Product Review: InStyler Rotating Hot Iron Hair Straightener

I have been looking for a good hot iron to style my thin, limp hair for the longest time. Since my hair is soft and fine, I like to make my hair look full with bouncy curls. But styling hair is always my biggest weakness. I can do a quick makeup fix in less than 10 mins. For hair, it just takes much more time for me to do just a simple style.

InStyler Rotating Hot Iron Hair Straightener

It is my pleasure to try InStyler Rotating Hot Iron Hair Straightener. I felt skeptical about it at first mostly because I am just not very good at ironing my hair. It turned out my experiences with InStyler are amazing.

InStyler Rotating Hot Iron Hair Straightener

What makes InStyler Rotating Hot Iron a winner are its rotating heated polishing cylinder and four rows of bristles. The bristles sort and separate hair strands, while the rotating heated polishing cylinder gently glides over hair and styles each strand.

InStyler Rotating Hot Iron Hair Straightener

The iron heats up effectively in less than a minute. It have 3 temperature settings; low, medium and high. One thing to be aware of is at high temperature, the metal barrel gets really hot that it is possible to burn the fingers or scalp.

The product is a little bigger than most of the irons I have used before. In the beginning, it did take a little more time to practice what angle to hold the iron to style hair.

It works wonderfully on my wispy hair. From my experiences, it gets the best results by ironing the hair in small, thin sections. It doesn't work well with big hair strands.

The iron straightens the hair in minutes. It is fast and easy to lift up the roots and create defined curls with InStyler. It leaves my hair full of volume, sleek and silky. I love the fact that it is easy and effective!

Have you tried InStyler Rotating Hot Iron Hair Straightener? What is your experience with it? Let me know what you think of this hot iron!

*This sample is provided by InStyler. However, this review is solely based on my personal opinions after using this product.*

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Product Review: Corioliss Pro Ceramic Flat Iron

Betsey Johnson Fall 2010 Hair by Sebastian Professional

Inspiration: Betsey Johnson's Fall 2010 beauty look was inspired by the sexy, superstar actresses in the cowgirl "French" western film, Las Petroleras (1971). Betsey's own gang of bad girls channel Brigitte Bardot's lust for adventure, exhibiting unassuming sexiness that's as captivating as it is liberating.


The Hair Look: For a windblown, cowgirl look that’s playful and sexy, Sebastian Professional lead stylist Thomas Dunkin suggests the following steps:

1. Generously spray Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray throughout damp hair for workable volume and texture.
2. Blow dry hair and set it with medium and large-sized Velcro rollers for height and body.
3. Once the hair has cooled, remove the rollers and lightly cover hair with Shaper Zero Gravity to create added texture and separation.
4. Create authentic cowgirl flair by separating hair into two loose, tousled pigtails and decorate them with torn fabric or thin leather ties. Finish with Re-Shaper.



How to Get the Look with Sebastian Professional: Thomas Dunkin suggests combining stylers that work together to create volume and texture. Try:

• Volupt Spray – Volume-Building Spray-Gel ($19.95)
• Shaper Zero Gravity – Dry, Brushable, Lightweight Control Hairspray ($15.95)
• Re-Shaper – Brushable Humidity-Resistant Strong Hold Hairspray($16.50)

Source: Sebastian Professional

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Anna Sui Summer 2009 Hair & Body Care Collection

Anna Sui will release a small hair and body care collection in Japan on June 4th. The collection includes:

Hair Treatment Oil

Hair Comb R

Body Protection N: waterproof, SPF30 and PA++, with gold and silver pearl shimmer

Bath and Body Trial Kit (limited edition):contains Hair Shampoo(60ml), Hair Conditioner (60ml), Body Shampoo(60ml) and a tote

[Photo credit: www.joseishi.net/voce]

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Product Review: Corioliss Pro Black Flat Iron

I love my hair long and curly. I always try to get my hair permed from time to time. As you know, permed hair loses its curliness over a period of time and salon perm is not inexpensive. So, I always long for a efficient way to create relaxed wavy hair with a curling iron or a flat iron. I had the pleasure to review this cool little Corioliss Pro Black Flat Iron. This flat iron is designed to straighten, flip or curl the hair.

