LOTD ~ Big Hair With Babyliss Volume Waves Tong

Do you have a dream hairstyle? One that you have always imagined yourself with, but have never been able to achieve it? Sometimes you're sooo close to it, then *BAM!* the stupid hairstylist trimmed it too much or burned part of it during rebonding; OR you ruined it yourself by doing something equally stupid- like, streaking with Fem Bleach or spontaneously giving yourself a "razor cut" with some puraana blunt scissors and you ended up with high-low hair (one side shorter than the other). And then it's only just a dream, again.

My dream hairstyle is a longer (on the sides), pouffier (at the roots), shinier, evenly colored (dark roots make them look flatter) version of what I have here. Dreamy, romantic, cascading waves.....like cashmere between his fingertips.....yeah yeah.

But a dream hairstyle is like everything else in life. If you want it, you have to make an effort and get it yourself!

So.... I got myself a curling iron. I've always wanted one! I had a hard time trying to decide between Babyliss Volume Waves Tong & TRESemme Salon Professional Volume Curls Tong . In the end, I went with my gut. By that, I mean I went with the more established hair styling tools brand.

Barrel Size- 38mm (1 and 1/2 half inch)

Plates- Nano Titanium Ceramic 

Heat Settings- 155°, 170°,185°, 200° C.

 

This was just a trial, and my 1st time using it. I will come back let you know if it makes me happy, how to use it, products etc, another time. But first impression was quite good, considering I didn't really make an effort. The curls started to flatten at night, but the waves & volume were still there the next day.

Most Used Beauty Products ~ January '13

I almost didn't publish this even after I've written everything. I don't know, I'm a very unstable person. I clicked this pic last week, and put my used products...then I realized I'd forgotten to put my shampoo & conditioner, a nail polish....a couple more things. Oh, well.

Anyways, these are my most-used products this month....

• L'oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil ~  I got sucked into buying this after I saw the ad on tv while watching HIMYM one night (watch it here). It was so enticing, I watched it with my mouth open, and couldn't stop thinking about it until I purchased it (...at the cheapest price, too.) TRUTH: After using it, I found out "Extraordinary" is stretching it a bit. It is  a flowery-smelling hair serum-cum-heat-protector, that has helped the tips of my hair look less brittle, but I don't find it detangling enough. I use it before washing my hair,  before & after blow-drying. I'd still use it, but I sure wouldn't buy it again.

• MUA Eyeshadow Primer ~ I know I have mentioned it before, but I just wanted to say it will never beat UD Primer Potion & TF Shadow Insurance. It's okay, it just creases after a while.

• Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream ~ Been wearing this almost everyday for over a month now. Not only for review purposes, but because I don't hate it. Review is coming shortly.

• Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Candy Apple ~ To be honest, I've been wearing this as a lip balm too just because it's always in the kitchen. Review & Swatches here

• Max Factor 2000 Calorie Curved Brush Mascara ~ LOVE this. It lengthens, it volumizes, it curls. It is definitely better than the False Lash Effect Mascara.

• Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain ~ Product Of The Week! Before, I used to wonder what the big deal is with this lip & cheek tint. Now I get it! It's a rose-tinted stain that makes me look blooming (you know, like youthful sweet 16 type...almost). It makes lips look really kissable. Really, I'd want to kiss my own lips hehe.  You know how some lip tints gather up unevenly where your lips meet? That never happens with Benetint. This is a generous sample size that I got free with Marie Claire mag, but I will definitely buy a full size when it's finished. 

• Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette ~ I've been using this palette almost everyday  this month. Probably the same neutral look as well. Review & Swatches here

• The Body Shop Lily Cole Compact Mirror ~ Because I don't have a big mirror for makeup application, I need one I can hold close to me when applying mascara. This is awesome because it's got a magnifying mirror on one side. Btw, The Body Shop UK is putting this & other good stuff on SALE, so do check it out. I've made good use of it myself. My haul here

♥

What are your most-used beauty products this month?

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

NEW! Sunsilk Straight-Lock Technology

- From Shower to Party Stopper –

A revolutionary technology which locks your tresses and keeps them aligned straight and sleek post hair wash!

