Beauty ponders

Time again for some hair care and one of my most beloved findings of 2011, which is the Joico K-Pak reconstructor. Actually I like the whole Joico K-Pak line, it's good stuff - especially if you frequently style/colour your hair look into this -, but this product is probably its most radiant star...
The packaging is simple and big, you get 250ml which lasts quite a long time. You can buy it at hairdressers or online (feelunique, lookfantastic,...). It's not cheap but not insane expensive either considering the amount you're getting. It has a strong scent that reminds me most of bananas and coconuts, I really like it.

• K-PAK Reconstructor contains the highest amount of Quadramine Complex than any other product in the Joico family.
• Hair is left shiny, strong and in a healthy, manageable state.
• K-PAK Reconstructor results in an immediately noticeable difference in strength, texture and appearance.

This product qualifies as 'a treatment', it's not a mask or a conditioner, don't be fooled. It's meant for damaged hair to improve its structure. If your hair isn't damaged, you will most likely achieve hardly any results with this one (wow, complicated sentence). Myself, I regularly use a straightening iron, I sometimes colour my hair - safe to say there is some damage to it. So when I started using this I quickly saw results... My hair became stronger, softer, easy to detangle and when I style it - it remains styled throughout the day/next days. However, don't overdo this product... even though you want it. It's adviced to be used once a week at its most, as it can be drying for your hair and it's best to follow up with another conditioner (they advise K-Pak intense hydrator, I tried it & it's a good combination). When your hair has regained its strength, leave the product be as it is too heavy then, untill you need it again. Now, there's something I'm not good at... leaving a product be when I love it?! But it's the best choice, I noticed it wasn't adding anything to my hair anymore lately, only weighing it down and the volume was less & less...
To sum it up: yes, I love this product and when my hair is in need of it, I will repurchase this one for sure. Just make sure you don't add this to your hair-routine, use it like it's intented to and I'm sure you'll love it!

Washing my hair is always something I'm not looking forward to, mainly because it is so time consuming... So when washing it I like to pamper it a bit longer, because what are those extra 10minutes when you're already spending an hour on it? Exactly, peanuts. I also use styling tools so my hair can become quite dry from time to time, a good mask or moisturizing conditioner is a must for me. MischaRocks is a Dutch brand, which I ran into thanks to a few beautyblogs and thanks to a contest I won these products and have been using them for the last few months...
MischaRocks is a relatively new brand on the block and they don't offer that much - yet. They have 2 hair care lines from which I tested the Pro Hy one - which is supposed to restore the protein in you hair. Both bottles contains 235ml. Packaging is simple with a clicksystem on top. Products pricing is ranged between 15-20euros, midranged, available in salons or online.
Ingredientwise both products contain perfume and have a very sweet scent, reminds me of candy. The shampoo contains SLS, so if you're not a fan of it - skip it. Texturewise both products are creamy and thick which sometimes leaves a problem with the clickdispenser. The shampoo is more runny and works fine, but the conditioner is thicker and gets a bit stuck in the clicker, leaving a small mess - see last picture. Maybe they are better of offering a tube for this product?

Then, lastly and most importantly, how does it perform? The shampoo cleans my hair effectively, it isn't anything special but it isn't bad either, qualifies in the 'normal' category to me. Then, the conditioner, which is of more importance to me. Even though it is quite thick and creamy it isn't enough for my hair. When I only use this every week I notice my hair becomes more dry. I can use this conditioner from time to time, but not for a longer period. My hair needs a 'boost' from time to time and this doesn't cover that boost, sadly (I guess it's more suitable for normal hair types?). Nevertheless I enjoy using these products and will finish them, but won't repurchase them - as I expect more from my hair care products.
The goods: sweet scent, thick & creamy texture, shampoo cleans effectively, simple packaging

The bads: clicker system isn't good for thick creams, conditioner isn't moisturizing enough, shampoo contains SLS, only available in salons or selected online shops

But, I already have new hair care products awaiting usage * just have to finish these first or I end up with way too many bottles open... do you get the feeling?

It's a jar, I don't like jars (see hygiene - putting your fingers in it) - point of negative number one. It's 50ml - how incredible tiny is this thing? It costs 9euros which is ok and if you multiple it, it isn't that much in comparison to more high end brands such as Joico, Kerastase etc... I'm guessing I'll be getting 5-6 usages out of it.

