Breaking News: Sunsilk to be discontinued in US

A very sad day for Sunsilk fans! I've just received word from Sunsilk's PR that Sunsilk will be discontinued in the US by the end of this year. The brand will still remain in the Unilever global portfolio (including Latin America, the Middle East and Asia). Until the end of the year, we will still be able to find Sunsilk at drugstore.com and at select Walmart stores.

I know that some of you have expressed your frustration to me recently because you haven't been able to locate your favorite Sunsilk products in stores. So I guess this explains why Sunsilk has become more difficult to find lately. I'm very sad to hear this news since I really enjoyed some of the products from the reformulated line that I reviewed here.

Are you sad about this news as well? Is there anything you're planning to stock up on before this brand disappears from US store shelves at the end of the year? I guess the only silver lining to all of this is that we'll probably see these products show up at Big Lots soon, for a very good price. So stock up while you can.

PS: Another good thing to come out of this: I hear that Unilever has some very exciting new things coming down the pipeline. Of course the minute I get more information, you know I'll share it with you!

Review: newly reformulated Sunsilk Hydra TLC and Captivating Curls products

(I got this image from the Sunsilk website, which is currently being updated)

Back in February I gave you a sneak-peek at the newly repackaged and reformulated Sunsilk line (in case you missed it, click here for all the details) and today I'd like to give you my thoughts on the actual products that I received for review.

Let's start with new Hydra TLC collection:

From left to right: Sunsilk Hydra TLC Shampoo, Hydra TLC Conditioner and Hydra TLC Styling Creme

As you can see, the bottles are a real departure from the old look, and I really like them not only in terms of aesthetics, but also in terms of functionality (I especially like the nice, big flip-top lid on the shampoo). Also, Sunsilk has enlisted celebrity stylist Teddy Charles to co-create the newly reformulated products:

I have to admit, Mr. Charles is pretty easy on the eyes!

So along with the help of Teddy Charles, Sunsilk has added ingredients such as milk protein into their new Hydra TLC line. How does it compare to the old Hydra TLC line? Unfortunately I can't answer that, since I have always used Captivating Curls due to the texture of my hair.

But what I can tell you is that the fragrance of the shampoo, conditioner and styling creme reminds me of coconut candy! It's a sweet, yummy coconut fragrance, and I actually sniffed a bottle of the old formula that I found at Rite Aid a while back and it smelled nothing like coconuts, so I'm fairly certain this is a change for the line.

Also, I can tell you that, for my hair, Hydra TLC made it a lot softer than usual, and I found that it didn't weight my hair down at all. I am really liking the Styling Creme because it acts very much like a leave-in conditioner on my hair. It helps with detangling and just generally makes my hair feel a lot softer and more sleek on the days when I choose to straighten it. (In case you're not a longtime reader of my blog, my hair is long and thin in texture, but I've got lots of it. It's naturally wavy and also color-treated. I have oily roots and dry ends.)

Next up, the new Sunsilk Captivating Curls Collection:

From left to right: Sunsilk Captivating Curls Shampoo, Captivating Curls Conditioner and Captivating Curls Styling Creme

(sorry this one's so blurry but my camera's acting up)

Now as you can see, Sunsilk has added chamomile to this formula, which apparently helps with curl and wave definition. I had never heard that before, so I was very anxious to see how this formula compared with my old, beloved Captivating Curls formula.

Right off the bat I noticed that the shampoo and conditioner themselves are no longer that lovely shade of pastel lime green. Of course the green-colored formula would no longer work with the look of the new bottles, so I understand the change (btw, all of the formulas I'm reviewing are white in color now). But the fragrance of the new Captivating Curls is still quite similar to the old formula (at least to my nose). I'm glad they didn't change it because it's a very clean, fresh, and slightly sweet fragrance, which I love. If anything, I might even say that this fragrance is more intense, which is fine by me!

So how did the shampoo, conditioner and styling creme stack up to the old formulas for me? Quite well! In fact, in all honesty, I don't detect much difference at all. And this is not a bad thing, because I love how the old formulas performed for my particular hair type. The new formulas are nearly identical in terms of the way they make my hair behave. My curls are more defined, my hair is softer and more springy, and everything just feels nice and soft and under control. Yay! Crisis averted!

So there you have it. My take on some of the newly-reformulated Sunsilk products. Do you have any favorites from Sunsilk? Are you excited to try the new formulations?