Corioliss Pro Ceramic Flat Iron

Easy Application
Corioliss Pro Black Flat Iron has a floating plate design with a slim black handle. It has a lightweight design that makes it easy to hold. Its 1 inch wide plate works ideally for short to medium length hair. According to the product description on the website, it heats up in less than 6 seconds. I found it does live up to its claim. It heats up efficiently and helps me save time when I need to style the hair for a quick fix. I found there is a burning smell when I plug in this flat iron. Although nothing burns and it doesn't leave the hair smell, the burning smell does linger in the bathroom for a few hours. I was very concerned about the burning smell but didn't get a chance to have a replacement. However, I haven't found any similar case from other reviews. I hope this is the only case.

Technology-advanced Features
Corioliss Pro Black Flat Iron features tourmaline and nano silver treated ceramic plates. The ceramic plates are coated with tourmaline, which is a sort of precious crystal silicate mineral. The tourmaline treated ceramic plates generate negative ions and hair-healthy far infrared heat, which help lock in moisture, preserve and repair hair structure.

Close-up of Corioliss Pro Ceramic Flat Iron

Heat Control
The flat iron features an on/off switch. It can reach an optimum temperature of 410°F, and the temperature will remain constant throughout use.

Result
The flat iron allows me to straighten or curl the hair my hair effectively. It doesn't dry or damage the hair. Thanks to the technology of negative ions and far infrared, it leaves my hair shiny and smooth through out the day.

Summary
Overall, Corioliss Pro Black Flat Iron is a good styling tool. It provides an easy application and good control. It styles the hair without causing damaged or burned hair, leaving the hair shiny and smooth. Corioliss Pro Black Flat Iron is available at Misikko. For different hair types and hair lengths, there are other models of Corioliss flat irons and other types of flat irons to choose from at Misikko.

[Photo credit: Misikko]

*This sample is provided by Misikko. However, this review is solely based on my personal opinions after using this product.*


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Product Review: Aloette Invigorating Body Scrub and Clarifying Hair Shine Collection

I've posted a review on a few cosmetics from Aloette last week. This time, I am bringing you the review on Invigorating Body Scrub and Clarifying Hair Shine Collection from Aloette.

Invigorating Body Scrub The Invigorating Body Scrub line consists of three aroma scented body scrubs; including White Chocolate & Orange Body Scrub, Green Tea & Mint Body Scrub and Sandalwood Body Scrub. The body scrub does not parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate. It features a blend of natural ingredients, including natural leaf extracts, fruit extracts and sugar cane extracts.

The Green Tea & Mint is my favorite scent in the line. The scent is light and refreshing. The Sandalwood scent is woody and sensuous. The aroma of Chocolate & Orange is too sweet for my liking. Overall, I enjoy using the Invigorating Body Scrub. The creamy texture goes on easily. The microbeads doesn't feel grainy or harsh. It can lightly foams with the water, and leaves my skin soft, smooth and clean.

Clarifying Hair Shine Collection The Clarifying Hair Shine Collection comes with Clarifying Shampoo, Clarifying Conditioner and Clarifying Shine Serum. The Clarifying Hair Shine Collection aims to revitalize the hair, add moisture, shine and volume to the hair.

The Clarifying Shampoo and Clarifying Conditioner are formulated with rice protein, vitamin B, aloe, wheat amino acids and silk amino acids. Aloe and wheat provide moisture. And rice protein protects against color fading, residue build-up and frizz.

Vitamin E and soy protein in The Clarifying Shine Serum provide hydration and nourishment. Dimethicone works as a shine agent and cuticle protector to make the hair manageable and silky smooth.

The Clarifying Shampoo and Clarifying Conditioner does a good job strengthening and adding volume to my hair. My hair feels healthy and stronger. The volume lasts decently well between the days I wash my hair. The Clarifying Shampoo and Clarifying Conditioner leaves my hair fairly moisturized. It is not adequate, however, for long and dry hair like mine (past to the shoulder blades).

The Clarifying Shine Serum is my favorite in the collection. By simply massaging a right amount of it into the hair, it softens, smoothes and hydrates the hair. My hair regain moisture and lightness within minutes. The Clarifying Shine Serum works great as a finishing mist to tame down the frizz and adds a healthy radiance to the hair.

Aloette does not test their products on animals. You can buy Aloette products from Aloette. At this time, the website only accepts order that ship to the US and Canada.


