CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {JUNE 17}

Again I have some promising beauty products to review over the 

next few weeks...

 

1.

My favourite South African brand Rain kindly sent me 3 hair products from their Biologie range after reading about my recent disastrous encounter with a Dove shampoo and conditioner.

Rain isn't a brand I would normally looked to for my hair care products, so I'm very intrigued as to how it performs and as always I will report back to you with my findings and experiences after giving my hair a few weeks of some natural TLC treatment.

*NOW POSTED*

Read Review

2.

Here I am again trying to find something from The Body Shop skincare collection that I can honestly say that I love and can highly recommend, as you know I don't have too much love for this brand, but I must give myself 10/10 for trying, so let's see whether this Vitamin C Glow-Revealing Liquid Peel can convert me into a lover...

*NOW POSTED*

Read Review

3.

I've had the Avène Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Serum for some time now and just haven't been able to incorporate it into my skincare routine due to having other serums on the go.

I enjoy using all the Avène products and haven't written a bad word about any of them and I doubt this product will be any different.

*NOW POSTED*

Read Review

EVERPRO BEAUTY BACK2BLONDE (REVIEW)

Having highlighted my hair for what seems like a gazillion years I've often dreamt that a product like this would come along...

As you know the dreaded root re-growth always accompanies an expensive visit to the hairdresser and you know it's that time again "highlights time". 
I usually go around every 6-8 weeks, but there have been so many times where I've longed for a quick, easy to use at home product that would literally just conceal the dark re-growth or grey hairs just until I had the time to get my hair "fixed'.

I know there are many of you that can relate to this problem and I don't know of any other product on the South African market that can be used on blonde hair, however there are a couple that can be used on darker hair. Temporary root concealing products are a relatively new addition to the category of "Temporary Hair colouring", but I personally believe it's a sector of the market that could go from strength to strength, as R&D improves.

As you can imagine I eagerly accepted an invite to an event here in Durban, to find out more about the EVERPRO BACK2BLONDE and ZERO GREY range of products which claim to temporarily and instantly fix those dark roots. 

I was given four products from the BACK2BLONDE range to try and review.

Back2Blonde is available in two application formats and both are available in 3 blonde shades: 

Light Blonde
Medium Blonde
Dark Blonde

Back2Blonde Touch Up Spray

EVERPRO beauty ZERO GREY & BACK2BLONDE Touch-Up Spray

BACK2BLONDE temporary touch-up spray for blondes is the instant at-home fix for dark and grey roots.  Revolutionary spray-and-go formula, for visible blending in seconds that stays put until you next shampoo.

Prismatech pigments self-adjust to match and blend visible dark and grey roots.
Natural emollients give hair a healthy shine and natural feel

• Pinpoint applicator for targeted coverage only where you want it
• Quick-dry formula dries in 2 - 3 minutes
• Sweat-resistant
• Washes out with shampoo
• 
  
• For best results, apply to clean, dry hair.  Hold can 4 - 5 inches from hair.  Move can continuously back and forth until roots are evenly camouflaged.Let dry 2 - 3 minutes.  Apply more if necessary.
    Not to be used on facial hair, eyebrows or body hair.
  
  
  

  My Thoughts...

  
  

  I had to wait for my roots and grey hairs to show through, hence the delay with this post and as you can see from my pics below my re-growth is reaching desperation stage.

  I apologise for the quality of photos, but it's really quite difficult to take close up shots of your scalp and hair, but you can notice the difference between the before and after shots.

  
  

  The nearest colour to my highlighted hair was the Light Blonde, the medium blonde also worked, whereas the Dark Blonde had a brassy tone and was not suitable at all, so it's important to choose the correct colour.
  
  

  The Touch-Up spray was super easy and quick to use and the pinpoint applicator allowed for precise directional application and as EVERPRO beauty claim, it drys fast, gives your hair a shine and more importantly it washes out easily.

  What you do need to have on hand though, is a wet face cloth to just run along your scalp to remove any of the excess spray, otherwise it results in a blonde line along the scalp as you can see in the "After" pic.

  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  

Back2Blonde Root Touch Up Magnetic Powder

EVERPRO beauty ZERO GREY & BACK2BLONDE Root Touch-Up Powder

BACK2BLONDE temporary root touch-up magnetic powder is an instant, effective and easy to use solution to get rid of those unwanted dark and or grey roots. Unique, binding formula attaches along each hair strand like magnets providing the ultimate coverage that stays put all day long. 

Self-adjusting colour technology blends undetectably and matches hair colour for a natural finish.

