Rockaholic Rock My World Stellar Smoothing Cream Review

Hey guys! Today I'm reviewing a new addition to the TIGI Rockaholic line: Rock My World Stellar Smoothing Cream, because I just don't have enough smoothing products. Is there such a thing? ...No, there can't be! Anyway, this recently came out along with Dirty Secret Dry Conditioner. That sounds weird, right? I'll review that next. The label on Rock My World reads: "This stellar cream goes on wet or dry hair while protective barriers help prevent thermal damage. Light hold keeps hair smooth & sends good vibrations your way!" My first thought? I thought it sounded an awful lot like After Party, and to be honest they are pretty similar, but different. Mostly because this product looks much less phallic then After Party does. Not that it's a bad thing, I'm just saying. Also, thank you to the person who pointed that out to me, and now that's all I can think of when I see it. No, but they are different aside from that. I'll explain after we go through the ingredients.

The full ingredient list:

Water, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, PVP, Polyacrylamide, Propylene Glycol, VP/VA Copolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Bismuth Oxychloride, C13-14 Isoparaffin, PEG-8 Methicone, Phenoxyethanol, Castor Seed Oil, Mica, Fragrance, Sodium PCA, Laureth-7, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, Panthenol, Methylisothiazolinone, Alpha Isomethyl Ionone, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, CI 17789 (Titanium Dioxide).

Without the fluff:

Water, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, PVP, Polyacrylamide, Propylene Glycol, VP/VA Copolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Bismuth Oxychloride, C13-14 Isoparaffin, PEG-8 Methicone, Castor Seed Oil, Sodium PCA, Laureth-7, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, Panthenol.

Water: the base of almost every haircare product. Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-8 Methicone, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, are all conditioning silicones. Some are stronger than others, but they all balance out when you throw in cyclopentasiloxane. I think I've covered all of those in previous posts, so if you're wondering about a specific silicone, just use the search function on the top right of my blog. C13-14 Isoparaffin, and Polyacrylamide are thickening agents. Castor Seed Oil is an occlusive coniditoning agent, usually found in skincare products but it's not unheard of to be in haircare. It forms a barrier on the hair/skin's surface preventing moisture loss. Sodium PCA is an anti-static agent, and a humectant, which is perfect for a product like this. Laureth-7 is an emulsifying agent; it's used to blend everything together. PVP and VP/VA Copolymer gives a light hold, almost like you wouldn't know if they didn't tell you. Bismuth Oxychloride kind of threw me off, because I don't remember seeing it anywhere else. It's actually used to give products that pretty pearlescent effect. Apparently it's used in a lot of mineral makeup too, and some people are like allergic or sensitive to it. So if your mineral makeup makes you itch, this might be why.

Now, on to the differences between Rock My World and After Party. The biggest one is that RMW does give hold, however slight, and AP doesn't. This actually does make a difference, because RMW will smooth your hair and keep it together, while AP mostly just smooths and adds shine to your hair. There's definitely more of a "slippery" feeling with AP, because it's SO conditioning, and I don't really get that with RMW. However, some who feel that AP makes their hair "too soft" will probably like RMW, because it makes your hair a more naturally soft feeling. Something that's also interesting, AP directions say to use it on dry hair, when RMW says you can use it on wet or dry hair. I feel like AP got it backwards, because it works great in wet hair, but I feel like it's a bit heavy on dry hair... but maybe that's just me. RMW works great in either wet or dry hair, btw. So, it's not that one is better than the other, they're just different - but similar. Also, the scents are way different. RMW's scent is "blackberry amber" - it's delish! And AP's scent is "fruit medley" ...? I don't know, but it does smell fruity, and it's one of my favorite scents so.

Rock My World is probably best for fine/normal - normal/coarse hair. I don't think people with very coarse hair will get much out of it, and I think it might be a bit too heavy for people with fine hair. It's also a good product to cocktail with other smoothing/shine products.

Cocktail: (v) to mix two hair products together, to combine the effects of both. Most commonly done with conditioners.

Rockaholic Rock My World Stellar Smoothing Cream comes in a 3.46 oz / 98 g bottle, and retails for around $19.