*These samples are provided by Aloette. However, this review is solely based on my personal opinions after using this product.*


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Product Review: AG Hair Cosmetics

AG Hair Cosmetics is a Canadian brand established in 1989. The AG products are distributed through salons, and are currently available in North America. I had the opportunity to try out some products from AG Hair Cosmetics. This is a review on the Xtramoist Moisturizing Shampoo, Ultramoist Moisture Treatment, Re:coil Curl Activating Balm and Liquid Varnish Smoothing Polish.

My hair is fairly fine and thin. After styling my hair, it still falls flat and becomes limp easily, especially on rainy or humid days. I had a perm about half a year ago. Now, the permed hair has become less curly, and been growing past the shoulder blades. The middle-length part and the end are prone to dryness and frizz.

Xtramoist Moisturizing Shampoo & Ultramoist Moisture Treatment

Xtramoist Moisturizing Shampoo is formulated with naturally occurring moisture binders, amino acids, proteins, panthenol and herbal extracts, etc to restore the moisture and hydration of the hair. Ultramoist Moisture Treatment is complimentary to the moisturizing shampoo in the treatment of dry brittle hair and split ends.

The Xtramoist Moisturizing Shampoo has a scent of berries and cream. It is easy to lather up. The consistency of the Ultramoist Moisture Treatment conditioner is not so smooth, which can make it difficult to spread on the hair evenly, if you have long hair. In my opinion, the Ultramoist Moisture Treatment conditioner is more suitable for people who have dry short to middle length hair.

The moisturizing shampoo and conditioner leaves my hair fairly moisturized, soft and vitalized. Also, it adds long-lasting volume to my hair. Most of the moisturizing shampoos and conditioners I have used tend to weigh down my limp hair. After using the products for almost two months, I see the split-ends have been greatly reduced. The ends have been stronger than before. However, on the down side, I didn't find my hair silkier as I'd expected. I think AG Hair Cosmetics' Xtramoist Moisturizing Shampoo and Ultramoist Moisture Treatment focus more on renewing and vitalizing the hair.

Re:coil Curl Activating Balm

I enjoy using this curl activating balm very much. The Re:coil Curl Activating Balm is AG's #1 selling product. The curl activating balm redefines and enhances the curls. It supports the curls and controls the frizz against the humidity.

The way you apply the Re:coil Curl Activating Balm and the amount of the balm you use are critical to creating a successful look of airy curls. My experiences with the product were not successful during the first trial. After several times of try-and-error, I have figured out a way that works for me. And, the result does live up to what the product claims.

The Re:coil Curl Activating Balm has a confectionery scent and thick cream texture. I would recommend to emulsify a dime-sized amount in the palms first before applying on the clean damp hair. Otherwise, it goes on balmy. The next step is to distribute the emulsified curl activating balm evenly on the hair. Then, use the fingers to scrunch the hair. It is important that you make sure the cream is evenly spread on hair. The hair becomes stiff if one strand of hair absorbs too much amount of cream. If I have time, I would further encourage the curls with rollers after I scrunch the hair with fingers. After half an hour or so, I let go the rollers and blow dry the hair at low temperature.

What I enjoy using this product is it enhances the curls of my permed hair, and plumps up the roots of hair at the same time. It also tames the frizz and flyaways. There is no build-up on the hair or any stiff or heavy feeling, if the amount of balm is correctly applied. In between every two days I wash my hair, my hair is kept wavy and fluffy.

In order to achieve a desired result with the Re:coil Curl Activating Balm, you probably have to figure out the best way and right amount that work for your hair type. All in all, the Re:coil Curl Activating Balm does a good job creating definition, volume and texture with long-lasting hold. I like this product, and will continue using it to style my curls.

Liquid Varnish Smoothing PolishThe Liquid Varnish Smoothing Polish gel provides moisture and seals the hair cuticle with a shine finish. It smoothes the frizz, flyaways and split-ends. This Liquid Varnish is free of oil and alcohol. It leaves my hair soft and manageable without sticky and greasy feeling.

AG is currently available through licensed, professional salons in North America. You can click here for AG's salon locations.


