10.2.20

THE SKIN EDIT : HAIR


skin


I am not a dermatologist, expert or guru. However I do have a Face, Skin, Hair, etc... so that makes me a consumer at least. With the mounds of products I want to try and then consequentially buy, I do get to points where I look back and wonder 'was it worth it?'. This is my Edit on products that I either think are GreatSo So and Not for Me. Do not get offended if there's something I don't like that you like, we all have different Faces, Skin, Hair, etc... These are my honest thoughts on the Claims each product... well claims to do. 

More than two years ago I decided to grow out my hair. I have never had long hair so this was an experiment. Cut to 2020 and I finally got a maintenance haircut, suffice to say I have more than just a few inches on the top and shaved sides. The allure for growing my hair was to try something new but also to see how my hair maintenance would fair. Having short, thin Asian hair requires daily applications of styling products, hairspray, and prayer, so the idea of growing it out into a ponytail was ideal. Now having long hair I agree that I hardly ever use styling products however I am way more conscious of what I put on my hair, as I have a lot more to take care of. Here is my current edit for Hair and some of the products I have used over the two years.


BRIOGEO Be gentle be kind Matcha + Apple Replenishing Superfood Shampoo & Conditioner
Claim: This shampoo & conditioner is formulated to visibly replenish dull and parched locks with a super-charged boost of vitamins and hair healthy ingredients.
Thoughts: This is my current hair combo. It's a fresh, light formula with a faint apple fragrance. Briogeo products don't contain sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, DEA compounds or dyes, which is a tick and something to think about towards products you use frequently. My hair is healthily maintained without feeling too slick, fragranced or heavy with excess product. I wash my hair every 2-3 days and this combo has helped my hair not become too oily or smelly in between washes. 
Verdict?: This is a great premium hair combo for day-to-day. My hair feels clean and healthy (groundbreaking). With so many product options and hair longer than my normal, it's nice to have products that simply nourish my hair without feeling like there is a heavy product in my hair. 
ORIBE Signature Shampoo + Conditioner
Claim: A rich daily cleanser, custom-blended from the most exclusive ingredients to silken, detangle and protect your hair.
Thoughts: Oribe is known for its luxe line of hair products, both quality, and price point. I used both the shampoo and conditioner throughout growing out my hair and I believe that it helped to nourish my dry blonde dyed black hair to what it is now. I stand by that both the signature shampoo and conditioner being good quality, however, purchasing this combo will easily set you aside $150 so it is definitely at the upper end of the scale. The combo has a rich luxurious scent, which over time became a bit too perfume-like but if you're buying a luxury product I guess you expect a scent to match. 
Verdict?: Worth the try, but to repeat you'd want to be earning a pretty penny to keep this going. Handy hint, some places let you purchase the travel minis for you to try before committing to the bigger more expensive bottles. 
THE ORDINARY Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
Claim: A concentrated formula designed to support hair health so that it looks thicker, denser, fuller and healthier.
Thoughts: This serum smells like cotton candy, having shaved the sides of my head for years I could tell that when my hair grew out the sides seemed less full from the front and back. I applied this serum 2-3 times a week on a clean scalp and let it soak in, ideally at night. 
Verdict?: Hair Serums are hard to tell whether they are truly helpful due to the fact that my hair is still growing well, not to mention the other products I am using to maintain it. The serum is easy enough to apply, but consistency is the key to see any results. 
ESSANO Argan Oil Hair Recovery Serum
Claim: Treat dry, damaged and stressed hair with this exotic blend of natural oils and essential vitamins
Thoughts: After washing my hair I will normally add 1-2 pumps of oil to my hair before drying. The scent is rich but dissipates once absorbed so it's not going to linger around or transfer. 
Verdict?: This is a cost-effective product that nourishes your hair especially from heat or natural dryness. Think when you have bleached hair and you want those straw locks to be smoother, oils can be your friend.
BRIOGEO Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Shampoo
Claim: Charcoal and coconut oil-infused scalp shampoo that detoxifies, exfoliates, soothes and balances the scalp for optimal scalp health.
Thoughts: I use this once or twice a week. I lather throughout my scalp and use one of those scalp massage combs to help with the penetration and exfoliation. The shampoo has a minty cooling effect once you wash it out which feels great. When my hair is below my shoulder, I might follow up with another shampoo just for the ends as not to waste this one. 
Verdict?: I really enjoy this routine. Not only am I cleaning my scalp and preventing dryness and flakes, but I also get a great cooling head massage. If you do not have a scalp routine, I would get on it yesterday! 
LEONOR GREYL Huile De Leonor Greyl
Claim: Formulated with natural oils (Mongongo, Coprah), this treatment nourishes, detangles, softens and repairs dry or colored hair throughout the year.
Thoughts: This was one of those google searches: 'What haircare should I buy from Paris?' After translating it I discovered that it is a pre-shampoo oil but can also be used as a protectant for swimming or harsh summer UV. Both sound great? Yes, but there's more not so great. The oil comes in a lovely glass bottle, but as you can see in the image... the oil solidifies and has to be warmed under warm water every time I want to use it. Another unfortunate characteristic of the oil is that it is heavily fragrant, think a bouquet of old lady... which no shade to old ladies but the scent lingers even after a shower with shampoo and conditioner you can still smell the overwhelming scent.
Verdict?: Personally, though the promises are just that promising the ease and the scent of this product make is very unlikely to complete usage and repeat. Though it does lead me to try more pre-treatment oils.