HAIR

Review: Pantene Pro-V Total Damage Care 10, Even The BF Thinks That I Should Keep Using It

July 31, 2014 Leave a Comment

It’s tricky when it comes to hair care. I used to have silky smooth hair when I was younger and now it’s the total opposite. It’s rough, dry and gets tangled easily after all the chemical work that was done on my hair. At most, I would do for my hair is coloring it every few months to cover grey. I was introduced to try Pantene Pro-V Total Damage Care 10 and I thought what’s new from them? They have reformulated and brings more protection to the hair.

‘Enter Pantene’s Keratin Damage Blocker (KDB) Technology, reformulated into the Pantene Pro-V haircare range of shampoos. KDB Technology actively targets, captures and helps to neutralize excessive oxidative minerals in hair. Instead of waiting for free radicals to be produced before attacking them, Damage Blockers actually help prevent their formation by reducing excessive levels of minerals in hair. Pantene is the first global brand designed to prevent protein erosion by minimizing mineral accumulation in hair.

With continued use, mineral-induced oxidative stress declines, hair’s protein are better preserved and hair condition can improve overtime, ultimately giving you beautiful, radiant and shiny hair. Hair health is improved with every wash with Pantene Pro-V shampoos, now with Keratin Damage Blocker Technology and invisible enemies remain invisible!’

Pantene Pro-V Total Damage Care 10 Shampoo

This is how it looks like for the size 170ml and definitely there is bigger size than this. Shampoo would be my first step of my hair routine and I normally would shampoo my hair everyday. Call me crazy for doing so but I could not bear my oily hair from the humidity and hot weather in my country.

It comes with a flip top for this bottle size and the texture seems a little light but it could lather up easily. A little goes a long way and for this size, it could last up to a month usage for my long hair. I would wish that the flip top would be at the bottom instead because when I’m left with ¹⁄3 of the shampoo, I switch the flip top to face down for easier dispensing.

Pantene Pro-V Total Damage Care 10 Conditioner

Just like the shampoo but the flip top is at the bottom which I think is perfect for conditioner because of it’s texture. A bottle of this would also last me a month for my long hair.

Occasionally, I would use the conditioner more for greater boost for my hair since my hair ends gets dry easily. The texture is indeed thick and a little goes a long way.

Notice that I mentioned I was able to use the range for only a month? Yes, I have tested them for a month and ready to share the results! Previously my hair is lack of shine, limp and dry. After using the range for a month, my hair has greater volume, shine and less dry. It is not perfect but there is improvement.

Let’s take a closer look to my hair ends. The hair shine definitely quite prominent and looks more healthier. Though I would still get tangles, it is much lesser as to compare than before.

Above all…

I love how my hair felt smoother from the first use! That’s because my hair was quite damaged and dry. I try to avoid doing much chemical work on my hair and the most unavoidable one would be coloring my hair. I would need to maintain it and will need to color it every few months depending on the lasting power. My hair still gets tangled but not as severe as before and there are times, I get really frustrated just to untangle my hair. After this hair care, I would still use hair oil to smoothen my combing.

I believe that Pantene has remain it’s signature scent in all of their hair products which has sweet fruity scent to it. Just from the first wash, the BF noticed the difference and the conversation went on like so.

BF: Did you switch shampoo?
Me: Yes, it’s Pantene that was provided for review. Why?
BF: Ahh…keep using it, it smells good on ya.

Even the BF likes the scent and I’m good with the scent too. I know the conversation may sound like it came off from an advert but trust me, it did happened. This is one encouragement that makes me feel that I should keep using it. Perhaps another type whereby I’m able to retain my hair color longer.

