Joico K-PAK Reconstruct Review

Hello hello! Review time! Today I'm reviewing Joico K-PAK Reconstruct Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor. This is a sort of "mirrored" review. My friend Recessionista over at Nouveau Cheap reviewed the Generic Value Product equivalent, and I'm doing the real thing. I just love her! ♥

K-PAK Reconstruct's label says: "Joico's original intensive protein reconstructor for dry and damabged hair rebuilds and improves the structure of hair. pH 4.5 to 5.5. Contains OUADRAMINE COMPLEX, an exclusive blend of low moleucluar weight and size proteins. This balance of 19 essential amino acids (the building blocks of hair) adheres quickly and effectively to ensure maximum protection and reconstruction from the cuticle to the cortex. Color-Safe." Hmm... promises, promises. Let's see if K-PAK keeps them.

Now, since Recessionista found out the hard way, I feel the need to say this: K-PAK is NOT a deep conditioner it is a protein treatment. Much like Redken CAT--although the two are very different, they work similarly. So make sure you use it sparingly, once or twice a week depending on how damaged your hair is, and follow up with your normal conditioner!

Check out the ingredients: Water, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Mineral Oil, Glycol Stearate, PEG-8 Distearate, etc. Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine is a very mild detergent, probably used to help K-PAK grab onto your hair. Mineral Oil is a petroleum by-product. In cosmetics it's used as an emollient and in K-PAK it's the base of the whole product (I can tell by the texture). Glycol Stearate is a humectant and an emollient, and it makes a product easier to spread. PEG-8 Distearate is an emulsifier. Here's what CosmeticsInfo.org has to say about it:

The PEG Stearates are produced from stearic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid. The numerical value of each PEG Stearate corresponds to the average number of ethylene oxide monomers in the polyethylene chain. Polyethylene glycol ingredients may also be named with a number that indicates molecular weight, for example polyethylene glycol (400) stearate is another name for PEG-8 Stearate.

Interesting, eh? Overall it's a pretty decent product, thought I think you're paying more for the Joico name than the product. Although I always say if a product works, it's worth the cost.

What you wanna do with K-PAK is:

• Shampoo your hair (I suggest using a clarifying shampoo).
• Rinse and apply K-PAK through the middle of your hair to the ends.
• Leave in for 5 minutes only! Too much protein is bad for your hair.
• Rinse and follow with conditioner.
• For normal/mechanically damaged hair I suggest using this once a week.
• For dry/chemically damaged hair I suggest using it twice a week.

Bottom line: I love it, and I'll definitely buy it again. If you've got the money I do suggest using the real product, but if you're on a budget try the GVP version. I highly recommend this to all of you who can't help but damage your hair. I know I can't. ;-)

Joico K-PAK Reconstruct comes in 5 oz., 11 oz. (the one I have), and 33 oz. sizes. Depending on what size you want K-PAK retails for around $15-$40 Don't forget to check out Recessionista's review at Nouveau Cheap and take care of your hair!

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HLMN weekend roundup! 07.31.09

Adventures in Round Brown takes a look into the world of Men's Big and Tall Fashion.

Askmewhats reviews L'oreal Elseve Smooth Intense.

The Beauty Chick share some of her favorite face primers.

Beauty Junkies Unite tells us how awesome Bare Escentuals Buxom Lashliner.

BeautySweetSpot has a behind the scenes look at the MAC Fall collection.

Best Things in Beauty has a Giveaway Contest: Sephora's new Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Kiss.

Claire's Beauty explores lipstick trends through the decades.

Denim Debutante is giving away a bottle of Arbonne's Made in the Shade Self-Tanner to one lucky reader!

Fabuless Beauty has us super excited for the MAC Look in a Box sets available exclusively at Nordstrom.

See Fabulous Over Forty's review of Josie Maran lipstick.

The Fashion Planner shows us how to how to make a no-sew top and necklace from a t-shirt.

Glamour Whore introduces you to Illamasqua cosmetics.

