Reddit's Curly Girl Method

The same hairstyle that I have had since junior college, after straightening.

I have been straightening my hair for the longest time but as I get older and perhaps because I'm trying to grow it out, I find that my hair isn't as thick as before. Especially the front, which has always not been thick but now it just seems more apparent. ಠ_ಠ It could very well be because I'm paying closer attention to it now (You know how overthinking kills. *nods slowly*). But anyway, I turned to Reddit for here and came across the Curly Girl/ Guy Method (CG Method).

You know how curls look more defined and just a lot prettier overall when wet than when they are dry? This method says that it is because we are using the wrong hair products. We are using products that are loaded with sulfates/ sulphates that give us the lather, make shampooing really fun (It's like snow. Okay, just give that to me. I live in a country with summer as my only season.) and clean our hair really well. But at the same time, they are also very harsh and can strip away the natural oils, leaving hair dry and in some cases, irritating our scalp too. Then, there are the silicones that make our hair so smooth and shiny we want to touch it forever but these chemicals actually kind of wrap themselves around each strand and prevent moisture from getting in. And it can also weigh hair down and make it limp and lifeless in the long run. So the CG method is to eliminate both of these chemicals in our hair care routine.

Okay, there are people out there who feel that these two chemicals are actually okay. To each his/ her own and YMMV but anyway, I decided to try the CG Method a couple of months back. I haven't got curls but my natural hair is actually pretty wavy and the thing is, I don't want to straighten my hair anymore if it's possible. I have been doing it for a decade already and my hair stylist knows what she is doing but I just don't think it's very healthy? Also, my skin is drying up so I really want to take care of it.

There's a wealth of information on the thread *points above*, but basically this was what I did and what I'm currently doing.

• Step 1: Give your hair a final wash with a sulfates-only-no-silicones shampoo.
  This is to make sure your hair is extremely clean and free from any build-up before you start the method. I used Schwarzkopf Extra Care Purify & Protect Shampoo (SGD11.90 at Watsons.). It's a pretty huge bottle for something that you're only going to use once so I suggest waiting for sales (Which are very frequent.) or sharing it with a friend. I'm keeping mine because I'm planning to do this 'final wash' once every few months just to get rid of any possible build-up.

• Step 2: Find your sulfates-and-silicones-free/ CG-friendly shampoo and conditioner.
  Okay, so there are 3 ways to do this; Co-wash, No-poo and Low-poo. There are many variations to these terms but they basically mean
  • Co-washing ('Conditioner-washing'): Washing your hair with conditioner and yes, including the roots. People always say that it's bad but it's actually because of the ingredients in the products that we use. Apparently, it's okay if they are free from sulfates and silicones.
  • No-poo ('No shampoo'): Exactly what the name says; washing your hair with only water.
  • Low-poo ('Low-shapoo'): Washing your hair every now and then with shampoos that are CG-friendly.
  I live in a very sunny and humid place where perspiring is breathing. I have to shower every day, twice. Sometimes, thrice. And I absolutely cannot go without shampoo, so I shampoo my hair every evening and condition twice a day.

  To do a quick check on whether a hair product is CG-friendly, just copy and paste the ingredients in here.

• Step 3: Dry/ Style your hair.
  The original CG method calls for styling, drying and then, scrunching for curls but I haven't got them so I blow my hair dry and then, apply a leave-in conditioner.

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A post shared by Charlene シャーリーン (@charlenewrites) on Nov 4, 2018 at 10:41pm PST

So far, it has been pretty okay. Some people experience greasier scalps, oilier hair and an increase in hair fallout in the first two weeks or so, but thankfully I haven't got those (yet?) because I would have given up so easily man. Lolol (My hair is my everything! *screams dramatically*). And in fact, my hair actually feels a lot softer. Not more manageable and my front's still as thin as before but it just feels lighter and happier. Haha.

I was previously using Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo and Conditioner (USD7.16 each on iHerb.), and am currently using Sukin Moisture Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner and Maple Holistics Silk 18 Natural Hair Conditioner. All have been okay. I have repurchased the Giovanni one, along with some others from iHerb, because I like the minty feeling and the Maple Holistics one is my second bottle already. (ღˇᴗˇ)｡o

(At my company's D&D event, with two of my favourite-st people in the world.)
Look at how thin my front is. ಠ_ಠ

I'll continue to update this space on my CG journey. If you have any questions, as always, just drop me an email or a DM on Instagram. Or check out the Curly Hair Community on Reddit. Everyone is just incredibly friendly, helpful and encouraging. ♥ Gawd, Reddit is truly the best (Along with Netflix.). ♥♥

Lierac Huile Sensorielle Aux 3 Fleurs Blanches

A year back or so, BlackBox had some really huge discounts and I managed to get my hands on the Lierac Huile Sensorielle Aux 3 Fleurs Blanches for only SGD39.90. Whoop! ٩(^‿^)۶

This multi-purpose oil is made from 3 types of white flower which help to nourish skin, hair and body. Argan oil is also added to repair environmental damage on the cellular level while omega-rich olive, sunflower, hazel seed and sweet almond oils boost firmness and elasticity.

I have been using this on and off for about a year, am down to my last few drops and thought I had better do a review before I bid it goodbye. But yeah, okay. Of course, I have a backup stashed away. Heh.

The gold-tinged oil is lightweight, comes out pretty runny and smells super good! It has a light floral scent that isn't overpowering. I use this mostly on my hair but I have tried this on my face and body as well. And on all 3 areas, it is absorbed very quickly, leaving barely a hint of an oily residue. For my face and body, I felt that the effects were just okay. Nothing special and nothing that I couldn't replicate with other products. But on my hair, it's a different story. My hair loves it. Loves. ♡_♡

After showering and blow drying my hair a little at night, I would apply 2 pumps of this golden goodness from the mid-length of my hair downwards, concentrating on the ends. It doesn't weigh my hair down and it has made it crazily soft, but not limp, and super healthy. Will definitely repurchase this when it goes on sale again!

