Summer 2011 Hair, Skin, Brow: Beauty Emergency Best Bets

By April MacIntyre Jul 16, 2011, 23:45 GMT

Once you try this tool, you will chuck every tweezer you have out. The ends are whittled to a sharp angled edge (protective end cover is supplied) so be careful when you first use, this ensures that the tweezers grab every fine hair. Ask any man, the right tool makes the job a snap. Same for beauty, this is a home run must own item for men and women.

The dead of summer is tough on skin, hair and nails. Get your game plan ready for looking good regardless of your daily activities by investing in some tried and true beauty products that really do the job.

This is the time of year to simplify and keep skin and hair moisturized without weighing it down too much.

We did some heavy lifting and tried out some excellent new products and have put together a tight little list of items you need to check out. 

Criteria for our picks in the best of beauty category differ from many mainstream beauty magazines and blogs, in that we look for items that fit the bill for the following checklist: They must really do the job. The grooming products must be paraben-free, cruelty free, preferably American-made and unique in concept and packaging, and they must be reasonably priced.

We also love female entrepreneurs and companies started by moms and women who create items that address smart, useful design and function.

Like regular exercise, keep your beauty habits on a schedule, planning one day a week to pay extra care to feet, hair and nails.

A little elbow grease makes last minute party plans stress free, so your fingers, toes, hair and complexion are camera ready for a last-minute invite out on the town.

Monsters and Critics has put these products to the test, and we have come up with our picks for emergency hair skin and sun items you need to check out.

Tried and true, these clever products deliver what they promise and will not let you down. Take us shopping with you.

Keratin Complex 2 oz Straight Day Spray
Made in USA
www.keratincomplex.com

Clean smelling, this Straight Day Styling Spray is a superior daily treatment that moisturizes and protects all hair types. It is easy to pack too and TSA size friendly.

When used with the Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy treatment, Straight Day keratin makes your hair shine and leaves it soft.  On wet or dry hair, this hydrating spray smoothes, reduces fly-aways and unwanted frizz. UV filters block damaging UV rays and keep hair protected from the drying effects of the sun. I hit my ends every time I style my hair with it. For all hair types.

Healthy Hair Masques from Bosley Professional
Made in USA
www.bosleypro.com

Clarifying minty, clean smell and luxe creamy white richness - the new Bosley Professional Strength's new unisex Healthy Hair Moisture Masque and Healthy Hair Strengthening Masque deliver color-safe deep conditioning specially formulated to work within the Bosley Professional line of haircare (which is excellent).

Dull, brittle hair is reborn with The Healthy Hair Moisture Masque - ideal for thick, coarse or textured hair, who frequently use thermal styling tools or live in drier climates.  Healthy Hair Strengthening Masque is better for limp, damaged or weak hair due to frequent chemical processing, thermal damage, maturing of long hair or thinning.  Fabulous line of American made haircare.

Keratin Complex Infusion Therapy Pump - 1.7 oz.
Made in USA
www.keratincomplex.com

The strawberry-salmon colored miracle worker. Coppola Keratin Complex Infusion Therapy is a keratin replenisher that used sparingly (for me anyway) gives a nourishing glaze of moisture to the hair.  The packaging rocks, a pump deliver (I love pumps for everything). There is a slight coconut scent that dissipates quickly. After shampooing, two pumps is what most people would need, just rub hands together and distribute from the ends up. You will see a marked difference after you use heat appliances for styling.  My ends looked like glass, with no heaviness, residues and tons of healthy shine all over.

Keratin Complex Repair Therapy Pump - 1 oz.
Made in USA
www.keratincomplex.com

Coppola Keratin Intense Rx Ionic Keratin Protein Restructuring Serum uses over 25% of pure Keratin Protein.  This is the hardcore repair serum for chemically compromised hair.  Read: Fried from bleaching, sun or coloring.  Coppola Keratin Intense Rx repairs damaged, over processed, highlighted, permed, straightened or relaxed hair and instantly relieves damage.  

This concentrated serum rebuilds the hair’s tensile strength and return elasticity and can eliminate breakage in just one treatment.  After shampooing - towel dry hair very well. Apply a small size amount of Keratin  Complex intense Rx.  Apply a damp hot towel around the head for 15 minutes.

Keratin Complex Therapy Style Flex Flow - Finishing Hairspray 10.2 oz.
Made in USA
www.keratincomplex.com

Another fabulous product from this company, like Bosley, everything they make delivers. This is a super lightweight styling spray that can handle intricate hairdos and also tame flyaways and strays. UV protection plus the addition of Keratin strengthen and protect the hair from the elements. I love this hairspray because it does the job, testing it in Florida, the most stressful climate for all hair to keep in check.  Now that I am back in California, I love it even more, as it keeps my hair from drying out in our unforgiving desert climate.  Has a barely discernible spa scent. Clean. Love.

