Step 1: Take lots of pictures like the ones below. Eventually, he hated what he was seeing.

Step 2: When he asks if I think he should also have a haircut, say yes but be very nonchalant about it. Like you don’t really care…

Step 3: Hint that I need a trim today!… and insist that he accompany me.

Step 4: Hook, Line, and Sinker.

Now comes the hard part, I read somewhere that finding a good stylist is like finding the perfect mate — almost impossible! So today, I decided to try Azta Salon in Eastwood.

It’s my 3rd try in this salon but the first time that they were able to accommodate me. As I was writing this blog, I remembered that you were not supposed to cut your hair from the Chinese new year until 15 days after. And that might be the reason why no one was in the salon in the first place! (Anyone knows feng shui that could reverse bad fortune from cutting hair?)

The cut was pretty quick and I was almost tempted to ask them for some color too but I decided to test the results first. My hair looks ok after the blow drying but we all know the true results will be seen after I wash, air-dry, and barely brush my hair tomorrow.

Lance’s cut, however, was something I really liked! The stylist even gave a lot of styling tips that would flatter him. Too bad he still didn’t have the discipline to ask the stylist what products he should use to style it the same way.

As additional help, here’s a list of their services:

1. Sunrise after the darkest of nights.
2. Friends who bring out the best in you.
3. A love that makes you smile.
4. Belief that anything is possible.
5. Courage to finally do what you’ve been putting off.
6. Time for yourself.
7. Promises that are kept.
8. An answered prayer.
9. A heart that forgives
10. A happy feeling everyday.
11. A soul that heals.
12. A wonderful life & perfect health.

More words when I find time this week. I’m hitting the sack early tonight… part of my commitment to make a lifestyle change (which is a whole other blog post!).

do just enough and hope the world will change somehow.”

But stubborn me does not believe in limits,

Pushing should change the world fast enough.

I pour my heart out on unrequited tasks,

yet I still counted on ‘Change will come soon enough’.

One step forward and always two steps back

450… no, almost 2000 of little thanks and too much harangue

And I’m almost running on empty, devoid of any reserves

The world will still spin when I stop moving.

So maybe I can

this time

be just really still.

‘

‘

‘

“Stop. I cannot save everyone..”

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And days of Auld Lang Syne.

For Auld Lang Syne, my dear,
For Auld Lang Syne,
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
For Auld Lang Syne.

And here’s the hand, my trusty friend
And gives a hand of thine
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
For Auld Lang Syne.

For Auld Lang Syne, my dear,
For Auld Lang Syne,
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
For Auld Lang Syne.

.

.

And the original Scots verse:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne* ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my jo (or my dear),
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp !
and surely I’ll be mine !
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pu’d the gowans fine ;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d i’ the burn,
frae morning sun till dine ;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere !
and gie’s a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

i wish i could have just been stabbed,
then morphine could make me feel less
and only my body would need to heal –
everything else painless as i dream.

i will myself to stop breaking.
courage has always been greater and bigger than me,
but how can i stop the falling tears –
when my whole heart shatters as i breathe.

I have always wanted to buy those 120 color eyeshadow palette we see on Ebay but because most of them are unbranded or fake branded, I didn’t. Beauty magazines have always reminded us about harmful ingredients and how much damage it can cause. Un-for-tu-nate-ly (or maybe fortunately — depends who you ask), the tiangge of Eastwood was just too much for my EQ. By the 3rd stall that had the palettes, my wallet had a mind of it’s own.

What: Fresh Green Mix Mineralize Eyeshadow (Unbranded or dupe MAC)
Where: Eastwood Tiangge
Cost: P800

Sulfate & Sodium-free Keratin Shampoo &  Conditioner

As I blabbed on my previous post, I recently had Brazilian Blowout done to my hair. I am not inclined to repeat the process any time soon so I was on a hunt to find a sulfate-free keratin shampoo. The search was for Keratin Complex Color Care Shampoo & Conditioner but after 1 week, several salons, several malls, and several friends not finding any. It became a search for just any sulfate-free keratin shampoo while I continue the holy grail search.