Maple Holistics Silk18 Natural Hair Conditioner

I love BuzzFeed. I take their quizzes regularly, watch their Tasty Instagram videos when I'm bored, get my current affairs knowledge from their News section and of course, read every beauty article they published. In last month's beauty news, they featured 28 Things That'll Help You Get The Best Hair Of Your Life. And on the list was Maple Holistics Silk18 Natural Hair Conditioner (USD15.83, with shipping, from beloved Amazon.).

Steeped in a base of water and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, this conditioner is jam-packed with 18 different silk amino acids, Phytokeratin, oils like Jojoba and Argan and an organic blend of Pomegranate, Hibiscus, Green Tea and Sea Buckthorn to help calm and hydrate frizzy tresses. Made in USA, it is cruelty-free and does not contain any artificial fragrances (Natural Vanilla is used!), colouring and sulfates.

I have been using this for about a month now and I have completely abandoned my L'Occitane conditioner in favour of it. In the mornings, I slather this on, let it soak in, wash it off, apply my L'Occitane oil on the ends and I get the most obedient hair ever. My hair doesn't get as messy and frizzy as it usually does as the day goes on, and it keeps its shape. And despite the conditioner's oil contents, my hair doesn't get weighed down. Also, the vanilla scent makes it smell so homely and so very safe. ◡̈ Definitely a keeper!

Babyliss Diamond Big Hair Dual

My hair is really the bane of my existence. It's dry, coarse and very messy. I get it straightened twice a year which I know is really bad. But if I don't do that, it becomes, in Dad's words, a lion's mane. Lol. Anyway, in between my rebonding sessions when the effect is wearing off, I'm always looking out for tools to style unkempt, growing-out rebonded hair.

I have tried straighteners and curlers but they are quite troublesome. I wash my hair before I style it so that means spending ten minutes on blow-drying, then another ten on styling and I just haven't got that kind of patience. Also, I'm usually running late. Heh. Plus Singapore is really hot so by the time I'm done making my hair pretty, I'm a mess everywhere else. :\\\

Several years back, I discovered the magic of hot air stylers and I still use a Babyliss one every now and then. But you know how you're supposed to blow-dry your hair downwards to close the hair cuticles. Yeah, that is not easy with a hot air styler so my hair gets frizzy really fast. :\

(This story is becoming really long. Promise that it's about to end.)

A couple of weeks back, my mentor went to work with really nice salon-styled hair and told me about Babybliss Big Hair. I read about it when it first came out but it didn't appeal to me then. Anyway, I started googling again, read reviews, watched YouTube tutorials and got really tempted. Lol. The only problem is that it costs SGD129 at Watsons. So I decided to wait for sales but... ASOS has the Babyliss Diamond Big Hair Dual, which comes with 2 interchangeable heads (42mm and 50mm) at SGD129.30! Still, I decided to wait and then, BAM! 20% discount.

I bought it. *insert moon emoji*

So tadahhh! Here's my Babyliss Diamond Big Hair Dual in all of its shining glory. :DDD It is basically a hot air styler, except that the brush heads rotate! This really helps with the frizz because the air is being blown downwards when it rotates. I think. Hahaha. Or maybe it's because the barrels are made of diamond-infused ceramic? Or there's a new technology in place? Lol. Whatever it is, I experience a lot less frizz with this as compared with my hot air non-rotating styler. Yay! :DDD

After washing and towel-drying my hair, I blow-dry till it's about 80% damp and comb through with a small Kent brush to get rid of any tangles. Then I go all happy with my Diamond Big Hair Dual. It's slightly bulkier than my hot air styler but I have been using the latter for years so I can maneuver it pretty easily. Newbies might need some time to figure their way around it though, but don't give up! Promise that the results are worth it. Haha. :D

I still haven't got the complete hang of styling my hair with it. Sometimes, my hair gets a little stuck (Just need to rotate the brush in the opposite direction!). But it is getting easier with each attempt. It gives my hair a lot of volume and bounce and I love how quickly and easily it makes my hair ends curl in. I guess the only real downside about this thing is that your hair is receiving a lot of heat in close proximity. So I use a lot of L'Occitane oil, especially on my hair ends. (:

I hope this post has been useful! If you have any questions, just leave a comment or drop me an email. (:

KonMari-ing My Beauty Stash

My room is literally littered with beauty products. And though I have made several attempts to reduce my stash, they are still pretty much everywhere because #consumerism. Lol. As some of you might know, I have been trying extremely hard to be a minimalist this year. So for a while now, I have sort of adopted the 'no buying, only replace' strategy where I try (again, extremely hard) not to buy new products, to use up what I have and only to replace those that I really love. It has been 80 52% successful? Lol. ಥ_ಥ

Anyway, here are some products which I have finished or stopped using in the past couple of months that I was MIA-ing here. :\

For hair

• Earth Science Olive & Avocado Deep Conditioning Hair Masque
  With a 4.5 rating across 984 reviews on iHerb.com, I expected this to really transform my hair into a blanket of silk or something to that effect. But nope, this was so incredibly normal. In fact, it wasn't as effective as my usual conditioner from Tsubaki.

