Argan oil has been the talk of the town for hair for the past few years, so naturally, this oil from the Atlas mountains in Morocco would make its way into skincare.
Argan oil, which for centuries was used traditionally by Berber women as part of their hammam beauty rituals to protect and nourish their skin and hair from harsh Saharan winds and fierce sun, is rich in essential fatty acids. The natural tocopherols found in the stuff make it a superior skin-nourishing ingredient. Some even call it the “queen of oils”. Oh, you fancy, huh?
Although its typically used in the beauty industry as a hair oil, The Body Shop released a new line using the stuff in a nine-product collection for skin. Products include a body butter, a radiant oil, a bubble bath, a rough scrub, a body lotion, shower gel, massage soap, miracle solid oil, and solid oil for lips.
I received three of the nine products, the shower gel (C$9), the rough scrub (C$20), and the body butter (C$20), which is a Body Shop staple. I did use all three last week prior to applying some St. Tropez bronzer (the best time to use a scrub is before applying self tanner – you get a more smooth application). After, I used the shower gel, then the next morning, the body butter. Every time I have showered since, I have used the shower gel and then applied the body butter once my skin was dry. I have noticed how smooth my skin feels after using the body butter especially. If I were to recommend one product from the collection, it’s definitely the butter. With that being said, I don’t find that these have a particular scent to them, which to me, is a huge appeal for people when shopping at The Body Shop. If you struggle with dry skin, I would recommend checking out this line. If you are more in the market for something that smells nice (Satsuma, anyone?), skip this.
Finally, in true Body Shop fashion, your purchase of these products help the lives of Moroccan Berber women and their families and communities. The Body Shop, in close partnership with Targanine, a local cooperative created by women, for women, to help find buyers for their oil, is the company’s 26th Community Fair Trade partner.
Will you be trying The Body Shop’s Argan oil line?
Please note, I received these products from PR. All opinions are my own.
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So last week I did a post on how obsessed I was with Pureology’s new Strength Cure line, which, as I mentioned previously, is my favourite haircare line. Well, sorry Pureology, but I cheated on you and something else stole my heart.
That same week I received a few products from L’Oreal Professional’s new Absolut Repair Lipidium line, which contains ultra-high-tech active ingredients that target the heart of the hair fibre to restore its structure. The repairing line consists of four improved and revamped products, as well as two new SKUs.
I received the shampoo (C$18) and conditioner (C$21), as well as the Restructuring and Protecting Blow-Dry Cream (C$21) and Sealing Repair serum (C$27), which is one of the new products. Like I mentioned in my Pureology post, I try a lot of hair products and very rarely do any of them blow me away after the first use. Well, my friends, this L’Oreal Professional line blew me away and then some.
I have had issues with split ends in the past, but for the most part, right now my hair is pretty healthy. With that being said, after one use of these products, I couldn’t stop touching my hair and noticing how shiny and healthy it looked. I was obsessed.
It’s star ingredient, Lipidium, which is lactic acid, phyto-keratin, ceramides, and lipids, replenishes all hair zones immediately, creates an insulating barrier to lock in essential nutrients, and coats hair against new aggressions. Yes, I know, that’s a lot of science, but trust me, if you have problem hair, you need this. Even if you don’t have hair issues, your locks probably went through a lot in the summertime: excess sun, heat styling, brushing, colour, you name it, all those things damage hair. It’s always a good idea to freshen up that cut and then maintain your hair with a good washing and styling regime.
The only qualm I can think of with this line is the size of the products. The shampoo is 250 ml and the conditioner is 150 ml. I want to note that typically you run out of conditioner before shampoo and the conditioner in this case is a whole 100 ml smaller than the shampoo. Why, L’Oreal Professional, why?? The line also has an Instant Resurfacing Masque (C$30 for 200 ml), which may be worth picking up as well. I like doing a masque at least once a week for a deep condition; it really does make a difference.
Overall, I think I found my new holy-grail shampoo and conditioner. Sorry, Pureology. If you are interested in picking these miracle workers up, they launch exclusively in salons in October 2014.
What is your favourite washing and styling line?
Please note, this post contains products sent by PR. All opinions are my own.
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Okay fall fragrances, I think we need to have an intervention.
Autumn is hands-down my favourite time of the year. Not only for the chill weather, but the clothes, food (pumpkin spice anything), and all the colours. So naturally, when the weather gets warmer and Halloween decorations start popping up in stores, my summer fragrances take a break and I bring out the spicier ones.
You may have noticed a few new scents making their ways into stores and on your Instagram feeds, two of which are the most unconventional women’s scents I’ve seen yet.
The first one, Calvin Klein Reveal, is a salty little number. I don’t have the actual fragrance but I do have the Sensual Body Lotion, which probably packs more punch than the fragrance itself.
With notes of raw salt signature, pink pepper, black pepper, white pellet, orris, ambergris, solar accord, sandalwood, cashmeran, and musk, this sensual fragrance is a powerful one. So much so, that the smell of salt lingers on your skin forever. It’s not my absolute favourite, solely based on the salty scent, which is so overpowering after a while (maybe it’s not too drastic with the actual fragrance, as opposed to the lotion), but if you’re a spicy gal, sniff this one out.
I feel like a staple for any women’s fragrance is some sort of floral note. Well, The Body Shop is taking a page from men’s colognes and completely got rid of any flower scent in their new perfume Red Musk. This fragrance has no flowers, only spices, making it perfect for fall.
With notes of tobacco, pepper, and cinnamon, this fragrance is not your typical girly scent. It’s musky, warm, and comfortable. It’s like wearing red plaid on a chilly fall evening sitting fireside with a guy. Although tobacco is unexpected for a women’s scent, since typically it’s found in men’s fragrances, I actually really love the combo of notes in this one. Plus, the red box and ombre bottle make it so pretty to stand on your dresser. It’s simple, clean, and unexpected. And, at $45 for the 100ml Eau de Parfum bottle ($37 for 60ml), this one is affordable for any budget.
What are some of your favourite scents for fall?
Please note, these items were sent to me by PR. All opinions are my own.
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