Hard Shampoo for Soft Hair

So, I've seen solid shampoo at Lush and other natural markets, but I really thought to myself "that's a bar of soap for your hair...". YES. It is. And it lasts 3 times as long as an 8 oz bottle of shampoo. And it's eco-friendly. These are things that I love. So I found a $7 solid shampoo yesterday while I was out to try it and see what the buzz was all about. After hennaing a chunk of my hair (2nd round) and leaving it in all night (last time 4 hours was not enough) I used the solid shampoo this morning to wash it out. I was quite shocked. It was pretty great. This is what I bought:

Yep, it's a hair biscuit. And it comes with a little tin that I hope is big enough for Lush's, because that's what I'm getting next. This one has sodium laurel sulfate, boo. But I liked it so much that I went back out later today and got the conditioner. The shampoo smells amazing. It has oatmeal, shea butter, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, and clove leaf oil. The conditioner is also made with oatmeal and shea, but smells fruiter and sweeter than the shampoo. I can't wait to try it. The shampoo lathered pretty well, probably due to the sulfate. I would definitely still use it if it didn't, since we need to free ourselves from the idea that suds = clean. I know it's hard.

All in all I'm 90% sure I'm switching to solid haircare. Even if I recycle the bottles, I feel guilty about all the waste and oil by-products that go into making shampoos and conditioners. And since the solids will end up cheaper overall, work great, and smell delicious- I don't see how I could go wrong.

I tried to take pictures of my henna'd chunk of hair, but on camera the change is so subtle that it's hardly worthwhile. Maybe someone will get a new camera for...Halloween? Hey, it's an important holiday too.

Have you ever tried solid shampoo?

NUANCE New Line by Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek's new line, Nuance, was just released to my store with samples. First off I must say that I LOVE the Dark Cacao and Coffee Firming Body Cream. Being a fan of both smells, I was in heaven wearing the sample all day. However, and this for me is a big however, I wouldn't pay the $15 for it. Even with an employee discount I'm not the type to spend so much on a body lotion.

There is also a tinted moisturizer, shampoos, conditioners, a body wash and body scrub, and a small selection of make-up. Although some of the shampoos look intriguing (one is honey, another quinoa *protein*, and mamey fruit), by looks I am unimpressed by the make-up. The point to the line is subtlety, and was developed with Salma's grandmother, a cosmetologist who used natural- and tribal-inspired cosmetics and remedies, in mind. The colors in the make-up are simple and unobtrusive, but I could easily find duplicates among the colors of L'oreal, Revlon, and Covergirl. This may just be a personal thing, but I also don't really like the advertising photo:

To me, for a woman of her undeniable beauty, this photo doesn't do her justice.

Now, for something I've been using for a few weeks and really love, Burt's Bees Naturally Ageless day lotion. It's full of antioxidants from pomegranate. It's completely natural and feels so soothing after my toner in the morning. It (obviously) smells amazing and works really well when I mix it with my foundation to create my own tinted moisturizer. Definitely worth the $23 I paid for it. Especially considering you get 2 oz, which is more than you usually get for the same price. Also a plus- it has a pump. No squeezing a tube to get the last bit out.

I know I'm 22, but I don't think it's ever too early to start using creams marketed for older skin. Prevention is better than Botox. I would probably not use something with Retinol, but anything that preserves the youthful glow of your skin can't be bad. The more antioxidants, the better! No more reliable way to combat free radicals that age your skin (except maybe drinking water, which matches antioxidants in potency).

Now, about my thrift finds- I can't decide how best to photograph them. I have no photographer, so modeling them would pose a challenge (haha pun NOT intended). But it's hard to get the effect of a nice jacket or a skirt without seeing them on a body. Maybe I'll find someone to model them for me...I promise to figure it out within the week. Have a loooovely day! (think Home Alone 2)

First Post in My Blog of All Things Beauty!

So, I'm really excited to share my experiences with you and for you to share with me in return. Mostly I am interested in skincare, make-up, hair, and fashion and I have been reading and writing about them for as long as I can remember. I'm a 22-year-old thrift store ADDICT and employee of a drug store, which gives me unadulterated (& discounted) access to the newest beauty products. Sometimes, when my meager income allows, I am able to purchase select products from Sephora and the like. I'm also a fan of Ulta.com and Lush.

My name is Sophie, but my nickname given by my friend's boyfriend is Little Red Thing- thus the unconventional name. I assume this is due to my reddish hair. Otherwise I'm offended.

Occasionally, I'll share other things about my life (unless you object). But only if something interesting happens. Promise that I won't bore you with stories about my Aunt Sue (purely fictional) or my carpal tunnel (mostly fictional). I'll try to include lots of pictures, because that's what makes cyber life more interesting and relatable I think. Maybe even some videos/tutorials? I'm not that high tech, but we'll see. My iPhone practically sets my life up for me...

What kinds of things do you like to read in beauty blogs? I'll read and try to apply all comments and suggestions.