Price: From MYR 9.90 onwards

Availability: all leading retailers nationwide

PROs:

Helps to improve hair condition from the first use
Long term result of shinier, smoother and volume hair
Less tangles
Affordable
Sweet attractive fruity scent

CONs:

Does not entirely replenish hair condition

My Rating: 4.9/5

~ ♦ ~

This range was provided by Pantene for review purposes, kindly refer disclaimer.

xoxo,
Traclyn Yeoh

Review: Revlon ColorSilk Hair Color, New Improved With 3D Technology For Longer Lasting Color & Smoother Hair

May 17, 2014 Leave a Comment

It has been a couple of months that I have lived with light-colored hair. However much I liked it, I have to admit that it requires quite an effort to maintain. With light-colored hair, they seem to look and felt more damaged, dry and brittle. I decided to dark again, not only to consider my mane health but with darker hair, it contrasts and makes my complexion look brighter. I had the chance to get my hands on an upcoming improved home hair dye kit that will be available in-store by July 2014, Revlon ColorSilk Hair Color.

Revlon has improved their existing hair coloring kit with 3D Color Technology that promises the ultimate multidimensional natural richer color.

There are 13 shades available nationwide and 1 limited shade that will be carried only by Guardian. Of all the shades, which do you think that I have chose?

‘Revlon ColorSilk™ with Revlon 3D Color Technology™ for long lasting, natural looking, multi-dimensional color.

Our Revlon 3D Color Technology™, with a combination of specially blended dyes, conditioners and polymers, delivers natural looking, multi-tonal color from root to tip, not only boosting your hair color but also adding definition and dimensionality. The result: completely transformed, natural looking, multifaceted color and shine.

Ammonia-Free Revlon ColorSilk™ is infused with nourishing Silk Proteins that penetrate every strand so that hair looks silky, healthy, shiny and in better condition than before you colored. It is also enriched with UV Defense to help keep color vibrant, dimensional and true. ColorSilk delivers beautiful color, silky shiny hair and 100% gray coverage.

Ammonia-free
With UV defense
100% gray coverage’

The new improved formula comes with simple face lift on the packaging. This hair dye kit is perfect for me as I’m looking for something that is less damaging, long lasting and covers grey. What makes a bonus to this hair dye kit is that it is enriched with UV Defense to help to keep the color vibrant and true.

Since I’m going darker again, I have selected dark brown. It is the darkest brown shade available. If you ask me, why didn’t I go for black hues? I’m honestly telling you that I’m not ready for it yet. Though I’m determined to go for darker hair, there is still part of me wanting to keep the brown tones.

At the side of the box described what are the possible outcome of using this shade. I was a little worried because the outcome shade on the box seems to appear slightly lighter than I expected. This is a halal certified hair dye for those who is concern.

Though it is ammonia free, it does contain hydrogen peroxide. It is found in the Cream Color Developer, an agent that helps to penetrate the color onto each hair strands. Also in general, this hair dye kit contains Paraben and alcohol.

Upon opening the hair dye kit, I was excited to see coupon on the box and after carefully reading it, it is only mean to be redeemed in US only. They do have another new hair dye kit, Revlon Luxurious ColorSilk Buttercream which is available only in US.

In the hair dye kit, there is a color cream developer, an ammonia-free colorant, after color conditioner, manual and a pair of disposable gloves. The disposable gloves are attached to the manual and I recommend to always read the manual before using the kit.

To prepare the dye is simply easy, just follow these steps.

Cut of the pointy tip of the cream color developer. Be careful as you cut it, there may be some cream oozes out.
Pour the ammonia-free colorant into cream color developer bottle and secure the bottle tightly.
Wear the disposable gloves and block the pointy tip of the cream color developer bottle. Shake the bottle gently until it is all evenly mixed.

What I have used to assist me to color me hair is a hair dye brush which I have bought for the longest time ever. I did this hair coloring job on my own and it isn’t that difficult to use it. Since it is ammonia-free, I love that it smells fruity and no heavy chemical scent. The texture of the cream is not too runny that it sticks very well onto the hair without dripping. However, I did accidentally drip it directly from the bottle onto my feet and the dye stays for few days eventhough I have used soap to clean it off. Could you imagine the staying power of this hair color? For first time users, you may just leave it for 20 minutes and since I’m looking onto grey coverage, it is advised to leave it for 30 minutes. So I did.

