Filed In: Shampoo
Sisley Paris · Phyto Twist Makeup & Hair Rituel
With its storied history to go with exclusive plant-derived formulations, I’ve passed by the luxury beauty counter of Sisley Paris for many years now, and with one exception (a skincare launch I was invited to some time ago), their products have remained somewhat of a mystery to me; then I received a package of goodies to test and after diving in, my main thought was: why have I waited so long to try anything from this brand?
LaCoupe ORGNX · Coconut & Macadamia Oil Collection
I’m all about pampering: my face, my body, my nails, and most definitely, my hair. And while that form of pampering usually comes with a luxury price tag, I’m always open to trying out new & better priced products — especially if they deliver. So when I was approached to test out the Coconut & Macadamia Oil Collection from LaCoupe ORGNX, I actually jumped at the chance because, well … coconut. The fact that these products are also free of tons of nasty ingredients didn’t hurt the cause either.
KEVIN.MURPHY PLUMPING.LINE
The latest from Australian tress master Kevin Murphy, is the new PLUMPING.LINE, aimed at those with fine and/or thinning hair. Having been blessed with good hair genes, I’ve never really fussed all that much with my mane or had any issues with thinning, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve begun to notice some changes, in particular, my hair doesn’t seem to grow as fast as it once used to. Having had a good experience with KEVIN.MURPHY products in the past, I was more than willing to give this range a go.
Being usually leery of product claims, I confess to approaching my testing of these products with a healthy dose of skepticism, but after just one attempt, I am ready to pronounce myself: this range is absolutely unbelievable. And the scent – so heady, that I swear I left the shower reluctantly. But it’s what I saw with my hair after, that has totally blown me away.
Designed to thicken and plump fine, thinning, or just generally limp hair the PLUMPING.LINE range of products uses:
“…a combination of Apigenin (a flavenoid from Parsley), Oleanolic Acide from the Lovely Hemsleya and Biotinyl-GHK, a tripeptide sometimes called Vitamin H. This modern technology has been known to actually help with hair growth, while assisting in the appearance of hair loss by improving the microcirculation of the scalp.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays a major role in hair loss. DHT is an Androgen found in the body in the hair follicles. Women can lose hair as a consequence of changes in metabolism of DHT. The follicles miniaturize (shrink), resulting in a shorter lifespan and the abnormal production of hair, hence the falling and thinning of hair”
A word about my hair type: long, colour-processed pale blonde, and while I do have a lot of hair, each individual strand is slightly fine. My hair tends to be oily (a paradox, given that it is colour-processed. I’m an enigma, or at least, my hair is) and the longest I can go without washing it is 2 days, before any oiliness becomes evident.
KEVIN.MURPHY PLUMPING.LINE
PLUMPING.WASH (CAN $36.80/250 ml) – A pearly-coloured fluid with an absolutely intoxicatingly addictive fragrance and which produces a wonderful lather; I can’t pin it down exactly, but the scent reminds me of vanilla, cotton candy, a walk in the forest, and the beach … all rolled into one. From the very first wash, my hair actually felt thicker – as if there were more of it, in fact – even soaking wet. One word of caution: a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount poured into your hands, apply, then adjust accordingly, if needed.
According to the company:
“A densifying, thickening shampoo that uses Ginger Root to add strength and density to fine hair. Nettle extracts contain a powerful source of amino acids that the hair follicles require for proper growth. Oleanolic Acid from Lovely Hemsleya root helps to fight follicle ageing by fortifying roots, making it stronger and less susceptible to loss”
KEVIN.MURPHY PLUMPING.WASH
KEVIN.MURPHY PLUMPING.WASH (ingredients)
PLUMPING.RINSE (CAN $36.80/250 ml) – A creamy product that builds on the amazing fragrance of the shampoo, in a formula that is dense enough to fully cover each strand, but not overly thick that it won’t flow easily form the bottle. After my last shampoo (I usually do 2 washes), I like applying this conditioner – concentrating more on the ends and just a light touch towards the root area – and leaving it on while I complete the rest of my shower. Surprisingly, I was able to finger comb my hair with total ease as I was rinsing it out, with no snagging whatsoever. After the final rinse, my hair feels soft and thoroughly nourished, but not slick or oily.
