The Beauty Counter Giveaway!

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you all know that Hil'Lesha over at The Beauty Counter is giving away Hairfree brushes! Hairfree brushes are awesome! They're the new wave in styling your hair, and I totally hope I win!!! Check out her blog so you can enter too! :D

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Catwalk Root Boost Review

Hey loves! Today I'm reviewing Root Boost by TIGI's Catwalk line. I've had this for a long time, and I've used it quite often, with very nice results! The bottle claims Root Boost is "A spray for texture, lift and style support for all types of hair. Precision application allows you maximum design control." Well said! I've tried a few other brands of root volumizers, and I'm going to try more, but I really like this stuff! That being said, I actually still prefer to use a blow dry gel (like Redken Blown Away 09). Though, if I want even more volume, I'll grab Root Boost and get to settin'!

The main ingredients in Root Boost are: Water, Hydrofluorocarbon 152A, Dimethyl Ether, VP/VA Copolymer, PVP, PEG-45 Palm Kernel Glycerides, etc. Hydrofluorocarbon 152A and Dimethyl Ether are fairly common propellants used in aerosol sprays. A propellant is something that shoots the product out of the can, like whooosh! VP/VA Copolymer and PVP are what give the light hold and texture that make this product so good. PEG-45 Palm Kernel Glycerides is a fatty acid that comes from palm kernels. It's used as an emulsifier. The rest of the ingredients are pretty much just propellants, hold agents, fragrance, preservatives, yadda yadda yadda.

A quick tip? Root Boost is GREAT for getting volume and height at your crown, but try spraying it all over your hair and blowdrying it in for amazing texture and fullness. After all, root lifting products like this... are basicallykindabutnotreallywellitsortofis mousse with a spray nozzle. ;-) Oh and the scent? It smells just like Fast-Fixx (aka amazing).

TIGI Catwalk Root Boost comes in a 8.5 oz / 250 ml can. It's also available in a Biggie size which is in like a 10 oz. can for like the same amount of money, usually paired with Fast-Fixx or another Root Boost. It's a great bargain if you ask me!

Stay tuned for more reviews, hauls, and craziness! Take care of your hair loves! xoXO

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Bed Head Small Talk Review

Hey guys! Today I'm reviewing Bed Head Small Talk, a 3-in-1 Thickifier, Energizer, and Stylizer. Two of those are totally not words, but it's okay cos this product is great! First thing I have to say about it is... the smell. I am in HEAVEN when I smell this, it's one of the most delicious hair products I've ever smelled. It could be just a personal thing, but to me it smells exactly like Bubble Tape in the Gushing Grape flavor. Do you guys remember that stuff? I don't know if it's even still around, but omg I get a serious craving for it every time I use Small Talk. MMMMMM!

Ok... moving on before I end up eating it, Small Talk is a product that thickens up your hair, while giving slight texture and definition. I highly recommend this especially if your hair is on the shorter side. A lot of reviews online compare Small Talk to Cocky Thickening Paste and some people say they prefer Cocky a little more. I actually prefer Small Talk. I think Cocky is good because it adds body and has some shine to it, but it's very easy to use too much, which could end up making your hair look dirty. Plus, I personally think Cocky is best used in 90%-100% dry hair, while Small Talk is best when used in wet hair.

Small Talk's ingredients include: Water, VP/DMAPA Acrylates Copolymer, Cyclomethicone, Polyquaternium 37, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer, etc. VP/DMAPA Acrylates Copolymer is commonly found in mousse, gel, texture/curl enhancing products, etc, and it gives hold. Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, and Dimethiconol are all silicone derivatives. Polyquaternim 37 is a fairly common emulsifier. Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer is actually a kind of synthetic rubber! Isn't that weird? I'm pretty sure it's what keeps the thick and full feeling in your hair.

Overall, I think it's great. You might not like it, you might love it, it's kind of one of those products where you just need to try it. That's how it was with me... actually that's how it is with most of the products I get. LOL!

Bed Head Small Talk comes in a 200 ml / 8 fl. oz. bottle and retails for around $17.

Anyways, I hope you like this review, and sorry for being so lax with my posting lately. I'm really gonna try and do better. I do have a big HAUL to post still, so stay tuned for that! Take care of your hair pretties!

