Since my haircut a few weeks ago, I’ve been on a kick to try new hair products and different styles, like the messy, sexy hair look (controlled chaos) common on Victoria’s Secret runways.
Hoping for hot-mama hair of my own, I started using the shampoo, conditioner and spray gel from the new Clairol Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Line ($4 each).
The answer, Ry-Ry, would be “yes.”
I honestly didn’t think anyone would notice, but you gals have such a good eye! After I put up this face of the day, a few of you asked in the comments what I’d done differently with my ‘do.
The Tousle Me Softly shampoo, conditioner and spray gel are part of a six-piece line of cleansers, conditioners and styling products made to work together for soft, sexy, mussed-up hair.
A fine line…
But here’s the thing about the messy hair look: there’s a fine line between “just messy enough to be socially acceptable,” and “plain ol’ jacked-up, busted bed hair.”
The Tousle Me Softly products keep hair on the good side of that line (at least that’s what I’d like to think, LOL!).
Oh, and the delicious violet scent? Yum! I could just sit and smell it for hours.
A few things to note…
- Tousle Me Softly Shampoo: It foams up, and a little goes a long way, but it’s also easy to rinse, leaving hair that feels squeaky clean.
- Tousle Me Softly Conditioner: It has a lot of “slip” and detangles knots in a flash. That, and it doesn’t feel heavy or like it’s weighing down my hair.
- Spray Gel: A lightweight liquid gel to remove frizz and to add body and definition to waves. For a beachy, messy look, I spray it on damp hair after washing and conditioning (then just air dry).
If you’re trying to avoid products that contain silicones (ingredients that some women feel can cause skin breakouts and/or buildup to weigh down hair), please note that both the shampoo and conditioner DO contain silicones (but the spray gel doesn’t).
So far, so good for me with Tousle Me Softly. The products are priced right, and I like the purple packaging, too. If you’re longing for Victoria’s Secret-style locks, I think you could do a lot worse than this drugstore line. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
I haven’t tested the other three items in the line — the mousse, hairspray and what Clairol calls their “finishing touch creme” — but I’m thinking about it. Let me know in the comments if you’d like to see more.
Hugs
Thanks again, you guys, for all of your nice words yesterday and today. 🙂 I was feeling really crappy there for a while, but your comments helped. If I could, I’d invite you all over for cookies, tea and Tabs time!
Last night, I ended up taking a couple of hours to chill out and climb down from the ledge. After brewing some tea in my favorite tea pot, I drank it slowly while listening to music and writing in my journal. Now I think I’m seeing things more clearly… kinda got things in perspective again.
What do you do when you’re feeling anxious or upset? You can always use the comments to share. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Marce says
December 16th, 2009 at 5:01 pmI’ve tried the Herbal Essences line and I must say I love the scents. They worked pretty well on my hair too, but I think it was the lovely smell that I enjoyed most! It’s true, your hair is looking super shiny and cute. 😀
When I’m upset I’ll lay down on my bed and listen to music, or sit outside in the sun with Pepa giving me her silent support. Well, at least I feel like she’s sending good vibes towards me! I’m glad to hear you’re better – remember, that somewhere, the sun’s always shining =)
.-= Marce’s last blog post… Pin Up Look – Tagged – Contests =-.
Karen says
December 16th, 2009 at 5:28 pmThat’s a wonderful sentiment, Marce. Next time I’m feeling blue I’ll have to remember to remind myself that somewhere out there the sun is still shining…
Music is such great therapy! I listened to soothing classical music last night, and it helped so much.
CC says
December 16th, 2009 at 5:28 pmI’m glad you’re feeling better today! When I’m feeling really blue and don’t feel like talking about it, I’ll cry it out or distract myself by watching movies or TV shows that I missed earlier. Nothing like an unexpectedly hilarious movie, like Superbad, to cheer me up!
Karen says
December 16th, 2009 at 5:30 pmHey CC, I feel much better, thanks. I think I had to just let it all work through me, ya know? 🙂
How are you? I hope you had a good day!
CC says
December 16th, 2009 at 8:08 pmHi Karen, I didn’t do so well on one of my final exams, so graduation may be delayed…but I’ve had worse days! Instead of waiting around for another semester on campus, I’ve decided to just finally jump into the job market (as awful as it is right now) while taking my final course online. I just need that change of scenery – which hopefully has me moving to NYC. 🙂 Wish me luck!
lo says
December 16th, 2009 at 5:59 pmI really like the finishing creme… it works really well for my short pixie cut! It’s not sticky or waxy, which I really like, so my hands don’t get stuck in my hair. I don’t know how well it would work on longer hair, but I feel like it would be great for people with really unruly hair. I love messy bedhead hair 🙂
I definitely agree with CC… when I’m having a rough day of it, I try and get all of my stuff done early so I can crawl in bed and watch crappy TV with a bowl of ice cream!