According to the company:
“A Densifying, thickening conditioner that aims to lengthen the growing phase for thicker, stronger hair. Biotin is Vitamin B, which is considered a protein derivative, essential for cellular growth of the hair. Rice protein and Rice Amino Acids are rich in vital nutrients needed for hair repair and strength, Shea Butter delivers moisture to dry or damaged hair from the roots to the very tips, repairing and protecting against weather damage, dryness and brittleness”
KEVIN.MURPHY PLUMPING.RINSE
KEVIN.MURPHY PLUMPING.RINSE (ingredients)
BODY.MASS (CAN $41.00/100 ml) – A clear leave-in treatment spray in the same fragrance family as both the shampoo and conditioner, that can be used as a supplement to the range, or worn alone to both extend the lifespan of the hair, and to help improve it over time with continued use. I also found this spray to work well as a detangler, although even without it I had no problems running a comb through my wet strands. One caveat, especially if you have hair as pale-coloured as mine: go sparingly with this spray – I noticed that my hair seemed darker and slightly brassier the first time I tried it, but subsequent application with a lighter hand yielded better results.
According to the company:
“…a dual-purpose product designed to lengthen the growing phase of the hair (the Anagen phase), consequently shortening the falling phase (the Telogen phase). Citrus Flavenoids and extracts from Parsley leaves will further anchor the hair to the root, thickening the hair and preventing breakage. Because it is also a styling product, BODY.MASS uses eyelash thickening and lengthening technology to strengthen hair, making your hair appear thicker and fuller instantly, whilst improving the quality over time”
KEVIN.MURPHY BODY.MASS
KEVIN.MURPHY BODY.MASS (ingredients)
As I only just began using this range, I can’t speak for any long-term benefits, but if I were to go by my early testing, I’d have to say that these products are worth every single penny. Turning a mundane chore such as washing one’s hair with PLUMPING.WASH into a sensory experience has the added benefit of forcing you to pay more attention to your cleansing technique: because you want to stay surrounded by the heavenly scent, you wind up giving your hair a more thorough washing than you normally would. Another plus, is that even without using the BODY.MASS as a follow-up, my hair was still ridiculously easy to manage/comb through and seemed even better protected to go up against heat styling, which resulted in a quicker blow-drying time and even looked super smooth after flat-ironing. I even noticed less shedding, something I really appreciate as I prefer to keep the hair I have on my head, versus the floor. Finally, I am actually able to extend the time between washings by an extra day – without looking like an oil-slicked mess. Oh yeah … that scent I mentioned? Still there with every swing of my hair, making me sigh with pleasure every time.
KEVIN.MURPHY products are available exclusively through salons. Find more information:
*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
Schwarzkopf – BC Fibre Force Hairtherapy System
Some products can be total game-changers, but I’m getting ahead of myself …
When I first received this chain-wrapped box, I wasn’t sure what to make of it, but thoughts of calling the bomb squad crossed my mind. Imagine my surprise to find that it contained a revolutionary new hair care system by Schwarzkopf – and not a moment too soon, as my hair has been in desperate need of some major TLC, especially after an entire Summer spent beach-side (with plenty of SPF – ALWAYS).
It’s not just skin that shows the effects of time but hair as well – I can vouch for that, personally. Here’s the thing: I’ve been blessed with what you’d call good hair genes — individually thin strands but masses of them, healthy, and ridiculously quick-growing. Then about 5 years ago, I noticed that A) my hair stopped growing as fast as it used to, B) I was shedding more than a roomful of Angora cats, and C) the ends began to show major split ends and felt so wispy they were practically razor-sharp. Not ready for a radically short “do”, I was hoping that this new BC Fibre Force Hairtherapy System would be the answer to my prayers — but to say I was skeptical, would be an understatement.
HOLY *&%$ !!!
I accepted the challenge of testing these products out and after 4 weeks of use, I am completely blown away. Hell, I was blown away at the 2 week mark, but I wanted to be thorough. Even if you don’t have any issues with your locks, you NEED to read this, my lovelies.
*GIVEAWAY: make sure to check out the details at the end of this post to learn how 1 lucky person can win the entire BC Fibre Force Hairtherapy Set shown here!
