Bright and beautiful: The haircare products you need to try this spring

This pandemic has really saved my hair.

Just like my skin, since I have nowhere to go, the excuses to actually do my hair everyday have been pretty much non-existent. When I took my extensions out last year I felt like my hair was so thin and fine, and now fast forward a year later, and my hair is shiny, healthy, long, and thick.

It’s crazy what a year can do when you really just let your hair do its thing and let it grow.

Anyways, lately I’ve been getting a lot of hair products and I love trying out new items since I find that I can really tell if a product works or not after one use. When it comes to these new products, spoiler alert, they really are winners, so keep reading to learn more.

KMS Therma Shape

KMS Therma Shape Straightening Conditioner and Moist Repair Hydrating Oil

When it comes to hair texture, my hair dries pretty straight but there is some frizziness and dullness to it.  I would love for it to dry more straight and shiny, and KMS’ newest product just might be the key to success.

The KMS Therma Shape Straightening Conditioner (C$32.40) is one of the first conditioners on the market that gradually straightens unmanageable and highly textured hair over time with the use of a straightening iron.  This conditioner is great for nourishing and smoothing out coarse and unruly hair.

With the combination of blowdrying, this conditioner helps to improve manageability and the shape of hair, and protects hair from heat, humidity, and frizz. It also helps with providing shine.

This conditioner includes glyoxylic acid, which is responsible for heat-activated, gradual straightening of hair fibres from the inside; polysilicone-29, which helps with gradual straightening of hair fibres from the outside and heat protection; rhodiola, which is known for increasing the body’s resistance to stress and temperature; watermint, which helps to cool and improve hair’s gloss, and more.

I really like this conditioner as I find it leaves my hair really soft and shiny, and although I don’t really use it with a blowdryer or straightener (unless I’m doing my hair for something), but even still, I do find it leaves my hair looking nice.  As well, I do find that my hair is soft and smooth when I rinse it out in the shower, which isn’t always the case with conditioners.

KMS Moist Repair Hydrating Oil

Pair their new conditioner with the KMS Moist Repair Hydrating Oil (C$31.50), which is also new from the brand. I’ve really been curious about hair oils lately, so this one came at the right time.

The KMS Moist Repair Hydrating Oil contains 99 per cent of ingredients that come from natural origin.  It helps hair feel healthier and provides lightweight hydration and nourishment.  You can also use this on your body and it is suitable for beards as well.

This oil is suitable for both damp and dry hair. I like putting it on damp hair, but if I find my hair is looking frizzy or dry, then I love applying this as well. It contains hydrogenated farnesene, which helps with a light, non-greasy hair feel; avocado oil, which is rich in nutrients; and aloe vera, which contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acid, and adds extra nourishment to the hair.

As we head into summer, I think this oil is a must since the sun can tend to dry out hair and this will keep hair nice and nourished. Plus, I love the fact that it’s made with mostly natural ingredients.

Matrix Total Results Unbreak my Blonde

Matrix Total Results Unbreak My Blonde

As someone who has blonde in my hair, I like to use a blonde shampoo and conditioner at least once a week to help keep my colour vibrant.

Brand new from Matrix is the Total Results Unbreak My Blonde line, which is a sulfate-free strengthening system that is infused with citric acid to strengthen and soften hair.

Start first with the Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Shampoo and conditioner, which both help to revive all types of hair and textures from chemical damage. Although this isn’t a purple shampoo, it helps to revive bleached hair and reinforce weakened blondes, and leaves hair soft, shiny, and stronger.

Once you’re out of the shower, apply the Unbreak My Blonde Leave-In Treatment, which is also infused with citric acid to provide softness and shine. This treatment helps to revive hair from chemical damage, as well as reinforce weakened bonds, leave hair soft, shiny, and stronger, and revive bleached hair.

Varis hair dryer

Varis SB2 Hairdryer

When it comes to hair tools, the one you absolutely need is a hair dryer.

After years of blogging about beauty, I’ve learned that investing in a good dryer really is a must.