Mineral-infused powder leaves hair soft, shiny and natural to the touch

Hidden sponge applicator allows for precise control and coverage

Compact packaging is perfect for on the go & small enough for travel

Washes out with Shampoo.

Remove base to reveal the sponge applicator. Lift top lid for powder. 

For best results, apply to clean, dry/styled hair. Using the sponge applicator, sweep a small amount of powder over dark or grey roots starting from the scalp and working outward. Re-apply as necessary.

My Thoughts...

Again Light Blonde was best suited to my hair colour and I opted to use this product on the temple areas of my hair. I often tie my hair back and the one area of re-growth that I hate to see is the temple area, above my ears.

The compact definitely takes more time to apply, however the sponge applicator does allow more control with focusing on the areas of coverage.
For this reason I preferred the nifty Touch-Up powder and it's so easy to pop into your handbag or gym bag, but it can easily be used as a touch up during the day after initially using the spray in the morning.
That being said I feel that with a little application practise with both the spray and the powder, anyone could become pretty good at being an "expert" temporary concealer of those roots and grey hairs.

ZERO GREY & BACK2BLONDE would work well for both male and females, as thinning hair is a common problem this product may just be a "godsend" for colouring in those thinning areas and giving it an appearance of being fuller and thicker.
Considering my long hair grows very quickly this product certainly couldn't take me from one colour to the next, but if your hair is short and slow growing then root concealing products could literally "fill in the gap" in between colours.

I enjoyed both formats and was quite happy with the results, as they both, in different ways, came to my rescue to cover the grey hairs and conceal the root re-growth, just enough to make it less obvious that what I really needed was 
an urgent appointment with my hairdresser.

Available from April 1st at selected clicks countrywide

Touch-Up Sprays
150 mls

R225

$7.99

£12.99


Touch-Up Powders
3.7grs

R225

$7.99

£12.99

BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO VS COLAB DRY SHAMPOO

Dry Shampoos are a quick and convenient way of getting soft, clean and fresh smelling hair, without water and whilst I don't regularly use one, I always have one on hand to help rescue me and my hair, on that day where, I just knew, I should have made the time to wash it. 

When sprayed directly onto hair the waterless formulation penetrates and absorbs dirt and any other cosmetic product. A gentle rub of the scalp and brush of the hair removes impurities to leave hair soft, clean, fresh and revitalized. Great to use in between washes or after gym.

The Dry Shampoo really evolved as many, many years ago women used talcum powder on their scalp and hair to absorb excess oil and grease.Thankfully we now have a Dry Shampoo in a can!

Klorane Dry Shampoo

My dry shampoo of choice has always been one from the French Botanical hair care brand - Klorane (150ml approx €9), but unfortunately for several years now it's not been available here in South Africa meaning that it was always a permanent item on my overseas holiday shopping list. Obviously I must have been having more "hair rescue" days this past 10 months than I realised, as I have now been forced to look into a locally available dry shampoo.

Not having a great selection to choose from it was pretty much down to two brands in my local Clicks, batiste and the recently launched (in SA) COLAB, so I thought I would review and compare them both and bring you my findings.

COLAB Dry Shampoo & batiste Dry Shampoo

batiste:

Available sizes : 50ml / 200ml

Price Range : R39.95 - R79.95

Batiste have several options to chose from, which include fragranced, volume and hints of colour dry shampoos, I opted for the Blush -A Floral and Flirty fragrance, only because the Classic and Clean was out of stock, personally I prefer to opt for a subtle or non-fragranced version.

My Opinion :

Initially I was shocked with the force of the dry shampoo spray, it really blasts powder onto the hair and scalp. I also found it to be very white and powdery even on my blonde hair, so it must be a nightmare on dark hair. Whilst it absorbed any oil, I found it to be marginally one step up from sprinkling a fine talcum powder onto my hair and doing it the "old fashioned" way. 

COLAB :

Available sizes : 50ml / 200ml

Price Range : R49.95 - R89.95

COLAB have two collections on offer, the Sheer + Invisible (sheer, invisible and weightless formula) and the Extreme Collection (volume ,height and body). I bought the Sheer + Invisible LONDON - A classic yet contemporary fragrance of bergamot, musk & magnolia.

My Opinion :

Again the spray was quite forceful, but as COLAB say their formula is lightweight and invisible and it was. I enjoyed using even though I found its ability to adsorb any oil not to maybe be as good as the Batiste, after saying that I would without a doubt chose the more sophisticated "grown up" COLAB Dry Shampoo as opposed to the girly "teenage" Batiste Dry Shampoo.

