Kenra: Platinum Snail Anti-Aging Hair Care Line and Kenra Platinum Snail CC Creme #Review #Kenra #KenraPlatinum #Sponsored

I really try to take care of my hair by not exposing it to heat and/or too many products.  My hair is pretty long, reaching down towards my waist.  At times it can be a fight with my hair when it is not playing nice like on a windy day and hair meets car door.  My extinct is to yank and say some unkind words but I’m working on it, just like I am working on trying to better my hair’s overall health and condition.

 

When Kenra offered a snail care line to review, my first instinct was ewww.  I imagined a slug at the time swimming at the bottom of the bottles sort of like you see a worm in a Mezcal bottle.  The idea sounded wrong until I quickly recalled the high priced creams with what was pretty much slug juice that many swore by.  I decided to read and the ewww factor quickly dissipated.

 

Things to know:

 

No slugs or worms are swimming in your products or if you are a pro-snail person, no snails were harmed in making this new Kenra Snail Anti-Aging hair care line.  The benefits stated by Kenra read like a dream come true if you are seeking what we all desire.

 

• Shine restored
• Helps with age related thinning of hair
• Controls Frizz
• Scalp Issues 
• Dryness
• Breakage from ends to just from over treated
• Better manageability 
• Helps strengthen your hair so it is just not appearing healthier, but actually improving your locks!

 

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I received the Kenra Snail Anti-Aging Shampoo and Conditioner and after trying the products for 3 weeks this was what I experienced:

 

My first wash was amazing.  The shampoo really lathers up with very little product needed.  When it came time to rinse, my hair did not feel dry or stripped.  Still clean but super soft.  Not weighed down but a smoothness that made you think I had added a leave-in conditioner already.  This is just the shampoo!  The conditioner made me fall in love with the duo.  You know how I said how soft my hair felt just after shampooing?  Well, the conditioner left my hair feeling like I never use a blow dryer.  Silk.  Pure silkiness and a shine that was instantly seen.  I was super happy but I always wait for how my hair appears when I use the hair dryer.  I am pretty good about not using it on super high heat and not over touching my hair to create frizz and static.  I applied a small dollop of the CC Cream provided in place of my usual leave-in hair product.  My hair was pretty tangle free because of how soft and relaxed the wash left it, which made distributing the CC cream easy.  I used my finger to get rid of some small tangles that unraveled the minute my fingers passed through.  I used very little of the CC cream because my hair felt great as it was.  Now, came drying.  Can I say I welcome less drying time on any day?  My hair took only 10 minutes to dry and not the usual semi-wet head I stay with before because I lazied my way out of doing it all the way.  My hair was like I wished I had time to dry it every time and soft.  Not a lion head mane but natural lift and body that made me love my hair how it looked and felt.  It was midnight and my hair looked so good I wanted to go out!

 

Verdict: 

As I used the products, I was expecting my first wash was as good as it gets.  Wrong.  My hair just got shinier and shinier and some people inquired if I got a new cut or was I using a new oil.  Nope.  The luster was amazing and when I was looking at our home security cameras to see if the sprinklers had come on that morning, I caught myself leaving the house that day.  I don’t usually give myself compliments but my goodness………,my hair rocks! The luster and the way it just moves makes you think I am getting a blow out once a week.  I was stunned at how beautiful my hair looked and how the individual highlights gleamed in the sun and realize I don’t dye my hair.  This is just natural highlights that I get during Summer.  I can’t wait for the Winter change where my hair gets a more deeper chocolate/auburn hue and how that will look.  I dumped my other regimen and have replaced it with the new Kenra Snail Anti-Aging line.  It costs less because I won’t be seeking deep treatments to restore my hair.  It is now part of my hair care routine.  I use the Kenra shaping spray if I desire a longer lasting style and some hold but not on a regular basis.  The spray is alcohol free and that means all the work the Kenra Snail Shampoo & Conditioner, plus CC Cream is not lost.  No worries of over drying because of styling.  You can also incorporate into your routine the Kenra Platinum Heat Block Spray.  This spray protects your hair up to 450 degrees and I used it once when I wanted to use my flat iron.  My hair’s remained the same like no hot iron ever met it but if you really want the best top 3 products, please splurge and treat your hair to the Kenra Platinum Snail Anti-Aging Shampoo and Conditioner, and the Kenra Platinum Snail CC Creme.  Your hair will thank you!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZvYgUC_p2E&feature=youtu.be

