YES I KNOW. It's been about a couple of months since my last post and I'm well aware that I am slacking in my blogging faculties. :((( BUT as they say, better late than never: a cliche that saves many sanities. I am not about to abandon this dear blog o' mine. :P

Which brings us to our today's product for review: Etude House's Silk Scarf Hair Treatment. :3

I am not (yet) a huge fan of pink, but one of the things that first drew me to this product is its PACKAGING.

aheeheeheehee.

Have some similar products in the mold of this packaging on your dresser table or bathroom vanity and VOILA. Yes, princess. You have a very pretty collection of grooming tools and potions. Your brother will avoid them like the plague. Your sister, however, might covet them. :3

This is what the back of the tube looks like: with Korean instructions on top, followed by English instructions and ingredients list at the bottom:

                            

At 200 ml, it's a good-sized tube with enough product to last me for about three weeks to a month. I have long-ish and UTTERLY DAMAGED hair from so much bleach and color treatments. Maintaining my red hair as long as I can had me washing my hair at least two to three times a week (Ewww, you might say, but if you follow some Youtube gurus, a number of them make the discovery that washing hair daily can strip hair of its natural oils, causing it to be drier and frizzier if not careful...) So, I was meaning to say that this tube lasts me long enough to treat my hair and cover it from root to tip without spending too much or using too much. ^^;;

I have no idea why it's doing this. If you see nothing but lines, do take note that I am TRYING to post a photo of the ingredients list. >___>

If this terribly HELPFUL photo has ceased to enlighten you somewhat, I'll make it all the more helpful and post some noteworthy details of the product:

It's meant to be used 1-2 times a week.

It's a conditioner which you leave in for 5 minutes onto the hair before washing it out. It's not a leave-in conditioner. (Though the Silk Scarf line has one which I haven't purchased nor tried yet... but will probably do, someday)

It has a mix of natural and synthetic ingredients. Refer to terribly helpful photo if you can take a glimpse of its ingredients. ^^;;;

It's a flip-to-open-top tube:

It looks like this out of the tube:

If you see lines, click the photo to enlarge and hopefully that will help

It has a floral scent that may be overpowering at first, but depending if you like scent on your products or not, it's also noteworthy that the scent does not linger long in the hair after you've washed the product out and dried your hair. I usually simply air-dry my hair and the scent doesn't last very long. It's both a shame and a relief, because while the smell is pleasant, a little too much of it can create a bit of a headache.

SO... Does the stuff work?

As I mentioned earlier, my hair is damaged beyond belief. O_O I do use semi-permanent vegetable-based dyes for my hair, but before that, bleach and DIY hair dye kits ravaged my locks. Boredom and vanity don't really mix sometimes; you'd tend to overdo it. :P All I can say is that the hair treatment works WITHIN REASON. :P

For example:

Psylocke and piratical me at Toy Con 2012 ^_^

You can still see how damaged my hair looks. The dye is fading a bit and the light rather gave my hair a crispy kind of texture. IT DOES NOT LOOK HEALTHY. That much I admit. BUT!!

Look, Ma, no serious frizz from the depths of Hades.

I can actually put my hair down and keep it that way without my hair going all over the place. :3 While at a point my hair does get tangly, it doesn't end up being too unruly. I have naturally wavy hair and the waves just kept their place without looking too disgustingly wiry, as what my waves tend to do when my hair's all a-frizz.

Of course, I do use quite a bit more than usual when I go to events such as Toy Con. :P Here's another photo with some of my cosplay buddies:

Cosplays are known for costumes that go with wigs. But lo and behold, I used my real hair in all its copper glory. Eh. Whatever glory it has summoned at that time. :P

And while we're in the subject of hair, let me put this here for the absolute LULZ of the populace:

Gods of BadAss-Gardian Hair. 

I do believe that with regular use, the Silk Scarf Hair Treatment will give you similar results. Also I wanted an excuse to fangirl some more over these two ah yes 

On with the drill:


PROS:

• It WORKS well enough depending on your current hair situation
• Its packaging is adorable. Its place is SO NOT my bathroom floor.
• A little goes a long way. You don't have to drown your hair in it in order for it to work
• Makes your hair look presentable (again, depending on your hair situation) at events where a lot of photos will be taken
• It smells nice, and while the smell is strong, it doesn't last long so as to overwhelm you.
• Etude House products, as far as I know are CRUELTY-FREE. 

