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4you Beauty Board

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 31, 2008

If you're never quite sure if the ads for popular beauty products can be believed or not, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board has some veteran testers onboard, ready to try the latest and greatest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed in the hopes of making life a little easier for you.

This week: hair spray. If your 'do is done by noon, we may have found the answer.

Redken "Forceful 23" Super Strength Finishing Spray

Available at salons that sell Redken products (go to redken.com to find the salon nearest you); $14.95 for 11 ounces

"Exclusive shine-charged technology helps provide frizz-free, touchable, shiny styles with 24-hour humidity resistance."

Rating: A -

Michelle says: Redken's "Forceful23": It's a commanding name for a finishing spray that boldly promises 24-hour humidity resistance and staying power. I put the product to the ultimate test. I gave my bangs a "There's Something About Mary" style and sprayed it with a few healthy shots. Then I aimed a couple of spritzes on the flippy chunk of hair next to my right ear (from a layered cut that got out of whack). Four hours … still holding. Twelve hours …I'm ready for a movie screen test. Seventeen hours … I still have height, bounce and no stiffness! The coup de grace was waking up with the same 'do the next morning. And my locks never felt lacquered. I would give this impressive product an A+ if it weren't for the somewhat steep price.

Michelle Bearden, 52, is the religion reporter for the Tribune and produces a weekly segment called "Keeping the Faith for WFLA, News Channel 8.

Paul Mitchell "firmstyle" Freeze and Shine Super Spray

Available online, at fine salons, drug stores and Buy Best Beauty Outlet; $8.95 for 8.5 ounces

"Firm holding styling resins provide intense hold and memory."

Rating: C

Cloe says: If there's a superhero of hair sprays, this has to be it. Just a couple of spritzes from the non-aerosol pump tames flyaways and keeps my hair sleek and shiny when I pull it back. But there are some negatives. I don't like to wash my hair every day, but I have to when I use this spray because it leaves it sticky and tacky to the touch. When I comb it out, it flakes. I also don't care for the scent; it smells like you poured a Cosmopolitan on your head (and I would much rather drink mine). But if you want to look hot during a Category 3 hurricane, this is for you. Just stay away from anything flammable.

Cloe Cabrera, 41, is the fashion reporter for the Tribune. She writes the BayLife column "Hot Pursuits."

ECRU New York Sunlight Holding Spray

Available online at ecrunewyork.com; $22 for 5.1 ounces

"Pro-vitamin B-5, olive oil extracts and other cosmetic-grade ingredients provide moisture retention, PH adjusting, anti-static benefits plus UV protection."

Rating: B

Debbie says: Ecru worked well with my low-maintenance style, taming flyaways and boosting shine. It sprays like a concentrated parfum — no more coughing through noxious fumes — and applies like a serum. I spritzed it into my hands, rubbed and then glossed over frizzy strands and my flat-ironed bangs. My hair looked polished, natural and shiny. For those who want a finishing spray, Ecru is a nice choice. If your style needs "underwire" type hold, this hairspray may feel more like a "built-in" bra.

Deborah Meron, 22, is a multimedia intern for News Channel 8 and TBO.com.

Umberto Beverly Hills Regular Hold Hairspray

Available at Target and umbertobh.com, $8.99 for two 10.6-ounce canisters

"Light hold for shaping and styling"

Rating: A

Melinda says: Let's just say I'm the "Queen Bee" of unruly hair. I can't believe I actually found the perfect holding hairspray. I tried it on both my curly wet styles and my straight blow-dried style, and to my surprise, the end results were the same. When I used it on my curly hair, it left my curls bouncy yet firm. Not once did it feel icky to the touch. Ditto on my blow-dried style. No flaky buildup, no sticky mess, no yucky chemical smells. Just clean, firm, beautiful results. I'm impressed. And I will faithfully continue to use it.

Melinda Ramos, 33, is events coordinator for "Friday Extra" and "TBO.com."

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