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.

Attention Sunsilk fans: I've got HUGE news for you!

I've mentioned my love of Sunsilk products on Nouveau Cheap many times, and today I've got some BIG news for you about new products, as well as discontinued products, so definitely keep reading if you'd like the scoop.

First let's start with the sad news. One of my favorite lines from Sunsilk, the Waves of Envy collection, is being discontinued. The good news is that we'll probably see these products start to pop up at places like Big Lots, so definitely pick up some bottles if you spot them and you'd like to stock up.

While this news does sadden me, I don't think I'll be feeling blue for long because check this out:

Sunsilk® is re-launching with new formulas and packaging co-created by Paris-born Teddy Charles, one of the fashion industry’s most notable and cutting edge hairstylists [his clients include celebrities such as Nicole Richie and Elisha Cuthbert--R.]. Sunsilk partnered with Teddy to capture his expertise in a bottle and infuse his vision and creativity in the fashion-forward brand’s new line-up. The hair expert co-created four new advanced Sunsilk formulas, including shampoos, conditioners and cremes to help women achieve his must-have runway looks at home.

In addition to Teddy Charles breathing new life into Sunsilk products, all Sunsilk products are receiving a fabulous new makeover, inside AND out. Not only has the packaging changed, but the products themselves have been reformulated and improved as well. Here are the deets:

The Hydra TLC collection (pictured above) brings relief to thirsty hair, providing moisture to combat roughness, split ends and flyaways for a picture-perfect base.

· Formula with Milk Protein and Honey helps hydrate hair, prevent split ends and chronic flyaways and strengthens hair without causing product build-up.

· Sunsilk Hydra TLC Styling Creme works with Sunsilk Hydra TLC Shampoo and Conditioner to provide extra moisture to help tame and smooth rough ends.

The Daring Volume products (pictured above) transform hair from blah to body, providing fine hair bounce and oomph that’s fit for the runway.

· Formula with Collagen Blend with amino acids strengthens and moisturizes hair, and fortifies without weighing hair down. Ideal for color-treated hair.

The Captivating Curls collection (pictured above) adds definition to curls and tames unruly frizz, giving curly-haired women the chance to steal the spotlight.

· Formula with Rosemary and Chamomile smoothes and calms hair to fight frizz.
· Captivating Curls Styling Creme keeps frizz at bay with the right amount of conditioning that won’t weigh curls down.

The ThermaShine collection brings sleekness to runway-worthy looks and provides shine to heat damaged hair, leaving it soft and healthy looking.

· Formula with Elastyn-E boosts shine and protects hair.

Average price per unit for shampoo, conditioner and cremes is $5.00. All products are available at Walmart and Drugstore.com. For more information about Sunsilk, please visit www.sunsilk.us.

I don't know about you, but I am pretty darn excited to try these new and improved products from Sunsilk! Please check back soon because I'll be reviewing both the Captivating Curls collection and the Hydra TLC collection in the very near future.

In the meantime, how do you feel about this new makeover?

Review: Sunsilk Waves of Envy Sea Mist

After reviewing the Sunsilk Captivating Curls line a while back, Anthony over at TheArt&ScienceofBeauty asked if I could review Sunsilk's Waves of Envy Sea Mist. Your wish is my command, Anthony, since I was lucky enough to have this product sent to me recently for review!

According to their website, Sunsilk Waves of Envy Sea Mist is a two-part styling system in one bottle. It contains "sea salt which attracts moisture from the air to help create the perfect conditions for a tousled beachy look while special polymers help hold your waves." So, in the bottle, you actually see two layers: There is blue liquid on the bottom half of the bottle and clear liquid on the top half. Before you apply this product to your hair, you need to give it a good shake to mix the two layers, which also turns the product light blue (cool!).

I must confess that the two layers of liquid are what have kept me away from using this product in the past. It just seemed too reminiscent of oil and vinegar. Not in smell or anything, but just in concept. I was always scared that this would translate into adding oil to my hair and would result in greasy, flat hair void of any curl whatsoever.

