Product Review: Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless

With my long hair, I am always looking for new products that can help not help protect it from damage, make it look healthy and shiny, and not least cut down on styling time. My hair is so long and thick that washing it and then using conditioner takes quite a while, simply because of the amount of hair that I’ve got. And then there’s the drying time afterwards!! Here are my thoughts on the *Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless;

What They Say:

"Flawless is a ground-breaking one step system which cleanses, conditions and refines the hair without the use of harsh surfactants. One to two pumps plus a simple massaging action is all that is needed to refresh hair and scalp with this no-suds, mousse-like formula. Flawless reinvents the art of shampooing, while amazingly reducing blow drying time. Macadamia oil and argan oil work in conjunction with the hair’s natural oils, replenishing hair life and imparting manageability, shine and softness".

RRP: $42.95 (250ml) – Available from i-glamour online

What I Say:

2-in-1 shampoo’s and conditioners, have never been my cup of tea – simply because I have not found one that gives my hair sufficient moisture, so I end up struggling to comb out my hair after washing it, usually feeling that I pull out so many hairs and damage my hair – so it was with a little fear that I trialled the Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless.

Macadamia Natural Oil claims that Flawless is "a ground-breaking formula reinventing the art of shampooing".

Macadamia Natural Oil also claims that Flawless is an all-in-one formula that gently cleanses, conditions and detangles the hair, and refines the hair without the use of harsh chemicals including sulfates and parabens.

Flawless contains macadamia oil, argan oil, vitamin E, protein and botanicals, which are all nutrient rich ingredients which work with the hair’s natural oils to replenish the hairs health, and improve manageability, shine and softness.

Flawless has been designed to push water molecules out of the hair so you are to benefit from a faster and easier blow-drying, and not to mention increase the hair’s volume, eliminate frizz and add UV protection!! All sounds very impressive…

As mentioned above my hair is quite long and thick, and it has been through I don’t know how many colouring sessions at the hairdresser, and not to mention frequent blow drying and heat styling sessions at home – this all means that my hair is a bit dry and damaged at the ends, and could always do with a bit of TLC!.  

Flawless is used in wet hair, where one of two pumps are emulsified between the hands before massaged into the scalp and hair. It is then to be left for 3-5 minutes before being rinse out.

Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless has a consistency that's very similar to a very thick and creamy shaving gel, and the first time I used it, I must admit that I probably used three times as much products than I needed to, - I could simply not get it to lather up in my hair.

But as soon as I rinsed it out, I could feel its magic. Unlike other shampoos and conditioners, it is extremely easy to rinse out, and it leaves my hair clean, without being squeaky or stripped for moisture, and without feeling that there is residue left in the hair. Even before combing it, I can feel how soft my hair is.

And it is so easy to comb, just as if I’ve just given my hair an intensive treatment or I’ve just had a good chunk of hair cut off. There are simply no knots. I am impressed!

I try not to use the hairdryer each time I wash my hair, but rather leave it to dry naturally – but for the sake of the trial, I of course decided to test the claims that it reduces the hair-drying time. Not by a lot, but in saying that, I also do have a lot of hair!! But even just a little less time with the hairdryer means less heat damage for my hair!

Once dry, my hair is so silky soft and shiny and I just cannot help but keep running my fingers through it. Even the otherwise dry ends seem to be feeling and looking healthier than they usually do. And while I don’t normally have a lot of frizz, I can see that it has reduced and that my hair is simply easier to manage and style.

I normally wash my hair every second day, and the second day – and believe it or not, also the third day, my hair looked great, with no greasiness in sight! So you not only save on time in the shower by not having to use conditioner, you also save on the time you have to use the hairdryer saving your hair from getting damaged, but you can possible even skin an extra hair wash now and again when you’re in a hurry.

At $42.95 this is a little expensive, but then on the other hand, as this really is a salon quality product and you don’t have to buy both a shampoo and conditioner, I actually don’t find that it is that bad after all. And once I got used to it not lathering up, you really don’t need that much, so a can will last you quite some time.

Flawless comes in a tall gold coloured can, with a pretty floral pattern, and it has a very nice floral scent, which I really like the scent also because it is so gentle and subtle, and once the hair is dry, it is still not too overpowering.

All in all, I really have no negatives to say about this product - Flawless really is an amazing product – perfect for those days when you’re in a hurry in the morning, and being a multi-tasking product it is also fantastic to bring with you if you’re going away for a couple of days, saving you having to bring both a shampoo and a conditioner. And I know that I will saving the rest of this wonder product to use after the arrival of our little baby boy in June, where I expect my time spent in the bathroom will suddenly be reduced considerably..

* Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

What do you think of Flawless? Keen to try? Have you tried any of Macadamia Natural Oil’s products? And what’s your favourite shampoo and conditioner?

 

Product Review: Suigo JoiShair Ultimate Control Shampoo, Conditioner, and Absolute Volume Keratin Volumizer

My hair is long. Quite long actually. And for as long as I can remember I have had it coloured at the hairdresser several times a year. And then there’s the daily use of a hair dryer or straightener. So needless to say that my tresses often are in need of a little extra TLC, so I’m always on the chase for products that can keep my hair in a good condition. Here are my thoughts on the *Suigo JoiShair Ultimate Control Shampoo, Conditioner, and Absolute Volume Keratin Volumizer;

 

 

What They Say:

Ultimate Control Shampoo: "With special intensifying formula, this product can strengthen hair, helps prevent hair from breaking, mildly nourish scalp, strengthens hair follicle, repair hairs elasticity and lustre".

Ultimate Control Conditioner: "Mild cleansing conditioner for renewing strength and fullness. The gentle formula supports the hair structure and conditions without overloading the hair".

Absolute Volume Keratin Volumizer : "Designed to smooth, strengthen and moisturise hair, leaving hair more manageable and beautiful. Nourishment penetrates into hair fibre, leaving your hair stronger and silkier."

 

RRP:

Shampoo: $22.60 (260ml), $31.50 (680ml), $38 (1litre)

Conditioner: $22.60 (260ml), $31.50 (680ml), $38 (1litre)

Absolute Volume Keratin Volumizer: $39.95 (500ml)

 

- Available for purchase at select hair salons

What I Say:

I have to be honest and admit that I have never ever heard of Suigo haircare before, so as I always do when I come across a new brand, I do a little research.

Suigo has the philosophy that their products needs to be naturally derived, clinically tested for their effectiveness with no inflated promises, pleasing to the sense, and reasonably priced to enable every day use.

The Suigo products are developed using the finest raw materials from Japan to create a natural haircare range made from 100% natural ingredients. Always keen to minimise the amount of chemicals that I use in my beauty products, I love the sound of that.

 

According to Suigo, the all products incorporate an exclusive method, called High Affinity System (H.A.S), where the ingredients reach the centre of the hair fibre, and hence prepares the hair for optimum absorption of the active ingredients. This is done by using proteins identical to those found in the hair structure so that they can be assimilated as if they belonged to the hair itself. Small molecules-sized particles are also used to ensure penetration into the hair fibres, and finally particles with positive charge are generated, which adhere to the molecules with a negative charge found in hair damaged by the effects of the sun, pollution or dryness.
Sounds impressive, and pretty high-tech, doesn’t it!

The Suigo Ultimate Control range, plant-infused range containing among others keratin, bean protein, Madagascar longoza and Sumac nut oil to help strengthen the hair, restore condition and elasticity, and prevent breakage.

 

The Ultimate Control Shampoo is thick and creamy, and easily turns into a thick creamy lather. It rinses out easily, and in spite of normally only washing my hair every second day, just one wash is more than sufficient to leave my hair feeling clean, and soft, and without if feeling dried out or too squeaky clean.

I follow with the Ultimate Control Conditioner which is also thick and creamy – almost like it is an intensive conditioner. Yet it instantly absorbs into my hair, and after just a few minutes I rinse it out. It is easy to rinse out, and not one of those conditioners where you keep rinsing and rinsing and it feels like you just cannot get rid of the residue. And afterwards my hair is so easy to comb, and once left to dry naturally it is so silky soft and shiny that I cannot help but continue to run my hands through it. The ends of my hair seem to be thoroughly hydrated, yet without the rest of my hair feeling weighed down.

As for preventing hair breakage, I have to admit that I have not noticed any major change, although my hair still continues to look and feel shiny and healthy.

Both the shampoo and the conditioner have a very gentle and subtle and natural scent, which I really like, and is a nice change from other shampoos and conditioners which are often too strongly (and not to mention artificially) perfumed. And once dry, my hair still has a slight subtle scent, which in no way is overpowering.

 
The Suigo JoiShair Ultimate Control Shampoo and Conditioner are great products, with results that match, if not outperform many other salon brands of shampoos and conditioners. And at just $38 each for a large 1 litre bottle, these products are cheap, and in fact not much more expensive than many supermarket products which in turn are loaded with chemical nasties.

The Suigo Ultimate Control Absolute Volume Keratin Volumizer is different from any other type of hair treatments that I have tried before, as it needs to be applied to newly washed, towel-dried hair, and after being massaged into the hair, it needs to be heated for 20-30 minutes, before it is then rinsed out.