Sunsilk unleashes the newest, innovative way of controlling the unwanted hair frizz, leaving your hair straight and slick after your hair wash. This new and advanced technology from the house of Sunsilk locks your hair into a desirable and glossy straight hair look soon after wash, as soon as your hair begins to dry. Sunsilk Perfect Straight is the creation of Sunsilk’s team of groundbreaking hair experts, partnered with insights and expertise of the Tokyo based, world renowned Yuko Yamashita. This new innovation works by controlling wet hair and making them settle into silky strands of lustrous straight hair as and when the hair begins to dry.

How does it work? 
The pioneering Straight-Lock Technology harnesses the power of amino silicone; an adhesive ingredient and mineral oils, locking in that magic moment for perfect shape. This unique technology in the product formula, concentrated in the Conditioner, affixes every strand, nourishing the hair’s fibres while also securing aligned and straight hair.

The Straight-Lock Technology aligns your hair to keep it straight, so you can literally wash and go for the days when you don’t want to miss out what life has to offer. The powerful Conditioner provides essential nourishment to hair, without leaving a residue. This means hair can stay manageable and shiny.

Price:

• 80ml shampoo: Rs 56.

• 180ml shampoo: Rs 110.

• 360ml shampoo: Rs 189.

• 90ml conditioner: Rs 56.

• 180ml conditioner: Rs 110.

♥

Are you as interested in this range as I am? 

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Most Popular Beauty Products Right Now

These are only some of the most popular products right now. By that, I mean they're the most raved about products, and they're on every, say, 10 beauty blogger's & vlogger's  'Favorites' or 'Holygrail' list.

I wanted to add more in this collage, but I just couldn't remember any other products. It's like my mind wanted to hide them from me. No, I don't believe in all that 'ignorance is bliss' nonsense.

• Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder (Price- Rs.400+) ~ It became an instant internet sensation when every makeup enthusiast saw Kim K's makeup artist used it to set her concealer under her eyes. He highlighted & contoured her face (not an out of the ordinary technique if you're familiar with Kevyn Aucoin's work). Now everybody on Youtube is using this powder, and contouring & highlighting like Kim K & pretend it's their original idea *sigh*.  I'm drawn to the yellow-ish shade because I used to love using a yellow Kryolan Loose Powder (do try that one if other powders make you look ashy). Btw, Inglot also have similar yellow-ish/peachy loose powders. 

• Seche Vite Top Coat (Price- Rs.500+) ~ Is it the world's finest top coat? Many beauty & nail polish junkies seem to think so. I think I want this the least out of all these products..... but I want to try it.

• La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (Rs.950-1000 in India) ~ Since last year, I'd been looking for it & still have not got it. I've been seeing it everywhere! It's very popular in the UK. When I moved here, I started reading a few UK beauty blogs, and almost all of them are raving about this. They say it really does help clear out pimples & blemishes. I NEED IT! Always 'Out Of Stock' in Boots, btw. I have to get it online.

• Bioderma Crealine H2O (Around Rs.900 for a 500ml bottle) ~ Gentle cleanser/makeup remover. This baby has put this French brand on the map! Is it oil? Is it water? Is it oily water? I gotz to know!

• MAC Candy Yum Yum Lipstick (Price- Rs.990) ~ This bright neon pink matte lippie was a limited edition item which came out with the Quite Cute Collection in 2011. By popular demand, it is now part of the permanent line. Woohoo! I'm happy even though I got it in 2011, and have done a look with it here & swatched it here. 

• Beauty Blender Sponge (Price- around Rs.980) ~ Dampen it.... bounce it.....roll it....dab it....that's how you use it to blend face products with it for a flawless finish. It has a suede texture and its unique curves fit the contours of your face. So darn pricey for a sponge BUT everybody loves it, wants it. I want to squeeze - no, pinch - it.

• Moroccan Oil (Price- Rs.2000+) ~ This is old news, but I have not mentioned it before, so I will now. It is Moroccan Argan Oil for hair. It not only claims to make your hair healthier, it claims to reduce drying time as well. I hadn't even heard of argan oil until this came along, and now all hair care brands have copied it. BUT original is original &  first is first, okay? Nobody will care if you & I are the next people to climb Mount Everest. But good God, look at that price!