After 30 minutes, I rinsed off my hair until the water is clear. Without shampooing, I have used the After-Color Conditioner and it may looked just like other ordinary conditioner but I freaking love this! It makes my hair felt so smooth and healthy all over. I then question myself that if only Revlon would produce this conditioner as their hair care products, who knows maybe in the future they will. Pre-caution for those who is scent-sensitive because it has quite a strong scent of jasmine that lingers until the next wash.

Here is the comparison of my previous and current hair color. Big difference and I love it how dark it appears without looking black. It is slightly uneven on the on the crown area, I believe that is due to the duration difference of color development.

Just to share that I do shampoo my hair everyday. Some of you may think it’s unhealthy but going a day without shampooing my hair in this hot and humid weather just doesn’t work for me. After a week, I have also compared how well the shade lasted since I wash my hair daily.

Above all…

Way before this, I have used the earlier version of the same Revlon ColorSilk and honestly speaking, I didn’t like it because the color fades away pretty fast and I gave up trying over the same kit. Since that I’ve used the improved formula, I’m impressed and have planned to stock in a few more once it is launched in the stores. It left my hair soft, smooth and less damaged. Not to mention the shade lasted longer than before. The grey coverage is not as perfect but it could cover most of it. I would say give it a try if you’re always coloring your hair.

Retail Price: MYR24.90

Availability: July 2014, all leading pharmacies nationwide, supermarket and selected departmental stores.

For the latest quirky updates from Revlon Malaysia, support them by liking their Facebook below!

PROs:

Prominent shade
No ammonia
Less damaging
Softer and smoother hair
Affordable

CONs:

Grey coverage isn’t perfect

My Rating: 4.9/5

~ ♦ ~

This hair dye was provided by Revlon for review purposes, kindly refer disclaimer.

xoxo,
Traclyn Yeoh

Review: Ombre Dip Dye Hair Extension, Blends Perfectly Natural

February 18, 2014 2 Comments

Until today, ombre can never go out of style in terms of nail designs, hair or any that you could think off. I always wanted to have ombre hair but it could be quite costly to get it done at the salon or even DIY worries me if it didn’t turn out good. Another reason is because I work in corporate line and will not look as appropriate. Things has been turned around after I found my love with this Ombre Dip Dye Hair Extension.

This clip-on Ombre Dip Dye Hair Extension can be found at SuperModels2u.com and they come in 2 styles, straight or curly. There are 8 colors to choose from black to pink, brown to pink, dark purple to rose pink, rose pink to purple, dark blue to green, black to light purple, dark green to light green or turquoise to lime. It is made of synthetic fiber where hot tools cannot be used on it. The approximate length is 65 cm, width is 25cm and weighs at 110grams with 5 clips. I have chosen rose pink to purple.

If you’re new to clip-on hair extensions, let me show you how to wear it. It’s very easy and convenient to use this hair extension.

Section your hair in half with hair clam or clip. I would suggest to section higher if you want the extension to appear shorter and section lower for longer looking hair.
Unsnap all of the clips of the hair extension and carefully bring the hair extension close to your hair.
Secure the hair extension below the line where you have section your hair. If you’re worried the hair extension may slip off, simply spray a layer of hairspray before clipping on the hair extension.
Ensure that the hair extension is completely straight and firmly clipped onto your hair.
Release your hair that was sectioned earlier.
Blend the hair extension with your hair by gently bringing strips of the hair extension over your hair.

Looks difficult? Not at all! This took me less than 5 minutes to get it done, it is that easy. I highly suggest to ensure Step 4 is taken because if you don’t, the hair extension may look bumpy when your hair covers it or it may cause some pain (hair tension) from uneven weight spread. Trust me, the pain did happened to me.

Though they are synthetic, I love how it look so natural and blends well with my hair. I even fooled my BF and friends that I have colored my hair for real, they totally bought it. I am already considering to go for another color.

Because my hair is V-shaped, it explains why I sectioned my hair in V too. This is to allow the hair extension to follow my hair cut. Until you go very close to me, you’ll be able to tell that it’s synthetic.

Because I love how natural it looks, it’s a waste if I don’t share more of how the extension looks on me. I’m not very good at posing, please pardon me.

