In a climate like Singapore, it is very common to find yourself having oily scalp... and at the same if you dye your hair quite a lot, it's common to find yourself having dry damaged ends.

And apparently, there is a new term to describe a hair condition like that, yup~ It's called "combination hair" that is pretty much the same as "combination skin"!

With that being said, Essential claims to have found the perfect solution to Combination Hair with their Light Finish Volumizing and Deep Cleansing Care Hair care! With the optimum combination of Smart Cuticle Care & Sebum Cleansing Technology, you can now achieve moisturized hair ends while maintaining a refreshed breathable scalp!

And now, for a limited time only, Essential is also giving out a massage shampoo brush with purchase of their shampoo and conditioner!

A massage shampoo brush is a common hair care tool in Japan and is used to help remove dirt and sebum more effectively from the scalp. The massaging action on the scalp is said to improve blood circulation and promote relaxation.

To Use:

Shampoo

Massage onto wet hair to lather. Hold brush handle between index and third finger and rub the bristles onto scalp gently from side to side with small movements. Do not move the brush in circular motions as this will cause tangles.

Rinse off completely.

Conditioner

After shampooing, gently massage conditioner onto hair. Rinse off completely. 

Suitable for daily use.

VERDICT

Texture: Both shampoo varies differently from each other, and so does their conditioner... but that being said, they both feels the same to me.

Smell:  Both have floral scents

Ingredients:

Shampoo- Water (Aqua), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Alcohol, Laureth-4 Carboxylic Acid, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Isodecyl Glyceryl Ether, Fragrance (Parfum), PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Polyquaternium-10, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-7, Citric Acid, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Malic Acid, Laureth-16, Polyquaternium-52, Lanolin Acid, BHT, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 42090

Conditioner- Water (Aqua), Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Alcohol, Fragrance (Parfum), Isopropyl Palmitate, Lactic Acid, Steartrimonium Chloride, Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Benzyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearoxypropyl Dimethy

Cost: $19.60 for Shampoo 750ml + Conditioner 750ml with free Massage Shampoo Brush (hot pink or mint green) from mid-May 2015

Product Rating: 6/10
I found the massage shampoo brush very intriguing because I have heard and seen it before but I have never tried and put it to the test. So, I decided to test the effectiveness of using the massage shampoo brush compared to normal fingers.

To represent sebum and "clogged pores" on the scalp, I used a semi-waterproof kajal eyeliner because it's oil-based, hard to budge and dark & visible enough to see.

So one on side, I used the pads of my finger with Essential's Deep Cleansing Care shampoo to attempt to wash the eyeliner away; on the other side, I used the massage shampoo brush.

The result? Yes, the brush does make a difference in removal and it does boost circulation to the area (as seen by the redness of my skin).

As for the shampoos, I am very skeptic of them because I read ingredients. Ammonium Laureth Sulfate is a better alternative to SLS, so I will close an eye on it... but what's Alcohol doing so high up in the list?!

So for conditioner, a glance at the ingredient lists the top few are all mostly hydrating/moisturizing ingredients... but there is also alcohol in it.. which is weird, isn't it? Can anybody explain the use of it in such products? Does it help to preserve or stabilize the mixture?

That being said, I do find my hair to be smoother and softer after use.. just that it hasn't proven effective in helping me with my oily scalp issues. In fact, my hair feels weighed down and looks limp at the roots, only the ends are airy and light! Hahaha!



So no, I don't think they are the perfect solution to combination hair, because it made my oily scalp worse.

Have you tried them before?

Am I the only one who isn't seeing the results?

Do feel free to let me know!

Essentials Light Finish Volumizing and Deep Cleansing Care Hair care with their limited edition massage shampoo brush can be found at leading supermarkets and personal care stores (NTUC and Sheng Siong stores) now!

If you want to test them out first before buying, head over to Essentials Facebook Page here to redeem Free Samples!

