Pureology's Break the Silence Set Helps Protects Hair and Support Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Although The Advice Sisters have been blogging about products that support Breast Cancer Awareness, there are other diseases that deserve our support as well. According to the Department of Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while all women are at risk for ovarian cancer, about 90% of women who get ovarian cancer are older than 40 years old, with the greatest number being aged 55 years or older. Although it accounts for only about 3% of cancers in women, it's deadly. It is the second most common gynecologic cancer, after uterine cancer and causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer in the U.S.




PureOlogy is supporting the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) http://www.ovarian.org/ with a donation of $25,000 in collaboration with their "Break The Silence" promotion, now through the end of the month in Salons only (so hurry)! Pure)logy staff attended 21 NOCC walks around the U.S sampling pre-packs of PureOlogy containing 2oz. bottles of HydrateShampoo, HydrateCondition and a teal wrist band.

If you didn't attend one of these walks but you'd like to support the cause, a great way to help do good and look good (or give a great holiday gift) is the purchase PureOlogy's beautifully-boxed set of must-have essentials called The Break The Silence Set $52.00. Inside a special box are PureOlogy's PureVolume Shampoo, 10.1 Oz. and PureVolume Condition, 8.5 Oz. and a very nice, tortoise-shell style brush with an ergonomic, glossy black handle and combo bristles featuring both bristle and ball-tips and a bristle pad in bright teal, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's signature color. Another featured of the set is the box, offering information about the signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer *the symptoms can be very vague, so many women just ignore them until the cancer is advanced.

The Shampoo and Conditioner are 100% vegan. The products are housed in feminine, pink bottles with slender necks and mauve flip tops -- but there's nothing "girly" about how well these work to volumize thin or fine hair, and to add softenss and shine while protecting color from fading. The sun's rays shine all year round, even if you're not baking at the beach. Using products that help protect color is a good investment that will save you time, money and effort!

All PureOlogy products are multi – taskers. They protect your color treated hair with Pureology's"Antifade" complex while providing lots of nurturing moisture. To find a salon that sells PureOlogy, or to learn more about the products, visit: http://www.pureology.com/

PureOlogy Hydrate Light Condition--Pretty Fine!

Good hair care isn’t just a luxury, it’s a must, especially if you color or chemically treat your hair. You wear your hair 24/7 so it makes sense not only to protect this, your best, fashion accessory.

One of my favorite hair care brands is Pureology. It is, as their labels proclaim: “serious colour care.” The 100% vegan products feature organic botanicals and other more natural, good-for-your-body ingredients. The company doesn’t test on animals, and their products use organic botanicals such as peppermint, rosemary, sage, and green tea, and Pureology’s signature "AntiFade" complex. This is a blend of antioxidants and UVA/UVB full spectrum sunscreen, that helps keep your hair from fading. Pureology formulas are gentle, and yet, they'll make sure that you have hair that looks healthy, shiny and soft.

Now, Pureology has added two new products to their Hydrate Line: Hydrate LightCondition $27.00 8.5 fl. oz in a slim-necked, plastic bottle with lavender flip cap, and Hydrate HydraWhip $45.00 5.02 oz. in a jar with included, application “comb.” As you can gather from the name, both products are for people with very dry hair, but they are also of special benefit for those with fine hair. This is worthy of note, because moisturizing products tend to be heavy on the hair, making it limp. If your hair is also fine, limp hair can also make it appear thinner -- not a great look!

The new, Pureology Hydrate LightCondition and the HydraWhip Moisture Hair Souffle Conditioning treatments contain a “hydrating Micro-emulsion Technology” that delivers moisture from within (instead of just coating hair on the outside). Natural jojoba and shea butters with strengthening, multi-weight proteins of soy, oat, and wheat, are emollient and moisturizing. The Hydrate Hydra Whip has emollients including avocado, jojoba, and shea butters, are well There are other benefits as well, including a tingle free formula for those sensitive to menthol. , The conditioner, and the once-weekly treatment, takes only 2-3 minutes. You will see immediate benefits.

