• naturelab tokyo perfect shine

    First Impressions with NatureLab Tokyo

    Hi Everyone!

    Today I’m reviewing some products I received from NatureLab Tokyo. Here’s a little bit about the brand from their website:

    Through our own research and discovery, all NatureLab products use active Botanical Stem Cells to maintain scalp health, improve follicle strength and promote hair growth at a cellular level.

    Free of harsh Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, Gluten, Mineral Oil and other harsh chemicals that not only damage hair, but the environment. Cruelty Free and Never Animal Tested.

    Their shampoo and conditioner bottles are really cool. They sort of look like round-bottom flasks that you see in science labs. They also sell refillable pouches so you can reuse the bottles. The bottles are made of a harder plastic (not squeezable).

    They have four different collections that target different hair types.

    REPAIR – Healthy scalp, soft strands, revitalized appearance

    For damaged, colour-treated hair

    Fragrance – Inspired by Japanese bamboo forests with a hint of green tea and Cyprus

    Products in Collection – Shampoo, Conditioner, Treatment Masque, Leave-In Treatment

    SHINE – Shine on

    For dull, drab hair

    Fragrance – A refreshingly light, soft scent with notes of violet and amber

    Products in Collection – Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Oil, Clarifying Scalp Scrub

    SMOOTHCalm scalp; controlled, frizz-free hair

    For dry, frizzy hair

    Fragrance – Inspired by the warm, fresh scent of a freshly peeled Japanese yuzu

    Products in Collection – Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Oil, Blowout Lotion

    VOLUMEHealthy scalp, voluminous body

    For flat, limp hair

    Fragrance – Inspired by the light feminine floral aroma of Japanese cherry blossoms

    Products in Collection – Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Oil, Blowout Jelly, Texture Mist

    I chose to try products from the SHINE collection – Antioxidant-rich Stem Cells from Grape regenerate scalp papilla cells and revitalize shine. Hyaluronic acid seals in moisture while Pearl Extract stimulates enzymes for an iridescent finish. Shine on.

    Perfect Shine Shampoo

    Let your inner light shine through with a Platinum Fiber-infused shampoo that reveals hair’s natural reflective properties.

    Ingredients:  Aqua (Water, Eau), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Dipropylene Glycol, Argania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Pca, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Platinum Powder, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Locust Bean Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Argan Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Butylene Glycol, Isomalt, Polyquaternium-10, Butylene Glycol Laurate, Ppg-2 Cocamide, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Lecithin, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Disodium Edta, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Caramel

    Perfect Shine Conditioner

    Elevate shine to mega-watt status with a Platinum Fiber-infused conditioning treatment that delivers a weightless, glossy finish.

    Ingredients:  Aqua (Water, Eau), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Dipropylene Glycol, Argania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Pca, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Platinum Powder, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Locust Bean Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Argan Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Butylene Glycol, Isomalt, Polyquaternium-10, Butylene Glycol Laurate, Ppg-2 Cocamide, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Lecithin, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Disodium Edta, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Caramel

    RATING: 4/5

    When I first received the products, I obviously smelled them right away. The scent was a bit strong (sweet and floral) from the bottle, but once you rinse it out, it’s a lighter scent. In the past, I’ve used shampoos that gave me headaches because they’re too strong.

    The shampoo and conditioner made my hair look so shiny and sleek. The violet scent is pleasant, but I prefer fruity scents over florals.

    Perfect Shine Oil Mist

    Enhance color and elevate shine with a Platinum Fiber-infused light-reflecting hair oil mist.

    Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Argania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Pca, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Platinum Powder, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Locust Bean Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Eisenia Arborea Extract, Porphyra Yezoensis Extract, Hydrolyzed Keratin Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Butylene Glycol, Isomalt, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Aqua (Water, Eau), Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Lecithin, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance)

    RATING: 3/5

    I don’t really like using hair oils because my scalp is already oily. It’s definitely easy to go overboard. The first time I tried it, I sprayed too much and it looked greasy instead of a healthy shine. The scent of the oil is stronger since you don’t rinse it out like the shampoo and conditioner.