CONS:

• It has DIMETHICONE. Most conditioners have this in order to seal moisture in. Used according to product instructions, your hair will be quite fine; used too often, Dimethicone will kill your hair.
• If you're not fond of powerful floral smells (even if it fades quickly overtime as you use it on your hair), then this stuff may not be for you
• Be careful with the flip-top cap. Like other flip-top caps, if you're not careful, the cover might tear out of its plastic-y hinges.

Do I recommend: YES, I've already done so to a couple of friends and they loved it. :3

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 

Will I repurchase: This hair treatment. I LIKE IT. ANOTHER!!!!!!!

I am already on my third tube and will probably keep repurchasing until I find something better. :P

THERE THERE THOR, THERE'S PLENTY OF HAIR STUFF FOR ALL TO GO AROUND

I wonder if any of you tried it and actually hated it? :P Perhaps you loved it too. Let me know in the comments section or something. Teehee.

LURVE,

Well, April is almost done and I haven't really been actively attending to my blog since my first April post on April first (geddit? Ahahaha... b'awww nevermind. ^^;)

I had this plan of reviewing products that are against animal cruelty for this month... and of course, the philosophy is better to start late than never placing the idea at the backburner to simmer till next summer altogether (so many "-er's" thar). So I'll be doing this instead for the entire summer, from here on until June. :)

Why for the summer when I can do reviews on cruelty-free stuff for the entire year? Of course I can do that, and I do plan to remain doing so among a variety of topics after June, but I'd just want my post to be timely. xD April has been dubbed Prevention of Cruelty To Animals Month by OrangeRibbonForAnimals.org; a cause has been circulating around Facebook to spread such awareness all throughout the month of April. I signed up, of course. :) And so sign up if you're all for the cause so they reach their targeted numbers. ^_^

Now, on to the product review!

Photo from their web site

The sun's more potent in this here tropical country in the summer (and while the bit that says that it's because the sun is closest to the earth during the summertime is false, let's leave the science to the scientists haha), so the sunblock and sunscreen craze in local supermarkets, drugstores and department stores has erupted. There are a whole lot of choices out there with different levels of SPF, so pick your poison, put on your hat, and walk down that sunny road.

Whilst I--well, I picked mine own poison through DeVita's Solar Protective Moisturizer with SPF 30+. It's mainly for the face, and it can be use for both day time AND nighttime. While there's already a photo provided above, I'll pitch in some photos of mine (just click on them to enlarge):

The box and the tube

The ingredients list

The cruelty-free label, and all the other good stuff

And this is what it looks like on the back of me hand:

Forgive teh spottled hobbit hand. ERK.

...And all blended out. It leaves a bit of a sheen which disappears after about a minute:

It's quite an understatement if I simply say, "hey, this is a pretty good moisturizer." It's more of: "I can't believe it's sunblock!!!" Because IT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE SUNBLOCK. That's a big plus for this product. Whilst I will list the pros and cons of the product later, I can say right now that it's non-greasy (for real), it absorbs quickly, and it doesn't leave a ghastly white cast on your FACE as most sunblock face creams and lotions do. It's exactly what it says and more: it's a light moisturizer with sunblock properties that really do wonders to your skin.

SO YEA. This stuff helped with the tone and texture of mah skin.

Anya, my kitty's and my mugshot ahehehe

There I am, no makeup, nearly just woken up, but I don't look as horrible as I thought I would without makeup. Of course I still have a bit of marks from acne scars, but THEY ARE FADING as I use this product regularly. At least, they fade faster than they usually do if I just go with my usual skincare routine.

YOSH!!! I think it's Holy Grail-worthy for me!