The downside, if there really is any, is that while these products are highly effective, they cost a bit more than drugstore brands. These two, new, Hydrate Light products are well worth it if you have thin or limp hair. However, if, like me, you have lots of hair, you will still like these “light” formulas. Why weigh your hair down with products, if you can get one that does a great job without it?

Pureology has lots of wonderful products that you can find in authorized salons. Visit the Pureology Web Site to check out other Pureology goodies, and to find an authorized salon near you.

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

SuperSmooth Collection By Pureology Pampers Color-Treated Hair

One of the not so beautiful side effects of using hair color is that sometimes, the chemicals can make hair look dry and strip it of natural shine. To keep your color and make hair look healthy and shiny again, there's help, from Pureology. Their SuperSmooth line of products helps to alleviate some of the damage hair color and other saboteurs have for your hair.

SuperSmoth is the first Pureology system to feature a new, heat protective, ThermalAntiFadeComplex. This has natural sugars that form a protective barrier against heat styling damage that can sull and damage color-treated hair even more. It also has UVA/UVB full spectrum sunscreens to protect your color again fading, with Heliogenol and Vitamins C & E plus frizz-fighters that make dull, dry hair even more susceptible to sucking in moisture.

The four products in the collection include: SuperSmooth Shampoo, and SuperSmooth Conditioner; a Relaxing Hair Masque (to deeply nourish and smooth); and a Smoothing Elixer (a leave-in treat). The Shampoo and the Conditioner lather beautifully, and wash out easily, leaving hair already feeling silky (even before you dry and style it). Key ingredients include Camellia and sesame oil, organic shea butter, and organic geranium to help soften and smooth the cuticle surface, so hair stays conditioned and less prone to fly-aways.

Pureology products are known for natural ingredients, and a green approach to hair care. I appreciate theor concentrated, sulfate and salt-free formulas. I tried all four products and the results were impressive. I can choose so many things for personal use, but this new, Super Smooth collection, is my latest favorite....one of the very best I have tried in a long time. The easy to use, high quality products featuring luxurious, organic, botanicals; 25% post consumer recyclable bottles, and the fact that Pureology products are 100% vegan, using no animal products or by-products, makes these extra special.

Pureology products will genuinely transform your hair! Check out the Official Pureology Web Site for more information and to find an authorized salon near you.

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. All text & photos by Alison Blackman. The photos here are copyrighted and may not be used or copied in any form without permission. The original, high definition photos are available. For inquiries Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Ces photos sont garanties les droits d'auteur et ne peuvent être employées ou copiées sous n'importe quelle forme sans permission. Elles sont également à basse résolution pour le Web. Les photos originales sont disponibles. Si vous voulez les employer, enquérez-vous svp : advicesisters-à-advicesisters-point-filet これらの写真は著作権で保護されて、あらゆる形態で許可なしで使用されるか、またはコピーされないかもしれない。 それらは網のためにまた低分解能である。 元の写真は利用できる。 それらを使用したいと思ったら尋ねなさい: advicesisters advicesisters点網Tesis fotografías área copyrighted and may not Be Used ahora bien copied en any form without permiso. They are also low-resolution for the web. The original fotografías área available. If you want to use them, please inquire: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net 이 사진은 저작권 소유 이고 어떤 모양든지에서 허가 없이 사용되거나 베껴지지 않을지도 모른다. 그들은 또한 웹을 위해 low-resolution 이다. 본래 사진은 유효하다. 당신이 그(것)들을 이용하고 싶은 경우에, 사문하십시오: advicesisters 에 advicesisters 점 그물If you like this blog, bookmark it, or why not just subscribe to it, and/or visit The Advice Sisters web site: http://www.advicesisters.net/

Pureology's Perfect Travel Size

When it comes to hair care, you can douse your hair and skin with tons of chemicals and products perfumed with harsh fruit and flower scents, or you can go for a more gentle approach.

Pureology products, for example, are upscale and effective, and they feature organic botanicals and other more natural, good-for-your-body ingredients. The company doesn’t test on animals, and their products small like natural things, such as a rose, Plumeria, sandalwood, amber and/or vanilla! Other benfits include Pureology’s signature "AntiFade" complex, a blend of antioxidants and UVA/UVB full spectrum sunscreen, that helps keep your hair from fading. The gentle formulas are effective, and leave your hair shiny and soft. 100% vegan.

