S-Factor Spun Satin Review

Hey everyone! Sorry I've been MIA lately, there's just been so much going on! Being that it's summer and beautiful outside, I find myself spending less time indoors, and even less time on my laptop. For that, I'm sorry. Gosh I'm embarrassed at how long it's been since my last post, but I'm going to try to make up for it! Starting with my review of S-Factor Spun Satin Feather-Light Styling Soufflé. I blogged about how excited I was for this to come out (here), and I was not disappointed! Spun Satin has become a new favorite of mine, and a staple in my product collection.

If you've never heard of styling soufflé before, it's basically a very rich, conditioning styler. The consistency of Spun Satin is like a very thick deep conditioner, with a hint of a pomade/wax. However, being as rich as it is, it's very light on hair, and it's absolutely PERFECT for wavy hair! Spun Satin is the next generation of "scrunching" products, so bye-bye sticky gel! Plus isn't the jar pretty? It looks like expensive department store night cream or something - I feel so luxurious when I use it! And the scent... I'm not even gonna try. All I know is that it smells heavenly, so if you see it you have to smell it! You'll fall in love.

As always, we'll take a look at the ingredients:

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearalkonium Chloride, Fragrance, Cyclopentasiloxane, PVP, Amodimethicone, Hydrolyzed Silk, Sodium PCA, Cetrimonium Chloride, Dimethicone, Trideceth-12, Aloe Leaf Juice, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Propylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Coumarin.

De-fluffed:

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearalkonium Chloride, Cyclopentasiloxane, PVP, Amodimethicone, Sodium PCA, Cetrimonium Chloride, Dimethicone, Trideceth-12, Propylene Glycol.

Now if you're someone who's sensitive to fragrances, you might want to skip this product because it's full of fragrance additives. It doesn't bother me, but I know some people can't take it so I just wanted to put that out there. Anyway, once we take out all the fluff we're pretty much left with a very conditioning product with just a hint of hold. This is probably the reason why it's so perfect for people with naturally wavy hair, like myself. It tames the wave without leaving hair heavy and/or crunchy. Now I've talked about almost all of these ingredients in past posts, but what I do want to point out are Cetrimonium Chloride and Trideceth-12. These ingredients, combined with the other silicones, like Amodimethicone, prevent any buildup on your hair. So if you weren't sure about all the silicone in this product, don't worry about it. By your next shampoo, it will be all down the drain.

Who would I recommend this to? Anyone wanting to enhance their natural wave, while keeping their hair soft and touchable. I do feel the need to point out that this product is not designed to actually create a wave or curl, just enhance what you already have. So I'm gonna say if your hair is straight and you're looking for a curling product, this is not for you. I would also tell you that if you do decide to use Spun Satin, but are unsure of how much to use for your hair, use less than you think you need. It took me a couple tries to figure out just the right amount for my hair. Spun Satin can also be mixed with other products; I often mix in some S-Factor Dream Drops to give my hair some added shine and softness, but it's not really necessary. Spun Satin is great all by itself!

Here's a tip: I suggest towel drying most of the moisture out of your hair, then using Spun Satin. At first it might feel like it's a bit too much for your hair, but just give it time to dry and settle into your hair, and your hair will feel great! I've also found that it's best to let your hair air dry when using Spun Satin. I just think the heat from a blowdryer will kind of work against this product. But try and see what works best for you, maybe you'll find the opposite is true for you.

S-Factor Spun Satin comes in a 2.65 oz / 75 g container, and retails for around $28.

Like I said before, I am REALLY going to try to post more often. It's shameful how little I've been posting lately! Sorry again. But the good part of this is that I've been testing out a lot of new products, so you all just sit tight! More reviews coming soon!

Have fun, and take care of your hair! Especially against the sun, it's brutal!

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S-Factor Diamond Dreams Shampoo + Conditioner Review

Hey everyone! Wow, ABS was a BLAST!!! There were so many awesome booths, and there was all this craziness - but I got a bunch of stuff to show you all pretty soon, sit tight!

Since I'm feeling so fabulous about ABS, I figured I'd post about another thing that makes me feel fabulous: S-Factor Diamond Dreams Sulfate-Free Shampoo + Conditioner infused with Diamonds, Cashmere, Champagne & Pearls. You've seen it in my hauls (here and here), and I've been using it for a few months so I figured a review is in order! S-Factor is kind of like, TIGI's high-end, luxury line. I've used a lot of S-Factor products, and I have to admit that even though they cost a bit more, they've all really impressed me. Diamond Dreams is a relatively new part of the S-Factor line, and I was dying to get it for the longest time, but like always I would hold back and say "Yeah, I'll get it next time." Fortunately, with the help of some birthday money, "next time" actually came! It is, without a doubt, the richest, most luxurious shampoo and conditioner I've ever used. That being said, I'm not gonna act like this is something that everyyyyone absolutely NEEDS to have, because it's definitely a luxury item... and if I didn't have that birthday money I probably still wouldn't have it. But I'm glad I do!

