Un Rato Juntas: New Instyler Max Rotating Hot Iron (1 1/4″ barrel) #Review #Guapisimas

I have been watching and drooling over the Instyler hot iron commercials for a while now. Always wondering how it worked, does it work, to will my hair end up needing to be cut out at attempting the first curl. A girl wonders these things 🙂 and even with such in mind, you bet I still wanted to try it because beauty equals bravery in my book when it comes to new products.

Un Rato Juntas and Instyler, was kind enough to not only send me one to try but also one to share. The hardest part was picking what color I should keep. I figure I first try it out and then share my results with my BFF of the month. I have two and I figure I alternate months on BFF status as to what freebies I share with them. We all agreed that friendship matters but so do beauty items and we seriously say things like, “it’s May and my month, so I get it”. Hey, we all have crazy ways to make relationships work and no one wants to break a nail over trying to snatch a freebie….that would be uncivilized! 😛

I decided to let my BFF of the month decide on color and she of course went with the pink, so I tried the black colored iron. The Instyler Max features:

• No waiting time because within 30 seconds, the rapid heat-up system is ready to go.
• It’s a hot iron and a curling iron, all in one tool.  You can obtain soft curls that are loose and bouncy, to tight curls and even straight hair styles. This iron kicks all your other hair styling irons out of your beauty box (or drawer)!
• The barrel has a 2-way heating system that features black tourmaline ceramic plates, so you get shine and style at the same time. The smooth styles you create will remain gorgeous without damaging your hair. No one wants a crispy look!
• The Instyler iron has an auto-shut off safety feature, in case you get a text or walk out the door too soon because you are eager to show off your new style. Shiny and gorgeous hair locks can do that!
• You have several settings to choose from when it comes to your hair’s texture. You can choose from Fine, Medium, to Thick or Coarse hair. With four heat settings that have a maximum heat setting of 425 degrees.

Retail Price Point: $89.99 at Ulta and you can find the nearest store with their retailer locator here.

 

How does it Perform:

The Instyler Max Rotating Iron is a gorgeous piece of hardware but I’m not just leaving it on the counter to just show-off. This baby has to work and treat my hair nice, plus keep whatever style I choose looking fresh and vibrant. Curling takes time and I always look for products that allow the curl to be adjusted when it comes to tightness, but also keeps my hair polished with little to no damage. I figure we are in the day and age that technology should deliver such! I have long hair and recently had it shortened this Summer but it still remains long. I wanted to achieve loose “beach style” bouncy curls, that allow my length of hair to still flow but with a kick. I took the iron out of the package and once I became familiar with the literature included, I was able to start within 5 minutes and the Instyler was ready to go before I was in under a minute! Okay, it knows me and knows I don’t like to wait. I quickly began and my first lock of hair went in and the barrel began to softly rotate as it pulled more hair length in. Okay, I get it! This beauty tool not only straightens but quickly created a soft curl without losing one strand of hair. I felt nothing pull out of my scalp and in less than 5 seconds (I have fine hair but lots of it), I was done. Each hair strand really gets the royalty treatment and I was done in 10 minutes. This is counting me picking at my style to loosen the curls, spraying a finishing/setting spray, and a few holds, spray, tossing of curls here and there, and creating the framing around my face I desired. I was set and done and most importantly……super happy with the results. Like I found myself saying I should have done this before and even lecturing myself why I don’t style my hair like this more often. Yeah, I forgot that I now have the tool to easily do it with and this is why I avoided it. Avoid no more!

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Final Verdict:
I have always stated that all-in-one products most of the times do none at all well enough. Today, I’m sort of having to chew on that last statement. The Instyler Max Rotating Iron performed well and as advertised, but it’s one of those things you have to try yourself to believe. I sure didn’t at first and there is a reason I have scissors in my drawer in case of a mishap. I’m a cut-it-off before it singes my scalp kind of gal. There was nothing to cut off here but my other irons. It’s easier making room for one tool and I knew I had a problem with hair tools when I had to Swiffer the dust periodically off the tools I rarely use. Keeping them in case doom’s day comes, telling myself I better use them because I have to justify the purchase…….whatever reason I could come up with but now my reason is really talking to myself about what style I want and I can’t wait for colder weather to arrive and have hair that looks fabulous and shines!

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Connect with Instyler and pick the color of your iron (hey, I sort of miss the pink one) here:

• On-line
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• #Guapisimas #Instyler

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Un Rato Juntas and Instyler.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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Xtava: Professional 5-in-1 Curling Iron Model No. XA0041 Review #Curler5in1

With all the hair wands, curlers, rods, irons and so forth, I went from having my hair care items stored under the sink, then assigned a drawer to them, to later having a shelf in the closet dedicated to them. I’m about to move them into a box until Xtava’s 5-in-1 curling iron arrived!

Xtava was the answer to my needs and their 5-in-1 professional curling iron does it all and then some. The best part, everything attaches to a singular wand. Think of it like having a drill and you would not buy a drill to go with just one drill bit…..that would be silly even though that is exactly what I did with my styling tools.