That was kind of a long one! By the way, my birthday is this month. I'll be 21 - yay! Take care of your hair, and try to stay warm!

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It's a 10 Miracle Styling Serum Review

Hey everyone! In my huge hair product menagerie, the products I seem to have the most of are serums. Most of them are either good, okay, or not that great. But there are few that are truly GREAT! It's a 10 Miracle Styling Serum falls into that category. Seriously, I probably have over 20 "serum" type products, and I really only love a few of them.

As a brand, It's a 10 kind of annoys me with their overuse of the word "miracle." All their products are miracles... I mean, it's a great brand, but their products certainly aren't miracles... they're just effective. But somehow, I don't think "It's Effective" would have the same brand power. Also, the claim that every product "does 10 things instantly" is a bit bloated. So if anyone with any pull at the It's a 10 company is reading this, your products are great! You don't need all these fluffy claims! Seriously, It's a 10 could come in packaging a la Living Proof or evo, and still fly off the shelves. Word of mouth is the best kind of advertising: the kind money can't buy.

Am I getting preachy? Sorry. Moving on, let's look at the ingredients:

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Argan Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit (Buriti) Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance/Parfum.

De-fluffed:

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Argan Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit (Buriti) Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer.

See? Not a miracle, just a quality product. Cyclopentasiloxane conditions and protects hair, and as a base helps to break up other heavy silicones like dimethicone. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient (moisturizer). Argan oil is in everything lately! I've reviewed I think three products that contain it! It's chock full of vitamins and it's great for your skin and hair. Buriti (bu-REE-chee) oil is insanely rich in emollients and essential fatty acids, not to mention it has more beta carotene than carrot oil! I've decided that Buriti oil is definitely not fluff. Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer moisturizes, and regulates consistency and viscosity of products.

Now just like I did with It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product, I'll go through the 10 claims individually:

• 1) Adds shine: Definitely!
• 2) Controls frizz: Definitely!
• 3) Seals the cuticle: I'm sure it helps to smooth the cuticle, making hair feel softer and reflecting more light (#1).
• 4) Nourishes the hair: With both Argan and Buriti oil, I'm sure your hair will get some nourishment!
• 5) No build up: I'm not touching this one. Some say cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone are water-soluble, depending on the formula, but others say they're not. You decide.
• 6) Resists humidity: Kinda sounds like #2 + #3 combined to me, but I have to agree.
• 7) Smoothes the hair: See #3.
• 8) Protects color: Yes. The combination of natural oils and conditioning silicones will for sure protect your color.
• 9) Alcohol free: Definitely! Though that's more of a selling point, not a claim.
• 10) Creates slip: See #1, #2, #3, and #7.

See what I mean about some of the claims being... err... a bit "stretched." Doesn't mean it's a bad product, nor does it mean it's a bad company. I just think they try a bit too hard. Just a bit. Oh! And the scent! It's...divine...like some exotic Brazilian perfume. I wish I was better at detecting fragrance notes, so I could describe it better, but you have to smell this stuff! I think you'll agree with me. Let me put it this way: it's like a deeper, more sensuous version of the way the leave-in fragrance smells. That's like, the only way I can describe it while making any sense at all.

It's a 10 Miracle Styling Serum comes in a 4 fl oz / 120 ml bottle, and the MSRP is $25.

Another review... done! Take care of your hair, and try and stay warm! It's getting chilly out!

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Vavoom Design Pulse Glow to Pieces Shine Wax Review

Hi all! Today I'm reviewing one for the boys, or you know... anyone that likes shine wax. It's Glow to Pieces shine wax, from Vavoom's "Design Pulse" collection of cool, edgy hair products. I've used this product off and on since I got it, and I'm thinking this is definitely going to be a repurchase. It works, it smells nice, and a little goes a very long way.

Personally, when I reach for wax I don't always use shine wax. I usually like something with a bit more hold, and more of a natural/matte finish. But once in a while, I like to leave my hair in a touchable, almost natural state. Almost, because I don't like it when my hair has nothing in it. It feels too... soft. I need just the slightest bit of texture in it, and that's when I grab Glow to Pieces. It gives a soft hold, while adding shine and texture. I have it in my hair right now, and when I run my fingers through it, I can barely tell I have anything in my hair.