Collagen Booster by Reserveage
Made in USA
Oral supplement

Better Nutrition Best of Natural Beauty Award 2010
We already love Reserveage Keratin Booster Review -This is their latest patented complex designed to support and increase the collagen production of your skin. Collagen is the bounce and the "cush" to your skin’s fabric, look and feel.

This supplement helps encourage new cellular growth. As we age our production of collagen declines and the internal supportive mesh weakens, leaving our skin flaccid and lackluster. Collagen Booster is the oral supplement you need to use along with all your serums and creams to keep that facial and neck/decollete skin firm and young looking. 

Excellent line of nutritional supplements and made in the USA.

JASON Moisturizing Aloe Vera Pure Natural Shampoo
JASON Restorative Biotin Pure Natural Conditioner  16 oz.
Made in USA
www.jason-natural.com

This is a great combination of product to heal summer hair, with a deep cleansing but gentle aloe vera based shampoo combined with a deeply restorative conditioner that is weightless, allowing your hair a chance to recover from the beach, pool or any sun drenched activity. 

All Jason products are paraben and phthalates free, and infused with ginseng, biotin, vitamins and spirulina and aloe.  Light scent to each, clean and refreshing and does not linger. For the money, this is an effective hair combo for the whole family to use.

Bonus: By accident we discovered that the Biotin conditioner is a great fast fix for rough calloused flip-flop feet, where your heels crack and look dodgy after a day at the beach. Try it! Slather some of the hair conditioner on your heels and throw on some tennis socklets. You don't have to wait overnight. Amazing results.

Aubrey Organics NuStyle Organic Hair Smoothing Serum 1 oz.
Made in USA
www.aubrey-organics.com

Aubrey Organics has been around since 1967 for good reason: They make affordable awesome skincare and haircare items, and have a solid reputation among those who use natural grooming products. 

NuStyle Newcomer Organic Hair Smoothing Serum is a super concentrated nutrient-rich serum that replenishes moisture and smoothes the hair’s cuticle to reduce frizzing and repair damaged ends.  I have stick-straight hair, so a smidge of this to finish my ends is all I need. My curlier haired friends can lavish more product onto their tresses.  Bonus: Smells like Magno Soap, that black chocolate smelling soap from Spain, delicious.

Use after or in-between shampoos to protect hair from blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons and restore softness, manageability and shine.

Korres Fig Body Butter 7.95 oz.
Made in Greece
www.korres.com

This tube of ultra rich body cream checks off all the things we care about, cruelty free, no parabens of phthalates, no sulfates, and made to the highest natural beauty standards. The base is  a concentration of quality natural botanicals that smells of fresh figs in a smoothing body butter.

Enriched with Shea Butter, Sunflower, Almond and Avocado Oils plus Quince extract acts as a soothing agent to heal and nourish stressed skin.
Thick and rich, this keeps a nice barrier of protection on the skin and is perfect for the worst areas that dry out. Shins, feet, arms, hands, - the natural fig scent makes it unisex too.

EOS Nourish Everyday Hand Lotion
Made in USA
www.evolutionofsmooth.com

Smart design rules for this exquisite unisex hand lotion that is super portable and easy to tote in any size handbag. Natural ingredients in a botanical base of natural shea butter, oat extract, and a generous helping of antioxidants and vitamin C and E. And ultra affordable at under $4. Fantastic little gift too. lightweight, not greasy and Dermatologist tested. Paraben free; lanolin free, phthalate free; dye free and like all our beauty finds, cruelty free.

Korres - Pump Dispenser - Yogurt cooling after sun face and body gel
Made in Greece
www.korres.com

This is a miracle worker gel pump that is made with real yogurt, designed to soothe summer sunburned skin. Chapped skin and any irritation issues from exposure will be fixed right up, as this is an immediate relief type product.

I love the Korres pumps, in fact, I love all pumps. They adminsiter a hygienic dose of the right amount of product. Sealed until you want to extract the measured dosage. No waste, no leaks, just a perfect pump of creamy white gel cream.  Korres has a spa-clean scent that dissipates quickly. Absorbs immediately and leaves no residue to stain or ball up on the skin.  Perfect summer skin antidote for the entire family, plus we keep ours in the fridge too.  Highly recommended.

SKINN Pure Energy Mineral Facial Bath Toner
Made in USA 
www.skinn.com

A refrigerator staple in my house, this unisex spray toner/tonic is a clean smelling, hydrating finisher made for sun-stressed skin.  The pale pink tonic is loaded with sea-minerals and botanicals to calm burned or chapped skin, and rehydrates skin quickly.

This spray contains Magnesium, Malachite, and Hematite extracts which SKINN claims activates collagen, energizes tired skin, and neutralize free radicals. Bamboo extract acts as a refining active to smooth and resurface the skin accelerating cell turn over for a more radiant complexion.