Karen says
December 16th, 2009 at 6:27 pmThat sounds good to me. I’d like a scoop of Jamoca Almond Fudge, please.
I hope tomorrow is a better day for you!
Arianne says
December 16th, 2009 at 6:32 pmYour hair looks fantastic, Karen.
I’m an air-dry kinda girl (translation: lazy), so I need this! My hair doesn’t need to look limp if it can look as good as yours just air drying! Do you recommend buying a whole bunch of products from the line or do you think the spray gel will do the trick?
.-= Arianne’s last blog post… My Skin But Better: FACE atelier Ultra Foundation. =-.
Karen says
December 16th, 2009 at 6:34 pmI liked the combo, but you could probably just get away with the spray gel if you’re already happy with your current shampoo and conditioner.
OMG — have to tell you… I think I’m full-blown obsessed with the TimeBalm concealer.
Arianne says
December 16th, 2009 at 6:42 pmCool! 😀 I’ll definitely check out the spray gel.
YES!!! *happy dance* It’s good, ain’t it?!
.-= Arianne’s last blog post… My Skin But Better: FACE atelier Ultra Foundation. =-.
Karen says
December 16th, 2009 at 6:45 pmSO GOOD! I set it with MAC MSF and it lasts all day. 🙂
I’m really excited to try more stuff from the line. Maybe the foundation next…
Let me know if you end up getting that spray gel and liking it!
Molly says
December 16th, 2009 at 6:35 pmGlad to hear you’re feeling better! I’m of the firm belief that a hot hot bath *WITH BUBBLES* and some salts and oils, plus hot beverage and good music, and sealing off the bathroom in order to steam it up insanely, will cure most of what ails… unless it’s a sunburn, i s’pose.
I’m so glad you reviewed the tousle me softly line; I’ve been entranced, but wary until I heard from good authority 😉 that it lives up to it’s name and sweet purple bottles. Guess what’s just been added to my shopping list?
Oh, peppermint stick ice cream. That’s also magic. I got this kind with chocolate crackle bits in it, and… oh so happy. Yum.
Karen says
December 16th, 2009 at 6:47 pmHi Molly,
I hope you try this and like it. Let me know if it ends up rockin’ your boat. 🙂
As for that ice cream, it sounds heavenly. Is it something I can buy from the store?!?
Molly says
December 17th, 2009 at 9:54 pmI don’t know if they have the President’s Choice brand in the states, but I think they do, I feel like I used to see it in Boston… I might just be insane though. IF however, they do, prepare to take home several gallons of the candy cane ice cream– I didn’t even realize it HAD chocolate it in until I got home. Excellent surprise.
Mary says
December 16th, 2009 at 6:37 pmI’ve been using the Finishing Touch Cream. It gives me a really nice wavy, slightly messy look. Also tones down the frizz. It also comes in a HUGE tub. I’ve found with my hair, a little goes on a long way.
Karen says
December 16th, 2009 at 6:48 pmI wasn’t exactly sure what to do with that stuff… and you’re right, the tub is HUGE!
When do you apply it? After you shower/condition and your hair is damp? Or when it’s dry?
Mary says
December 17th, 2009 at 7:49 pmI’ve done it both ways. I like using it after my hair has air dried (I have little skill with a blow dryer). After getting the product on my fingertips, I’ll twist large sections of my hair. Then, I shake my hair out. Somehow, wavy! I’m not totally sold on it yet. The hold is so-so.
bomi says
December 16th, 2009 at 6:58 pmhmmm, my cousin used these before and i think she braided her hair or something…
i’m def. going to be getting this after my john frieda.
and that ryan reynolds picture just cracked me up! i love reading your captions karen!!!!
Ess says
December 16th, 2009 at 7:16 pmThe first thing I tried was the ‘finishing creme’. It gives my hair a really soft, frizz free natural wave if I use a little bit after the shower and air dry, or it gives me a couple extra days of good hair before I have to wash it again. I love it, have had it for months and its maybe barely half full!
Elle says
December 16th, 2009 at 7:34 pmHey Karen!
