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Showing posts with label Raw Gaia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raw Gaia. Show all posts

May 10, 2013

Project No 'Poo | Hair Care Routine


Hi ladies! It has been around three months now since I started the no 'poo regimen, and I am happy to report that the worst is now behind me - I am not scared anymore to wake up to a greasy mess on my head and I almost don't freak out if I don't have any baking soda on hand. The transition period lasted a bit longer than expected for me (around three months), but it's nothing I could not overcome if I made sure to take proper precautions, and in this post, I want to share with you the products I have been relying on since the start of this journey.


In my first month update post, I mentionned that my preferred way of applying the baking soda and water mixture was my Roots Only Hair Color Applicator Comb, since the comb allow the right amount of mixture to be applied directly to the scalp and roots trough hollow teeth, not touching the rest of the hair. Since it is guaranteed not to leak, it is virtually 100% mess-free!

I have had Raw Gaia Shikakai Hair Wash in my stash for some times now but to be honest, I tried it only once (more than a year ago, probably) and I thought it was just too messy so I totally forgot about it, until last month! Shikakai means "fruit for hair" and is a 100% natural shampoo powder. It is an excellent cleanser, naturally removing the dirt and excess oil accumulated on the scalp, but it does not strip the hair of its natural oils. Moreover, it detangles the hair and works wonders as a natural conditioner. Shikakai also provides new life to hair strands, strengthens hair roots, increases bounciness and silkiness of hair, promotes hair growth and slightly darken hair.

Now that I am used to non-traditional ways of washing my hair, I thought it was time to give this product another try, and I can only be mad at myself for not using it regularly sooner! Of course it is a bit messy, just like washing with baking soda, but once you get used to it, it is really simple and easy to use. You simply create a thick paste by mixing a small amount of Shikakai powder with water, gently massage it into the scalp and hair using your fingertips, wait 2 to 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. Each time I use this product, my hair is left super soft and full of volume - what more can I ask for?


Another product I am sorry I did not use regularly sooner is Marc Anthony Salon Expert Sea Kelp Extreme Rescue Mud, which is a weekly deep repair for extra dry, damaged hair. It is formulated with sea kelp to correct, hydrate and strengthen, while the power of antioxidants, protein and silk amino acids promote healthy, rich color. Advanced Color Care Technology prevents hair from dulling.

Now this is not your typical hair mask - since it is made with mud, it feels very runny and it has a rather interesting grey-brown color. It is designed to be used on damp scalp and hair after shampooing and conditioning, one to three times a week. It feels really good to massage into the scalp and I like to leave it on for as long as I can, usually when I take a bath. I swear my hair has never felt this soft or looked this glossy after using this treatment!


After washing my hair with baking soda or with water, of course, I never skip conditioner, but since they are always on rotation in my shower, I chose not to feature a specific one in this post, and to write about two of my favorite leave-in conditioners instead. I have had Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream* in my stash for such a long time (before going cruelty-free!) and in an attempt to use it, I try to use it after each wash on the ends of my hair.

I like to spray Marc Anthony Salon Expert Keratin Miracle Frizz-Smoother Leave-in evenly on my damp hair to ensure easy detangling and super smooth hair - it never fails to leave it incredibly soft, hydrated and manageable. I have been using it every time I wash my hair since I got it, and I can really certify that it is a miracle product! This is really my favorite product of the Salon Expert range.

I try to apply oil on the ends of my hair every night before bed and my current favorite is Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Treatment, which is a daily, lightweight oil for strong, glossy, frizz-free hair. I only need one small drop for my shoulder-length hair, but even though I sometimes use too much product, it never leaves greasy residue! The day after, I wake up to extremely soft, smooth, shiny and tangle-free hair - the first times I used this product, I could barely believe how well it worked!


I hope you enjoyed this post and stay tuned for my next no 'poo update in a month!

*Please note that this product is NOT cruelty-free

October 21, 2011

Mail of the Week (October 17 - 21)

For some reasons, I totally forgot to post last Friday! I usually make sure to post before going to work but oh well, I guess I was too lazy/tired! So this is what I got in the mail last week and this week.


Shikakai Hair Wash from Raw Gaia: I'm very excited to try this 100% natural shampoo powder - yes, powder! You mix the powder with water to create a thick paste and then gently massage into hair. It is also claimed to slightly darken the hair (making it not suitable for people with blonde hair) but that's good news for me as I'm always struggling to get my brown hair even darker!


Dariya Hair Pad from AJHairPad.com: I'm sure you have heard of those pads before, I keep seeing them on blogs! The Dariya Hair Pad is an innovative special velcro hair pad that hold your hair away in place when you do your makeup, wash your face, put on contact lenses, etc. It is very hot in Asia right now and other people are trying to bring it over too. I'm so glad I had the chance to try it out as this product is not available around here as far as I know!


Lip balms from MyLipStuff.com: Being a lipbalms junkie - thanks to my constantly dry and chapped lips - I've been curious about those handmade, natural, vegan and cruelty lipbalms so when I was given the opportunity to try some, I had to say yes!


Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips: Please don't hate me! I know Crest belongs to P&J which is evil because they test on animals, but do you know how hard it is to find a teeth whitening product that is cruelty-free, that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and that actually works? My teeth are naturally yellow, and to make things worst, I'm addicted to coffee and tea. I have tried many kinds of whitening products such as toothpaste and mouthwash but nothing really worked. Do you have any idea how pricey these teeth whitening products are? This Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips box retails for $54.99 - I absolutely can't afford that.

With this review, I will also have a little surprise for you - that's another reason why I couldn't refuse this product.

I'm making big efforts to go completely cruelty-free but it's harder than I thought! If you know of any cruelty-free teeth whitening products, please do let me know!


Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty express For Brows and Eyes in Blonde: I have never used something like this before and I must say, I'm very excited to try it out! Hopefully it will help to tame my unruly brows!


$50 gift certificate to Mirage New York: This is actually the first time I won a prize from a radio station! Thank you 94.7 Hits FM!


November issue of Glamour: I'm often told that I look like Kristen Stewart! I can see a resemblence in the face shape and maybe the eyes... What do you think?


November issue of Cosmopolitan: OMG What's with the getup, seriously? I know it's Nicki Minaj but still...

And the winner of my EnvyDerm mascara giveaway is...



♫ Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO