the counter or floor after you're done, while it's cooling off. There is a pro-style swivel cord and more importantly, an auto on/off in case you forget and leave it plugged in, and on.  You'll get a limited, five year warranty, too. And if you need a new hair dryer, the Conair Infiniti Cord Keeper Tourmaline Ceramic Ionic Hair Dryer $34.99 comes in beautiful colors:  amber, red, teal and purple. This 1875 watt dryer not only dries hair fast, the tourmaline ceramic technology works on hair molecules from the inside as well as the outside, helping to dry your hair super-fast. Because the drying process is fast, it is also gentle to hair and minimizes heat damage, while keeping hair less frizzy and silkier. Sounds too good to be true?  Well, it isn't!  Other benefits are the cord that retracts into it's handle (who wants to have cords lying all around)?  There is a cool shot button to seal in a style, a remove-able filter for easier cleaning, 3 heat and 2 speed settings, and controls that are easily marked and viewable right on the handle. You'll get a nozzle and a diffuser nozzle, too.  The dryer is a bit weighty, but since it works fast, you won't be lifting it that long. This is definitely a good, pro-style dryer, and the colors make it even better.  All of these hair tools are rugged and well made. They look and perform as if they were much more expensive, but they are all so amazingly affordable.  Treat yourself, and at these prices, you can afford to give mom a gift of one, two or all three, as well.

I didn't know that L'Oreal had a green initiative, but their Serie Nature line of hair care products from L'Oréal Professional are designed to minimize the effect of products on the environment. Who Knew?! And isn't it great?! There are four different collections, consisting simply of a shampoo, and a hair "Masque" (conditioner). All the products in this line are infused with naturally derived ingredients, and targeted to specific hair types. The products don't just protect the environment around us, they protect your hair, too. I like the packaging: recyclable and in some cases, made with recycled materials. If you want to support "green" initiatives, and you want natural products, this is a line you'll want to know more about. I tried almost all of these products, and blogged about them. Read the entire review on the Advice Sisters Blog

The H2Pro Presto Flat Iron $180.00 is seriously impressive! There are plenty of flat irons out there with great, ceramic plates and nano-technology to help smooth, silken and shine hair while reducing frizz. And there are flat irons that reach 450 degrees so you can style hair quickly without causing serious heat damage. But the Presto Turbo Style 1 1/4" Presto Flat Iron from H2Pro has all of that, and more, to really make it a standout. For starters, it is 1 1/4" wide, not the standard, 1". If you have a lot of hair, and long hair, this "little bit extra" make a big difference in the ease and efficiency with which you can style your hair. This H2Pro Flat Iron also has a turbo trigger,--a "power shot" for an extra burst of powder when you need it, for quicker and more precise styling. Every time the Presto 1 ¼" Flat Iron is clamped, this turbo trigger is released. It's pretty amazing!  There is so much to talk about that I suggest you take a moment to read the entire review of this flat iron on the Advice Sisters Blog.

Really coarse and curly hair needs special TLC.  Luckily, Mizani products are targeted to the needs of naturally curly hair.  Their  True Textures addresses the unique characteristics of each curl type, with specific products to meet individual needs, such as moisture, frizz control, and curl definition. Apparently, curly hair grows in spiral, ribbon-like structures that inhibit natural oils from reaching the ends, making the hair dry, fragile, and less shiny than other types of hair. The True Textures line by Mizani has a triple-action, "Curl Care" complex that adds moisture and helps make this type of hair more bouncy, and protected against breakage.  The line has five products. I like the  sulfate free Shampoo $16.00 8.5 fl. oz; that is color safe and keeps hair feeling soft and light, It also detangles, very well.  Ditto the Curl Replenish Intensive Moisturizing Masque $18.00  that makes a great, weekly treat and treatment for very dry hair. If you want a multi-tasker there's the Cleansing Cream Conditioning Curl Wash $14,00 8.5 fl. oz.  It's a mild cleanser with conditioner built right in.  It was gentle, and effective, and good when you don't need as much heavy duty conditioning, but still want some.  There are also two styling products: a Perfect Curl Defining Cream Gel for loose curls and waves, and a Moisture Stretch Curl Extender  for coiled to extremely tight styles  to define highly textured strands so that each spiral looks shiny and touchable. Obviously, this line has a specific audience of people who have naturally curly hair or multi-textured hair. 