But there are also numerous positives, do not get me wrong. For starters it has a really nice scent, a bit floral and whilst sniffing the jar it may appear very strong - once applied it smells lovely. It has the texture of a light cream and spreads easily. It's adviced to leave it in for 3 minutes, but I usually take 5. Afterwards my hair feels softer already. I never have problems combing my hair so I can't comment on that part. Drying goes easily and it leaves my hair smooth, without frizz and doesn't weigh it down. The next few days my hair continues to feel soft and stays better in place. It makes it look healthy - isn't that what we all want, glowing healthy hair?

The goods: fresh scent, leaves hair soft, no frizz, doesn't weigh it down, easy modelling

The bads: small jar, it's a jar

Overall I enjoy using this product and will probably end up repurchasing this. I love how it makes my hair look and feel. It's a shame that it's a jar and so small - but I can overcome these negatives. I definitely recommend this for using to switch up your hair routine from time to time or when your hair needs a boost such as in the winter.

So far I've already discussed 2 different Batiste shampoos and today we're at number 3. I bought my products on ASOS when it was a free shipping period, as I can't find them in a shop here and decided to try them all...


The fragrance to this one is my favourite amongst the ones I have used, it's indeed an exotic scent that instantly reminds me of an island and palm trees. I prefer this one much more than the so-raved-about-pink-blush-version. This scent is fresher and just suits me better. With usage this shampoo works just as well as the others. But it also leaves a white cast so combing is necessary if you don't want to turn out grey... I mainly use this on my fringe, but I've also used it on my entire hair when I was short on time - works like a charm.

Dry shampoo is one of these things that I must have laying around the house - just in case and Batiste suits my needs: it does its job, doesn't cost much and delivers a nice scent. This tropical version pleasantly surprised me with its scent and I will surely repurchase this one, a recommended product!

First up: the fragrance. It has indeed a nice floral scent - I can understand why people are fond of it. Most dry shampoos smell awfull. It works just like a dry shampoo is supposed to work: spray onto your hair, massage and brush it out - finished and your hair looks freshly washed. The only problem for me is that this sprays a white mist and it's really necessary that I brush it out thouroughly, otherwise my hair turns out grey... If you're a brunette like me, personally I think you're better off with the coloured dark version. Nevertheless, this is still a good product and if your hair has a lighter shade or if you don't mind brushing - go for it!

The packaging is very simple and yet somewhat elegant. I bought the 50ml one, it's available in larger sizes as well but if it's just you using it, this one will already last you a long time. You have to press the top to open it, it's only a tiny hole which is easier for distrubuting the product. The product has a thick siliconebased structure and has a wonderfull scent, a bit sweet and fruity - I love the scent! I use about 2 drops for my entire hair - the back of the product recommends 5 to 10 drops but that's too much and will make your hair look greasy. I put the drops on my fingers, then rub my fingers/hands so the product is lightly spreaded, then I first go through the roots of my hair and afterwards through my entire hair. It's not a good idea to start spreading the product at the top of your hair, because it's quite greasy. Afterwards my hair looks shiny, healthy and the frizz is mostly gone. In the next hours the product lingers on and will continue to protect your hair from frizzing. I haven't noticed this product working on my split ends, but then again I don't use this daily. I only use this when I think my hair needs a boost or when it looks frizzy.

The goods: scent, lasts a long time as you only need a tiny amount, hair becomes shiny, stops frizzing, price (online)

The bads: can be too greasy when you use too much, haven't noticed it working on split ends

Overall I consider this to be a very good product and I enjoy using it a lot - it's definitely one of the better serums out there. The price is somewhat inbetween, you can buy it at salons but also online - I bought mine at strawberrynet for 15$. I've been using it for more than a year. If you have dry and frizzy hair that needs a boost, look into this one, you won't regret it.

Tomorrow or actually today I'm going to the hairdresser and for summer I want ombre hair... It's gorgeous and well - all summery... Here are a few examples, my favourite is the first picture. What are your thoughts on it?

When spraying it, it is indeed a darker colour which looks a bit brown-darkgreyish. When I spray it on my hair it's not that visible. When combing through my hair I can see a bit of a grey cast that I need to get rid of, but not as much as with other dry shampoo. I enjoy using Batiste, it doesn't stink and works like a dry shampoo is supposed to work. There is no particular scent added to this one (in comparison to some of their other products) but it doesn't have a bad scent either. I want to try the one for dark/black hair, as I hoped this brown one would be a bit darker but it's quite light, it's more suited for light-middle-brown. Nevertheless, this is a good product that I surely recommend!! You can buy it in several stores, unless you live in Belgium -like me- but then there's always ASOS...

