Showing posts with label aliexpress. Loveyourcurls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aliexpress. Loveyourcurls. Show all posts

Friday, 23 June 2017

ST.Tropica Coconut Hot Oil Hair Mask: Hit Or Miss?

I love testing out coconut oil based products, because I absolutely love coconut oil.I heard so many positive things about this hair mask, but never got round to purchasing any, as I couldn't find any reviews for curly hair types.I was very lucky to be contacted St.Tropica back in May, asking if I would like to try and review them, and of course I accepted straight away.This review is not sponsored in any way and its 100% honest and based on my experience.
I'm not sure if the bow comes originally with the packaging but I still found it really cute.The box got a little damaged (thanks customs!) which isn't St Tropica's fault at all, so I was unable to get pictures of the box properly.The box contains 3 hair masks and a cap, which I thought was an added bonus as my current silk cap is pretty much ruined.The packets contain solid coconut oil, which needs to be melted with either using a microwave for 20seconds or a kettle for 30 seconds, which then you can either put the oil into a bowl or distribute it from the packet by cutting off the corner.I personally prefer cutting off the corner, applying the oil directly onto my hair or by putting it on my hands to then massage it in, making sure I apply it to my scalp too.

What the hair mask states that it can:
  • Repair damage inside and outside the hair cuticle
  • Locks in the moisture to eliminate any split ends and frizzy hair 
  • Helps strengthen the hair
  • Help with hair growth

I remember using this mask for the first time and honestly thinking nothing positive would come from it, as it sounded too good to be true.Firstly my hair absorbed this oil up so fast, I was tempted to use a second packet.It didn't leave my hair feeling heavy either, which some oil based products can leave my hair feeling like that which isn't nice.I also did use the cap that came with it, which did help to penetrate the hair cuticles even more, but I decided to stop using it as I personally feel silly using it.I decided to use my Kérastase Curl Ideal Cleansing Conditioner to remove it, as it works as a shampoo and a conditioner to provide the nutrients back into the hair.These are the results after using the hair mask for the first time, and after applying a little bit of cream to add that extra definition.

Each time I've used this mask, I've noticed a difference each time which are all positive.The normal frizz that I would always get on a wash or deep conditioning day has been reduced by a lot.I would love to say that I have zero frizz, but I constantly touch my hair so I can't really avoid it.I have quite a lot of hair already anyway, but I felt this mask helped with not only detangling the mess that it can get into, but also gave my hair more volume and bounce.I could of easily gone about my day without applying a curl cream, but I love having that extra definition.

My hair tends to get quite dry in the summer, especially because of the heat and the sun causes my hair to change either red or blonde.This mask does help lot with dry hair, leaving my hair not only soft afterwards, but extremely moisturised.The strength of my hair has improved a lot too, with not a lot of fallout when brushing my hair and I'm able to tie my hair up in a bun, without the worry of my hair breaking when taking the hairband out.I'm also able to style my hair in a bun with dry hair, which I couldn't really do before, as I had to constantly re-wet my hair to not risk it from breaking off.
I was worried about the scent of this product, because sometimes coconut oil based masks can smell a bit funky (like an odd smell).This mask smells really really nice of coconut and left my hair smelling really good.

The only difference which I haven't found with this mask, is the hair growth.I feel like I haven't used it that long to be able to see results or give my opinion on it, as its only been other a month.I would say that my edges have gotten thicker, but no new growth has come through yet.I also think where I've had less fallout with my hair, I will hopefully see a difference when it comes to hair growth.I wouldn't count this as a negative, because it does take 2+ months to see any difference.I haven't found anything negative to say about this mask so far either and I've been enjoying it so much I want more!
This is a picture of my hair which I took on the 21st June, using my last St Tropica mask and applying some curl cream afterwards.As you can see my hair is a lot more thicker, especially my curls.I have a lot more bounce to them now as well and I hardly get any frizz in this crazy summer weather.Depending on your budget, you can spend as little as £10 ($15) to £38 ($42) as a bundle on these masks.Since now trying this out and seeing the benefits that its done for my hair, I would purchase the 6 pack during the summer and the 12pack for the winter.My hair does get more dry during the winter time, because of the cold and the constant rain (yay for UK weather), so being able to treat my hair on a monthly basis would be perfect.If you're still not sure about this mask, then I would recommend trying it out by purchasing the cheapest option, that way you can see how well it works for your hair or feel free to ask any questions on here or over on my instagram @shanisemorgan

