Hair

St. Tropica Organic Coconut Hot Oil Hair Mask Review

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing the Organic Coconut Hot Oil Hair Mask  from St. Tropica that came in my August Petit Vour box. [info in italics taken from Petit Vour]

St. Tropica Hot Oil Hair Mask

WHAT IT IS: A hot oil hair mask for stronger, thicker, lustrous hair!

WHAT IT DOES: Instantly repairs hair damage from the inside-out. Helps stimulate hair growth. Revitalizes & strengthens dry or damaged hair. Locks-in moisture to help eliminate split ends and frizzy hair.

I know that I just reviewed another hair mask earlier this week, but what can I say, I really do love hair masks! And my thick, wavy, frizz-prone hair needs help to keep it under control!

St. Tropica Hot Oil Hair Mask

This hair mask is to be heated before applying – heating in a microwave is recommended. Since I haven’t owned a microwave in many, many years, I just put the package in a bowl of hot water before applying to the mid-length and ends of my hair. The Organic Coconut Hot Oil Mask is a little messy to apply, as once the treatment is heated, it becomes super liquidy.

It does smell like coconut oil, but the other ingredients keep it from being overpowering scent-wise. [FYI – if you haven’t been reading my blog very long – I really do not like the scent of coconut. ]

Once applied, I left it on my hair for roughly 30 minutes before washing it out. The packaging recommends that you shampoo your hair TWICE with a clarifying shampoo, sadly I did not have any clarifying shampoo left in my stash, so I just washed my hair twice with a regular shampoo and rinsed it for a very long time. And then I rinsed it some more because I could feel some residue in my hair.

Once I finally got the Hot Oil Hair Mask fully rinsed out, I combed out my hair and let it air dry without any product. My hair was less frizzy, so incredibly soft, and super shiny! I do like how my hair reacted to this mask, but I will hold off on using it again until I pick up some clarifying shampoo – it really is necessary!

Ingredients 100% Cruelty-Free and Vegan | Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Biotin, Organic Horsetail, Organic Amla, Organic Hibiscus, Organic Green Tea, Organic Coconut Butter, Organic Coconut Fruit Extract

Disclosure: This came in my Petit Vour subscription box that I pay for.

Kariderm Restorative Hair Mask Review

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I have a review of the Restorative Hair Mask from Kariderm that was recently sent to me from PozPub and Kariderm (Thank you!). Kariderm is a Canadian company (Quebec based) – here’s a little info on them [taken from the Kariderm website]:

Kariderm Restorative Hair Mask

Founded in 1998, Flash Beauté Inc. conceives, manufactures and distributes the KARIDERM products, maintaining its leader position in its domain: natural personal care products made with shea butter.

In order to reach this target, we have established a tight partnership with a women cooperative of shea butter producers in Burkina Faso, the Songtaaba Association or ASY.

In this context, our personal commitment during several trips on the field enabled us to define several cooperation and assistance projects targeting not only the quality and market image of shea butter, but mostly the working conditions of women, their incomes and self-development perspectives.

We are leaders in the field because we commit to offering effective products made with active natural ingredients of the highest quality in the goal of obtaining products that offer adaptive results for our clients, always minimising risks of skin reactions or allergies.

Our products are voluntarily tested by our personnel and we never test our products on animals.

Our production line uses a system that is designed to generate the least possible waste. All our raw materials are biodegradable and our plastic, metallic or cellulosic (paper and carton) waste is recycled.

Wonderful company mission and values!

Kariderm Restorative Hair Mask

Now onto the review. The Kariderm high performance hair line includes Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Mask and Hair Stimulator.

Reminder  – my hair is past my shoulders in length, thick, wavy and extremely frizz prone.

Kariderm Restorative Hair Mask

The Restorative Hair Mask is an intensive treatment for damaged hair with organic shea butter and other ingredients such as Argan, Baobab, and Black Cumin Oil.

  • Deeply nourishes and conditions hair
  • Helps restore hair fibre
  • Hydrates and soothes dry or itchy scalp
  • Leaves hair silky smooth

The Kariderm Restorative Hair Mask is for both the scalp and hair. Normally I only use a hair mask on the mid-length and ends of my hair, but decided to try this one all over.

Kariderm Restorative Hair Mask

After applying it to freshly washed, damp hair, I left it on for roughly 30 minutes instead of the recommended 10 to 15 before rinsing it out. It has a faint tingle on the scalp (the pleasant kind). The scent is mild and herbal – I really like it!

After rinsing it out really well, I decided to let my hair air dry without adding any styling product to see how my hair would be in its natural state.

My hair was SUPER MEGA SOFT! And dried in the most beautiful waves with only minimal frizz near the top of my head! My hair has been so much easier to manage for days after using this hair mask!

