Botanical Superpower - Phyto 9 Daily Ultra Nourishing Botanical Cream

Somewhere between the bitter realization that sleeping with my windows open is no longer comfortably breezy and the helpful motherly urging  to bring a jacket when I leave the house, its time to face the fact that summer is definitively done and Canadian winter is closer than we think. The fall is one of my favorite parts of the year so I am certainly not complaining but that doesnt change the fact that this transition time can cause havoc in my regular beauty routine and I am realizing what worked in July is not necessarily the best choice in October.

Being a dedicated product junkie and a diligent beauty blogger also means that I relish the changes as well, meaning that I somewhat secretly relish the opportunity to find and recommend new must-haves on my radar.

When the weather starts to turn bitterly cold stepping-up the moisturization game is basically a natural progression in itself and there are numerous skincare products that address the issue successfully and thoroughly. Yours truly already posted a lengthy guide to those beauty substitutions when it comes to skin and body care, which you can check out here! 
What you are not going to find in that post is something that is commonly neglected but should be equally important, especially when you think about the fact that overlooking its care can really make or break your overall look. I am of course talking about Hair Care! 

Having thick, long hair means that any moisture or central heating can leave my hair prone to frizzing and annoying fly-aways. Seeing how leaving the house with wet or damp hair is no longer a viable option means that I am now using both heat and products for styling almost on a daily basis which is something that is an exception rather than a rule during the summer months. 
My regular Moroccan Oil  routine, combined with some minimal leave-in serum or oil starts to feel inadequate and all the factors above begin to leave my hair somewhat dry, coarse and lifeless. Since using additional frizz smoothing products are just temporary, masking measures and most contain build-up associated silicone's, finding a true hair healing remedy has become somewhat of a priority. I wanted something that continued to make a difference in my hair texture and health even after shampooing it out. 
The brand that kept popping up in my research was PHYTO, a brand whose philosophy centered around using botanicals and natural ingredients to care for hair follicles. 

As I looked into the PHYTO research and application methods I was happy to discover that they offered a unique approach to caring for the health of your hair and scalp. This was not a line of instant results hair-care nor did they use silicone's in their formulations. What they promise is natural based ingredients that overtime heal, nourish and restore hair back to its healthy, soft, bouncy roots. The skincare aficionado in me was delighted and giddy with their terminology of day and night creams! 

My introductory PHYTO product was the Phyto 9 Ultra-Dry Hair Nourishing Day Cream With 9 Plants ($31.00 for 1.7 oz)

Official Description;
A genuine "day cream" for dehydrated hair, PHYTO 9 is a combination of Macadamia oil and plant extracts, all carefully selected for their hydrating and nourishing properties (St. John’s Wort, Soybean, Calendula, Rosemary, Willow, Sage, Burdock, plant mucilage).
Infused with eight plant extracts plus macadamia oil, this leave-in conditioner instantly nourishes, smoothes and protects medium to coarse textured tresses while preventing frizz and split ends.

Ingredients;

Althaea Oficinalis Extract (Mucilage Végétal), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Arctium Majus Root Extract (Bardane), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (Romarin), Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract (Sauge), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Leaf Extract (Saule), Hypericum Perforatum Extract (Millepertuis), Lecithin (Soja), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parabens (Butyl, Ethyl).

Directions For Use;

After shampoo apply to towel-dried or dry hair, place a pea sized amount of cream into hand and apply all over hair paying special attention to ends.
Massage in until fully absorbed, then style hair as usual.

The Phyto 9 Botanical Cream is a unique hybrid of a styling texturizing cream and a nourishing leave-in conditioner. The product itself is very concentrated so using this sparingly is essential to getting the maximum benefits, avoiding greasy residue and not wasting a drop of its creamy goodness. The key ingredients alone: Soybean, Macadamia Oil, Rosemary, Burdock, Sage, Calendula, Willow, Mallow and St. John's Wort had me convinced of its superiority but once I tried this silicone-free concoction I was sold on it right away. The lack of that coating sensation might cause you to question the results at first but this is because PHYTO works on treating-healing your hair and not tricking you into thinking that the silky-smooth feeling you are left with is proof of its true ability.

I find that the best results are when it's applied to damp hair, prior to blow-drying but using a little bit less on dry hair will take care of any smoothing issues you might be dealing with. The Phyto 9 has a light formula feel to it so its easily absorbed and although scented, it's very delicate and doesn't smell synthetic or perfumed. The fragrance will definitively not interfere with any scent you might already have on (bonus)

Ultimately I absolutely adore this product. Apart from the incredible results; super shiny, smooth, frizz free and soft hair - there's a huge sense of satisfaction that I am maintaining my hair texture rather than masking the damage problems.
When my hair needs a little bit less care or during the Summer I plan on switching to Phyto 7 Dry Hair Hydrating Day Cream With 7 Plants ($29.00 for 1.7 oz). 

