hair color : Clairol, Preference
perfume : The French stuff is frequently made of cat tree-marking whizz- the stuff civet cats use to mark their territory, specifically... yich. That's the ingredient which gives perfume its staying power. Staying power is important because perfume was originally invented hundreds of years ago to cover up the smell of people who didn't bathe for fear that water would make them ill.
Ironically, that's the same reason spices and sauces were developed and turned into an art form by the French- these things were needed to cover the smell and taste of meat that was alittle old - or a lot older than would be considered healthy- back before refrigeration.
But I digress. As a perfume, Giorgio (yellow and white striped box) is great. I'm not sure if it contains civet oil but even if it does I don't think it's French. It's light, which may be why it wouldn't work on a French woman- it wouldn't cover French B.O. Works great on American women though.
Shampoo : White rain. It's cheap but all shampoo is technically the same thing anyway- mostly water, followed by ammonium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate, followed by trace ingredients which are only added to make you think there is something special about one brand versees another. The amounts are so small, though, they really make no noticeable difference. Pick the two least expensive brands you can get- like Suave, Ivory, or White Rain, and switch about once a week. Mainly this is just to enjoy a different scent while showering, becausse as I said all shampoos are basically the same regardless of price. (Head and Shoulders being the notable exception.)
The very best thing you can do for your hair to make it shine after you use any shampoo is, amusingly enough, to rinse it with regular white vinegar. This eliminates any soap residues left from shampooing daily, and this will also make your hair very springy and soft, and won't affect the color. You will only smell like a pickle for a minute if you rinse it, a few minutes if you're brave and let the stuff evaporate. Do not use flavored vinegars, lol. Garlic is a definite no-no.
Conditioners : Conditioners are all the same, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Lotions : Lotions are all glycerine, also mostly the same formulas, and expensive ones are tortally worthless ways to blow your money. For face cream, Ponds' cold cream is about all you ever need for anything and it won't give you adverse reactions since it isn't full of unneccesary scents and junk. Let the perfume do the scenting... your hand cream doesn't need to. Oil of Olay is nice too.
About the only thing which is manufactured differently in the expensive brands is liquid makeup and blush. The cheap stuff will clog pores and doesn't go on well anyway. Mascaras are generally good no matter where they come from; remember not to share and definitely replace them with new tubes frequently because your eyes are important and sensitive- old mascara's not a good idea.
Common Witch Hazel is a useful astringent any time you wash your face to remove makeup and tighten pores.
Your article is informative, well written and entertaining!
"Nice and Easy" is a good, non-froggish hair color. Way cheaper, too!
Tia