Showing posts with label Made in Italy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Made in Italy. Show all posts

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

For many years I used drugstore brand at-home hair dyes, but the last couple of times that I did I noticed that my scalp became dry and irritated. I decided to try something a little different, and I kept seeing Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel, and I decided to try it. This Italian brand, founded in 1970, is cruelty-free, vegan and it has a wide range of colors from which to choose. I have naturally curly dark brown hair that naturally lightens up in the summer, and therefore during the cooler months I tried their Light Chestnut 5N, and for the summer I tried their Light Golden Chestnut 5D, and both are stunning shades.

When I used Light Chestnut 5N, I mixed the hair color gel and the developer until it became a thick gel that was uniform in color. I carefully brushed it from roots to tips and then left it on for 40 minutes. This formula was tested on sensitive skin, and it definitely did not irritate, burn or tingle my scalp. I rinsed it out after 40 minutes and then applied their wonderful Royal Cream Conditioner– which comes with the hair color. This conditioner is lightweight and yet incredibly emollient and moisturizing. When I was done my hair was uniformly a gorgeous chestnut shade, but it was darker than on the box since my hair was quite dark to start with. 

The next time I colored my hair, I used their Light Golden Chestnut 5D, and this lighter shade is a perfect fit for my hair during the summer. This adds a bit more depth of color, but with a slightly lighter hue with a very faint golden sensibility. 

This formula neither dries out my scalp, nor my hair, and the color lasts for a few months before I need a touch up.

Herbatint encourages mixing shades to customize your hair color, and they also suggest that you can mix up just a small amount if you only need to do root-touch up. Whether you have any grey hair you seek to cover, or just roots that differ from the rest of your color, then just doing a root touch-up makes a lot of sense. I don't have much grey hair, but there are some strands here and there, and this does an excellent job of covering them.
About Herbatint,

Herbatint, the main brand of Antica Erboristeria, was founded in 1970 following a brilliant intuition of its founder, the herbalist Michele Albergo, who focused his research on a coloring formula that could combine product efficacy with hair and skin health. Thanks to his outstanding knowledge of medicinal herbs, starting from formulations based on herbal extracts, he progressively reduced the percentage of chemical ingredients, including hydrogen peroxide.
 
Michele Albergo was strongly influenced by the Swiss herbalist with whom he had carried out his apprenticeship when he was young. He applied the knowledge gained, which had been passed down from generation to generation, in the production of Herbatint’s formulas. Thus, in a sector dominated by large multinational companies producing ammonia-based hair coloring, aimed only at product performance, Antica Erboristeria introduced a totally innovative formula: a permanent hair coloring containing herbal extracts without the use of ammonia and with a very low percentage of hydrogen peroxide

About the N and D Shades:

The N (Natural) Series shades color your hair while creating a natural, even color. Thanks to a consistent and odorless formula, Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel is easy to mix and apply, proving perfect results in just 40 minutes, every time! Herbatint’s gentle formula allows you to lighten your natural hair color up to a maximum of 2 shades.

The D (Golden) shade offers golden blond or brown highlights, depending on the degree of shade choice. Choose it for an intense, bright and natural result. Thanks to a consistent and odorless formula, Herbatint Haircolor Gel is easy to mix and apply, providing perfect results in just 40 minutes, every time! Herbatint’s gentle formula allows you to lighten your natural hair color up to a maximum of 2 shades.

Features:
  • Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin.
  • Gentle formula without ammonia, parabens and alcohol fragrance free.
  • 8 Organic herbal extracts.
  • A gel formula, easy to apply.
  • 36 Mixable shades – can be mixed to create customized colors.
  • Color gel and developer (unmixed) can be saved and reused allowing for additonal applications.

CONTENTS:

  • 1 bottle of hair color gel
  • 1 bottle of developer
  • 1 sample of Royal Cream Conditioner
  • *Gloves and instructions also included. Application kit sold separately.

Before coloring your hair do the following:

Sensitvity Test: Since the product may cause skin irritation on certain individuals, a preliminary sensitivity test should be performed. Click here to learn how to take a sensitivity test at home.