Schwarzkopf – BC Fibre Force Hairtherapy System
Schwarzkopf – BC Fibre Force Hairtherapy System
According to the company, this innovative new line aims to do for your hair what a 4 – 10 (figuratively, ok?) week spa retreat would do for your soul: heal and repair. With its high concentration of keratins, these products will:
“… allow even the most damaged hair to be strengthened and restored to an optimal level of force and resilience by penetrating deeply to fortify hair structure. The results of this intensive care? Hair feels reborn with 100% more strength and up to 95% less breakage.
For the first time the formulas with Micronized Hair-Identical Keratins penetrate deeply into the hair architecture to re-cement specifically the Cell-Membrane-Complex, the intercellular bonding cement responsible for strong and resilient hair fibre”
The beauty of this system is that you can start this process in-salon and then continue at home with these four key products. Suitable for all hair types and structures, once you’ve completed the regimen, you can confidently go back to your regular routine of colouring and/or heat styling, knowing that your tresses are fully fortified & protected.
BC Fibre Force Shampoo (CAN $15.95/200 ml) – Coming in a squeeze tube with a flip-top cap, this creamy white shampoo is quite concentrated, although you do need to have your hair thoroughly wet for it to lather properly. I like giving myself 2 shampoos and since my hair is on the long side, this one tube will give me max 5 weeks +/- worth of shampoos, washing every second day (I’m close to that figure now). After rinsing the shampoo out, my hair felt soft & not squeaky-like, as if stripped of moisture. After the second week of using this regimen, I swear my hair actually felt thicker EVEN WHILE SOAKING WET. Sign #1 that something was definitely working.
BC Fibre Force Conditioner (CAN $16.95/150 ml) – A matching squeeze tube with a flip-top cap as well as a similar white creamy texture to the shampoo, I always apply conditioner after my last shampoo and like leaving it on while I complete the rest of my shower (washing my body, shaving, facial cleansing), rinsing it out as a last step – thereby giving it plenty of time to penetrate fully. After rinsing, my hair felt incredibly smooth already, with no obvious residue. Both products are lightly & pleasantly scented, although I can’t place my finger on what that fragrance is — all I can say, is that it reminds me of the way my hair smells when I go to the salon (you know; kind of pampered & expensive shrugs). I like the fact that it’s not overpowering, and yet I can still get hints of it with my hair’s movement.
Schwarzkopf – BC Fibre Force Shampoo (ingredients list)
Schwarzkopf – BC Fibre Force Conditioner (ingredients list)
BC Fibre Force Spray Conditioner (CAN $16.95/150 ml) – a clear liquid dispensed as a fine mist through the sprayer nozzle, this product is meant to be applied on towel-dried hair with the intention of A) detangling and B) acting as a leave-in conditioner, basically eliminating the need for any further products. As I said earlier, my hair is long and even though I colour-process it a pale champagne blonde, it remains both oily (its natural state) and slightly dry on the ends due to colouring. Applying this spray, I was able to comb out my hair with total ease from the very first use and after about the 3rd time of using it, I realized that I had significantly fewer fly-aways (as in 90% fewer), while my hair appeared really shiny (hard to manage with a colour as light as mine that seems to absorb rather than reflect light), but the biggest surprise was in noticing that my split ends seemed relatively … gone. Sign #2 that something was working.
Note: I don’t recommend spraying this conditioner too close to the root area, especially if you have oily type hair, as it could weigh it down and actually make it feel a touch greasy. Instead, concentrate more along the mid-shaft to the ends, then use your detangling brush and/or comb to work any excess throughout the rest of your hair.
Schwarzkopf – BC Fibre Force Spray Conditioner (ingredients list)
BC Fibre Force Fortifying Treatment (CAN $25.95/150 ml) – with its jelly-like texture, this treatment cream is meant to deeply penetrate & strengthen, regenerating hair’s inner structure. In the 4 weeks of using this regimen, I actually used this Treatment twice – any more would have been totally superfluous for me, especially since I don’t have seriously damaged hair. After towel drying my hair, I would leave this on for about 10 minutes, then rinsed it out thoroughly (NOTE: On the days I would be using the Treatment, I opted out of applying the Conditioner). Immediately after that, the main thing you notice is how insanely SILKY your hair feels. What I particularly noted, especially after 4 weeks of using this regimen? Significantly less breakage and shedding. Sign #3 that something was working.
