Texture Release on Fine 4c Natural hair

  , , , ,
Comments Off on Texture Release on Fine 4c Natural hair

hihi everyone, I hope all is well! It’s now more than 1 month after my texture release and so now is a great time to share my thoughts on it! I have played around with my hair and had a few wash days too and I have a lot of thoughts to share!

My hair- I have very fine, low to medium density 4c hair. I’ve been natural for 13 years. This texture release would be the 1st time in 13 years I have ever done a chemical service and also the first time I have straightened my hair, done a silk press.

I got my TR done at Maison Style, full review here. One of the main reasons why I did the TR was that I wanted to try something different with my hair this year because I wanted to wear it out more. I wanted to be a heat trained/straight natural so that I can do that easily. After getting the TR and talking with Andree, I have decided not to go down this route. Why?

Because I have very fine hair, my hair is more prone to heat damage. I actually didn’t know this until Andree said at my app. Fine hair has fewer layers compared to coarse hair making it more fragile. I think I have some heat damage in the top area of my hair after the service because its straight and limp as compared to the rest of my hair. And this is with lots of heat protectant and a good routine prior to the TR. Whilst I don’t really wear my hair in its curly state, I still want healthier hair so becoming a straight natural and having lots of silk presses will cause a lot of damage even with a good moisture/protein balance routine.

I have low to medium density hair and this is disguised very well when my hair is in its natural coily state. It feels fuller and thicker. I prefer thicker hair so I was very surprised to see my hair on the lower density side after it was straightened. To be totally honest I did not like that. There’s nothing wrong with having this density, density is genetic however because I prefer a fuller head, I just didn’t like it. I made some clip ins to add extra body but I don’t want to rely on this every time I get my hair straightened. No clip ins in the pic.

My blowdried hair still appears fuller so if anything I can go down the route of a blow dried natural instead of getting silk presses. Blow drying is not nearly as damaging as a silk press in terms of heat damage. Still I would have to be careful on my very fine hair

In terms of the condition of my hair, my hair feels so soft and the curls are more elongated. I don’t have as much shrinkage as before so it makes washing my hair just a little bit quicker. I do like the TR for this.

If you have fine low density 4c hair just manage your expectations of a TR, especially if you haven’t seen your hair silky straight before. I say this because almost 98% of the videos I watched were on 4c coarse high density hair so of course my image of what I thought my hair would look like was a bit skewed especially since I had also never seen my hair straight after I went natural. What about my relaxed days? Well there was only ever 1 time I was able to get my hair proper silky straight because this person actually knew what they were doing lol, all other times my hair was still slightly puffy and honestly my hair was more in braids than relaxed and out. My silky straight relaxed hair was also on the thinner side infact my silky straight natural hair is actually a bit ‘thicker’.

Will I get a texture release again? No. Because the main reason why I wanted one was to aid my straight natural journey and since my hair cant tolerate that much heat frequently, there’s no need for it. Whilst I’m loving the relaxed curl pattern and the condition of my hair, its just not enough to justify the service. Will I change my mind later? who knows

Will I recommend it? YES. If you have coarse high density hair, you will probably love it and benefit from it more

I don’t regret getting the TR, I’m so happy I’m finally trying something different with my hair and taking much better care of it! I will have my 1 month wash day post TR up soon! I’m ending my hair challenge of no braids or wigs as I’m planning to get braids soon for the summer as an actual protective style lol. I’ve had my hair out for the last 6 months and need a mini break. Over the last 6 months too, I have worn wigs for a total of 1 week spread over many days. I’m really proud of myself for it! I don’t remember a time I’ve had my own hair out for this long! and taking proper care of it too.

I really hope you find this post helpful. If you are thinking of getting a TR, make sure you read up on it as much as possible whilst watching as many videos as you can. Try and watch vids of people with the same density & texture as yours, it will help you manage expectations. If you have hair like mine, there isnt that many videos for us fortunately lol so hopefully my posts on TR help

take care

Hydrating toners for Combination Skin

  ,
Comments Off on Hydrating toners for Combination Skin

Hihi everyone, I hope all is well. Today we are talking toners! If you are looking for a new toner to try, I hope you find this post helpful

Toners/waters/essences are they really necessary? Afterall, if serums are most important and you have cleansed properly, do you really need this step? The answer is NO. Toners, essences etc are completely optional but its a great way to layer your skincare and build hydration for all skin types

There’s so many types of toners available but in this post I’m talking about hydrating toners only. There are no acids in here( another post). These types of toners can be paired with any ingredients and great for all skintypes and concerns. These are my fav hydrating toners I have used and love

Garnier Rose Toner This is a great budget friendly toner from Boots and did you know its an exact dupe for the Pixi Rose Tonic? Ive used both, love both and they both work the same. They are very gentle and soothing on the skin and doesn’t dry it out.