    Perfect Repair Treatment Masque

    Get back to your roots with this deep conditioning treatment masque that restores dull hair from scalp to strand. Smart Keratin technology fortifies the hair cuticle and penetrates the cortex to rebuild body and revitalize shine. Potent plant Stem Cells from Bamboo strengthen the hair shaft and promote healthy hair growth while antioxidant-rich Argan and Prickly Pear oils add a protective luster. Damaged hair is visibly improved and new hair sprouts stronger.

    Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Steartrimonium Chloride, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Polyquaternium-10, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Phyllostachys Pubescens Meristem Cell Lysate, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Glutamic Acid, Sodium PCA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cetrimonium Chloride, Isopropyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Parfum (Fragrance), Green 3 (CI 42053), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985).

    RATING: 4/5

    In addition to the shampoo, conditioner and hair oil mist, they also sent samples of the Repair Treatment Masque. I really like the smell of the Repair collection. It’s green tea and cyprus. It smells similar to the Dove Cool Moisture Shampoo (which is green tea and cucumber). I really liked the masque and it also made my hair look shiny and healthy. I don’t do much with my hair, so it’s not damaged. I’d be interested to see if it works well for someone with damaged hair.

    Check out their Instagram!

    Have you heard of NatureLab Tokyo?

    Love,

    *The descriptions and ingredients in italics were taken from website (as well as the ingredient pictures).

    *None of the links in this post are affiliate links.

  • Recipe | Classic Almond Biscotti

    Hello Everyone!

    I can’t believe it, but this is my 100th post! I know it’s been over 100 days since I first started my blog, and I said I would do my best to write a post each day, but with the wedding preparations and prepping for our trip to Mauritius, I haven’t been posting as much as I would like. I will definitely try to write at least 3-5 posts each week (it seems that my readers like my food posts, so I will try to do more of those…Here’s one for you now!)

    A few years back, I wanted to try making my own almond biscotti and I found a recipe on Pinterest. It was really good, even C asked for the recipe so she could make it herself. I just made the biscotti for Christmas eve dessert with the family. It’s already delicious, but you could add some chocolate or dip it in your tea (or rum like my uncle, HW, did). It definitely tastes better than the store-bought kind and it’s the perfect snack to enjoy with a hot cup of tea. Below is the recipe, courtesy of Julia from Fat Girl Trapped in a Skinny Body. I’ve copied the recipe directly from the website:

    Classic Almond Biscotti

    Yield: makes about 48 biscotti (depending on the size)

    Ingredients

    • 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
    • 1 tbsp baking powder
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1 1/2 cups sugar
    • 10 tbsp (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
    • 3 eggs
    • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tbsp almond extract
    • 1 cup almond slices, toasted

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat.

    Sift flour, baking powder and salt into medium bowl.

    In a large bowl mix the sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until it’s well combined. Mix in almonds.

    Divide the dough in half. Get some flour on your hands and shape each dough portion into a 13 inch-long x 3 inch-wide, x 1 1/2 inch thick log. Transfer both logs to the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. *They don’t expand much, so it’s ok if the logs are very close to the edge of the baking sheet.

    Bake the logs until they’re golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool the logs completely on the sheet on a wire rack, about 30 minutes. Keep your oven on.

    Transfer the cooled logs to a cutting board. Use a serrated knife and cut logs into 1/2-inch-wide slices. Arrange the slices cut side down on the same baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes. Turn the biscotti over and continue baking about 10-12 more minutes, just until they’re starting to get some color. Transfer the biscotti to a wire rack and cool. They’ll harden even more as they cool.

    Store on the counter for up to 1 week. Or store them in the freezer in a plastic baggy for months.

    Enjoy!

    Love,

    jen