Color Strand Test: Herbatint recommends that you test the color on a part of your hair that contains the colors you want to cover. By doing a color strand test, it ensures you get that you get the first look of your desired color. 

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Since Herbatint uses the most gentle formula possible, our product will only lift about one shade.  Herbatint is not capable of lifting multiple shades, so it is important to choose a color within one shade of your normal color, when going lighter.
Directions: To mix Herbatint Gel and Developer, use the Herbatint measuring cup found in the Herbatint Application Kit to mix equal parts of color and developer. The quantity you use depends on the length and volume of your hair. Note: If you don’t own an Application Kit, you can use a plastic or glass measuring cup, but NEVER use a metal measuring device.

Mix with a brush until you obtain a gel-like consistency. Starting at the root, apply the gel to dry, unwashed hair. Tilt your head back while you rinse so that the gel does not get into your eyes.

Once processed, rinse hair thoroughly until the water runs clear. Rinse by tilting head back (Do NOT use shampoo for 48 hours).
Ingredients for Light Chestnut 5N:
Available Shades:
Overall Assessment: I am so happy that I tried Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel, and it is definitely the nicest home hair color that I have tried. I already purchased 3 more boxes in Light Golden Chestnut 5D when I found them on sale! A+

$16.99 from Herbatint, Amazon, iHerb, Walmart and Swanson (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Lord & Berry Jamais! Sheer Lipstick in Sweet Talk Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Lord & Berry Jamais! Sheer Lipstick in Sweet Talk, which is described as a Tawny Peach, is an ultra-emollient peachy pink lipstick that feels fantastic on the lips. It has a very creamy consistency, a high shine finish and it is very pigmented. While it is described as sheer, it provides ample color saturation and offers sheer to medium coverage. It glides across the lips with effortlessly, deposits color evenly and it doesn't migrate when I wear it. It is cruelty-free and made in Italy. While it lists fragrance among its ingredients, I neither detect a smell nor a taste.

According to Lord & Berry,

Jamais! Sheer Lipstick is a lightweight lipstick that delivers extremely comfortable, sheer to medium buildable coverage and a mirror-like shine finish. This high-shine sheer lipstick with smooth and creamy provides brilliant and super-pigmented lip color while taking care of your lips. Jamais! is enriched with Sunflower Oil that provides long-lasting moisture and nourishment to your lips. The shade range is designed to complement all skin tones. Jamais! Sheer Lipstick is paraben free, silicone D4/D5 free.

Features and Claims:

  • Creamy and emollient texture.
  • Sheer to medium coverage formula with a wet shiny finish.
  • Tocopheryl nicotinate ensures a plumping effect.
  • Sunflower oil helps to achieve the smoothest finish possible.
  • Lightweight triglyceride delivers true comfort and emolliency.
  • Paraben-free, silicone-free, D4 or D5-free.

Note the luminosity in the swatch below.

Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Polybutene, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer Polyethylene, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Triisodecyl Trimellitate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Mica, Phytosteryl Isostearate, Propylene Carbonate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables Tocopheryl Nicotinate, Parfum (Fragrance), Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Dicalcium Phosphate, Bht, Linalool, Limonene, Tin Oxide May contain - Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 42090 (Blue 1), Ci 19140 (Yellow 5), Ci 15985 (Yellow 6), Ci 15850 (Red 6), Ci 15850 (Red 7), Ci 45410 (Red 28).

Overall Assessment: I love the color and consistency of this lipstick, and I can't wait to share more colors with you (coming soon!). 

