Old Wives Tail - Coco Loco Organic Coconut Oil Hair Mask: pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I was contacted by Old Wives Tail and asked if I'd like to try a sample of her hair oil. I said of course, because it looked like a great product and I love trying hair treatments. I was so excited to try this, but even more excited by the results! Now I do want to point out you're going to see two sets of photos in this blog post... because I was stupid and didn't realize this is a solid product and not a straight oil. It arrived as an oil, because it will melt if it's not kept in a cool, dark, dry place. So after a week of using it, I looked down (it was on my floor by my desk) and saw it was solid. I was like "oooooooh" and re-photographed it all. So that's why there are two sets of photos. Check out all the product info, along with my full review, after the pics!

Old Wives Tail
Coco Loco Organic Coconut Oil Hair Mask

And now the pics of the product melted....

Old Wives Tail Coco Loco Organic Coconut Oil Hair Mask Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $24.87 (at time the time I wrote this post, it was on sale for $16.57) (150 ml full size). Available on the Old Wives Tail website.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

Product Info...

We all know how amazing organic coconut oil is for our hair and at Old Wives Tail they have gone absolutely coconut crazy! They hand picked the best oils and essential oils and lovingly whipped them up with pure virgin coconut oil to create a mask that is bursting with natural proteins and has a mouth-watering tropical, zesty scent.

Just one scoop will add lustre, strength and shine to any hair type. When massaged into your scalp, Coco-Loco will stimulate each and every hair follicle and promote healthy hair growth. Its natural antibacterial properties and nutrients get to work at calming and soothing any dry or flaky areas of your scalp. What's more is when this mask is used over a period of time it can aid in protecting the natural color pigmentation of your hair and prevent early greys from sprouting!

Made with certified organic ingredients only. Paraben-free. Sulfate-free. Gluten-free. Vegan & vegetarian. No animal testing.


My Review...

I'll be honest and say I really was confused by the packaging; a tub like container for a hair oil? I could see if this was a thicker, cream like product but this is a liquid, an oil. It didn't make much sense to me. Well guess what? It was MELTED and this is actually a solid product! Now the jar makes more sense. I guess the warm weather really got to this during shipping and it had completely turned to a liquid -- which you can see in the product pictures I took right after I opened it.

Even a few days later it was still an oil, liquid state. It was only about a week or two later that I looked down and saw it was a solid. Weird, but the packaging now makes a lot more sense. So if you do order this during warmer months and find it has arrived in a complete liquefied state, no worries; it will return to a solid in no time. Their recommendation to store in a cool, dry, dark place should be followed.

I re-photographed this after it had returned to a solid, but I had already used it twice by that point in time. Even in its solid state this mask quickly melts into an oil. Easy to apply and easy for your hair to soak up.

Now the directions do say to put it on and wrap your hair with a warm towel and leave it on for an hour, but I'll be honest and say that I don't have time for an hour long hair treatment like that all the time, so I tried two quicker methods and had great results with both.

The first time I used this I just applied from mid-shaft to ends and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, then I jumped in the shower and washed it out. My hair was so soft, shiny and manageable afterwards. I loved the way it looked and felt! Very smooth and silky!

The next test was to apply and then use my blow dryer on my hair for about 2 to 5 minutes, then let it sit for another 5 to 10 minutes. That yielded about the exact same results as the first test.

I then tried it exactly as they direct, with the warm towel and leaving it on for an hour. I think that method does give a slightly deeper treatment, but there is no reason you can't do a quicker treatment with this same product.

One thing I do want to point out is the scent can be a bit over whelming. It smells good but the one day it really was overwhelming to me and I couldn't handle the scent. It's a mix of a mint and a coconut, which kind of smell like a coconut candy bar, but it can be intense. I like the scent though, normally. Just that one day my nose couldn't handle it.

Overall, I really liked the way this mask worked. Thought it did really amazing things for my hair that other masks couldn't do. I don't like to use it if I plan to curl my hair though, as I have very fine, long hair and this mask hydrates maybe too much to allow my hair to then hold a curl, but I love it if I plan to leave my hair straight. Don't get me wrong, I can still curl my hair on days I have used this but I find that my curls fall a bit faster due to how hydrated and smooth my hair is.

They do offer other hair masks, so if you're not into a coconut mint scent, or your hair has other needs, click here to see the range of other masks they offer.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this hair mask? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

February 2014 Ipsy Bag - pics, value break-down, reviews

Hello, Beautiful!