*This samples are provided by AG Hair Cosmetics. However, this review is solely based on my personal opinions after using this product.*


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Prettia Bubble Hair Coloring

Japanese household and cosmetics-goods company Kao launched Prettia Bubble Hair Coloring in July 2007. Prettia Bubble Hair Coloring is an innovative hair coloring product that uses foam to dye the hair. It contains the extracts of Amino and Royal Jelly to minimize the dyeing damage and restore the hair. It costs only 794 Japanese Yen (or about USD$7.50) and has earned many good reviews from beauty bloggers in Asia. Those reviews conclude:

• It has an easy and fast application that works for everyone
  
• The dye chemicals can transform into foam to blend into hair evenly and effectively
  
• The formula doesn't have an unpleasant or pungent smell
• The finish looks smoothly shiny and the hair doesn't feel dry or damaged

It is available in the shades of:

• For a milky smooth finish: Marshmellow Brown, Mocha Orange, Milk Tea Brown and Cool Beige
  
• For a glossy shine finish: Sweet Pink, Glossy Orange, Glossy Brown, Royal Brown and Honey Brown
  
• For a natural looking: Natural Brown, Natural Black and Light Bleach
  

It is applied just like how you shampoo your hair. The dyeing kit contains two types of liquids, a treatment essence and a pair of plastic gloves.

[Kao's website has a how-to demonstration]

This is a brief translation:

1. Simply mix two liquids into a container
2. Close the cap and shake the container (upside down) for five times or more
   
3. Gently tilt the bottle and pump out the foam to apply it evenly on dry hair
   
4. Blend and lather up into foaming bubbles to cover the whole hair
5. Leave it for about 20-30 minutes to let the dyeing agents settle in
6. Rinse off and wash the hair

This is the only hair coloring product that has attracted me for D.I.Y hair dyeing. The easy-to-apply direction looks perfect for beginners like me and also my mother. My mother complains a lot about her gray hair and she doesn't like to frequent the hair salon for dyeing merely one inch growing gray hair. On the other side, it is always exhaustive for her to use most D.I.Y. hair dyeing kits at home as her eyesight begins to deteriorate. Kao's Prettia Bubble Hair Coloring seems like a perfect solution for her.

Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo

Aveda is well-known for its plant-based and fresh-scented products from head to toe. In fact, it is one of the few beauty companies that are committed to environmentally-friendly visions and connect the commitment with product development. I am totally into supporting the beauty companies for their effort protecting the Earth and supporting indigenous communities with real actions.

Rosemary Mint Shampoo (250ml for $9; 1 litre for $25) is one of the classics in their shampoo product line. My ex-roommate has been a loyal fan of this shampoo. She always purchased a big pump bottle and enjoyed it almost everyday year-round. At that time, I cared less about this product because shampoo with "mint" scared me away. I simply assumed it would make my hair smell minty or grassy, which I didn't like much. I changed my mind when I was on a trip in San Francisco last summer. The hotel I stayed supplied Aveda products in its bathroom. Though I had prepared my own shampoo, I decided to give it a try. Since then, I fell in love with the invigorating scents and have been using it.

The combination of rosemary and peppermint scent is refreshing and energizing. As soon as I massage throughout my scalp, I can immediately feel the cooling sensation. The smell left on hair is clean and refreshing. The plant-derived ingredients make the scent of this shampoo natural, unlike other synthetically-perfumed shampoo products. It helps me relieve stress after a long day filled with works. It is like an aromatherapy treatment in the shower! It is so perfect for the summer! If you have or plan to pick up one, don't forget to share it with your loved one. A lot of guys enjoy using this shampoo as well.

Kose Hair Cologne

Have your hair ever smelled like tobacco after a night of clubbing? Or, after a day of cookout, yummy, your hair smells like a slab of smoky BBQ pork rib? Or, your hair itself is odoriferous after a walk under sun. Now, that is a way to keep you and your hair happy. Kose "happy bath day" rose scented hair cologne gets rid of unpleasant odors (such as cigarette smoke, sweat, BBQ smoke...etc) and prevents bad odors from getting trapped into hair. All you do is spraying it on dry hair evenly, and you are good to go!

My hair easily absorbs bad smells in my surroundings. What I really like about this hair cologne is after one spray, it gets rid of all kind of "unhappy" odors and leaves no oil behind. The fragrance is a little artificial and overly sweet for me when I first spray on my hair. But within 1 to 2 hours, my hair starts to smell like refreshing lightly-floral scent and it lasts all day!

From Japan, this hair cologne is in a girlie-cute packaging. The spray bottle itself is easy to put in my tote. Now, I always keep this hair cologne with me and it is my hair "saver" after a night of clubbing. (Unfortunately, this product is currently not available in the US. Click here)