Nice and I happened to be in MOA yesterday so I decided to see if Marionnaud carried any, I almost gave up but good thing I decided to search for OPI nail polish because right beside the OPI rack was Organix. The products were cheaper than Keratin Complex and Pureology and that’s not such a good thing. After buying the products, I went online to find some reviews and every website has mix feedback about the product. Seems like an equal percent like and hate the Brazilian Keratin line. Hopefully, I get to be part of the like crowd.

What: Organix Ever Straight Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner
Where: Marionnaud, MOA
Cost: P449 each
Brand website: http://www.organixhair.com/

Orly Nail Lacquers

Every time I head into an Orly reseller, I am on the lookout for the Sweet Collection’s Snow Cone even if I know it’s part of their limited edition 2010 collection. Of course, I always get disappointed. To get over the disappointment, I bought 2 new colors (please help me remember to bring it to the salon when I have my pedi).

What: Orly Rich Creme Permanent Collection
Color: Basket Case
Where: Marionnaud, MOA
Cost: P349.75

What: Orly Hot Stuff Collection
Color: Blue Collar
Where: Marionnaud, MOA
Cost: P349.75

Brand Website: http://www.orlybeauty.com/

Waterproof Mascara

What happened to L’oreal’s Telescopic Clean Mascara? I can still see it in L’oreal Paris’ website but every store I’ve been to here in Manila does not carry it anymore. One attendant had told my sister that it had been discontinued! It’s going to be a shame if it truly has been discontinued as it’s the only one I’ve used for almost 3 years.

While I still have my last tube of Telescopic, I am on the search for a new mascara. Let’s start with Maybelline and the attendant’s recommendation for me.

What: Maybelline the Magnum Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara
Where: Watsons
Cost: P359
Brand Website: http://www.maybelline.com/

Vanity Mirror

Vanity’s favorite friend, mirror. Fits well into my toolbox.

What: Paganini Mirror
Where: Watsons
Cost: P129.75

I’ll try to post reviews as I get to use each item.

1. They’re not afraid to tell the truth or to break bad news. Of course, this can be very uncomfortable at times but it keeps all of us grounded.
2. They don’t take sides! Another great realization which had me admiring each of them so much more. They might have their opinions on who is right or wrong but they don’t actively take factions, they just keep on going back to 1.
3. They tell me and they tell on me. People call it backbiting, I think it’s keeping peace. The intention was, is, and will always be to resolve issues. Again, we go back to 1 & 2.
4. Not out of sight, out of mind. There’s no real drama about feeling or being left out. We’re also understand that there might be more social circles in our lives so join or not, we’re friends the next day (this does not apply to set in stone dates though unless the reason trumps the event).
5. They all understand 1, 2, 3 & 4 — well, most of them anyway. I guess that’s enough.

Long years are not worth
the vanity and deceit.
The narcissictic tendencies
that build a fake reality.

Mirrors make light shine
but broken people don’t.
Even when put together,
cracks will always show.

Pity, pity, pity
How elusive your contentment is.

After trolling a ton of health & beauty websites and several weeks of contemplating, I finally decided to try out Permanent Blowdry (also recommended by Marjh). Since we were somewhere in Quezon City, I chose to checkout Great Cuts Salon in Timog. The receptionist was nice enough to inform me that they actually have an ongoing promo with CashCashPinoy  and even offered to use their PC so I can buy it online. Unfortunately, vouchers can only be redeemed starting 5th of November. Given the crazy schedule at work, I knew if I didn’t do it that day, it probably won’t happen for months so I opted to pay the full price.