• Tsubaki Head Spa Massage Spa Mask
  I discovered Tsubaki during my JC days and since then, I have been using it. Of course, I do dabble in other brands but I always have Tsubaki shampoos and conditioners under my sink. The above is my second tube. I always use this when my scalp and hair need some TLC and it always delivers. Always. ♥

For face

• Annasalbe Ace Acne Cream
  I got this when I was in Japan earlier this year. According to MUA, this is a sulphur-based acne cream and it is the best I have tried since Eryacne. It is so effective in drying the heck out of pimples/ acne, whether they are just threatening to appear or have already reared their ugly heads. Definitely stocking up on this the next time I go Japan! ♥

• Naruko Face Renewal Miracle Essence
  Okay, this, THIS, is my holy grail. I have used 1.5 bottles in the last 6 months (Please take note that I do spam it quite a bit when I'm happy. And then, this makes me happier so I spam it even more. (ؑ‷ᵕؑ̇‷)◞✧ ). It plumped my skin with moisture and made it feel so incredibly healthy that I got compliments on my skin. And you need to know that that hardly ever happens in my life. Even my facial therapist commented that my skin was good. But anyway, I decided to go Europe and my skin's a little messed up from the cold and flu now, so the texture of the inner cheeks is a little rough. But but, it's getting better day by day with this (And my trusty Aveeno moisturizer!)! ♥♥♥

• Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil
  Oh gawd. This is really expensive and it's actually my 2nd bottle. A few drops of this mixed into DermaVeen was very good for my dry skin in 2014. But fast forward to this year, it just stopped. Unfortunately... Or fortunately. Heh. Well, skin is always changing so *shrugs*. Really painful on the heart though. Also, the cap gets sticky in our climate like NARS packaging so that's a bit icky. :\

For body

• Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Powder Liquid
  I have sensitive skin everywhere so I can't use deodorants. Instead, I use pimple solutions. It was Stridex previously but we all know that that's really quite strong and drying. Hence, I made the switch to Cosrx. This is double the price but it is also so much gentler and works just as well for me. I slather this on at night without facing any irritations, wash it off when I shower in the morning and I don't really smell throughout the day. Have already started on my backup *points above*. ◡̈ ♥

• MooGoo Irritable Skin Balm
  I came across this brand on a mummy's forum last year while searching for remedies for my eczema and have stuck with it ever since. I was just spamming it on my back for a couple of days when I realised that hey, I wasn't itching anymore. And it has also helped Mum with her hot flushes and Gran with her dry skin. I really like that it's light, sinks into skin quickly and doesn't leave any residual layer (Which can actually add on to the whole itching situation.). Please take note that it doesn't cure eczema. It only helps you manage it better. I have recommended this to friends and well, it's pretty much YMMV but some have gotten onto the bandwagon too. You can buy this from Isetan, Kiddy Palace or place a bulk order on their Aussie website. ♥

ATM: Dealing with Hair Loss

Earlier this year, I had quite a bit on my plate and started dropping a lot of hair. I do drop more hair during stressful periods but I had never woken up to a pillow covered in hair strands. Yes, it was crazy frightening and it only compounded the stress I was going under. Gosh, I hope I never go through anything like that again. *shudders*

Anyway, I told some friends about it and I realised that hair loss is actually quite a common problem. For some people, bald spots start developing and for others, it's general hair loss. Mine was the latter and I visited both Chinese and Western doctors. Both doctors said that I didn't have enough blood so my body wasn't absorbing nutrients. It was distributing blood to the more important organs, so things like hair and nails were left out. The Chinese doctor prescribed medicine that 补血, while the Western doctor gave me iron tablets and vitamins (Consultation and supplements cost me 90 friggin' bucks. *curses*). Yes, I took both at the same time since the latter was just vitamins (Did check with the Chinese doctor first.). I also bought a couple of hair tonics to drown my scalp in.

So... Did the above work??? Yep, I'm back to dropping my usual amounts which I don't even notice so yay! :DDD *jumps and throws imaginary flowers around* (:

Here are the 2 main products I used during that period and am still using:

• Yohmo Tonic
  This was recommended by a shop assistant at a Chinese Medical Hall which I happened to pass by. It smells like a warm, kind grandfather who just came out of a shower... Lol! It's flowery and I really have no idea how to describe the scent. It's okay but it isn't something that I would wear in the day because it's rather strong. And grandfather-y. Lol! I don't know why but that word just pops into my head every time I smell it. Lol. Anyway, this has quite a number of raving reviews online and yeah, I think this did help my hair grow quite a bit. I was dropping baby hair too (Never, in all of the XX years of my life. )': ), but not anymore. In fact, I have new ones sprouting out! :D
• Country Life's Maxi-Hair
  This was given to me by the Western doctor. I can't remember how much it was but iHerb stocks this too. It has B Vitamins and Biotin, among many others. I didn't experience any adverse reactions to this and it helped curb the hair loss and boost hair growth for me. Anyway, it's just vitamins that are also good for the nails and skin. Haven't seen any improvements in those departments yet but I'll be carrying on with this for a while.

EMPTIES: July's goodbyes

Honeycé's Moisture Repair Shampoo
What it is: Made in Japan, this shampoo contains 8 different types of honey sourced from all over the world (Manuka Honey, Raspberry Honey, Clover Honey, Rosemary Honey, Orange Honey, Lemon Honey, Acacia Honey and Blueberry Honey), organic oils (Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil) and Keratin to repair hair damage.

What I think: My hair has returned to its original state - big, poofy and frizzy. This shampoo kept my hair cleaned, smelled pretty nice and was decently moisturizing. There wasn't really a need to follow up with a conditioner.

Now Foods Solutions' Avocado Oil
What I think: I was trying to save my Innisfree makeup remover when I decided to break into this. And it did such a splendid job of removing every hint of makeup. Even my stubborn-for-very-good-reasons Japanese mascara conceded. *victory sign* Also, it left my skin looking really clear after each wash. Favourite makeup remover from here on.

Phyto's Phyto 9 Ultra-Dry Hair Nourishing Day Cream With 9 Plants
What it is: This lightweight leave-in conditioner is formulated with 9 plant extracts to hydrate, smooth and protect medium-to-coarse, dry hair from environmental stressors and split ends. It is free from sulfates and phthalates.

What I think: I bought this because Fel said that this made her hair super smooth and she couldn't stop touching it when we were out. Umm... I thought it was only okay for me. Hahaha. It was just like any other leave-in conditioner and didn't leave any significant impression. I like that it was pretty light though.

Salcura's DermaSpray (Intensive)
What it is: This everyday moisturizing spray is made for those who are prone to eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea and dry skin. It is 98% natural, contains no steroids or harsh chemicals and nourishes the skin, while effectively breaking the itch-scratch cycle. It is formulated with Sea Buckthorn for nourishment and cell regeneration, Lavender to calm and balance and Rosemary for its for its ability to support collagen development and eliminate free radicals.