Man, was I wrong. First of all, this stuff smells amazing. Think of standing on the beach holding a big juicy slice of grapefruit. Next, it's not greasy in the slightest. In fact, I can hardly feel it at all when I mist it onto my hair. Also, the spray nozzle itself is perfection. You know how some spray nozzles give much too wide of a mist, while others are too narrow and directed? This one is right in the middle. The mist goes exactly where you want it to go without product spraying behind you and onto your bathroom wall. But it's not so precise that you end up saturating two strands of hair while the rest of your hair remains untouched. You've just got to try it to experience what I'm talking about. I honestly wish all spray products had this nozzle.

Let's get to how it performs. I used this product in a variety of ways and I've got to say that I prefer to use it on wet hair and, after applying it generously all over my hair, to let it air-dry. For me and my long, fine, wavy hair, this provides the very best results. I applied this to my wet hair and scrunched it when I was through. When my hair dried, I was left with literal ringlets. And I didn't even follow the instructions on the bottle, which say to take portions of your hair and twist the strands before your hair dries. I did NOT do this (sorry, I just don't have the patience for that business!) but magically my hair sort of twisted itself and dried in the prettiest beachy-type ringlets. I have never had a product enable my hair to do this on its own before.

I did use it a few times on dry hair, and I've got to say that it works great if you don't already have existing product in your hair. Let's say you wash your hair the night before and don't put any product it in. The next day when you comb it out, you might be left with frizzy or flyaway hair due to the fact that you didn't put anything in it the night before. Waves of Envy would be great for a situation like this because it will add texture to your hair without really having to style it. You can spray it on and go, and you'll be left with beachy, free-flowing hair for the rest of the day. But don't expect to see tons of curls when you use this on dry hair. This is a not a curl-enhancing spray. It's a curl-texturizing spray and it merely works with the curls you already have.

I want to reiterate that you can put your fears aside that this product makes your hair greasy. Totally not happening. In fact, it doesn't really add any other feeling to your hair either. I don't know how they do it, but you get added texture and definition to your curls with no grease, no crunch, no flakes and no stiffness. For those of us who need some help in making our curls look fabulous, Waves of Envy Sea Mist is $3.99 well spent.

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and gratis samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.

Review: Sunsilk Captivating Curls products (Spoiler: I love 'em!)

Seriously, what took me so long to try Sunsilk? I am the queen of drugstore hair care products but for some reason or another, I just never got around to trying the Sunsilk Captivating Curls line until recently, despite the fact that the products seem to be made for my type of hair.

Let me begin by saying that I've been testing these products for 7 days without interruption or use of any other products on my hair. My hair is fine in texture but I've got lots of it. I have oily hair at the roots, dry at the ends and it's color-treated. Also, it's naturally wavy, but it's an inconsistent wave that needs the help of a product to make it look good. My hair is med-long and it falls just above my bra strap.

Let's begin with Captivating Curls De-Frizz Shampoo.

Right off the bat, I loved the smell. It's clean, fresh, soft yet invigorating and it reminds me of a green shampoo (Agree, maybe?) that I used to use when I was a kid. I absolutely love this scent! Also, I love the actual color of both the shampoo and conditioner (very light green). I don't know why, but I guess I have a preference for hair products that are light, seafoam green in color. Weird. ANYway, I love using this shampoo because you don't have to use a lot to get reeeeeally great lather (rich and thick), yet it rinses out easily. My hair does not feel dry in the slightest after I rinse out this shampoo, but it does feel like it's very lightly coated. For me, this is a good thing because my hair is pretty damaged on the ends from years of coloring. But even though you can feel a slight coating on your hair after you rinse, it does NOT feel like your hair isn't clean. Perhaps this is due to the Aloe-E in this product (a combination of aloe vera, algae extract and Vitamin E) which helps to hydrate your hair and keep the frizzies at bay. Whatever it is, it works and I likey!

Next up: Captivating Curls De-frizz Conditioner.

My favorite thing about this conditioner (aside from the color and fragrance) is the fact that, unlike a lot of drugstore conditioners, I do not need to use a palm full of product to actually feel like my hair is conditioned. I use about a heaping teaspoon of product and apply everywhere but my roots (my hair's very oily so I never condition at the roots or I'm in big trouble) and I leave it in while I shave my legs (don't we all do that?). By the time it's ready to rinse, my hair is so soft and hydrated but--here's the most important part--it's not heavy or weighed down or too conditioned. If you're a fine-haired girl, you know exactly what I mean. Sometimes you can immediately tell when a conditioner is too heavy, just by the way your hair feels after you rinse it. And if your hair feels too soft, then you know that it's going to look flat and lifeless when it dries. You don't get any of that with this product--when your hair dries it's just soft, frizz-free, bouncy and shiny! Perhaps this soft yet light feeling is also due to the Aloe-E in this product. Whatever it is, it feels awesome.