Gloss Menagerie homemade toner experiment.

Gouldylox Reviews has a sneak peek of Bare Escentuals liner and lipstick.

Hot Beauty Health gives you the low down on the white nail polish trend.

The Informed Makeup Maven is all about body and hair this week.  Check out her must haves.

Krasey Beauty cozies up to Erno Laszlo Cosmetics.

Visit Lipgloss Break and Enter to Win Sunkissed Glow by JLo and AminoGenesis Perfect Reflection!

My Beauty Bunny recommends a cruelty-free self-tanner and body firming cream in one from Tarte.

Obsession Confessions of Glamour and Love reviews Ouidad products for curly hair.

Sicka Than Average keeps you walking on sunshine with its roundup ofsizzling hot shades.

The Style and Beauty Doctor begs you not to match your eyeshadow to your outfit.

Su Ferreira has another great tutorial on smokey eye.

ThisThatBeauty shares a beauty observations - Extreme Length False Eye Lashes in everyday life!

Tres Chic Style reveals her shopping secrets. ...read more ⇒

Bed Head Some Like It Hot Serum Review

"Been waiting long?"

"It's not how long you wait, it's who you're waiting for!"

Hey guys! Today I'm reviewing Bed Head's latest gem: Some Like It Hot Heat & Humidity Resistant Serum. This stuff is HOT! I love it! A definite must-have for summer, or for anyone whose hair turns into a frizzy mess when they just hear the word humidity. The Some Like It Hot line is brand new and includes a shampoo and conditioner as well as the serum. I'm definitely gonna try it. The scent alone is worth the purchase! "Just a drop in towel-dried hair will smooth, soothe and protect your locks every day."

Let's take a look at the ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethiconol, Phenyl Trimethicone, and Olive Oil is the bulk of it. It contains cyclopentasiloxane! No wonder I love it so much! Cyclopentasiloxane is a neat little emollient that detangles hair and makes it easy to comb through. It's also perfect for thinning a product, without using water because it's very watery--perfect for breaking up other silicones. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient with quick skin penetration. It is very useful as a dispersing agent and excellent at spreading skincare formulas. It's also colorless, tasteless, and has no scent. Dimethiconol is a silicone derivative--similar to dimethicone. Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone that adds some powerful shine to your hair. It's super concentrated so that's why you only need a drop or two of this product. Olive oil has tons of uses, but in cosmetics and hair products it's used as a moisturizer.

Honestly, just one or two drops in wet or dry hair is all you need to look fabulous and frizz free. I definitely recommend this product!

TIGI Bed Head Some Like It Hot Serum is available in a 100 ml / 3.38 fl. oz. bottle, and retails for around $17. Take care of your hair, especially in the sun!!! ♥

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HLMN weekend roundup! 07.24.09

Askmewhats has nail art tutorial for bling bling nails.

The Beauty Chick reviews CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush.

Beauty Junkies Unite shows you the right way to get cheeky with 4 easy cheek stains.

Best Things in Beauty spotlights the new Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2009 colors.

Claire's Beauty gives Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Cream a test drive.

Denim Debutante has an in-depth review of Paige Premium Denim.

Fabulous Over Forty is giving away Sothys Sun Care to one lucky reader. Enter now.

The Glamour Whore shows off the hair raising talent of Olivier Chomienne.

Gloss Menagerie reviews Softlips Pure Honeydew.

Gouldylox Reviews sneak peek at Milani Eye Tech Infinite Liquid Liners.

Hairs My Story has a gorgeous summer tropics FOTD.

in a word...fab has a sneak peek at J.Crew's Fall 2009 Collection.

It's complexion week at the Informed Makeup Maven, and don't forget to enter her cool giveaways this week!

Krasey Beauty discovers the beauty in going organic with Revolution Organics.

Visit Lipgloss Break and Enter to win The Cure 24/7 hair treatment and Sunkissed Glow fragrance by JLo!

My Beauty Bunny shows you how to get gorgeous, healthy, post-beach hair!