 

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Kenra. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. I received no other compensation in exchange for my review. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

     

Connect with Kenra at:

 

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Un Rato Juntas: Clairol Nice n’ Easy with “CC” ColorSeal Conditioner #Review #AsiSoyClairol #UnRatoJuntas

I don’t experience gray hairs yet, unless you count the 1/2 one I found two months ago. I figure it’s a warning of what is yet to come but a lot my friends already dye their hair and it’s not just for covering up grays, but they want to change hues, tones, to just wanting a nice fresh new look. The market is filled with dyes, as I recall when I use to dye my hair, it was an avast selection of brands and colors.

One thing a dye user seeks is being able to depend that the box will yield the desired color you seek to achieve. Many times you flip a box over, look down the column and find your current color, but after use, the color does not even closely match the column of the color you were suppose to end up with! Permanent color means that you either learn to love it, or wait some time and try again to avoid hair damage. Not something I ever wanted to do! The other feature I would seek, is a dye that is not harsh on the skin and hair, but still left you with a vibrant shade that lasted. After so many years since do-it-at home dyes have hit the market, sometimes going with what brought you to the game is your best bet!

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Clairol’s Nice n’ Easy says it all. It’s a brand we all associate with from commercials, magazine ads, and most times the intro to being the first boxed dye you ever used. The one that gave you faith that you can do this and succeed. We all succeeded, so we used other colors and then slowly expanded to other brands and so forth, thinking we would yield the same results. Error! This is the area where I got lost and almost lost my locks. I should have gone back to the faithful Nice n’ Easy but I thought because I had so many times dyed my hair and ended up with fantastic results, that would always remain being the same.

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Un Rato Juntas sent me a party kit, which features Clairol’s Nice n’ Easy brand that is part of the Procter & Gamble family. The process has not changed since I dyed my hair, but the formulations over time has improved due to innovations. The box comes with:

• ColorBlend Formula
• ColorBlend Activator
• CC ColorSeal Conditions
• and a pair of Expert Gloves

Retail Price Point: Mass Merchandisers like Target, Walmart and Drug Stores from CVS and Walgreen’s have the boxes ranging from $6.50 to $7.99.

Verdict:
Nice n’ Easy provides 100% gray coverage that lasts up to 8 weeks. The mixing is as easy as can be, so that means no chemist degree needed. The colors to choose from varies by store stock but Clairol has 45 shades to choose from. The days of bad surprises is a thing of the past because you can get an idea by just flipping the box over, finding what color your current hair’s color is, and right on the outside of the box, you can see the color change the dye can achieve. Simple! What I love best than just the results, is the CC ColorSeal conditioner. This conditioner softens and protects your hair and dye. It almost acts like a restorer because your hair is left feeling softer than before you dyed your hair. There are times that even when I did not need to dye my hair, I would pick-up a box and use the conditioner like a hair mask because I love how my hair feels after. Clairol is also generous with portions, so I had glossy hair for weeks. Sometimes moving away from the brands you can trust is what gets us lost. We pick-up boxes that are shiner, make over the top promises and sometimes cost double the price or more. Why waste time and money, when Clairol’s Nice n’ Easy makes achieving beautiful hair easy and affordable!

Connect with Clairol’s Nice n’ Easy and find your color at:

• On-line
• Facebook
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• Pinterest
• YouTube
• Instagram @ClairolColor
• #UnRatoJuntas #AsiSoyClairol

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Clairol, Nice n’ Easy and Un Rato Juntas.  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.

Not Your Mother’s: Beach Babe Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner #Review #NYMbeachBabe

I’m always game in trying out a new products for my hair because the more I tend to try, means I usually find something better than what I am currently using. I am not faithful to any brand but I will stick it out if my hair improves or I notice significant changes in how my hair feels. Having really long hair means I need to make sure what I use leaves no build-up and/or damages my hair because I’m already pretty good about how much heat from hair styling devices I expose it to.

NYM Brands, known as Not Your Mother’s hair care products, offers high quality products with the idea that they remain affordable. They want consumers to experience “on trend” products to everyday cleansers and conditioners, but again at a fair price point. I can respect that because price tag does not always equate performance.