It's been a long while since I've posted any of my monthly subscription boxes/bags, and honestly it's because I ran out of time, forgot, and I also cancelled a lot of them. I have been posting pics of them (when I remember) on my Instagram. I'm going to try and make an effort to also post them on here like I used to do all the time.

This is my February 2014 Ipsy bag! The theme was The Look Of Love (obviously for Valentine's Day).

Ipsy is just $10 a month! Each month you'll receive 4 to 6 deluxe or even full-sized products. If you want to sign-up for your own Ipsy bag, CLICK HERE (it's my referral link - you don't have to use my referral link; it only gives me points that I can save up to redeem for prizes in the future).

Normally I would have high-quality photos, and lots of them, but I didn't do that with this bag so I unfortunately only have my Instagram photo to use for this post. That also means I don't have the included info card. Next time it will be the normal photos you're used to seeing here; I promise. Check out below to see what I received, a little about each product and my thoughts, as well as a break-down of the value of this month's bag!

February 2014 Ipsy Bag

Shipment Quick Stats:

• Value of this month's Ipsy Bag: $40.81 (value is approximate & does not include value of actual bag)
• Total # of Items Received: 5
• # of FULL SIZED items: 3
• # of makeup items: 3
• # of nail items: 1
• # of hair care items: 1
• # of skin care items: 0
• # of body care items: 0
• # of fragrance items: 0

Now I'll talk about each product...

City Color Cosmetics - Be Matte Blush
Shade: Fresh Melon

• MY THOUGHTS: This is a HUGE blush. It's clearly a full sized product, and I love that. The shade I received is Fresh Melon, which is a really pretty peachy/orange coral pink. It's hard for me to describe, but I like the color. I like that this is a matte blush, because although shimmer blushes can  look really pretty and glowy, I still prefer a matte blush. I know this brand doesn't retail for very high prices, but I was still really excited to receive this in my bag.
• FULL SIZE: $2.99
• SIZE I RECEIVED: I received the full sized
• VALUE: $2.99

POP Beauty - Plump Pout mini
Shade: Peony Petal

• MY THOUGHTS: Although I haven't opened this yet, I was really excited about this product because the shade I received looks pretty. There were two shades being sent out, you either received the shade I did - Peony Petal - or a brighter shade, Fuchsia Freesia.. The sample size is nice - basically half the full size! I've heard good things about this. It's supposed to plump your lips with the shine of gloss and the long wear of a stain (which seems to be a trend lately with a lot of lip products across all brands). Looking forward to trying this one out.
• FULL SIZE: 0.30 oz/8.5g @ $16.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.14 oz/4g
• VALUE: $7.47

Zoya - Nail Polish
Shade: Odette

• MY THOUGHTS: I actually already own this shade, it's from their Naturel Collection - which I did a review last month of all 6 shades. Click here to see that review with lots of pics & swatches. But, I do love that it's another full sized product in my bag, and it came in a Zoya box instead of just being thrown in there. I'll likely give this away, either to a friend or in an Instagram giveaway.
• FULL SIZE: 0.5 fl oz @ $9.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: I received the full sized
• VALUE: $9.00

Tini Beauty - Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow & Base In One
Shade: Spiced Rum

• MY THOUGHTS: When I first saw this product in my bag I thought it was a lip gloss, as it's in a lip gloss type packaging. At that time, when I thought this was a lip gloss, I was disappointed because of the shade. But once I later realized this was an eye product, I was more excited about it! Plus, this is ANOTHER full sized product in my bag this month! I haven't tried it yet, but looking forward to it. There were three shades going out in bags this month: Spiced Rum (the one I received), Ambrosia, and Violette (and Ipsy exclusive). I kind of wish I got the shade Violette because it is an Ipsy exclusive, but I'll live. 
• FULL SIZE: 0.14 oz @ $18.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: I received the full sized
• VALUE: $18.00

