The Bitch is back!: Watsons

Product Review: Hair Fix Deep Repair (Watsons Series)

Beauty 10/25/2015 11:51:00 PM

Image courtesy of https://ladybug026.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/pharmacy-internship-watsons-philippines-list-of-qualified-students-in-national-university2012-summer/

Finding an affordable yet effective hair treatment product has been a quest ever since my stylist accidentally ruined my tresses a few years back. I realized that I should not rely on the strand strength of my mane alone.

This is part 4 of my Watsons hair treatment product review series. Click HERE for part 1 (Hair Fix Intense Straight), click HERE for part 2 (Casa Cellophane), click HERE for part 3 (Hair Treats Hair SPA), or go to the Watsons label located at the right hand side of the page.

Click HERE to read about a short article I wrote about tips and tricks for at-home hair treatment.

This product promises to restore and rebuild dry and damaged hair and claims to be enriched with Argan Oil and Aloe Vera.

It doesn't take rocket science to figure out how to use it. Just remove excess water after shampoo, apply the treatment product on damp hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes then rinse. Use a hair cap if you like.

For Php49 you get two sachets with 25ml of product. It is good for 2 uses if you have medium to long hair. I picked up two packs and got it only for Php65 instead of Php98.

Consistency: think Creamsilk conditioner in a thicker formula.

This is how my hair looked like after using this treatment product for the first time. Although my tresses felt softer and silkier, I wasn't impressed.

I used it again after a week and was shocked to see the result! No heat styling was involved when I took this picture was taken. I did not even use a blow dryer.

PROs:

Affordable
Easy to use
Smells pleasing
Can be used 3-4 times depending on hair length
May produce promising results after weeks of continued use
Works well with chemically treated hair

CONs:

Treatment effects will wear out easily when shampooing everyday

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Although I try to avoid shampooing on daily basis, there are just days when I can't. Unlike other treatment products, whatever result I got washed out easily. It would have scored higher if the effects lasted longer.

Note: Effects may vary depending on hair type, condition, length, and other external factors. Use at your own risk.

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Sponge Wars: Beauty Blender Dupes Below PHP500

Beauty 10/12/2015 04:12:00 PM

Nowadays, makeup sponges are considered a necessity in every makeup junkie's loot. This tool gained so much popularity due to the inception of the most coveted sponge of all, the Holy Grail of all makeup sponges: the Beauty Blender. This product is so remarkable that a lot of companies desperately tried to reproduce a similar item.

I believe anyone reading this will agree that as of the moment, there is nothing that can beat the amazing Beauty Blender. However, I can't deny the fact that there are cheaper alternatives out in the market. If you are in the Philippines, this post will provide details of sponge options that are below Php500.

Other notable items that may not be locally available are the Cynthia Rowley Precision Blending Sponge, and the BH Cosmetics Studio Pro Beauty Blending Sponge. I highly recommend trying them as well. And if you're wondering why the Too Cool for School Marshmallow Puff is not included in this article, that's because it retails for Php650. If you would like to see a review on it please type "Marshmallow Review" in the comments.

A few things to remember on sponge usage:

1. With daily use and given proper care, life of a sponge (in general) should last about 5-6 months.

2. Long nails will puncture/cut any sponge.

3. Always clean a sponge (regardless of the brand) after each use.
4. Use damp to get best results.

Here are the contenders (clockwise in order) : Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, Bonni Beauty Sponge, Caiqian Sponge, BYS Blending Sponge, and Moonkini Sponge. Review and testing is based on Beauty Blender standards thus, all comments and findings about each product's performance are in comparison to a Beauty Blender.

Note: This is not a sponsored review. All items were purchased using my own money. All sponges were brand new at the start of testing and were used on myself only.

Score/Result scale:

1. High
2. Above Average
3. Average
4. Below Average
5. Low

Toughness scale:
1. Very Tough
2. Slightly Tough
3. Easy
4. Slightly Easy
5. Very Easy

Makeup used:

1. Dollface Cream Corrector and Concealer Palette - applied using a brush, blending using sponge

2. Max Factor FaceFinity Liquid Foundation - 1 pump to a mixing plate, applied and blended using sponge on top of the concealer

Cleaning agents used (mixture):
1. Joy Antibac
2. Johnson's Baby Bath Milk

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

Retailing between Php400 to Php500 depending on where you'd order it, this remains at the top of my list. It is by far the best dupe for the Beauty Blender in my opinion. I wouldn't go into detail as there's already an abundance of reviews on this item. Google search should help you find out more information about this product if you're not familiar.