I was sent two bottles from the NYM Beach Babe collection, a conditioner and a shampoo to try out.

Retail Price Point: $7.00 for each, so if you purchase the duo, it’s $14.00. Pretty fair price point!  You can also find the duo on Amazon for $16.85 shipped free with Prime membership

Verdict:
What makes it a beach babe was my first inquiry? The duo features ingredients like sea kelp and coconut oil, two products I am familiar with and currently use. The shampoo and conditioner is suppose to allow the user to achieve a beach tousled waves look but without depleting the hair from nutrients. Many volume adding products dry out your hair, so you may have gorgeous waves that are swept beautifully by the breeze, however your hair is left starving. The more you use the volumizer product, the more the hair dries out. Not with NYM and this is because this Beach Babe collection offers moisturizers. Your hair actually improves the more you use this product, do to the softening agents (oils) in the formula. Coconut oil is something I already use on my hair, eyebrows and lashes and I am very familiar with the benefits. I love them! It goes beyond the scent but what I love about this oil, is it cleanses out causing no build-up when washed and a little goes a long way when it comes to seeing results.

The Shampoo– Easy to achieve a lather and you just wash like with any shampoo, making sure to clean the scalp and being softer as you reach the end of your hair. After rinsing, my hair felt clean but remained soft to the touch. I love the scent and it was both welcoming to my hair and a little aromatherapy (because it made me smile) why I washed my hair.

The Conditioner– You leave the product on your hair for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve the best results. Again the more you use the products, the better the results with time. After I rinsed my hair from the conditioner, which comes out easily, my hair now feels ultra-soft.

I was kind when drying and I use a micro-towel to absorb the wetness out and I use a soft squeezing method, never rubbing hair strands against hair strand. I then allowed my hair to air dry a little before using a hair dryer for 5 minutes. My hair was soft and zero frizz due to the wonderfully balanced moisturizers in NYM’s products. I love them and love the price tag too.

Connect with NYM (Not Your Mother’s) on-line and find the collection that fits you best at:

• On-line
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• YouTube
• #NYMBeachBabe #Influenster #FiestaVoxBox

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from NYM via Influenster.  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.

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.

ISA Professional:100% USDA Organic (EVAO) Argan Cold Pressed Oil #ISAprofessional

I have reviewed several beauty related products from hair to skin items, which are infused with Argan oil. I am definitely a fan! I have also started to alternate from Coconut oil, Emu oil, and Argan oil when it comes to applying to my lashes and hair. I figure each oil has it’s own benefits and like myself, I don’t like to eat the same thing everyday, so why not feed my hair, skin and nails a different meal too. I call it having a balanced diet!

To control the oil and added ingredients, I have not started to just seek oils that can be purchased as-is, with no additions. It’s the best way to make sure I am getting what I seek and ISA Professional provides you with 100% Argan oil.

What does ISA Professional’s Extra Virgin Argan oil (EVAO) offer:

• The oil is cold pressed to insure none of the benefits of the Argan tree kernel are lost or changed by a heat process.
• ISA goes further by providing a 100% USDA Organic product. No chemicals or pesticides that add undesired substances. You have what I call “clean farming” when it comes to the care of the trees and what they produce.
• You get an oil that is extra virgin, meaning that you get the press that contains the best of what the oil has to offer.
• ISA Professional also participates in Fair Trade practices. The Argan oil comes from a co-op of Berber women from Morocco.

What to Expect:
You can read on-line about all the vitamins and benefits, to even products I have reviewed in the past that contain the oil. Knowledge is great but it’s hard to know if an oil will work for you with how congested the beauty oil world has become. Everyone is fighting to make you shiny! Not all oils are equal and not all oils will perform well, with some even bringing negative factors that may not outweigh the benefits. You can have soft skin but some oils cause blemishes and clog pores, so pimples are never a plus no matter how smooth my skin may look. I have found that Argan oil as long as it’s the real thing like what you get from ISA Proffesional, does not cause these issues. The oil replenishes your skin’s cells with really little to no havoc, and this may be because so little is needed to reap the benefits and also achieve even coverage. You can use it as it comes and it really does feed your skin and leaves a nice layer of protection that slowly releases……almost like a time release capsule! I get breakouts from time to time and especially from fragrances, but never from Argan oil and this is even where you may be experiencing such issues like the chest, chin, t-zone, or anywhere. Don’t confuse being kind and light to not being strong (powerful) because Argan oil has given me the softest feet that need less maintenance but are already sandal ready! Your skin will improve and it’s economical, plus no gel caps to mess with like with Vitamin E oil that never gave me the Argan oil results.

