Naturalla Beauty

There's something delightfully nosey about watching What's in My Shower videos on Youtube, and even though I don't make videos, I thought I'd give you all the chance to poke around in my shower.  This is completely candid and without any editing of products, so you'll get to see it all: what I love, what I'm trying to use up, and what I'd half forgotten was even in there.  Here goes!


The Body Washes
I'm a bit of a shower gel/body wash junkie, so I really enjoy having a couple different ones to switch between.  I've praised Nourish's body washes over and over and I've almost always got one of them on the go.  Spiced Orange is not very spicy at all and has more of a candy-orange scent than anything else, but I've been enjoying it nonetheless.  Another citrus option is Scentuals' Grapefruit Body Wash*, one of the newer additions to my shower.  It's super gentle and the creamy consistency reminds me of a cross between aloe vera gel and a rich body wash.  Lastly, we have Leap Organic's Eucalyptus, Mint & Anise Body Wash, which is heavy on the peppermint and super refreshing in warmer weather - it's kind of like air conditioning in a bottle!  

The Shampoos

Acure Organics' Argan + Argan Stem Cell Shampoo has been a longtime favorite.  It's great for curls or anyone looking for a hydrating shampoo that won't weigh down your hair.  I like to rotate between the Acure and a more clarifying shampoo, which is where the Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo comes in.  I've only had it for a short time, but so far so good.  I use it about once every week or week and a half, to get rid of any buildup.  I'm also slowly working through Carina's Daily Moisturizing Shampoo.  It's a castile-based shampoo with a nice tropical, pineapple scent, but I don't find it does much for my hair.

The Conditioners
Acure Organics' Argan + Argan Stem Cell Conditioner is my favorite in this category as well and is what I use on a day-to-day basis.  Weleda's Oat Replenishing Treatment* is the last holdout from when I did the 30-Day #WeledaHairDare in the spring.  It's an intense conditioner, meant to be used as an occasional deep conditioning treatment, but it's not something I reach for very often at all.  I don't love the powdery, sweet tonka bean scent, and I'm not convinced it does anything more for my hair than a regular conditioning with the Acure.

The Randoms
I rarely buy actual shaving products, but Kiss My Face's Key Lime Moisture Shave has been nice for a change.  The pump is convenient and it has a light, refreshing scent and a creamy consistency that does the job well.  It's also super inexpensive and the 11-ounce bottle lasts just about forever.  Curelle's Build-Up Remover is an interesting product that you're meant to use in conjunction with your regular shampoo to get rid of product build up, mineral residue from tap water, or chlorine from pool water.  I don't know how it performs in the other regards, but I haven't found it very effective at cutting through ordinary product build-up.  I'm still on the fence about the Preserve razor, although I'm liking it slightly more than when I first reviewed it.  I just don't feel like I get as close of a shave as I'd like, plus because of how rigid it is, I still end up nicking myself a lot more than with other razors.  Lastly, the body brush is something I picked up at a local health food store.  It doesn't actually live in my shower, but I like to dry brush with it a couple times a week, before my shower, so I decided to sneak it in here anyways.  Dry brushing is great for both your skin and your lymphatic system.


And that's it!  I hope you enjoyed this quick peek behind my shower curtain.  Lining everything up, it seems like a lot of products, but - with a couple exceptions - they all do get used on a regular basis.  Some products, like the body washes, change pretty frequently, while others, like the Acure shampoo and conditioner, tend to remain as constants.  As you may have noticed, I don't keep any face products in the shower.  Instead, I just grab what I want to use  at the time - usually a scrub of some sort - and bring it in with me.  

What does your shower look like?  Clean and streamlined, or more of a product explosion like mine?

I generally wash my hair every other day, and while I don't have problems with my hair getting greasy, it can be a challenge keeping my curls looking fresh and bouncy after they've been slept on.  I've been searching for something that will refresh second day curls with minimal effort, and believe me, I've tried a good bunch of things!  This is the most recent batch - I think of these as non-hairspray hair sprays (thus the title) since they're spray-type hair products, but none of them provide the hold of a traditional hairspray.  Instead, they're light, leave-in products that give variable amounts of hydration.  None of them are heavy or greasy.  