This is how I keep my hair extension, just tie on both ends of a clothes hanger with a ribbon and clip the hair extension on the ribbon. I keep them safeguard hanging in my wardrobe. I highly recommend to keep them hanging or lay them straight down to avoid unnecessary tangles and mess. Better off if you could also cover them with a plastic sleeves to keep them in place. To maintain it free from tangles, best is to place them on a flat surface (such as table or floor) and comb it till its all smooth again. If required, trim away those that has gone bad.

Above all…

I love how easy and such an instant way to get ombre hair without damaging my hair and pocket friendly! It looks natural and the weight is acceptable but do bare in mind, it could get a little more warm around the neck. Just as I mentioned earlier, I’m considering for another color now. Also a plus point that I don’t have to worry about is the color wash-out. Vibrant colors like this tend to wash out easily on natural hair. The backlash is that it gets tangled and not as smooth while having it on due to our movements but I’m good with it, just try not to touch the hair extension as much. In regards to the shipping, it arrived to me the next day after I was informed that the parcel was sent out.

Price: MYR69.00

Availability: SuperModel2u.com, Supermodel’s Secrets Beauty store (1st Floor, 41A, Jln SS 15/4B Subang Jaya 47600 (Same row as Herbs N Foods))

‘Like’ Super Models Secret’s Facebook below for the latest no surgery beauty enhancers at their best promotion or offer! If you would prefer direct link to their Facebook, click here.

Shop for more: SuperModel2u.com
More updates in their Blog: SuperModels-Secrets.com
Follow them in Instagram: @Supermodels_Secrets

PROs:

Instant ombre hair makeover
Purse friendly, affordable
Variety of colors to choose from
Easy to use, just clip-on and go
Blends very well with natural hair
No hair damage and color wash-out to be worried

CONs:

Gets tangled while having it on

My rating: 4.9/5

~ ♦ ~

This hair extension was provided by Super Models Secret for review purposes, kindly refer disclaimer.

xoxo,
Traclyn Yeoh

Beautify Skin To Hair at Sharp Plasmacluster Malaysia x Kosé Sekkisei Pre-CNY Beauty Clinic

January 22, 2014 Leave a Comment

Just last Saturday, I managed to squeeze into a spot to Sharp Plasmacluster Malaysia x Kosé Sekkisei workshop. This workshop is to prepare everyone who attend to get ready for the coming Chinese New Year celebration to look radiant and luminous not only on the skin but also to achieve that healthy flowing hair.

The workshop was held at Fresca Mexican Bar & Kitchen, located in The Gardens City Mall and there’s two session to choose which one is held in the morning and another in the evening. Upon registration, I was given a red packet filled with a number for lucky draw and a sample sachet of Kosé Seikisho Exfoliating Massage Gel. I find my way to the corner of the restaurant where the workshop was held. On the table for every seat placed a mirror, hair clip, bip, pencil, paper and Kosé Sekkisei booklet. Also sitting on the table is the Kosé Sekkisei basic range.

This is Jo, one of the beauty trainer from Kosé. She was the speaker to explain how we could take care of our skin further not only just on the outside but deep within. It includes the pattern of our daily lifestyle, diet and skin regime. It takes a lot of effort to be pretty too!

For a healthy and beautiful skin, it should be bright, translucent, sheer, moisturized, supple and firm with great elasticity. Under a skin scope or analyzer, a healthy and beautiful skin texture should be in plumped triangular shape.
There are many factors contributing to our skin deterioration such as unbalanced diet, polluted environment, lack of sleep, age factor, stress and poor skin care regimen. As a result, our skin becomes dehydrated, rough, dull, yellow with dark spots.
The journey to beautiful skin with Kosé is simplly by using this pyramid. Begin with daily physical activities, one should consume sufficient water, fruits and vegetables, exercise, protect from harmful UV rays and catch enough sleep. Keep up with the daily basic skin care where we should always cleanse, moisturize and protect. Also if you have special skin problem to treat, use the daily special care. Lastly on the weekend, treat yourself with mask to boost the healthiness of your skin.
Featuring their star product and best seller, Kosé Sekkisei Lotion (even my BFF swears by it) that is suitable for all skin types. It helps to brighten, provide translucency, balances moisture and oil secretion, calms skin from sun exposure, tighten pores and even out skin tone. The lotion can be use as mask which helps to boost 10 times more moisture to your skin.
There are 9 skin benefits by using Kosé Sekkisei Lotion as mask which is translucency, better penetration, moisturizing, tighten pores, relaxing, firmness, elasticity , evenness and whitening.