Thank you for reading :-)

Have you tried any PHYTO hair products? Any favorites? 

XOXO

ANJA

Review - Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo

Last month I went a little crazy in the hair care department.
After posting my "simple hair routine" based on the Moroccan Oil range, something terrible got triggered and suddenly I decided that I "needed" more products to add to the regiment even though it was working perfectly.
I invested in several expensive products that had great reviews and luckily they didnt disappoint in the least. However the cheapest purchase was the one that impressed me the most. Go figure!

Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo ($5.99 for 3.4 oz) was a brand new discovery for me, bought on a whim at Walmart after I noticed their huge display in the beauty department.
I had used Garnier Fructis Hair Care Products in the past but in this case I wasn't even aware that Garnier made dry shampoo and seeing how I was going to an unplanned sleepover that very night, picking it up was a perfect opportunity for testing purposes.

My usual dry shampoos of choice is Batiste ($7.99 for 6.73 oz) and Cake Beauty ($18.00 for 50g), which of course work beautifully but the Garnier version was by far superior to them.
I literally did not know what I was missing!

Official Description;
Looking for a fast way to refresh and extend your volume?
This dry shampoo, containing a blend of orange citrus and grape extract, immediately refreshes and bodifies lifeless locks, instantly creating volume you can see and feel.

Directions For Use;
Shake well before use. Hold can 6-8 inches from head and spray evenly to dry hair. Comb through to remove.

Key Ingredients;
Orange Citrus
Grape Extract 

The Garnier Fructis Hair Care Range bases all of their products on the concept of Fortified Fruit Science, which means that their formulations include fruit extracts, fruit essential oils and natural fragrances. Even though I prefer "clean" products when it comes to my cosmetic/& beauty needs I can commend Garnier for at least heading in the right direction.
I also can't exactly argue with the results and how my hair felt and looked after just one (clumsy) try!

My hair is typically Mediterranean, dark brown, thick, coarse and long so the "volume" factor of the Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo really couldnt be evaluated by me but I have heard from others that its pretty impressive in that aspect as well.

Since I only use the dry shampoo occasionally and only to extend a blow-out or delay washing my hair for a day at most, my experience with the method of application is not all that extensive and I am always worried about the white residue.
Luckily this dry shampoo was extremely user-friendly and probably the easiest to brush out. After a few quick strokes my hair was left refreshed, shiny, soft and lightly fragranced. Even though I prefer sweet, gourmand-like scents when it comes to perfume I find that for hair fragrance light fruity notes work better with my body chemistry. The orange blossom scent of the Fructis Dry Shampoo is lovely and light enough so it doesnt compete or overpower the fragrance of choice for that day.

*Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo Commercial

Trying the Garnier Fructis Dry Shampoo was a huge success for me and it impressed me more than some products that cost a lot more than this. It was a very pleasant reminder that the drugstore is filled with excellent budget beauty products that deliver the results they promise even at such low prices.

The whole experience has even inspired me to explore some other value options that have intrigued me for a long time now.
Saving money, new beauty products and promised results are always a great a combination!

Thank you for reading?

Have you tried the Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo? 
What is your favorite dry shampoo?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Review - Frederic Fekkai Technician Color Care 3-Minute Mask

The "Attack of the Hair Products" has been raging for at least a month now and there really is no end in sight just yet. I have gone from having a simple Moroccan Oil (review here!)centered routine to now having a complete arsenal of various hair treatments, masks, styling aids, oil treatments and even a few mystery items whose powers I have yet to discover. I guess all those years of neglecting the hair care industry have now come back to haunt me
Despite being a total "newbie" when it comes to paying special attention to my hair I had already been aware of the master french stylist, Frederic Fekkai and his line of luxury hair products. In fact his book "Frederic Fekkai: A Year of Style" (available here!)has been resting comfortably on my coffee table for some time now, however my exposure to his products has been extremely limited up until now.

Frederic Fekkai achieved huge success in France and later in North America by introducing "customization" and focusing on the individual client as oppose to the "signature cut styles" his colleagues had done for years. After being noticed by the legendary Bergdorf Goodman, Fekkai was offered the opportunity to design a high end hair care center, which he followed up by releasing and creating his own collection of luxury hair products. The Frederic Fekkai Hair Care was one of the first product lines that harnessed scientifically advanced formulations to rejuvenate, treat and care for all different hair types.
The rest is as they say hair history!