Let's start with the shampoo. I think the thing I love most about the shampoo, well both actually, is the scent - ohmigod, it is the most heavenly intoxicating scent I think I've ever smelled. Since so few companies actually say what the fragrance in their products is supposed to be, I read on some website that it's blackberry lychee. I'm not sure what a lychee is (I think it's a berry) but if they smell like this then I want some! The shampoo is sulfate-free, and offers "An ultra-luxe complex with diamond dust, cashmere & champagne extracts & crushed pearl to indulge hair and provide • brilliant shine • ultra hydration • superior strength • antioxidant power" Now, you all know these really have nothing to do with how the product performs, but doesn't it sound awesome? Haha! I have to say that for a sulfate-free shampoo, it really cleans my hair well. That's saying a lot, considering I put a lot of product in my hair everyday and have to wash it everyday. It doesn't dry my hair out or fade my color. So let's see what really makes this product work. First the whole ingredient list:

Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinaye, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Fragrance, Cocamide MEA, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Quaternium-91, Glycol Distearate, Pehnoxyethanol, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer Disodium, Cocoamphodiacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Acrylates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Propylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-44, Polyquateruim-55, Citric Acid, Amodimethicone, Wine Extract, Soy Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Cottonseed Protein, Sunflower Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Wool, Polyquaternium-10, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-13 Pareth-23, C12-13 Pareth-3, Laureth-9, Polyquaternuim-67, Trideceth-12, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Pearl Extract, Methylisothiazolinone, Butylene Glycol, Diamond Powder, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Amyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Mica, Titanium Dioxide.

The ingredient list without the fluff:

Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinaye, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Cocamide MEA, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Quaternium-91, Glycol Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer Disodium, Cocoamphodiacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Acrylates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Propylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-44, Polyquateruim-55, Citric Acid, Amodimethicone, Polyquaternium-10, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-13 Pareth-23, C12-13 Pareth-3, Laureth-9, Polyquaternuim-67, Trideceth-12, Tetrasodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol.

As you can see, sulfate-free shampoos are much more complicated than normal shampoos. Most of it is just gentle cleansing and conditioning agents. As such, I'm not going into too much detail about every single ingredient - but I will talk about a few of them. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a synthetic surfactant made from coconut oil. It's also used in conditioner as an an anti-static agent, in cosmetics as a thickener/emulsifier, and also seems to be replacing Cocamide DEA. Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is used to enhance the appearance and feel of hair by adding shine, body, and improving the texture of damaged hair. PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is another surfactant, and an emulsifier. PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate is an emollient that enhances shine and provides a silicone-like feel to hair. Trideceth-12 is a PEG used as a surfactant, sometimes derived from vegetable oil. Butylene Glycol is a humectant and an emollient often found in personal care products; it's used to draw in moisture to hair and skin.

I absolutely love the conditioner, too! It's got the perfect consistency for me. It's thick and creamy as opposed to being too thin or thick and goopy, and conditions my hair extremely well without making it feel heavy or dirty. I can also use any products on my hair afterward, unlike some conditioners where it feels like if I put any other product in my hair, it'll totally weigh it down and look bad... you know what I mean? It has the same scent as the shampoo, but it's a bit more toned down. I guess they don't want you to get sick of it - although I never could. The label is also the same, but in place of "superior strength" this has "superior manageability." So now, here is the ingredient list:

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Parfum (Fragrance), Cetrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonim Methosulfate, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate Glycol, Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Quaternium-91, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Ceteth-20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Divinydimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Polyquaternium-55, Dicetyl Phosphate, Sunflower Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Polyquaternium-37, Aminomethyl Propional, Olive Fruit Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Wine Extract, C12-13 Pareth-23, C12-13 Pareth-3, Soy Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Cottonseed Protein, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Sunflower Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Wool, Butylene Glycol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Pearl Extract, Methylisothiazolinone, Disodium EDTA, Diamond Powder, Cetrimonium Bromide, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Amyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Mica, Titanium Dioxide

And when we take out all the fluff, we're left with:

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonim Methosulfate, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycol Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Quaternium-91, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Ceteth-20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Polyquaternium-55, Dicetyl Phosphate, Polyquaternium-37, Aminomethyl Propional, C12-13 Pareth-23, C12-13 Pareth-3, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Cetrimonium Bromide.