Acure Organics Argan Oil + Argan Stem Cell Leave-In Conditioner
I did a full review of this product a few months ago, and my opinion has basically stayed the same.  I love the way it works, but I struggle with how it smells.  It smells like lemongrass, but it's heavier and more herbal than the lemongrass scents I'm used to, and unfortunately, the scent is one that really sticks in your hair.  If Acure were to come out with another scent, I'd be all over it, but as it is now, the smell wears on me enough throughout the day that I won't be buying this one again, regardless of how well it works.

Yarok Feed Your Ends Leave-In Conditioner
Yarok's Feed Your Roots Mousse has been a firm favorite of mine, so naturally I had to try their leave-in.  It smells the same as the mousse - sweet, fresh, and lemony - and it does a great job too.  It's one of the lightest of the bunch, so I can really go to town spraying this one and not have to worry about my hair ending up greasy or sticky.  As an added bonus, it also does double duty as a heat protectant.  

Rahua Voluminous Hairspray
Rahua's is the only one of the bunch that's sold as an actual hairspray - soft, flexible hold - but I really thing it would be better marketed as a leave-in conditioner.  As a curl refresher, it works fine initially, but after just an hour or two everything falls flat again and I'm back where I started.  If I'd bought it intending to use it as a regular hairspray, I think I would have been even more disappointed.  I've read positive reviews, but on my hair, it gives virtually no hold.  

Beautiful Curls Shea Butter Curl Reviving Tonic
It shouldn't come as any great surprise that the sole product of the bunch that's actually marketed as a curl reviving product does the best job reviving my curls.  I was initially concerned about how I'd fare with the mango-vanilla scent and eyed this product for months before finally taking the plunge and buying it.  I was worried it would be overly sweet or fake smelling, but it's actually fairly light and not overpowering or sickly.  The product itself performs exactly how I want it to.  Several sprays and some scrunching easily take my deflated curls from sad and slept on to bouncy and fresh once again.

The Bottom Line
All things considered, the Beautiful Curls is the clear winner here and the only one that I'm confident I'll be repurchasing.  (In fact, I kind of already have.  I let my mom try it and ended up having to buy her her own bottle just so I could get mine back!)  The Yarok is also quite lovely and I could see myself buying it as an occasional splurge, but for an everyday product that gets used up fairly quickly, I can't justify spending more when the Beautiful Curls is equally or more effective and a third of the price.  I think the Rahua and Acure could potentially suit different hair types and noses, respectively, but neither were winners for me.

Am I the only one who struggles with second day hair?  Have you tried any of these?

Acure's shampoos and conditioners have gotten a lot of hype in the green beauty community, but one product that I haven't seen talked about all that much is their Leave-In Conditioner.  Fellow curly girls will especially understand just how much of a bane second day hair can be - no matter how perfect my hair is when it's freshly washed, by the next day, after sleeping on it, it's nowhere near the same.  Brushing it only makes it worse and it's just not practical to re-wet my entire head, but I haven't found a product that actually works to refresh second day curls.  Until now...



Spraying the conditioner directly onto my hair does very little, so I prefer to spritz it into my hand and then re-scrunch my (dry) hair.  Used this way, my curls are redefined with minimal frizz, and my hair look ALMOST as good as day one, freshly washed hair.  The spray is not at all heavy or oily like some other leave-ins.  Instead, it just imparts a very light dose of moisture.  If you're looking for something heavier, this might not be the product for you, but I like that you can go to town, use a good amount of product, and not have to worry about ending up looking like a total greaseball. 