I love these 100% vegan products, housed in elegant, plastic, flip-top bottles. However, when I travel, I have to leave my "faves" at home. Now I'm happy to report that Pureology sells their products in the perfect 2 fl. oz sizes srp. $7.00 travel size. These are packaged in cute, mini versions of their larger sized bottles. The Hydrate and Condition Shampoo and Conditioner, for example, has the AntiFade Complex, and it's a ZeroSulfate® ShampooFree of harsh colour-stripping sulfates and salts. Pureology's "Advanced Hydrating Micro-Emulsion Technology" penetrates hair fibers to deeply moisturize from within. Key ingredients include

Soy, Oat, and Wheat proteins to shelp strengthen and repair hair and organic botanicals of Rose, Peppermint, and Green Tea to naturally condition and provide an uplifting, sensory experience! The smaller-sized bottles aren't just great for travel, they're a great way to treat yourself to Pureology and get to know the line.

Visit http://www.pureology.com/ for authorized salons

Pureology Perfect4Platinum Products Are Priceless for Blondes

blonde should be better than this!

There are bad hair days, and days when your hair is just, well…bad.  If you’re a blonde with hair that has been highlighted or lifted four levels of more, your hair might sometimes resemble a pile of dried out straw.  But you don't have to suffer with bad hair!  All you need is a really good air care system that will take care of your already stressed-out strands -- and Pureology's got one!

Pureology’s brand new, new Perfect4Platinum collection of Shampoo, Conditioner, ReconstructRepair and MiracleFiller is nearly a miracle cure for what ails beautiful blondes.  These products feature something called "Keravis," a veggie protein that replenishes and plumps keratin gaps to strengthen the hair. The products also feature natural plant extracts of chamomile (to enhance suppleness and softness); lemon (to clarify and smooth the cuticle for more shine); and coriander oil to moisturize and boost shine as well. 

All Pureology products also have their signature, Anti-fade Complex that is full of antioxidants and full spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens, plus Vitamins C and E.  I also like the fact that Pureology has ZeroSulfate shampoos that are also salt-free, so you can use them without damaging or stripping your hair, especially essential after some chemical treatments like anti-frizz.

The charts below give you all the details...but I also want to tell you about my personal experience with the shampoo and conditioner.  I am not a blonde, although I have blonde highlights. I decided to try the new, Perfect4Platinum shampoo and conditioner on my own hair.  I am a fan of Pureology products, and used several of the shampoos exclusively when I tried an anti-frizz treatment (you must use a zero sulfate shampoo with these treatments or risk ruining them). My hair felt super-soft and shiny -- better than with any other product I've tried so far. My highlights glinted in the sun. I felt so glam!  What a great duo (*I didn't try the other two products, but I know they will be fabulous, too)!  These products absolutely delivered on their claims, even for someone who really isn't anywhere near platinum! They are a "find."

Product	Benefits
Perfect4Platinum Shampoo		·   Gentle, detangling ZeroSulfate shampoo cleanses and softens, while enhancing brightness and shine
Perfect4Platinum HairCondition		·   Intensely moisturizing and nourishing, daily conditioner ·   Instantly detangles and leaves hair exceptionally fortified and soft with intense shine
Perfect4Platinum ReconstructRepair		·   Instant, weightless nourishing and strengthening masque that is enriched with five times the keravis ·   Equalize and evens-out porosity ·   Penetrates deep into hair’s cuticle to strengthen, soften and rescue high-lifted or highlighted hair with an intense dose of strength.
Perfect4Platinum MiracleFiller		·   Daily blow-dry reparative lotion contains fifteen times the keravis that fills in gaps in hair’s cuticle, leaving high-lifted or highlighted blonde hair 78% stronger after one application** ·   Increase gradual strength with repeat heat styling use