♥ 

Yes, I MUST have ALL of them! Follow the herd to greener prettier pastures.

You joining, or are you already there?

 ♥ Cynthia Z *.* 

 

Schwarzkopf Strait Therapy & L'Oreal Hair Spa Review

So many of you have asked me about hair straightening, so I thought I'd talk about the 2 treatments I got done- Schwarzkopf Strait Therapy (Permanent Hair Straightening) & L'Oreal Hair Spa Treatment.

In these pics, I'd just gone for the L'oreal Hair Spa Treatment at a salon in Delhi a few days before leaving.

*OMG that looped hair is driving my crazy! This is what happens when I'm not in control of the camera.

Schwarzkopf Strait Therapy- This is a permanent straightening procedure which lasts upto 6 months. This is my 3rd time getting it done, I think. I got the Lakmé Hair Serenity, and my hair was calm and manageable. But when I reached my hometown, it became very frizzy because of the humidity there. It would pouf up & wouldn't fall, you know what I mean? So, I went for it. I knew that I'd want to get it done eventually, and it'll cost more in Delhi & UK. I was very happy with the results- straight & heavy hair. BUT it made the ends very very dry & frizzy, they completely lost their elasticity. They would get tangled together which made it impossible to comb through without breakage. So....yes, time for some TLC. Uff, one problem after another!

• Tip 1: If you don't want your hair to get burnt, tell your stylist not to make the straightening iron too hot, or iron it too much. My friend doesn't let them iron at all, and her hair turned out just fine.
• Tip 2: Avoid getting it done during monsoon season, because your hair ends will frizz more. That's what I experienced.

Price: Rs.4500. It costs above Rs.7000 in the New Delhi. I know some small salons do it for Rs.2500, but very risky....haha! If you want it done for somewhat FREE (you'd probably have to pay only for the straightening cream), go to a Hair Academy, where students will do it for practice. I've done it on other people while I was studying in one, and they were happy with the results =)

WIN L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Hair Color [CLOSED]

Hi guys,

This couldn't have come at a better time. I've just colored my hair with L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss 613 Iced Mocha. It's a light ash brown color. My hair is darker now, and all the brassy tones gone! (Post on my previous hair color here)

 L’Oréal Paris India is running a 'Say Yes To Colour' campaign, which I support. You know I like me my hair colors. They kindly offered me a pack of Casting Crème Gloss to try out, but since I'm here in England & you know it's such a hassle to ship liquid products, I asked them if they'd be interested in sending it to one of my wonderful readers in India, instead. They said YES!

About L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Hair Color : It is a semi-permanent hair color that has NO AMMONIA. Lasts for up to 28 shampoos. 

If you want to WIN one for yourself, please read the rules & comment below this post.

Mandatory Rules:

• You have to be a subscriber/follower of Indian Vanity Case. 
• Go to L’Oréal Paris's Facebook page & take the Say Yes To Colour Pledge  
• Also go to the My Hair My Colour Application. Come back here & share with me which shade was recommended for you.

Optional:

• Follow L’Oréal Paris India on Twitter
• Follow Indian Vanity Case on Twitter  
• Tweet this: I want to WIN @In_VanityCase & @LOrealParisIn Casting Crème Gloss Hair Color Giveaway (followed by a link to this post)

Contest closes on 22nd October '12 at 11:00 PM IST.

Open to Indian Residents Only. 

WINNER will be picked via Random.org & will be announced on Indian Vanity Case Facebook Page  shortly after the closing date. Your Casting Crème Gloss will be mailed to you by L’Oréal Paris India.

Since dear dear Rafflecopter isn't working today, we have to do this manually. Please comment below in the order given & fill whichever is applicable:

• Subscriber/GFC Follower Name:
• Facebook Profile Name:
• Twitter profile:
• Link to your tweet: 

Good Luck, everyone! =)

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Favorites Oct '12: Magazine Freebies, Eye Shadows, Blush, Jane Norman, Etc.

How's your Saturday going? I woke up after 12 today coz I slept at 4 am in the morning obsessing over some things. Nah, not that. The man was long gone hehe....

Let's talk freebies first! 