What I think: I apply this whenever I get really stressed and the eczema on my back flares up. It really helps to reduce the itch and I am so in love with the minty, Eucalyptus scent. Heh. But I don't think this is very moisturizing so I do still apply moisturizer. Also, the spray nozzle on my bottle is faulty. :\ But yes, I will buy this again and again. Until my eczema goes away. And we all know that it won't. Ever. Big sigh. So thank you, for this. :D

Phyto's Phytolisse Ultra-Glossing Finishing Serum
What it is: A finishing serum that instantly calms flyway and tames frizz so that hair looks sleek, smooth and healthy, with a sublime shine. It is free from sulfates and parabens.

What I think: Again, this was only okay for me. Hahaha. I really like Phyto's shampoos and conditioners, but somehow their leave-ins don't really work for me. This is lightweight though, but it didn't really tame my frizz. #toounrulyforya

Innisfree's Apple Juicy Emulsion Lip & Eye Remover
What I think: I LOVE(d) this so much when I first used a sample of it. It removed my eye makeup so cleanly that I promptly ordered the full-sized bottle online. Only to find out that our local stores sell them cheaper (Whut whut. Ikr. Do your research.). I still love this but I love my Avocado Oil more *points above*, just because that's natural and this, well, isn't. But yes, Innisfree has some really awesome products.

Bioderma Sensibio Mask
What it is: This soft and creamy mask moisturizes and soothes intensely, provides lasting comfort, restores skin's radiance and guarantees optimum tolerance.

What I think: This mask actually stung a little whenever I had it on, so I won't repurchase it. But it did moisturize my skin very nicely and left it feeling smooth like tofu.

A'Pieu Essential Source Snail Cream
What I think: I bought this because it's a favourite of Alice from W2Beauty. I really like the gel texture but it didn't work for me. My skin still felt dry when I had this on. :\ And it was quite expensive...

Escada's Especially Escada and Especially Escada Elixir
What I think: These scents are my absolute favourites. I really like the light rose notes in them and they smell feminine without being overpowering. Will totally make this MY scent when I finish my current stash.

EVENT: Watsons' Girls' Day Out

Back in March, I attended Watson's Girls' Day Out with Fel. It was the drugstore's 27th birthday and they were launching several new brands/ products and also, their very own Watsons eStore! ああ～ Shopping in the comfort of my own home is the best thing ever. No crowds, no sweltering heat, no lugging of heavy bags... Really, everything should be done online (Though convenience does spell trouble for the pockets... Ahem.). Haha.

Anyway, here are 5 brands/ products that I'm really looking forward to discover:

1. Asience
   This hair care brand has been with me since secondary school (Well, on and off. I still like Shiseido Tsubaki best.) because Mum loves it. They are revamping their formula to include a new Beauty Serum, which is a concentrated infusion of precious oils and essences. 2 ranges are available - Inner Rich for dry, frizzy and unmanageable hair and Nature Smooth for oily scalp and tangled ends.
2. Bioderma
   I have been using the Créaline H2O Micellar Solution for about 2 years now and it cleans off makeup effectively and without any irritation. Last month, they launched the Sensibio Lait Cleansing Milk which contains the Toleridine patent. It increases skin's tolerance level and reduces skin's sensitivity over time.
3. Béne Premium
   This line is created by award-wining professional hair care brand, MoltoBene. It is formulated to be enzyme-rich and free from silicones through the use of only the best natural ingredients. 2 ranges are available - Bluria to restore hair health through deep cleansing and Rougeria to rejuvenate damaged hair with intense conditioning.
4. Honeycé
   Another line under MoltoBene, this one targets both the hair and the scalp with the use of different types of honey. 2 ranges are available - Moisture Repair Series contains 8 different types of honey to care for even the most damaged hair and Juicy Spa Series which improves overall hair and scalp conditions with clay, sea salt lemon, royal jelly and honey.
5. Kustie
   Formulated in France, this brand uses a potent concoction of specially handpicked flowers, essential oils and natural nutrients for an indulgent and luxurious shower. 4 ranges are available - Rose, Chamomile, Cherry Blossom and Lavender. They are suitable for all skin types.

REVIEW: Skinfood's Moisture Egg Hair Pack

Though it was only recently that I started using Korean beauty brands 'seriously', Skinfood has always a brand that I trust. The few products that I have used thus far worked well for me and I do gush over them quite a bit to my friends (HEH.). And the latest product that has got me all excited is the Skinfood Moisture Egg Hair Mask.

The Skinfood Moisture Egg Hair Mask is a hair mask that contains protein-rich egg extract, and vitamins. It nourishes hair that has been damaged by chemicals and heat, so that it becomes healthy and resilient. After shampooing, I apply the mask on the bottom half of my hair for slightly more than the stipulated timing of 5 minutes. Sometimes, I apply this on dry hair half an hour before I shower. Haha. I'm not exactly sure how much more effective the 2nd method is, but it's something that I do with all my conditioners and hair masks. Heh.

After washing and air-drying, my hair feels airy and stronger, and it stays that way for a day or two. Unlike other hair masks that I have used, this seems to give my hair some volume and hence, some 'life'. Haha. Also, it makes my hair smells like yummy custard (Don't worry, it isn't that strong!). :D I'm halfway into my tube and actually placed an order for 2 more last night, because Cosmetic Love is having a Skinfood sale now.

Have you tried this or any other Skinfood hair care products? (:

REVIEW: #GetSassooned at Home with Vidal Sassoon‏

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to try out the new Vidal Sassoon Premium Base Care and Premium Color Care range. This range includes everything you need to look as if you've just stepped out of a salon - constantly. It makes maintaining the Sassoon style incredibly simple - just prep it, work it, treat it and perfect it!