To my horror, the new sponge doesn't seem to have the same quality and texture compared to my earlier purchase. I've heard a lot of similar stories. Pictured on the right is my older RT sponge. If you have the same problem do comment if there's a noticeable difference in makeup application.

BYS Blending Sponge

Dry (Beauty Blender on the left)

Wet (Beauty Blender on the right)

Price: Php299

Purchased from: Watsons
Colors Available: 1

Packaging: Soft plastic box can be reused as desired. I did like the plastic bed it came with (2nd picture) and have decided to keep that instead

Latex feel: Above average, doesn't indicate if sponge is latex-free

Bounciness: Below average, feels full, has tendencies to deform for a few seconds when wet

Growth (when wet): High, grew double the size

Product pick up: Below average, doesn't absorb too much makeup

Product application/blending: Average, gives a sheer finish, covers area faster during foundation application because of bigger base

Cleaning: High, very easy to remove makeup deposit, slightly tough when squeezing water out

Staining: Low

Drying: Average

Stress test: Above average, showed minimal cuts after first wash

Bonni Beauty Sponge

Dry (Beauty Blender on the left)

Wet (Beauty Blender on the left)

Old Packaging Image courtesy of @agoraboutique Instagram

Old Packaging

New Packaging

Price: Php270 per piece, Php500 for 2 pcs (special offer)

Purchased from: Instagram seller @agoraboutique

Colors Available: 1

Packaging: Plastic zip lock bag, can be reused as desired

Latex feel: Average, doesn't indicate if sponge is latex-free

Bounciness: Above average, feels less full

Growth (when wet): High, grew double the size

Product pick up: Average, may absorb liquids a little more

Product application/blending: Above average, gives a sheer finish

Cleaning: Above average, easy to remove makeup deposit, slightly easy to squeeze out water

Staining: Above Average

Drying: Average

Stress test: Below Average, showed minimal cuts after several washes

Caiqian Sponge

Dry (Beauty Blender on the left)

Wet (Beauty Blender on the left)

Price: Php140

Purchased from: Instagram seller @allthingsgirly.ph

Colors Available: a few, cannot chose color upon purchase

Packaging: Hard reusable plastic container similar to cotton buds container, best packaging in my opinion

Latex feel: High, doesn't indicate if sponge is latex-free

Bounciness: Below average, feels very full

Growth (when wet): High, grew double the size

Product pick up: Above average, absorbs liquids more

Product application/blending: Below average, patchy effect, has tendencies of dragging makeup, slightly tough when using under the eyes because of the shape

Cleaning: Below average, slightly tough to remove makeup deposit, very tough when squeezing water out

Staining: High

Drying: Below average

Stress test: High, showed a lot of cuts after first wash

Moonkini Sponge

Dry (Beauty Blender on the left)

Wet (Beauty Blender on the right)

Price: Php150

Purchased from: Facebook seller Le Boutique PH

Colors Available: Several, cannot chose color upon purchase

Packaging: Flimsy plastic box, can be reused as desired

Latex feel: Above average, doesn't indicate if sponge is latex-free

Bounciness: Below average, feels a little full

Growth (when wet): Low, minimal to no almost no growth at all

Product pick up: Average to Above average, may seem to absorb a lot (liquids) but transfers adequate amount of product

Product application/blending: Average, gives translucent finish

Cleaning: Above average, easy to remove makeup deposit, slightly tough when squeezing water out

Staining: Above average

Drying: Above average

Stress test: High, doesn't have any cuts to date

FINAL VERDICT

Remember, results may vary depending on the makeup product used and skin condition. My rating doesn't affect the possibility of repurchasing because a particular sponge may have fallen short on one area but may have performed on another area. I actually found a particular use for each item.

Bottom line is, they are all usable. Your skill on makeup application will determine which sponge will work best for you. Here's my ranking in order:

1. Bonni Beauty Sponge

2. BYS Blending Sponge

3. Moonkini Sponge

4. Caiqian Sponge

Do you have knowledge of other sponges priced below Php500? Let me know and I'll be glad to include them here!