ISA Professional’s EVAO oil is supreme in quality and not price with a 2 fluid ounce bottle retailing at: $28.50 via their website or on Amazon.

Uses:
I started using it on my feet and by day three, I had soft feet but by week one, I had nourished my feet (and toe nails) enough that they fooled you into thinking I used lotions on them everyday for years. My toe nails have zero polish but look beautiful, so it’s a true “nude” without the labor of polishing.  My feet’s skin color improved because the skin’s texture now matches in softness from top to bottom. I then started adding three drops while my hair is wet and once I blow-dry, I have a healthy shine and again a softness that only comes from Argan oil. My hair also builds less static because it’s not as dry to be able to create it. Forget cuticle oils when you can just add a few drops to your nails and then a couple more to punch up any hand lotion you have.

Simple to use and simple to incorporate into anyone’s beauty routine that I encourage you to try out the EVAO oil by ISA Professional:

• On-line
• Amazon
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• Twitter
• #ISAprofessional

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from ISA Professional.  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.

 

Pura D’ or: Premium Organic Argan Oil, Shampoo and Conditioner in Lavender/Vanilla Review

 

Towards the middle of 2014, I started researching oils for skin, hair, to nails to see what they were all about because so many oils were being touted as the solution to all our beauty needs. As a kid, we all opened the Vitamin E capsules and they were always great with sunburns and so forth, but that was the extent of my knowledge. I then got into Coconut anything in my teens and moved on to Jojoba and Cocoa butters. The market is flooded with bringing back oils, which not too long ago was seen as a major no-no and especially for suffers of oily skin. I suffer from combination skin and this includes my scalp’s skin where I fluctuate with what the weather and seasons bring. One Winter I could have a normal scalp and the next Winter it could be dry, so it’s also skin with a temper and if you ask me, sort of moody. To squash the moodiness, I learned that simple is better when it comes to what I put on my skin and this includes my hair and scalp.

Following the above motto, I was eager to try Pura D’ or’s products. Their choice of oil is Argan and so far this oil has been one of my favorites. My drawer looks like a science lab with different colored bottles, which all have droppers as dispensers, to even a roller ball one for my Maracuja oil. Argan has been the oil for me that super moisturizers but remains light on the skin to the point as the hours pass, more absorbs until it disappears. I like this type of nourishment/moisture and especially for overnight beauty treatments. The Moroccan oil has become more prevalent and now used in more mainstream product lines, like Josie Maran. It’s popularity is welcoming and scary because that also means price points go up for this beneficial oil and quality becomes suspect as it gets diluted with other oils, and not so good ingredients. Pura D’ or is a company that has embraced this one oil and infused all their products with 100% cold-pressed Argan oil. That is a great beginning, so I was lucky to able to try three of their products.

Pura D’ or Premium Organic Shampoo in Hair Loss Prevention (Retail Price Point: $24.99 via the website or $20.99 via Amazon)-
The shampoo comes in large bottle with a top, which features a pump dispenser. I have very long hair (waist length) and found that 1/2 a pump was all I needed to get a satisfying amount of lather and even distribution. The scent of the product can be described sort of like a blend of herbs, and I enjoyed how my hair felt when I rinsed. My hair was not left over stripped of oils and dry. I only washed once every time I showered because for me two washes was not necessary and I find this is a major culprit to drying out one’s scalp. I just leave the shampoo on for 3 minutes and focus on softly lathering (don’t get crazy with your nails against your scalp) and I’m done. I used the product for 2 weeks to get an idea on performance and if I saw differences in my hair’s health. I did not experience build-up but did regain some lost luster and shine that started to suffer from all this bouncing weather we have been experiencing in California. I also found that I was less prone to static and I did not experience any dryness on both my hair or scalp.  The shampoo states it prevents hair-loss and since I am not experiencing any, I can’t comment in it’s performance in that area.