Vidal Sassoon has been used and loved by my Gran for as long as I can remember, so I was very thrilled to receive it. But what got me really excited was the 13mm Mini Ceramic Straightener and 25mm Mini Ceramic Curling Iron that came with the package! Thanks so much for this, Wendy! :D

Both hair tools use the ceramic technology which delivers fast, efficient and superior styling results. When heated, ceramic produces far-infrared heat which allows hair to absorb heat easily. Each hair follicle is dried from the inside out, minimizing damage and stress. It also helps to reduce the hair's static electricity so that it becomes smooth, with less frizz and flyaways.

Here are some of their features:

• 13mm Mini Ceramic Straightener
  1. 200°C high heat setting delivers salon results.
  2. Multi-voltage (120-240VAC) for worldwide usage.
  3. 30-second instant heat-up.
  4. 2-in-1 storage pouch and mat for compact storage.

• 25mm Mini Ceramic Curling Iron
  1. 150°C heat setting delivers salon results.
  2. Multi-voltage (120-240VAC) for worldwide usage.
  3. Fast heat-up.
  4. 2-in-1 storage pouch and mat for compact storage.

Dad gave me hair that's wavy, coarse and super thick. Basically, a 'lion's mane' as Dad calls it (It's from you, Dad. Haha. I love you.). So I get it straightened once a year (It used to be twice. :\). The last time I did that was in March, so my hair's actually en route to being au naturel again.

(Last year, I let my hair just grow out to see how it would actually look like and boy, was it curly! I actually like the curls but they don't do so well in our hot and humid climate. Think: frizz. Also, my fringe has been looking weird since 103428248394 years ago. :\)

Here's how my hair looks like after straightening with the Vidal Sassoon 13mm Mini Ceramic Straightener. The straightener's really small, making it great for travels and touch-ups but not so efficient as an everyday tool, especially if your tresses are thick and long (The again, it wasn't meant for this purpose!). The above took probably about 15 minutes, but I didn't do the whole 'sectioning and straightening every strand' business. I just straightened randomly. Haha. But hey! It looked alright... Right? Heh.

The straightener heats up really quickly so there isn't much waiting to do. There's only one heat setting - it gets hot but not too hot, allowing it to get the job done without damaging your hair.

I tried the 25mm Mini Ceramic Curling Iron but ummm... I'm still learning how to use it! Haha! Anyway, here's a comparison between the looks that you can achieve with the 2 hair tools. I like things to be neat (Except for my room. HAHAHA.), so I prefer straight hair (Haiyahhh. Isn't it always the case that girls have natural curly hair want straight hair? And vice versa?). What about you? :D

P.S.: I really appreciate the heat mats that come with the hair tools! Not only do they give you a place to rest the tools when heated up, they also come with pockets so that you can keep them and the wires neatly. (:
P.P.S: Leaving you with a video of Vidal Sassoon's first Singaporean ambassador, Joanne Peh, getting Sassoon-ed! Happy Saturday! :D

REVIEW: Ma Chérie's Air Feel Shampoo and Conditioner

I have been using Shiseido's hair care products for the longest time. I still remember the day I discovered how soft Tsubaki could make my impossibly coarse hair be... I literally went around school, asking friends to touch my ponytail. "DON'T YOU THINK IT'S SUUUUUPER SOFT?!?", I squealed mercilessly in their faces (I'm sorry, friends. Thanks for still acknowledging our friendships. ♡). Anyway, when I was in Taiwan last year and refused to use the hotel's shampoo and conditioner, I got a travel-sized Ma Chérie hair kit from Watsons. And I really enjoyed it.

Ma Chérie means 'my sweetheart' in French and just like Tsubaki, it's under Shiseido. Except that I think it's targeted more towards the young ladies because of the sweet pink and princess-y packaging. Packaging doesn't really matter to me but it does add some prettiness to my toilet. And it makes me happy. So I guess... Packaging does matter to me? HAHA.

Back to Ma Chérie... There are 2 ranges; Air Feel and Moisture. The ones pictured above, which I received at an event, belong to the former. It adds volume to limp and flat hair and it is formulated with Champagne Honey Gelee, which is a potent combination of well, champagne and honey!

Here are some of the key ingredients:

• Champagne: Protects hair against environmental damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
• Honey: Retains moisture and adds shine to hair.
• Hydroxyethyl Urea: Moisturizes hair.
• Inositol: Softens hair.

I started using the range again in June and I'm almost done with it. This time round, I can see the long-term effects. My hair feels fluffier and the texture is a lot softer. My ends aren't fried, in spite of the many (failed) attempts of dyeing my hair at home. It neither leaves any oily residue nor weighs my hair down. Basically, my hair just feels really healthy! Between Tsubaki and Ma Chérie, I find Tsubaki more moisturizing and because I plan to do more stuff to my hair, I would actually go back to it after this. Otherwise, Ma Chérie works great for daily hair care! :D

REVIEW: Babyliss Pro's Powerlite Dryer

For the past few years, I had been sneaking over to the sibs' bathroom to use their hairdryer. It wasn't because I didn't have one. I did actually, but my bathroom's pretty cramp and it gets really warm when I blow-dry. The sibs have a small and compact Panasonic hairdryer, which takes like 15 minutes for me to get my hair 75% dry. This is actually alright. BUT I'm usually 'late' for my appointments (I usually reach right on the dot, which is very bad. Because strange time-delaying events could have happened on the way.), so I was on the lookout for a salon-worthy hairdryer.

I came across several solid hairdryers, but there are always mixed reviews. Like there's no one hairdryer which has past 50% good reviews. So in the end, I just decided to narrow my selection to something that was pocket-friendly, light and strong, and pray very hard that it wouldn't explode on me. And I found the Babyliss Pro Powerlite Dryer. Here are some of its key features:

• Weighs only 445g (1/3 lighter than most hair dryers.).
• Powerful 1900W LHT motor with high torque power.
• 70% quieter (compared with Babyliss' best-selling AC dryer.).
• Advanced Ceramics with Tourmaline for high-shine finish.
• Active Ionic conditioning system for smooth results.
• 6 heat/speed settings.
• Slim concentrator nozzle for precision drying.
• Supplied with UK plug only (230V).