Which dry shampoo do you use?

Yes, I did -I never seem to win anything so this came as a total surprise-!! I won a hair care package on a Dutch beautyblogg called beautylab. To win it you had to figure out a new name for the brand MischaRocks, which is a modern Dutch hairdressers brand that's been trying to find its place in the last months. I came up with the name Jazz and my own philopshy behind it. A week later I heard that I won and this week I finally -after some blizzards and snow storms you know- received it!

Now, honestly, I did not get everything in the picture :). I got the pro hy shampoo, the pro hy reconstructor, the gel mousse and the funky paste - all full sized bottles. MischaRocks divides her hair care into 4 steps or fases, I'm really curious to try these products... If you know them and have tested them, let me know your thoughts!!

A few weeks ago when I paid a visit to my dermatologist he also subscribed me this shampoo as it would help against my dandruff. I have a very mild form of psoriasis that comes out under stress, most people who have dandruff have psoriasis but just in a tiny form - they just don't know it, he told me. For as long as I can remember I suffer from dandruff. I have tried several shampoos available on the market and it never goes away entirely. I've learned to live with it as I don't have a bad form of it and it also has its ups and downs. Lately it has been lessening but I was keen on trying this shampoo... It costed me about 5euros for 125ml with subscription.

The packaging is really basic like expected, the shampoo itself is clear and doesn't have a scent. You only have to use this shampoo on your head - it doesn't foam up, leave it on for 15 minutes (important, let the ingredients work), rinse and continue as you would normally. Afterwards I just use my regular shampoo and conditioner/mask. The shampoo may only be used once a week but I've noticed using it once every two weeks also does the job. The product didn't sting or irritate me whatsoever.

I've used this product two times so far and it lives up to its claims: my head is dandruff-free... But there are a few downsides to this product:
- is best subscribed by a doctor (you can buy it at your pharmacy but at 4times the cost)
- on the bottle it says that you shouldn't use it 4 weeks after opening

On the last one can be given a turn. I have the 125ml which is the big bottle but there are smaller bottles as well. So it's best to let your doctor subscribe the small bottle on seperate doctors notes. That's what I plan on doing in the future.

If you suffer from dandruff and haven't been able to make it dissapear with other shampoos, ask about this when you visit your doctor. It's worth a shot, I'm glad I tried it and I will continue to use this every now and then when I need to - thanks to my dermatologist for the great tip!

Apart from skincare and make-up, I'm also quite obsessed with my hair care. I have long brown hair - I love long hair, I don't like it short on me- with non-defined light curls in it that never tend to turn out the way I want them to. That's why I regularly use a straightener. I usually use a shampoo and conditioner/mask to keep it soft. At the beginning of summer vacation I spotted that John Frieda had a new range available, called 'Root Awakening', especially for split ends which I have a lot so I bought the 3 products in it: shampoo normal 250ml, conditioner normal 250ml and spray. Products cost about 8-9euros/each and are available in several drugstores. Let's have a look at their claims and whether they turn out to be true.

For healthier-looking hair, start at the roots. For stronger, more manageable style, start at the roots. Infused with natural Eucalyptus, Root Awakening® products awaken your hair's resiliency from root to tip for hair that's bouncy, radiant and easier to style.

Shampoo - How It Works
Invigorate and feed from root to tip with a fresh tingle for bouncy, shiny hair that's noticeably more radiant and resilient with every use. Infused with natural eucalyptus and peppermint oil, simply massage this formula into the roots for a cooling, tingling, and stimulating sensation. Gently cleanses without stripping.

Shampoo - How To Use
For maximum results, smooth Strength Infusing® Shampoo throughout wet hair, lather and massage at the roots to stimulate the scalp. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary. Follow with Strength Infusing® Conditioner and Strength Boosting® Spray for healthier-looking, more manageable hair

Conditioner - How It Works
Nurtures hair from roots to ends to make it manageable and noticeably more radiant and resilient with every use. Infused with natural eucalyptus and peppermint oil, simply massage this formula into the roots for a cooling, tingling, and stimulating sensation.

Conditioner - How To Use
For maximum results, start with Strength Infusing® Shampoo. Smooth Health Infusing® Conditioner through hair from roots to ends. Rinse thoroughly. Follow with Strength Boosting® Spray for healthier-looking, more manageable hair

I like the packaging, tubes are my favourite as you can get all of the product out of it. Afterwards I cut it with scissors at the top and I always get at least 1-2 more uses out of it as the product sticks to the side. Both products have a green colour but it's a green I like, a modern look to it, nicely done.