Is the Klorane Dry Shampoo being struck off my overseas shopping list? 

No not yet and it just means that on my next trip 2 cans will be bought!

Available from

 www.clicks.co.za

MY HAIR DETOX

Having been a huge fan of good salon hair products for as long as I can remember, 
I recently put my hair through a "Conditioner Detox"...

(not sure if there is such a thing but there is now).

Considering that I am in my mid 50's I realized that I have bombarded my hair, for over 30 of those years, with treatments of all kinds. Even though my hair is trimmed and highlighted every six weeks I have an obsession, as I think most women have, with keeping my hair in tip top condition in order to counteract the damaging effects from both chemical and heat treatments. Even though I spend a fortune on my hair products, I never really question the amount that I spend, as in my mind, they are all needed and doing my hair "good".

I had noticed for some months that my hair was feeling soft, but also heavy and looked flat and lank very quickly after styling, but my mental reasoning for this due to either age,menopause,change of products and possibly the fact that my hair was longer and therefore heavier and straighter, not at any stage did I consider that I was overloading my hair with conditioning and treating products, as they all pretty much claim to not make you hair feel heavy or oily. I agree with their marketing claims for the products being used on an individual basis,but the layering of several products, as most of us do, I believe can lead to an "overload"!

It recently took an empty conditioner bottle in my shower to make me "wake-up" to the fact that I may have been over conditioning. 

I cannot ever..remember not using a conditioner after washing my hair, so getting out of the shower without using on this occasion filled me with absolute dread, as to the thought of how I will get a comb through my long, highlighted, tangled locks.

Careful towel drying and a wide toothed comb did the trick, followed by my usual use of a hair dryer and my Ghd.The only product that I used other than my shampoo was the Kerastase Nectar Thermique heat protector. I was shocked by the results of no conditioner, as my hair had volume and a lightness to it that I hadn't experienced for years, which proves to me that over conditioning was the cause. 

I have since washed my hair "conditioner" free..three more times and my "Conditioner Detox" has been relatively easy and successful. I am now going to re introduce my treatments slowly whilst being mindful that my hair does need a break every now and then. Now I am not recommending this for everyone,but if you recognize some of the same issues that I have described, then maybe you also need to detox your locks.

Some of my current products that I use 2-3 times a week

Me "Detoxed" Hair

Expert Liss Ultime Review

Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Review

Kerastase Elixir K Ultime Review

K Micro Mist

L'Oreal Professionnel Rowenta Salon Steam Pod

L'OREAL EXPERT LISS ULTIME {REVIEW}

Over the years I have jumped between Kerastaste, Redken and L'Oreal Professionnel hair products for home use. Recently I bought the L'Oreal Liss Ultime shampoo and Smoothing Masque, as I have had quite a lot of new hair growth recently and I wanted to smooth that

 new growth frizz.

This range is a 4 step regime specially formulated to smooth unmanageable hair and I wouldn't say that my hair was unruly, but a little smoothing would be nice, after all smooth hair always looks shinier and healthier.

The technology behind this range is AR POLYMAR which has a dual-action care of nourishing and protecting. Oil Incell technology features Olive and Argan oils, both nourishing and gives suppleness to the hair, and Auto-Reticular is a humidity protecting polymer. Whilst the shampoo is formulated to nourish,smooth and soothe the hair fibres, the masque has the added bonus of protecting the hair from humidity.The Polytensium Technology leaves hair with intense shine and softness and provides lasting, defined smoothness.

The fragrance of this shampoo is very appealing and its easy to lather and rinse off, as is the deep nourishing masque, but I began to notice that my hair was feeling less "squeaky" clean after each wash. After a period of a couple of months, I stopped using the shampoo and the masque, as the oils that are used to smooth and control the hair created a build up and my hair was feeling a little overloaded, creating an oily and lank look...not good.

I would image that if you hair was truly unmanageable then this 4 product range or even just the shampoo/masque combo would be great for "taming the mane", but unfortunately my hair didn't need that much control, 

so it wasn't for me.

Liss Ultime Shampoo & Masque

Shampoo 250ml R200 approx

Masque 200ml   R330 approx

KERASTASE NUTRITIVE NECTAR THERMIQUE {REVIEW}

Having highlighted my hair  for the past 30yrs, every 6-8 weeks,
 I am not one to skimp on hair products, add to this chemical abuse, the ironing process and my hair is bombarded with harsh extremes hence my non reluctance to spend money. 
Over the years I have alternated between the salon ranges of Redken, Kerastase and L'Oreal Proffessionnel.