I have been using this for about 3 weeks now and blow-drying has never been more fun! It isn't much heavier than the Panasonic hairdryer, even though it's a lot bigger, and it's sooo 'quiet'. I don't have to worry about waking the sibs up in the mornings anymore, just because selfish me wants to have dry hair. AND I LOVE THE NOZZLE THAT COMES WITH IT because I can blow my hair really straight with it (As straight as it can get anyway, with Aveda's Smooth Infusion™ Glossing Straightener. My hair was straightened back in March, so it has started to curl a little.).

I don't really see the high-shine finish, but I find that my hair remains pretty smooth throughout the day. Frizz is inevitable, but it's visibly less frizzy than before! *squeals* There's really nothing that I don't like about it! :D

So if you are searching for an efficient hairdryer to use at home, you may want to check out Babyliss Pro's Powerlite Dryer. I got mine from BeautyBay.com for £25.04 (Click here to read my haul!).

HAUL: Getting Some Hair Love from BeautyBay.com

I have been on the lookout for a salon-worthy hairdryer and I found one at BeautyBay.com. And decided to throw in 2 other items into my cart as well. Heh. We have to make full use of the shipping cost right? Except that it's free. Umm... We have to make full use of the effort involved in packing and sending the parcel over? I mean, it's only polite and considerate towards the packers and senders, right? Heh. MOVING ON, here are the items that I got:

• Babyliss Pro Powerlite Dryer, £25.04
• Bed Head Dumb Blonde Reconstructor, £7.58
• Bed Head Straighten Out Straightening Cream, £8.75
  

Right after I ordered, I decided to google for reviews on BeautyBay.com and gosh, they weren't quite favourable. I got a tad worried because my shipping was under the 'Saver' option; it's free but it's not trackable. But 9 or 10 working days later, my parcel came, yay! :D Everything was packed nicely. The hair dryer came in perfect condition and the bottles weren't leaking.

Will I order from them again? Mmhmm... Yeah, I think I will but it will be my last resort.

SPOTTED: Labels Against Women | #WhipIt #ShineStrong Pantene

Gender bias has always been an issue in the workplace and early this year, it made headlines because of Sheryl Sandberg's global bestseller 'Lean In'. The book took a close look at the reasons why women are still struggling to make progress and encouraged them to overcome it.

More recently, a study conducted by Pantene in the Philippines found that 70% of men still think that women need to downplay their personality to be accepted. This insight from the Filipino culture served as an inspiration for the above video, which depicts the hidden double standards in the workplace.

Do watch the 1-minute video and help spread the message! (:

EVENT: Official Launch of Guardian Plus

November marked the official launch of Guardian Plus in Takashimaya Shopping Centre. The cutting-edge flagship store provides shoppers an experience like no other. There are over 20, 000 health and beauty products and the place is decked out with the latest technology gizmos to help you with your needs.

The best thing of all is that Guardian Plus won't be just another drugstore with the same ol' brands. They are bringing in new brands and one of which is the highly anticipated Boots. The No7, Botanics, Mark Hill and Champneys ranges are all available at Guardian Plus.

And being ever thoughtful, there is also a dedicated team of 4 in-house pharmacist-trained specialists; a pharmacist, a nutritionist, a health advisor and a beauty advisor. They provide consultations for a nominal fee in a private area. Basic screenings are also conducted.

I have dropped by the place a couple of times (And bought a couple of items... Heh.). The Guardian staff were all incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and ever ready to help. It was a really nice shopping experience for me. I was also delighted to see beauty kits that I spotted on ASOS.com and the prices were actually quite alright. However, I thought the Revlon styling tools were priced much higher but they could be from the premium ranges? Anyhow, it's still good to see new brands and products being brought in. (:

Guardian Plus is located at #B2-15/23 of Takashimaya Shopping Centre, right beside Singtel. (:

EVENT: Phyto's Phytocyane Bloggers' Event

Sometime in August, I attended the bloggers' event for Phyto's Phytocyane at Le Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar. The brand's name is Greek for 'derived from plants' and it is at the forefront of combining active plant botanicals with science to develop formulae which will help restore hair back to its pristine and healthy condition.

Contrary to popular belief, it isn't just the males who are in danger of losing excessive hair. We, women, are at risk too and statistics have shown that as many as 45% of us go through life without a full head of hair. Typically, we should lose about 50 strands daily, as part of the regular functioning of our scalp and hair's life cycle. Beyond that, hair loss is considered excessive. Women's hair loss is identified with increased thinning all over the scalp and it is especially noticeable at the hairline. Common causes include sudden hormonal changes, diet deficiency of iron and protein, stress, pollution, prolonged intake of strong medication, sudden weight loss and use of unsuitable hair care products.

And here is where the star of the event, Phytocyane, helps us. A revitalizing treatment for thinning hair, it consists of just 3 steps:

1. Prepare the scalp with essential oils.
2. Restore the scalp's balance by choosing a shampoo adapted to its nature.
3. Enhance hair beauty with a cream, treatment or spray.

Step 1: Prepare your scalp with Phytopolléine Botanical Scalp Treatment
The first step in this deep treatment, this 100% botanical formula prepares the scalp for the subsequent steps. It contains essential oils and corn germ oil to cleanse the scalp, balance sebum secretion and tone blood vessels. This results in a stimulated scalp that is on its way back to its normal condition.

Step 2: Restore your scalp with Phytocyane Densifying Treatment Shampoo
This revitalizing shampoo addresses temporary thinning caused by stress, fatigue, pregnancy, medication and seasonal changes. Ingredients like Ginkgo Biloba and Cinchona Bark support the scalp while Grapeseed Procyanidins combat free radicals and protect the hair bulb. Hair appears denser and fuller with each usage.