I have to say that this is a little more involved and time consuming than other hair treatments that I usually use. And I also have to say, that I try not to always use the hairdryer when I dry my hair, simply as it is so long, and it still takes so long to do, and by letting it dry naturally at least a few times a week, I am hopefully also protecting my hair from further damage. So suddenly to have to use my hairdryer to dry my hair for 20-30 minutes while the treatment penetrated, only to then have to rinse my hair again, did seem put me off a little.

But the purpose of heating up the hair with the treatment in the hair, is of course intended to help the keratin in the treatment penetrate the hairs even better.

So of course I still decided to give it ago – and am I glad I did… because afterwards – when I had rinsed my hair, and then let it dry naturally (no way I was going to completely dry my hair with the dryer twice in one day!), my hair was left possibly softer, shinier and healthier looking that it has for quite some time - in fact very comparable to having a treatment done at the hair salon, yet just a lot cheaper and in the comfort of your own home!

 

The actual Volume Keratin Volumizer is a very thick cream that spreads easily into the hair, and like the shampoo and the conditioner, it has a pleasant but subtle natural scent.

However, while I really loved how effective this mask is, I cannot imagine myself doing this treatment on a regular basis (and even more so with a baby due in just a few weeks) – but on the other hand, it is a fantastic product to have at hand when you feel that your hair needs that little bit of extra care.

So all in all I have really enjoyed using the Suigo JoiShair Ultimate Control Shampoo, Conditioner, and the Absolute Volume Keratin Volumizer, as the results just speak for themselves – so I will be enjoying using the rest of the products, and definitely consider purchasing again in the future.

 

* Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

I have a few more Suigo products from the Rose Hair Spa to review so tuned…

 

Have you ever heard of Suigo haircare products? What’s your favourite shampoo and conditioner? And hair treatment? And how often do you give your hair an intensive treatment?

 

Product Review: Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser

Having combination skin, I have always struggle with breakouts, but since being pregnant my skin as luckily been a lot clearer than normal – it is also less greasy than it normally is and seems to be more sensitive. Consequently, I’ve been looking towards more gentle products. Here are my thoughts on the *Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser;

What They Say:

"This gentle, foaming, dermatologist tested formula effectively removes make-up and cleanses in one easy step, for refreshingly clean skin".

RRP: $11.99 (200ml) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and select pharmacies

What I Say:

The Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser claims to remove dirt and oil from the skin without over-drying, as well as remove make-up, even waterproof eye make-up, without leaving behind any residue that can clog the pores. It is soap-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, hypo-allergenic and dermatologist tested.

Just one pump of the Fresh Foaming Cleanser is all that is needed, as once the creamy white gel is massaged into the skin it turns into a soft form. It easily removes my makeup, including my long-wearing makeup, but I have to say that it does struggle a little with my waterproof mascara. But in saying that, I do prefer to use a specific eye-makeup remover, so that does not bother me at all.

And afterwards my skin feels soft and clean, deep down in every pore of the skin, and without feeling tight or dried out. I have also been using the Fresh Foaming Cleanser with my Clairsonic, and it works fantastic with that as well. I have very sensitive eyes that easily get irritated and water, but even though the cleanser gets close to my eyes, it does not sting or irritate my eyes at all.

It comes in a pale blue bottle with a pump, which I really like as it makes it very easy to use, even when you have wet hands. It has a pleasant but gentle floral scent. With the cleanser being soap-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, and hypo-allergenic, it is suitable for all skin types, however also lends itself particularly well for those with sensitive skin – and consequently I do find that it is a shame that it is also not fragrance free.

All in all this is a great basic cleanser that does what it claims, and at just 11.99 for a large 200ml bottle I find that it is great value for money. I will enjoy using the rest of the cleanser, and I can easily see myself buying it again in the future.

*this product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you ever tried any of the cleansers from Neutrogena? Do you use any Neutrogena products? What’s your favourite cleanser?

 

 

Industry News: ORLY Launches the MASH UP! Collection

As we head towards autumn and winter, usually fashion trends state that the bright colours are stored away, and the dark, sombre and dull colours come out.

Not according to ORLY, who dares you to break these rules by launching a new electric collection MASH UP! which inspired by vivacious fashion and zany digital prints, these new shades are all the right kinds of wild and wonderful and are certain to give your pointers the attention they deserve.

The colourful new MASH UP! collection includes six daring shades:

• Choreographed Chaos: Bubblegum pink chrome
• Harmonious Mess: Lavender crème
• Mayhem Mentality: Vibrant orange crème
• Sparkling Garbage: Saturated green with holographic glitter
• Pretty Ugly: Teal shimmer
• Beautiful Disaster: Magenta chrome

"Contrasting bold colours with digital graphics and prints is a statement look this season, from clothes, makeup, hair colour and of course, nails" explains ORLY Australia Ambassador and celebrity manicurist, Fiona Hay

The new ORLY MASH UP! collection will be available from August, at an RRP of $18.95 eachm from select pharmacies and from ORLY Online. 