 

Ingredients (as listed on the site):

Deionized Purified Water, Decyl Glucoside (Derived from natural sugar), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (Derived from coconut), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sufonate (Derived from coconut), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (Derived from coconut), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Derived from coconut), Polyquaternium 71 (Derived from plant), Cocamide MIPA (Derived from natural sugar), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (Derived from coconut), Polyquaternium 80 (Derived from plant), Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate (Derived from coconut), Melaleuca Alternifolia* (Tea Tree), Argania Spinosa kernel* (Argan oil), Biotin (Vitamin H), Nigella Sativa Oil (Black seed), Phyllanthus emblica (Indian Gooseberry), Urtica dioica extract (Nettles extract), Serenoa Serrulata extract (Saw Palmetto extract), Cedrus atlantica oil (Cedarwood oil), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary oil), Salvia Sclarea oil (Sage oil), Polygonum Multiflorum Root (He Shou Wu), Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon oil), Hibiscus (Rosa-sinensis) Extract, Nicotinic acid (Niacin), Zinc Pyrithione, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Soy Isoflavone (Non-GMO), Beta Sitosterol, Camellia sinensis (Green Tea), Sorbitan Oleate Decyglucoside Crosspolymer (Derived  from natural cane sugar, non-GMO corn and olive oil), Phenoxyethanol (Mild Preservative), Caprylyl Alcohol

Pura D’ or Premium Organic Conditioner in Lavender & Vanilla (Retail Price Point: $24.99 via their website and $19.99 via Amazon)-
The conditioner smells a little stronger (aromatic) in scent from it’s shampoo counterpart, but nonetheless still very pleasant and it’s a nice clean but light scent. The vanilla and lavender combo almost works like aromatherapy because of the calming nature of both fragrances. The conditioner I focused more on application to my strands, versus the roots of my hair. I left the product on for 2 to 3 minutes, depending what styling products I had used that day. This method allows me to customize my hair’s needs because even though I try to use the most kindest of products, hair spray and even a touch of it is not so nice when comes to build-up. That is one thing this conditioner did not have, was any build up effect and especially after continuous use. You are left with soft locks that tend to need less leave-in oils/styling treatments when you get to the drying stage of your hair. Again, you will love the scent and feel your hair gets from this conditioner and if you have to choose to try just 1 product from the duo, try this conditioner!

Ingredients (as listed on the site):
Deionized Purified water, organic coconut protein (cocos nucifera), ceteareth 20 (derived from coconut), stearyl amidopropyl dimethylamine (derived from coconut), plant protein (naturally derived vegetable proteins), glycerin (100% vegetable base), Argania spinosa (argan oil), lavender extract (Lavandula Angustifolia), Vanilla Planifolia (vanilla extract), PF-64 (Paraben-free milk preservative), Retinol (VitaminA), Panthenol(Vitamin D), Tocopheryl(Vitamin E) & citric acid (naturally derived to balance pH).

Pura D’ or Pure and Organic Argan oil (Retail Price Point: $24.99 via their website or $19.99 via Amazon)-
On the website, I noticed this bottle now comes with a pump action top but mine came with a dropper, so you have already an improvement. I love droppers because you can control the amount you need but exposing the contents to air and light on a daily basis in not so great, plus you have the risk of spilling. It finally happened to me where I spilled my Retinol bottle but that means one oops in one year’s time…..not too bad. The Argan oil is unrefined and you get 100% pure cold-pressed oil. Fine and light in texture and my eyes love this stuff. I get zero issues when it comes to eye make-up application the following day. Primers are great for staying and longevity power with eye shadows and the like, but can be drying and stressful to the skin on your eye’s lid and surrounding parts. So little can be applied to this sensitive area but I have found that Argan is kind enough to never irritate, leaves zero residue the following morning that may cause make-up to crease, and offers a perfect barrier of protection. It’s one of the few oils I have witnessed that actually dissipates and fully absorbs into the skin in that area. Vitamin E oil floats and I think I do more damage trying to remove it and Coconut oil loves my lashes but because of it’s temperament towards temperatures, its want to solidify can cause some areas to be almost mealy and again heavier than desired in residue. So, in short, Argan on the eye lids and pat around nicely (plus softly) and Coconut oil on the lashes! Simple ingredients with a multitude of uses and Argan oil beats any nail/cuticle oil on the market. Nothing beats a real nude look like toe nails that are healthy and beautiful for Spring and Summer shoes!