NuMe - Intense Renewal Mask

• MY THOUGHTS: I've never tried any NuMe products, and I love hair masks, so I was actually kind of excited to get this. It's an okay sample size - I could see myself getting 1 to 2 uses out of this, which is enough to see if I would like it. I haven't even opened it yet to see how it smells, but I'm really looking forward to trying this out. When I looked it up online it seemed to have great reviews! When Ipsy was MyGlam, in my very first bag in February 2012, they included a $100 NuMe gift certificate but I never used it. Now I did say I was with Ipsy since they were MyGlam and I missed the first bag in December 2011, but was supposed to get the 2nd bag in January 2012 but my bag was part of their shipping mix up, which is why technically my first bag from them was their third bag, but I've been with them since their second bag. Signed up in December 2011!
• FULL SIZE: 6 oz.177 ml @ $29.99
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.67 oz/20 ml
• VALUE: $3.35

The actual bag everything comes in...
my thoughts:

• This month's bag wasn't anything spectacular. On the outside it's a plain bright pink with a white top-zipper and the little round Ipsy logo pull. The inside of the bag is where it gets cute - a pink leopard print, but I would have much rather preferred that on the outside of the bag. I'm not sure how often I'd use this one, it's just okay. I'm still loving the December bag - that may have been my favorite to date, and I've been with Ipsy since the 2nd bag when they were still MyGlam!

My Thoughts On Entire Bag...

• FULL SIZE/DELUXE SIZE: This bag contained 3 full sized products and 2 deluxe sample sized products. 
• VALUE: The value was approximately $40.81, which is 4x the amount that you pay for the bag. It's not the highest value Ipsy bag that I've ever received, but it's still very good return for what you pay.
• USAGE: I will use every single product in this bag, except for the Zoya polish - and that's only because I already have that shade and want to give it away to someone, or in an Instagram giveaway.
• FINAL THOUGHTS: I'm rarely ever disappointed with Ipsy, and again, they shipped an amazing bag. For only $10, they really deliver. I'm once again happy with my Ipsy bag!

Let me know what you think...

What are your thoughts on this month's Ipsy bag? Did you receive an Ipsy bag this month? If so, what did you get in your bag? Discuss in the comments below.

Unite Moisturizing Repair Treatment - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

So far, every Unite hair care product I've tried has been a winner for me and my hair; I'm still loving their dry shampoo. The latest Unite product that I tried is their Moisturizing Repair Treatment. This thick, creamy gel-like texture deeply hydrates your hair in just 20 minutes (or less). Read my full below, including all the product info, after the pics!

Unite Moisturizing Repair Treatment

Unite Moisturizing Repair Treatment Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $29.95 (4 oz full size). Available on the Unite website and at salons. Click here to find a Unite retailer near you.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

Unite's Moisturizing Repair Treatment is for dry hair. Adds softness, shine and lots of moisture. Paraben-free. Sodium chloride free. Color-safe. Vegan. 100% Weightless. Contains a gluten-free deep penetrating moisturizer and vegetable protein blend that repairs and protects the hair and reduces breakage by up to 80%!

This moisturizing repair treatment, basically a hair mask, smells really good. I'm not good at describing scents, so I'm not even going to try, but I did like the smell. The texture is really nice too; it's a thick, creamy, gel-like consistency that easily works through your hair.

You're supposed to put this on wet hair, after you shampoo, and leave in for up to 20 minutes. I don't always have time for a 20 minute hair mask, but I will sometimes apply this to wet hair (before I even get in the shower; I just get my hair wet in my sink), and then apply this. I'll go do some work and 20 minutes later jump in the shower and rinse this out. Or, if I don't need as deep of a treatment - but I still want some help - I will get in the shower, shampoo, and apply this to my hair. Then I will do my body scrub, body wash, shave, and wash my face - and then when I'm done doing all that (usually 10 to 15 minutes), I'll wash this out.

It left my hair feeling very healthy and moisturized, and added shine. I like this treatment a lot and will continue to use it on a weekly basis, or as I feel my hair needs it. I'd recommend this for those with dry hair.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this moisturizing repair treatment? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I have another hair mask to share with you all today, because I just can't get enough! In this post I'll share with you the Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask - which after just 1 use reduces breakage by 96%! Hair is softer, better conditioned and more manageable. Read my full review below, and all the product info, after the pics.

Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask

Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $29.00 (7 oz full size). Available on the Carol's Daughter website, at Sephora, at Ulta, on HSN's website, and everywhere else Carol's Daughter products are sold.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses!

This deeply repairing treatment nourishes your hair from the root to ends to undo unwanted damage and prevent it in the future. On average, after just 1 use, there is 96% less breakage, 13 times longer hair life, and 85% better conditioning and detangling.