The product I am featuring today is part of the Frederic Fekkai Color Care Collection and is one of his most popular products among women (and men) with chemically treated, colored, highlighted or even just damaged hair types.
This my fellow beauty aficionados is the Frederic Fekkai Technician Color Care 3-Minute Mask, whose primary purpose is to protect, nourish and "bring back to life" severely damaged or distressed hair
Why I decided that I needed to try this particular mask is a mystery to me as well because my hair is neither processed nor significantly damaged at this point in time.
Regardless of all that, I am very happy I have this and since it makes my hair feel amazing I can see this staying in my weekly hair pamper routine for a long time to come.

Description;

An intense and instant treatment designed to deeply nourish and protect color-treated hair. The luscious creamy formula helps extend the life of color treatments and maintain healthy, shiny hair. The triple-color protection complex helps protect hair from UV rays and color from fading, while it helps keep color looking radiant and lustrous. It is the perfect solution for just-colored hair that delivers a vibrant, silky feel without the "wait"

Ingredients;Water (Aqua), Ceteryl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Stearamidopropyl, imethylamine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Cetyl Esters, Isohexadecane, Stearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Glycerin, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Panthenol, Cinnamidopropyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Butylene, Glycol, Fragrance, Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) Flower Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Juice, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Wheat Amino Acid, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PVP Protein, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Prunus Amygdalus, (Sweet Almond) Protein, Glycene Soja (Soybean) Protein, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Retinyl Acetate (Vitamin A), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Benzophenone 4, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol,
Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Red 4 (CI 14700), Yellow 5 Lake (CI19140)

The luscious, creamy rich formula is said to help with hair vibrancy, softening, manageability, UV ray protection and can even extend the life of your color treatment. I of course can't vouch for all of those claims but I can testify that at least the first three of the above are more than correct.

The Frederic Fekkai Technician Color Care 3-Minute Mask for me acts as a deep conditioning treatment which leaves my hair feeling soft, silky and bouncy and I never have to worry about greasy residue or annoying build up after a couple of uses. The manageability of my hair after each use is definitively improved because my blow out ends up looking more professional and my hair actually keeps shape well into the next day. This is huge for me because my hair is very thick and coarse, with a tendency to be all over the place due to frizz, flyaway's and occasional dryness. 

The texture of the 3-Minute is creamy and fluffy all at once, easy to distribute through dry or wet hair and smells like a delicious blend of grapefruit and bubble gum. The full effects of the treatment are easily achieved within the 3 minute time frame however if you are dealing with a major "hair disaster" (post coloring?) the fact that this mask is not even slightly greasy, means that you can leave this on comfortably for a couple of hours and even overnight if you think your hair needs the extra boost. 

All in all I have to admit that this really is an amazing hair mask and even though I am not its targeted demographic, I can still use it and get benefits from its hydration powers regardless of that "tiny" little detail. 

Therefore I am recommending this mask to anyone and everyone regardless of hair condition or hair time because either way the benefits will be instantly obvious. 

You can find more informaton on the Frederic Fekkai Technician Color Care 3-Minute Mask ($39.00 for 7 oz) and all other Frederic Fekkai products directly on their website, Amazon and the Skinstore. 

I hope this was helpful to someone :-)

Have you tried any Frederic Fekkai products? What is your favorite hair mask?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Review - Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment

It seems that the "Invasion of the Hair Care Products" is still in full swing and there seems to be no end in sight so I decided to join the mutiny and stop resisting the pretty little bottles cluttering my sink. 

Variety is the spice of life after all and besides who knows maybe I really am missing out on something amazing by sticking stubbornly to my old-stand by Moroccan Oil. 

Let the justifications begin! 

After having such amazing results with the Macadamia Naturals Deep Repair Mask it seemed only natural to check out the matching oil treatment too. It was significantly cheaper than the Moroccan Oil and all the reviews seemed so positive that when I finally located a small travel sized bottle there was no hesitation. 

I am very happy to report that I think I discovered a new favorite hair oil with even more versatility and function than my usual routine.

Description;

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment is a therapeutic oil perfect for all hair types and is especially beneficial to dry, damaged hair. The Healing Oil Treatment is instantly absorbed, weightlessly infusing the hair with moisture and nutrients for silky smooth, healthy looking hair while providing natural UV protection from photo and sun damage. Dry, brittle hair is miraculously rejuvenated with increased shine and control. 