Sicka Than Average schools you on the best sunscreens for that pretty little face of yours. Protect ya neck!

ThisThatBeauty runs down fall's hottest collections!

Unfunded takes on Farmer John with some killer denim cut-offs.

VexInTheCity invites you to share her addiction - her make up collection.

***Affiliate of the Week***
The Style and Beauty Doctor will show you how to keep your blowout for blowing up.

For more information on The HLMN or on becoming an affiliate please visit our website. ...read more ⇒

Sebastian Trilliant Review

Hello everyone! Today I'll be reviewing Sebastian Trilliant--Thermal Protection and Shimmer Complex. The label states "Triple diamond shine for a sparkling glamorous style. Trilliant is a multifaceted complex that is especially designed to provide luscious shine with luscious body, light conditioning, and heat protection."

I have to say, Trilliant is becoming one of my favorite thermal protectors. It's super light, smells absolutely amazing (like fresh watermelons!), protects hair from heat styling in wet or dry hair, and makes hair shine like glass. Definitely a staple!

So what makes Trilliant so brilliant? Let's look at the ingredients: Water, Alcohol Denat., Isododecane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, VP/VA Copolymer. Alcohol Denat. is slightly drying when used on the skin, but used in hair products it is used to give hold. If you're someone that does not care to use products that contain alcohol, you're probably not going to use this, although products that are alcohol-free tend to be either very sticky or very greasy IMHO. I'm sure not every alcohol-free product is that way, but that's been my experience. Isododecane is usually used in creams in lotions to increase spreadability, but I suspect this is what's used to create the two-part system in Trilliant. Any further information please comment and let me know! :) Dimethicone as we all know is a silicone that conditions hair and adds shine. Glycerin is a humectant that locks in moisture in hair and skin. VP/VA Copolymer is another ingredient that adds body and gives a slight hold.

Sooo the downside to Trilliant is that it contains alcohol. If you're someone that hates using products that contain alcohol on your hair you're probably not going to buy this, which is unfortunate because I think Trilliant is a great product. I know alcohol isn't the best thing for your hair, but I don't think you're going to find something that's alcohol-free and works just as well... I certainly haven't found one. Alcohol is really only bad in large amounts, like using Isopropyl Alcohol on your skin--yikes! So really it's up to your personal preference. Have you found an alcohol-free product that is just great?! Comment and tell me about it!! I'd love to know.

Sebastian Trilliant comes in a 147 ml / 4.9 fl oz. bottle, and retails for around $15-$17. That's it for now! Take care of your hair everyone!!! 8-D

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L'Occitane Shea Butter Shampoo Review

Hey guys! I'm so excited to finally post my review of L'Occitane en Provence Ultra Rich Shea Butter Shampoo! This is the first product that has been sent to me to review, and I'm in love with it! Thanks so much Mary, and sorry this review took so long!! ♥

So, on to the review! Let's read the label, shall we? "This rich and soft shampoo is specially formulated for dry and very dry hair. Selected for its nourishing and restructuring properties, Shea Butter deeply nourishes and protects hair and scalp against harsh conditions (suns, wind, cold, colorations...) hair is instantly shiny, soft and smooth." Seeing as how I fall into the "very dry" category, this shampoo is perfect for me! L'Occitane (lox-ee-tahn fyi) is a brand that is all about Shea Butter and most of their products use it. I do agree that after using this shampoo, [very] dry hair feels noticably softer, smoother, and quite shiny and healthy looking (and it's hard to make my platinum hair look healthy, so that's saing something). My mom even said it makes her [color-treated] hair feel so nice and soft, she didn't even need to use conditioner! That blew me away.

Now let's break down the ingredients and see what makes this miracle shampoo work: Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate**, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate**, Acrylates Copolymer, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate**, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate**, Corn Starch**, Cetearyl Alcohol**. Not your everyday shampoo. I know, what's with the asterisks right? The label states ** = Natural Origin Ingredients, what they don't say is where they originate. I'm not one of those people that has to use all natural everything, so it doesn't make a difference to me.