Strengthening your hair is the only way to length it so you can do whatever you want with it. To really fortify fine, fragile or chemically treated hair required major nourishment found in the Monoi Repairing Hair Mask. Added to the rejuvenating Monoi Oil - a pairing Tahitian blend of tiare gardenia flowe rand coprah coconut oil - is rebuilding bamboo water and protective hydrolyzed silk. No parabens, no alcohol, no petroleum, no mineral oil, no artificial colors.

To Use: Massage gently into clean, wet hair, giving a little extra love to your frazzled ends. Leave the treatment mask on for 5 to 7 minutes and then rinse well. You can wet your hair and leave this hair mask on for longer if you wish - which is often what I do; I'll just wet my hair under a sink, apply a mask and go do something for 30 to 60 minutes. Then jump in the shower.
For an extra-deep treatment, put on a shower cap and sit under a hood dryer for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help the nourishing ingredients get deep into your hair. If you don't have a hood dryer, use a blow dryer or a hot towel fresh out your dryer.

This mask did a really great job at softening my hair and making it feel stronger and healthier. It was more manageable and didn't tangle like it normally does. The mask feels creamy and is easy to work into your hair. Loved the way this made my hair feel and look; I'd recommend for sure!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this hair mask? Have you tried this or is this on your wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

L'Occitane Aromachologie Radiance and Hair Color Mask - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

If you don't already, you should be doing a hair mask in your hair care routine. There are many out there on the market, and I own a handful of them, with some being specific to your hair type and hair needs. I have one great for color care - the L'Occitane Aromachologie Radiance and Color Care Mask. Read all the info and my full review on this hair mask after the pics!

L'Occitane Aromachologie
Radiance and Color Care Mask

L'Occitane Aromachologie Radiance and Color Care Mask Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $32.00 (8.4 oz full size). Available on the L'Occitane website and at some retailers that sell L'Occitane.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

The rich, creamy Radiance and Color Care Mask for color-treated hair is formulated with a botanical blend of five essential oils: geranium, palmarosa, bergamot, rosemary and cedar - as well as grape seed extract, to help keep color from fading.

With a melting texture, the formula detangles hair, leaving color vibrant and hair soft, shiny and easy to manage. Additionally, UV filters help protect your hair color against the sun's harmful rays.

I love pretty much everything L'Occitane makes, but this is my first time using one of their hair care products and I really liked this. I have a slight addiction to hair masks, and I have a preference on which are my favs and which don't do a lot. I find this masks makes my hair super soft and shiny, as well as really manageable. I do have color in my hair - although it's not fresh color - but it makes my natural hair color and the old hair color look healthy and clean.

I don't really like the smell, but I find it tolerable for sure. Doesn't stick around for long and because my hair feels great after using this, I can deal with the scent. Keep in mind I am sensitive to smells so you may not care about this scent at all.

I apply this mask in the shower, after shampooing. I leave it in for about 5 minutes (2 minutes minimum). You can also wrap your hair with a warm towel to help open your scalp and allow the mask to sink deeply into the capillary fiber. You don't have to do this in the shower, but you'll want to apply it to wet hair (squeeze excess water from hair before applying). Then I really massage it in - starting at my ends - making sure it really penetrates my hair. I'll leave it on while I do a body scrub or something and then rinse it out. I usually don't follow up with a conditioner because the mask will be all I need to condition my hair.

If you have color treated hair you may want to look into using a color-care mask - like this one from L'Occitane - to keep your hair color vibrant.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this hair mask? Have you tried this or is this on your wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Extreme - pics, swatch, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I recently reviewed the Philip Kingsley Preen Cream - which I'm still really liking to use. I have another product I tried out from his line, the Elasticizer Extreme. This product was really outstanding too; I only wish I had a larger size (they sell this in different sizes). I am absolutely loving the Philip Kingsley line of hair care! Check out my full review below after the pics!

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Extreme

 

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Extreme Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $45.00 (150 ml size), $87.00 (500 ml size), and there is also currently a 20 ml size for $7.00 (I guess this is a try-it out size). The size I have, 75ml, isn't available on the website at the time I wrote this post. Available on the Philip Kingsley website.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

This pre-shampoo treatment is targeted at a very specific hair type: extremely dry, porous and very thirsty hair! This product is ideal for hair that is exceptionally processed and damaged as it will provide instant replenishment, hydration and nourishment.

