[Reviews] Hair products: Dove S&C, Garnier S&C and Loreal Elseve Color Vive Protective Mask

Remember my loot post few days ago? http://cecilywishes.blogspot.com/2011/02/todays-loot.html. Well guess what? I am in a perfect mood to write a review. *hallelujah!* So here it goes. :)

Some notes:

I wash my hair at night. Yes only at night. I do not shampoo in the morning because based on my previous experiences, my hair betrays me during the day if I try to give it a shampoo wash so ever since then I just washed it with water. At night, I try to deep condition twice until thrice a week.

 

1. Dove Therapy Colour Care Shampoo and Conditioner

I used this first among the three products. Both shampoo and conditioner I tested them on the same night. The smell is nice not revolting as expected with every Dove products because they claim to be mild. Its not fragrance free though but its still passable in my nostrils. After washing out and conditioning, my hair feels alright, soft to touch, overall it’s a likeable feeling which extends until the next morning. My hair is not greasy. The hair looks and feels fresh after a day. Although I am not that raving it.

Verdict:   |    Recommended? OK!  |  Price: PHP 185.00 (each)

2. Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner

Oh so here we are at the worst product. lol what an intro. Alright, after using Dove, I decided to try this one even though the reviews at Make Up Alley are revolting. As usual, I shampooed and conditioned at night. Has a fragrance but the nostrils again has a passable score for it. But the shampoo doesn’t lather that well. Maybe the SLS content is not that strong? (lol ok that’s a carcinogen accdg to cosmetics database) So I didn’t feel like my hair is thoroughly cleaned but anyway, I proceeded with the conditioner. The conditioner is alright again. First night and day with Garnier products: I gave it a passable score. I actually still liked my hair when I used it. So I decided to try it again for the second day. At this point, I wanted to use the shampoo together with the Loreal Elseve Hair Mask. So as usual, lathered the hair then proceeded with the 1-2 min hair mask. I will not put the verdict first but lets proceed with the next review…

3. Loreal Elseve Color Vive Protective Mask

Here we go. So I put the Hair Mask for 1-2 mins. The smell of this product? REVOLTING. The nostrils couldn’t take it that much. It had a few sneezes all over. I still continued though. The sneezing continued until I dried my hair. Overall feeling? I think I liked it at first, I didn’t realize the effect until late this evening.

Around, mid afternoon, I feel like my scalp has been acting weird. I tend to touch it all the time. I think scratch is the term not touch. I still didn’t wash my hair though. But when evening came, I noticed that the itching worsened and I noticed some oil build up in my scalp. It left a deposit in my nails, imagine that. :o That’s when I finally thought, it should be either the Garnier prods or the Loreal Elseve. I feel like itching again as I type this. *scratch*

I definitely needed a deep cleansing after using those heavy products. Unfortunately I got no clarifying shampoo on hand. (PS. Clarifying Shampoos tend to be expensive :o) Good thing I researched and found out about baking soda to remove the gunk in the hair.

Here’s what I used: 2 tbsp of Baking Soda + 3 tbsp of Dove Shampoo. (My measures might be a lot though lol)

I used that forumula to clarify my hair. And truth to be told, my hair feels lighter right now as compared before. The itching has lessened and I am quite relieved with that.

Here’s more to add insult to injury, I noticed bumps in my hair and back and also in around my hairline!!!! Argh, after taking care of my skin for quite a long time….

Alright yeah so right now I have learned my lesson. I will probably need to rethink about these two products. They are quite expensive though and I do not want to throw them away that fast. But before that, I shall fix my greater concern first, the skin irritation! SO till then Loreal and Garnier, goodbye and goodluck.

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Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner

Verdict :   |    Recommended? use it with caution!  |  Price: PHP 25.00 (for the small freebie bottle)

Loreal Elseve Color Vive Protective Mask

Verdict :   |    Recommended? if you are in for a challenge, then use it lol  |  Price: PHP 250.00

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XOXO, C

[Review] The Body Shop Shea Body Butter

This review is long overdue. I bought this product few weeks ago while searching for Aveeno in the mall. My skin has been scaling around my legs and it itches really badly. (An indication that it is not moisturized) Unfortunately for me, Aveeno is no longer available in the mall on where I have always buy it! T____T Was devastated at that time because I only trust Aveeno in my skin. I do not want to experiment on others because of my nasty history of allergy while testing a locally made lotion.

Until I suddenly remembered the advise of my Derm in Sg. ”Use Shea Butter for your Eczema’’. Boom! It came like a flash. Who else has Shea Butter except The Body Shop? I mean…they were the ones who popularized body butters in the PH back then it was first released. There you go, I bought this at around less than 700 as it was on Sale. Around 10% off I guess.