It’s not just about listening to Jo on the benefits of Kosé Sekkisei, every participant get to experience it by using the skin care itself. Yup, all of us were cleansing and treating our skin in the public using their basic skin care that we should at least practice to maintain skin youthfulness. Let me share with you each step with the product that we have used with the guide and help of Kosé beauty trainers who stood nearby us.

Kosé Sekkisei Cleansing Cream

‘Gentle-to-skin amino acid-based mild acid cleanser. Quickly removes only impurity while leaving moisture on the skin. Formulated with whitening and moisturizing oriental herbal extracts. (Coix seed, Angelica, Melothria). It relaxes the skin that has been hardened, rough-surface and dulled by the UV-rays and dehydration. Recommended for night use only.’

First step prior to our skin regime is cleansing. If you have any makeup on, it is highly recommended to remove them first. This cleansing cream may seem thick but it glides and spreads easily on the skin. As for me, it does feel awkward to use cream-based cleanser and to worry if it could be too rich for my combination skin. Once applied the cream on the face, gently massage the cream in circular motion. The massage will help the cream to penetrate moisture into the skin and soften it

Kosé Sekkisei Lotion

‘Its light and refreshing after-feel allows for lavish usage. Moisturizes dry skin as well as locks in moisture giving dull skin a more translucent feature. Application of this lotion with lotion Mask (sold separately) enhances moisture diffusion rate, moisturizing deep within and brightening the complexion. Recommended to use day and night.’

Their lotion is THE star product or their best seller. Though it is known as lotion, it acts like a toner and provides higher moisture level. There is no need to use toner before using this lotion as it works all in one. The lotion can be also used as daily mask which is to soak the tablet mask with the lotion. Leave the mask on the face for 20 minutes and continue with the rest of the skin care regime. An instantaneous result achieved of softer, smoother and plumper skin, at least I think it does!

Kosé Sekkisei Emulsion

‘Contains a moisture balance polymer that keeps the moisture balance at its optimum with accordance to climatic seasons and skin type. Continous hydration allows for a comfortable feel. Inhibits melanin production while preventing UV-related skin pigmentations such as blotches and freckles as weel as dry skin. Recommended to use day and night.’

The emulsion acts almost like a moisturizer, nevertheless the texture is much lighter. It helps to lock-in and retain the moisture that we earlier pump into our skin to keep it supple and firm at all times. Kosé do recommend using facial pads instead of fingers for hygienic purposes, just pump onto the facial pad and gently wipe it all over the skin.

Kosé Sekkisei White BB Cream

‘Cares for the skin while covering blemishes and dullness. A whitening BB cream with oriental plant extracts.

Hides blemishes to give even & natural coverage
Brightens skin to look lit from within
Lightweight texture spreads easily & smoothly
Cares for skin with oriental plant extracts & UV-A and UV-B protection
Time-saving, long-lasting, non-cakey, hydrating
Mineral-oil free’

This BB cream is yet to be available over Kosé counters but they will be on April 2014. It comes in two shades of 01 and 02. The shade that I have here is 02 which gives a natural shade whilst 01 is for skin that is very fair. It can be use right after the emulsion as it comes with SPF40, great for day use to protect your skin from UVA and UVB. I’m not fond of BB creams but I do think that this BB cream texture is light and the coverage is buildable from sheer to medium.

Kosé Sekkisei Supreme Loose Powder

‘Loose powder that boosts translucency with moisture-rich effect with pure white powder akin to powder snow.