Next up: De-Frizz Leave-in Creme

As you all probably know, I don't go a day without using my Giovanni Direct Leave-in conditioner. Normally, something would have to contain shooting stars that burst out of the bottle for me to even look at another leave-in conditioner. But, because I love the De-frizz Shampoo and Conditioner so much, I decided to give this "other" leave-in a shot. Just to see.

To be perfectly honest, the first time I used it, it did nothing for me. I regretted not using my Giovanni because my hair just didn't feel "special". But then I remembered my own golden rule: "Find your sweet spot!" If a hair product doesn't work the first time you use it, it could just mean that you didn't use enough, or you used too little. I'm telling you, it's all about finding that sweet spot; the exact amount that will work in your hair. So the next day I tried again and, this time, I used three pea-sized amounts instead of two, and viola! Success. My hair felt soft, hydrated and manageable yet it wasn't heavy or overly conditioned. And absolutely no frizzies. Wavy and curly-haired girls, you MUST try this product. You will be amazed at what it can do. Oh, and the best part: It doesn't dull your hair! In fact, I think it amps up the shine a bit. For me, I would say it's neck-and-neck with my Giovanni, which is pretty much the highest compliment I can give a leave-in conditioner. BUT, I will say that the fragrance is better than Giovanni. It's fresh and clean but just a tiny bit sweet and tart. I can't really explain it but it's invigorating and it instantly puts me in a good mood. Also, since Giovanni Direct Leave-in seems to be getting harder and harder to find in stores, I might just make a permanent switch over to Sunsilk De-Frizz Leave-in Creme sooner rather than later.

Lastly, the Captivating Curls Gel & Cream Twist.

Let's not mince words here: I am a low-maintenance kind of gal and my hair care regimen usually ends with leave-in conditioner. But I guess the cool spiral twist of cream and gel called to me (who isn't a sucker for cool packaging? Come on!) and I also wanted to know why some love and some don't love this one.

Let me say that when I used it alone (without using the leave-in first) and I blow-dried my hair using a diffuser, I was not pleased with the results. My hair didn't feel crunchy, yet it wasn't as curly as it should have been and it seemed kind of dulling. BUT, when I used this product WITH the leave-in (I applied the leave-in first, then the gel-cream) and I let my hair air-dry? Oh my GOODNESS! I had curls for DAYS, and not just regular curls, but long, flowing ringlets and not one bit of crunch. My hair was soft but with zero fly-aways or crunchies. This is one of the few instances where if you follow the directions on the bottle to a "T", it totally works! Just like the bottle says, I used two pumps of product (for long hair) and I applied it onto damp hair (the wetter the better, I've come to find out) and I twisted my stands after I applied it. Then I let it air-dry (just as the instructions tell you to do) and WOW, WOW, WOW. If you want those long, beachy, free-flowing ringlets, you must try this product.

Final Analysis: If you have fine-to-medium textured curly or wavy hair, you MUST try these products. But even if you don't have curly hair, I think these products would be outstanding on any hair that is fine-to-medium in texture. They make your hair soft and manageable without feeling weighed down in the slightest. Using Sunsilk Captivating Curls products is like regaining control of your hair. But I'm not certain how these products would work on extremely coarse, curly hair because I'm not sure they will provide enough control (but I could be wrong, of course). The Leave-in Creme is unbelievably fantastic if you hair is anything like mine (if you don't believe me about this product, check out the reviews on Drugstore.com here). And if you have the time to let your hair air-dry, definitely give the Gel & Cream Twist a try for that carefree, beachy ringlet look.

All Sunsilk products are about $5 or less (YES!) at your local drugstore, grocery store and big box store. Also, Drugstore.com currently has a BOGO 50% off deal.


[UPDATE]
Here's a pic of my hair taken just moments ago at 11:30PM. This is after I air-dried my hair at 10AM after using all four Sunsilk products. I didn't do a thing to my hair after it air-dried and I was driving in a car with the windows rolled down, I walked around all day and have not used hairspray or brushed it all day. Crazy!! Sorry for the bad pic but it's late and I'm exhausted. :)

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and gratis samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.