Kariderm Restorative Hair Mask

Do you have a fave hair mask?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: PR sample. However, my opinion (and unruly hair) is entirely my own!

Kristin Ess Hair Sea Salt Air Dry Spray Review

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I have a review of the Sea Salt Air Dry Spray from Kristen Ess Hair that I purchased in my most recent mini-haul from well.ca. This is my first time trying anything from Kristen Ess Hair. [info in italics taken from well.ca]

Kristen Ess Hair Sea Salt Air Dry Spray

Where do we even start with this one? This is a brand new kind of sea salt spray. First of all, can we talk about the spray? SO OBSESSED! It has a super-fine, constant mist which ensures a more even application than your average pump applicator. Second, the feeling! No salty, crunchy, chalky texture, just satin-grit that stays touchable and soft. BTW, the difference between this one and Kristin Ess’ Soft Shine Beach Wave Spray is that this one goes on wet/damp hair and the other one is for finishing so it goes on dry hair.    

Kristen Ess Hair Sea Salt Air Dry Spray

Contains Zip-Up Technology:
Kristin Ess’ proprietary strengthening complex designed to “zip-up” split ends while targeting weak areas of the hair, smoothing the appearance of damaged cuticles and helping to protect hair from environmental stressors and color fade.

Kristen Ess Hair Sea Salt Air Dry Spray

The Sea Salt Air Dry Spray is targeted for straight to wavy hair types. As you probably know, my hair is thick and wavy. I mostly use products like this to enhance and tame my waves, since my hair is very much prone to frizz!

The packaging is on the plain side, but really, as long as a product works for me, I don’t mind plain packaging! The spray comes out as a super fine mist, and makes it easier and faster to use than the standard pump bottle.

This spray is used on wet or damp hair with air drying – which is great because I try to limit my heat styling to the winter months. It helps give my hair a beachy wave look without feeling crunchy or gross. And as an added plus, it isn’t highly scented!

Kristen Ess Hair Sea Salt Air Dry Spray

Cost-wise it is $12.99 CAD for 7 oz / 200 ml.

What is your fave sea salt / beachy waves spray?

Disclosure: I purchased this!

 

GummiBand Giveaway (Canadian)

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you will remember that I’ve recently tested out and reviewed the hair cords from GummiBand, a Canadian company (review is here). I’ve been using them all the time since receiving my package, and am often wearing one on my wrist in case of hair emergencies.

GummiBand

Well, the lovely folks from GummiBand offered giveaway prize for my Canadian followers (can be following via WordPress or via email subscription).

GummiBand

Details / Rules:

1. The winner will receive a discount code for two packs of GummiBands in their choice of colours, redeemable through their website, and shipped directly to the winner.

2. The giveaway will be open from Friday, December 15th (today) until midnight (EST) Tuesday, December 19th, and I will announce the winner on the morning of the 20th. I will select the winner via a random number generator. The winner must provide their mailing address within 48 hours of winning, [and if not, another winner will be selected].

3. The winner must have a Canadian mailing address. In order to enter, you must be following my blog either via WordPress, or email subscription (I will be checking every entry).

4. If you are entering, please comment with the following: “Oh Canada, I’m in it to win it!”

Thanks for reading, and good luck to all who enter!

Disclosure: Giveaway prize provided by GummiBand, but the choice to host the giveaway is entirely my own decision – if I didn’t like the company or the product, I would not host this giveaway.

Maui Moisture Strength & Anti-Breakage Review

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Hello, hello!

Today I have a review of the Strength & Anti-Breakage Agave Shampoo and Conditioner from Maui Moisture. I’ve been using this for about 7 or 8 weeks now.

 

Maui Moisture Agave

I’ve previously tested out the Nourish & Moisture + Coconut Milk and the Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter sets (here and here). All info in italics is taken from the Maui Moisture website.

MauiMoisture Agave4

This velvety shampoo [and creamy conditioner] is infused with rich agave, hibiscus and pineapple extract. It’s gentle enough for the most fragile strands while helping to increase elasticity and helps strands resist breakage. Your hair is left tangle free with a healthy shine.

To be honest, the main reason why I purchased this set was because I really liked the scent – I love the combination of the agave, hibiscus and pineapple – it is mildly scented and not at all overpowering or sickly!

MauiMoisture Agave5

Although I do colour my hair, it is not particularly damaged, but it is prone to dryness at the ends, tangles and frizz. I like my shampoo and conditioner to make my hair feel clean, soft / hydrated, and help keep it shiny. This shampoo and conditioner set is working well to tame my thick, wavy hair –  my hair looks and feels super healthy right now, and my ends aren’t as dry as usual.