$28.00 for 0.14 oz. from Lord & Berry, Macy's and Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2024 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Bialetti Moka Express for Delicious Espressos, Cappuccinos and Lattes

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

There is a reason that the iconic Bialetti Moka Express has pride of place in so many kitchens worldwide, and I have wanted one for many years. I used to have an espresso machine, but when it broke I didn't replace it, and instead started drinking brewed coffee (French Press, Chemex and drip). When I am out in the world on-the-go, and buy a cup of coffee, I usually opt for an oat milk latte, and when I decided to cut back on dairy, I stopped drinking coffee with half and half, and then decided to buy the SMEG Retro-Style Milk Frother (Reviewed HERE). Once I realized how much I preferred drinking my morning coffee with frothed oat milk, I decided that I really needed to make myself oat milk lattes each morning. Therefore, the logical next step was buying the Bialetti Moka Express, and it was the perfect choice for me, and the perfect pairing with the SMEG Frother. The Moka Express is made in Italy and it is available in many sizes, but I purchased the 6 cup size because it was the most practical size for my needs.
According to Bialetti,

Bialetti Moka Express: this is the original coffee maker, a symbol of Made in Italy quality, which offers the experience of the true Italian ritual of preparing a delicious cup of coffee. Its unique shape dates back to 1933, when it was invented by Alfonso Bialetti. What makes it even more unique is the iconic Man with the moustache.

Made in Italy high-quality product. Unique patented safety valve which is easy to inspect and to clean. It also offers an ergonomic handle to facilitate grip of the product. Available in many sizes, this product is suitable for use on gas, electric and induction hobs (exclusively with the Bialetti induction plate adapter).
Features:
  • Body material: aluminum
  • Handle and knob material: thermoplastic.
  • Easy-clean safety valve
  • Not dishwasher safe
  • Compatible with electric and gas stoves
  • Suitable for use on induction plates only and exclusively if used with the Bialetti induction plate adapter
Bialetti describes how the Moka Express works:
  • The Moka pot has facilitated the preparation of coffee at home, creating a real daily ritual. Not everyone, however, knows how the Moka works. 
  • Unlike the Neapolitan and Milanese coffee makers, the Moka uses pressure rather than gravity. Its revolution lies (also) in this technique.
  • The right water makes a difference for the correct functioning of the Moka. It is better to opt for water that is not too hard, that should be placed in the heating vessel at room temperature.
  • The right blend, slow and controlled roasting, specially calibrated grinding: these elements contribute to making a good coffee.
  • Have you heard the typical sputtering of the Moka pot? It is the steam that rises from the coffee maker as it escapes into the upper chamber.
Directions: Fill the boiler up to the safety valve with water, insert the funnel tank and add the ground coffee for moka without pressing; close the moka pot and place it on the hob. Wait for coffee to gurgle as it rises to the collector (upper chamber), turn off the gas and, finally, enjoy your delicious coffee!

Moka Express Safety Valve:

The valve was born with the invention of the Moka Express in 1933. It is a safety valve positioned on the bottom chamber. To better understand the importance of the valve and its use, we need to take a step back and illustrate step by step how the Moka works.

When the coffee maker is placed on the stove, the water eventually reaches boiling temperature. At this point, the steam increases the pressure in the bottom chamber and pushes the water through the grounds into the funnel filter.

The coffee is obtained thanks to this virtuous union of elements and processes. Hosted by the top chamber it is now ready to be savored.

If, for some reason, the water fails to pass through the filter, the pressure inside the bottom chamber would begin to increase rapidly

This can happen, for example, when:
  • the coffee is ground too finely;
  • the coffee has been excessively pressed into the filter;
  • the temperature of the heat source is too high.
This is where the valve of the Moka comes into play. It must open when the pressure is too high. By doing so, it allows the steam to escape regularly, without causing any damage. In short, the Moka’s safety valve provides security. Hence, it should only intervene when the coffee maker is used under abnormal operating conditions.
Cleaning instructions: the Bialetti Moka Express should be rinsed simply with water, after use. Do not use detergents. The product should not be washed in the dishwasher as this could cause damage to the product and affect the taste of the coffee.
Before the first use, I washed my Moka Express with soapy water, but after each use I followed their directions and simply rinsed it. It is very important not to wash the Moka Express in the dishwasher because it will pit and damage it. The only part that will eventually need to be replaced is the gasket.
Overall Assessment: The Bialetti Moka pot is easy to use, easy to clean, and it makes truly beautiful espresso. The entire ritual is to be savored as much as drinking the delicious coffee it makes. This is one of my very best purchases this year! Paired with the SMEG Milk Frother, this mighty duo makes the perfect oat milk lattes each morning, and I couldn't be happier!