Instyle: 4.0ml Benefit Benetint. Now this is a sample! This should last me a long long time. Also available to 'collect' are Cha Cha Tint & Sun Beam . (Posted last month's freebies here)

Marie Claire: 30ml L'Occitane Rose Petals Hand Cream (4 types to choose from!) & 50ml Dove Colour Radiance Express Treatment Conditioner. The conditioner smells incredible! Divine! And that hand cream is my very first L'Occitane product...love the not-so-sickening rose scent.

Yup, I almost fainted seeing the Marie Claire freebies. 

Matrix Biolage & Schwarzkopft Haul From Purplle.com

Just a quick post before I finish writing my other post for today.

I got my hair permanently straightened in my hometown. Yes! I will tell you all about it & show you in a few days. So, I needed a good shampoo & conditioner. I decided on Matrix Biolage, since I always liked how they smelled when I get my hair washed in salons. As I was browsing for online stores, I found out they're cheapest at purplle.com

My haul:

• Matrix Biolage Deep Smoothing Shampoo 200 ml, Rs.171 ~ This claims to control frizz even in 97% humidity, which is exactly what I need in the current Delhi climate. Paraben-Free.

• Matrix Biolage Deep Smoothing Conditioner 98g, Rs.139 ~ Paraben-Free too.

• Schwarzkopft Osis+ Mess Up Matt Gum, Rs.549 ~ I got this for Mr.CZ. I like to style his hair, but I liked the read tuna tin packaging more.... hehe....

Hair Makeover At Lakmé Salon ~ Hair Serenity Treatment

This couldn't have come at a better time. My hair was back to it's natural self, and was becoming very frizzy! I was thinking about going for rebonding again, but then something new & natural came along ~ Hair Serenity Service by Lakmé Salon. I was super excited to try it out, because it doesn't have harmful ingredients & chemicals.

Lakmé Salon's Hair Serenity is a hair relaxing treatment without Formaldehyde. It makes hair look smooth & blow-dried, but not poker straight. You might want to read about here

Is it for you? Let me take you through it all, and you can decide for yourself:

STEP 1: Washing. Just shampoo & conditioner.

STEP 2: Blow dry hair till it's only 70% dry.

STEP 3:  Cysteine Complex Curl Softening Cream was applied only on the hair lengths avoiding the roots. This is the main product.

Hair Serenity Service at Lakmé Salon (Hair Relaxing Without Formaldehyde)

Tired of your frizzy, tangled hair? Leave the old behind and say Hello to the new Hair Serenity Service at Lakmé Salon. It gives you gorgeously smooth, manageable and party ready hair completely naturally without using formaldehyde.

Play it sleek as Lakmé Salon delivers the latest innovation to get silky straight hair with the launch of their new Hair Serenity treatment. Introduced to India by Lakmé Salon, the Hair Serenity treatment is a natural solution to hair that is unruly, frizzy and hair that refuses to behave. Unlike Keratin, the Hair Serenity treatment at Lakmé Salon is formaldehyde free and a safer process for achieving naturally smoother and shinier hair. Step away from the harmful effects of Keratin treatments and indulge in the natural goodness of ingredients like the Cysteine Complex to get a glossy and healthy mane that will make heads turn. A pioneer in the beauty services industry in India, Lakmé Salon is a one stop shop for all the beauty needs of the contemporary Indian woman. 

The Hair Serenity treatment is a natural way to restore lost proteins and transform hair. Special ingredients used in the service like Cysteine, Dendrobium Orchid, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Cocoa Seed Butter and Shea Butter help nourish the hair and give it a long lasting shine and smoothness.  

May Favorites

Before we say goodbye to May, my favorite month, here are all the things I have been loving. Some everyday necessities, and some very random things:

Torlen Professional Soft Touch Fuschia Hair Straightener ~ It's PINK!

This is for all you girls who've been asking me about hair straighteners. I've got a pretty good one that's available in India and.....and... it's PINK! =)

Torlen Soft Touch Fuschia Hair Straightener was a tool that caught my fancy backstage at Lakmé Fashion Week, because I've a-l-w-a-y-s wanted a pink hair iron. So.... I asked a kind lady from Lakmé Studio to help me get it, and she did. I was over the moon when I got it before leaving Mumbai!

Temperature control, ON & OFF button. I usually keep it at 150°C