In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that my first impressions of this product were not very favourable.  I used it once or twice without noticing any difference, hated the smell, and despondently added it to my small pile of products to give away.  As it turns out, I couldn't quite bring myself to get rid of it, and many months later I pulled it out and decided to give it another try.  For round two, I figured out how to make the product work in my hair, but the smell is still not a favorite.  It's a lot heavier and more herbal than the bright lemongrass scents I'm used to, and I just don't love it.  It also lingers, so I'll catch fairly strong whiffs of it throughout the day.  It's kind of a hit-or-miss thing for me - some days I'm okay with the smell, while others it drives me crazy and I can't wait to jump in the shower and wash it out.  Bear in mind that if you're less sensitive (and/or fussy) about smells, this may be a moot point.

The Bottom Line
I love how well Acure's Leave-in Conditioner works as a curl-refresher, but I wish it smelled different! As it stands now, the smell takes this product from something I'd use daily and happily repurchase to something I cautiously use on occasion and likely would not buy again.

Where to Buy: $7.73 from Vitacost, 8.62 from iherb, $9.99 from Acure.

How much does smell factor in when you're choosing products?  And, if you have any amazing tips for second-day hair, I'd love to hear them too!



Disclosure: Post contains affiliate links.

It's that time again: empties!  I used up a decent number of samples this month, but only four full sized products.  Keep reading for my thoughts on everything...

FULL SIZED PRODUCTS

George's Always Active Aloe Spray Mister   [Review]
I was in love with this spray initially, but I'm no longer convinced it does anything more than water.  It does work well for setting your makeup, hydrating or cooling your face, and helping oils/serums rub into your skin better, but since this ran out, I've been using plain water in a spray bottle, and I haven't noticed any difference.  
Repurchase? Maybe.  

Acure Argan + Argan Stem Cell Conditioner   [Review]
Love this conditioner!  This is the first summer that I haven't struggled with frizzy hair in the humidity and I credit a lot of that to Acure's shampoo and conditioner.  
Repurchase? Yes, I already have.

South of France Lemon Mint Liquid Soap   [Review]
Really great as either a hand soap or body wash.  Lathers up well, smells fresh and lovely - lemony with a touch of mint - and does not leave your skin feeling tight or dry.
Repurchase? Yes, I already have.

(Seed) Grape Seed Enriched Body Lotion   [Review]
(Seed)'s lotion is on the lighter side, which was great for the summer.  It rubs in super easily and still moisturizes well.  The pump is a nice added convenience too! 
Repurchase? Maybe.

SAMPLES

Consonant Ultra Firming Eye Cream
Consonant was kind enough to send me a few samples after a conversation on Twitter, and this was the first one I reached for.  They recommended it for both under eye circles and puffiness, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to do much for my dark circles.  It does, however, take down puffiness like no other eye cream I've used.  This plus my Pure + Simple eye cream - which is great for darkness but falls short with puffiness - makes the perfect combination, but I'm not sure it's feasible to layer two eye creams in the long run.  I have a sample of Consonant's Ultra Moisturizing Eye Cream to try next, so I'm hoping that one will end up being a better fit.
Repurchase? Probably not. 

Cheeky Cosmetics Honeycomb Eye Shadow   [Review]
I really like Cheeky Cosmetics' eye shadows, but Honeycomb wasn't a standout colour for me.  It's a pretty golden brown, don't get me wrong, but I have an abundance of eye shadow and it wasn't unique enough that I need to replace it immediately.
Repurchase? Probably not.

Face Naturals Peppermint & Tea Tree Deodorant
The mini deodorant is super cute and the perfect size for toting around, which I guess is good, since it's something that needs to be reapplied throughout the day!  Even on days when I do nothing, this deodorant doesn't get me through the day stink-free unless I use it more than once.  It's also the worst for getting deodorant marks on clothing.  It doesn't seem to matter how I put my shirt on, I always end up with an awkward white smear on it somewhere!  I've loved plenty of other Face Naturals products, but I really had to force myself to use this one up!  
Repurchase? No.