Dry hair doesn’t always look healthy, and it can be flyaway and hard to manage. But Nexxus has a few products that can help turn dry hair around. For example, the Nexxus Salon Hair Care Humectress Hydrating Treatment $14.99 5.5 oz.  is a once-a-week treat. Use it instead of your normal conditioner, and help really replenish moisture and help to strengthen dry hair, It has oils and avocado and honey extracts, to deep condition, and help reduce breakage, while fighting frizz. The rich cream feels luxurious, and has a fruity scent, but the real bonus is shinier, silkier hair that looks great and won't feel coated. If you also crave a volumizer, one I like that protects and strengthens with the heat of your hair dryer is Nexxus Thermal Volume Volumizing Heat Protection Mousse $10.55 7 fl. oz. The pump top is curved and spiked like a talon, dispensing a host of great for your hair ingredients including NEXXUSSPHERE technology.  This  provides time-released nutrients, antioxidants and UV protectors, offering up to 80% more volume for up to 24 hours.  Extracts of blueberry seed, grape seed, and lyceum fruit, plus passion flower oil, silicone and conditioning agents and silk amino acids, help make volume, happen.  After about a day, my hair felt a bit heavy, but the volume was still there.  I liked the Sleek Finish Frizz Taming Silkening Lotion $10.55 3.2 fl. oz. bottle in a pump bottle even better. A pea-sized amount on wet hair, worked through and then styled with a brush and blow dryer, makes for smooth and shiny hair/  On dry hair, you can fight frizz by rubbing a pea-sized amount between your palms and then running your hands through the under layer of hair, them smoothing the surface. Use just a little (I used too much and my hair needed a wash sooner than normal) and enjoy the same ingredients as in the Volumizer. As pro-style products go, these are effective, and affordable!

Streekers $10.95 is a  truly temporary hair color that adds pops of color to your hair --but only for the moment. It washes out with your next shampoo, so you can get wild tonight, mild, tomorrow for work. Lipstick-style tubes with sponge-tip applicator tops, dispense yellow, purple, blue, orange, yellow, red, green, ultra violet, and even pink color that you just "paint" on. You can use it over hair styling products like mousse, gel or wax, and even hair spray. Even better, you'll be able to brush your hair after the product dries, and it won't flake off or stain your clothes. But when you want to remove it, simply shampoo...and it's gone! There are so many possibilities for these, from bridal parties painting a "highlight" that goes with the bride's color scheme, to kids wearing school colors to prom.  Add a few strands of color, or more, and make a statement you won't have regrets about, later on.

If you want to make a big impression with something really small, try Bling Strands, tiny shreds of light-reflecting, metallic, polyester fiber not much thicker than a human hair, that bring bling to your hair in a whole, new way. These glittery strands become a part of your hairstyle, and can last for a few hours (until you remove them) or for a few days or weeks, until they finally fall out with the hair strands they're attached to. Once they're attached, you can shower and shampoo with them, even use a blow dryer or flat iron (up to 400 degrees). There are 30 colors in brights and pastels. On the Bling Strands Web Site *see the Advice Sisters Shopping Guide on Page Two of this Column,  you can see all the available colors, watch a video about how to affix bling strands, and there's also a gallery of looks to inspire you. It looks complicated, at first, but all you're really doing is tying in each Bling Strand with knots, to one strand of your own hair. You can do this yourself, although it can get pretty tiring. The best way is to have an extra set of hands, so enlist the help of a friend, or have your stylist put them in, professionally.  Read more about Bling Strands on the Advice Sisters Blog