Anyways, Disodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfosuccinate is an anionic (negatively charged) surfactant that is made from coconut oil and lauryl alcohol. It's a very mild cleanser that is excellent for sensitive skin, and hair apparently. It also has foaming properties, but I don't remember this shampoo making much foam. TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is another gentle cleansing agent, much more mild than others like SLS and ALS. It will also not produce Nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic compounds. Acrylates Copolymer, which I talked about in the Redken 09 Blown Away Review, are usually found in styling products to give hold and body. I suspect they used it to help keep the moisture in your hair. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is gentle cleanser that's also made from coconut oil. It thoroughly cleans skin and hair of impurities while locking in moisture. Corn Starch absorbs moisture and coats the hair/skin leaving it feeling soft and supple. Cetearyl Alcohol is not new to The ART & SCIENCE of [beauty]. It's an emulsifying wax that conditions hair to make it feel luxuriously soft and healthy--which is always a good thing. ;-)

Slight downside? L'Occitane is a very high-end brand, with high-end prices. If you're on a tight budget, you probably won't be visiting a L'Occitane boutique very often, if at all. However, I'm a firm believer that if something really works and exceeds your expectations, it's totally worth it. Another thing, if you're really sensitive to fragrances in your products you may not like this shampoo's scent. The fragrance is very fresh and soapy, it kind of reminds me of ivory soap. To me, it smells good and I don't find it over-powering, but some of you might. I actually wish their shampoo and conditioners came in backbar sizes, because if I had my own salon I would definitely carry them!

If you've got dry hair and you're looking for a new shampoo, I really suggest giving this a shot. It moisturizes very well, is color-safe, and is worth every penny IMHO.

L'Occitane en Provence Shea Butter Shampoo comes in a 8.4 fl. oz bottle, and retails for $17.00. They have boutiques all over the world, and you can shop online in most countries! Find one near you, and take care of your hair!!!

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HLMN weekend roundup!

Beauty Junkies Unite reviews InStyler Rotating Hot Iron Hair Straightener.

Check out Beauty Sweet Spot's, Jeannine Morris, on an NBC segment and enter the Huge Lips Skinny Hips contest to win a trip to NYC for two filled with sexy activities

Check out Best Things in Beauty for a Laura Geller Giveaway Contest.

Why did Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash disappoint Blaq Vixen Beauty?

Claire's Beauty falls in love with KenzoAmour EDT Florale.

Denim Debutante reviews Aritzia Boutique.

Fab Over Forty takes an indepth look at neuLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum.

Fabuless Beauty tells you how to try Physicians Formula cosmetics for FREE.

Glamour Whore dares you to be bold with red hot makeup looks.

If you're looking for a great primer, choose Avox Magix. Gouldylox Reviews loved it.

Hot Beauty Health shares with its readers a britbeauty brand, Illamasqua and it's coming to Sephora.

The Informed Makeup Maven reviews primers, foundations and beauty powders this week and gives away an Avene tinted compact for summer.

Krasey Beauty shares her night of beauty, twitter, and a lovely evening of girl power in NYC.

Visit Lipgloss Break to Enter to win LashFood Mascara and Go Green with a Baggu Bag!

Obsession Confessions of Glamour and Love has the scoop on the Janrah Boutique Sip and Shop Event in Seattle, WA.

The Style and Beauty Doctor is obsessed with nail trends. Take a look at her current fascinations.

Su Ferreira has a great FOTD makeup tutorial.

Unfunded's opinion is heard in the LA vs. NYC fashion debate on 39th and Broadway.

For more information on The HLMN or on how to become an affiliate please visit our website. ...read more ⇒

HAUL!

I'm back! YAY!!! Hahaha, omg my internet's been down these past few days and it's been murder! But I'm back and ready to share my new haul with you guys! Surprise surprise it's mostly TIGI stuff, but there are some Redken products too! Hehe.