It is love at first smell. The moment I opened the container, I really was in heaven. It really smells good. I do not usually take any fragrances as you may noticed in my posts but to tell you honestly, this one blew it all. It just made me wish the smell stayed into me lol. Its like a Pheromone fragrance!

It is also love at first touch. Again, I do not really like lotions. I thought, if this smells good, this must be really sticky in the body but truth to be told, it is not! Well unless you put too much. I put enough to cover my scaling skin and about a couple of minutes, my skin is moisturized and greaseless! How could I not love this product?

 

 

Verdict:

 Verdict:   |    Recommended? VERY MUCH!!!  |  Price: PHP 700.00 (less than this)

Today’s loot

Err Im not yet back in Singapore. Something came up and I had to stay. Whoo. I wish I can go back there asap as I love staying and working there. Anyway moving on. I am short of Shampoo and Conditioner already! *Panic* hahahah lol. yeah. I really take care of my hair that much. I really freak out when my tried and tested product suddenly run out and one of the unfortunate events is…my fave Tsubaki shampoo is nowhere to be found in PH! *Panic Attack!* Well well calm down before I get really crazy. It’s silly but I just tried my best to search for the shampoo and conditioner that I can use while I am still here.

Here are some of the runner ups:

1. Dove Therapy Colour Care Shampoo and Conditioner (PHP 185/ each)– I bought Dove therapy in the past and it’s a so so product for me but I still bought it because…I just want to? haha.

2. Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner (PHP 25/each) – Its cheap because its small. I bought it because…I just heard that Garnier hair care prods are great? *disclaimer needed lol*

edit: HORROR reviews by Make Up Alley: http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=23027/Fructis_Fortifying_Shampoo/Garnier/Shampoo OMG I don’t think I will use this….Good thing I only bought a small product!

3. Loreal Elseve Color Vive Protective Mask (PHP 250)– Never had a good experience with Loreal shampoo and prods before because it made my hair really tacky but nevertheless it’s a Loreal product and they are an expert in hair so I ‘ll give it a shot. Plus it’s a hair mask. I need to use this every other day.

I really hope the above numbers indicate nothing tho. Well actually, I am just denying myself!!! Ugh.

If you noticed, I picked the ‘Best for Colored Hair’’ products. That’s because my hair has colors and I want to retain its lustre. :)

PS. All prods are bought in Metro. (You know the one that is owned by Gaisano’s but I didn’t buy it in Visayas lol)

 

xoxo

Smokey Eyes/ “It Girl’’ Look

Today, Ive got nothing much to do as usual heh. So I tried this tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTezXT2aOyc from NikkiTutorials. I subscribed to her recently and got interested with her videos because she is bubbly and have pretty eyes. Actually I really like her eyes. I wish I have her eyes but well its impossible as I am Asian heh~

 

I almost gave up on smokey eyes because whenever I do it, I look like a panda/ tired girl/ trashy hooker. Its so hard to blend the color brown in my eyes. But I was inspired to try it out again because of NikkiTutorials. Was it because its an ‘’It Girl’ look that interests me? I think most likely. lol.

Materials I used:

For obvious reasons, I didn’t follow everything that NikkiTutorials instructed because we don’t have the same eye type. I think I am quite a hooded type and hers is almond. But I patterned the look with hers.

 

I took a picture of it in natural light but the picture washed out the color. But in person, the look definitely is gorgeous. I loved it! My grandmother saw me and she didn’t like it though. LOL what do you expect, its her first time to see her grand daughter with an eyemake up like that. She said, I look like a vampire haha. Conservative much!

Now if I can only pose just like Kim Kardashian, then my look is totally complete. haha. not. :)xoxo

Products I currently use (Skincare, Make up, Haircare, Teethcare)

The following are the products that I currently use and are working effectively for me. When I say working it means, it doesn’t give me breakout, dandruff, rashes, eczema and other skin irritations. Please find time to check them out and try it if you got same skin as I am.

Beauty Statistics:

• Skintype (Face): Combination skin. When the air is very dry, my skin becomes dry. When the air becomes humid, I become an oily skin.
• Hair: Colored medium blonde hair by Revlon Colorsilk Luminista Haircolor, Medium Blonde 175. Semi – Long with medium layers.

Lets start with the products shall we? (*Picture heavy)

Face:

Basic Products that I use in my face. Generally I use LRP Physiological Cleansing Gel more often because it is mild but cleanses really well. I only use the Eucerin Dermo Purifying Scrub when I felt my pores are a bit blocked due to leftover foundation. I used Dr Bronner’s Magic Soap when I feel my face is a bit oily because this product is a bit drying.

Body:

Not really particular with soaps as long as its mild such as Dove. Spring Fresh Deodorant is ok to keep smelling fresh throughout the day. Dermaveen Intensive Hand Cream is essential for the fingertip Eczema. It has a Colloidal Oatmeal which is very moisturizing.