Have you tried any of the shampoos / conditioners from Maui Moisture? Which one is your fave? If not, what is your current favourite shampoo / conditioner?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

Hask Argan Oil Reparing Shampoo & Conditioner

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

I decided to switch up my shampoo and conditioner and wanted to try a new to me brand – Hask Beauty – because not only does their product lines look interesting and free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol and artificial colors, they are a cruelty free brand! From their FAQ:

HASK, do you test on animals? We definitely DO NOT test on animals! That’s terrible… I’m hurt that you even think we do – and my puppy Harley is offended too! We make sure our suppliers and vendors supply safety and regulatory information on our ingredients so we don’t run into any issues. We love our furry friends and would never do anything to harm them! (P.S. We’re glad you’re concerned about this too)

Hask Argan Oil Reparing Shampoo & Conditioner

I decided to try the Argan Oil Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner because my hair is a little dry these days (I need to book a hair appointment ASAP to get a trim). I’ll start by giving a little information on both the shampoo and conditioner before moving onto my experience.

Here’s what is says about the Argan Oil Repairing Shampoo:

Frizzed hair got you frazzled? Damaged hair got you down? Revive and restore the look of your hair with HASK Argan Oil from Morocco Repairing Shampoo. Infused with moisturizing argan oil, this shampoo penetrates the hair shaft, gently cleansing while it repairs damage and breakage, leaving even the most rebellious hair frizz-free, silky-soft and super glossy. It’s no wonder they call argan oil the “miracle oil”! Ideal for dry, damaged or color-treated hair, this shampoo’s lively scent will also refresh and uplift your senses.

And here’s what it says about the Argan Oil Repairing Conditioner:

 Infused with moisturizing argan oil, this conditioner penetrates the hair shaft, gently softening and detangling while protecting against damage and breakage, leaving even the most rebellious hair frizz-free, silky-soft and super glossy.

My experience:

My hair is long, super thick, wavy, colour-treated and prone to frizz – in other words, it is a bit of a beast. My ends are a little dry right now because I need to get a trim, but it is perfect testing conditions for a repairing shampoo and conditioner combo.

The shampoo lathers really well which is a rare thing in sulfate free shampoos. It leaves my hair feeling clean and soft. The conditioner does a great job at detangling and moisturizing my hair. Both the shampoo and conditioner smell amazing – to me it smells like a  faintly spicy citrus blend. My hair is softer and easier to manage even with the humid weather. All in all, I really like this one. I think I’m going to buy the Deep Conditioning Treatment to try out.

Hask Argan Oil Reparing Shampoo & Conditioner

Have you tried anything from Hask?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: I purchased these things!

 

The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum Review

The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum
| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing the Grapeseed Glossing Serum from The Body Shop that I picked up during a recent haul.

The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum

Here’s what is says on the website:

A glossing serum that adds great gloss and shine to the hair. It also helps to moisturize the hair and is easily washed out. Suitable for dull/frizzy hair.

The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum

Here’s the list of ingredients:

Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Buxus Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Limonene, Fragrance, Linalool, Citral, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Geraniol, Citronellol, Eugenol, Isoeugenol.

My experience: I’ve been using the Grapeseed Glossing Serum for a few weeks now because the cold weather has been making my hair prone to being a little drier and frizzier (and due to hat wearing, often staticky). The product is a clear serum, with that  not quite a liquid but not quite a gel texture that I find most serums to be. It does make my hair dark hair glossy, keep the ends moisturized, and helps tame the winter frizz / static that I’ve been experiencing lately.

As with most serums and hair oils, I would recommend keeping it away from your roots and scalp, otherwise you might end up looking a little greasy. The serum does have a scent. I can pick out the mild grapeseed scent as well as something that I can’t quite identify, but it doesn’t bother me, and it fades quickly enough (if scents bother you).

The Grapeseed Glossing Serum is on sale on the Canadian Body Shop website for $5 (regularly $12) for 75ml / 2.5 fl oz.

The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum

I’m looking forward to testing this serum out more when the weather gets warmer to see how my hair likes it in humid conditions. If I have any of the serum left by then, or if it is still available to repurchase, I’ll revisit this post and give a warm weather review.

Have you tried this hair serum? If not, what serums have you used?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: I purchased this!

Best of 2015 – Skin, Body and Hair Edit

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As 2015 draws to a close, I just wanted to thank you for following, reading, commenting and liking my posts. I started this blog in March and I did not think that I would have over 500 followers in less than a year. So thank you! ❤

Here’s my “Best of 2015 – Skin, Body and Hair” and links to the original reviews.

Best Cleanser: 

Tied for best cleanser, I have two, the first being the REN Purity No. 1 Cleansing Balm (review) and more recently the Farmacy Clear Bloom Cleansing Oil (review).

Best Serum:

Again we have a tie, both are from OZ Naturals, the Hyaluronic Serum and and Retinol Serum (reviews here and here).