Xtava’s 5-in-1 curling iron, Model #XA0041 Features:

• One wand
• 5 different ceramic barrels
• 1.25″/1.25″
• 1″/1″
• 0.7″/1″ (tapers down)
• 0.75″/0.75″
• 0.3″/0.75″ (tapers down)
• Ceramic Tourmaline Technology
• 360 degree Swivel cord, which is a comfortable 8 feet in length
• Shut-off safety function in case you get busy and forget
• Also a nice storage bag to keep everything again in one place and easy to grab

The 5 barrels vary in sizes from the larger one producing nice bouncy waves, to the one after giving you tighter curls. You then move on down to smaller circumferences, which allows you to add detail, volume, and nothings gets missed. You can style any length of hair and Xtava’s 5-in-1 curling iron can handle it all. This is perfect for me because I like to change how I wear my hair and that means my needs change by my hair-do. I was able to comfortably curl my hair quickly and safely, with ease and produce a style that I was absolutely delighted with. I don’t have to make excuses now on why I don’t have time and/or want to curl my hair, because Xtava’s 5-in-1 curling iron could handle my very long strands with care and what was best…..super quick and this was for a full hair down style. I was done in 10 minutes!

 

Retail Price Point: $39.99 via Xtava and also available on Amazon

The wands easily connect with a simple twist on and stay in place (locked) until you are finished. I found them easy to use and change while styling. The barrels of each attachment are smooth and flawless, so no hairs were pulled or yanked on while I used the product. The heat output is nice and has a maximum temperature of 410 degrees. The output seems to depend on the size of the attachment you use and the unit does not allow for heat temperature selection, so you go by “time curling” when styling. Once plugged in, you can begin styling in 2 minutes! Told you it was fast. Also, the unit comes with a 5-year warranty because Xtava stands by it’s products.

Instructions with promo card

Promo Card

Code included for up to 50% off

 

Final Verdict:
Probably one of my shortest verdict’s and to the point, I now have this one iron because it replaced and added more than what I had before. I just have a flat iron and my blow dryers, so back to the drawer where I can use them regularly they go! One very happy girl and this would make an perfect Valentine’s Day gift!

 

Connect with Xtava’s Great Styling Products at:

• On-line
• 5-in-1 Curling Iron Product Link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• #Curler5in1
• #Xtava

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Xtava.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

FIE: KQC Thermal Shine Spray for Hair

We love our hair. We try to protect (or repair) it all the time. Sometimes we need a little help in the “protection” department. That’s where KQC comes in. I received this product to try out with the flat-iron and after almost a month of using it, I love it. The product not only protects the hair from heat damage but comes with added benefits, like leaving your locks shiny and smooth. My hair has a soft feel to the touch but also looks silky after use. I was concerned with product build-up, since this tends to show up after several applications and with long term use. So, I made sure to really try the spray out before writing up my review. The last thing you want to do is having to use a harsh shampoo to strip your hair clean from the spray, plus it tends to take away your own natural oils. None of that has been needed with the KQC Thermal Shine spray.  My hair feels and remains clean after application and when I wash my hair, it is left naturally healthy. This where you can tell if a product worked, protecting your hair from any heat elements. I can say I am a fan of the spray and can’t imagine being without it because it adds that extra touch of style to my hair, and I also have seen zero damage to my hair. It’s the spray you need so your hair does not looked as stressed as you may feel. 🙂

Application:

I like products that can be used with wet or dry hair and this is one of them. You just spray and style as you would with a flat or curling iron, even a hair dryer. You get a glossy finish that just looks healthy and not greasy. The nozzle has a nice spray pattern so you can easily control and maximize application with little to no waste. The KQC Thermal Shine spray works on all hair types too! A great tip I will share is to spray in the shower! You do not have to worry about overspray residue on your walls, pictures, or even counters. Then the next time you shower, you just wet your shower walls down and no mess to worry about! Just don’t forget to take your socks off before entering your shower (yeah, I did that once and was left with semi-wet slipper socks…booo).

After 30 days:

I found the KQC Thermal Shine spray did not leave any build-up/residue and I was left with a lightweight finish everytime. Some sprays that add shine also add so much oil that your hair not only feels heavy but looks greasy, this is not one of them. No white powder residue or hair left dry after exposure to any heat.  The spray also lasts because I found a light spray all over is all that was needed. That is 2 to 3 seconds of my finger on the button!  The scent is pleasant and smells clean. I also found my hair lasted longer when it came to styles and restyling. I could easily go from an up-do look to a letting my hair down without any signs left of my previous style!

Price Point:

Flat Iron Experts has the KQC Thermal Shine spray priced at a reasonable $15.99 for one can that will last. I also found a better deal from the same seller, FIE via Amazon for $13.99, so use your Amazon bucks and get it today!  You will not be disappointed.