Hair products... I buy too many of them and use too little of them!, familiar with this?

For reference: I have long weird curling (never the way I want it) normal to dry hair that frizzes easy, I usually wash it once a week. My hair needs conditioning and/or masks, if I don't use them it won't be soft. If there's something else you'd like to know, feel free to ask.

When browsing through an AVON catalog I came across their Radiant Brunette line claiming to be illuminating - do I want my hair to illuminate - yes please! Products prices range between 3 and 5euros/each, no harm in trying for such a price... They also have a Blonde line in case you were wondering.

The line has a shampoo, mask and leave-in balm:

Introducing ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Radiant Brunette Collection. Fortified with a moisturizing blend of shine boosters to reveal the rich spectrum of brunette tones for gleaming, glistening locks – so you’re always the mane attraction! For natural or color-treated brunettes.

• Shampoo: gently cleanses to illuminate the rich spectrum of brunette tones. Brown formula enhances radiance.
• Mask: for natural or color-treated brunettes. Delivers soft, smooth texture, rich moisture and multi-dimensional shine.
• Balm: for natural or color-treated brunettes. Lightweight formula reveals the rich tones of brown hair, for soft shiny vibrancy.

All 3 products have the same nice fresh scent. The shampoo (left) is darkbrown en very runny, the mask is light brown and quite thick, the balm (right) is clear and like a gel.

Now, my thoughts:

• the shampoo is very basic, it cleans my hair easily, rinses out easily.
• the mask is thicker, applies easily. You should leave it in for 3 minutes but I leave it in longer to optimize its effect (10minutes or so). This makes my hair a bit softer but it's not as soft as with other products I've used before.
• the balm also applies easily but when applied and after drying my hair it causes it to tangle. So I've only used it on my ends from then on. I don't find it doing anything special.

This line makes the dark undertones in my hair pop out. But sadly enough I don't see any radiance or shine coming through. I've used the products for several weeks in a row but still no illuminating hair for me.

These products are really basic, if you don't like spending much on hair care I would suggest the shampoo and mask. Both of them are OK products for their price. I wouldn't recommend buying the balm.

Beauty magazines: once in a while I buy them so I have reading material during breakfast time. Couple of days ago I had such a breakfast and read a remarkable tip that I want to share...


Normally you use shampoo, then conditioner/mask, rinse deep and done! Even though a conditioner and/or mask is great for your hair, it comes with the downside that it weighs your hair down. Lately I've been getting this a lot and it's bugging me, I like my hair to be 'big'. Not using conditioner/mask isn't an option, the horror my hair becomes then. In the magazine they advised to do this in reverse: mask/conditioner and then shampoo. They claim it will have the same effect without weighing your hair down...


Worth a shot, doesn't cost a penny so yesterday I pampered my hair in reverse. And I must say, it has more volume to it than usual. Only tiny downside, it's not as soft as usual. Hope this has a continuous effect to it!

Are you going to try this one?

On one of my online shopping sprees, yes I indulge in them a lot, I came across Bawang products. Their products are made from Chinese herbs and get promoted by Jackie Chan, who has ultraglossy hair. They are common in China but harder to find in Europe, I got mine through cosme-de at a cheap price.

Now on to my hair, I have long hair that's a bit dry and frizzles a lot, I regularly use styling tools. So far I haven't come across a shampoo or conditioner that is perfect for me so I had no reason not to try this one. I opted for the repairing and nourishing shampoo, along with the conditioner. Both of them promise soft, shiny hair - like all products claim to do.

Swatches of the products: left shampoo, right conditioner:

As you can see the shampoo is quite runny, orange color and the conditioner is thicker with a beige color. Both products have the same smell that I can't get used to, it's a very heavy strong smell that reminds me of a bad men's perfume, like a strong eau de cologne. I don't like it at all. Normally I enjoy herbal fragrances but this one is overwhelming. I use another one of my masks after the conditioner to get rid of the scent, yes it's that bad.

I've been using the products for about 2 months now and can honestly say that they partly do what they promise. My hair is much softer than usual, easily combable. Only thing missing is the shine. Friends of mine have also asked me if I colored my hair as it appeared darker so it has a bit of a darkening effect to it as well.

I would recommend this product if you like the scent, but me, I will continue my quest for the holy grail hair products...