I have tried and used several products to help protect my hair from the heat of either the hair dryer or the straightening iron, all have been great, but recently I was persuaded by my hairdresser Joyce, (not that I needed much persuasion as I am a sucker and always walk out after every visit with a packet full of hair products)
 to try the Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique. The Nutritive range of products is targeting hair that is dry or very dry and therefore needing nourishment and protection. 

The Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Themique is a heat protective nourishing leave-in treatment for dry,very dry or sensitized hair,all of which applies to my unnatural golden locks. 

• 

  
  

                     

What can you expect from this product:

• Intense moisture to the core fiber of the hair
• Adds smoothness and shine
• Protects hair from heat styling tools and recurring drying-out process
• Improves hair straightening and drying performance
• Nourishes and softens hair

What is the key technology of this product:

ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT + GLUCO-SLEEK:

• • Royal Jelly Extract: Rich in carbohydrates, lipids and proteins for softness and shine
  • Gluco-Sleek: Xylose + guar gum for thermo protection

  
  

          How Do You Use:

1. Apply a walnut size amount to towel dried hair.

2. Massage paying attention to those very dry areas.

3. Comb through the lengths of the hair.

4. Heat style as normal.

                         For me, what makes this product stand out from similar products that I have used over the years, is the softness, the smoothness and the shine that this lightweight cream gives to your hair. 

I generally don't write too much about hair products or treatments unless they really impress me, but maybe I should blog more about them, as over the years I have used most of the repairing,nourishing and protecting  products within the 3 brands mentioned above, so watch this Blog Space!

To read my review on the K Micro Mist

To read my review on Kerastase Elixir Ultime

To read my review on the Professionnel Rowenta Salon Steam Pod

Available from Kerastase Salons and retail outlets.

Kerastase South Africa

TOP VIEWS 2013 #1

Back in May 2013 I discovered the L'Oreal & Rowenta Steam Pod 

and I fell in love...

This also just happens to be the most viewed post of the past year.

Enjoy!

TOP VIEWS 2013 #2

TOP VIEWS 2013 #3

SCHWARTZKOPF COLOR MASK

If you are planning to colour your hair any time soon, then read on...

Schwarzkopf have been around since 1898 and I do have some sentimental attachment to this leading German hair care brand. I know I am a sentimental type and I cant help it! Many years ago I studied City & Guilds hairdressing in the UK and one of the first "big" hair companies that came to do a product training was Schwartzkopf.
It was a two day training on their ground breaking salon permanent conditioning colour range
called Igora Royal, which they still have today, obviously it's advanced somewhat since then. 

So after all these years I find myself telling you about their new Color Mask,
 which is the first permanent DIY hair colour in a jar!

This revolutionary new Color Mask is the first hair mask colourant with threefold, indulgent care for intense, lustrous shine and long-lasting colour.For triple the care Schwarzkopf Color Mask comprises a trio of nourishing goodness. The Colour Cream with strengthening Amino-Active-Protein reinforces the hair fibre; the Developer Cream with Combability-Booster significantly improves combability, resilience and tangible smoothness, and the Hair Mask enriched with a Vitamin-Oil-Complex provides extra care for a silky smooth hair feeling.Its Developer Cream comes in a convenient jar, similar to a hair mask and one simply adds the Colour Cream to the developer to mix the colour.The mask-like texture is quick and effortless to apply with even distribution on the entire head, even on those hard to reach areas.Without any dripping or drab disasters the formula becomes a creamy hair colour mask with proven performance. 92%* of women are convinced of the intense and beautiful colour results – even after four weeks.

COLOR MASK SCHWARZKOPF

So if you are one of the 6 in 10 women that colour their hair at home, then consider the all new Schwarzkopf Color Mask.It comes in 10 gorgeous shades and is exclusive to Clicks stores countrywide and retails at R129.99 per application.

                                      

KERASTASE ELIXIR K ULTIME

Firstly I must say that I am very cross with regard to this post about the Kerastase Elixir K Ultime Oleo-Complexe product.....and it has nothing to do with the product itself, but with my hairdresser Joyce!

Shame on you Joyce! that you only brought this product to my attention recently when I went for my usual highlights and K Mist treatment. I have been a Kerastase customer "on and off" for the past twenty odd years...and "She" casually just mentioned that she was going to use some of the Elixir on my damp hair before blow drying and afterwards as always, my hair felt wonderful. She gave me a sample to use at home and this would be the true test, as to how good this product was...simply because after my visits to Joyce, my hair always feels great and I am never sure if it is the K mist or the treatment products or just the fact it has been professionally washed and dried!