Hope you’re feeling better today 🙂 Music always does it for me. And, uh, perfume. Something about smelling something good and in a pretty bottle calms me down immensely. Writing stuff down helps too, which I’m sure you know already 🙂
I LOVE this line. I love the spray gel and mousse, and I hope this line is permanent. The finishing creme is OK, but I don’t see as dramatic a difference in my hair when I use it (as opposed to how nice my hair looks when I use the spray gel and mousse).
TerriB says
December 16th, 2009 at 7:35 pmThanks for mentioning the -cones. I was wanting to try the spray gel, and now I know it is a go. 🙂
When I hit the proverbial wall (as it is coming down as a 12 x 12 sheetrock slab out of nowhere), I put on the PJs and spritz my favorite, most expensive perfume (Chanel Cristalle, Paco Rabanne Metal, etc.) just to surf beauty and lifestyle blogs. Yours is one that always helps. Trying to keep it simple and light during those times!
Praying that you get everything done with such ease that you are way ahead of the crunch before you leave for HI.
Kypris says
December 16th, 2009 at 7:54 pmThanks for doing a review on this! I’ve never considered whether or not to worry about silicones…
I finish my last exam of the semester tomorrow evening! I know what you mean about panic attacks (re: the other post you made) – I definitely had one about today’s exam (which went ok) and about everything else going on in my life at the same time! What a time to worry about it, at 2 am the morning before my exam…
Shiny says
December 16th, 2009 at 7:56 pmHi Karen, glad you’re doing better!
I would love to know more about this line… maybe even a haircare post for dummies. I can never figure out what product I should be using for what purpose and I have a drawer FULL of crap that I don’t use and don’t know how to use. That would be awesome!! Adios!
scarlettholly says
December 16th, 2009 at 7:57 pmThanks for posting this one. I’ve had a shorter ‘do for about 2mths now and have been looking for something that would give me a nice tously look. I’ve heard great things about bumble n bumble surf spray as well, but this looks a little more budget friendly 😉
.-= scarlettholly’s last blog post… Warm N Cozy Times =-.
Komal says
December 16th, 2009 at 9:09 pmI’m such a creeper. I read your site every day and never comment!
Anyway, thought i’d share today, that my hair is undecided about whether or not its wavy, and I wear it au natural to work everyday. I thought it looked like a controlled bedhead but now I’m starting to think people may consider me sloppy! I wonder where the line gets drawn. Someone in my family would have told me by now right? Hahaha, I hope so!
Love your blog by the way!
Makeupmorsels says
December 16th, 2009 at 9:34 pmHey Karen
The messy but not too messy hair looks good. I try to do that, but I’ve come to learn it is a lost cause. No matter what I do, my hair either stays stick straight or gets frizzy. And frizzy is so not the equivalent of casually messy. When I’m having a bad day, I sometimes will let it out by crying or ranting to someone. I read your blog a lot too when I’m depressed, you always have so many funny and cheerful things to say, and all those makeup pictures make me feel better 🙂
.-= Makeupmorsels’s last blog post… Fragrance Requests: Paloma Picasso =-.
amy says
December 16th, 2009 at 11:06 pmI think I will give this a try after I finish with my La Coup products. I like that Herbal Essence’s products have a good price point. Your hair looks great with the products. I am wondering if it would still give me a tousled textured Victoria’s Secret look because I have straight hair. These days I am just too lazy to bother with a hair dryer or curling iron.
.-= amy’s last blog post… FOTD Have a Shadow Lady Christmas: Classic Golden Eyes and Red Lips =-.
Steph B says
December 16th, 2009 at 11:42 pmOhhhh…I’ve been looking for something to bring out the waves instead of a surf spray since those can be drying. This might be just the trick.
Jenn says
December 17th, 2009 at 1:26 amI’m glad you’re feeling better today! Lovin’ the hair, by the way!
BlovetBeauty says
December 17th, 2009 at 4:55 amI love that hair style. Very very nice on u!
Missy Recio says
December 17th, 2009 at 5:11 amI use the Finishing cream on my curly hair & I LOVE IT!
NINA says
December 17th, 2009 at 5:18 amI am happy that youre feeling better. Yesterday the Hubs took me out to dinner – that surely lifted my spirits!
Have a good one, Karen … its almost the weekend yay!
gio says
December 17th, 2009 at 6:11 amI’m glad you are feeling better Karen!
I love your hair, it’s messy but not too much and looks fantastic! The scent of these products sounds delicious too!