Dr. Bronner's Citrus Orange Pure Castile Soap
I'm pretty sure everyone knows Dr. Bronner's.  This castile soap is insanely multi-purpose and is a great product to have on hand.  Since it's so gentle, I used the sample to hand wash some delicates.  The citrus scent isn't my favorite, but it worked just as well as any of the other ones.
Repurchase? Yes, but not in this scent.

Himalaya Neem & Turmeric Face Wash
Himalaya is a new-to-me brand, but I was excited to try out this sample whilst hunting for a new cleanser.  I'm still curious to try more from the line, but this face wash just didn't work for me.  It's a gel cleanser that's difficult to wash off and it left my skin feeling tight and a little dry.  It's recommended for normal to oily skin, so it may work better for oilier skin types.
Repurchase? No.

Green Beaver Boreal Body Lotion
I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this, since I usually choose unscented lotions.  It has a subtle scent that dissipates pretty quickly and I was completely fine with it. It's a little richer than my usual Acure lotion, which I imagine will be fantastic come winter.  And, I love that, unlike the Acure, it's a lotion I can actually buy in stores here.  
Repurchase? It's very likely.  

Black Rose Minerals Skink Eye Shadow   [Review]
Skink is another shimmery tan/light brown/gold and really lovely.  These kinds of shades are my favorite for an everyday eye and I'm starting to running low!  Definitely considering ordering a full size.
Repurchase? Maybe.

That's all for August!  Have you tried any of these products?

Have you ever used a product and deemed it just okay, only to be completely wowed by it later on?  That's pretty much how my experience with Acure's Moroccan Argan + Argan Stem Cell shampoo and conditioner has gone.  When I first reviewed these, although I liked them, I found them too heavily moisturizing to use as my regular shampoo and conditioner, but after about six months of use, I've come full circle and have come to love them as just that.  They're the main shampoo and conditioner I've been using for the last several months, so I figure I'm past due for an updated review.

Yes, they're supremely hydrating, but once I worked out the right balance for my curly, frizz-prone hair, it's not too much.  I use roughly a loonie-sized amount of shampoo (that's about one and a half quarters for you non-Canucks) but only a dime-sized amount of conditioner. I generally use more conditioner than shampoo, which I think is why it took me so long to puzzle this ratio out, but these amounts definitely works best here.  This way, the shampoo and conditioner help define my curls and minimize frizz but they don't weigh my hair down or leave it feeling heavy or greasy.  The result: soft hair and bouncy, shiny curls.  I like to use a more clarifying shampoo every 2-3 weeks, just to make sure I'm getting rid of any product build up, but Acure is what I reach for on an everyday basis.   I've even come to really like the almond smell, which initially wasn't a favorite.  

If you've got dry, wavy, curly, or frizzy hair, Acure's Moroccan Argan + Argan Stem Cell products are for you!  And if not, Acure also makes two other shampoos/conditioners for different hair types.  I'm curious how the other varieties compare, but since these have been working so well, I'm sticking with them for now.  In fact, I just bought my second bottles, which goes to show how much I like them!

Have you tried Acure's shampoos and conditioners?

Where to Buy: $9.49 from Vitacost, $8.62 from iherb, $9.99 from Acure

I've been trying out a bunch of new hair products over the last few months and since my skincare routine was so well received, I figured I'd do a similar post on my current haircare routine!  My hair falls somewhere between wavy and curly and is prone to frizz pretty much all year round.  I've also had issues with hair falling out the last several years, strictly in the fall (apparently losing more hair that time of year is pretty common!), so I also look for products that strengthen hair and encourage hair growth.  


"Everyday" Shampoo/Conditioner: Acure Organics Moroccan Argan + Argan Stem Cell Shampoo/Conditioner
I don't actually wash my hair everyday - more like every two or three days - but when I do, these are generally what I use.  When I first reviewed them, I said they were too moisturizing for me for regular use, but with more testing, I discovered they work fantastically, as long as I scale back on how much conditioner I use.  The shampoo itself is pretty hydrating, so my hair really only needs a tiny bit of the conditioner.  Used this way, my curls get enough moisture without being weighed down and my scalp doesn't end up feeling greasy either.