My personal opinion aside, let's take a look at the ingredients:

Water, Steareth-20, Isoceteth-20, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, Oleth-5, AMP-Acrylates/Allyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Oleth-10 Phosphate, PVP, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Metyhylparaben, Corn Starch Modified, Aminomethyl Propanol, Propylparaben, Linalool, Geraniol, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Nylon-12, Polyurethane-6, Benzyl Alcohol, CI 19140/Yellow 5, CI 14700/Red 4.

The de-fluffed list:

Water, Steareth-20, Isoceteth-20, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, Oleth-5, AMP-Acrylates/Allyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Oleth-10 Phosphate, PVP, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Corn Starch Modified, Aminomethyl Propanol, Nylon-12, Polyurethane-6.

The whole product is basically water, a lot of flexible, pliable, film-formers with just a hint of hold and mineral oil. I'm not too crazy about mineral oil. To me, it's old fashioned and I think there are better substitutes for it... but mineral oil is cheap, so whatever. As long as it's in a low dose and not going near my face, I can deal with it. But that's just me. Oh, and when I was going through the fluff I noticed this product has geraniol, which can irritate people with fragrance allergies. Just a heads up.

On a scale of 1-5, (1 = barely there & 5 = cement) I'd definitely give it a 1, with the possibility of being a 2 depending on how much you use. A pea-sized amount works just fine for my short hair. Glow to Pieces can also be used on long hair, to add shine, control frizzies, and enhance the look of layers. Just remember, a pea. Use more if you want to get a funky, textured, straight outta bed look. Always try different things! It's just hair, have fun with it.

Vavoom Design Pulse Glow to Pieces Shine Wax comes in a 50 ml / 1.7 oz pot, and the MSRP is $17 I believe.

There's always more to come, so keep reading and take care of your hair!

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Goldwell Rich Repair Leave-In Hairtip Serum.

Hey guys! Today I'm reviewing Goldwell Rich Repair Leave-In Hairtip Serum. The struggle for healthy hair never ends. It's an interesting little product; I kind of like the fact that it's specifically made for the ends of your hair.

At first I was a little turned off by it, because I saw alcohol on the ingredients list. And when I opened the bottle to smell it, I could smell the alcohol in it. For a second I thought, why would you want to put alcohol in a product for split ends? Alcohol is mainly used for hold in hairsprays and gels and such. But then it came to me, the alcohol is used to smooth down your ends to make it look like your hair is healthy! So once I figured that out, then I wondered if it was going to smooth my ends, or just make them stick together. But once I started using it regularly, I could see that the serum isn't just all alcohol, but it works with all the other ingredients to smooth my dry, damaged ends. Oh, and once the product is in your hands, you don't even smell the alcohol. So, it doesn't actually repair anything, but it does give the illusion of healthier ends. And in the end, isn't that what all "repairing" products do?

Now that I'm done rambling, let's take a look at the ingredients:

Cyclopentasiloxane, Alcohol Denat., Dimethiconol, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Isopropyl Myristate, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolized Silk, Phenyl Trimethicone, Water, Octyldodecyl PCA, Sodium PCA, Glycerin, Fragrance, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional.

De-fluffed:

Cyclopentasiloxane, Alcohol Denat., Dimethiconol, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Isopropyl Myristate, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Water, Octyldodecyl PCA, Sodium PCA, Glycerin.

What did I tell you? The alcohol is in a sea of moisturizers and emollients. Cyclopentasiloxane is useful on its own, or for breaking up other silicones, like dimethiconol and phenyl trimethicone. Alcohol denat. stands for denatured alcohol, in case you didn't know. It's what keeps the ends smooth. Hydrolyzed keratin is kind of a "buzz" ingredient, but it can kinda help fill in cracks in the cuticle. Octyldodecyl PCA is an emollient, and sodium PCA is a humectant. The difference is that humectants draw in moisture from the air and lock it in, whereas emollients just add moisture. Glycerin helps add slip and makes hair feel smooth.

