First Impressions
Unwrapping the lovely parcel containing the Apple & Bears gift collection I was due to review, I felt really excited. I am a great fan of bathing and moisturising products due to my stressful job and having a very dry and sensitive skin, so this item sounded like a Godsend to me!
I was quite overwhelmed by how luxuriously the packaging presented the contents and my first impression was one of a luxury brand and that this item would make a marvellous gift. Although the main logo for this collection is a neutral colour the body cream contained within has a pink monogram, which probably leans this set more towards the female market, although only the body cream is particularly identified for women.
The Box
I researched a little more about the box, as my Japanese friends always tell me that it is rude not to pay close attention to presentation of a gift, and this is equally important as the contents as the giver has taken care to choose and present this to you.
The gift box for the Apple & Bears Collection has a fine pedigree supporting British craftsmen, having been hand made by a British company with a long history of making bespoke gift boxes since 1816. I suddenly feel transported back to an age of elegantly dressed ladies from Jane Austenesque scenarios in beautiful Georgian homes opening their gifts made by this same company and I feel delighted. Apple & Bears comments particularly on this aspect of their ethos of sourcing British made packaging to house their British brand items and I have to say that the quality really shows here.
The Bottles
The bottles themselves are opaque, squeezable but slightly stiff, white plastic, the body silk has a pump dispenser and the body wash has a cap with a dispensing insert which snaps open and closed easily to dispense the gel. My first thought was that I was pleased to have a pump and dispenser on the items as the plastic of the containers is fairly robust although not completely rigid. The thoughtfulness of this inclusion was very much appreciated. The monogram gives the product itself a classy look and, on closer inspection, I could see that this bore reflected mermaids, fish and a spiral which could be interpreted as a shell form.
Swatch test
Swatching the products on my hand for the first time I noticed that the body wash has a mid coloured transparent look and has a very stiff, jelly-like texture. It has a light fragrance which is not overwhelming. Rinsing the product, I noticed that it produces a light lather, but not lots of foam. This is pleasing as it suggests that Apple & Bears do not overload their products with foaming agents.
The body silk is white in colour and has a mid texture, and is delivered cleanly by the pump. On my hands the product is readily absorbed and has a deeper, headier fragrance than the body wash which leaves me in raptures. I am a keen fan of exotic fragrances which deliver me from stress, and this one seems to work a treat! The fragrance seems to leave a lingering scent on the surface of the skin and the product leaves the skin feeling hydrated and plumped.
Maker’s scent information
Near the start of the trial, the makers of this product gave the reviewers additional information about the contents of the fragrances of each of the range. I was informed that:
‘The Pomegranate fragrance is Jasmin with a combination of different scents’
The idea that the main content of my product’s fragrance was jasmine only increased my excitement about this product review, as this is one of my all time favourites, being a real fan of deeply sensual and oriental fragrances. I really adore the fragrance of my product but I found it really hard to put my finger exactly on what the content might be. It reminds me a little of one of my very favourite products and I wonder it one of the ‘combination of different scents’ might well include tiaré blossom, which is often used with monoi oil. Certainly, to me, the fragrance is slightly reminiscent of this and is not purely the fragrance of jasmine.
Each time I reach for the bottle of body silk I just can’t resist cupping my hands whilst holding the pumped product and inhaling deeply before smoothing the cream over my skin. My instinct to treat my brain as well as my body has continued with each application and has become part of the ritual of application of this product. I have found this helps to relax and relieve stresses of daily life during those precious moments of pampering.
Body Wash
The body wash has lasted well; a little goes a very long way. The product lathers well, so that you feel it is doing its job, but does not produce clouds of foam. My skin does not feel dry after use which is a great bonus! I still feel that the texture is very stiff when dispensed, so I thought that a good way to keep my bottle would be on its cap to keep the product at the top. However, I have noticed that the bottle has still become slightly damaged over time from the need to squeeze it. The plastic is flexible, but robust and a little unreceptive to my constant battering and now bears some scars across its middle. If I were to have another I might replace the cap with a pump, similar to that on the body silk as this bottle still looks as chic as the day I opened the box and is a pleasure to look at on my window sill each morning and evening.