I received the above product free of charge from Flat Iron Experts.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

Beyond the Beauty Hair Care, Precision Pro Select Zebra Ceramic Flat Iron

Let’s have a chat about out hair for a bit, shall we? I have very long, veryfine hair, and there’s a lot of it. This means that anything I use usually uses high amounts of product or a process takes longer. I admit that most times I resort to doing a bun or do a half-up do to try to mask my short comings (i.e. lack of dedication) regarding my hair style.

I was sent the Beyond the Beauty Precision Pro Select Zebra Cermic Flat Iron (Item #BTBPPZ) from the Flat Iron Experts to try out. I have to admit that I have walked by hair flat irons but most times I get a case of the lazies and walk away. I’ve had some very negative experiences with devices, with my most recent one being that the build was poor and not only zapped me, but there was an area of plastic that was not smoothed out enough, so it loved to catch a hair and surprise me by pulling it out.  Bad dreams about that curling iron still haunt me!

Before Flat Iron Use

Now, the first feature I love is that the controls on the Beauty Precision Pro-Select Ceramic styler. A temperature selector that uses degrees Fahrenheit. I can fine tune the heat I want and or need that fits with my hair/style. None of this low, medium and “I fry your hair” functions you see with other flat irons. The selector is easy to reach, touch and set….this is even with it on. The handles remained cool throughout my entire use. No discomfort whatsoever. What I liked best, it only took me 10 minutes to learn how to use it (yeah, I sort of skipped on instructions and jumped in) and that was counting styling. The setting for me was in the low 200°’s (Fahrenheit), but this little zebra starts at 176° and gives you every temperature in between to a maximum of 430°. I like that because some styling sprays and hair-dos require different needs and this styler fits every single one of them!

After using the Flat Iron

Other Features:

I also liked BtB Precision Pro Select’s ergonomics. You do not think much of it until you have to use an item that gives off heat and you have very long or even short hair, it takes being able to handle and reach the right angles to get the final look you want to achieve. I could get close to my head and reach out with the iron to the tips of my hair, with one fell swoop. I saved time not having to go back and forth to get areas I missed, it missed, or could not reach. It’s slim and easy to manage and light in weight. I bake in the kitchen and sometimes my hands are tired and not steady but I had zero complains when it came to functionality. The styler also has a long cord so it comes to you versus you trying to work with it.

Longevity:

The plates are 100% ceramic and I like no skimping in that area because this is what will be touching my locks! The heat not only is well distributed, as you see this by it’s exceptional performance, but it also retains the heat well so you can keep going with the styler. It keeps up with me versus I having to wait for it! I get regular visits from the frizz monster, and as well as his buddy the Static King…..not good when your hair is long. This means it’s obvious to all and I don’t want to crackle when I flip my hair. In comes Far Infrared Red (FIR) technology to save the day from all those monsters and kings trying to ruin it. No frizz, no zapping people (or the poor dog’s nose) and I can now wear the fabrics that I sort of ditched because the friction with them made my hair worse (aka: putting back that hood on my jacket with the shiny lining). The flat iron is well insulated and constructed. I received it on February 12th and wanted to use it several times before drafting out my final review……I have zero bad things I could find and even became fond of the zebra print! It adds character to my very “blah” world of hair styling tools…..even my hair brush is a plain bamboo color!

Quick Note on the Pros: Great controls, easy to manage the styler and heats up quick to any setting you desire. Leaves my hair soft and silky and this was using the styler as-is with zero assistance from sprays, leave-in conditioners, serums, or any magic spells or potions. You get Ceramic Technology (100% regarding the plates), Negative Ion Technology and Far Infrared (FIR) Technology for a economical and low price point.

Quick Note on the Cons: I review many items and I usually find a con or that little thing I should mention/share. I had to reach out like I even stared at the poor zebra and tried to find a flaw. I couldn’t…..well maybe it could come with it’s own zebra home….like a pouch for keeping but do I want or need one? No, but you may and that is really a very itty, bitty, con I had to hunt for to fill my “Con” space. Beyond the Beauty even made a Peacock version if you are anti-zebras.

Price Point:

I am giddy about the $86.99 sale price at Flat Iron Experts that if I could insert a little squeal by the price, I would! Flat Iron Experts charges no shipping if you spend $50.00 or more, so you save there too.  The product also comes with a generous 2-year warranty.

Accessories Recommended:
I was sent two accessories that I recommend in purchasing, which I will be posting later this week the KQC Thermal Shine Spray Review……but please do not forget to pick-up the Flat Iron Experts Iron Holder. You will thank yourself and so will your home’s surfaces. No sliding, no mishandling of your flat iron and your styler is ready to grab at anytime. The holder even comes with suction cups that truly work, so it’s like having a third hand that we all need when doing our hair (except this one does not sigh like my Husband does) 🙂

• KQC Thermal Shine Spray $13.99
• Flat Iron Holder $14.99
• Visit the Beyond the Beauty Hair Care– http://www.beyondthebeauty.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=192&zenid=alrepb7aiul3lr9fvoho1bevo4

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Flat Iron Experts.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.