Higher levels of castor oil and olive oil lock in moisture for bounce and shine. Higher levels of silicones give greater smoothness and shine. Higher levels of hydrolysed elastin give greater strength and elasticity, and higher levels of glycerine and glycol give greater moisture retention.

To use this you'll want to get in your shower, or just get your hair wet, and work it into your hair in sections. If you have fine hair, like I do, avoid your roots (just apply from mid length to ends). Then leave it in for at least 10 minutes but up to 20 minutes. You can even put a shower cap on over top so you can get the rest of your shower done. I keep a hair tie in the shower and just put my hair up in my bun since I don't own a shower cap. When the time is up just rinse it out really well and follow up with shampoo and conditioner.

Since this is a hair treatment you don't need to do this everyday, but you'll want to use it regularly for best hair health. I use this once a week right now, but once I purchase a larger size I'll use this two to three times a week because it's amazing!

I could feel an immediate difference in my hair after using this, even while still in the shower. My hair is extremely dry - it has been ever since I went back to brown after having the blue highlights in my hair that seems like forever ago! My hair is so super damaged and let me tell you, this stuff is amazing! It does everything it says; my hair felt so healthy after using this, silky, smooth and had more bounce too.

This is an amazing product for hydration, nourishment and just healthier, better looking hair. For sure this is a product recommendation!

Also keep in mind they offer a regular Elasticizer; the only difference is the Extreme Elasticizer has higher levels of all the ingredients. Both have glowing reviews on his website, so you can't go wrong!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this hair product? Have you tried this or is this on your wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Hamadi Organics - Shea Hair Mask - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

If there is one hair care product I don't think people do enough, it's using a hair mask. Whenever my friends ask me what to do for their dry, damaged hair, they usually are asking me to recommend a styling product to help. Sure, there are plenty of styling products to help with that, but what can really make a difference is using a hair mask 1 to 2 times a week! Most recently I tried out the Hamadi Organics Shea Hair Mask and I had really great results!

Check out my pics, swatches, info, and review... click on pics to view them larger.

Hamadi Organics - Shea Hair Mask

Hamadi Organics Shea Hair Mask Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $25.00 (4 oz size) - or - $39.00 (8 oz size). Available on the Hamadi Organics website.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

This hair mask from Hamadi Organics is a perfect weekly indulgence or daily hair essential for hair in need of repair; replenish and color maintenance.

This is a certified organic deep conditioning treatment for dry, damaged hair. Made with essential oils and plant extracts. Completely biodegradable. Absolutely no artificial ingredients. No perfumes or colors.

99.4% of the total ingredients are from natural origin.
19.1% of the total ingredients are from organic farming.

Avocado silkens and aloe vera hydrates from roots to ends. Leave the hair feeling sensuous and touchable. Naturally occurring sunscreen in shea butter protects hair and scalp from harmful rays.

Available in two sizes; I have the smaller 4 oz, but the 8 oz size isn't much more and is double the product. When I'm out of the 4 oz I will buy the 8 oz.

This hair mask has a nice thick creamy texture, that works into hair nicely. The scent is light, but I can't describe it.

You can use this mask on dry hair (which is how I like it) or on wet hair. Work it in from the scalp down to the ends, making sure to coat all your hair. You can pull it back and hold it in place with a claw clip (which is what I do), or if you have shorter hair just leave it like it is. You can even go out and sit in the sun for 15 minutes if you want a more intense effect (which I haven't tried yet, since it's been so cold but will try on a warmer weather day). Leave it on for 15 minutes or longer. I leave it on while I do other things, so sometimes it's left on for 15 minutes, other times for 30 minutes. Then just get in the shower and shampoo it out. Of course you can also use this as an overnight treatment. I like to use this once or twice a week.

This hair mask works really great in my hair! I have long, fine, thin hair that is damaged heavily from about mid-way down to the ends from way back when I did a lot of damage dying parts of my hair electric blue -- but the real damage came when I had to reverse the blue; ever since then my hair hasn't been the same. This hair mask did an amazing job at adding a silkiness back to my entire head of hair. I couldn't believe how soft and silky and shiny my hair turned out! It didn't weight my hair down either; I was still able to curl my hair and my curls held.

If you don't already use a hair mask in your hair care routine then I would highly recommend you try one out, and the Hamadi Organics Shea Hair Mask is a great place to start.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this hair mask? Have you tried this or is this on your wish list? Discuss in the comments below.