by Erin Weatherhogg

Created on: October 09, 2009   Last Updated: October 10, 2009

People have long debated the subject of the hit song, "You're so vain." However, I secretly believe it is about me. Maybe because I'm so vain. But definitely because I love beauty products. Specifically new beauty products. If I could use a product just once then have a brand new one to use the next time, I would - if the idea weren't such a shameful waste of money and product in these tough economic times.

I am a loyal Melaleuca customer; however since my intent with this article is not to recruit new customers, but to simply recommend some great products, for the three items that are Melaleuca exclusives, I will also highlight comparable drug store alternatives for those who are not fellow customers.

The number one product on my list is actually three. Envia Nature's Salon clarifying shampoo and conditioner, followed by Envia Nature's Salon de-tangling leave-in conditioner are often all I use to wash, moisturize, and control my unruly, often frizz-prone curls. The shampoo cleanses and removes excess build-up without stripping my hair of its natural oils and drying it out. The conditioner then softens and moisturizes without leaving a build-up of its own, and the leave-in conditioner applied to towel-dried hair allows me to comb through it without breakage and tones down my hair's tendency to frizz as it dries.

A great drug-store alternative to this exclusive is the Bio-Infusion hair care line. Their all-natural formula works with the heat of the shower to smooth and protect hair from the elements and guard against frizz.

For the times when I need a little extra frizz control, my number two product swoops in to the rescue. Envia Nature's Salon Scalp Therapy uses the softening powers of tea tree oil (the basis of most Melaleuca products) to smooth away frizz without causing my hair to look or feel dirty and greasy. My hair is naturally oily, so I have to be sure to only use enough to coat my hands, but this only serves to make the four-ounce bottle last forever. Those with drier hair may need slightly more, but in any case, a little goes a long way, making the seemingly high price of around $12 more than worth it.

At the grocery store, look for Garnier Fructis smoothing serum. It's clear and comes in a cute little round bottle that looks lavish, but it's not as money-leeching as it appears. Garnier is one of the lowest-priced hair care lines on the market, but it works as well as any of the extravagant designer brands. I've tried their shampoo and conditioner,

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