Save My Hair...Please? (Tigi Hair Reborn Smoothing Texture Refine Masque)

All women who religiously dye their hair every couple of weeks, are aware of the importance of deep conditioning products. They should be light enough to not strip your hair of color, yet moisturizing, in order to bring new life to your dead re-fried ends. My hair journey has come full circle, as I am back to my original colour (or as close as I can get) after experimenting with blonde, red and black hues. My poor hair could do nothing but take the damage that extreme color changes leave behind.

In order to salvage any life to my dead ends, I've always kept my eye out for hair products that promise smoothing and hydrating results to fix my overall hair texture.

Case and point : Tigi Hair Reborn (Smoothing Texture Refine Masque)


What a promising name!? The product promises "fibre nourishment for frizz-prone, stressed hair". Sounds like a dream product to salvage and bring new life to my hair during the summer months. I followed the directions : shampoo, apply to ends, wait five to ten minutes. I liked the fact that you could leave it on while in the shower as the heat would help the masque penetrate the hair fibres. Another positive was the scent....then again, most hair products smell like a bouquet of flowers!

Tigi Hair Reborn ( $40.00 )

The Reality: After following the instructions to the T, I allowed my hair to air dry so I would be able to see the results without a blowout style or by applying other products. Sad to say, I was completely let down by this product. My result were even dryer and frizzier hair than before! Besides the soft scent of purple ginger and sandalwood left behind by the product, I could not see any improvements in terms of hydration. I did apply a generous amount of the thick hair masque in the shower and I must admit, I was very positive when washing the masque off because while my hair was wet, it felt silky smooth. I was expecting "rebirth",not the hay like results that I encountered.

Conclusion: I did not see any positive results after using this product as I did not benefit from its hair renewal promises. This product is intended as a weekly treatment, so therefore I would assume that an individual with virgin, undamaged hair could benefit from this. I would not recommend this product as an intensive treatment to those with damaged or stressed hair.

Recommendation : In my experience, using products with an oil base or natural products have always had an impact on my hair. The old theory of leaving mayonnaise or eggs on your hair for a couple of hours will leave your hair feeling smooth and looking shiny. Just remember to thoroughly rinse your hair afterwards.

If you have any of your own hair renewal product or recipe tips, please feel free to share and leave a comment!

CH xx

B for Benefitial (SteamCream Ruby Limited Edition)

Up until yesterday, I considered myself a computer Wiz. But after two melt downs ,trying to create something as simple as a Facebook page for my blog (Click to see More) I think it is time to give up my title. All that aside, I realized I have been ignoring my main purpose; to review products for you!

Finalement...For todays review I have chosen SteamCream specifically the Ruby Limited Edition tin. This is an all purpose cream so you can use it on every surface or for any purpose. But the recommended use is for face body or hands. The texture is slightly thicker than regular creams but don't worry, your skin does absorb it and it actually feels quite light after applying. The science behind it is the steam. This is how the company explains it; the unique STEAM process blends fresh, natural and traceable vegan ingredients with a shot of steam for a deeper-reaching all-in-one cream. SteamCream breaks down immediately on contact with the skin, dispersing each ingredient directly to the area it’s designed to benefit. Plant extracts including oatmeal,orange flower water, organic jojoba and lavender oils can reach where they are needed instantly.Now after injecting you with a dose of fancy talk this is my review. 

The benefits this cream speaks about are true. Since using it my skin has a natural glow not a natural sheen of oil or dryness. It is perfect for makeup since it is light enough to apply makeup in liquid form and not look greasy while also supplying enough moisture so makeup in powder form does not make your face look dry. Also if your face is in good condition applying some of this can give you a healthy enough glow to wear it on its own.

I usually apply SteamCream after washing and toning my face and especially after exfoliating. Although after you exfoliate make sure to close your pores before applying the cream with a toner or  cold water so it doesn't cause you to break out. Then after applying the cream I wait at least two minute to ten and apply my makeup mask for the day. 

If you have an questions on application please ask away!
 