 

 

 

Ingredients:
Pure Organic Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil.

 

Connect with Pura D’ or and they have more to offer at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• http://www.purador.com/blogger/womderful
• #PuraDor

Promos:

• START20 coupon code gives all first-time customers a 20% discount
• Receive a FREE Cold Pressed Argan Oil with any purchase
• Free Shipping on all orders within the Continental U.S.

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Pura D’ or.  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.

NutriGold: Organic, Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil Gold Review #CoconutOil #NutriGold

NutriGold is a supplement company, which offers an extensive line of products to fit your nutritional needs. Most products you will find are organic and also Non-GMO certified. Your options are endless with NutriGold, as they offer anything from multi-vitamins to herbal and dietary supplements, and simple ingredients like the Coconut Gold oil I was able to review.

Coconut oil comes in many forms from fractionated, Virgin, Refined, Extra-Virgin, to Cold Pressed and others. The clear distinction here is that you want to sort on quality and also take into consideration what you will be using it for. You don’t want to spend on a high grade quality oil if all you will be doing is filling a jar with essential oils and only need a “filler” oil, and this is where fractionated oil found it’s place. When you will be applying the product to your skin and/or consuming the oil, this is where being picky and smart really comes into play, so doing your homework will insure you get what you pay for. I always resort in seeking out a trusted source first and then narrow down what they have to offer. Anyone can claim anything so this is key!

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This is where NutriGold comes into the picture because they offer a Coconut oil that is sourced from the Philippines and is unrefined. You get 100% Extra Virgin Coconut oil that meets the standard and practices to not only be classified as Organic, but also Non-GMO certified. In the coconut oil world, it is not like the olive one where extra virgin and virgin have clear definitions/standards but a “virgin” oil is commonly known to come from the first press. You have the flesh of the coconut that is in it’s fresh form, pressed to extract coconut milk first, and then comes the water and the oil. The oil from that first press is what you get in every NutriGold bottle.

Retail Price Point: $10.99 for one pound or two pounds for $19.99

The benefits come in droves when it comes to uses of Coconut oil. You start on the outside and you have a plethora of applications that fall under the beauty category, from softening and nourishing hair to your skin. I use it to nourish and replenish my eyelashes after wearing a waterproof mascara, that can be very drying to the follicle and surrounding skin. You can’t find anything more safe and natural than NutriGold’s Coconut oil and it works, plus my lashes grow beautifully since I started this practice. I have used it also as a nail oil in place of those little cuticle oil bottles that always cost more than meat at the market for a small little bottle! I use the same form of application but save money too. No hangnails to report and because it works, I continue my weekly regimen. Go into the Cooking category and you have an oil that has a decent smoke point for being virgin and produces a crisp on meats to vegetables that made me rethink the fats I use. Coconut oil does not leave a fruit flavor, so you can really use it in different cuisines. It has a light finish, so anything you cook leaves you tasting what you made, versus what you cooked with. No refrigeration is required once opening, so it’s not an oil that needs to take up space in the fridge to avoid it going rancid.

I was very happy with the one pound bottle from NutriGold that when this one runs out, I will be seeking out the two pounder!

Connect with NutriGold and their array of products at:

• On-line
• Product Link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• #CoconutOil
• #NutriGold

I received the above product(s) free of charge from NutriGold.  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.

Xtava: ALLURE 2200W Tourmaline Ionic Ceramic Professional Hair Dryer #Review #HairDryer

 

 

Last week, I shared the Xtava Professional 5-in-1 Curling Iron and this week I’m sharing another one of Xtava’s products, the Allure Hair dryer. You will notice if you visit Xtava’s website, their hair dryer line is really what put the company on the map and this one is no different!

The Allure hair dryer is light in weight but powerful. You have 2200 watts that delivers air quickly in both heat and cold options. Power does not mean this blow dryer will not be kind or gentle to your hair either. The Allure hair dryer uses Tourmaline Ionic Ceramic technology, meaning you get even heat distribution and the ceramic is gentle on your hair’s cuticle. The negative ionic technology also prevents frizz to build-up, giving your final do’s that smooth and very desired shiny appearance. The above technology is also perfect with all the new hair oils hitting the market because you will achieve ultimate penetration meaning you will reap all the benefits quicker and better.