The Inner Luminance Powder creates shine that comes from within the skin and brings moisture-rich translucency
The Hexagonal Powder spreads smoothly like silk and creates an even, supple finish. In addition, it adheres well to skin without leaving the skin powdery.
Powder with Pore Soft Focus effect allows unevenness to be less visible and creates brightly-toned skin
High sebum absorption maintains a beautiful finish
Blocks UV-rays during the day and ends the day with a matt and well-blended finish by balancing and combining various UV-ray-preventing powders
Blocks UV-rays and prevents freckles and dark spots caused by the sun with SPF12/PA++
Refreshing Oriental herb fragrance’

The loose powder comes into action to set the BB cream in place. The texture is light and fine which felt as though I have not applied anything on my face. I do notice that the loose powder has slight shimmer in it which may not be favorable for those who have combination to oily skin types. Although the powder is white, its translucent and self-adjust to the skin tone.

In the midst of us applying BB Cream, Kosé shared with us what makeup we could go for this Chinese New Year as the celebration is coming soon. For this CNY, its great to go with pink with gold sparkles and a light touch of red for the eye makeup. As for the face makeup, it is recommended to use highlight to achieve that further skin glow. Any soft pink lip color will compliment the entire look.

Mr Faizal Chew, Manager of Sharp PCI (Plasmacluster Technology) Segment Malaysia introduced 3 types of hairdryer that can never make our hair crispy dry. With the Plasmacluster Technology, the hair dryer will help to retain moisture and reduce statics on our hair. Ever heard of hair dryers that helps to dry your hair without drying your hair?

IB-HD73 – Comes in black and pink where the dimension measures at 21.3cm x 8.9cm x 22.3cm. The power consumption for this is 2000w which provide the strongest performance of all three. Diffuser comes as one of the accessory to accommodate for those with curly hair. This is priced at MYR499.00.
IFPB1S – Currently this comes in pink only measuring at 21.8cm x 8.9cm x 22.2cm. The power consumption for this is 1600w and provided with concentrator nozzle for precise direct air flow. This is great for home use and with the foldable function makes it easier to keep it. Priced at MYR359.00.
IB-HD52 – Running on the power consumption of 1600W, this comes in pink and grey. It is much smaller as to compare the two of the above, measuring at 19.8cm x 8.9cm x 15.8cm and this size is travel savvy. In addition to that, it is foldable that helps to save space. This also comes with a concentrator nozzle, priced at MYR399.00.

A question that Mr Faizal Chew that has enlighten us is ‘When do we use hot and cold air of the hair dryer?’. It never come across to me that when it should be used because I usually dry my hair with the maximum heat and cold to cool my hair when it gets too hot. Overheating our hair will lead to damage and dry hair, that’s what most people would say not to use hair dryer on a daily basis (and I do). Hot air is great to dry, cold air is great to set and shape the hair. For these hairdryers, it comes in additional setting which is ‘set’ where the right temperature of 45°C.

Here is partial of their brochure for more information of what this hairdryer does and the comparison of a typical hairdryer and Sharp Plasmacluster Conditioning Hair Dryer. Basically with the plasmacluster technology, it protects and cares better for the hair.

Some of the participants of the workshop gets to try the hair dryer and find that their hair is much smoother, less frizzy and shinier than before. Only on the left side of the participants were blown with Sharp Plasmacluster Conditioning Hair Dryer and you can be the judge to compare from the photo above.

Remember that I mentioned earlier that everyone was given a red packet during registration? Time to use the number at the end of the workshop where Jo was drew numbers of 2 lucky participants to bring home Kosé Sekkisei skin care and another wins Sharp Plasmacluster Conditioning Hair Dryer. Luck didn’t side on me which is fine and congratulations to the winners!

Kosé had an exclusive promotion just for the day itself for participants who enjoyed and experienced the benefits of their products. If you would like be updated with their latest product updates or maybe another workshop, give like to Kosé Facebook below.

Don’t forget to share your love with Sharp Plasmacluster Malaysia by liking their Facebook below too! You’ll be updated with their latest technology available and promotions!

xoxo,
Traclyn Yeoh