$39.99-$79.99 for 3 cup, 6 cup, 9 cup and 12 cup from Amazon, Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Macy's and Target (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

Copyright © 2023 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

LOEWE Curvy Square Optical Glasses to Covet

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

The Spanish fashion house LOEWE, known for its handcrafted leather bags and wallets, also makes covet-worthy optical glasses and sunglasses. I was elated to see that my optometrist carries this iconic brand, and I was immediately drawn to the LOEWE Curvy Square Glasses in Shiny Milk Cherry. I always arrive before my eye exam to go through all of the glasses, and I spotted these immediately and grabbed them! 
Crafted in Italy from acetate, LOEWE's Curvy Square glasses feature a chunky squared D-frame with their gold cursive logo plaques at the temples. They feature high quality construction and they are substantial without being heavy. They are a decidedly modern interpretation of a classic design, and they are fun and elegant simultaneously. 
Features:
  • Colors: Black, Transparent Brown and Shiny Milky Cherry
  • Square acetate-frame optical glasses
  • Integrated nose pads
  • Logo hardware at temples
  • Suitable for prescription
  • Made in Italy
Black frames above and brown frames below.
Back of case with LOEWE logo.

Overall Assessment: These glasses are stunning, ultra-luxe and I am thrilled with my purchase. A+

$260.00- $330.00 from SSENSE and Matches (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

Copyright © 2023 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Monday, September 11, 2023

CELINE EYEWEAR Oval Cat-Eye Frame Optical Glasses to Covet

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

CELINE EYEWEAR Oval-frame Acetate Optical Glasses are my most-recent purchase after my yearly eye exam. My reading prescription changed a little bit, and therefore I was able to use my insurance to pay for part of the frames and lenses. These glasses are extremely high quality, with exceptional construction, and they are truly gorgeous. My optometrist outfitted them with my proper prescription, and they are just exceptional. 

These optical glasses are crafted in Italy from Shiny Dark Havana acetate, and they can be fitted with your prescription or UV-protective lenses. The shape is a modern oval interpretation of the cat-eye frame, and it is quite flattering. Not a single detail is left unattended, and the case and even the box, in which it is housed, is nothing short of elegant, sophisticated and thoroughly impressive.

About Celine:

Celine (formerly Céline) is a luxury fashion house founded by Céline Vipiana in 1945. Originally a luxury children's footwear brand, Céline expanded to incorporate a women's ready-to-wear line featuring luxurious sport-influenced separates. In 2004, British designer Phoebe Philo took over from Michael Kors as creative director. Philo was credited with reviving the brand and establishing a highly covetable minimalist aesthetic.

In 2017, Philo left the house and was replaced by Hedi Slimane. Formerly creative director of Saint Laurent, Slimane brought his rock 'n' roll aesthetic with him and dropped the accent from the house's name, heralding a new era.

Under the artistic direction of legendary designer Hedi Slimane, CELINE continues to embody the savoir-faire and chic Parisian style introduced by founder Céline Vipiana in 1945. The label’s eyewear holds true to that approach with timeless shapes, colorways, and bold proportions. Look out for the signature ‘Triomphe’ logo detail adorning some of our favorite pairs.

The box and glass case truly befit such ultra-luxe glasses.
Features:
  • Cat-eye frames
  • Thin, tapered arms
  • Available in Black and Shiny Dark Havana
  • Made of Acetate
  • Comes with a case
  • Can be fitted with prescription or UV-protective lenses
  • Made in Italy
 

Overall Assessment: I am so thrilled with my purchase, and I just can't believe how gorgeous these glasses are in-person! A+

$400.00 from Net-A-Porter and $440.00 for the sunglasses from Neiman Marcus (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

Copyright © 2023 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

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