The Xtava Allure features:

• A Ultra Lightweight housing for better control
• Triple Baked Tourmaline Ionic Ceramic
• 2 Speeds with 3 Heat setting modes.
• A “Cold Burst” Button to aid with styling and setting
• Concentrator Nozzle is also included
• The “filter” easily removes on back for cleaning when needed
• 1 year manufacture warranty
• Card for up to 50% off (with code) to their site

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I tried the Xtava Allure hair dryer for 1 week to get an idea how well it performs. I was surprised how quickly the element delivered heat and the burst of air is that perfect flow where you can still control your hair while it’s drying. My hair’s length is at my waist and I have a lot of hair, which is fine to medium in texture but dense when it comes to amount. I was happy at the 5 minutes mark with the quickness in drying time and softness in feel. By 7 minutes, my hair was dry and ready for me to style. I did not experience any frizz or static from the dryer, which is a major plus for me because “dandelion head” is yet a look to catch on!  On the second use, I used my typical leave-in mix of oils (2 drops of Argan oil with a small dollop of Living Proof Perfect Hair Day).  I achieved great results and my hair was super smooth in feel and it had that natural gloss you get when you get that perfect blow out.  I was satisfied with the performance of Xtava’s Allure hair dryer!  The box comes with everything you need from the attachment…..you just need a hair brush and you are set.

Retail Price Point: $34.00 via Amazon and $30 via Xtava’s website

 

The only Con I could Find:
The “cool shot/burst” button pinches when you use it or if your finger tends to slide up. It also caught my hair once but I knew enough to not pull, so I did not lose any strands or caused any damage. The button is really not a button or a rocker switch, it’s made from the plastic frame the dryer is made from. A button shape is molded but the movement is made from the cut-out in the plastic’s frame. My only worries is durability with this button due to the fact plastic can only bend back and forth so often before breaking and/or cracking. Not a biggie but worth mentioning because it does pinch your skin when you use it and especially soft skin that you get from just showering or bathing. I don’t use this option often, so for me it would be insignificant when thinking of overall use or performance.

Xtava Insert

Insert has directions, care instructions and more

Connect with Xtava’s Great Styling Products at:

• On-line
• Allure Hair Dryer Product Link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• #HairDryer
• #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.

 

Influenster: Products that go beyond the Winter Season #Influenster #FrostyVoxBox

 

I was very excited again to get a VoxBox from Influenster. There is never a box that does not contain a new item to new brands I have never tried. This box was a beauty and food themed box, which really sums up the holiday season. The Frosty Vox Box really brought a little bit of everything from several very know brands:

 

• Rimmel London

Was very generous and gave us two products to try out that go hand-in-hand, the Gentle Eye Make-up Remover and the ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal eyeliner.  Both products are reasonably priced and that is welcomed after the holiday splurges.  What I like about the line is that their beauty items always exceed expectations and they allow me to keep up with whatever new fashion trend and/or look is in, but still be able to keep the lights on!

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• NYC New York Cosmetics

Even with the nude colors being in, we still need lipstick and sometimes things get too pale or plain.  NYC fixes that by adding a touch of color with their Expert Last Lip line in Sugar Plum. The Sugar Plum color is rosy but also sheer, with a hint of shine but thankfully not super glossy.  The last thing you want to do is look back at every picture you took in Winter and your lips are blinding everyone.  With Valentine’s Day approaching, this color again fits perfectly with the season……so not just a one holiday and done product.

 

• EcoTools Hair Brush

This is my first time using this line and I was happy that the brush kept my locks nice and smooth, did not create static and was gentle enough to not break or stress my hair.  The brush has a nice handle for easy hold and also is nicely balanced, which is appreciated when I do a ponytail look.  What I like is how easy it is to clean because even though I use a low amount of leave-in products, the oils I do use can cause our hair tools to create build-up.  Dirty bristles is not an issue with this brush!

