Thursday, January 28, 2016

Product Review: Acure lemongrass + argan stem cell shampoo and conditioner







PRODUCT CLAIMS


Shampoo: This clarifying shampoo is gentle enough for everyday use for all hair types. Promotes shiny, healthy, clean hair. Organic Argan Oil, Argan Stem Cells + CoQ10 help support hair keratin and strengthen the follicle connection. Organic Avocado Oil provides vitamin B12 and moisture while lemongrass cleanses and clarifies. Safe for color treated hair. 

color safe | vegan | gluten free | sulfate free | paraben free | phthalate free | cruelty free


Conditioner: This daily nourishing conditioner provides vital moisture to combat everyday tangles and buildup. Promotes shiny, soft, healthy, clean hair. Organic Argan Oil, Argan Stem Cells + CoQ10 help support hair keratin and strengthen the follicle connection. Organic Fair Trade Certified Cocoa Butter provides moisture. Safe for color treated hair.

color safe | vegan | gluten free | sulfate free | paraben free | phthalate free | cruelty free



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), Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Argania spinosa (Argan) Stem Cells, Organic Persea americana (Avocado) oil,Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass), Lavendula Dentata (French Lavender), Evernia Prunastri (Oakmoss), & Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Essential Oils

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), Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Argania spinosa (Argan) Stem Cell Culture, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass), Lavendula Dentata (French Lavender), Evernia Prunastri (Oakmoss), & Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Essential Oils


PRICE & QUANTITY


Shampoo: $9.99 - 8 oz.

Conditioner: $9.99 - 8 oz.


HOW TO USE


Shampoo: Apply to wet hair. Massage into scalp and hair, working through the ends. Rinse thoroughly. Feel free to belt out some horrible 80’s tune that you listen to when nobody’s around. Whatever, you totally do it.

Conditioner: Apply to wet hair. Massage into scalp and hair, working through the ends. Rinse thoroughly. Feel free to belt out some horrible 80’s tune that you listen to when nobody’s around. Whatever, you totally do it.


THE VERDICT


When I look for shampoo and conditioner I'm looking for something that will clean, hydrate, smell good and adds volume. I have fine half straight / half wavy hair that is thinner then in my younger years... and I'm not even 30 yet! Needless to say -- I'm looking for volume without the frizz. Sometimes finding products suited for fine hair can be difficult. Too much moisture and conditioning can weigh my hair down and leave it lifeless and greasy looking. Not enough moisture can leave my hair dry and frizzy. Read on to see if these products passed the test...

Shampoo: First of all, this product smells AMAZING! I love the smell of lemongrass and this shampoo does no disappoint. I will say this scent is unisex. This would be something my husband wouldn't mind using as well. Secondly, I was apprehensive that this product wouldn't lather like my old toxic shampoo does but after working with it I don't miss the suds as much as I thought I would. TIP: If you apply a small amount of the soap at first then work that in and rinse, you can then apply a larger amount that will work into a nice lather to massage into your scalp more effectively.

Conditioner: This conditioner smells just as good as the shampoo. When you think of a hair conditioner this product preforms just as you expect. Work a nickel to quarter amount into your hair and rinse -- don't forget to massage the scalp a bit! Once, you have done this your hair is mermaid smooth and feel hydrated. I would say this is a light to medium conditioner that will provided decent detangling. TIP: If your hair is feeling lifeless after normal shampooing and conditioning try the reverse hair washing method. The way I do this is by use the conditioner first, massage it in and work out the tangles during the rinse. Shampoo next with a good lather, then condition the ends as needed.

Hair Drying Methods: 
Air Dry: I typically air dry my hair a lot. I shower at night and sometime don't want to bother with the whole blow dying thing. After using these products my hair did not get supper frizzy after air drying. It did hold the lemongrass smell for a little while. However, I did not experience any added volume from these products while air drying my hair, but that's typical.

Blow Dry: When I use the blow drier I typically brush out the curl and wave from my hair. While using these products (plus blow drying and brushing) my hair saw added volume and softness.

Overall, I really enjoyed these products! My scalp feels clean and hydrated. I don't have any scalp buildup that I would occasionally see with my old "toxic" products. I feel over all these product have improved the health of my hair and scalp. These product definitely don't weight down my hair and I can get away with washing my hair every other day.

I would buy these products again and recommencement them to anyone, especially those with normal hair!




UPDATE

After using the Lemongrass + argan stem cell shampoo and conditioner I decided to try the Acure Pure Mint + Echinacea Stem Cell Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner, I found them both to be similar product but I decided the Pure Mint worked better with my hair type which I repurchased many times.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Music Monday - January 2016 - #2 - Girls Your Age

This #MusicMonday I'm featuring the song "Girls Your Age" by Transviolet. When I first came across this song I had to immediately add it to a playlist. The song starts slow and picks up a bit at the end, this would be a good song for a "mood" mix. More importantly it's been stuck in my head and I can't help but sing along! Actually, I woke up the other day singing it and I figured that was a good sign that it should be shared here with you. Enjoy!