Body Silk
Using the body silk on the body after bathing, I have noticed that this product needs a little massaging to help it to be absorbed on damp skin. I use about two pumps for half a leg and, although the instructions recommend circular motion of application, I have found that an upward, brushing motion of application with the palms of both hands helps the product to be absorbed more quickly. Using less product initially also reduces the need for a great deal of time of application. It requires a little massage as white traces are left on the skin without this, however the massaging process is a small hardship and helps circulation within the skin tissue and the delicious fragrance left on the surface of the skin deserves further inhalation! The product leaves a moisturised and ‘locked in’ sensation of hydration from bathing, which lasts throughout the day. I have skin which is prone to eczema and psoriasis, but I have experienced no difficulties using the body silk on my skin although I have avoided one little patch just to be on the safe side.
Charity support
I was very pleased to see that this brand supports a charity, in this case: Breast Cancer Care. The fact that some proceeds will go to support those experiencing cancer will encourage patronage by families who have been touched by cancer as well as others who just wish to give to good causes.
Overall impression
Details given regarding the ingredients state that it has ‘anti-aging and healing properties’. It certainly helps with the retention of moisture after bathing and I have noticed that my skin feels hydrated and youthful after application of both products. The body silk requires some massage to encourage absorption, but this is counter balanced by the amazing fragrance which makes the whole process worthwhile.
The body wash seems to have a texture which is stiffer than others I am used to and the bottle has become damaged during the product review period from dispensing the contents. The box used for the collection the collection is of superlative quality and I feel that this offers a truly luxurious first impression to the recipient.
The pricing of the product is quite high, but this collection would make a wonderful gift, especially in the knowledge that part of the money given will support charity and any recipient of this particular ensemble would not help but be thrilled to receive this item.
ThisWorks
After first discovering the organic brand ThisWorks in a stocking filler beauty box from Latest in Beauty just over a year ago, when I received a delicious sample of ThisWorks No Wrinkles Extreme Moisturiser, I decided it was time to get to know this brand better. At that time, ThisWorks products weren't quite as easy to find as they are now, but larger branches of Boots are now stocking this brand, so everyone can now get hold of items without much difficulty.
I started using four products by this brand, and, to ensure that I would know their effects, I resisted the temptation to dip into all my other delightful beauty box samples, which continued to arrive... I promised myself that I would use up both items which you will find in a duo set plus two addional items I had received from another source and report back to you on the efficacy of this brand. My sizes were travel sizes, but those available at present are full sized items.
I decided that this range would be my 'spring regime' which would need to keep my skin in good condition and stand up to my punishing morning schedule. As I get up at 5.30 a.m. and leave the house at 6.30 a.m., there would be no time for annoying, fiddly containers. Everything needed to be quick and easy, and the same for my evening routine, when I returned, exhausted and ready for bed.
The Products
The duo products plus the additonal items were:
- perfect eyes recovery cream
- perfect cleavage firming lotion
- perfect hands intense moisture
- enjoy multi-tasking lotion
The multi-tasking lotion was one of the suppementary items that did not feature in the duo, however it complemented the other face products. In addition, being an everywhere moisturiser, I could test it out on my eczema prone patches of skin, to really give the brand a run for its money, and let you know how suitable it is for sufferers. This is always a question for me when choosing a new product, although I am drawn to products with fragrance, which aren't always suitable for my skin.
The product sizes ranged from 15ml to 30ml depending on the product, and they all lasted about a month to six weeks, with daily use. This excluded the hand cream, which I forgot to use regularly, as it was in my handbag, and there was still a little product left after the others were finished.
perfect cleavage firming lotion
This product came in a handy 15ml rigid plastic, pump-action container. The pump action enabled quick and clean dispensing of this product onto fingertips. There was no wastage and the pump delivered cleanly without any residue left on the nozzle. This was very important for my sleepy start in the morning!
The aroma of the product was intense and intoxicating, and I felt as though I was having my own mini spa treatment each day. I felt relaxed by the scent of essential oils contained within the product, even before it touched my skin.
The little went a long way of this product. I used about three pumps for my entire neck and decollete area. With this amount of usage the 15ml lasted about a month. I am quite greedy with this kind of product, feeling my skin needs as much nourishment as possible, and I felt that this was a good length of time for the product to last, given my usage.