• No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Sachet 

I was so happy when I saw this brand included and before the box arrived.  My happiness sort of faded when I noticed this was not even a deluxe sample, but more of a packet with maybe 2 uses if I am lucky.  Two uses does not mean I can be fair or even really know about performance.  I may be able to share my opinion about the texture, and this product does have a light feel and quickly absorbs.  Unfortunately, that is all I can share because results take work and time, plus I’m always willing to give it to a beauty product but that also means I need a little more than 2 applications. 🙂

 

 

• Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea

Just when I thought I was peppermint and pumpkin out with the holidays, this shows me that a tea can make the difference.  This tastes like true peppermint with it’s subtle and refreshing notes, that not only soothe but also calm me perfectly before bedtime.  Being decaffeinated allows me to enjoy this selection of herbal tea anytime I want and still get a good snooze in.

 

• McCormick Gourmet Thyme

I grow our own thyme but sometimes the cold snap we get decides I did not need that plant, so I always have thyme in dry form.  I also like to add dry ingredients with fresh ones because the flavor profile does change and even sometimes is preferred over the fresh (i.e. oregano) kind.  This jar arrived and I was happy to have more thyme and then looked at my thyme and even though it was not an aged bottle, my thyme was lacking that nice color, aroma and started to feel ashamed about how pretty the McCormick Gourmet one looked so I set it free and left this new bottle in it’s stead.

• Fruit Vines Bites

Not all can be winners and this was one again taught me all because it says cherry, it does not mean even 1% of a real cherry is in it.  Not the juice, I would have even been happy with cherry skin at this point but these vines are fruit lacking and sugar is all they bring.  I even chuckled when it came to vitamins and everything was 0%.  I know it’s candy and even for some a snack, but let me sin with something at least partially real.  I think the cherry needs an asterisk or maybe it should be called wanna-be cherry or sugar vines.  It has no preservatives but then again there is nothing real to preserve!

 

Final Verdict-

Influenster always delivers an array of products that make me re-look at what I buy, own or even want.  I brought economical beauty brands back into the mix and just like my clothes, my fashion looks now are like my beauty products……in all price ranges!  I’m happier this way and that is really what matters.  These Vox Boxes are always a hit even when I get some so-so products because trying is really the only way to know and share with others!  Thank you again Influenster for another Vox Box experience!

 

• #FrostyVoxBox
• #GetAdvanced
• #Rimmel
• #SugarPlum
• #CelestialTea
• #LoveMyECOhairbrush
• #McCormickGourmet
• #SweetSide

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster. 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.

 

HouseParty: TLC Love, Lust or Run Premiere Party #LoveLustRunParty

 

 

The new year means new shows and on January 23rd, we started off with the Premiere Party for TLC’s new show, Love, Lust or Run. The show is hosted by Stacy London and as always, she is helping someone from a fashion disaster, or better described like someone who is a repeat offender and commits a fashion felony on an everyday basis! Stacy London revamps a person in each episode, and this is not just to pick a better cut of jeans, this is a top to bottom re-do. Make-up, hair, shoes, you name it…..Stacy fixes it.

TLC provided all the fixin’s to get us started and celebrating Love, Lust or Run, because you can’t talk about others when you are not shining yourself. The party kit included:

• Love, Lust or Run paddles
• Love, Lust or Run large handheld mirror
• Love, Lust or Run Nail Polishes in a gorgeous silver color
• Love, Lust or Run Nail files and buffers
• Love, Lust or Run Hair Make-up remover
• Love, Lust or Run Hair bands

Of course gamming it up takes energy and time, so I made little finger cookies with the “TLC” logo. I figured we’d party with homemade alfajores, which I cut into heart shapes, filled with dulce de leche and dusted with unsweetened coconut. Hey, we are still dieting over here! Alfajores are cookies that are traditional to Spain and resemble a shortbread in both taste and texture.

TLC’s Love, Lust or Run party was very fun to watch and keeps us in line. Even though none of us suffer as badly as some of the guests on the show, it sure opened the door to point out certain fashion faux pas! Tune in on Fridays at 9:00 PM (CST) and have a few laughs, plus with Stacy London, you always learn a thing or two with every episode!

 

Connect with TLC’s Love, Lust or Run at:

• On-line
• Facebook
• Stacy London on Pinterest
• TLC on Pinterest
• Instagram
• Twitter
• #LoveLustRunParty
• #Sponsored

I received the above product(s) free of charge from HouseParty and TLC .  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.