Now, on with:

LIKES: 

• Non-greasy and easily absorbed
• No discernible scent
• Has relatively high SPF for a moisturizer
• Has natural ingredients. No parabens and all that icky stuff
• Cruelty-free
• Visible improvement on skin tone and texture (I used this day and night for 2 weeks now)
• Can be used as your normal moisturizer (for both day and night)

DISLIKES:

• Like sunscreen, it must be applied liberally, so this isn't a "little goes a long way" product
• Not available locally (as far as I know)
• Can be quite expensive. It retails for $25.95; that's about Php1,000 more or less for a 2.5oz tube
• If you're allergic to zinc, this product is a no-no for you; it's active ingredient is ZINC OXIDE

I got mine from Vitacost, where it's being sold for a percent cheaper than its retail price, via my mom who visited from the States some time ago. BUT!! Vitacost and DeVita SkinCare ships internationally, so if you'd like to give this a try, I say, go for it. :D

Rating: 5/5 (despite the dislikes)

Will I repurchase: YEP! I actually have a spare tube of this goodness. haha.

Do I recommend: INDEED. :3

This summer, the wisest words are: HYDRATE REGULARLY AND DON'T FORGET TO PUT ON SUNSCREEN. Yes, even when you're bloody INDOORS. At least something with Spf15 for indoors. 

Have a grrreeaaat summer, ya'll! :D And don't forget to sign up for the orange ribbon cause. 

LURVE,

Why hello there, luvs. ^_^

I do think we've reached this day and age when most people are starting to turn to organic stuff for health and humanitarian reasons. Of course, the matter of animal testing for products we h00mans would normally use is definitely more than just being "on trend." Conscientious consumption is making its way to the forefront, to the relief and delight of animal welfare-ists, and to the immense joy of beauty junkies who would rather not have innocent bunnies suffer on their behalf. In fact, most cosmetics web sites have FAQ or mission/vision sections that specifically address the "animal testing" concern.

Also, labels on the products themselves are now being more prominent enough (albeit in fonts or pictures as tiny as the ingredients and instructions print :P) that sooner or later, they'd be hard to miss. This brings me to show you some examples of brands and their products that I own and have been using that bear the "cruelty-free" emblem. Note that I'll first show the product, and beside it would be how their respective "cruelty-free" labels look like. :) (Click on the photos to enlarge them.)

**FTC: I don't get paid or sponsored to feature these products. I'm just supporting these brands for the awareness they bring to their consumers. ^^**

E.L.F. (Blush and Bronzer Duo)

The Body Shop (Macadamia Straightening Balm)

Mario Badescu (Drying Cream)

Mineral Flowers (Rose & Geranium Facial Wash)

Some proudly Pinoy-made/local products:

Cyleina (Black Pearl soap)

Beach Hut (Hair and Scalp sunblock spf 20)

And here are some brands available from one of my favorite go-to stores for various cruelty-free skincare and haircare stuff: Healthy Options. :)

Alba Botanica (leave-in conditioner for color-treated hair)

Alba Botanica Acnedote (oil control lotion)

Tints of Nature (Seal & Shine leave-in conditioner)

Stuff I got online/abroad:

One With Nature Dead Sea Salt Soap

Manic Panic (in Vampire Red) and Special Effects (in Candy Apple Red) semi-permanent hair dyes

Best With Blueberries (Body Spray)

The "cruelty-free" or "against animal testing" label comes in different forms and shapes, but in basically the same size, so look for it as best as you can around the packaging. :P You can't miss it! :)

However, not all products that are against animal testing are free from animal-derived products. Some known ingredients such as beeswax still pervade in some products as emolients. On the other hand, there are products that are considered "vegan" and contain all vegetable-derived ingredients. The "vegan" label isn't as permeable yet as the "cruelty-free" one, so it's best to check the ingredients list first. ^_^ To give you more than a peak, here's a page from PETA.org that lists down animal derivatives in all their names and definitions .

I love animals, and I love makeup, and I know that I'm not the only one. ^^ We gotta settle for something no less as much as possible, right? :)

These kitties very much approve:

Look how they uh... sleep like babes (Chunyi, ya can't peek, yer supposed t' be asleep xD).

Stay tuned for another entry on cruelty-free beauty in time for Prevention of Cruelty To Animals Month. 

Lurve,

HBC: How Brilliantly Cool.

Hahaha, I kid, I kid. Needless to say, though, HBC is one of those affordable local brands that garner attention in beauty networks and forums. While their products are apparently not high end, they cater to a whole lot of hair care, body care, skin care, and make up needs of little ladies to the older ones, from your average high school girl to an experienced parlorista. 