BTW This is Bubble Tape, in case you didn't know:

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K-PAK Color Therapy Restorative Styling Oil Review

Hello! Is it me or did this week just FLY by?! Well in any case, I'm glad the weekend is here! =) Today I'm reviewing Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Restorative Styling Oil. This (along with a shampoo and conditioner) is Joico's answer to Moroccanoil, though some people who have used it claim Joico's is better. I've never actually tried Moroccanoil, so I can't make that comparison, but I'm a huge fan of this product and it's definitely going to be a staple in my product collection! This oil is effective as a leave-in treatment and as a styling product, and I use it as both!

So here are the main ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Argan Oil, Mongongo Oil, Kukui Seed Oil, etc. Ahh my favorite ingredient cyclopentasiloxane is first on the list. This is a fabulous ingredient that conditions hair and protects against damage. I've talked about dimethicone before; it's a fairly common silicone derivative. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient/thickening agent. The last 3 need a bit more explaining...

Now here's what all the hype is about: Argan oil. Argan oil has been around for hundreds of years, mostly to use it for cooking. Lately, the oil (by solvent-extraction versus traditional/press-extraction) has been used in treatments for skin and hair, and it's especially useful for treating psoriasis. It's rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, phenols, carotenes, and squalene. There's plenty to read about Argan oil out there, so if you wanna know more, look it up!

Schinziophyton rautanenii, otherwise known as mongongo oil, is a pretty uncommon ingredient in haircare, so I had to dig a little deeper to get some info. Here's what phytotradeafrica.com had to say:

[...] In addition the kernel is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, and has extraordinarily high concentrations (around 560mg per 100 grams of kernel) of vitamin E (almost entirely as g-tocopherol). The large proportion of this essential linoleic acid (EFA), as well as the conjugated trienoic acid (α Eleostearic) mean that the oil is of huge importance for skin protection, both for hydration but also for the restructuring and regeneration of the epidermis. In particular the α Eleostearic acid reacts rapidly with UV light producing polymerisation and providing a protective layer. The very high g-tocopherol content also provides the oil with enhanced stability, this is proven in the African heat where the oil does not become rancid.

I don't know about you, but I'm going to look for more products with mongongo oil!

And then there's Aleurites moluccans, or Kukui seed oil. Kukui seed oil is from Hawaii, and it's a fantastic moisturizer, because it penetrates deep into skin and hair really fast! It's great for people with dry skin, dry hair/scalp, eczema, burns, psoriasis, scars, etc. because it will almost instantly relieve any symptoms you have. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E. I'm gonna need some of this stuff stat! =)

Whew! Sorry if that ran on too long, but I just wanted you all to know a little something about those three ingredients. Anyways, here's how I use it: As a leave-in, I use about 3 pumps in wet hair, long hair may need more. Or you could need less if your hair is finer, play around with it. When I use it on dry hair, one pump is all I need for shiny, healthy looking hair. It's not heavy at all, so just experiment and find out what works best for you!

Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Restorative Styling Oil comes in a 3.4 fl oz. bottle and retails for around $16-$18 depending on where you shop. If you try this, or have tried it, or wanna try it, comment and let me know! Whether you love it or hate it, I'd love to know! n_n

By the way, I know I haven't done a haul in a while, but I'm slowly putting together a BIG one for you guys, and I'm gonna let you all decide which products I should review first! And if you have any product requests, comment and tell me what you'd like to me to review and I'll see what I can do. ;-) I'm also doing another mirrored review with my pal Recessionista over at Nouveau Cheap, so expect that very soon. Take care of your hair everyone!

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Cosmetic Chemistry Tidbits #3

Hello everyone! In this episode of CCT, I'll be talking about... shampoo! What it's made of, why it works, different kinds, and alternatives to shampoo as well.

First things first: What is the purpose of shampoo? Shampoo is meant to cleanse your scalp and hair. An effective shampoo must remove all dirt, debris, oil, and product without compromising the integrity of your hair. Your hair and scalp need to be cleansed regularly because natural oils and perspiration combine with the natural scales and dirt, which can then be home to a myriad of disease producing bacteria, which can then cause scalp disorders. This is something you want to avoid. You should shampoo your hair according to how quickly your hair and scalp get dirty. Be careful though, excessive shampooing is bad; it strips your hair of the small amounts of sebum that protects the cuticle.