Basically what we're left with is a very rich conditioner, but with really not that many silicones. Good thing too, since everybody seems to be so anti-silicone lately. Anyway, just like I did with the shampoo, I'll go through some of the ingredients I haven't really talked about before. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient made from coconut oil that forms a barrier on hair and skin to prevent moisture loss. Glycol Distearate is what's used to create that cool pearly effect in shampoos and other cosmetics. Technically it is fluff, but I figured I'd talk about it anyway since it's so common. Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer is a film former derived from silicone. C12-13 Pareth-23 is used as an emulsifier. Cetrimonium Bromide is a cationic conditioner that adds shine.

Wow, that was a lot of typing. My fingers kind of hurt. I hope I don't have pancake butt from sitting in this chair for so long. Maybe it would help if I didn't distract myself so much, but whatevs, no big deal.

So who would I recommend this to? Everyone. I doubt anyone could not absolutely love Diamond Dreams. Unless you're someone who doesn't like products that have a strong scent, or you don't like sulfate-free shampoo, or silicones. However, like I said before, it really is a luxury item - and no one really NEEDS to have it... but I'll definitely be re-purchasing it in the bigger tween size. It probably is too much for some people's budget, but I haven't found a shampoo and conditioner that I actually want to rane-purchase in a long time, so it's kind of a big deal for me LOL!

S-Factor Diamond Dreams Shampoo + Conditioner comes in an 250 ml / 8.45 fl oz. bottle and both retail for around $25. The Tween size is 750 ml / 25.36 fl oz. and they both retail for around $35.

My ABS post/haul will be up tomorrow! Until then, take care of your hair! =)

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S-Factor Flat Iron Shine Spray Review

Hello everybody! How was your week? I don't know about you guys, but I am SO excited about Alice in Wonderland coming out! Me and my best friend are seeing it this Saturday in IMAX! I can't wait! Are you seeing it?! If you do, let me know what you think of it!

Alice aside, today I'm reviewing one of the best products in the S-Factor line: S-Factor Flat Iron Shine Spray. This is serious stuff, it will make your hair look and feel amazing...almost like glass! The label reads: "A scientific blend of ingredients that gives UV protection, Thermal shield, Lustrous shine, [and a] Soft, healthy finish."

Let's see if the ingredients back up the claims. After taking out all the fluff we're left with: Cyclopentasiloxane, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate.

I caution people who have fragrance allergies as this product is heavily scented and may cause you to have an unpleasant reaction.

Just wanted to put that out there! Moving on, Cyclopentasiloxane, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Diisopropyl Adipate are all emollients. Cyclopentasiloxane is a type of silicone emollient that works great to strengthen hair by making it less susceptible to breakage. Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate helps to help soften hair + skin, making it softer and more pliable. Diisopropyl Adipate is a film-former, and helps lubricate + condition dry hair. Retinyl Palmitate is vitamin A, and it enhances the appearance of hair by adding shine and body, making damaged hair feel like a virgin again! ;] Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E) is a naturally occuring anti-oxidant that moisturizes and conditions hair, and is especially beneficial in skincare products because it is an anti-inflammatory, and it adds moisture, reduces fine lines + smooths out rough skin. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate reflects UV rays, protecting your hair from the harsh sun. It's especially important for people with color treated hair to use hair products that have UV protection, because UV rays will fade your hair color - making it look dull and not pretty... and we don't want that!

There are a couple ways to effectively use this product. The obvious one is to use it before using your flat iron, but it's also effective when used in wet hair. It buffers the heat from your blowdryer - anddd because it also protects your hair from your iron, it prevents Product OD. That's a term I use whenever someone overdoses on hair product, and it ends up looking dirtier than before they washed it - LOL! However, people with baby fine hair may not love this product, cos it is a bit heavy. I would definitely recommend this to people with thick, coarse hair. Whatever your hair type, remember that as with most hair products - less is more. This can potentially make your hair look too shiny (I hate to say greasy/oily/stuff like that). Tip: Flat iron sprays are meant to be used mostly on the middle of your hair to the ends.

Also, something that kind of irks me is that the cap comes off very easily and it's kind of annoying. Not that great when traveling... but I like the product, so I can deal.