Artistry Skin Nutrition™ Hydrating Smoothing Toner this was a surprising toner for me. my SIL bought this for me to try and I really liked it. It’s packed with hydrating, soothing ingredients and even some fermented ingredients. It helps to hydrate and repair the skin and also pairs well with other actives.

CosRX Full Propolis Toner– I got this off Stylevana because I was looking to try a range of k beauty toners. This is a really popular one and I can see why its loved. Its a nice hydrating toner and its ‘thick’ enough to dispense into the palms and pat into the skin. I had no irritation with it

Fresh Antioxdiant Black Tea Essence – this baby right here is worth the pounds! She’s not cheap that’s why I also have a k-beauty dupe for you! The Kaine kombu balancing ampoule toner is very similar to the Fresh one! Its not as hydrating nor does it leave my skin as glowy BUT I really like it too. both of these toners are packed with antioxidants, hydrating and repair ingredients to help heal & nourish the skin

Next I will do a round up of my fav acid based toners! I used to LOVE these and tried a lot of them!

If you think you need a little bit more hydration in your routine, try adding a hydrating toner layer before your serum, day & night and see if that helps! I have normal to combo skin which turns more oily in the warm weather and using a hydrating toner is a good way of ensuring my skin stays hydrated through the day/night. These can also be layered on top of acid based toners( acid first) and its a great way to ease yourself into acid toners too actually

I hope this helps and catch you later in my next post!

adidos!

Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Review & 30% Off Discount Code |AD

 
Comments Off on Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Review & 30% Off Discount Code |AD

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

gatineau logo

30% discount on 400ml using code

REESENTME

Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Review

Let me introduce you to one of my best discoveries of 2024, the Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan. As someone who is whiter than my windowsills, with fantasies of being a bronzed goddess, self-tan is an essential part of my life. Here’s why I’m obsessed with Gatineau’s Golden Glow.

What is Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan?

Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan
Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan

Gatineau Golden Glow is probably the easiest way out there to get a natural looking tan:

  • Luxurious, fast-absorbing formula for face and body
  • Provides immediate hydration
  • Natural looking tan develops gradually
  • Buildable formula
  • Effortless application
  • Elegant cream-gel texture that melts into the skin
  • Leaves skin looking and feeling super soft and hydrated
  • Buildable formula for the level of tan you desire
  • Features a unique fragrance with notes of Pear, Mandarin, Sandalwood, and Musk
  • Available with 30% off with code REESENTME

Key Ingredients

Vitamin E – antioxidant that protects skin from environmental aggressors and free radical damage

DHA – derived from sugar cane, and reacts naturally with the amino acids in the skin to give a golden tan

Coconut Oil – maintains the skin barrier and hydrates and smooths the skin

USE CODE REESENTME FOR 30% OFF 400ML

About Gatineau

Gatineau is such a beautiful French skincare brand that started in Paris 90 years ago by a visionary beauty therapist Madame Jeanne Gatineau. She worked with dermatologists and biochemists to create a line of professional-quality skincare with powerful formulations combining natural ingredients with cutting-edge biotechnology.

It was one of the first luxury skincare brands I ever tried, and I’ll never forget the first time I used their game-changing Gommage which was like nothing I had ever tried. It is still an icon in the beauty industry years later. Gatineau was in fact the first brand to create an exfoliator. If you haven’t tried the Radiance Enhancing Gommage, you must!

The Importance of Skincare in Gradual Tanning

The Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan skincare formula completely eradicates the risk of mistakes because it is so easy to apply and blend over the skin. The formula delivers a completely streak-free finish, and the skincare ingredients keep the skin hydrated so that the tan never goes patchy.

My Review of Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan

Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan 400ml pump bottle
Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan 400ml pump bottle

Like I said at the top, this is one of my best beauty discoveries of 2024, if not longer. If you love a bronzy glow, I think you will absolutely love this.