Directions

For styling and finishing, work a small amount into damp or dry hair. For extra nourishment, add a small amount to masque or leave-in cream before applying

Ingredients;

Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Macadamia Temifolia Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexylcinnamal, Butylphenyl Methypropional, Coumarin, Linalool, Limonene

The Macadamia Oil Treatment claims to provide similar benefits to the Moroccan Oil including nourishment, detangling, increased manageability and shine, natural UV protection and even reduced drying time by 40-50%. The healing oil will also eliminate frizz, flyaway's and increase softness even in color-treated hair. 

Only a few drops of this healing oil will literally transform your hair, turning it softer, easier to manage and glistening with healthy (not greasy) shine. The Macadamia Oil can also be used on the body by spiking your favorite body lotion but my favorite way to use this is add a small amount to my daily conditioner, transforming it into a luxurious rich hair mask. When my hair is feeling particularly parched I add a couple of drops of oil to the matching Macadamia Deep Repair Mask and leave it in for 15-20 minutes for a true hair spa experience.
For more ideas and demonstration check out this official video as well!

My final verdict on the Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment is very positive and for me its a more affordable replacement of the Moroccan Oil since I achieved very similar results using both products. 

Both the Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment ($13.50 for 1 oz.) and Moroccan Oil ($48.59 for 3.4 oz) are available for purchase at Ulta and Amazon. 

I hope this was helpful :-)

Have you used the Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment or Moroccan Oil? Do you have a favorite hair oil?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Review - Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream

The invasion of the hair products continues and with that a new resolution was desperately needed on my end.

I will never-ever again brag about self control especially since I announced to the whole blogosphere that my hair care routine was very simple and satisfactory and here i am now with a small armload of new "hair necessities". 

One of my favorite discoveries as of late has been the  Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream (with encapsulated olive oil) which I have used every day since I got it about 2-3 weeks ago. 

My hair is healthy and shiny on its own but the Glossing Cream has reallly amped up the effect, so much so that I have gotten comments and compliments every day since. 

Description;

Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream is a sheer, leave-in styling cream that adds moisture, brilliant shine and manageability. Pure encapsulated olive oil helps combat humidity, eliminates frizz and leaves hair lustrous and sleek. Suitable for all hair types.

Directions for use;

Rub a small amount between palms and distribute through hair before and after blow-drying to add manageability and shine.

Ingredients;

Water (Aqua), Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Propylene Glycol, Polyacrylamide, Olea Europaea (Olive Oil) Fruit Oil, Phenyl Trimethicone, C13-14 Isoparaffin, PEG 8 Methicone, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Laureth-7, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Cinnamidopropyltrimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Dimethicone PEG-8, Meadowfoamate, Fragrance/Parfum, Methylisochloroisothiazolinone, Yellow 5 (CI 19140).

I think the best description of Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream is that of a hybrid in between a leave-in conditioner and a styling cream. It calms unruly tresses, depuffs,  eliminates frizz and flyaways, gives a glossy sheen and softens the ends for a very natural free flowing locks. It basically takes care of everything those of us with thick hair have to deal with. The encapsulated olive oil provides both the super-glossy look as well as the additional conditioning to treat, protect and hydrate your hair. 

That is a brilliant combination if you ask me!

The texture of this is a light cream but its very concentrated so start of by using very small amounts at a time (pea size) until you feel your hair has had enough. My hair is very thick and long but all I needed was about an almond size to tame my mane and shine brilliantly. 

Because of its richness and concentrated nature I would NOT recommend this to anyone with thin or fine hair. This stuff is just too potent and I am afraid the only effects those Princeza's would see is heavy, limp and greasy hair. 

Nobody likes that kind of result? 

The price tag of the Brilliant Glossing Cream is a little higher than most similar hair products but since you are using only small amounts at a time why not splurge on a great quality product that will deliver each and every time. 

Frederic Fekkai ($25 for 4 oz) products are available for purchase directly through their website and ULTA. It's also widely available through most department stores such as Walmart, Nordstorm and Macy's. 

I hope that was helpful.

Have you tried the Fredric Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream? What is your favorite hair product - I promise not to buy it :-)

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Review - Living Proof Style Lab SATIN HAIR SERUM

A couple of weeks ago I posted about my basic hair routine and I was even a little bit proud about its simplicity and my self control when it came to hair products. It's pretty obvious that those statements don't apply to me anymore so I might have to eat my words...

