Here at the Raging Rouge Beauty Blog, you're always reading my opinions of beauty products. But, while I certainly do my best to be as comprehensive as possible, I'm a one-woman show, and simply can't possibly test every product available. Especially not expensive products like hair dryers and straightening irons!
The lovely people at ShopSmart (from the publisher of Consumer Reports) have allowed Raging Rouge to republish their findings from the January 2009 issue of ShopSmart for your beauty information! Please note that I am republishing this as information only, and do not necessarily agree with the findings of these tests.
ShopSmart Tests Reveal Beauty Staple Standouts
January Issue Features Ratings for Blow Dryers, Straightening Irons and Mascara—
YONKERS, NY – If you’re looking for a good blow dryer, hair straightener or mascara, you don’t need to spend a lot of money – that’s according to the latest lab tests results of these products by ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports.
“You can pay anywhere from $20 to $200 for a blow dryer or a straightening iron, but it doesn’t really matter what you spend. ShopSmart found standouts at both price points that will give you plenty of great hair days,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief, ShopSmart. “The same goes for mascaras, so before you reach for that department-store brand, check out our smart picks.”
Blow Dryers
ShopSmart tested 10 models of blow dryers on swatches of human hair in an environment chamber (to keep temperature and humidity steady). Additionally, a panel of 10 staffers used the dryers at home. Despite big differences in price and wattage (ranging from 1,300 to 1,875), drying time did not vary much. But once noise and other features were factored in, ShopSmart found three standouts. ShopSmart’s smart splurges include the CHI Pro Dryer GF 1505, $135 and Bespoke Labs T3 Featherweight 83808-se, $200. The bargain buy, Revlon’s Ionic Ceramic Pro Stylist RV484, $20, had one bonus pricey dryers lacked, separate heat and speed settings so you can control temperature and airflow. It, along with the CHI, comes a diffuser and concentrator.
Straightening Irons
Nine straightening irons were tested in a humidity chamber and nine staffers tried them at home. Results of in-house tests and user feedback revealed that these products claims of ionic, tourmaline and nano silver technology did not make a difference in straightening performance. ShopSmart’s choice for smart splurge, the Infiniti Nano Silver by Conair SS9, $100, had all three features, but the bargain buy, Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic RVST2001C, $30, had none. Paying a higher price also did not guarantee a better straightener and neither did the brand names. Conair was the maker of the top and bottom rated models while the CHI Ceramic GF-1001, $130 was the second-most-expensive straightener tested but did not rate anywhere near the top.
Mascaras
Thirty-four women tested 16 lengthening and/or thickening formulas of mascara. While the top-rated wand was the more expensive Lancôme Definicils, $24another very good choice was the affordable Max Factor Lash Perfection Volume Couture, $7. Another surprise was how beauty magazine staple Maybelline Great Lash Washable mascara fared in the tests. While it rated very good overall, several panelists said it was nothing special and some complained about clumps.
The full reports on blow dryers, straightening irons and mascaras are featured in the January 2009 issue of ShopSmart magazine.
About ShopSmart magazine:
Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon Consumer Reports’ celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. The magazine features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and “best of the best” lists. ShopSmart is ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. Subscriptions are now available at www.ShopSmartmag.org.
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I have a new obsession… Allow me to share. 
I know… I know… You're thinking it's a bit late to be posting a stocking stuffer idea. The Alterna Moisture Travel Duo (value of $24) retails for $18, and pairs deluxe travel-sizes of Caviar Moisture Shampoo with Caviar Moisture Conditioner to pamper the tresses. 
There was a time I embraced my naturally curly hair, particularly in the summer. After years of fighting with diffusers, I realized that less is more. The way to ensure my waves looked their best was to do nothing at all.
One part of my daily routine has been constant for years. When I want to keep my hair dry while showering or washing my face, I twist it up and hold it back with a hair clip. Through the years, I’ve gone through dozens of clips as the plastic is quick to break and the spring mechanism eventually fails. I really never thought much about searching for an improvement to this process… and then Tassi crossed my path.