The product was quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple, and giving me a feeling of well-being, which was generated by a combination of the silky texture of the product with the amazing aroma it provided.
perfect eyes recovery cream
Next on the agenda was the eye cream. Again, I tend to be quite greedy with this kind of product, feeling my skin needs all the help it can get, especially with such an early morning start, which often follows a shortened night's sleep. Although I know that a minimal amount of eye cream is generally used, as this kind of product can cause puffiness, this is not a symptom that I generally suffer from. I often over use this kind of product, which I am told can reduce its efficacy. This particular product stated that it helped with dark circles. Again, this is not something I usually suffer from, but last autumn, I found it very difficult to adjust to my 5.30 start and circles were a perpetual and persistent problem for me at the time!
The product had a faintly wheaty smell, but it was barely perceptible. It was virtually odourless. I confess this secretly diappointed me a little, as I have come to associate this brand with strong, natural scent derived from essential oils, and it is a feature that I actively seek when I use their products.
The product size was 15ml had the same rigid plastic, pump action container as the serum, and delivered just as cleanly. The product lasted about six-seven weeks. The cream was light-textured and opaque. I found it a little sticky on my eye lids, but it was absorbed fairly quickly. The stickiness could have been avoided by using less product or limiting use to the browbone. However, my eyes were feeling constantly tired and I hoped the cream would ease the sensation.
I paid particular attention to the product's effect on my circles, but I didn't really feel that it was effective for me, even after a month of use. The circles persisted and I didn't feel that the product changed the degree to which I suffered.
enjoy multi-tasking lotion
This product did not come in the duo set, but complemented the other face products, so I used them all together. Of all the products used, this is turned out to be my favourite, as its versatility makes it a great all-rounder.
This travel sized product was contained in a squeezy plastic tube with a screw cap, on which it stood. Dispensing the product was not as simple as with the other items, nor regulating the quantity used. However, the full sized product comes in the usual rigid container with a dispensing nozzle. The scent of the product was delightful and uplifting. It had a powerful aroma, which encouraged me to breathe deeply, and which I found relaxing to use. The density of the product was mid-textured, and it smoothed across the skin very easily.
I found that I wanted to use a little on my hands, which reduced my usage of the dedicated hand cream. I put a little on the patches of skin where I suffer from eczema, as I generally moisturise these sections of skin morning and night with aqueous cream to prevent flare up. I swapped the aqueous cream for the product to see if my skin could tolerate a scented cream for this purpose.
I found this product a delight and my skin lapped it up. It left the surface a little damp for a few minutes, and I wasn't able to apply SPF straight away until the cream had been absorbed. However, I felt it was worth it. The scent of this product is quite strong, and some might find that they dislike this aspect. For me it was a bonus, as I was actively seeking a product that delighted all senses, and didn't upset my sensitive skin.
perfect hands intense moisture
This product had less use than the other items, partly because of the versatility of the Multi-tasking lotion, and partly because it was in my handbag, and I often didn't have time to apply it once I arrived at work.
The container is made of a squeezy tube with a cap that has a flip top. I found this useful as it doesn't undo itself and make a mess in your bag, nor will you accidentally lose the cap, especially when out and about or you are trying to do a balancing act on public transport, as is generally the case for me. The cream itself has a mid-to-rich texture, which is readily absorbed by the skin. It hydrates well and is effective for extensive periods of time. Despite the fact that I didn't get to use this product as often as the others from the set, the rose scent was delicious and relaxing, and I really enjoyed every moment of its application. However, I would say that I felt rather self conscious using it in a crowded location, such as on public transport, during the commute to work. I was aware that the scent was exceedingly powerful, and may not be to everyone's taste in the early morning. I thought this might bother fellow passengers.
Brand Ethics & Awards
Since their launch in 2003, ThisWorks has won many prestigious awards, including those from Beauty Bible, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Red and InStyle as well a being a CEW finalist brand.
The brand boasts 'all natural' products, and they don't use unnecessary chemicals in formulations including: phthalates, sulphates, synthetic colours and fragrance, parabens, GMOs, mineral oils, petrolatum, propylene glycol.