I received a small sample of the Living Proof Satin Hair Serum when it launched and decided to give it a try since I remembered how popular their Thickening Cream was in the not-so distant past.

With long, thick, strong hair I was obviously not their target audience when it comes to thickening but frizz-fighting hair serum was definitively something I could use. 

The fact that the fabulous Jennifer Aniston was their spokesperson only enhanced my resolve to test drive a product that supposedly helps her hair look so amazing. I was too young to obsess over the "Rachel" hairstyle but that doesnt mean I couldnt appreciate her hair today.

The texture of the Satin Hair Serum is very light and runny, so much so that I was sure this would do not help my hair one bit. However I am happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised by its feel, performance and light citrus-like scent.

Official Description;

A hair serum free of oil and silicone that cuts styling time in half while providing superior smoothness, manageability, and natural movement. 
Satin Hair Serum is powered by a Sera-Smooth Complex, which offers superior smoothness, eliminates frizz, provides natural movement, leaves hair manageable, and is faster and easier to achieve a desired smooth style. It smooths without the tradeoffs of silicones and oils, doesn't weigh hair down, and doesn't create product build-up. Easy to use, lightweight, and long-lasting, it leaves hair grease-free and produces a beautiful, sleek look. 

Key Ingredients;

OFPMA: Patented smoothing molecule. 
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate: Enhances shine. 

The key feature of this Satin Hair Serum is its ability to fight frizz, smooth out your locks and add shine, without any weight, residue or silicone's. Most hair products aimed at doing the same thing rely on a silicone formula to "fake" those results. In the long run this can cause heavy build up, drying out, more split ends and further damage. Hair may appear and even feel smooth for a while but what you are dealing with is silicone coated follicles that only mask the "true" condition of your hair. 

Personally I love hair oils but as a long-term Moroccan Oil user I can attest to the fact that if I am not careful with how much I put in my hair, all I am accomplishing is a greasy bad hair day. The Living Proof Satin Hair Serum eliminates that problem and I can see this particularly appealing to individuals with thin hair whose hair oil use can be even more problematic. 

The formula showcases OFPMA and polymer molecules whose combination eliminates smoothing issues and leaves hair feeling light and never greasy. My favorite "side-effect" of using this is that my hair looks and appears illuminated but feels like I haven't used any styling products at all. Bonus points go for the increased softness of my coarse , thick Mediterranean locks and the definite improvement when it comes to manageability and movement.

It's a definite winner for me and while I will probably never give up my Moroccan Oil this is an excellent alternative to rotate in between "oil" days. The price point of the Living Proof Satin Hair Serum ($33 for 1.5 oz) is fair in my opinion especially when you consider that a bottle will last a long time since you only need a few drops to get the desired effect. 

Living Proof Satin Hair Serum demonstrations and other information can be found on their website and you can get a bottle of your own at Sephora as well. 

Have you tried any Living Proof products? What is your favourite hair product?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Review - Dr. Bronners Magic Pure Castile Classic Soap in Almond

It's only been a few years that "green" living and "clean" skincare have gone mainstream. Natural and Organic products have existed for a lot longer of course but they remained under-rated, overlooked, unappreciated and generally considered to be inferior to traditional (chemical) formulas. However in recent times urban consciousness has awakened the natural industry and "green" companies are finally coming out to the forefront. I say it's about time! 

My own desire for cleaner & healthier living has made me a lot more aware and conscious of exactly what I am putting in and on my body. It's a constant journey and since there is so much overwhelming and conflicting information out there, it can be difficult to have enough knowledge to make the best choices. 

In the midst of all that confusion it's nice to have tried and tested brands whose reputation and commitment to clean living surpasses everything else and makes their products (what I like to call) a sure thing. 

Dr. Bronners Magic All-One is one of the pioneers of today's "green" cosmetic industry and its founder Dr. Bronner might be one of the most colorful and unique CEO's you can imagine. The history of him, his family and his soap company is truly a testament of the preserverence and strength of the human spirit. I highly encourage you to read his timelime for a glimpse of what steadfast dedication and commitment can accomplish in the face of so much adversity. Seriously it will amaze you! 

Dr. Bronner's claim to fame comes down to his Magic All-One Pure Castile Liquid Soaps whose formulation precedes all other similarly marketed soaps and blows all of them away. It really isn't even fair to compare them.

Dr. Bronners Magic Pure Castile Soaps are vegetable based, preservative-free, paraben-free and contain absolutely no artificial thickeners. The formula uses only  organic essential oils and makes sure to follow all fair trade requirements.  