I've been using BLACK PAINT® since May this year and yes, there are periods where I stop using them to review other skincare brands (part of being a beauty blogger) but I always revert back to BLACK PAINT®.

You have seen photo of my Before and After from my previous post on Black Paint, and it has worked really well for me. It hasn't been an overnight miracle but rather a progressive journey.

Black Paint Soap (Top Left), Unique One Sided Pad (Bottom Left) to be used with Best Water Toner, Oil Rose Facial Lotion, Black Sponge (Bottom Right) and Water Cream (Top Right)

Just like the success that BLACK PAINT® has achieved progressively over six years, being awarded once again for the Monde Selection Award “GRAND GOLD”, the highest ranking to rate a product that has achieved an average result between 90%- 100% for its quality.

BLACK PAINT® has been one of my favourite brands because not only is it an organic natural skincare brand (established in Kyoto 15 years ago by Miyuki Maeda), it is also based on the concept of using plant oil treatments to achieve healthy beautiful skin. 

That is why BLACK PAINT® skincare products are made from natural, organic materials which are blended from more than 100 types of plant oils, more than 50 types of essential oils, and Kishu Bichotan Charcoal that suitable for various skin and body parts. 

I have been sharing my success with BLACK PAINT® with my friends and since Sample Store approached me to share my experiences with the products, I thought that it would be great to highlight on certain key application techniques and pointers that I have come to established from my own experience and tips from the founder of BLACK PAINT®.

BLACK PAINT® Soap

Pointers:

• Correct application of the soap is important- it has to feel like melted chocolate.
• If it gets tricky to apply the product onto your face directly with the bar, use your fingers to scoop and apply.
• It will get messy- great way to wash your sink clean.
• The soap will not dry as easily as it would in a humid climate like Singapore- ensure no leftover water in your bowl.
• Product will sting your eyes- avoid applying too close to eye until you are in the shower to rinse them off.
• Product will turn grayish and soapy as you massage with moist hands.

BLACK PAINT® Best Water Toner

Pointers:

• Do not skip this step- this is vital to achieving healthy pores!
• Best used with BLACK PAINT® pads but you can also use cotton pads or facial mask- to create like a toner mask.
• Leave it onto your face with the pads for it to be effective as supposed to merely splashing and patting onto your face.

Personally, after cleansing, I pump 6-8 pumps onto the pads and leave them on my face for 10mins. This method makes a huge difference in my skin, not only does it make my skin feel more hydrated but it also aids in the absorption of BLACK PAINT®Oil Water!

BLACK PAINT® Black Sponge

Pointers:

• Don't neglect this sponge- works well to keep the skin smoother.
• Dry this well- squeeze out water by placing it between your palms and excess water by using the same method with a towel around it.
• Best to air-dry it in a mesh pouch like the one in the photo above- prevents the sponge from ripping apart.
• Use the sponge when it is moist and only with water.

Previously, I used to use the sponge to aid in washing off the soap but I realised that it only degrades it faster. So, only use the sponge after you rinse off in the shower and massage it over your face gently focusing on your T-zone areas.

~~~

Personally, I have experienced a pretty positive outcome with Black Paint's skincare range. However, it has come to my attention that the result varies with individuals (due to different lifestyle, body's reaction to ingredients). Hence, I would recommend starting out with the trial set (good for a month's worth) first to test the products out and to judge on its effectiveness yourself!

For more details & promotions of  Black Paint®:

https://www.facebook.com/blackpaintsg

www.blackpaint.sg

Or

Read all of my BLACK PAINT® related posts HERE

Black Paint® is available at: 

ISETAN, B2 Westgate Mall Jurong East, 3 Gateway Drive, S608532

And

Takashimaya Department Store, B1 (Cashier at Bed Linen Area)

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Black Paint is having 50% OFF on Black Paint Trial Set.

Discounted Price - $59.99. Hurry up, limited time offer!

Order here: http://blackpaint.sg/products/trial-set