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Product Review: Hair Treats Hair Spa (Watsons Series)

Beauty 9/14/2015 08:36:00 AM

This is part 3 of my Watsons hair treatment product review series. Click HERE for part 1 (Hair Fix Intense Straight), click HERE for part 2 (Casa Cellophane), or go to the Watsons label located at the right hand side of the page.

If my list is correct, they come in 6 different variants: Virgin Coconut Oil (white), Tsubaki (red), Argan Oil (orange), Macadamia (brown), Aloe Vera (green), and Lavender (violet). Each variant is marketed to have specific uses, such as Macadamia for anti-breakage, Argan Oil for nourishing, Tsubaki for hair protection, so on and so forth.

It's super easy to open. Just peel of the plastic tab pictured above and you can pop the lid off hassle-free. For Php229, consumers get two jars with 650 grams of product each. And Like any other treatment merch, instructions say to apply it after shampoo, leaving it on for 10 to 20 minutes and rinsing thoroughly afterwards. For best results, they recommend using it 3-4 times a week.

PROs

Affordable
Easy to use
Some variants smell good

CONs

Doesn't really treat problem areas as promised

Overall rating: 3 out of 5 stars

I've tried all variants, but never did it treat any of the problem areas it's meant to target. I have rebonded hair. Maybe it works for virgin hair? I'm not sure. I've been using it for almost 7 years though. Wonder why? I've stuck with this product for so long because it acts as a great substitute for conditioner. I save a lot of money on expensive conditioner brands because I use the Hair Treats Hair Spa for conditioning every other day. Each jar lasts me about 2-3 months. My feeling: indifferent. I do not recommend it for treatment purposes, but I will encourage purchasing this item as a conditioner alternative.

Click HERE to read about a short article I wrote about tips and tricks for at-home hair treatment.

Note: Effects may vary depending on hair type, condition, length, and other external factors. Use at your own risk.

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Product Review: Casa Cellophane (Watsons Series)

Beauty 6/26/2015 03:05:00 PM

Image courtesy of https://ladybug026.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/pharmacy-internship-watsons-philippines-list-of-qualified-students-in-national-university2012-summer/

This is part 2 of my Watsons hair treatment product review series. Click here to read about part 1 (product reviewed: Hair Fix Intense Straight) or click the Watsons label located at the right hand side of the page.

This is about as close as I can get to dying. My stylist finds it puzzling that my hair can take so much heat and chemicals from hours of rebonding but can't bear permanent color application even for just a few minutes.

Priced a little over Php200 (if my memory serves me right), it includes a tube of the actual product, a pair of plastic gloves, and a plastic hair cap. I wish there more pairs of gloves - obviously I can't finish this whole tube in one treatment session, and I highly doubt anyone would.

Casa Cellophane claims to deliver temporary hair color and deep conditioning effects for extra shine and softness. It is ammonia and peroxide free which makes it safe for colored hair. Available in two shades, I purchased the lighter one which is ash brown.

The directions say: "After shampoo, towel off excess water. Apply the cream onto hair making sure the hair is fully covered with cream. Wrap the hair in warm moist towel or use a shower cap. Leave on for about 45 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly with water. Style as desired." Could use a little bit of editing right?

The consistency is like that of our local conditioners, only pigmented. It felt awkward using the plastic gloves so I chose to apply the product with bare hands. Major regret afterwards!!! The stain is very hard to remove, even after using alcohol and washing several times so be warned.

Day of first treatment session. Shampoo was used. Minimal heat styling involved.

The result was impressive. My hair felt silkier and smoother. It did provide extra shine. Heat styling was easier after using this product compared to others. The ends didn't feel dry as well.

Second treatment session after one week. Shampoo was used. Minimal heat styling involved.

My hair felt relatively lighter after the second use. And it looked better too!

Two weeks after 2nd session. Minimal heat styling involved.

The product gave favorable results, but not as good as the second treatment session. It was as if this was the first time I've used it.

Pros:

Easy to use
Smells good
Can be used several times depending on hair type and length
May produce promising results after weeks of continued use
Great for relaxed/rebonded hair

Cons:

Can be very messy, best if applied by someone else
Hard to remove color stain from hands
Color is not as visible compared to cellophane done in a salon
Gives better results if used on a weekly basis (otherwise you're back to square one)
Price (a hair treatment session with better results at a local salon in my area starts at Php300)

Image courtesy of http://www.deliciousreads.com/2015/01/book-review-eye-of-minds-by-james.html

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Note: Effects may vary depending on hair type, condition, length, and other external factors.