Step 3: Enhance hair and scalp beauty with Phytocyane Densifying Treatment Serum
This exclusive anti-hair loss fortifying treatment is specially formulated for women. It fights and prevents hair loss through 4 processes:

1. It regenerates and strengthens hair bulb with botanical active ingredients like Gingko Biloba, Viburnum Bark and Grapeseed Procyanidols. At the same time, it calms and provides anti-inflammatory action, boosts microcirculation while fighting free radicals to age proof the hair bulb environment.
2. It triggers hair growth using Vitamins B5 and B6 and Soy Proteins to enhance microcirculation, activate cell metabolism and keratin production.
3. It delays the onset of greying hair through the use of Tyrosine Derivative, a melanin precursor to maintain the melanin activity of the hair bulb.
4. It enhances the beauty of hair with Vitamins B5 and B6 and Silk Proteins that give hydration and volume, while imparting a natural shine.

Last but not least, there is the Phytophanère Dietary Supplement. Each capsule contains a reservoir of essential fatty acids (Borage Oil and Fish Oil.) and vitamins (Brewer's Yeast, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid and Pyridoxine.) for the hair, nails and skin, strengthening each and maintaining them at their optimal states.

Before the event, I had actually picked up 3 bottles of the shampoo at Watsons (I think they were going for $69.90 for 3.) and have since finished 2 bottles (I wash my hair 2-3 times a day. Hehhh.). Initially, I found it really difficult to lather but at the event, I realized that I needed to use half a cap's worth of it. And that solved the problem. Also, during washing, your hair will feel dry because the cuticles are raised. All you need to do is to smooth them down with a comb. (: There isn't a conditioner in this range as it isn't needed. But for me, I feel safer with one. Heh. So I do use one from another brand, just on the bottom half of my tresses.

I think that the shampoo did curb my hair loss a tad but the effect wasn't very obvious. Then again, such treatments require more than just 2 bottles for significant results. I'll be checking out the other products in the next two months and will report back soon!

Phyto is available at all Robinsons, John Little, Beauty by Nature stores and selected stores at Watsons, Guardian, BHG, Metro and Unity.

REVIEW: John Frieda's Full Repair Range

Back in July, I received John Frieda's Full Repair Range and tested it out for 2 months. This range is formulated with Omega-packed Inca Inchi Oil. Culled from the rainforests of the Peruvian Amazon, this lightweight micro-oil pumps up hair body while repairing and protecting each strand with its high levels of fatty acids (Omega-3, 6 and 9!) from stresses caused by heat. It works best with the use of heat to create soft, shiny, full-bodied hair styles.

The shampoo left my hair feeling light and clean, without the strip-of-all-oils feeling that some shampoos tend to give. There were some days when I actually just stopped my hair routine here and my hair didn't feel the least bit dry. But it is advisable to always condition your hair (Recently, I read about a beauty editor who only uses conditioners on her hair. No shampoos. At all.). I applied it on the bottom half of my hair and it provided just the right amount of moisture needed. There was no oily residue after rinsing it off and my hair didn't feel like it was being weighed down. The deep conditioner is a hair mask which I used once or twice a week to enhance the effects of the shampoo and the conditioner.

Despite the fact that I blow-dried my hair every day during the 2 months and did the occasional straightening, my hair remained soft and the ends were healthy. I also noticed that my hair was slightly fuller, especially at the top (Which is usually as flat as a plateau.). However, one thing to note is that these products aren't free of silicones.

John Frieda's Full Repair Range is available at Guardian and Watsons outlets.

MAIL: Vanity Trove x Nylon Exclusive Edition

Oh boy, it has been exactly a week since I last blogged! School's a little busier than I thought it would be. And a little overwhelming too; I don't think I have ever been given this many assignments, presentations and deadlines all at the same time. :\

BUT my classmates have been so incredibly nice that I'm afraid I would poke myself and realize it's all a dream. Yes, they are THAT nice. Everyone's just trying to help everyone and it feels a little like being in Junior College again. (: After going through university, I really wish I had treasured my classes (Junior College and before.) more, because you just don't get that kind of 'tightness' in life after that.

Haha. Random thoughts after a really long week. Anyway, I have something special to share from Vanity Trove!

Vanity Trove x Nylon Exclusive Edition is one of the 4 exclusive Vanity Troves (Click here to view them!). Priced at $35, it is a tad more expensive than the usual troves but I do believe it's completely worth it. I mean, I ordered two of these! Haha. Have a look! (:

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ UVA
This little tube of dermatologist-tested sunblock helps protect against pigmentation, irregularities and premature skin ageing.

Shu Uemura's Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O
This cleansing oil comes saturated with Green Tea Extract and empowered by Ginkgo Leaf Extract. Meant for those with ageing concerns, this revitalizes the appearance of fatigued skin and refine skin texture.

Shu Uemura's Unlimited Lip Gloss in CR 30 G
This lip gloss comes with a special skin-loving formula that contains a moisture active complex of Lotus Flower Extract, Hyaluronic Spheres and Ceramide. Together with botanical oils like Rapeseed, Olive, Caster and Sunflower, they nourish, protect and moisturize your lips.

Lancôme's Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara
This mascara holds the secret behind luscious doll-like lashes! The unique brush reaches every lash and gives a smooth and clean application. It sculpts, curls and thicken your lashes to get you ready for any event.

Redken's Smooth Lock Shampoo and Conditioner
This duo provides intense thermal care for dry and unruly locks.

Kerastase's Elixir Ultime Oléo-Complexe
Containing a combination of Camellia, Argan, Maize and Pracaxi Oils, these hair oils come in 3 variations; Moringa Immortel for damaged hair, Thé Impérial for colour-treated hair and Rose Millénaire for fine and sensitized hair. They leave hair beautifully conditioned, smooth and soft.

Giorgio Armani's Acqua Di Gioia Eau Fraîche
This eau de toilette is an exclusive infusion of freshly picked flowers, offering a new experience of natural and radiant feminity. Top notes burst with scents of Grapefruit, Ylang-Ylang and Cedarwood. Middle notes develop to include Mandarin, Water Jasmine and a Brown Sugar accord. Lastly, base notes envelop the skin to bring forth bright Primofiore Lemon, a whisper of Jasmine accord and a hint of Soft Musk.