So, you know what it's for, but what's in it? The first ingredient in every shampoo is water. If there is a shampoo on the market that does not have the first ingredient listed as water, please comment and let me know. Usually the second ingredient is the main surfactant. A surfactant molecule has two ends: a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head, and a lipophilic (oil-attracting) tail. While you're shampooing your hair, the hydrophilic head attracts the water and the lipophilic tail attracts oil, and this process causes the oil and debris to be lifted off the hair and rinsed away. Other pretty standard ingredients (depending on the type of shampoo) can include humectants, protein, oils, foam enhancers, fragrances, and preservatives.

Just so you guys know, shampoo is the biggest expenditure in hair care products. So, in case I bored you with all that talk, let's discuss the different types of shampoo.

• An everyday shampoo is one that's acid-balanced (which means its pH is 4.5-5.5). Most experts believe that having a low pH prevents excessive dryness and damage. This makes it safe to use everyday, if you want.

• Moisturizing shampoos are best for chemically treated hair. The conditioning agents in the shampoo add moisture, volume, and slightly strengthen elasticity. They also do not strip the hair of artificial color. Every "color-safe" shampoo is moisturizing. Actually, most of the shampoos on the market these days are moisturizing, even if they don't say it on the label. Usually the one's that are opaque, or like have that pearly look to it will be moisturizing. Just check the ingredients. ;-)

• Clarifying shampoos contain a strong acidic ingredient to cut right through product buildup, leaving hair thoroughly cleansed and often quite shiny. They are not meant to be used daily, only when you can feel the buildup on your hair. Maybe try once a week, or every two weeks.

• Color-Enhancing shampoos combine shampoo with basic colors (usually aniline tint). These shampoos are kind of like color rinses, and last only from shampoo to shampoo. They can be used to brighten hair color, whether it's natural or artificial, or correct unwanted tones, like violet shampoo.

• Medicated shampoo contains special chemicals that are used to treat excessive dandruff or other scalp disorders. Shampoo like Head & Shoulders or Selsun Blue is for mild dandruff, but if it's really bad you have to get a medicated shampoo from a physician, because they're quite strong. Sometimes they have to sit on the hair for a long period of time to take effect. It really sucks if you have color treated hair.

• And then there's dry shampoo. Dry shampoo has been around for a verrrryyy long time, but for some reason is getting hugely popular again. Dry shampoo, whether it's in an aerosol or powder form, is basically made of a powder--like starch, talc, clay, etc. The powder absorbs the oil in your hair as it's brushed out, extending the time between your next shampoo as well as adding some volume.

Now, if that wasn't enough for you, there are some alternatives to shampoo. Some people like to co-wash their hair. Co-washing is simply skipping the shampoo and either rinsing their hair with water and using conditioner, or using a light conditioner like a shampoo and using a heavier conditioner after. Some people skip putting anything in their hair and just rinse it with water. To each their own... I guess. I know that there are tons of shampoos out there, so hopefully this helped to give you some insight, and now you won't be so intimidated the next time you go shopping down the hair care aisle. =P

What's YOUR favorite shampoo, and why? Comment and tell me, I'd seriously love to know! :D That about wraps up this episode of Cosmetic Chemistry Tidbits. Take care of your hair, and happy washing! XOXO ...read more ⇒

September Favorites!

Hey guys! Happy October! Gosh I don't know about you, but I LOVE talking about my favorite products! Maybe I have a problem... eh whatever, I'll deal with it later LOL. So, in case you wanted to know, here are my favorite products of September. YOU should comment and tell me your favorite proucts too!

Shampoo: Redken Color Extend - Really helps maintain color, and leaves my hair feeling soft!
Conditioner: Redken Color Extend - Not too light, not too heavy, just right for my color-treated hair.
Treatment: Redken Real Control Intense Renewal - As I said in my post, I really love this stuff! It leaves my hair feeling so soft and healthy looking.