Before I used the product I did some research and by all accounts the product has been very well received, so much so, that it has won several international awards and some highly acclaimed rave reviews, so would mine be any different?

The product is not exactly new as it was launched early in 2011...in fact Kerastase

have just launched overseas their New Elixir Ultime Grand Crus range, which takes

 the product to a whole new level, but more of that once its launched in SA.

For now though let me tell you about the product itself....firstly the packaging is all gold which immediately give you a sense of "Luxury" and the price is also "Luxury" retailing for R420 for a 125ml bottle....however do not be put off by the price as one drop of this Elixir really does go a long way and 125mls would last me for 6-9 months which would make it very viable for me!

From the onset you must understand that The Elixir K Ultime Oleo-Complexe

Technology is a powerful cocktail of emollient and anti-oxidant active ingredients 

from Maize, Pracaxi, Camellia and Argan oils.

• Maize Oil: Extracted from corn germs of Central America, Maize Oil delivers emollient and anti-oxidant active ingredients for ultimate shine.
• Pracaxi Oil: Native to the Amazon, Pracaxi Oil brings shine, nourishment and deep conditioning to the hair.
• Camellia Oil: Harvested in Asia, Camellia Oil helps smooth the hair fibre, resulting in incredible shine.
• Argan Oil: Found in North Africa, Argan Oil helps restore strength to the hair and protects it from external aggressions

All of the above make this product the most wonderful, great smelling, versatile nourishing "dry" oil that will smooth, strengthen, deeply condition and give your hair the ultimate shine on all types of hair. The product is lightweight and leaves no oily residue on the hair whatsoever...

This product can be used in so many different applications:

1. Use as a before shampoo treatment to remove impurities and deeply nourish
2. post-blow dry smoothing aid 
3. Use as a finishing touch for enhanced shine and frizz-control.
4. Apply as a leave-in conditioner
5. Can be used on damp or dry hair
6. Apply multi-use elixir to dry ends throughout the day for ultimate smoothness.

So in answer to my question earlier "will my review differ?" 

No! I absolutely love this product, as it delivered on all of the above, on hair that has been highlighted,blow dried and ironed for more years than I care to remember.....so much so, it may make my "Must Have" list!

To read review on K Mist click here

www.kerastase.com

K MICRO MIST....GENIUS

Ask any woman about their hairdresser and the words "she has done my hair for years" will crop up in most of the conversations....we trust these professionals to cut, colour, treat or perm our "tresses" and in the process they become our friends...and mine is no exception! Joyce has lovingly nurtured my hair through all of its "ups and downs" thankfully more ups than downs.....

I have always used either Redken, Kerastase or the L'Oreal professional range of products on my hair and a couple of years ago I "used to" treat my hair to the Kerastase Micro Mist Treatment during my six weekly visits. I say "used to" because I haven't had one for some months...but today my "tresses" were given a wonderful treat! 

This treatment is a must for Dry, Damaged, processed and generally hair in bad condition.

The Micro Mist generates mist by ultrasound to improve your treatment. The mist particles made by Micro Mist are much smaller and lighter than those of steam and penetrate the cuticle of the hair to a greater depth. This means the Micro Mist pushes the pre applied Kerastase treatment product deeper into your hair where it is needed. At the end of the treatment, Micro Mist's cooling system comes on and cools the hair, closing the cuticle and trapping the treatment product inside. This gives a much stronger and longer lasting result.

This treatment really works wonders on your hair leaving it softer,visibly smoother and shinier...all of which, was sadly lacking in my hair. It's better to keep up with the Mist treatment monthly or bi monthly to maintain these fantastic results , but if your hair is far from its peak then, this is most definitely the treatment to get "hair things" back on track. 

I do know that this machine is an expensive purchase for a salon, so not too many salons can offer this Micro Mist option. Joyce owns the salon below and the treatment+mist costs R390 and adds approx and extra 25-30mins on your salon visit time.:

Sands Hair & Nails 

1st floor

Umhlanga Sands Hotel

Lagoon Drive

Umhlanga Rocks

031 561 5663

The Sands Hair & Nails Salon is running a great promotion

Buy 3 Kerastase products & get the Mist treatment will be free!

If you normally buy Kerastase hair products then do yourself a favour and take advantage of this offer and experience the Mist for free....your hair will most probably love you for it!

The Micro Mist....truly is a Genius!