Ajda Sitar /

Redken Chemistry System is a professional treatment collection that adds shine and strength, seals the hair cuticle, and adds a brilliant gloss. The Chemistry System is an “inside-out approach” to creating healthy, shiny hair. These professional-use only treatments offer intense, customized benefits for individual hair needs. The advanced formula treatments provide immediate results after just one two-part treatment – the first phase is called the Shot Phase, followed by the Shot pHix pHase. Shot Phase includes six shots that can be blended for truly customized solutions: Smooth Down (for very dry hair), Color Extend (for color-treated hair), Real Control (for dense/dry/sensitized hair), Extreme (for distressed hair), All Soft (for dry/brittle hair) and Clear Moisture (for normal/dry hair). I got my Redken Chemistry System treatment done at hair salon Lasek in Domžale (Slovenia) and they prepared the mix of All Soft, Clear Moisture and Extreme for my hair. The pHix pHase seals the treatment bennies into your hair, rebalances your hair’s pH level and seals the cuticle. The stylist will choose one of two Shot pHix pHase spray-on lotions, 3.5 (for chemically treated hair) and 5.5 (for mechanically distressed hair). I noticed an immediate difference on my hair, they feel and look soft and nourished, are lustrous and manageable without any frizz. There is also a third phase (an additional conditioner), which is optional. It is for sure one of the professional treatments worth splurging on in my opinion. The results will last around 6-10 weeks, longer with the coordinating Redken take-home products (I am currently using the All Soft shampoo, Glam Blonde conditioner, All Soft leave-on spray conditioner and once a week a Redken Real Control Overnight Treat).

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Ajda Sitar /

wearing:
shirt from NEW YORKER
pullover from MARELLA
watch from DANIEL WELLINGTON
sneakers from NEW YORKER (Athletics Collection)
handbag from GIGI NEW YORK
lipstick from ISADORA (Twist-up Matt Lips in 50 Naked)

photo: Domen Blenkuš

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Ajda Sitar /

The second bamboo themed post this week on my blog! This one reveals one of my favourite hair treatment oils of all times – Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil. It is most definitely one of the products that makes a huge difference in my hair care routine, the one I really swear by since I first got the chance to try out. Read further for a detailed review.

What they say at Alterna?
Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil is a strengthening and smoothing oil for the hair. It can be used as a nourishing treatment that helps to repair split ends and environmental damage, and as a style-primer to reduce frizz, impart intense shine & protect colour while providing vital nutrients. It is best for thick and coarse hair types. Instantly absorbing Kendi Oil is made with strengthening Organic Bamboo (immediately boosts hair’s strength, flexibility & sustainability for stronger, healthier hair) and smoothing organic kendi oil (works to repair & smooth the hair’s lipid layer; protects from future damage). Advice for usage: use as a styling aid, apply a small amount throughout damp hair and style as usual. To use as an oil treatment one to two times per week, apply liberally to dry hair and leave for 10 minutes. Wash hair as usual.

What do I say?
Well, compared to all other “Moroccan/argan haircare oils” this one comes out as the winner for me. I am not sure where to start; there is not one thing that I dislike about this one. The packaging looks and smells nice and it’s highly practical – made of high-quality plastic which looks like glass and comes with a handy pipette. The texture/consistency is quite thick, but overall very easy to distribute (much easier than most other hair oils). I cannot tell you how amazing it works on my hair; it really makes a substantial difference. I use it on both –dry or damp hair. The latter works best in my opinion. After damping my hair with a towel, I apply a few drops (about half pipette; since my hair is rather long and thick) and work it through my hair starting from the ends and work my way up to the roots. It definitely makes my hair more manageable and easier to comb (sometimes I add a leave-in-conditioner or hair milk as well). The thing that I really love about this one is the fact that It doesn’t make my hair greasy (or look greasy in any way), even if I use a generous amount. It really seals the ends, makes my hair shiny and a lot healthier. Whenever I use it on dry hair; I usually use less than I would when on wet hair and focus only on my ends. However, in my case it absorbs better and quicker on damp hair (than on dry), but it still works amazing on dry as well (it makes such a difference when using on curled hair, plus it combats frizz very well). Alterna says it is made for thick, dry hair and I must agree. If your hair is really dry, it might work for you even if yours is thinner. It works excellent on mine, it is super nourishing without leaving my hair greasy. You can also combine it with a hair mask (using a few drops to help with extra nourishment), I’ve tried it twice now and it really made a huge difference, made my hair ultra soft. If you are not fully convinced about using oils, I would really advise you to check this product out – it will change your mind for sure. On the other hand, if you are a huge hair oil lover, I cannot recommend it enough; the price isn’t the cheapest (22,57€ for 50ml in Slovenia HERE), but a little goes a long way with this product. I would pick it over the-much-raved about Moroccan Oil every single time. Not the cheapest out there, but at least you know what you’re paying for.