Below I've listed some more positives about this mask, which you may find beneficial:
  • Contains ZERO chemicals, parabens, sulfates, additives, stabilisers, preservatives or fragrances
  • Gluten free and soy free
  • !00% Organic ingredients 
  • Cruelty free
  • Vegan Certified 
  • Microwave or kettle safe
Ingredients: organic virgin coconut oil, organic biotin, organic horsetail, organic amla, organic hibiscus, organic green tea, organic coconut butter, organic coconut fruit extract

Monday, 29 February 2016

Detangling my hair method/routine

De-tangling curly hair can be a right pain in the bum, especially if your hair is thick and is prone to getting matted when you wake up in the morning.Lots of people swear by the pineapple method for maintaining you curls for an extra couple of days, and unfortunately for me it doesn't work,because my hair gets extremely matted the next morning.I mainly de-tangle my hair on days where my hair needs a good comb through, my anxiety is playing up, or on the rare occasion, having nothing to do.This morning, it was down to my anxiety being up and down, so I decided to detangle my hair to focus my mind on something else.
The method I use to detangle my hair which I get the best results with, is holding it up with one hand like a ponytail, whilst combing/brushing it with the other.I prefer doing this rather than actually tying it up in a ponytail, so it doesn't get all matted around the hairband, which with hair like mine, is inevitable.It works great for me on dry hair too since going natural and reducing the protein in hair products.The two main tools I use for my hair when it comes to detangling is the: Denman D31 Brush & A Standard Tooth Comb.The Denman is mainly used when my hair is wet and to define my curls, whereas the comb is only used to detangle.For this routine only the comb was used (pictures below) on the two hair tools.
Starting at the front of my hair, I gently comb upwards, as I have new hair growth coming through and don't want to rip it out.Getting as close to the roots as possible, I comb backwards towards my hand thats holding my hair, using it as a halfway point, throughly combing until it goes all the way through.The next section, which is the ponytail, I always tend to get knots in and takes a little longer for it to detangle.For the curls that are on the outside, I comb downwards, not away from me, because this makes it more difficult in reaching the ends that end up having the knots at the end.The curls underneath, I do the same, and brush upwards on the root to give it that extra volume.

Once everything is detangled and my hair is looking all poofy, I apply some raw organic extra vigin coconut oil to moisturise and reduce any frizz that I have left over.This also leaves my hair extremely soft and even more manageable, despite it not defining my curls.Depending on what I have planned for the rest of the day, it goes up in a high bun for errands and with a headband if staying indoors.

Comparing to the first and second image in this post, the knots/tangles have been reduced, whilst the frizz has too, thanks to the coconut oil.This routine has worked for my hair better than any other routine I've tried and believe me I've tried a lot.If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to leave a comment or pop an email over :)

Monday, 15 February 2016

Fallout 4 Pocket Watch

It was only a few days ago that I started to play Skyrim again while taking a break from Fallout, but it was very short lived as my new Fallout watch turned up today.At the time I was struggling to purchase any of the genuine Fallout 4 franchise, because it was quite expensive (sorry Bethesda) and their wasn't anything that I particularly liked.I went on Aliexpress and found this watch selling at a very cheap price for £2.38.The store feedback was very positive, which reassured me so I went ahead and ordered it.

The watch arrived this morning, with it just being over a month to get here, however due to the chinese new year, it took slightly longer but it was certainly worth the wait.The vault number 111 has been perfectly engraved on the front, with the gear surrounding it perfectly engraved too.Depending on the lighting, which you will see in the images provided on this post, it gives off a light/dark bronze chrome colour, and the pictures that are advertised on the website do not do it justice.
The back of the watch has a beautiful floral design, which I wasn't expecting at all, yet I really like it.This has also been engraved very well and don't see any issue of it even getting scratched or coming off in the slightest.I've purchased these type of watches in the past and they always came with a very short chain.This one comes with a 80cm (31inch) chain, and you have the option of either wearing it long or short.Despite the cheap price, its very sturdy and its held in place very well.You also have the option of using your own chain if your not keen on the colour or if its too long for your liking.
Just in case you were wondering, it is an actual watch, its not just for display, and it works really well.It comes with a screen protector, just like the front of the watch does too if you want to prevent it from getting scratched.The handle has a medieval design to it that I feel goes very well with the design on the back of the watch.It ticks fairly loud, so I'd suggest putting it away somewhere after wearing it if your easily annoyed by the sound of ticking.The button at the top of the watch that flips the front (111) down to show the time, isn't flimsy but you have to press quite hard for it to work (image below), which a pattern engraved on it too.

Overall for such a cheap price, I'm really happy with this watch and recommend it for people who are Fallout 4 fans themselves or for their friends, as it would really make a lovely gift.I've provided a link below to the seller page that I purchased this watch directly from, and its regularly on sale between £2-£3, so I would recommend picking one up now before they go up in price.If you have any more questions or want any more images of this watch please let me know :)