"Treatment" Shampoo/Conditioner: Intelligent Nutrients PureLuxe Shampoo/Conditioner
I'm a big fan of Intelligent Nutrients, but their shampoos and conditioners cost a bit more than I want to spend on products that get used up so quickly.  Luckily my hair responds better to only using these occasionally anyways!  The PureLuxe line was formulated for color-treated, damaged, and dry hair and is intensely moisturizing.  I use them once every couple weeks (or more often if my hair starts to feel dry) and they leave my hair feeling extra soft and healthy. 





Hair Oil: Aura Cacia Organic Argan Oil
After I wash my hair, while it's still damp, I take one pump of Aura Cacia's argan oil and distribute it mainly on the ends, but working it up the hair a little too.  I've noticed a big difference in the health of my hair since I started using this regularly, and it also works to control frizz.  In fact, as long as it's fairly dry outside, I can get away with just using argan oil, without any other hair products, and my hair will stay virtually frizz-free all day long.







 
Hair Mousse: Yarok Feed Your Roots Mousse
This is a pretty new product in my routine, but it's become a fast favourite!  After washing my hair and using the argan oil, most days I'll scrunch my hair with this mousse and let it air dry.  It defines my curls and keeps them in place throughout the day, but doesn't leave them feeling crunchy or sticky.  I'll also use it on second-day hair if my curls need perking up.





Hair Gel: Intelligent Nutrients Organic Styling Gel
This is a more occasional product for me.  It's what I use on days when I want a little more hold than what the Yarok provides.  It's a good all purpose gel and it smells lovely and fresh too, like a mix of peppermint and spearmint - the scent reminds me of gum, but in a good way!






Shine Spray: Intelligent Nutrients Organic Hair Shine
This is what I reach for on those occasional times when I straighten my hair.  I don't notice a big difference on curly hair, but when my hair is straight, it does a great job controlling any flyaways and leaves my hair with a beautiful, healthy shine.  It's oil-based, so you only want to use a little or else it will take you past shiny and straight to looking greasy.  On an only slightly related note, one of the lovely things about Intelligent Nutrients is that they periodically ask for testers for new products and give out samples before they are released, in exchange for feedback.  And I'm not talking about just to bloggers either - they'll post on Facebook and Twitter for all their fans/followers.  That's how I was introduced to this product, and since I don't use it all that often, I'm actually still working through the generous sample they provided! 


Hair Mask: DIY Egg/Yogurt Mask
This mask literally takes less than five minutes to mix up the recipe and another five to ten to apply it, but the combination of working (almost) full time and job hunting for something new means that I've been skipping it more often than not lately.  Ideally I like to use this once every 2-3 weeks and I really need to get back in the habit of doing so.  Seriously, my hair never looks as healthy as the first few days after I use it.


I feel like I'm pretty low maintenance about my hair, so it's funny how many products ended up in this post!  On a day-to-day basis, I just use the Acure shampoo and conditioner, argan oil, and Yarok mousse and I really don't spend much time doing my hair.  Everything else is stuff I use much more irregularly, though they're all things I enjoy on occasion and that I'm glad to have in my cupboard.  I've definitely been on a bit of a haircare kick lately, so I'd love to know: what are your favorite hair products? 

I've already written about how much I love using straight argan oil on my hair, and now I want to talk about a new shampoo I've been trying out.  Acure Organics started out making skincare products, but they've quickly branched out into body and haircare as well.  What remains consistent across all their lines is fantastic ingredients and affordable pricing.  A few months ago, I won $50 to spend at iherb, courtesy of the extremely generous Vivi of Eco Beauty Secrets, and Acure's shampoo and conditioner was the first thing I knew I wanted to choose!  I decided on the Moroccan Argan Oil + Argan Stem Cell Moisture Repairing shampoo and conditioner, since they are recommended for dry, damaged, and curly hair.
 