As well as being 'results driven' they are a socially responsible brand ensuring that their products use recyclable materials for packaging, their ingredients aren't tested on animals, those raw ingredients come from sustainable sources and fair traded products, use of organic ingredients where possible, and they support Kid's Company as their charity to give back to the community.
For more information about this charity, click this link: http://www.kidsco.org.uk/
Price and Convenience
Two of the four items used are available as part of a duo set of full sized products. I had travel sizes for my trial and I found that the sizes contained enough product to last at least a month of twice daily use for face, neck and decollete (plus hands and forearms daily). The sizes were small enough to carry to the gym or for overnight for travel, which I felt was a bonus, without having to purchase a separate, small sized item.
- the current purchase price of the duo set which includes both perfect cleavage firming lotion & perfect hands intense moisture 60ml & 75ml respectively costs £37 and I am aware that this is a reduced from the normal price of £55.
- enjoy multi-tasking lotion 120ml £25.00
- perfect eyes recovery cream 15ml £28.00
Currently the items available from this brand are full sized items in the sets, however you should keep a look out for travel sets, which are often available during the summer, as these are a convenient and less expensive way to explore this award winning, and truly ethical, brand.
Natural oils for all reasons and all seasons
I am sure that many girls out there were wondering just when the awful weather was going to end last winter. It is always a time I dread as winter tends to leave my face looking sandblasted and my hair looking like a birds nest from suffering the harsh elements. Countering the effects of the weather to hair and skin is a constant battle and this winter has been no exception.
Not something that I have used on a regular basis before, face oil has been featured twice daily in my regimen since the beginning of September to counter the effects of stress and sleeplessness caused by a new job and more latterly to combat the effects of harsh weather conditions too. I am certain you can imagine how delighted I was when I was contacted by noüris to ask if I would try out their new range of oils to let them know what I thought! Trying these products would be a pleasure for me especially as one of them came with the recommendation of my most youthful looking aunt! You can’t say better than that!
noüris Essential Oil Trio
I received a trio of oils from noüris. This is a new range of products from an online company offering products from PDO regions in Tahiti, Chili and Italy. These protected products of Argan Oil, Rosehip Oil and Monoi Oil were sent by the company by first class mail and arrived well protected in bubble wrap and boxed and posted in a padded envelope with additional packing to prevent movement.
The range of oils is available in 100 ml, 50 ml and 10ml bottles of tinted glass to protect the product they contain. The bottles are printed with stylish labelling and the Nouris brand name. Each oil has its own colour and they look very good as a set in the bathroom. Two of the oils, which remain liquid at all times, come with a pump and transparent cap for easy dispensing. The Monoi Oil, which is generally solid at room temperature, has a silver screw cap lid. This particular product requires warming to become liquid before use.
First Impressions
After unwrapping these lovely items, I couldn’t wait to try a little on the backs of my hands before I began putting them through their paces. Having read that the Argan Oil had not been deodorised, I was worried that it might have an unpleasant base oil smell that I would find difficult to tolerate. After a couple of pumps on the back of my hand and a little massaging, I was very pleasantly surprised to find that is smelled quite fruity, perhaps faintly of apricots. It was a very pleasant discovery. The oil itself is quite transparent and was very quickly absorbed by the skin, which was another pleasant discovery.
The second oil to be tested was the Rosehip Oil. This oil has an orangey tint, which comes from the colour of the hips. It has a slightly tart and citric aroma, quite like red fruit herbal tea and without any base oil aroma. Again the oil was very quickly absorbed by the skin, not leaving any residue on the surface of the skin. Rosehip has anti-oxidant properties which aid cell regeneration. I have only to look at my aunt’s skin to see how beneficial this product can be. It is the main component of her anti-ageing daily routine, and I have to say that she looks to be in my generation rather than the one above, so I was eager to have the chance to try this product.
As the Monoi Oil required some warming I just open the bottle and inhaled to see if this product had the intoxicating qualities that I hoped. I have discovered that not all Monoi products on the market have the delightful scent that I adore, even if they carry the organic mark and come from a reliable source. I believe it may be due to the addition of the Frangipani blossom fragrance, which is present in some products containing Monoi Oil, but not all. I was delighted to discover that this product had the fragrance that I adore, and had similar texture to the product from another, British brand, with which I am familiar. I left testing this one to a time when I was able to soften the product first.
noüris Monoi Oil
This product needs a little warming in a bowl of warm water before it changes from solid to liquid form. It doesn’t take very long, and hot water from the tap is hot enough to transform this product into a silky liquid which is perfect for pouring into the palm.