From left to right: Bed Head Superstar Leave-In Conditioner, Bed Head Superstar Blowdry Lotion for Thick Massive Hair, Redken Blonde Glam Crystal Flash, Bed Head Some Like it Hot Heat & Humidity Resistant Serum, Redken Shades EQ 07CB Spicestone x2, Bed Head Brunette Goddess Shine Spray, Redken Smooth Down Sleek Obedience Anti-Frizz Solid Serum, Bed Head Manipulator, China Glaze Sexy in the City (I don't wear nail polish, but I had to have this for some reason!) and Bed Head Superficial Smoothing Liquid for Shiny, Silky Hair. Which one should I review first? Comment and tell me! ;-)

I've used Manipulator in the past, it's a staple in my hair care vault, as well as Superstar Blowdry Lotion. Some Like It Hot just came out and I already love it! Next time I go shopping I might get the Shampoo/Conditioner... after I get S-Factor Diamond Dreams of course (dying to get it!). If any of you use or have used these products before, comment and tell me about it! I love to know what my amazing followers use. :D

Take care of your hair pretty people!

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Which Gwen is your favorite?

Hey everyone! I went to see No Doubt last night and they were SPECTACULAR! Seriously, words can't describe how amazing they were! I went to both Gwen's Harajuku Lovers tour, and The Sweet Escape but I never got to see No Doubt in concert! My throat hurts from singing/screaming all night LOL! And I loved the fact that they were all blonde. It made me think of how many times Gwen has reinvented herself, and I wanna know which one was your favorite?! My favorite is The Sweet Escape Gwen: The clothes she wore, the heavy smokey eyes, I don't know it just appealed to me. :D Gosh there are so many! But here are the most memorable ones, imho:

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Mini-haul!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share my mini-haul with you. It's only 4 things, and one is a hand-me-down, but since I haven't really been able to do some retail therapy lately I figured I'd share this with you. From left to right: TIGI Colour Lights Saffron Lights tonal blend, Rusk Thermal Flat Iron Spray, TRESemmé Color Thrive Blonde Conditioner, and my first product submission L'Occitane (lox-ee-tahn) Shea Butter Ultra Rich Shampoo! Thanks again Mary! <3

So let's talk about what I got. TIGI Colour Lights Saffron Lights is used with TIGI Colour Lights Modern Lightener to lift and impart warm golden tones on the hair. For you stylists reading, not only does it create golden blonde hair, it's excellent for lifting out violet haircolor. Ooh la la.

I've been trying to get out of my TIGI/Redken comfort zone lately, and I figured a flat iron spray would be a safe bet. I do like Rusk, and I've used Rusk w8less hairspray before and liked it so we'll see how this compares. Expect a review!

I inherited the TRESemmé blonde conditioner from a friend (for all you anti-drugstore product snobs =P). I've already used it and it's not bad! Similar to Redken Blonde Glam Conditioner for all you blondes on a budget but I do prefer Blonde Glam, partly because I'm a Redken whore, and partly because I'm in love with the way it smells. Mmm...

Last but not least, the product I've been waiting for! Mary, a representative of L'Occitane en Provence contacted because she found my blog and really appreciated my stance on honest product reviews based on the ingredients. It was nice to have my work appreciated by somebody, and I'm so glad she had enough confidence in me to review a product. It really made my day. :D The product she sent me was a sample of L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Shampoo. Expect a review very very soon! (hint: I LOVE it!!!)

That's all for now. Hopefully I can do a real haul for you guys soon. I just need to finish school, get my license and get a job! I'm soooo close to being done. I can't wait to be on the floor somewhere. I'm applying at Ulta after I get my license, hopefully I can be like an assistant or something cos I doubt I'd be on the floor right away. Ahhhhhh, I'm so anxious to just get out of school and get out in the real world already! Gotta make that mon-ayyyy. LOL =P

Enough ranting. Talk to you guys soon, and take care of your hair! <3

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