Thursday 27 March 2014

My Current Products and Treatments for Bleached/Over Processed Hair

This is a subject I happen to know a lot about, as I've had bleached hair since I was 14! At 22, this is the longest my hair has been in a long time, so I believe the products that I've been using are working. I use products that are targeted at moisturizing, preventing/fusing split ends, putting protein/keratin back into your hair and preventing and reversing heat damage. Here are my current go-to products!


Pantene Advanced Keratin Repair Split End Fuser: I did a review on the Pantene Expert Advanced + Keratin Repair line back in December, so if you're interested in reading that, you can find it here. I did repurchase the Advanced Keratin Repair Split End Fuser in the full size, and I absolutely love it. I apply it only to the ends of my hair by scrunching it in if I'm leaving my hair wavy, or combing it in if I'm heat styling it. It's a super thick conditioning treatment, so two small pumps will definitely do you. The Pantene website claims that this product is mean to fuse and prevent split ends, as well as fight frizziness, dullness and dryness, which is definitely does. I would recommend this to anyone who suffers with split ends, especially due to bleaching or heat damage.


Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner & Anti-Breakage Serum: This is a product line that I  recommend over and over again, as it really is one of the best lines I've ever tried for my type of hair. These are the Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner and the Anti-Breakage Serum. Organix has recently come out with a Coconut Water line, which I'm really excited to try. These products provide everything that damaged hair needs, including egg white proteins to strengthen your hair, and coconut oils to balance and moisturize. The Anti-Breakage Serum is specifically meant to promote longer hair, as it reduces the everyday damage that causes your hair to break off. I prefer to use this on dry hair, especially when I leave my hair wavy. It provides noticeable body and shine, and you can tell my hair is instantly moisturized. I've been using these products for years, and I'll definitely continue to. You can find these at the drug store, so they're super affordable as well.

Pantene Silky Moisture Whip: I actually did not expect to like this as much as I do, as it's so rare that I find a product that works really well for me. This product is not like a mousse, as it does not expand in your hand, but literally comes out like whipped cream. It's meant to condition your hair for up to 48 hours, which is a huge plus for me. It also protects against heat damage, so I use this both when I heat style and when I leave it naturally wavy. I most likely would not have thought to purchase this if my Mom hadn't given me a sample, so I'm really loving sample sized products  for this reason. I have recently run out this, so I will be purchasing more soon!


Lush Curly Wurly Shampoo: This is another amazing coconut related product. Curly Wurly is like a shampoo and conditioner in one, as it leaves your hair so nice and moisturized. You can use this if you have damaged straight hair as well, but I find you get the best results with wavy or straight hair. The reason why coconut related products are so amazing for your hair, is that coconut is one of the only oils that can get right inside your hair shaft, while others tend to just sit on top and coat it. Not only does this shampoo contain coconut oil, but it contains creamed coconut, fresh eggs and avocado butter. This product is a little pricy at $25.95, but it's definitely worth it if you can afford to spend a little extra money. Plus this pot lasts you a long time, as you need really little per wash.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner: If you are into hair care, it's unlikely that you haven't heard of the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner. I tend to use the one from the Moist line, but there are a few different kinds. This treatment is super cheap. If you're lucky enough to find it in Canada anymore, it's usually under $5.00. I picked up a new bottle when I was in Ireland, as they seem to be everywhere over there. In my opinion, this is one of the best deep conditioners out there, high end or drug store. It really does transform dry, damaged hair within a few minutes. The only thing about this product, is it should not be used more than once a week. If it's used more than that, it builds up on your hair. This can be fixed by using a purifying shampoo, but it's best to avoid.



Coconut Oil: Last but not least, this has been my go-to treatment/hair mask for the past few weeks. Any kind of coconut oil will do, but try to look for both "organic" and either "virgin" or "extra virgin". Extra virgin is best if you don't mind spending a little more! The one I'm using right now is just the Omega Nutrition Organic Coconut Oil. I've been using this sporadically on my hair for a long time now, and have recently picked it up again. Like I said before, coconut oil really is incredible for your hair. I take a few tablespoons and heat it up for about 30 seconds before applying it to my hair. I either leave it on overnight, or just for an hour or two if I'm staying in for the day. I especially like to apply this on heat styled hair. It does not leave your hair super greasy, so just wash it out with shampoo (no need to repeat) and conditioner, and you're done! I have seen growth in both my hair and nails when this is continuously applied. 






Hope this helped! xx










Tuesday 4 March 2014

February Favourites 2014!

So here they are, my February favourites! I feel like I used quite a few different products this month, but here are the ones that really stood out for February!