At first I was surprised that this product didn’t come with a pump, as it will only be dispensed in its liquid form. I came to the conclusion that this was due to the fact that the product didn’t remain liquid. However after a couple of uses I came to the conclusion that I would prefer a pump on this bottle and searched around at home for one which would fit the bottle. After attaching a pump I found that this was a a useful addition to the product and I was less nervous about spillage from the large opening or over dispensing the product and finding it difficult for my skin to absorb.
The first evening I applied this product liberally all over my body and a little on my hair, and applied as face oil, patting it on after applying my serum and under my night cream. I found no difficulty in absorption qualities and I was able to layer the products over each other without difficulty. I found the intoxicating scent of frangipani very relaxing and seductive and I couldn’t help feeling like a character from 1001 Nights as I applied it. My husband commented on how much he liked the aroma of the oil compared to perfume, and I feel application of this oil could become a regular feature in my daily skincare routine.
The following morning I checked my skin which seemed well nourished, particularly around my ankles and instep, which tends to be dry. I felt a little sad that I found it didn’t absorb well into my hair which looked a little greasy where I had applied it, even though I hadn’t applied very much. However I was going to wash it that morning and I added a little more to try it as an intensive treatment to prep my hair before washing.
Having read the warning on the bottle about allergy sufferers, I had only applied a small amount of oil over aqueous cream on the patches of skin where I tend to suffer from eczema, as I was a little fearful that it might upset my skin, but there wasn’t any redness or itchiness. Feeling a little more confident having seen the morning results and wondering how daringly I might use this oil, I applied the oil directly to eczema-prone areas, in the hope that the oil might aid hydration, and possibly assist in calming my itchy skin. This was readily absorbed my thirsty skin after my shower and didn’t seem to upset it at all.
After drying my hair that morning, I couldn’t help noticing that my naturally curly hair seemed more bouncy and fuller in texture. It seemed less prone to frizz after the use of a hair dryer and I was quite impressed by the overall effect. I will check to see if the same is noticeable next time I wash it to be sure, but it seemed that application of the oil did make a difference to dry, parched hair.
I am quite greedy with oils and serums on my skin, as I find my dry skin requires quite a lot of maintenance. On the third evening I am just under half way through this bottle, but I am loving every moment of its use. My skin this evening is soft and elastic, and I haven’t felt the need to apply further moisturisation to my eczema prone areas at all today. The areas where I suffer most do not appear dry or flaky and there is not a hint of itchiness. I am feeling more and more convinced that this product could release me from my constant use of scent-free creams which make me feel eternally punished and unable to enjoy a life of pampering. Thank you so much for this revelation, noüris!
Monoi Oil has proved great for locking moisture in the skin, but I am in my forties and perhaps I need something a little anti-ageing too for the face. Perhaps tonight it’s time to try noüris’ Rosehip Oil to see if I can stop the clock and perhaps even turn it back a bit!
noüris Rosehip Oil
This product is packaged in the same dark coloured glass, which will help protect it from the effects of sunlight while in use. It doesn’t come boxed, but the bottle has lovely printing and looks stylish and attractive displayed on the bathroom counter. This product has a neat, pump dispenser which prevents spillage or over-pouring and also a transparent cap to keep the nozzle clean and the bottle free from attracting any dust in the atmosphere. I found the pump a very useful feature which was easy to control and can be easily wiped clean after use, to prevent any build up of surplus product.
The oil itself has an orangey tinge of colour, suggesting the tint of crushed rosehips. This oil has a slightly tart fragrance, almost citric in nature. It doesn’t have a strong oil aroma which is very pleasing as this is a point which features highly in my selection of products, as I cannot bear using products on my face and body with a strong oil smell, and would find this off-putting. The fragrance noticeable to the user, but fades away almost instantaneously, and will not bother the user during the course of the day.