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Ajda Sitar /

I know, you are probably annoyed by me constantly mentioning Zoeva brushes. I can’t help myself, they are simply the best. Their latest launch (available from 31st March) is the Zoeva Bamboo Vol.2 Brush Set. It’s vegan, perfect for all those free-spirited, balanced souls who love a simple design and grant themselves some luxurious beauty products. Obviously, they are inspired by the origins of nature; made of three renewable carefully selected and hand-crafted materials (soft vegan taklon hair, bamboo wooden handles and golden coloured aluminum furrules). The set symbolizes the beginning of all things beautiful and Zoeva’s zest for life.

There are 8 brushes included in the set and you get them for the price of 65€ (buy HERE), which is reasonable considering their high quality, easy application and blending. They are super soft, but compact (even an intense wash doesn’t harm them). The set contains a cardboard box brush holder, a bamboo brush large clutch and the following brushes:

103 Defined Buffer is a small angled foundation brush with vegan taklon bristles, specially shaped for a full coverage application of liquid and cream foundations. It perfectly fits the contour of my face, allowing detailed application and blending. One of my favourite foundation brushes for sure!

105 Highlight is perfect for highlighting cheekbones, nose, cupids bow or cleavage. Because of its tapered shape it can also be used for detailed application of blush or as a contouring tool. It’s super silky and smooth, the softest one out of the bunch.

109 Face Paint is one of my favourites since it makes applying liquid and cream products effortless. It is a bit sturdier than the regular 109, because of the vegan talkon hair, still the colour applies evenly creating the illusion of an actual shadow (using the right products of course).

128 Cream Cheek is the all-rounder. You can use it to apply powder and cream blush (all the crazy-blush-ladies will love it), bronzer or even contour products. It creates a seamless finish and makes the application is easy due to its angled shape that fits the contours along the cheek area.

142 Concealer Buffer is the one I raved about before and it completely changed my dark circle and discoloration covering routine around my eyes with a concealer/corrector. The finish with this one is super natural, all you need to do is gently dab it onto your skin and softly blend the edges in a circular motion. A true winner for me!

227 Soft Definer is a “classic” 227 with vegan taklon bristles (similar to Mac 217), an eyeshadow brush perfect for blending, shading and smoothing transitions of cream eyeshadow products. It is my first cream eyeshadow brush and since it came into my life I’ve been phasing out the regular finger-dipping technique (which I already disliked, because I always get product behind my nails.

232 Classic Shader has a bit shorter bristles than the 227, it’s wider and narrower. It doesn’t get as much love from me as the 227, however it is still quite useful, especially for dabbing some wet-pressed pigments on my eyelid.

317 Wing Liner is probably one of the most adored brushes from Zoeva. It would be a miracle if you find anyone who doesn’t like it, because it’s simply superb. It’s an angled extra fine eyeliner brush, which comes in handy as a lipstick brush as well. Works amazing with gel or cream eyeliners and it glides along your natural lash line in a steady stroke (you don’t even need a super steady hand).

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Ajda Sitar /

What may come as a shock to you (especially if you know me from the active track & field times), for the past few years I had something that I call a “workout motivational crisis”. I was truly sick and tired or constant routine, I didn’t find running or fitness fun anymore. I am not completely sure what happened, not even what changed that I somehow got it back (not in a mayor way, but still). Lately my workout schedule has been filled by either running in nature, fitness sessions in Fitness Club 4P or minor workouts at home few times per week. I felt like my body (and brain) needed this, especially when the busy exam period is approaching. I rounded up a few motivational boost tips, which helped me (and you might find it helpful as well):
Set realistic goals to get fit.

Find yourself a partner/friend with similar goals.

Sign up at a gym (paying for it will make you go there more often).

Start small, do your exercises the right way without any shortcuts.

Don’t compare yourself to others.

Buy some new workout gear or invest in some trendy clothes (I got these in New Yorker and I find them super comfy and chic).

Write a workout journal (at least mark the days you did sports).

Wearing NEW YORKER ATHLETICS collection.
Photo by Domen Blenkuš in Fitnes Klub 4P Ljubljana.

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