S-Factor Flat Iron Shine Spray comes in a 125 ml / 4.23 fl oz. bottle and retails for $25-$28 in stores, but on TIGIstore.com it's part of a "Get The Look" kit with two other products for only $29.95 (normal retail value for all three is $83) which is a SICK deal if you ask me! I'm definitely getting in on that! Here's the link if you wanna check it out: http://bit.ly/bT5pQk

Another day, another review! I have big things planned pretty soon, including CONTESTS! Stick around, you might win something. ;] Take care of your hair! XOXO ...read more ⇒

S-Factor Dream Drops Review

My first review of 2010! What a better way to kick off the new year than by reviewing one of my absolute favorite products in the WORLD! S-Factor Dream Drops - forever a staple in my collection. These shine drops add amazing shine, and protect against heat and humidity. They're so light - yet so effective - they can be used on any hair type!

Amazingly enough, Dream Drops have very simple ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Avocado Oil, Phenyl Trimethicone, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Dimethiconol are the main ingredients here. If you've followed my blog for a while, you know how much I love cyclopentasiloxane, it's good stuff! It's a light emollient that makes hair very manageable and less susceptible to damage; it's also good for breaking up other silicone's, like... Dimethicone, phenyl trimethicone, and dimethiconol are all silicone derivatives. They add shine & elasticity, condition hair, and help fight thermal damage. Avocado oil (persea gratissima) is a very precious natural oil that comes from the pulp of the avocado fruit. The oil itself is very penetrating and rich in Vitamins A, C, E, and amino acids. Jojoba seed oil is cold-pressed from the jojoba bean. It helps your skin and hair retain moisture and elasticity. Dry hair benefits from it greatly.

I find it's best to use a few drops on damp hair, before you blowdry it. It makes your hair super silky and soft, and helps buffer the heat from your blowdryer. A drop when it's dry, or before you use your heat tools, and you'll be all set! Try mixing it with other products too - like another smoothing cream, or a texture product like wax or gel. I do it all the time! Usually with S-Factor Spun Satin, like I said in my 2009 favorites post.

S-Factor Dream Drops come in a 75 ml / 2.53 fl oz. bottle and retails for around $25-$29 BUT right now on the TIGI website you can get them for FREE, just pay the shipping!

Here's the link: http://www.tigistore.com/pc-134-12-dreamexperience.aspx

As always, comments are loved and appreciated! I hope you all get to try this product and love it as much as I do! Take care of your hair loves! XOXO ...read more ⇒

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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S-Factor Smoothing Lusterizer Review

Hello everyone! Today I'll be reviewing one of my new favorite products, TIGI S-Factor Smoothing Lusterizer. The label says it's "a scientific blend of ingredients that silkifies • softens • fights humidity. Use in wet or dry hair. Satisfaction guaranteed!" And I have to absolutely agree with all the claims they make. I've used this on plenty of people, and I use this product in my hair all the time and after I do my hair just feels SO much better. Definitely smoother and more lusterized.. if that's a word. Also, it smells absolutely delicious, like mixed berries.

The main ingredients (the first 5) are Water, Cyclomethicone, Propylene Glycol, Dimethiconol, and Polyacrylamide. Cyclomethicone is made from silicone and is used for detangling, conditioning, and adding shine, but can be too heavy for some people's hair. Propylene Glycol is one of the most widely used ingredients in cosmetics. It works as a humectant to add moisture to your hair or skin. Dimethiconol is another silicone derivative similar to Cyclomethicone and Polyacrylamide is a thickening agent, and is what gives the product it's thick, yet creamy consistency.

My hair is platinum blonde on top and dark on the sides, so I just use a pea sized amount in my hand, rub it together, or emulsify it in my hands, and run it through my hair when it's about 75% dry, then blow it dry. Now, anyone who lightens their hair as much as I do will tell you that they need a lot of product to make it feel smooth and soft, and this stuff works the best for me! =D

However, there are a couple con's. First of all, S-Factor products are very expensive, which will probably be the biggest problem for people, but to me it's like, a little goes such a long way and it works so well for me that it's worth the high price. Now, another little problem I have is that there is a lot of Mica and Titanium Dioxide in it, which gives the product it's glittery appearance, and whenever I use it there is alwayyys glitter left on my hands so I have to wash them... but those two things are really my only problems with it.

So yeah, if you can get past the price I HIGHLY suggest picking this product up if you want very smooth, soft, and shiny hair. Hopefully my review helped you decide if this product is worth buying (I think it is!). S-Factor Smoothing Lusterizer retails for about $24-$26 and you get 200 mL / 6.76 fl. oz.

Have a great day everyone and take care of your hair! <3 ...read more ⇒