I love the look of these new MASH UP polishes, and especially like the Harmonious Mess, Mayhem Mentality, Sparkling Garbage, and…

And how cool are those names!!

What about you, what do you think of this new range from ORLY? Which colours do you like the most? And what do you think of wearing bright colours during winter?

 

Product Review: GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Oil

One of the sad ‘side-effects’ of being pregnant is that when the skin on tummy stretches so much that it starts to get itchy, as well as the stretch marks starts to appear. Currently 32 weeks pregnant, I am vigorously moisturising the skin on my stomach several times a day to avoid the skin getting so itchy that I scratch it to bits – and well, hopefully at the same time, that I avoid getting too bad stretch marks. Here are my thoughts on the *GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Oil;
 

What They Say: 
"GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Oil promotes skin elasticity while your belly is stretching to accommodate your growing little one".

RRP: $17.95 (95ml) – Available Gaia Skin Naturals Online, Terry White Chemists, Priceline, major baby stores, independent chemists, and health stores.

What I Say:

Having never before used any GAIA products, I decided to look into the company, and was so pleasantly surprised when I discovered that the company was launched in 2002 with a line called GAIA Natural Baby, created by mum Michelle Vogrinec after her baby developed eczema when he was just 8 weeks old. With no products suitable for the sensitive baby skin, a range of gentle non-irritating products was developed. Subsequently other ranges, including the GAIA Pure Pregnancy has been developed.
And common for all the GAIA ranges, they have been made without any of the ingredients known to irritate the skin or suspected of being harmful, so consequently the products do not contain any sulphates, petrochemicals, lanolin, paraben preservatives, propylene glycol, phthalates or artificial fragrances. Big bonus points from me!!

And in addition, the company is Australian owned, and the products Australian made, without being tested on animals. More bonus points!!

The actual GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Oil has been made without Vitamin A, steroids, petrochemicals or mineral oils, making it very gentle and completely safe to use during pregnancy without any fears of harming the unborn baby. In fact, it is so gentle that it is also recommended for use to smooth caesarean scars.

The Belly Oil contains among others organic rosehip oil, organic jojoba oil, organic wheat germ oil. These ingredients are all rich sources of vitamins, essential fatty acids and powerful antioxidants to help rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin on the belly, breasts, thighs and bottom areas stay soft and thoroughly moisturised during pregnancy and after to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and avoid new ones from coming. 

 

The GAIA Belly Oil comes in a small bright (and very girly) bottle – and unlike other body oils it has a pump, which makes it so easy to use.

And just a few sprays on say the tummy is more than sufficient, so it is very concentrated, so in spite of the small bottle, it will last you quite a while. And after a quick massage the oil is completely absorbed into the skin, with no greasiness or stickiness in sight. So no need to worry that it will make your clothes greasy or stained from the oil either. And my skin is instantly left so soft, and subtle, and any itchiness is gone.

The Belly Oil has the most gorgeous and calming scent, no doubt from the (pregnancy safe) essential oils used in the oil, including lavender, mandarin, tangerine, frankincense and spearmint. Just divine, and without being too overpowering. And once absorbed into the skin, this scent does fade quickly.

I have no used the Belly Oil for well over a month, and as my tummy is still growing, it is too soon to say if it has helped prevent stretch marks. But I do know that while I don’t normally have sensitive skin, while being pregnant my skin has suddenly gotten sensitive, and the Belly Oil has in no way upset it further – in fact, I feel that using the Belly Oil has a very calming effect on the skin and just a quick spray with the oil and any itchiness is gone too.

In spite of being called Belly Oil and intended for use during and after pregnancy, I also think that it is very suitable as a treatment oil for anyone with sensitive skin, during weight changes or simply as a preventative measure.

I am seriously enjoying using the Belly Oil so I have no doubt that I will repurchase this and will continue using it for the remainder of my pregnancy as well as afterwards and fingers crossed I can avoid too many insightful stretchmarks. I highly recommend that you try it too!!

Want to try before you buy....well you can - just go to the GAIA Pure Pregnancy Facebook page and request a sample. Too easy!

 * Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 


 And stay tuned, I will be posting a review of the GAIA Belly Butter shortly..
If you are pregnant, or have had kids, what did you use during your pregnancy to avoid stretchmarks and soothe the itchy tummy? Have you ever tried any products from GAIA? And if so, what is your favourite product?



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