Finding a Beauty Bargain: Why Frederic Fekkai Sparkling Shimmer Spray is Worth the Cost

I always try to keep it relatively natural looking, professional yet well-polished. But I found myself drawn to the Limited Edition Frederic Fekkai Shimmer Hairspray. ($12.50 for 2.5 ounces at retailers such as Sephora and Beauty.com) If you are a bona fide adult who finds themselves inexplicably tempted to try this particular sparkling product, and wondering if it is worth $12.50, the following may help you decide if Fekkai Sparkling Shimmer Spray is right for you.

TO SPARKLE OR NOT TO SPARKLE?

Fekkai's book "A Year of Style" touts natural looking hair and makeup, he encourages staying away from unnatural colors for women of any age and makes a real point of not trying to look younger than you are by trying trendy styles, colors or fads. He doesn't seem a big fan of wearing loud or trendy colors if you are young either. But most off all, he openly seemed against sparkles and glitter of any kind on women of any age. On www.fekkai.com it says "All Frederic Fekkai products are designed to create a simple style, natural beauty and effortless elegance." So when he came out with this Sparkling Shimmer Spray, I had to wonder: Did Fekkai sell out? Is this meant for 5-year-old ballerinas? Club-going high school girls? It seemed to be marketed to actual adults, at and $12.50 for about 2 ounces, it seemed priced for adults as well. Would I look like I am channeling my inner fairy princess? I can't really say I lead a sparkle sort of lifestyle. But Frederic Fekkai brought me my beloved Fekkai Protein Rx Mask conditioner, which turns my otherwise rodeo circus clown freak hair into normal-people hair. Would Frederick Fekkai really lead me astray for a quick $12.50 plus shipping and handling, plus tax where applicable? I am happy to report that he did not.

First, this is not heavy glittery effect, it is "diamond dust crystals" according to beauty.com, and it is very subtle, you really have to be moving for the light to catch the shimmer. You could probably spray on many layers to make it more obvious, I found up to three applications was still not too sparkly. By the third application though, I would definitively say it is for nighttime party use or events with low lighting like a party, wedding, or other restaurant or catering facility. One spray was subtle enough to wear during the day. More than one coating spray during the day would probably be too much, unless you are the center of attention or near the center; such as a bride or wedding party of a daytime wedding (the sparkles would be undetectable under a bridal veil). For other daytime or conservative occasion use, when used truly, truly judiciously, you could wear this to a low-lit office party. For such a use, just the underside of your hair might be best, or spraying it over you the way you might spray cologne and walk into the mist could work for you to obtain a subtle application.

TIPS FOR USE OF FEKKAI SPARKLING SHIMMER SPRAY

Beauty.com suggests the following: "For a subtle glow, spray on ends and under-layers. For total fantasy, spray all over. " Some application tips I would offer include spraying it on the underside of your hair first to get a sense of how much you want to apply. You can brush your hair if you feel it is too much without undoing your actual hairstyle, as it is not wet after application. As for the top of your head, you can get a slight "halo" effect if you spray very carefully, I would suggest holding it a full arms length away and spraying towards over your head. Third, the crystals go everywhere, so unless you want some shimmer directly on your clothes, spray your hair before getting dressed and try not to hit your face. The shimmer also sprays a few feet around you, do not spray anywhere near your clothes or items you do not want to get shimmer crystals on as well.

THE RESULTS

It made my hair look generally shiny, it was difficult to pick out the individual crystals, and it simply appeared shiny even on dark hair. I would imagine anyone with golden undertones or blonde hair that the crystals would really blend well and just give the appearance of healthy, full hair. Spraying on the ends of your hair does make damaged hair look healthier and shiny. spraying the underlayers of the hair did seem to give more depth and volume and made my hair appear more lush. It is a very fine mist, not really a hairspray that holds a style by itself, so your hair might need another actual hairspray to hold your hairstyle and you use this as your finishing touch, but it does have some limited holding properties.

The scent is light; it is similar to his shampoos in the Protein Milk & honey line. It would not conflict with your perfume. The product itself washes out easily when you shampoo.

In conclusion, I was pleased I got the Fekkai Sparkling Shimmer Spray, and I have regretted any other time that I have ventured into the realm of glittery hair or makeup products. It is subtle and could be easily worn by the more conservative. This is perfect for festive occasions such as parties, proms and weddings. If this is truly going to be a limited edition product, future brides and prom-goers may wish to get an extra bottle to stash away.

The limited edition Fekkai Sparkling Shimmer Spray is available online at Sephora.com and Beauty.com.