Show Me What You're Working With

 The excitement of waking up and applying a mask of makeup to start your day, is a dreaded task to most women. I am one of those women. However after beginning in luxury retail, it has become my morning ritual. After many weeks of experimenting with sparkles and dramatic looks that would make a drag queen cringe in disappointment, I decided to go back to basics with my regime. A full face of makeup is promoted in most fashion based careers, however making it last from 9 to 5 is a whole other dilemma.Below are two versatile looks that I use day to day.

The Statement Lip Look

When it comes to early morning makeup, I choose to prioritize by focusing on one area of my face...and making it look fabulous. Laziness or Genius? The debate is up to you.....The great part about the statement lip is its ability to bring all the focus to your lips. A strong pink or red tone will brighten up your look especially if your skin is lacking color and brightness (Such as after a night out ;)). Hollywood, by Laura Mercier does the trick for me, as it is a classic shade of red. I would recommend going with a matte skin look in order to not look overdone and also with a complimentary blush shade. To achieve this look, I use a base of Missha BB cream followed by Laura Mercier Mineral Powder. Both products feel very light on your skin, however they provide lasting coverage as they blend naturally into my skin. When it comes to eyes, I usually keep it low key. I will use my darkest shade of mascara by Lise Watier called 24 Hours Glam Mascara as the color holds all day and its semi waterproof so it doesn't drip and make me look like a hot mess. Thereafter, I top it off with some eyeliner, and use a primer (Laura Mercier Eye Canvas) and a neutral eyeshadow tone. Sometimes I will use a white shimmer eye liner, such as Lise Watier's Eye Shine in White, on my inner lids to make my eyes look bigger. Recently, I have been mixing a  loose eye shadow powder and vaseline for a dewy look. Also a loose powder illuminator (Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Powder in Starlight)  or illuminating moisturizer can do the trick. The last step to my makeup regime is lightly shading and gelling my eyebrows (Maybelline Great Lash), as I find that I look bottom heavy on my face since I steer clear of most heavy eye makeup. I like this look as it remains natural and manageable throughout the day but also makes a statement with the pop of lip color.


The Ever Evolving Cat Eye

The cat eye is the best trick in the book when it comes to getting that "I put effort into this masterpiece" look. There is not one way to do a cat eye and one can basically cater a look to their eye shape. It can also be exaggerated or worn with low key makeup. The key is to practice, practice, practice. After a couple days you will no doubt be a pro. Trust me. I have failed. A lot. I like to apply my cat eye first with a liner pen (Lise Watier Feline Eyliner HD), then trace over it with Fluidliner by MAC with an eyeliner brush. I have a shaky hand, so this method is golden for me. You can achieve the doll look by applying a thin line of eyeliner underneath your eye.If you are having an adventurous morning, as I have most days at the crack of dawn, add some color to create some contrast with the dark liner. I usually stick to Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in shimmer based colors such as Oyster. This method directs the focus to your eyes, so therefore you can keep your makeup pretty neutral. Adding a light veil of bronzer or a blush and lip color that compliments your skin tone completes this look. In my opinion, a staple in your beauty kit is to find a daily lip shade that is similar to your lip color that you can wear during daytime hours (There's a reason why there is night and day makeup).

Here is a list of the products that I use on the daily to achieve a "smart" dress work look:

Look #1.
Laura Mercier Creme Smooth lip Colour in Hollywood   ($26.00)
Missha M Perfect  Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++   ($29.99)

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15  ($36.00)
Lise Watier 24hrs Glam Mascara   ($23.00)
Laura Mercier Eye Canvas  ($23.00)
Lise Watier Eye Shine Eyeliner  ($18.00)
Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Powder in Starlight ($26.00)
MAC Strobe Cream (Illuminator)  ($23.00)
Maybelline Great Lash  ($2.99) 

Look #2.
Lise Watier Feline Eyliner HD  ($19.00)
MAC Fluidline Blitz and Glitz   ($15.00)
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick  ($19.00)


Well, that is my opinion and advice on day looks for work. You don't have have to live and die by these rules, but its a good starting point. If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to voice your thoughts in the comment box below.

.........Now back to work, work, work ;)
 xx C.Hastings