NOTE: If you watched the above video, you would have noticed the meticulous way the technician applied this Treatment to the model’s hair; I did not do it that way, but instead opted to work the product through my strands using my fingers & taking my time. Worked for me.
Schwarzkopf – BC Fibre Force Fortifying Treatment
Schwarzkopf – BC Fibre Force Fortifying Treatment (ingredients list)
This BC Fibre Force Hairtherapy system is a hair life saver. Or better yet, hair “resurrector” as it seemed to take my strands from waning away, to glorious health. If you have fine and/or thin hair, you NEED this. If you have insanely curly/kinky hair, you NEED this. If you have overly processed hair, you NEED this. If you have super dry/parched hair, you NEED this. I don’t have any of that, and I still benefited from this regimen; I feel like my locks have been given a major boost, and since the Fibre Force system is meant to be used periodically to help restore hair to its optimum best, you don’t have to worry about making a major investment financially, although let’s face it … your hair is SO worth it!
GIVEAWAY
Entrants must be Canadian (or provide a Canadian shipping address) and 18 years of age & older to be eligible (only 1 entry per person please).
What you need to do: send an email to ommorphiagiveaway@gmail.com with “BC Fibre Force Contest” in the subject line, as well as provide full contact details in the body of the email (name, address & phone number – please note that ALL information will be kept strictly confidential). The contest will run from November 25th, 2013 – until December 2nd, 2013 – 11:00 pm EST, after which time one (1) winner will be selected and notified via email. The winner will then have 24 hours to respond to the email, failing which another name shall be drawn.
Failure to comply to the above rules will result in an ineligible entry, so be sure to send it properly!
Good luck to all!
More information on all Schwarzkopf products can be found via: website/twitter/facebook
*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
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Mythic Oil Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner
As a beauty blogger, it goes without saying that I have a passion for cosmetics, but it doesn’t end there; I’m also obsessed with giving my hair as much pampering and babying as I can. Having fallen completely in love with L’Oréal Professionnel’s Mythic Oil Nourishing Oil (reviewed here), I couldn’t wait to try the shampoo and conditioner from the same range, and to say that my expectations were pretty high, would be an understatement. It’s a good thing that these two products turned out to be all that I could have wished for …
A note about my hair: rather dense and fairly long, which becomes oily at the roots prior to washing – processed a champagne blonde colour that can lead to dry ends. My preferred washing ritual is usually 2 shampoos, followed by conditioner applied everywhere and left on as I complete my shower, rinsed out as the last step when all else is done.
Mythic Oil – Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner
Mythic Oil – Nourishing Shampoo
Nourishing Shampoo (CAD $22.00 250 ml/8.5 fl.oz) – a paraben-free honey coloured shampoo enriched with Argan and Cottonseed oils for weightless moisture, hydration and shine. The formula feels concentrated enough that one small pump from the conveniently large-size dispenser, is more than enough to create a full lather. The scent is a lighter version of the treatment oil, with the same warm amber/beeswax/vanilla/honey fragrance – which makes this hair washing experience feel almost decadent. After rinsing, my hair felt soft and manageable – even when soaking wet – yet still exceptionally clean.
Mythic Oil – Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner dispenser pump
Nourishing Conditioner (CAD $22.00 190 ml/6.42 fl.oz) – a paraben-free white coloured hair conditioner enriched with hydrating and nourishing Argan and Cottonseed oils, bearing an amazing consistency to the formula that makes it easily dispensed from the large-sized pump (neither too thick nor runny) helping it spread exceptionally well throughout your hair. The fragrance is a softer version of the shampoo and after rinsing, your hair feels almost velvety smooth, never slick.
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Last word: While some hydrating hair products can wind up leaving your hair feeling weighed down and looking somewhat greasy, this Mythic Oil Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner duo have the exact opposite effect: thoroughly cleaning without stripping and imparting a gorgeous shine. Another plus is that no other leave-in product is needed either, as I was able to comb out my hair with ease and even noticed significantly less fly-aways and frizz when my hair was dry. Then there’s that heavenly aroma … you may just find yourself spending an extraordinary amount of time smelling your hair …
The L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil Nourishing Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner are available through fine salons. Feel free to follow via twitter/facebook for all the latest updates
*Disclosure: Product samples provided for my unbiased consideration