Recently I received the Varis SB2 Hairdryer ($275), which has 2,000 watts and a lightweight, brush-less motor to give you salon-quality results.  This dryer also comes with six customizable air speeds and heat settings, as well as a cool-shot switch.

This dryer also comes with a nozzle for straightening hair while you dry it, which I love using with a round brush to volume, shine, and sleek locks.

When looking for a hairdryer, the biggest rule of thumb I can offer is that the higher the wattage is, the faster it will dry your hair. By comparison, the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer is only 1,600 watts. I don’t have the Dyson dryer (I have the Airwrap but not the Supersonic) but in terms of dry time, this one will dry your hair faster.

Nioxin Scalp Release line

Nioxin Scalp Relief System Kit

Having a dry scalp runs in my family, so when I saw the Nioxin Scalp Relief System Kit (C$59), I knew it would come in handy.

This ket contains three products, the scalp relief cleanser, scalp relief conditioner, and scalp relief soothing serum.  When used together, this system will help relieve dry, itchy scalps and thicken hair.

Start first with the Nioxin Scalp Relief Cleanser, which cleanses hair and scalp gently while soothing it right from the get-go.  It’s formulated without any paragons, sulphates, and colorants, and contains aloe vera, a scalp-neutral pH, and a clean fragrance.  Next, go in with the Nioxin Scalp Relief Conditioner, which soothes your scalp and leaves the hair feeling nourished and hydrated.

Finally, apply the Nioxin Relief Soothing Serum, which is a leave-in treatment that helps to soothe sensitive, dry and itchy scalp immediately.  It also helps with thickening your hair.

This line contains aloe vera, which has anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve an itchy scalp.  It also contains vitamins A, C, and E, which helps to promote cell turnover to promote healthy hair growth.  This line also contains Soothex, which helps with reducing stinging and irritation, as well as relieving redness, itching, and inflammation.  Finally, it has glycerin, which hydrates the scalp, and niacinamide, which is also known as vitamin B3 and helps to build keratin, which makes hair thicker, as well as helps to protect the natural skin barrier to retain moisture.

When it comes to haircare to try this season, there are no shortages of great products to try out.  Whether you need more hydrated locks, scalp relief, straighter hair, or more vibrant blonde, these are some great options to try out.

What are your favourite haircare products at the moment?

Please note, products sent by PR. All opinions are my honest own.

Like this post? Check out these related ones:

Buzzing pout: Guerlain Kiss Kiss Shine Bloom lipsticks

I love a good lipstick… even better if it’s for a good cause.

I’ve been a fan of Guerlain’s lipsticks since last year when they released all those stunning Rouge G lipsticks with the shiny cases. I have quite a number of lipsticks in my collection, but when it comes to luxury lipstick brands, well you can never have enough.

Brand new to the line is the Kiss Kiss Shine Bloom lipsticks (C$48), a line of 20 shades which contain 95 per cent naturally derived ingredients and a hydrating creamy texture.

Guerlain Kiss Kiss Shine Bloom lipsticks

These lipsticks have a balm-like texture that smooths onto lips and gives them a shiny finish. The formula includes ingredients that were obtained without using solvents or preservatives through a cold extraction process to minimize environmental impact.  Included in here is hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and winter rose extract, all of which hydrates the lips.  These lipsticks also smooth and plump your pout.

Guerlain sent me two shades to try out, My Kiss Glow, a light baby pink, and Love Bloom, a bright coral red.  My Kiss Glow, the pink shade actually adapts to your lips pH level so it’s a custom colour that is different for everyone.  I have tried this over my normal lips for a more pink/coral shade, as well as over a light dusting of foundation (typically when it comes to swatching I will just pat my makeup sponge or foundation brush over my lips to neutralize the colour) and I found it came out more like a baby pink.

I really like these lipsticks and find them to be very different from the Rouge G formula. These are very light and hydrating on the lips and have more of a balm texture, whereas Rouge G is more of an intense matte colour that dry down more and stays on for hours on end.  They really remind me of my favourite YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks. They feel very similar and the finish and texture is nearly the same. Also, because of the formula, these do make your lips somewhat plumped and fuller looking. I actually really like the formula and can see myself reaching for them often this summer (especially My Kiss Glow, it’s such a beautiful shade of pink).