Features	Benefits
Keravis	Unique vegetable protein that replenishes and plumps keratin gaps to strengthen the hair
Organic Botanicals	Provide natural conditioning to all hair types Chamomile Extract: enhances suppleness and softness Lemon Extract: clarifies and smoothes the cuticle for enhance reflect Coriander Oil: moisturizes to magnify shine
AntiFadeComplex®	A potent blend of antioxidants and full spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens, including Heliogenol and Vitamins C & E, to defend hair against damaging free radical activity, optimize colour retention and protect from harsh environmental factors
ZeroSulfate®	Sulfate and salt free formulas gently cleanse hair without stripping colour or damaging the hair
Concentrated Formulas	Highly concentrated formulas deliver up to 80 shampoos per 10.1 oz. bottle

Suggested Retail Price

·        Perfect4Platinum Shampoo (10.1 oz.): $27.00

·        Perfect4Platinum HairCondition (8.5 oz.):  $27.00

·        Perfect4Platinum ReconstructRepair (6.7 oz.): $32.00

·        Perfect4Platinum Miracle Filler (4.9 oz.): $24.00

You don't have to be blonde to love Pureology.  Visit www.pureology.com to learn more about Perfect4Platinum products, and lots more, and also find a salon near you. Purchase Pureology products only at authorized salons to be sure you get the real thing. 

Note from The Advice Sisters:  I am moving this blog to the completely revised, all new, Advice Sisters Web Site).     You can continue to enjoy new blog posts on the advice sisters blog here on blogger.com until August 3, 2011. Then it will be be moving for good to www.advicesisters.net. 

UNTIL AUGUST 3RD, GET DOUBLE THE AMOUNT OF POSTS--HERE AND ON WWW.ADVICESISTERS.NET.  I'll be posting new content here, but don't miss out on  even more daily content!!! Get the type of daily posts you already like, plus a lot more for life, love, success, and happiness, on the new site at www.advicesisters.net You can also subscribe to the Advice Sisters mailing list and follow me on Facebook and Twitter (@advicesisters). You can also read and subscribe to my and NY Cosmetics columnon the Examiner.com

The Advice Sisters love comments! You can find the "comments" section(in green) at the bottom of each post next to: "Posted by Alison" If Comments has a (0) next to it, I would especially appreciate yours being the first (but no spammers or shamelss self-promotion, please)! Thanks in advance for interacting with me.The Advice Sisters love comments! You can find the "comments" section(in green) at the bottom of each post next to: "Posted by Alison" If Comments has a (0) next to it, I would especially appreciate yours being the first (but no spammers or shamelss self-promotion, please)! Thanks in advance for interacting with me.

Copyright ©Alison BlackmanDunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied without written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally. For more information, Email Me. You can show your interest and support by subscribing, leaving comments on my posts, and by following me onFacebook and Twitter (@advicesisters). You can also read and subscribe to my National Luxury Lifestyles Column andNY Cosmetics column on the Examiner.com. *I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

Pureology Pure Volume Blow Dry Amplifier Makes Big Hair Dreams, Better

I love Pureology's hair care and styling products, with their “green” formulas and "Antifade Complex ," designed specifically to help your hair color last longer.  The shampoos and conditioners are great, but big hair is back.  If you're one of those people who just can't get your hair to "volumize" not matter what you do, you'll want to try Pureology Pure Volume Blow Dry Amplifier. 

This leave-in styling product will give you hair more flexibility, and hopefully, help you hair aspire to higher heights.  The product is lightweight, and works it's magic with heat-activated molecules that penetrate the hair shaft as you blow-dry, helping to bodify each strand, while moisturizing, adding shine, and also a protective color shield.

I personally haven't used volumizers much, because my hair is so thick, but the Pureology Pure Volume Blow Dry Amplifier even applies to my hair.  It just gives it a little more oomph on days when the weather is against me, and my hair is bound to flatten out.  Although it is really meant for fine and thin hair that is limp, I used some of this at the roots on my own hair. Sometimes, even sheer quantity of hair doesn’t keep it from flopping , but with a bit of this strategically applied, my hair stood up to the flat gremlins, and the extra volume lasted quite some time (even  though it wasn’t sticky like a wax, or stiff like a hair spray).  This product will be an even more constant companion as the days let colder, and my hair has to stand up to hats and hoods.