I've got a renegade heart, 
And it's screaming his name 
But then it beats like 
You've got time to kill baby 
Don't go jump the gun 
Live fast while you're young honey 
Don't go chasing love, chasing love

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Product Review: Badger Sleep Balm


Product Claims


  • USDA Certified Organic
  • The fragrance of the essential oils in this special balm helps to calm thoughts and clear the mind, allowing sleep to come naturally.
  • There are no drugs or narcotics in this product – no side-effects to worry about. It is safe and natural.
  • Portable tin – makes an ideal travelling companion.
A dreamy night balm rich with precious oils to calm, encourage, cheer and relax poetic Badgers and other restless wanderers. Badger Sleep Balm doesn't make you sleepy and it is not a drug, rather this natural sleep enhancer uses a sophisticated blend of essential oils to help quiet your thoughts and clear your mind, then you fall asleep naturally. Rosemary is the traditional herb for clear thinking, confidence, and memory. Bergamot is mentally uplifting, and Ginger is strengthening and confidence-inducing. Balsam Fir is refreshing, like a walk in the woods, while Lavender is the traditional sleep herb: fresh and relaxing. This balm is perfect for those nights when you can't seem to stop the mind chatter!
 This product also complies with Leaping Bunny standards for cruelty free products.


Ingredient

*Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Oil, *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), Essential Oils of *Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot), *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary Verbenone), *Zingiber Officinale (Ginger), *Abies Balsamea (Balsam Fir) and CO2 Extract of Zingiber Officinale (Ginger).  * = Certified Organic

After becoming familiar with the Badger company, I trust Badger to use only the best organic ingredient for there products. To verify that this Badger product received a EWG's Skin Deep rating of 1. (For those of you not familiar with this rating, a rating of 0-3 is considered low toxicity and deemed a more natural product.)

Price & Quantity

2oz - $9.99
0.75oz - $5.99

For the amount you get you might be apprehensive to spend the money, but let me assure you that a little goes a long way! You could used this balm once a day and still have the tin for months to come.

How to Use

Just rub a little balm under nose, on lips, on temples or other pulse points. The aroma calms and relaxes, allowing for a peaceful transition into sleep.
I like to rub a small amount under my nose.

The Verdict

If you like the scent of Lavender you will love this product! I personally only have trouble falling asleep on occasion, but when it has been a long day I'll dab on some Sleep Balm to help relax. I like that it does not have a fake perfume smell that you find in other products. The scent of organic lavender and bergamot is just right to linger without being overwhelming. 



Monday, January 18, 2016

Music Monday - January 2016 - #1 - Sound of Change

Welcome to the first #MusicMonday and a long time! In the spirit of new beginnings and the New Year this #MusicMonday I'm featuring the song "Sound of Change" by Dirty Heads. This is a upbeat song and has a really great message to keep you hopeful when your feeling down. Enjoy!


You're building it up 
They're breaking it down 
Want to give up 
Keep holding your ground 
You're turning it up 
They're deaf to the sound 
Oh the sound, the sound of change

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Mashup - Ignition / Do You...

I came across this song while looking for some new music and while I don't normally listen to mashups this song has me thinking I should find some more if they are this awesome!

Phoebe Ryan's "Ignition / Do You..."



Are you a fan of mashups? Leave me a link to a good on in the comment section down bellow or just tell me what you think of this one.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

New Year, New Blog... Kinda!

I can't tell you how much I've missed blogging and talking about girly things! Recently I decided to take the stress out of blogging and not box myself in with a single topic and strict posting schedules. My goal for this blog in 2016 is to be a representation of myself, my interests and my creativity. I would like to try and post something once a month at minimum - life can get crazy.

Changes you will notice:

  • More Topics
    This blog is no longer going to be only about natural beauty. While I still continue to seek out more natural alternatives for all my products, I found that sticking to this topic was unrealistic for myself and my current lifestyle.
  • Re-Branding
    With the new direction of the blog I thought it best to start fresh with a new look.
  • Less Posting
    Old content will remain but they may be getting a face lift to match the new look of the blog. While reoccurring post (ex. Music Monday and Friday Finds) were once a staple in my blogging schedule, they will be posted when I feel the inclination to do so.
  • New Content!
    Things you can expect in the future: More talk of all things girly and pretty, product reviews, beauty talk, natural living, book talk (I want to read more in the new year), sharing of music (duh!), lists of favorites, talk of personal goals and anything else that I wish to share with you lovely people. 
I hope you will enjoy the new direction Simply Just Jenna is taking! 


P.S.
I am still in the process of transitioning everything over to the new look. So that will be taking place over the next few weeks.