Guerlain Kiss Kiss Shine Bloom lipsticks

As part of the lipstick’s release, the brand has also come out with a campaign on Instagram, which revolves around protecting bees. Guerlain has been involved in the protection of bees for over 14 years and partners with UNESCO to train new beekeepers, create beekeeping affiliates across the world and measure the benefits of the pollination in the biosphere reserves.  Bees are also an integral part of the brand’s Abeille Royale skincare line and has been a symbol of the brand since 1828.

Guerlain has released a special Instagram filter, where for every air kiss posted, 10,000 flowers will blossom with the help of the women beekeepers who are part of their partnership with UNESCO and the French Beekeeping Observatory. GUERLAIN undertakes to send a set of seeds to grow around 10,000 flowers to each apiculturist involving in this program, who will then plant these seeds in the biosphere reserves considered as learning places for sustainable development and determined by UNESCO. The purpose of this plantation is to contribute to the preservation of the bees and their local biodiversity. The purpose of this plantation is to contribute to the preservation of the bees and their local biodiversity. The challenge is limited to sending 50 million flower seeds to these apiculturists.

Guerlain Kiss Kiss Shine Bloom lipstick swatches of Love Bloom and My Kiss Glow

I love this initiative and it’s crazy to think that with the use of an Instagram filter you will be doing so much good in this world.  Best part is, you don’t need to pick up the lipstick to take part in the challenge (although I definitely recommend picking up a colour since the shade range and finish is so amazing on these).

Have you tried out Guerlain’s new Kiss Kiss Shine Bloom lipsticks?

Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.

Like what you read? Check out these related posts:

Big Magic: Avon releases new tinted moisturizers

Avon Magix Tint tinted moisturizer

Not a big foundation wearer?  Then you’ll love Avon’s Magix Tint tinted moisturizer!

Although this product isn’t new (see my original review here), the brand has recently released two new formulas for more targeted skincare concerns.

Before we fully dive in, the original Magix Tint Brightening Tinted Moisturizer (C$20) is a buildable sheer-to-medium face product which leaves you with a radiant finish.  The formula is very lightweight and evens out your skin tone, as well as blurs any imperfections and boosts moisture. The formula is infused with passionfruit, chia, and sunflower seed with antioxidants Vitamins E and B5.  This product also soothes and hydrates skin and is ideal for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin.

Avon Magix Tint tinted moisturizer

Now, if this sounds right up your alley but you are looking for a more matte coverage or even more hydration, then try one of their two new formulas.

Starting first with the fmg Magix Tint Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer (C$20), this is also a buildable sheer-to-medium coverage with a demi-matte finish.  This product helps to even out skin tone and blur the look of pores.  It’s non-drying, so it won’t settle into your fines and is also lightweight and moisturizing.

The formula contains niacinamide, clay, and green tea extract to help control oil and shine, as well as brighten skin.  If you have oil or combination skin, then this is the formula for you.

Avon Magix Tint tinted moisturizer

If you like the original formula but want a little more hydration, then take a look at the fmg Magix Natural Tinted Moisturizer (C$20), which gives you a demi-matte finish and will even out skin tone and blur the look of pores and fine lines.  It’s also very lightweight and has a moisturizing formula with hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and papaya complex, which will give you instant hydration and antioxidant benefits.

All three of these are really nice for everyday wear and will be perfect for the upcoming warm summer months (just make sure to layer a sunscreen underneath them.  I really love products like this since they aren’t as heavy as foundations but still give you a nice coverage so with the rest of your makeup it seems as if you’re wearing a foundation.

Swatches of Avon Magix Tint tinted moisturizer

At only $20, this is a great product to pick up for the months ahead. I know personally, I’ll be getting a lot of wear out of it.

Have you tried the original Magix Tint tinted moisturizer?

Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.

Like what you read? Check out these related posts:

 

1 47 48 49 50 51 569