Product Description
Provides lasting moisture to even the most dry and damaged hair leaving it soft, manageable and ready to rock. Organic Argan Oil + Argan Stem Cells, CoQ10, and Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil--high in Omega 7, make up our patent-pending Triple Moisture System. Pumpkin Seed Oil --high in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, adds shine. Hair repair with serious flair. Safe for color treated hair.   Locks in moisture, repairs damage, strengthens follicles, and vacuums your house. Okay, maybe it doesn’t vacuum your house. But it does repair your hair!  

Ingredients
Shampoo: Organic Euterpe oleracea (Acai) Berry, Organic Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry), Organic Rosa canina (Rosehips), Organic Punica granatum (Pomegranate), Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Rooibos, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Vera Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (from Coconut), 100% Naturally-derived Betaine (from Sugar Beets), Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (from Coconut + Amino Acids), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (from Coconut + Amino Acids), Cocoglucosides Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Sugar Conditioner), Sodium Levulinate (from Corn), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar gum conditioner), Potassium Sorbate (food grade preservative), Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Organic Fair-Trade Certified™ Olea Europea (Olive) Oil, D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (vitamin E), Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) seed oil, Organic Curcubita pepo (Pumpkin) seed oil, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Argania spinosa (Argan) Stem Cells,  glycerophosphoinositol lysine (from sunflower), Almond Extract, Cinnamomum aromaticum (Cassia Bark) Oil 

Conditioner: Organic Euterpe oleracea (Acai) Berry, Organic Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry), Organic Rosa canina (Rosehips), Organic Punica granatum (Pomegranate), Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Rooibos, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearylkonium Chloride, Vegetable Glycerin, Glucono Delta Lactone (fermented sugar), Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside (from corn and glucose), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (guar gum conditioner), Glyceryl Stearate (vegetable-derived), L-Arginine (amino acid), Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Sorbitan Olivate (from olives + sugar), Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5), Cellulose (plant derived), D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (vitamin. E), Lactic Acid (vegetable derived),  Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) seed oil, Organic Curcubita pepo (Pumpkin) seed oil, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Argania spinosa (Argan) Stem Cells,  glycerophosphoinositol lysine (from sunflower), Prunus dulcis (Almond) Extract, Cinnamomum aromaticum (Cassia Bark) Oil

Price
$10.99 for 12 ounces from Acure Organics.   $9.49 from iherb. 

My Thoughts
I really like this shampoo and conditioner.  The shampoo lathers up very well and the conditioner is rich and creamy.  They both rinse out easily and don't leave any residue or buildup on my scalp.  And, they certainly live up to Acure's promise of being moisturizing!  In fact, I find them just a little too heavy to use every single time I wash my hair.  My hair looks fantastic for the first two or three consecutive washes, but on continued use, it starts getting weighed down.  Instead, I've been mixing it up with my old standby, Organic Excellence.  Rotating between the two leaves my hair soft and shiny and gives it the perfect amount of moisture without overdoing things.

My one initial concern about these products was how they were going to smell.  I chose the Argan + Argan Stem Cell based on hair type, since it's recommended for curly hair.  It's scented mainly with almond extract and almond scents don't tend to be favorites of mine.  That said, the smell is fine.  I wouldn't say I love it, but it's not offensive and it's also not incredibly strong.  I can smell it while my hair is still wet, but once it dries, the smell is pretty much gone. 

The Bottom Line
I would recommend both these products, especially if you have dry or damaged hair.  Even if you don't, I think they'd work well as occasional, treatment-type products.  Next time, I think I'll try their Lemongrass line, which is recommended for all hair types, as I'm curious if I could use that one more regularly with better results.  Either way, I can definitely see myself keeping Acure's shampoo and conditioner in my shower for a long time to come!

ETA: Please check out my updated review on these after longer use too.