Smoothing/Shine: Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Restorative Styling Oil - This could actually be put under the treatment section too! It makes my hair feel silky, imparts shine without looking greasy, and protects my color! I love it.

Volume: Bed Head Small Talk - This 3-in-1 product is great! It adds volume, separation, and definition. Perfect for layers.

Straightening: It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product - I could've put this in 3 other categories, but I personally love using it as a flat iron spray for coarse/thick hair. It's like flat-ironing conditioner in your hair, leaving it soft and manageable but not weighed down.

Texture: Bed Head Manipulator - A classic, and a permanent staple in my collection. It adds texture, shine, and smells like coconuts!

Hairspray: Sebastian Shaper - Another classic, and I have yet to find someone that does not like this hairspray.

Like I said before, I'd love it if you all commented and shared some of your favorites with me! I look forward to reading them. :D That's all for today, but be on the lookout for CCT #3 very soon! Take care of your hair, and have a happy October! XOXOX

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TAG: What I'm using right now

Hey guys! So I've been meaning to do all these tags but I keep forgetting about them! I saw this one over at my friend Recessionista's blog Nouveau Cheap. It's only half the tag since the rest were makeup related, so if you're a blogger and you wanna do it just check out her blog for the full tag! ♥

Shampoo: Redken Extreme/Redken Color Extend.

Conditioner: Redken Real Control.

Styling products: Alright let's see... well since I rarely use the same products two days in a row I'll just list the ones I use most often. S-Factor Dream Drops, It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product, Bed Head Some Like It Hot Serum, S-Factor Smoothing Lusterizer, Bed Head Small Talk, Redken Smooth Down Sleek Obedience, Matrix Biolage Colorcaretherapie Delicate Care Oil, K-PAK Color Therapy Styling Oil, Bed Head Superficial.

Shower Gel: AXE Vice Shower Gel.

Body moisturizer: Vaseline for Men.

Deodorant: AXE Vice, both the spray and the stick.

Fake Tan: Famous Dave's.

Cleanser: I'm not afraid to say it-- Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser.

Toner: No thanks.

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New TIGI Products

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you all know about some brand new TIGI S-Factor and Love, Peace & the Planet products coming out this month.

S-Factor has two new products: Spun Satin and Wonderful Tonight.

• Spun Satin Feather-Light Styling Soufflé ($25) is an ultra luxurious, light as a feather, styling soufflé that is made with silk protein, aloe, green tea, and sunflower seed extracts to give hair soft texture, smooth waves, and healthy shine. Perfect for naturally wavy hair.
  


• Wonderful Tonight Overnight Treatment ($60) is for damaged and dry hair in need of repair. TIGI has taken the most luxurious ingredients found on earth and combined them with the powerful Keravis ingredient to give you results instantly.Containing S-factor's premium Luxury Complex and the strength building properties of Keravis, Wonderful Tonight repairs damaged hair while you sleep. Hair treated with Keravis was shown to have a higher fatigue lifetime, making hair more resistant to breakage. This translates into increased hair strength and better hair vitality.

Love, Peace & the Planet is introducing Walking on Sunshine Shampoo and Conditioner, Save the Earth Straightener and Defrizzer, and Totally Beachin' Styling Mist.

• Walking on Sunshine Shampoo ($18) contains apple amino acids, ginger and green tea that will turn dull locks into something to love.


• Walking on Sunshine Conditioner ($20) is a totally fresh formula infused with honey, jojoba oil and soy protein which renews moisture and strength, leaving hair smooth and shiny.


• Totally Beachin' Styling Mist ($18) contains coconut water and sea kelp to nourish hair while pineapple and sea salt add texture and body.

• Save the Earth Straightener and Defrizzer ($18) is 84% organic content, free of parabens, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances. Bottle 50% post-consumer recycled material. Soy, olive fruit and wheat amino acids defrizz, smooth and protect from heat and UV damage. Style your hair and help save the earth!

Well you guys know what a huge TIGI freak I am, and I'm probably going to get all of these things, but I'm totally excited for Spun Satin. It just sounds like the perfect product for me! :D Will you be trying anything? Comment and let me know! Take care of your hair and happy shopping!

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