Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner Review

The last time I highlighted my hair was in 2005, while on vacation. The result was chunky, brassy, orange streaks. I was traumatize and had to color my hair black to cover the big boo boo. I left my hair alone ever since until a month ago. This time my highlights are much better, more subtle and natural, I got quite a bit of compliments actually. Anyway, I bought the Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner set for my newly treated hair and has been using them the past 4 weeks.

Price: I paid $11 for 10oz each or $30 for 1 liter. Available at Ulta stores or Amazon.com.

Pros: The first thing I notice about this shampoo and conditioner combo is that even though they are not advertise as volumizer, my hair is more bouncy and volumizing. I am please that my highlights did not turn orange and retain their original color. I also notice that my ends is not as dry and less tangle compare to my old shampoo and conditioner (Umberto).

Cons: Regular price, Ulta sell each for $30 a liter. It is not terribly expensive but still more than I like to pay for shampoo and conditioner. However, Ulta is currently having a sale, I think 1 liter bottle for around $16, great deal.

Overall: Even though, this shampoo and conditioner does nothing for frizz and is a little expensive, I can’t ignore its quality. It helps me keep my color, add volume, and prevent my ends from drying and stiff. The combination of nourishment and volume is ideal if you have dry hair and want volume at the same time.

Rating: 4.5/5


Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

NYX Eye Brow Kit with Stencil Review and Swatches

The review today is on NYX Eyebrow Kit with Stencil in color For Everybody.  The kit also come in For Blondes and For Brunettes.  Each kit comes with 4 colors, 3 stencils, an eyebrow comb and an eyebrow brush.

Price:  $13.50

Pros:  The brow powders are pigmented and come in large size container, about the size of a MAC eyeshadow.  The shades in For Everybody palette is really versatile, it would be suitable for everybody maybe except for light blond.  Last but not least, the inclusion of make it convenient and travel friendly.  

Cons:  I feel that the packaging is a bit thick, they have room to slim it down and make it less bulky.  Also, the eyebrow brush and comb are just okay.  I would use them if I am in a pinch but I mostly use my own separate set.

Overall:  I feel like I cannot give constructive comments on the 3 included stencils because I simply have never use a stencil.  I hardly have to pluck or groom my eyebrows and I have been filling them in stencil-free for the past 15 plus years so I find using a stencil just slow me down.  However, I have to note that I was able to find a stencil that closely match my eyebrow thickness and arch angle.  Overall, I think the brow powders are of high quality and the stencils may come in handy for most people.

Rating: 4/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Dr. Jart Water Fuse vs. Premium Beauty Balm

If you are eyeing the new Dr. Jart Beauty Balm at Sephora and wondering which one to get, the comparison below may shed some lights.

I personally prefer the Water Fuse because of the beige color and dewy finish. However, each of these has their own strong points, depending on skin types and what you are seeking. You can also read full reviews for the Water Fuse and Premium Beauty Balm.

(L) Premium     (R) Water Fuse

Sula from Canada Made it Way to the U.S.

I was browsing Ulta.com the other day and came across a new brand call Sula.  Their gorgeous packaging immediately grabbed my attention (the power of marketing).  Sula is an eco-friendly Toronto, Canada base company that seem to started with fragrance and expand into cosmetic as well.  Lets check out some of the items they carry.

The image above is their on the go perfume oil, available both individually or in a set.  Come in six scents and also eau de parfume version (below).

They also have a collection of cosmetics that include eye shadows, lipsticks, lipglosses, lip&cheek tint, blushes, and eye crayons.  All cosmetic items are retail for $8 each and available at Ulta.com.  I am not sure if these are available in store, I have to check.  Do you know?

Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++ Review and Swatches

Dr. Jart Premium Beauty Balm is a triple function beauty balm that brightens skin, has anti-aging properties, and provides natural coverage.

Price: $39 for 40ml/1.4oz. Available at Sephora.com

Pros: Good packaging is always a plus and I appreciate the easy to use pump.  It also contains high SPF level and PA+++. A little fact about sunscreen rating, PA is normally seen in Asian brands. PA is a rating system for sun protection from UVA that is based on Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) and SPF measure protection of from UVB rays. There are three levels of PA:

-PA+ some level of UVA protection

-PA++ moderate level of UVA protection

-PA+++ good level of UVA protection

As mentioned above, it contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as sunscreen. It also contains Arbutin which brightens akin and evens out skintone. Coverage is light to medium therefore no foundation is needed.

Cons: It has a pinkish gray undertone that does not match with my yellow undertone. I can see two different tones between my face and neck. This is better suited for someone with pink undertone. In addition, the advertise antioxidant bio-peptides are at the very end of the ingredients list, which is probably not enough to make a difference in your skin.

Overall: It is made for normal, combination, and sensitive skin types. Color wise, this best suit someone with light to medium, pink undertone skin. I think most people will appreciate the lightweight mineral sunscreen, decent coverage, natural finish, and the inclusion of Arbutin for brightening.

Rating: 4/5

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

Real Techniques Blush Brush Review

Being a fan of Pixiwoo (youtube channel), I was immediately interested when I heard that Sam is creating her own line of brushes.  I wanted to test out and review this brush since it first came out a few months ago. Unfortunately, it was so popular that it was always out of stock but I finally got my hand on one. I have been using it for the past 3 weeks and I can tell you that there is a reason why it is popular.

Price: $8.99, available at Ulta

Pros: The neat thing about this brush is that way the handle is structure; it stands on its own. The brush head is tapered in an oval shape, almost like an egg. I have a somewhat small face so I was worry that this fluffy brush would be too big for me but that is not the case at all.

It is made of cruelty-free, synthetic hair that is very soft and non-scratchy. Where this brush really excels is how it picks up and disperses powder. It picks up just the right amount of product and blends beautifully. Out of all the blush brushes I tried (BE, MAC, EDM, Ecotools), this one top them all when it comes to blending.

Cons: Nothing at all.

Overall: The price is so reasonable and its ability to blend is just amazing. Great tool for pro and I think a must for beginner. Beside blush, I also used it to apply bronzer and powder. I would totally recommend and in fact, I am thinking of getting a backup for myself.

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Sana Soya Milk Rich Toner Review

This is a rich toner that contains Soybean Isoflavone to moisturize skin and help skincare products absorb better. Sana Nameraka Honpo skin care range is fragrances, preservatives, and mineral oil free.

Price: $11.90/200 ml, bought mine from Sasa.com. Imomoko.com also carries this, price may be different.

Pros: It is lightweight, just like water but very moisturizing. In the summer, I normally wear a light moisturizer then sunscreen. However, since using this, I feel that it gives enough hydration that I just skip moisturizer sometime and just use sunscreen. I transfer it to a spray bottle and find that it works as a refresher as well.

Cons: Have to purchase online but the product itself, there is nothing negative.

Overall: It does what any good toner supposes to do – it helps remove last trace of makeup and dirt; sooth, hydrate, and refresh my skin. Never cause any breakout or irritation.

Rating: 4.5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

New Too Faced Lemon Drop Primer

If you have read my review, you know that I love Too Faced Shadow Insurance, the original formula. They came out with Candlelight (shimmery) and now Lemon Drop version. Lemon Drop is a color correcting eye shadow primer with yellow tone that will neutralizes redness and ruddiness while ensuring eye shadow shades are clear and true every time.

Happy 4th of July to those that are in the U.S.!