Simply apply Pureology BlowDry Amplifier on damp hair from scalp to ends before you wield the blow dryer. You will definitely see results from this slighly fruity scented liquid dispensed from a flip top plastic bottle. At $20.00 srp. for a 7 oz bottle, is isn’t inexpensive, but you don’t need a lot to make a big impression.  Purology’s exclusive heat-activated formula adds moisture and heat protection, while it helps to keep your color lasting longer.  That's all great, but you'll also like the fact that the product is sulfate And carcinogen free, using Certified Organic Botanicals,  Multi-Protein Complexes,  And Aromatherapy Essential Oils For those who need to know, the product is also 100% Vegan And Not Tested On Animals

What's not to like? If you want to purchase this product, please visit an authorized salon, or dealer. You can get more information at http://www.pureology.com/

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

Pureology's Hydrate To Make A Difference Set

Every since I discovered Pureology products a few years ago, I've been wildly enthusiastic about their 100% vegan products, housed in elegant, plastic, flip-top bottles. But these eco-friendly products do something I really love -- they help you maintain longer lasting hair color, thanks to Pureology's AntiFade Complex. This is a blend of antioxidants and UVA/UVB full spectrum sunscreen. The gentle formulas, with organic botanicals and other good-for-your hair ingredients, leave your hair shiny and soft, and protected. he company doesn't test on animals, and the scents they use are always light and pleasant. What's not to like?

For Summer gift-giving (and a little splurge for yourself), you I like the fantastic, limited edition, Hydrate To Make A Difference Set $54.00. This nicely boxed set includes a trio of "must-have" hair products let you hydrate your hair and enjoy Summer, in style. The set features full-sized products including: HydrateShampoo® 10.1 fl. oz.; HydrateCondition® 8.5 fl. oz. (I reviewed these last Summer in the Advice Sisters Blog in the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column) and a travel-sized bottle ( 2 fl. oz.) spray can of amazing, RootLift Spray Mousse. The shampoo and conditioner are perfect for helping your hair deal with the fading and drying effects of the sun, salt, and chlorine. The spray mousse gives your hair a bit of ooomph without a lot of effort. The alcohol-free formula helps your color look brilliant, with a bit of fullness and control, and no sticky mess.




But you get more than just effective, gentle, color-protecting products. In this set you also get a lightweight, tote that folds into a matching, zippered case. This "griege" colored eco-tote is strong and stylish, and it's made from recycled plastic bottles.

So do a good thing for the planet and your hair!

Find the Hydrate To Make A Difference Set in salons that carry Pureology products. The set is available this June, while supplies last. Visit http://www.pureology.com/ to locate a salon in your area.

Lucky Shops A Hit with Fashionistas, Celebrities, and American Express ZYNC Cardmembers

A few days ago, I posted news about an annual rite of Fall for fashionistas, everywhere:  Lucky Shops.  This marathon shopping experience was scheduled this year on Thursday Night, Friday and Saturday November 4-6, 2010, ending before another annual marathon, the New York Marathon for runners.  I don't want to be a broken record about Lucky Shop is, and what it means to the throngs of (mostly) women who plan girlfriend weekends around it--check out my review about Lucky Shops and how American Express is partnering with this event with special benefits for AmEx ZYNC card members. 

Simply,  Lucky Shops is much like the magazine that bears the same name:  a fashion-oriented  shopping-oriented experience that features over 60 designers and retailers from fashion icons to cult favorites to up-and-coming brands. While there are plenty of sample sales in Manhattan, not all of them feature current items.  Walking around the floor of the Metropolitan Pavilion, I saw many signs announcing that the designer items were current season.  Now, that's special! Even celebrities come like Hilary Duff, Mary Alice Stephenson, Michelle Trachtenberg, Lesley Hornby and Nate Berkus, attended to shop for "gilty pleasures!"