Lancôme's Advanced Genifique
This youth activating concentrate is one of my favourites and remains part of my morning skin care routine. Click here to read my review. (:

Yves Saint Laurent's Le Teint Touche Éclat (Illuminating Foundation) in B30 Beige
The foundation holds the magic light of the famous Touche Éclat. It targets shadowy areas and highlights the contours of the face. There are 17 available shades and it comes with SPF19 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

MAIL: My First Personalized Vanity Trove

I think it was last Sunday that I received my first personalized Vanity Trove! And it was only a few days back that I checked my cart out. Very speedy delivery. In fact, everything went smoothly... Save for the 'What 6 items should I put in my cart?!?' bit. :\

Most of the good stuff disappeared really fast and I was left to pick from products that were either not very interesting or have already appeared in previous troves. I only checked my cart out when I spotted VMV Hypoallergenics's Hydra Balance Smart Moisturizer (Which was in last October's trove.) but then, my sample of Pupa's Mascara Vamp! went OOS. So I had to settle for something else... Ah well, at least I get to choose my samples. (:

Anyway, let's take a peek at my first personalized Vanity Trove!

1. My Beauty Diary's Job's Brightening Mask
This mask combines Job's Tears Seed, also known as Pearl Barley, and Liquorice to brighten our skin, lighten discolouration and even out skin tone. At the same time, it also provides hydration and repairs damaged caused by the environment.

2. Physiogel's Cleanser
This cleanser is a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, soap-free cleanser that cleansers, soothes and softens our skin, without drying it. It also helps to maintain our skin's natural pH balance.

3. Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser
Made for all skin types, this mild and non-irritating cleanser softens our skin as it cleans. It is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and dermatologist recommended. I have mentioned this cleanser a couple of times and you can read my little reviews here. (:

4.Zao's Compact Powder in 302 Beige Orange
This compact powder was in this March's trove. It controls oil pretty well and my T-zone area is not the least bit shiny at the end of the day. Click here to read more about it.

5. VMV Hypoallergenics' Hydra Balance Smart Moisturizer
This moisturizer cleverly delivers the right amount of moisture to different areas of our skin, i.e. the parched ones receives more and the oilier ones, less. Monolaurin, which is derived from the coconut, is also added for its anti-bacterial and calming properties on inflammation and acne breakouts.

6. Essential's Rich Premier Shampoo
This shampoo is actually a mystery gift that was added to my cart. I tried this during China's winter a few years back and it didn't work so well. But Mich was raving about it the other day, so I'm gonna see how it works out in a warmer and more humid climate.

Dr. Ci:Labo's Aqua-Collagen-Gel Enrich-Lift-EX (not pictured)
This gel contains 3 different lifting ingredients to increase our skin's elasticity. It wraps around the skin, leaving behind an invisible film that provides a high level of support for our less resilient skin. Alpha Lipoc Acid, an anti-aging ingredient, is also added to combat the sagging of our skin by promoting collagen production.

REVIEW: L'Oreal Paris' EverSleek Sulfate-free Smoothing System Intense Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner

It was a quite task trying to pull myself away from Rêveur's Moist & Gloss Shampoo and Treatment, but when L'Oreal Paris sent me tubes of their latest sulfate-free hair care products, my curiosity was piqued.

For the uninitiated, sulfates are found in many hair care products. They are the forming agents that create suds... Which make washing ourmy hair so much fun (Yes, I am old and I love my foam.). However, despite their pristine white and innocent appearance, they are actually very harsh chemical detergents.

Sulfates have the potential of aggravating our scalps and destroying healthy hair. They stripped our hair of everything, both the bad AND the good. Our hair fibers lose their natural oils, weaken and eventually break. Under their reign, sensitive scalps may find themselves flaking and drying out.

Eeps, it sounds pretty terrifying but then, we have L'Oreal Paris's EverSleek Sulfate-free Smoothing System to save the day!

This hair care system, made for frizzy and damaged hair, is free from the clutches of evil sulfates and heavy silicones. It is formulated with Argan, Sunflower and Olive oils. Instead of coating our hair with suffocating silicones, these natural oils penetrate our hair fibers to smooth them for a 48-hour frizz control.

The shampoo and the conditioner come in 250ml tubes, with transparent and orange-coloured caps respectively. Both take the form of a white cream, with the former having a satin-like finish.

During my first week of trial, I alternated the above with my Rêveur's, which are only silicone-free, and there were very obvious differences. For starters, the shampoo didn't form as much due to the absence of sulfates. And after washing and conditioning, I felt that my hair wasn't as moisturized but it had more volume and body.

In the second week, I used only the EverSleek Sulfate-free Smoothing System and my hair pretty much felt the same, i.e. more volume and body but unfortunately, not so moisturized. It's probably because I had dyed and bleached my hair previously. L'Oreal Paris actually has an EverPure Color Care System (Which they also sent over. Thank you sooo much!), so that range may be more appropriate for me.

As for the 48-hour frizz control, I felt that it didn't really happen. But then again, Singapore's weather is pretty impossible. My hair is also of the much coarser type so the system just wasn't strong enough to battle with my lion's mane.

In spite of its shortcomings, I really appreciate the fact that L'Oreal Paris' EverSleek Sulfate-free Smoothing System Intense Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner come sulfate-free. I was having a chat with a lady the other day and she asked if I noticed how many of us are losing hair at an increasingly young age. She reasoned that it was because we use way too many products containing sulfates. I'm sure stress, environment and many other factors come into play as well. But knowing that I have taken care of one major factor (That is, eradicating sulfates from my products.) makes me less worried.

Anyway, besides the EverSleek Sulfate-free Smoothing System, there are 3 other systems for you to choose from; EverPure Color Care System for coloured hair, EverStrong Fortify System to reduce hair loss and EverCrème Moisture System for intense moisture. They can be found in supermarkets, pharmacies and departmental stores island-wide, with prices ranging from $14.90 to $21.90.