So, who would use this? Definitely people with damaged ends, whether it's from coloring or thermal styling. I'd also say it seems light enough to be used on all hair types, but if you have very thick, coarse hair this may not be enough for you. I'm guessing though, because I don't have that type of hair, and I haven't used it on anyone with that type of hair. I'd say it's a good product, because it hasn't been buried underneath all my other stuff. I do use it occasionally, but not all the time. I might even buy it again once I'm out.

Goldwell Rich Repair Leave-In Hairtip Serum comes in a 50 ml / 1.6 fl oz. bottle, and retails for around $17.

That's all for now. Have a great day, and take care of your hair!

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Bed Head Urban Antidotes Resurrection Shampoo + Conditioner Review

Hey everyone! I'm back! Ohh you don't know how much I missed you all! It was so hard not being able to post reviews on all the new products I've been getting lately! But I'm back now, so let's get the ball rolling with my new faaavorite shampoo and conditioner from Bed Head's Urban Antidotes collection. Urban Antidotes is divided into three levels for different hair types: Re-Energize, Recovery, and Resurrection. Of course after everything my hair has been through with being platinum blonde for so long, I chose level three: Resurrection. "Perfect for weak, brittle hair that needs an intervention." That description fits my hair perfectly! I bought the tween sizes, and I've been using them for almost two months now, and I definitely have noticed a difference in my hair. They certainly haven't "resurrected" my hair, but I notice that my hair feels a lot softer and looks less damaged compared to the other products I was using. I also noticed that I was using less leave-in products than I was before, so that's how I know it's working! These are certainly a step in the right direction towards getting healthier hair.

Now, as always, let's take a look at the ingredients. First the shampoo:

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance, Dimethiconol, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, TEA-Dodecylbenzensulfonate, Carbomer, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Sodium hydroxide, PPG-9, Mica, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, DMDM Hydantoin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyethylene, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Limonene, Linalool, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)

De-fluffed:

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Dimethiconol, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Carbomer, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Sodium hydroxide, PPG-9, Tetrasodium EDTA. Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyethylene.

Basically an above-average conditioning shampoo. Gentle surfactants cleanse the hair, while conditioning agents soften, and protect against moisture loss. Is it revolutionary? No, but It effectively cleans your hair without making it feel dry and rough. Trust me, if it can make my damaged, processed hair feel nice, imagine what it'll do for you.

Now here's the ingredients for the conditioner:

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Behenalkonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Lactic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Potassium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, PEG-7 Propylheptyl Ether, Disodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Limonene, Linalool.

De-fluffed:

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Behenalkonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Lactic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Potassium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, PEG-7 Propylheptyl Ether, Disodium EDTA.

I loooove this conditioner. It's creamy and rich, I feel like it's actually doing something! Plus I can instantly tell whether a conditioner is good or not by how my hair feels after I rinse it out - this stuff is great. Like the shampoo, this conditioner is really nothing news-worthy, but it's a product that actually does what it says on the label. And if you're a product junkie like I am, you know that's saying something.

So who'd benefit from Resurrection shampoo and conditioner? I'd say anyone with chemically over-processed hair, whether it's from coloring, lightening, or permanent waving. I'd also recommend this to anyone with very damaged hair caused by over-using thermal tools. If your hair is just sort of damaged from coloring or heat tools, I'd say go for Recovery first. Then, if you feel there's been no improvement, exchange it for Resurrection. If none of these descriptions fit you, and you're just looking for a nice daily shampoo, try Re-Energize. If my hair was healthy, I'd try it in a second cos it smells amazing!

Oh! Did I mention the scent? "Papaya Chill Pill." I'm not sure what that is exactly, but I know it smells amaaaazinggg. They all do! My mom uses Recovery, and it smells like delicious, fresh grapefruit. I've smelled Re-Energize in the store, but I can't remember what it smells like, except that it smelled awesome and that I almost wished Resurrection smelled like it instead. So for me, they all pass the nose test. Good thing too, cos you guys know how I feel about that. If a product doesn't smell good, it's not going on my hair! Though actually... I've made one exception to that rule. I'll tell you guys about it later. ;)

Bed Head Urban Antidotes Resurrection shampoo + conditioner come in the regular 8.45 and 6.76 ounce sizes, respectively. They also come in the 25.36 oz. "tween" size, which are the ones I have, and they're the best deal in my opinion.