Designers included:

FASHION:   Alice + Olivia; ALICE by Temperley ; Charlotte Ronson; Clu; Diane von Furstenberg ; Foley + Corinna ; Geren Ford; Jodi Arnold; Kenneth Cole; Mara Hoffman; Milly; Miss Me; Nicholas K; Rebecca Taylor; Shareen Vintage ; Shoshanna; Steven Alan; Thread Social; Tommy Hilfiger ; Tracy Reese; Trina Turk ; Tucker ; Twinkle by Wenlan; Vena Cava; Walter



JEANS:  AG Jeans; Citizens of Humanity; DL1961 Premium Denim; GoldSign; Marc Allison Jeans; MiH Jeans

BEAUTY:  Maybelline New York


BAGS/SHOES/SCARVES:   A Peace Treaty; Botkier; Hayden-Harnett; Kooba; Matt Bernson; Nine West Vintage; America Collection; Pour La Victoire; Rebecca Minkoff


JEWELRY:  A Peace Treaty; Alex Woo ; Amrita Singh; Bing Bang by Anna Sheffield; Dannijo; Helen Ficalora; Lee Angel; Melissa Joy Manning; Miguel Ases ; Pamela Love; SEQUIN; Tina Tang

LINGERIE :  Commando; Cosabella ; Elle Macpherson Intimates; Only Hearts

SPECIAL!!  The American Express ZYNC Card Boutique featured some of Lucky Magazine's favorite designers including: Tucker, Alex Woo, Twinkle by Wenlan, Tina Tang, and Yumi Kim. A personal shopper will be on hand to assist ZYNC Card members. The Boutique will also offer guests a sweepstakes for a chance to win signature pieces from select designers, as well as a gift --a lovely purple scarf--with purchase for all American Express® Card members.

Other special offerings included:

THE BOUDOIR BAR (very popular) featuring intimates from Lucky Cosabella, Commando, Elle Macpherson Intimates and Only Hearts.

JEANIUS BAR: A Lucky Shops staple featuring denim brands: AG Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, GoldSign, MiH Jeans, DL 1961 Premium Denim, Marc Allison Jeans and more

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK COLOR STUDIO: they were offering complimentary mini-makeovers with the season’s hottest shades.

NINE WEST VINTAGE AMERICA COLLECTION: Nine West Vintage America Collection including shoes, accessories, and apparel.

FORD WARRIORS IN PINK:  a boutique where 100% of the Ford Warriors in Pink apparel went to Susan G. Komen supporting breast cancer research.

I didn't know all of the designers on display, but the women who were carrying around two, three, four, six...Lucky Shops shopping bags on their arms, certainly did.  These women follow fashion, and they know what they're buying.  Many were from out of town, such as the woman I chatted with from Los Angeles who brought along friends for a true, Girlfriend Weekend, centered around Lucky Shops.  Another, beautifully dressed woman, "Michelle" from Michigan says she plans a weekend in New York every year to attend Lucky Shops and has been attending for a number of years.  "Chantelle" told me that she saved her money to attend the Thursday Night VIP night (the night I attended) even though it costs $185.00 (tto get there first, and for the gift bag)  and and in past years, took advantage of the two-day Savvy Shopper pass for $60.00.  In fact, almost every person I spoke to had been to Lucky Shops more than once, and was already dreaming of next years event.