Pürminerals Pout Plumping Lip Gloss in Crystal Pink: I actually purchased this because all Pürminerals lip glosses were on sale for 50% off at Shopper's Drug Mart. I think they might be discontinuing this collection. Either way, you can still find it on the Pürminerals website for $16.00. This is a really nice lip gloss. Beautiful colour, and not sticky at all. I did not notice if it made my lips 60% plumper like it claims to, but it makes up for it by being super hydrating.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in 02 Beige Touch: It's really going to be hard for any lipstick to beat this one for me. No matter how many I buy, I just keep going back to it. It's such an amazing pinky/beige nude! It's also the most hydrating lipstick I've ever tried. It is freezing in Toronto this winter, and I really think it's thanks to this that my lips haven't gotten cracked or too dry. Love it!

Tarte Deluxe Maracuja Lip Gloss: These actually don't have specific names, which is probably because Tarte doesn't seem to sell lip glosses anymore, except in limited edition sets. I got this one from the Tarte of Giving Collector's Set that came out last Christmas (my review on that here). This lip gloss is a tad sticky, however it is my favourite nude colour out of any of the lip glosses I own. It also contain's Tarte's famous Maracuja Oil, so it's really hydrating as well.

Forever 21 Owl Lip Balm in Mint: I still can't believe how much I like this! I purchased 3 of these owls for $10, and they're some of the best lip balms I've ever owned. You do have to dip your finger into it which is not my favourite, so I only apply it in the morning before I leave the apartment. I don't know what it is in these that works so well, but they're definitely worth trying out.


Indigo Cosmetic Pouch With Hearts: I received this as part of my Valentine's Day gift from my boyfriend, and I'm in love with it! This goes in whatever bag I'm carrying around at any given day, and just holds the few makeup items I bring out with me. It's the perfect size for anything, and still doesn't take up much room in your bag.



Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream in Light Skin Tones: I actually didn't expect to like this as much as I do either (as you can see, the bottle has been well-loved). I find that it does do everything it says it's going to do: hydrate, illuminate, even, firm and correct. What I'm most concerned about right now is hydration, and it does an amazing job at keeping your skin super soft. When I first put it on, I wasn't sure if it was going to do anything for my skin, as it's not very thick, but it works just as well if not better than thicker creams. It goes on as a light flesh colour, and becomes sheer when you smooth it out. I'll definitely be using this all through the spring and summer months as well, which will probably help me notice the other benefits even more.


Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush: This may be my absolute favourite this month. This is SUCH A GOOD FOUNDATION BRUSH. It is so worth investing in a good, flat-top foundation brush. It took me a couple tries to learn how to use it properly, but I don't think I'll go back to anything else after using this brush. I have noticed no fall out whatsoever, even while washing it. This brush is also an Allure Best of Beauty award winner of 2013!


Paul Mitchell Round Trip Liquid Curl Definer: I've actually had this for quite a long time, and never really gave it a chance until recently. My hair is actually more wavy than it has been for quite some time, so that's likely why it works so well for me now. This really conditions your waves/curls without weighing them down. This doesn't leave your hair crunchy at all, if you're into soft, flexible waves like I am.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Light & Blonde: This dry shampoo has been saving me lately, for more reasons than one! I have tried a variety of different dry shampoos, and Batiste is definitely the best for making your hair look clean and refreshed. But what I especially love about this one, is the hint of colour is actually helping me hide my roots, and making my hair look brighter! I purchased this can in Ireland, but I'm sure you can get the Light & Blonde in Canada too. A must for those with blonde hair. They also come in medium and dark!


Pürminerals Correcting Primer: First, let me just say, I really do not like the way this primer feels when you apply it to your face. I'm not a fan of the texture at all, I can't even describe it, but it's not anywhere near as silky as you'd like a primer to feel. Having said that, everything else about it is really nice! I've basically been mixing it with my foundation, which has given me much more of a natural finish. My skin loves it as well, as it really gives you a smooth, even base to work with. I'm not sure if they sell this primer on it's own, but it came in the Pürminerals 5-Piece-Beauty-To-Go Collection!


L'Oreal Paris Sublime Cleansers Gentle Micellar Solution: I have finally found my affordable dupe for Bioderma, my Vichy thermal cleansing water, etc! I truly find that this works just as well as any high end cleansing water/solution anywhere. It's extremely gentle, doesn't sting my eyes or upset my skin, and makes my skin so soft. This cleanser removes your makeup flawlessly, especially any kind of eye makeup. So glad to have finally found this!




Clinique All About Shadow Single in Sunset Glow: Last but not least, the eye shadow that I've been wearing everyday, all month long. This particular one is in the super shimmer collection. Unfortunately, the pictures above do not do it justice at all, as it really does look amazing when the sunlight hits it. This colour has hints of bronze, gold and pink in it. It's super easy to blend and very pigmented. Definitely looking forward to trying more Clinique eye shadows, as somehow this was my first one!




Goodnight! xx














March Favourites 2014! ♥

           Welcome to my March favourites 2014! As showcased in my YouTube video below, I had a decent amount of products to share with you...