.-= gio’s last blog post… QOTW: What was the last beauty product you purchased but didn’t like? =-.
Ruchita says
December 17th, 2009 at 6:35 amThank you for posting a review on these products! I’ve seen commercials for this new line and I’m glad to hear they work. My hair is fine, but it has some natural wave to it. There are times when I like to wear my hair wavy and I’m always on the lookout for the products that will give it the right amount of waviness.
Right now I’m wearing it in an angled bob and I use a straightening iron. I’ve been wanting to grow it out and wear it more naturally. I will definitely give these a try!
Glad to hear you are feeling better! When I’m feeling anxious, I just have to take a break from whatever I’m doing and take some deep breaths. Trying to think about what is making me anxious helps put things into perspective and gives me a game plan for dealing with whatever is causing me anxiety.
Also, I don’t comment often on your blog, but I read every day. Thanks so much for all the product reviews and posts. I love your site!
P.S. I got the Too Faced Natural Eye palette. Thanks for the review. I really like it so far.
Katie says
December 17th, 2009 at 10:12 amI have the mousse and LOVE it! It does give me those perfectly unperfect curls, the one negative is I need to hairspray after its done air drying otherwise the curls slowly go away throughout the day. But I would def. buy this again! Now I want to try that hairspray!
Lindsey says
December 17th, 2009 at 11:09 amI have been eyeing this line in the drugstore lately, but I’ve been skeptical. Your hair looks great! You’ve inspired me to try out a few of the products 🙂
Elizabeth says
December 17th, 2009 at 2:10 pmtotally do the rest of the line! that would be a-sum! 😀
Rebecca says
December 17th, 2009 at 2:32 pmI’m glad you’re feeling better ^_^
I own the Finishing Touching cream from the Tousle me Softly collection, and honestly I didn’t like it. It didn’t seem to change my hair’s texture at all, and it smelled funky :/ I think I might give some of these a try though – your hair looks great!
.-= Rebecca’s last blog post… Quick Take: Victoria’s Secret “The Hand Cream†=-.
Alexandra says
December 17th, 2009 at 6:07 pmYour hair looks great karen. I just had my hair cut today,just need to dye it now,to get rid of the pesky greys. We dont have thaat range of herbal essences in the uk yet,but will definatly give it a try when we do 🙂
xtina says
December 17th, 2009 at 7:09 pmWhen I get stressed I usually try and do the at-home spa type dealio. That helps somewhat most of the time. If not I’ll meditate and think about my problems and potential resolutions and then I settle on one. This gives me a newfound sense of confidence, control I guess. And if all THAT doesn’t work I talk to my friends 😀
Rachel says
December 20th, 2009 at 9:08 pmyour hair looks so cute like that!!! 🙂
All Women Stalker says
December 21st, 2009 at 2:18 pmGlad you’re feeling better. 🙂 And may I please just state at Ryan’s photo for hours? If you don’t mind. 🙂
-meream
.-= All Women Stalker’s last blog post… 12 Tips on How to Shave Your Legs … =-.
Melessa says
January 29th, 2010 at 2:55 pmthank you for the review. ive been thinking about trying this line for the one day i might actually wear my hair wavy. its naturally wavy but i always straighten it cause i can never get the waves/curls thing right- too curly, not wavy enough, frizzy, also my hair knots up SO ungodly quick with straight hair i dont know what to do about that cause waves and curls usually look stupid if you brush them out, but i dont want to have to cut all my hair off at the end of the night cause i cant get a brush through itt either. any suggestions?
also have you tried pantenes (i switch up my shamp&cond but pantenes my fall back and usual hair care) curl line or any other drugstore curl line? if so whats your ranking list?
btw that tea pot and cup set is adorable! i dont even drink hot tea and i want it lol maybe for some hot chocolate mmm =)
candace says
April 10th, 2010 at 8:50 pmi love this line! i have the mousse and cream i love it!
Eisse J says
August 29th, 2010 at 1:49 amYou have beautiful hair. I dyed mine copper-brown and I’m using the color-me-shiny ones from Herbal Essences. It really does make the color more radiant. And I must admit that I love the scent ~ hehe…
http://eissejs.blogspot.com/2010/08/review-clairol-herbal-essences-color-me.html
Eisse J recently posted … Review- Clairol Herbal Essences Color Me Shiny Shampoo
lita says
September 8th, 2016 at 1:48 amThank you for such a wonderful article dear. i am using smooth n shine conditioning gel from long for my hairs and its really effective.