The cons offset the number of pros. Casa does very well in treating my dry hair but it lacks in the color department. I will repurchase only if I can commit a weekly session until the tube is emptied. If you're after the color enhancing traits of a cellophane aside from its treatment capabilities, a salon visit may be more beneficial.

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Product Review: Hair Fix Intense Straight (Watsons Series)

Beauty 3/02/2015 08:58:00 AM

Image courtesy of https://ladybug026.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/pharmacy-internship-watsons-philippines-list-of-qualified-students-in-national-university2012-summer/

Do you use hot tools almost every single day? I do. Are you tired of wasting precious time and money on salon treatments that do not always work? I am. My goal this year: to find the most effective yet affordable at-home hair treatment product.

Watsons is famous for being a one-stop-shop on everything beauty and health. What they have on the racks is obviously on top of my list. Scouring thru every isle, every nook, and every cranny of their SM Megamall Bridgeway branch I picked up several different items. And I am excited to share with you the results of the first one I tried!

The Hair Fix Hair Treatment line comes in several variants. First one on my list: Intense Straight. It has Coconut Milk and Silk Protein which claims to eliminate dry, frizzy and unmanageable hair. It also claims to improve hair elasticity and restore smoothness.

It is pretty simple to use. First, get rid of excess water in the hair. Apply the product on damp hair and leave on for 5-10 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Usage of hair cap during treatment is optional.

You get two long sachets for Php49.00 with product that can be used 3-4 times depending on hair type and length. Because I have long and thick hair, I decided to empty one whole sachet in one session.

The consistency is thicker than what I expected, which is a good sign.

Hair pic BEFORE product testing. A little heat styling (blow dry and flat iron) involved.

Hair is shiny and appears a little bit healthy. But notice the frizz despite heat styling. Hair also appears to have a lot of static.

Day of hair treatment with shampoo. No conditioner. No heat styling involved.

Notice that the frizz was minimized in the middle section. Frizz at the middle-bottom part has also tamed down. Zero static after brushing.

This is how my rebonded hair normally looks like if it dries on its own. The broom-like ends are a result of getting my hair straightened and heat-styled for years.

Day 1 after hair treatment. No shampoo. Conditioner used. Minimal heat styling involved.

Notice that the hair appears to be thinner. Shine and luster greatly improved compared to "before" pic. Frizz at the middle part significantly decreased. Zero static after brushing.

Day 2 after hair treatment. Shampoo and conditioner used. No heat styling involved.

I didn't have time to blow dry before going to work. It dried on its own. Even if my hair is rebonded, I still have bad hair days. This was definitely one of those days.

Despite the fact that it looks very nasty, do notice that my hair still appears to be thinner compared to the day treatment first started.

Day 3 after hair treatment. Shampoo and conditioner used. Minimal heat styling involved.

This was probably the best day in week 1 of product testing. Notice that the hair appears to be thinner. Shine and luster greatly improved compared to "before" pic. Frizz at significantly decreased. Zero static after brushing.

Day 1 Week 2 of hair treatment. Shampoo w/o conditioner. No heat styling involved.

Day 3 Week 2. Shampoo and conditioner used. Minimal heat styling involved.

Frizz at the bottom was caused by resting on the couch without fixing hair position.

Pros:

Affordable
Easy to use
Smells good
Can be used 3-4 times depending on hair type and length
May produce promising results after weeks of continued use
Great for relaxed/rebonded hair

Cons:

Hair feels heavy

Image courtesy of http://www.imagekb.com/5-out-of-5-star-rating

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Note: Effects may vary depending on hair type, condition, length, and other external factors.

Despite the many pros listed against the only con I could find in this product, I hate the fact that my hair feels heavier than it should be. This variant isn't for me. I still do recommend using it though.

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The Bitch is back!

Product Review: Hair Fix Deep Repair (Watsons Series)

Sponge Wars: Beauty Blender Dupes Below PHP500

Product Review: Hair Treats Hair Spa (Watsons Series)

Product Review: Casa Cellophane (Watsons Series)

Product Review: Hair Fix Intense Straight (Watsons Series)

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