On par with their "green" philosophy, the company also minimizes their ecological footprint by making everything 100% biodegradable and using only post-consumer recycled bottles and paper labels. 

How can you not get behind them?

I have been using Dr. Bronners Castile Soaps for years now and a lot of their products are considered to be staples in our household. 

My all time favorite is definitively the Dr. Bronners Magic Pure Castile Soap in Almond. 

Description;

Nothing brings the warmth and coziness of home and hearth into your shower like our heavenly almond scent. All oils and essential oils are certified organic to the National Organic Standards Program. Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

Ingredients;

Water, Saponified Organic Coconut*, Organic Palm* and Organic Olive* Oils (w/Retained Glycerin), Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Essential Oils**, Citric Acid, Vitamin E

Dr.Bronner claims that there are 18 ways the Magic Pure Castile Soap can be used but I am sure the "green" community can come up for a few more. 

Personally I have used the Almond soap as: shampoo, body wash, face wash, hand soap, makeup brush cleanser, bathroom & kitchen cleaner, fruit & veggie wash and even pet shampoo! It works amazingly well and makes me feel good about using it since I know I am not layering chemicals all over the place. 

I love that despite the fact that it does not have synthetic foaming agents it still manages to bubble up beautifully and feels velvety on the skin. The lather is more than generous, cleans my skin perfectly without stripping it, smells distinctly but naturally and rinses away without any residue left over. My skin is very sensitive and can be very reactive when it comes to skincare products but none of the Dr. Bronner products have ever yielded any kind of a negative reaction. In fact, my skin feels a lot better when I use this consistently. The almond scent is beautiful and one of the milder scents used with the magic soaps. To me this smells identical to a comforting almond marzipan cookie and I enjoy using it every day.

The formulation of all Dr. Bronner Castile Soaps is extremely concentrated, which means that you are free to dilute it to suit your own needs but regardless of the ratio you end up choosing, its important to use a little at a time until you are comfortable with its performance. Remember this stuff is potent!

My final verdict is as positive as it gets! I would and have recommended this soap to everyone - members of the Sensitive Skin Care Club included! The price is more than reasonable when you take in to account the concentration of the Castile Soap formula and all the functions this magic liquid can preform.

Dr. Bronner Magic Pure Castile Classic Soaps can be purchased in various health stores, supermarkets, department stores and various places online. Visit Dr. Bronner's company website for more information on all products they have, purchases and other retail information!


Have you tried the Dr.Bronner soap? Whats your favorite soap?


XOXO
\
ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Review - Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oleo-Complexe + Millenium Rose

Remember how proud I was of myself when I said that my beauty product obsession hasn't ventured too much in the hair care department? Unfortunately I am going to have to retract that statement and eat my words! 

The Moroccan Oil works amazingly well for me, I have very "good hair" and absolutely no reason to be switching or gala venting out there, looking for a new hair oil! At this point the only thing that is driving this "trying" phase is obsession, pretty bottles and scientific curiosity. Other than that I have zero justifications to offer you!

I appreciate good products and quality brands when it comes to any beauty field. Reputations and results are everything in the cosmetic industry so I have known about Kerastase for a while and heard nothing but good things. As someone who didn't dwell too much in to hair care I haven't tried too much from what they had to offer. Since their prices are somewhat on the "luxury" end I figured I would save the splurge on them for some disastrous hair emergency of my future. Obviously I caved before that happened and I am happy I did. 

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oleo-Complexe + Millenium Rose is a very  fancy name for a very fancy hair treatment oil elixir. 

Official Description;

A new range of fragrance infused, custom-made oils for your specific hair needs. With just a few drops, hair looks shiny and soft thanks to the nourishing properties of Kérastase ELIXIR ULTIME.

Versatile beautifying oil for fine and sensitised hair, enriched with the Oléo-Complexe and Millenium Rose. Enriched with Millenium Rose extracts, Kérastase ELIXIR ULTIME with Millenium Rose for Fine and Sensitized Hair helps protect fine hair against external aggressors. Infused with a delicate floral scent, with hints of fragrant freshness.

My limited knowledge of the Kerastase products and a serious lack of reading directions-skills led me to the wrong Elixir Ultime. My hair is very thick and the Elixir Ultime Oleo-Complexe + Millenium Rose is actually meant for fine, thin, sensitive hair. Essentially the oil I am working with is meant for the complete opposite of my hair type.