Which brings me to my point:

This stuff is one of their more recent releases in their hair care/color line (now in case some of you are wondering, HP means "Hortaleza Professional," one of their home brands that supposedly caters to salons and those who's like at-home salon treatments... but know what they're doing. :P). The product's got a lot of "subtitles" as you can see from the photo, such as:

HAIR + PERFECTION

HENNA + KERATIN

COLOR & REPAIR

And all for a nice price of 249Php.

So, is it a sweet deal? Let's take a look! 

Now, a recent trip to the beach has stripped my once brightly-hued reddish brown hair of its color and shine. IT TURNED A GHASTLY golden-orange. What's worse, the color got stripped in different places, so I've got uneven patches of different slightly red, orange, and brown shades on me noggin. NOT A PRETTY SIGHT. Therefore, no photos of the tragedy. (Considering the wonderful beach trip, however, I do acknowledge that my hair made a worthy sacrifice. :P)

I chose the COPPER color variant in hopes to liven up my dead once-red hair. 

This is its packaging, without the sleeve thingie

Behold, ze ingredients:

It appears to have a number of good and okay stuff, save for dimethicone, which can dry hair out if  used too frequently and excessively. Another ingredient to look out for is methylparaben, but as long as it's pushed back far in the list, small amounts have been used. Well, I was not exactly expecting a  bunch of organic stuff since it isn't marketed as such, but I was pleased to see a couple of natural ingredients in it, such as henna.

Henna is a natural dye from the Henna tree, and yes, it's the same henna used in temporary tattoos that wash off in a week or so. 

Aye, this be the henna tattoo I got at ze beach. ^^

Another noteworthy ingredient this product has is keratin, a naturally occurring protein in the body that makes up hair, nails, and skin. Sad to say, keratin can be derived from animals such as SHEEP, so this is NOT a vegan product. However, the type of keratin in the Color HairSpa is Hydrolized Keratin, which isn't a potent form of keratin compared to the purest of the pure kind. 

 Okay kids, enough with the backgrounder. :P

HENNA dye doesn't look like your typical dye. It says "copper" in the label, but don't expect to peel out the foil seal and find a glob of red in the pot. Instead, expect something like....... this.........

YES I KNOW. IT LOOKS LIKE YOU-KNOW-WHAT. 

Surprisingly, it smells SO NICE. It smells of sandalwood. The mild, powdery scent of sandalwood is a good smell to me, but if you're not partial to incense-smelling stuff, then... you might not like the scent very much. 

The pot came with instructions printed on it (gah no photo...), but since I don't have the pot right now, I shall paraphrase: (1) shampoo your hair and towel dry; (2) apply evenly on hair but not too close to the scalp, (3) leave for 15-20 minutes under a shower cap or hair steamer (those helmet-looking things at the salon), and lastly (4) shampoo hair and condition.

It appears that you have to apply the stuff on damp hair. I recall that henna works that way.

SO, DID IT WORK???

Well, yes.... and no. 

Photos:

Without flash

With flash

No color has been deposited in my hair!!!!!!!! That was one disappointment for me. 

I was trying to justify that my damaged hair could no longer take in color, or "natural" dyes like henna. But oh well, look at the bright side, because THE SHINE OF MY HAIR was restored.

So one of the claims did prove to be true, at least for me. :) The photos may not justify the nice shine my hair got, after leaving my hair in a bun overnight with a bit of hair salve on. Take note it's not the doing of the hair salve altogether; my hair looked definitely shinier than before. :D

We then proceed to the:

PROS

• Smells nice
• Isn't harsh on hair  and scalp (but I do recommend a skin patch test all the same... which I didn't do D'OHHH)
• works on giving hair a nice shine (though not sure how long it'll last)
• contains natural ingredients such as henna powder
• AFFORDABLE!
• leaves hair soft as well

CONS

• No color deposit whatsoever :((((
• left an orange stain on my clothes and hands *but goes away afterwards... like the tattoo, IS NOT PERMANENT :P)
• Instructions did not specify how much henna should be dumped on the hair. In some videos I've seen, when applying henna on hair, it should look like a CLUMP OF CAKE FROSTING... and I mean a HUGE clump on your head. 
• If that's the case in all henna-based products, then one pot would not be enough for my hair

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Will I repurchase: Sadly, I'll stick to their tube dyes instead. :(

So, have any of you guys tried henna-based hair products before or lately? How did those work for you? :) 

Lurve,