I am a self-confessed self-tan addict and I have been tanning for decades. I started when I was at university and just never stopped. For me it quickly became a year-round essential element of my beauty routine, and I am genuinely a happier person with a fresh layer of tan. In fact, I often say if self-tan was no longer available, I’d be a lot less happy!

I have been fake tanning for years, but I still make mistakes. Not with this! I haven’t had any hand or feet disasters since I’ve been using it. It literally provides the most flawless and seamless blend.

The Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan is an absolute joy to use because it is so easy. You simply use it like you use your body lotion. I put it on as soon as I get out of the shower, and I use it top to bottom covering my whole body in under a couple of minutes. I apply it to my hands and feet, knees, elbows (everywhere!) just like my moisturiser and it sinks in super-fast, and I can get dressed pretty much straight away.

I simply make sure that I wash my palms and in between my fingers with hand soap and I’m all set. The tan starts to develop after a few hours and if I use it at night, I wake up with a gorgeous golden glow. When I use it in the morning, the glow gradually intensifies as the day goes on. It’s such a good feeling.

When I start from scratch (totally scrubbed off and white) after 2 or 3 days I am where I want to be. Although, to be completely transparent, I haven’t really had to start from scratch since I have been using this because it fades so nicely. As a serial fake tanner, it really is all about the fade for me.

Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan texture
Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan texture

In terms of the texture, I have to say, it is dreamy. It has a light yet super hydrating gel-cream consistency that melts into the skin with almost a water-infusion feel. It’s blends over the skin so effortlessly.

And it smells so good! It has the most beautiful soft fragrance, and it never has the DHA turning moment (aka the biscuit) that you get with pretty much all self-tans.

Also, the colour never transfers (I tested this on plain white pyjamas!), so you don’t need to worry about stained bed sheets or clothes.

Before and After Photos

Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Before Photo
Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Before Photo
Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan After Photo
Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan After Photo

Gatineau Golden Glow Demo Video

INSERT REEL HERE.

How to Use Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan

STEP 1 – Apply one pump per limb using smooth circular motions and rub in thoroughly
STEP 2 – Lightly smooth over dry areas such as hands, elbows, knees and feet 
STEP 3 – Wash hands after use particularly between fingers
STEP 4 – Wait for skin to be touch dry before dressing

The colour develops over 3-4 hours. You can use 1-3 applications to achieve your desired glow, then top up when you like.

The Benefits of Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan

  • Easy to apply and blend
  • No mitts or gloves required
  • Hydrates and smooths the skin
  • Natural, buildable colour
  • No transfer to sheets or clothing
  • Fades evenly with no patchiness
  • No unpleasant smell
  • Available in a value 400ml bottle with pump

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Golden Glow be used by first-time tanners?

This is the perfect product for first time tanners because it is as near to being foolproof as you can imagine. The colour builds gradually, so you never end up with a result that is darker than you want.

Is it safe to use Golden Glow daily?

Yes. You can use this product as much as you like, and you can keep applying it until you reach the level of tan you want. Once you have your ideal tan, you can simply top up whenever you need to.

How does the cream compare to other tanning products?

This is so much easier to use than many tanning products and you don’t need any equipment like mitts or gloves. It is super hydrating and doesn’t dry out the skin like many tans. Plus, you can get the level of tan you wish depending on how often you apply. And no fake tan smell!

How long does it take to see results from Gatineau Golden Glow?

The tan starts to develop in about three hours. You can build up the tan with daily application until you achieve the glow you want.

Are there any side effects of using this tan?

I love this tan because it is one of the few tanning products that doesn’t dry out my skin, which the main downside of self-tanning. This is super hydrating and smoothing.

Is Golden Glow suitable for all skin types?

Yes, this formula is suitable for all skin types.

Is Gatineau Eco Friendly?

The Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan bottle is fully recyclable. All of Gatineau’s cartons are FSC certified.

Where to buy it

You can buy Gatineau Golden Glow via the link below. Remember to use code REESENTME to claim 30% off:

Also, if you are looking for a concealer and skincare hybrid, I can’t recommend Gatineau’s one enough. For more information on that, read: Gatineau Perfection Ultime Miracle Eye Contour Cream Review.

SIGN UP TO MY FACEBOOK GROUP FOR BEAUTY RECOMMENDATIONS, FAVOURITE PRODUCTS & FRIENDLY CHAT