This little fact was discovered almost half-way into my bottle usage and I was stunned that this wasn't formulated to work for me. It's not suppose to be effective for my thick hair but surprisingly it works amazingly and I actually prefer the lighter oil texture, especially now in the summertime. With just a few drops my hair is left soft, shiny, bouncy and even more manageable. The last factor is most likely attributed to the oil lightness meaning that as such it doesn't interfere with hair volume or style. 

I am a big fan of rosé scents so the "Millenium Rose" label was one of the deciding factors on which elixir I was to try, however this is probably the only disappointment about this product. The fragrance is definitively lovely and light so it won't interfere with any other perfume I choose to wear, but the promised rosé notes are barely detectable. 

The Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oleo-Complexe + Millenium Rose delivers on a it's promises and may even substitute my trusted Moroccan Oil in the warmer months however due to its lightness I am skeptical about how it will perform in the winter when the air is even drier. As any other beauty blogger worth her lipstick I will update the review if my impressions change and this lovely purple bottle survives the wonders of Canadian Winters. 

I will admit that the Kerastase prices can be a little outlandish so even though I would happily recommend them, it is something to keep in my mind. I would in turn like to point that when it comes to the Elixirs the initial price point is a bit high for comfort but can be considered as hair insurance investment. The simple fact that you only need a few drops each time the Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oleo-Complexe + Millenium Rose means that it will last a long time and therefore earn its price-point in the long run!

How is that for a recommendation and justification all at once? 

Kerastase Elixir Ultime and all of their products can be purchased through their website

Have you tried Kerastase yet? What is your favourite hair treatment oil?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Review Macadamia Natural Deep Repair Mask

A lot of people have said that i have been blessed with what is described as "good hair". My hair is dark auburn, very thick, shiny, undamaged  and not color-treated.  

I don't use a lot of styling aids and when I blow dry I only do it for about 5 minutes when my hair is no longer "very wet". My routine is very simple but I do try and use some kind of deep treatment mask or conditioner every couple of weeks. I probably should do more but my beauty obsession seemingly doesn't translate all that well in the hair-care department. 

When I first heard about the Macadamia Deep Repair Mask I was intrigued, especially many bloggers were comparing it to the Moroccan Oil products, which I already use. So when I got the opportunity arose I was more than happy to test it out.

Official Description;

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque is a revitalizing hair reconstructor for dry, damaged hair. A combination of macadamia oil and argon oil along with tea tree oil, chamomile oil, aloe and algae extracts rejuvenate and rebuild the hair, leaving the hair deeply nourished for improved elasticity and shine with long-lasting conditioning benefits.

Key Ingredients;

Macadamia Oil

Argan Oil 

Tea Tree Oil,

Chamomile Oil

Aloe & Algae Extract

How to use;

Liberally comb through clean, wet hair and allow up to 7 minutes of penetration before rinsing. No heat necessary. Deep Repair Masque is an intense treatment. Use no more than twice a week

The Macadamia Natural Deep Repair Mask promises to provide not just deep nourishment & reconstruction but also long-term conditioning. Even though I am all about instant gratification I also like feeling like I am doing something that will benefit me later too. This treatment is promising both of those things. 

The texture of this hair mask was thinner than I expected but for me that was a positive feature since it made it a lot easier to evenly distribute the cream throughout my hair. My thick hair also appreciated the fact that it was very easy to rinse. Nobody has time for a 10 minute rinsing session. The scent is very clean and fresh, nothing overpowering that lingers for hours. 

Despite the fact that it doesn't feel thick, the richness of its conditioners really pack a punch when it comes to hydration and repair. I could feel a difference in my hair while I was still in the shower - the silky, light sensation was apparent even then. Once dry my hair was softer, silkier, lighter and even looked & felt bouncier. What I absolutely loved about it was the fact that even though my hair was soft & silky, it was also very manageable and not at all slippery. 

I have used the mask three ways;

1. Just as directed on the tub for 7 minutes before rinsing 

2. Overnight wrapped up in cling wrap and rinsed in the morning shower 

3. When my skin is feeling particularly parched I use it overnight with a few drops of the matching Macadamia Oil mixed it

Essentially the Macadamia Natural Deep Repair Mask ask is just wonderful and for once I couldn't come up with a single negative.  It's a new feeling for me! 

You can purchase Macadamia Oil products at ULTA

I hope you find this review helpful 

Do you have a favorite hair mask?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

The Original Moroccan Hair Oil and Mini Hair Routine

I believe that I have already made it abundantly clear that I can be perpetually obsessed when it comes to skincare, body care, nail polish, various beauty tools and finally makeup. What may surprise you is that I haven't developed nowhere near the same zeal and passion when it comes to hair care!
In fact my hair routine is ridiculously simple and consists of just a few steps - shampoo, conditioner, occasional hair mask, pure coconut oil,  hair drier and my trusty Moroccan Oil. That being said the few hair products I do use have to be pretty special and deliver exactly what I want & expect from a superior formula.