I'm glad to be back, and I hope you're all glad I'm back too! I've got plenty of stuff for you guys, so check back soon. Take care of your hair! :)

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SORRY!

I meant to update you guys a while ago, but my computer has been out of commission for a while. It should be back up within the next week, so I'll see you then. LOVE YOU ALL! xoxo ...read more ⇒

Hair/Style: Vol. 1

Hey guys! I thought I'd mix it up a bit by introducing a new segment on The ART and SCIENCE of [beauty] that many have asked for, focusing on celebrity hair. Whether it's an actor, singer, supermodel, socialite, or reality-tv star, if they're in the media, they're fair game. I thought I'd call it Hair/Style because I didn't want it to be JUST about the hair, I'll definitely be commenting on other trends like clothing, makeup, and nails (but you guys know I'll be definitely be all over the hair). I was kind of leaning towards not doing a segment like this on my blog, since there are like a million other celebrity style blogs out there, but people keep asking! I'll do my best. ;)

The first celebrity I HAVE to talk about is Rihanna. If you follow me on Twitter, you already know how I feel about her new red hair, but in just in case you don't - I do NOT like it. I just think it makes her look cheap and common, and just straight up GHET-TO. Maybe if it wasn't such an obnoxiously bright Bozo-esque shade of red, I would like it more. Maybe. Rihanna has been off her hair game lately, at least in my eyes. I haven't really loved her hair since her "Umbrella" video. Now THAT was hot! Hopefully it'll be gone in a few days, and she'll have a whole new head of hair like she usually does. What do you think?

(photo courtesy of jungleinkk.com)

On a lighter note, did you watch the Teen Choice Awards? Yeah, neither did I. But out of all the celebs that walked the red carpet that night, Kim Kardashian blew them all away with a supermodel slick-back ponytail to show off her gorgeous facial features. I guess I love it because she really stood out from her sisters, who always choose to sport the same boring wavy hair, especially Khloe. And apparently that was the last little black dress she'll be wearing, according to her Twitter. If she's for real, I can't wait to see what she wears next!

(photo courtesy of mtv.com)

Also, know what else I love? Jessica Alba wearing this beautiful braided chignon. It really stands alone from the braid trend that's almost over, because she could've worn it five years ago and still would have looked amazing. It's classic, and trendy at the same time.

(photo courtesy of nollyzone.com)

Let's talk about nail polish, baby. So, even though I don't wear nail polish, I'm fascinated by it. How these companies keep coming up with all these beautiful colors and effects, I'll never know. That being said, I do keep up on the nail trend scene, and with Fall coming soon there are a few new nail trends being sported in fashion shows and on the runway, and a few that gotta go!

What's IN: Nail Textures, Nudes, Cool Violets.

I'm not just talking about glittery top coats, or the typical nail art you get down at the corner nail salon. Big, visible, chunky flakes of glitter with dark shades like black, blue-violet, or gray are gonna be huge this season. Or using different textures on your nails, like metallic overlays, seashells, rhinestones, or even lace appliques. Think "3-D nails." Nude colors have also been hot on the scene lately, with more women opting for nude taupe shades over reds and pinks. I know my girl Recessionista is in love with those shades, and she's been wearing them before they were even popular! You trendsetter, you! Lastly, expect to see a lot of edgy blue-violet colors this season, with cool-toned, metallic duochromes/glitters being the choice finish.

What's OUT: Matte Finishes, Dramatic French Tips.

Sorry Matte, you've had your fifteen minutes. It's time to go. Personally I never liked matte finish nail polish, I just thought they looked so boring! Then OPI came out with some of their popular colors in that weird Suede finish, and they didn't look anything like their non-Suede counterparts. I admit it was nice seeing something other than than the usual finishes being popular, but I'm over it. I think a lot of people are. Also, with nude colors becoming more and more popular, dramatic french tips are over... thank god. What used to be a classy way to have your nails done has just taken a turn for the worst lately. They're fine for young high school girls, but seriously ladies, it's time to say goodbye. There are PLENTY of other things to do to your nails, so take a chance and try something new!

I think that's enough ranting for now. This was fun though! What did you guys think? Should I keep this going, or give up now? :-P

Take care of your hair, and yourself! XOXO

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