Hair:

I am also particular with my hair because I believe this will help me lessen the salon visits. Don’t like to spend much on salons so I just spend in the at home treatments. I currently use Aussie Sun-Touched Shine Shampoo which my hair currently likes. I finished already the bottle of Tsubaki Shining but I still took photo of it because I still plan to buy this after I finish thew Aussie shampoo. Actually, I still prefer Tsubaki products as my everyday maintenance. For my every other day treatment, I use Kerasys Salon Care in Moringa Straightening Treatment. I bought this at Swenson’s (Singapore cheap beauty store) and I totally love this!!! The smell stays in my hair and I love it. It also leaves my hair smooth and shiny. About to finish the tube already and cant wait to try the other Kerasys product.

Face Indulgence:

Sometimes twice a week I use a mask. I formally used My Beauty Diary masks and it’s a good way to wrap up a tiring day. Now I have both Queen Helene’s masques which adds to my night routine.

Teeth:

I currently use Dentiste and a soft bristled brush for my teeth. Soft bristled toothbrushes lessens the pressure in the gums.

 

Day and Night Face Routine:

MORNING>>>

So again I only use Dr Bronner’s when my skin feels oily. For #3, I pat it into my eyebags down to the sides of my nose until the corners of my mouth. Then I use whatever of the three sunblocks depending on the weather. If the weather is hot, I use Biore UV because of its matte finish. When the weather is cold and dry, I use Loreal UV Perfect because its moisturizing with tint. This goes the same with Armada. Although Armada gives white casts in the face so I don’t use it very often.

EVENING>>>

For #4, I use Clindagel for spot treament with active zits. Sometimes I use Adapalene when I felt the need to change from Clindagel. For #5, I either use Eucerin Dermo Purifying Crème Gel because it claims to target blemishes as well. I put it usually in the forehead where I often have acne popping. Due to my hair bangs probably? I use Olay Effects Night Moisturizer on the whole face. The smell of this product is a bit strong so I don’t really use it everynight.

Cosmetics:

When I am in the mood to primp and prettify these are the products that I play around in my face lol:

Face Essentials:

I mix Lioele BBCream to the Silk Crème Foundation of Laura Mercier as my foundation using the Stippling Brush of Elf. I pat with Shu Uemura Powder foundation and then use Time Balm Concealer in blemished areas.

Eyes, Cheeks, Lips:

#1 I use either Canmake Eyeshadow base of Elf Primer and Eye Sealer. I prefer Canmake Eyeshadow better because it lasts longer and it doesn’t leave deposits in the lids.

#2 For eyeshadow, I am not really particular as you can see I use Daiso/ Saizen’s Ellefar. But I am very careful with shimmer eyeshadows because I don’t like shimmers in my face, it makes me look like a hooker lol.

#3, I use Maybellines Gel Liner in Black and use the Ecotools liner brush to make a perfect line. When I am in the mood, I use a cream liner in Blue (cheap one I bought for $5 in Singapore) Sometimes when I am too lazy to use a brush, I just use a liquid liner from Majolica Majorca (see the gold and black stick, Got it for free!).

#4, I use ELF Eyebrow Kit, then set it with clear mascara from LA Colours. I use mascara from Lancome (A sample I got from work).

#5. These are my favorites but I am very careful not to overuse it because again I noticed that when I put too much cream cheek as a blush, it looks unsightly lol and cause my face becomes oily after 5 hours, the cream cheek blush creates ugly deposits in my pores.

#6 Elizabeth Arden lipbalm (Again I got it for free at work before yay!) I use it to moisturize my lips, after that I put Lioele Tinted balm. I play with Lip liners when I am in the mood. My favorite one is from Nyx in Orange. If I am in the mood, I use a false eyelash.

Everyday Make Up Essentials for only 5 Minutes:

Of course I do not always use make up that much but I only use these 5 steps.

Using your stippling brush, put Loreal UV Perfect as a liquid foundation/ Sunscreen on the cheeks then put Biore UV on your T-Zone (this is to avoid a shiny Tzone if you skin oxidizes quickly just like I am. Then brush on powder foundation lightly all over face. Line your eyes lightly using gel Liner. Make it thinly as possible. Use the tight lining method. Then put lightly a cream cheek blush on the apple of your cheeks then dab a powder blush to set it. Finish the make up with a lipbalm and a light lip tint. Groomed eyebrows can complete the look too. In this picture, I used the Eyebrow Kit by ELF. This is suitable if you opt for a fresh look make up.

 

 

Make Up Remover and some Essentials:

When removing mascara and waterproof make up around the eyes and lips, use an oil based remover such as the Biore Make Up Remover. Oil based make up removers does not create too much pressure around the eyes, preventing fine lines/ wrinkling of the skin.

Use wet tissues when removing foundation or you can go with your facial scrub to remove the make up further.

 

Hope I covered the products really well! Till then. xoxo.