Best Moisturizer:

PC Mask1

Technically this is a facial mask, but the Paula’s Choice  Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask works amazingly well as a super moisturizer for skin that is super dry in the winter (review here).

Best Mask:

Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask – I still use this at least once every two weeks (review)

Best Eye Make-Up Remover:

I’ve been using Grapeseed Oil to remove my waterproof mascara for years, and it is still my go-to because most eye make-up removers really irritate my sensitive skin and sensitive eyes (review). My runner up would have to be the Bioderma Sensibio (review), which is funny because I didn’t love it at first.

Best Body Moisturizer:

My holy grail is the Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butter, but a close runner up would be the OZ Naturals Sweet Almond and Macadamia Nut Body Butter (reviews here and here).

Best Bath Treat:

Lush Rose Jam1

Of course this one would be from LUSH! So many to choose from, but my all time favourite would have to be the Rose Jam Bubbleroon *swoon* (review). My photo is of the older version, the new one looks a lot prettier.

 

Best Hair Care Items:

I didn’t review very many hair care items, but the Haus of Gloi Hair Oil is one product that I’ve been using for a few years, and I swear by it for taming my beastly hair, haha! (review). Second place goes to my favourite dry shampoo from Zabana Essentials. I still don’t love the packaging, but I love how fresh, clean and soft it makes my hair, and the lavender and mint scent is gorgeous (review).

There you have it, my Best of Skin, Body and Hair Care for 2015! Thanks for reading and have a beautiful 2016! ❤ ❤ ❤

Disclosure: See the original reviews for individual product disclosure statements.

 

Body Shop Mini Haul Reviews

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bodyshop mini haul

So I’ve been using the products that my mom bought for me from The Body Shop for nearly two weeks now, long enough for my skin to adjust to new products. First up is the Vitamin C Facial Cleansing Polish.

C Polish

It is described as being able to:

Remove dull skin cells and reveal radiance with a gentle, exfoliating face wash that will leave your skin smooth and revitalized.

I have super sensitive skin, and I find that a lot of exfoliating products are too harsh for me. I was feeling like I needed a bit of a boost in terms of radiance as my skin seemed to be a little dull. Vitamin C is one of those skincare ingredients known for its brightening properties. There is also Aloe in there, a great ingredient for sensitive skin.

The scent is fresh and bright, great for a morning wake-up. The exfoliation is super gentle. If you like a scrubby texture, then this is not the product for you. My skin did not react negatively to this facial cleanser at all. It makes my skin feel clean but not stripped or scratchy and it seems to be less dull. It helped to gently remove any dry patches on my face, and left my skin feeling smooth.

Verdict – I love it, would buy it again. I want to try out a few of the other products in the Vitamin C range, especially the Instant Glow Enhancer. Glow Boosting Moisturizer and the Face Mist.

Up next is the Dragon Fruit Lip Butter. I picked this out because I am a lip balm addict. Seriously.

Lip Butter

It is super moisturizing and the scent is so amazing. This is a keep at home product for me since it is in a jar and I don’t like risking contaminating my products with germs. It can leave a whitish cast on your lips if you overdo it applying, but since i use it at home, it isn’t a deal breaker for me.

Verdict – I like it, but I’m not sure if I love it. If this was in a tube or stick, I would love it. I would probably buy it again as a bedtime lip treatment.

And finally we have the Rainforest Radiance Hair Butter. I chose this one over the Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter due to the scent. The Moisture formulation one had an undertone that reminded me of vomit. Maybe the tester had gone off, or maybe my nose was off that day. The Radiance one smells really good to me though!

Hair Butter

According to the website:

Condition and protect color-treated hair using a luxuriously rich and intensive deep-conditioning treatment without silicones, sulphates, parabens or colorants. This rich and creamy butter is the perfect weekly treat.

There are very mixed reviews for this product on the Body Shop site. I’ve only used this once so far, I glopped a bunch of it in damp hair, stuck my hair in a bun and left it in for a couple of hours before washing it out. My hair, which is prone to dryness and frizz, was soft and slightly more manageable. I say slightly, because in warmer weather, it takes more than just a conditioning hair treatment to tame the beast that is my hair!

Verdict – I like it, but the Radiance version only comes in a travel size (at least here in Canada), because of this, and how thick my hair is, I will maybe only get two more uses out of it, so it is not worth it for me to buy it again unless they start offering it in the larger tub size.

Has anyone tried their fragrances, especially their eau de toilettes? I sniffed the White Musk Smoky Rose edt, and I liked it. I should have sprayed it on me to test it out, but already had tested a few things on my wrist and didn’t want to overdo it.

Thanks for reading! ❤

Disclosure: In case you missed it at the top of the post, my mother purchased these products for me.