I am officially obsessed with my hair! Our latest review series on drugstore shampoos has me on a wild goose chase for the ultimate in low cost, high quality shampoo! This week I was tempted by Suave's TV advertisements for their new Healthy Shine 2-in-1 shampoo plus conditioner (around $2), so I indulged in a bottle for "normal" hair. I've never been a big fan of 2-in-1 shampoos, because they either don't clean very well, or they don't condition enough, but I like this one. It left my hair clean, conditioned, soft, and manageable - what more could you need? I could definitely see buying this again.

Next week, you'll love my review of a shampoo and conditioner from M Professional's new line of hair care. Like their straightforward approach with makeup, M Professional's hair care products are basic, no frills, and deliver what they promise.

My hair preoccupation doesn't end with shampoo. After experimenting last winter with L'Oreal Castings semi-permanent hair color in "Wheat" to brighten up my drab medium blonde hair, I decided this season to fulfill a dream of mine and go red! Well, strawberry blonde, to be exact. My first dabble in red was with L'Oreal's fool-proof 7 day foam, Exuberance, in "D Peach" (around $7). For great looking and vibrant color, you just foam it in and rinse it out. Since it contains no ammonia or peroxide, it can't lighten or drastically change your color; what it will do is give your hair a color boost with no commitment. If you want to have a little fun with your hair, this is a great way to try something new.

Well, I didn't want to stop being a redhead after just 7 days, so I took the 4-6 week plunge with Clairol Natural Instincts (around $8) in "08 Apricot". As with any hair color, Natural Instincts involves wearing plastic gloves, mixing the color, and applying it to your hair without getting it all over the bathroom - good luck! After letting it "cook" for 10 minutes, it was time to rinse. I was really impressed with how soft my hair felt even before I applied the deep conditioner, then the conditioner made it like silk. If you are interested in coloring your hair, check out the selection of colors in Natural Instincts. I would definitely color my hair with it again.

I get quite a few requests for reviews of botanical and "natural" products, so this week I decided to try a few products from drugstore brand, Naturistics. Here's what I thought:

Naturally Flawless creme powder makeup (around $5)
I really like the feel of this makeup, and I found a color that worked well for me. My only gripe - the creme never turned to a powder! Every time I tried it, I had to follow up with loose powder or I looked too shiny (and I have dry skin). For those of us with dry skin, this is a nice product, as long as you use powder on top. If you have even slightly oily skin, this cream will feel much too emollient and moist.

Long Shot lengthening mascara (around $5)
Most drugstore mascaras I've tried work well without clumping or smearing, but not this one. The mascara is very wet (some are more like a gel), and the tube doesn't seem to clean the brush off at all, so you get a very thick, wet, and goopy layer of mascara every time. Yuck!

Longer Wear Lipcolor with SPF 20 in Cranberry Creme (around $5)
Of all the three Naturistics products I tested, I liked this lipstick the best. The staying power of the color is amazing! With a few dozen shades to choose from, I highly recommend this lipstick if you like the longer wearing formulas.

Overall, I don't think Naturistics' products are any better just because they contain a few plant extracts. Natural and botanical doesn't always mean better.

For all your winter skin care needs, don't miss November's Feature, "Winterize Your Skin!" for all the tips and product recommendations you'll need to stay gorgeous all winter long. Don't go shopping without it!

Looking for even more Product Reviews? Cosmetic Connection has what you want - new reviews of Lancome, Origins, and Aveda. Check the Product Review page for details.

Calling all America Online subscribers! Come chat with me in the Electra Real Chat room this Monday, November 24th at 10pm ET. You can find Electra under the Lifestyles channel, or by typing keyword: electra. See you there!