I was pleased to find that this oil has a very light consistency and is instantly absorbed by the skin, without leaving a trace of residue. It can be combined with serum and moisturiser very easily and without a feeling of overloading the skin. I am excited by the anti-oxidant and aspect of this oil and also the fact that it can be used on scars and itchy skin. I have long been bothered by a scar caused by chickenpox where I accidentally caught the spot with my glasses frame, and the prospect of reducing its appearance is very attractive. This oil may also be helpful for reducing the appearance of my stretchmarks, another very attractive feature.
Having eczema-prone skin is a real bind for me, especially in winter time, when the weather elements and central heating play havoc with my sensitive skin. I was very nervous to try any product on an area which is already driving me wild at every possible moment with itching, but I wanted to really put this product through its paces for other users to estimate what the result might be.
The first time I used this oil on my eczema I first applied aqueous cream and then a little oil over the top, to see if it would soothe the itching, (which aqueous does not, although it moisturises). Although very moisturising to skin, I believe that the aqueous cream formed a barrier of protection on my skin and perhaps lessened the potential benefits that the oil may have provided. Therefore, in a bolder attempt, I tried a greater quantity of Rosehip Oil alone the following day, to see if it would have greater effect. I can’t tell you how nervous I was as my skin was already causing me considerable misery by this point. However, I was delighted with the result I experienced! My skin did feel calmed by the presence of the oil, however, I confess I wasn’t brave enough to switch to solely using this product instead of my usual anti-eczema regimen. Rosehip Oil definitely did not exacerbate the problem, so for eczema sufferers it might be a pleasant treat to use a natural (and scented) product which has a scent rather than the usual, pharmaceutical regimen.
I thought I might also try this oil on another area of my body which also tends to drive me crazy with itchiness (but not eczema), possibly due to chaffing from clothing and long boots in winter. This area is my shin bones. I have lost count of the days and nights I have spent rubbing them red-raw following a day of wearing clothing and sometimes during the day too! Here I wasn’t as nervous to try the product more liberally to test its effects. As I mentioned earlier, this product is a very light oil, and doesn’t feel greasy or heavy on the skin.
Since I began my review of this range of products the weather has changed really dramatically and I am still using my oils. These products really have helped to keep my hair and skin in tip top condition. This kind of product is a really versatile way to keep your skin and hair hydrated, and it works for face and body meaning that you have less products to store. I have found oils blend well with serum and moisturiser, making it possible to layer your products to lock in moisture. Applying over serum or to damp skin really helps to keep your skin radiant an healthy and your hair frizz free. I will never look back as the results have been impressive. Using oils as part of my daily self care routine is here for good!
After years of struggling (and battling!) with my very curly, dry hair every day, I’m always on the lookout for products that help me to get control of my wayward hair.
Having used Elemis products with monoi oil, I already knew that I loved the scent, so when an assistant at Harrods suggested “Carol's Daughter”, it didn't take much to persuade me to give this hair range a try! Now, after a month of use, I am longing to share what I have discovered about this range.
To make sure that I could tell what the products were doing for my hair, I stopped using any other moisturising products, and only applied some hair mousse for styling and blow-drying.
I should add that I have a sensitive scalp and can have a reaction to products, so the product range's gentleness to skin was also very important.
About Carol's Daughter |
Review
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As I wasn't familiar with the Carol's Daughter brand I did some research and found that the products are highly suited to African and Caribbean hair, and it helps to moisturise and smooth my curls and frizz.
The assistant who recommended it to me clearly loved the brand and it didn't take much to persuade me to purchase the range: including a hair mask, shampoo and conditioner (these came with a bonus set of travel size products which was great!).
Ingredients
The principal ingredient is monoi oil, which is made from Tahiti Tiare Gardenia and Coprah Coconut. Monoi oil has been used over 2,000 years to heal and protect from the harshest conditions and the local people revere it and perform special ceremonies when making it.
Here's what it tells us on the packaging:
“Strengthening your hair is the only way to lengthen it so you can do whatever you want with it. To really fortify fine, fragile or chemically treated hair requires major nourishment found in the Monoi Repairing Hair Mask. Added to the rejuvenating Monoi Oil – a repairing Tahitian blend of the Tiare Gardenia Flower and Coprah Coconut Oil – is rebuilding Bamboo Water and protective Hydrolyzed Silk.”
