To start off this week's report, I offer a helpful hair-taming hint that I personally use every morning.

About a year ago when those high-shine, no-frizz hair serums were getting popular, I decided to try one to get my wavy hair frizzies under control. No matter which brand I tried, I was never satisfied with the results. I always found them very difficult to distribute evenly through my hair. About six months ago, I discovered the solution. Instead of using the serum alone, now I put a small amount of it in the palm of my hand, and mix it with a small amount (the size of a pea) of a liquid styling gel. The gel gives the serum more "slip", so you can more easily distribute it through your hair. Success! My personal combination is Aveda Purefume Anti-Humectant Pomade (for shine) and Aveda Confixor Styling Gel (for control).

On my never-ending search for samples, I came across one this week that is worth mentioning. The Body Shop has introduced an eye gel to go along with their Face Value skin care line that is actually quite nice. Simply called "Eye Supplement", the gel is lightly moisturizing and works well on tired, puffy eye lids. The sample is *very* generous; I have been using the same tiny vial morning and night for three days and it isn't even half empty. I got mine as part of a GWP (gift with purchase), but I'd say just go to the Body Shop and ask for one for free.

Thanks to everyone who participated in last week's Cosmetic Poll. Now for the results! Just how much do we spend on cosmetics every month? Based on the answers I received (as well as my own $30-40/month), we spend an average of $35 a month for cosmetics and skin care. Surprised? I was. I actually thought it would be more, especially from myself! Maybe we are all just getting better at collecting free samples!