Everyone in our house uses it and loves the feel of it. I prefer it to be used on clean skin. 

Anastasia of Beverly Hills Pro Wax Kit
Made in China
www.anastasia.net

Beverly Hills salon luxury at $12? Smack me! I love this emergency waxing kit that makes de-hairing a lip or brow super fast, easy and SAFE.

Funny story, indulge me. Back in the 1980s, I worked in a large department store cosmetics section, and sold my friend a home wax kit. She wound up being encased in melted wax and was stuck to the bottom of her tub.  Her mom had to use a kitchen flipper to loosen her thighs, butt and calves from the porcelain so she could get up. She called me up and cursed me in Spanish. True story. We're still friends, by the way.

Now you can actually remove that moustache or errant brow with ease and precision. Anastasia is a newcomer to the retail beauty market, having established her high end salon for brows in Beverly Hills and amassing an A-list client base. Her whole line is exquisite and we will share more about her gorgeous lip, eye and cheek products in other posts.

This kit contains professional-grade wax, the very wax used by Anastasia Soare and her team. The formula is slightly creamy so you can clearly see where you’re applying the wax. This is the perfect kit to have at home or for when you travel.  You’ll have it for several months if you use it for touch-ups in between salon visits.

Avoid direct contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water. Discontinue use if signs and irritation or rash appear. Waxing is not recommended for individuals who are using (or have used) Retin-A, Accutane, taking antibiotics, or who have undergone laser surgery for the skin.

Anastasia of Beverly Hills Precision Tweezers
Made in Italy
www.anastasia.net

So we've discussed how fabulous Anastasia Soare's new line is, but her star tool and stand-out player, what "Birkin" is to "Bag," what Louboutins are to shoes, what Valrhona is to chocolate, is her perfectly designed brow tweezer, that is the best I have used.  Once you try this tool, you will chuck every tweezer you have out.
The ends are whittled to a sharp angled edge (protective end cover is supplied) so be careful when you first use, this ensures that the tweezers grab every fine hair.  Ask any man, the right tool makes the job a snap. Same for beauty, this is a home run must own item for men and women. 

SKINN Dimitri James Skinnsurance Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 1.3 oz
Made in USA
www.skinn.com

I love all SKINN products, having reviewed many of their specialty skincare items over the last two years. This newcomer is a workhorse for the whole family, TSA-size friendly and is a chemical AND fragrance-free sun protection for this critical time of year. It is fast absorbing, can be used on any part of the body and is titanium and zinc oxide based protection in a botanical natural base. Paraben free, and perfect to throw into a purse or workout bag. Doesn't feel heavy on the skin.

AHA Brazilian Peel Acne Kit
Made in USA
http://advancedhomeactives.com

The Brazilian Peel, from Advanced Home Actives, is the first medical-strength glycolic peel for at-home use. This home emergency kit delivers professional results without for hundreds of dollars less. A bestseller at Sephora, Brazilian Peel was awarded the Breakthrough Beauty Expert award by Allure in 2010.

Used by my teenage son, this kit markedly improved his skin coloring, texture and acne. After once use it was evident that the glycolic was strong enough to make a change in the skin, and it is fantastic for anyone whose acne is worse in the summertime too. Unisex.  Easy to follow instructions. Cruelty free.

SKINN SOS Acne Wipes
Made in USA 
www.skinn.com

Travel, over-nighters, camping and sports' camp packing is a snap for kids with tough acne issues, or for workout bags and purses to tackle adult acne problems. Skinn’s SOS Acne Wipes are super powerful clarifying wipes individually packaged to ensure absolute freshness.

Their compact size won’t clutter carry-ons or handbags. Unisex. Salicylic acid keeps breakouts at bay - melts blackheads, while aloe vera extract soothes and moisturizes skin to keep new acne from forming. Botanicals base. Fresh antiseptic smell that dissapates. Active ingredients are Salicylic acid, Aloe Vera. 30 individually packaged wipes.  Totally works! Love.

Vitabath Lime Citron Basil gelée
Made in USA
www.myvitabath.com

Vitabath has been with us for nearly 50 years. My mom always had the giant gallon original green Spring Vitabath white bottle as a permanent fixture in our bathroom when I was growing up, and I adored that scent.

Now they have a fabulous new and improved botanical base, Vitabath Lime Citron Basil gelée.

This nourishing sulfate and paraben free body wash has all the skin smoothing benefits of the traditional Vitabath line, with added aromatherapy from Lime Extract, plus Aloe Vera to moisturize the skin and help promote healing.

The scent is addictive, and formulated with a blend of lime, sparkling citron, sweet basil and patchouli.  I absolutely love this bodywash, and the ease of the pump dispenser. Ultra reasonable price point too. Lime Citron Basil gelée is available exclusively at Costco.