So why would you spend money, to spend money?  Like Sheckys Girls Night Out, and other shopping "parties," Lucky Shops gives you access to discounts you would not normally be able to easily access, especially if you were an out-of-towner. And, there are nibbles, drinks, and even a DJ to keep the energy up. It is also a bonding experience for groups of women who are girls that just wanna have fun. The cost for a one-day pass Friday was $35 and Saturday it was just $30. The experience of walking through aisles of fashion finds while drinking, eating, and making memories with friends--priceless!There is a also VIP gift bag that is touted as being worth $500.00. If you are paying $185 for a ticket, you can get some of your money back not just in fun and bargains, but with actual products. I am guessing that the gift bag contents may be slightly different in each bag, but mine had mostly beauty items. As someone who reviews beauty and gets products to review directly from companies and PR firms, more shampoos and facial products didn't set my motor racing, but most people are not beauty reviewers so the gift bag would surprise and delight with many useful items  From experience, I can see that the sheer amount of products in the bag could add up to a goodly sum.  Here are the items I found in my gift bag:   Pantene Restore Beautiful Lengths Replenishing Mask; Essie Nail Polish in Jelly Apple; Fleexies Instant Slimmer Tank Top (in medium);  A bag with (Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Mascara, Maybelline New York Eye Studio in Green Envy and Maybelline New York Champagne Shimmer Lipstick); Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Roller (love this product!);  Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant; Yes to Cucumbers Hypo Allergenic Towelettes; Clearasil Ultra Overnight Face Lotion; Clearasil Ultra Overnight Serum; $50 Gift Card to Patty Tobin Fine Fashion Jewelry; Veet Supreme Essence Hair Removal Gel Cream; Pureology Serious Colour Care Pure Volume Shampoo and Pureology Serious Colour Care Pure Volume Conditioner (these can run $28.00 each and up):  Gillette Venus Embrace Razor; Kiwi Express Shoe Shine Wipes;  and a Kenneth Cole New York Umbrella;   Outlander  by Diana Gabaldon paperback book; mini Ugg boot key chain (really cute). and a $200 Laser Hair Removal Gift Card to Completely Bare Spa.  Judge for yourself if the Gift Bag and first crack at the clothes, is worth the additional VIP ticket cost.  If you go to Lucky Shops for serious bargains, and not just for fun, you need to be a savvy shopper to know what the deals are.  For example, a ring being advertised for $39.00 is, I researched later on, just  $42.00 retail, so that's not much of a  savings.  But the Sam Edelman pony hair oxford shoes I couldn't resist at $90.00 were current season and priced at $180.00 -- a bargain!  It also helps if you are a small size as the majority of items were sized 0-8 with less choice in medium and large. This isn't bargain basement shopping, either. Almost everything is 30% to 60% off retail, but most things are still $100+. There used to be more give-aways and a few $5 , $10, and $10 bins of bargains, but this year, I didn't see any. Still, women were shopping up a storm, ringing their arms with $300 and $400+ handbags, and festooning themselves with jewelry. Access to designer clothes like this must be heaven for out of town shoppers, maybe a little less so for New Yorkers, but there were plenty of both, and everyone was having a great time. 

Alas, even the deep discounts can make a deep dent in your wallet. And this is important:   bring a credit card.  It is  the only form of currency accepted. 

I used my American Express card, of course.  This year American Express did something special for their young, ZYNC Card members -- they had special benefits including: Early access to ticket sales before the general public; Fifteen percent (15%) off the regular price of tickets; Access to preview shopping on Friday and Saturday; Early access to Lucky Shops via exclusive ZYNC Cardmember entrance when with a valid ZYNC Card; The fantastic, ZYNCSM Boutique- with merchandise from Lucky’s favorite designers, such as Tucker, Alex Woo, Twinkle by Wenlan, Tina Tang, and Yumi Kim. The Boutique also offered people a chance to win signature pieces from Yumi Kim, etc and, of course, you would sign up for the Zync card right at the event.  If you are a responsible young person with a job and can pay your bills in full, you can get a ZYNC card for an annual fee of just $25.00 and start enjoying some of the traditional benefits American Express offers all cardmembers, and also special events and benefits for ZYNC cardmembers. You can add "packs" (including a fashion pack) to your card for $25.00 a pack (and some, like an eco pack and a philanthropic pack, are free).  These packs give you even more access and benefits throughout the year from music, to sports, to fashion...whatever your interests are.  For ZYNC card members who couldn't attend Lucky Shops, American Express, for example, AmEx is providing consumers with access to shop the ZYNC Lucky Shops on-site designer boutique online at boutiques.refinery29.com  (going on through April 2011). Fashionistas will can seek advice from Lucky Alpha Shopper Bloggers via e-mail,  while perusing the online store. ZYNC Card members can also access a Cardmember-only ZYNC Boutique and having early access to the Daily Deals (some really cute stuff)!   

Start planning for next year's Lucky Shops: http://www.luckyshops.com/

Get the American Express Zync Card

Check out the American Epress ZYNC Facebook page at facebook.com/zync  

follow @AmericanExpress on Twitter

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally. For more information, Email Me.  You can show your interest and support by subscribing to this blog. Several options are available on the right hand side of this blog. Also, you can follow me on Facebook and Twitter  (@advicesisters).  You can also read and subscribe to my National Luxury Lifestyles Column  on the Examiner.com.   *I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column