Unsung Heroes: Suave Professionals Color Care

Unsung Heroes is a place to discuss products that may miss out on glamorous promotions, but deliver on their promises.

Emmy nominated celebrity hair stylist Luke O'Connor, owner of LuKaRo Salon in Beverly Hills has gained a gathering for creating Debra Messing's look on "Will & Grace," and has styled Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Blake Lively, Becky Newton, Diane Keaton, Ashlee Simpson, Brooke Shields and Lucy Liu, among others. As spokesperson and consultant for Suave, he was live at BlogHer, doing what he does best. For the masses. I failed to get my hair done (yes, I was insane to miss the opportunity, and no, I don't recall them ever taking a break), but I spent a good amount of time talking with other Suave reps about the new Professional line.

The Suave Professionals line is slated to work as well as a competing salon line with less cost. I left with a generous full size bottle of shampoo and conditioner, and Sleek Cream (to help with frizz - there! I said it!). The comparative salon brand for Color Care is Biolage.

I tried the Sleek Cream the next day and loved the texture and ease of use.

However, it is the shampoo and conditioner that blew me away.


I really liked how the shampoo felt going on, and it definitely cleansed without stripping. As I applied the conditioner, it seemed not to work in as easily as Biolage would (I actually had some in the shower, and felt a little pang of regret not using 'the expensive stuff'). So what was the end result? I has some serious shine going on. As if I had just colored my hair. You know, that bright, healthy, vibrant glow? My locks also felt incredibly soft. Fortunately, it wasn't flat soft (I hate that) but I really could not stop touching my hair.

I don't hear a lot about this Professional Series, which looks like a revision of a line put out around 2007.

Two thumbs way up for the 2009 version. I don't know what performance and true color-treatment protection is like yet if used exclusively over a 30 day period, but it is well worth at least intermixing, if not going exclusive. At $3 a bottle, Suave has done a great job. www.suave.com





















The line carries a number of products with corresponding salon matches for different hair types:

Humectant = NEXXUS Therappe
Color Care = Biolage
Damage Care = Redken Extreme
Vibrant Shine = Sebastian Laminates
Sleek = Matrix SleekLook
Volumizing =Matrix Amplify

Girls with Curls - Redken Forceful 23 Hairspray

"Lovin' me is just like straightening curls." ~ Lady Gaga

I recently got a somewhat extreme haircut. I had been growing my hair out, well below shoulder length, to try and recapture the curls I had after my son. I noticed one day it was long, but it just looked stick straight scraggly. I hoped it would have more bounce, or I could do something a little sassy like in the photos. It wasn't worth keeping.

So I have a modified T-Boz, or Posh, whatever you prefer. And it is really important that it doesn't curl up. Humidity is always a style killer, so when I heard the stylist say "And I'll just use some of this anti-humidity hairspray on you" my heart nearly leaped out of my chest.

The Redken Forceful 23 was used all over Fashion Week, and performs beautifully. The nozzle is the flattop, which locks and distributes spray evenly. The formula is completely brush able, but it is still listed at maximum hold. This is a plus and a minus. For those needing Aqua-Net hold, you'll have to look elsewhere. If you just want a little hold, this will do. It does, however, do what it claims to protect hair from humidity and curling up after a flatiron/blowout. That is pretty amazing.

I was also complimented several times on the smell. It was very faint to me, but apparently just enough for others to enjoy.

This formula is also perfect for girls wanting to keep their curls from going haywire. Great stuff, Redken.

Unsung Heroes Needs Your Help

Have you ever found a beauty product that delivered everything it promised, perhaps even went beyond, yet had a marketing plan that was sorely lacking?

The Unsung Heroes section on the Solessence blog is here to share these fabulous hidden gems! Comment here and tell me about your favorite products that get little fanfare. I'll test them out and, if worthy, we'll give them some grass roots exposure to share these beauty "secrets".

Update: It was suggested some may be hesitant to post, so feel free to email suggestions to solessencenews AT gmail DOT com instead.

One of my favorite finds has been this product. What is yours?

Unsung Heroes: OPI Designer Series Nail Lacquer

Unsung Heroes is a place to discuss products that may miss out on glamorous promotions, but deliver on their promises.

OPI's Designer Series is a tough one to photograph, and describe. So let's just cut to the chase:
If you desire a little oomph on your nails, you must experience this polish.

I know what you're thinking. This is some Gwen Stefani Ghetto Fabulous Flash that is never going to make it in the office. Depending on the color you select, this diamond dust formulation packs a sparkle that is subtle yet obvious.

Top points:
-Free of DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde
-Absolutely smooth surface application (glitter often feels rough in cosmetics)
-Super chip resistant, wears beautifully

I honestly can't find the latest launch ('08) colors in real life, but the previous season had an incredible lineup of colors and you can find them, unfortunately, on the discontinued list. Top Secret has them at 30% off, with slightly less discounts floating around on the internet. At $12.50 for each bottle in the designer series, you'll want to find the discounts.

One of my absolute favorites is 'Design', which I would have named 'Taupalessence'. (i'm sure I've got Suzi shaking in her shoes). Seriously though, you can alter the intensity with number of layers, moving from a beautiful light beige to a deep taupe with a fantastic hologram of color (above photo looks like nails are NSFW, but I assure you they are).

This series easily lives up to the claims of "Flawless Beauty" and "unmatched glamour for nails". It is a line worthy of your time. OPI would be wise to promote this line to make it easier to find.

Unsung Heroes: Sally Hansen Natural Shine

Unsung Heroes is a place to discuss products that may miss out on glamorous promotions, but deliver on their promises.





We've all been there: No chance to get to the manicurist, yet a swipe of remover is leaving the nails dull and drab. You've got minutes to get to your appointment/interview/wedding and the last thing you need is ragged hands. What miracle, save a 10 minute buffing and oil, will do the trick?

Sally Hansen Natural Shine Instant Nail Finish

This product brushes on like any polish, but lacks the heavy and super shiny finish of a top coat. It is available in clear and light tint. It dries almost instantly to a smooth, soft shine, so even if neglect is not your excuse, you can wear a very natural look with little effort. It may even work for the metrosexual who likes to keep his digits well groomed.

Sally Hansen Natural Shine Instant Nail Finish claims to be free of "toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and formaldehyde" (if you read the print it is actually "added" formaldehyde), and shows the company is keeping up with the times and avoiding known toxins. It wears off evenly, avoiding the chipped look even clear topcoat can cause. It does require nail polish remover for complete removal.

I discovered this gem at Walgreens, and the convenience and ease of use is a bargain under $5. You'll never worry about your nails again. Go forth and go natural!

Have you tried this product? Let me know your experience in the comments. Photos welcome.