The range doesn’t contain parabens (widely used as a preservative), petroleum, mineral oil, or artificial colours, so this range should be gentle enough for a sensitive scalp.
Monoi Repairing Hair Mask
The hair mask comes in a flat, circular, translucent tub, without a scoop, as many other brands also market this kind of product. The shampoo and conditioner are presented in translucent bottles with a dispensing cap. The label of the product is golden in colour with white and black writing. After a month of sitting on the edge of the bath and being splashed, the bottle and label still look new and attractive to the eye.
The design of the dispensing cap is very interesting. The whole cap rotates as if to be totally removed, but actually it raises the level of the outer rim of the cap. The bottle can then be squeezed to dispense through a central vent! Not having seen this design before, I found it quite chic. The practicality of use was also very good as the bottle does not get waterlogged during showering. Read more or Review.
Mask Texture and Application Techniques
The instructions for application of the mask are to…
“Massage gently into clean, wet hair, giving a little extra love to your frazzled ends. Leave the treatment mask on for 5 to 7 minutes and then rinse well. Or, for an even deeper treatment, put on a plastic cap and sit under a dryer for 10 to 15 minutes.”
The hair mask has a thick, creamy consistency that is easy to smooth onto, and massage into, your hair with your fingers. You apply it to damp hair but I’ve experimented with applying it to dry hair (as recommended with other brands' hair masks) and I’ve had great success. When applied like this and left for 20-30 mins, while relaxing on the sofa, it dries into the hair and no cap is required to prevent dripping. I like this as I really hate mess! It could potentially be left on overnight without protection, and with little concern about transfer, but I haven’t tried that.
When I've been in a hurry, I've applied the mask in the shower and then avoided rinsing while I allowed it to penetrate the hair before washing it at the end of my shower. This seemed to work quite well, so I have tried doing the first shampoo without fully rinsing the mask for a more moisturised effect. Overall I found this less effective but better than not using the mask at all. The mask rinses easily and leaves your hair feeling richly conditioned.
After a full month of use, the level of the product in the container has gone down by about a centimetre, which is about a quarter of the pot (and I’m not mean with application of it!).
Carol's Daughter have recently added a smaller 113g container as well as the original 200g I’ve been using.
Monoi Repairing Shampoo
The shampoo has a translucent appearance and feels rich on the fingers, although less dense in texture than the mask. It also has less scent, not having the strong aroma of the mask. The product lathers well, leaving the hair feeling thoroughly cleansed. I don’t feel that I could manage without the extra moisturisation from the conditioner, but people who do not have dry hair might feel that the mask and shampoo are sufficient. Read more or Review.
Monoi Repairing Conditioner
The conditioner is thicker and more opaque than the shampoo. The fragrance is stronger and pleasantly lingers on the hair after washing. The conditioner is easy to apply and leaves hair tangle-free, manageable, and moisturised. Combing my hair after washing with this product was effortless and resulted in very little hair loss. Read more or Review.
Effectiveness
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The claim is that breakage is reduced by between 92% and 96% after just one use, depending on the product, and I’ve seen a marked reduction in breakage when combing. This is quite remarkable as I’ve not experienced this before!
My hair does not take kindly to any intervention with combs and will retaliate by ballooning into a ball of fuzz. For this reason I have learned only to comb it before washing and before drying and at no other time. Usually, I paste it into submission with products and oils and was a little nervous about going without any further moisturisation during my trial.
After the first wash, I thought my hair was a little dry (with the rapid mask technique mentioned above), but after subsequent washes it feels more moisturised. Even after the drying effect of the hair mousse, my hair still feels silky and soft.
Overall Recommendation
Although a little on the pricy side, and not yet widely available in Britain, I think that if you have dry, curly, relaxed or straightened hair this product is worth seeking out. I have definitely noticed a reduction in breakage when combing, and my hair seems to need less moisturisation from other products than before.
The scent of this range of products is intoxicating, and will delight the senses. Hopefully in time it will be more widely available, but for the present it can be found in Harrods. A little expensive at the price of £82.00 for the three products I bought (£20, £26 & £36) but I got a free travel sized set from the same range (which I’ll keep for holidays). This isn't just my point of view, others are so convinced of the benefits of the hair mask that it recently won a Self Beauty Award in 2012!