Just as reference before I give you my thoughts on the controversial Moroccan Oil formula please keep in mind that my hair is very dark, thick, coarse and not color treated. I go to the salon maybe twice a year and  keep my hair length just past my shoulders, meaning that each visit doesn't comprise too much more than a quick trim to eliminate any pesky split ends. I have been pretty lucky to have "good hair" and I believe that my simple hair regiment has definitively contributed to its quality and minimal damage or dryness. That is not to say that I am always diligant about maintaining it but for the most part I can't complain since in reality, my hair doesn't ask for all that much.
I don't use drugstore shampoo and conditioner formulas but please don't take offence to that - I am sure that there are lovely brands out there that deliver results at an awesome price but I gave up on looking for "the one" a while back and decided to invest in a salon brand that I already knew worked for me. I've never looked back and now I alternate between a few brands, my favorites being Frederic Fekkai, Redken, Bumble & Bumble and the occasional Bedhead bottle. Sunday night is permanently reserved for a clarifying shampoo, which is to remove all the build up that accumulated throughout the week. My choice for clarifying shampoo is "Sunday" (how appropriate!) by Bumble & Bumble
About once a week I try to comb coconut oil through my hair, leaving it on for at least 30 minutes before my regular shampoo/conditioner comb. My hair feels amazing the next day, it is soft, silky,  manageable and very shiny.
Every couple of weeks I apply a heavy-duty hair mask, massage it in and leave it for as long as possible. My choice masks are: Frederic Fekkai Essential Shea Ultra-Rich Mask, Macadamia Oil Mask, Moroccan Oil  Repair Mask and Carol's Daughter Moisturizing Hair Smoothie. 
The only "styling" product I use regularly is The Original Moroccan oil formula and even then 3-4 drops is all I need  to achieve that glossy, swishy, silky and luscious hair look. I purchased a full-size bottle of this about two years ago and surprisingly I still about 1/3 left, which if my calculations are correct leaves me with another year to go. This is why I would re-purchase this, despite the price tag, especially now that i know just how long it lasts.

Official description;

Moroccanoil® Treatment’s versatile, nourishing and residue-free formula can be used as a conditioning, styling and finishing tool. It blends perfectly with other products and even speeds up drying time. This treatment for hair completely transforms and repairs as its formula transports lost proteins for strength; fatty acids, omega-3 oils and vitamins for shine; and antioxidants for protection. It absorbs instantly to fill gaps in hair created by heat, styling and environmental damage.

Directions for use;

Apply a small amount to clean, towel-dried hair, from mid-length to ends. Blow-dry or let dry naturally. Moroccanoil® Treatment can be applied to dry hair to tame fly-aways or condition dry ends.

Ingredients;
Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, cyclomethicone, butylphenyl methylpropional, argania spinoza kernel oil, linseed extract, fragrance supplement, D&C Yellow-11, D&C Red-17, coumarin, benzyl benzoate and alpha-isomethyl ionone. For a similar product, One 'N Only Argan Oil, the ingredients are dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, dimethiconol, C12-15, alkyl benzoate, fragrance, argania spinosa kernel oil, Yellow 11 and Red 17.

I love the Moroccan Oil, the formula works for me and it has more of treatment feel to it than a styling aid and that's always a plus! Despite the fact that this is viscous oil, the texture melts between my hands and is very easy to distribute even in the most unruly of hairs. 

The controversy surroundings this product has a lot to do with the ingredients, misleading Argan Oil concentration and high levels of silicone - not exactly what you would expect from a high-end hair oil.The presence of so much silicone in the formulation pretty much guarantees that they will lose customers that don't tolerate nor use silicon anything at all. The division between fans and those who "don't like us" is almost evenly split so Moroccanoil still has hard core fans out in blogosphere whose experiences were nothing but positive (including me!). However I completely understand the order hesitation especially with such high-priced products but as i said before my original bottle is two years old and there is still 1/3 left which definitively justifies the full price for me. Taking into account that this is the only thing I actually put in my hair only further justifies my re-purchase of this miracle oil potion!


You can check out the official Moroccanoil video on YouTube here! 

The Moroccanoil products can be purchased in most upscale hair salons or directly from their website.

I hope you guys found this helpful! 

Have you tried the Moroccanoil hair products? What did you think?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)