Though I asked for the permanent blowdry, the salon staff were all recommending the Brazilian Blowout instead. I was very hesitant as there’s a great deal on the net about the “aldehyde” concerns with this treatment. I voiced out my concern but was assured that their products/supplies were tested and all have BFAD approval. Convinced, I decided to have the Brazilian Blowout, some hair coloring, and a trim.

Like what I would normally do in a salon, I left my extremely fried hair to the expertise of the Sr. Stylist and my only condition was it needs to look good. First thing that they did was wash my hair with clarifying shampoo. This was to remove all dirt and products from the hair so treatment will be more effective. Hair color needed to be done first and the plan was to lighten my hair and put a color that will blend well with current hair color. He ended up choosing a Tobacco Beige mixed with Very Light Blonde.

While we were waiting for the color to soak, I asked on what maintenance should I have after the treatment. Using a sulfate-free shampoo is a definite must, which would preserve as well as delay the stripping of keratin in the hair, but what they absolutely recommend is to use a sulfate-free shampoo with keratin. My questions opened the opportunity to upsell their Keralove maintenance kit (shampoo, conditioner, and leave-on). The set seemed promising but I never heard of the brand so I decided to google Keralove before deciding to buy it. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any useful review so I decided to pass until I get to compare it with Keratin Complex.

The next few steps were pretty standard: another shampoo, applied keratin treatment, another wash. As they were finishing the nth wash, the stylist then informs me that we will be going up to the Blowout lab. I imagined the lab they were talking about and asked why there was a special lab. Apparently the next part of the treatment can get very smoky. They joked that the next step was like being in the clouds thus, the lab was placed on the second floor and was equipped with exhaust fans.

The lab was not much different from the ground floor salon except that we would need to wear hospital masks and optional goggles. I sighed because I knew that this definitely not the formaldehyde-free process they had earlier assured. They applied treatment, explained that flat-ironing will seal the keratin into the hair but a by-product evaporates causing all the smoke. This was the most uncomfortable phase of the whole process. Though I didn’t smell the fumes like what most people wrote in their blogs, whatever chemical was being used stung my eyes like hell. I had goggles on but still had to keep my eyes closed throughout most of the flat-ironing process.

Alas, we finished that step! We went down to rinse and apply the Brazilian Blowout masque. They kept the mask twice longer than usual because of the damage that my hair has. The last step for the day was a haircut and the stylist was hesitant as he kept saying that the treatment had already fixed most of my hair issues but I insisted since I read somewhere that getting healthy hair involved chopping off as much of the damaged length as possible.

Like every other person who had Brazilian Blowout, I cannot deny that the results are just simply amazing! I have never been happier with my hair. I would have been completely satisfied if the treatment didn’t sting my eyes so bad and if I could only get rid of the worrisome potential side effects of formaldehyde exposure.

Most of you are probably curious how it was after the first wash, below are a pictures taken  7-days after the treatment. I am simply loving it.

And just to compare, here’s my hair before the treatment:

Friends kept on asking me what I did to my hair and I was more than happy to tell them about Brazilian Blowout however, I can’t help but tell them about the flat-ironing process and all that’s being said on the blogs. I personally feel that each person who decides to get the treatment should know all the risks they’re taking for that shiny, straight hair. Personally, I don’t think I will go for a second Brazilian Blowout — unless they actually invent a credible formaldehyde-free version. I think having it done once would not cause health issues but multiple exposure can definitely be harmful.

But I am positively-head-over-heels-in-love with the my hair so I am already in search of similar but safer alternatives. So far, I am considering Great Cuts’ Permanent Blowdry or Piandre’s Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy. In the meantime, since I had already endured formaldehyde evaporation, I intend to try and keep my fabulous hair as long as possible. Thus, the search for keratin maintenance begins…

Salon: Great Cuts Salon
Services Tried: Brazilian Blowout, Hair Colour, Haircut
Stylist: Jun Almencion
Cost: P6500 – Brazilian Blowout & Haircut; P1500 – Hair Colour
How long will it last: about 4 months
Total Pampering Time: 3 hours