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.

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. 

Product Review: Badger Beauty Balm

Product Claims

• Intensive moisturizer for targeted spots, such as under-eye and stretch marks.

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.

• Powerful plant-based antioxidants support skin as it changes and evolves.

Restorative Beauty Care. Honor your beautifully evolving body with this spectacular beauty balm blend of restorative oils, and reveal your healthiest, most beautiful skin ever. Our Rose Oil is traditionally processed for the best quality: the blossoms are hand-picked before sunrise and distilled the very same day. It takes two and a half tons of fresh rose petals to make 16 ounces of this precious oil! Badger Bill developed this beauty balm at the request of his wife, Katie, who was looking for a natural botanical formula "to keep my skin healthy as I change and evolve!"

 This product also complies with Leaping Bunny standards for cruelty free products.

Ingredients

*Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Oil, *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), Essential Oils of *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), *Rosa Damascena (Rose Otto), & Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile), and CO₂ Extracts of *Rosa Canina (Rosehip), *Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn), & *Calendula Officinalis (Calendula). * = Certified Organic

After becoming familiar with the Badger company, I trust Badger to use only the best organic ingredients for their 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

1oz - $13.99

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 twice a day and still have the jar for months to come.

How to Use

Gently dab a little under eyes, on face, or anywhere on the body to keep your skin nourished and healthy. Ideal for dry and delicate skin, as well as stretch mark prevention.

The Verdict

I'm hard pressed to find anything Badger that I don't like! The Beauty Balm is my first experience with their Damascus Rose beauty line. I selected this product because after deciding to give up oil cleansing with Grapeseed Oil I needed some extra moisture in my skincare routine. Also, before I picked up the Beauty Balm I was desperate enough to use the Sleep Balm to smooth out my dry skin at night. While the Sleep Balm is not intended as a beauty product, it was safe to use on the face sooo... that's what I did. The Beauty Balm was a natural progression from there.

I have used the Beauty Balm for about three weeks now and I can say that I have been very impressed since day one. The scent is very nice if you like lavender, rose and chamomile. I'm not sure how much it smells like rose, but I still like the smell regardless. The texture of the Beauty Balm is more "creamy" than their other balms they have. However, it is not a cream. When warmed between the fingers it is easily smoothed across the skin. It usually requires a few applications to cover your whole face. TIP: I did discover that if you need a light layer before putting on makeup you can apply the with a clean damp sponge. 

I like this product, but I will probably use it along side one of their face oils in the future. The Beauty Balm is ideal as a night cream, under eye cream, and for applying longer lasting moisture to any rough patches of skin. I like using the Beauty Balm mainly for my acne patches that are still healing. It gave much needed moisture to area that are dry and flaky on my face without feeling heavy or caked on. The great thing about Badger is that this product is not only safe to use on your face, but other parts of your body (neck, hands, elbows, knees, stretch marks etc). This is really one of those "all-in-one" products.

I would recommend this product to all skin types, especially those with mature skin and dry skin. 

Product Review: Organic Wear Mascara

Physicians Formula Organic Wear 

100% Natrual Fakeout vs. Origin Mascara

In the world of natural cosmetics there is one item everyone is searching for: an amazing natural mascara. When I was playing with the idea of switching to natural beauty products I had just run out of mascara. So after doing some research with the help of a popular beauty blogger I saw Organic Wear 100% Natural Fakeout Mascara getting some attention and decided to give it a try because it was readily available at my local Target store. I tried it and I can tell you I am now a fan of natural mascara. Recently, after my Fakeout Mascara was on it’s last leg, I purchased Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara. The following is a review and comparison of my experience:

Product Claims

100% Recyclable Eco-Brush defines each lash with ultra-soft plastic bristles. 100% Free of Harsh Chemicals, Synthetic Preservatives, Parabens, Clumping, Smudging, Flaking, Fibers & Dyes. Hypoallergenic. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Ingredients

Fakeout: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Water*, Glycerin*, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Beeswax*, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Tapioca Starch*, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Stearic Acid, Jojoba Esters, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract*, Ceiba Pentandra Fiber Powder, Cellulose, Nylon-10/10, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract*, Glycerin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Water, Glyceryl Caprylate, Leuconostoc / Radish Root Ferment Filtrate May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide *Produced From Organic Farming.

Origin: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Water*, Glycerin*, *Iron Oxides, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Beeswax*, Jojoba Esters, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Tapioca Starch*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract*, Stearic Acid, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract*, Cellulose Gum, Glycerin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate May Contain: Titanium Dioxide  *Produced From Organic Farming.

Price & Quantity

Fakeout: $9.95

Origin: $9.95

These products are not hard to find. They are available at a number of national stores and online.

How to Use

Sweep mascara brush from lash base to tips. Apply multiple coats for added volume.

Comparison

The biggest difference between these two products is the packaging and the applicator brush.

Fakeout: I am a fan of this packaging because it does not look like an eco or green product. The shape of the applicator handle is very unique without feeling strange in your hand. This product has a fatter rubber applicator of the two and is slightly shorter with finer rubber bristles. The size did not take long to adjust to and seems comparable to other applicators on the market. With that in mind, this mascara separates the lashes well without clumping while it lengthened and added volume. I would attribute the volume I experienced to the applicator.

Origin: This packaging is more eco and green inspired. This product has a slimmer rubber applicator of the two and is slightly longer with thicker  rubber bristles. The size was comfortable and seems similar to other applicators on the market, however the thicker rubber bristles act to separate better then the Fakeout mascara. With that in mind, this mascara separates the lashes very well without clumping while adding length. I would say of the two this did not add as much volume. I would attribute the results I experienced to the applicator.

The Good and the Bad

Here are the pros:

• Lengthens

• Separates

• Less Clumping

• Covers from base to tip

• Easily washed away

Why I liked them:

I have long eyelashes that stick straight forward (they don’t have much natural upward curl) and being a blonde, my eyelashes are also not very dark. I’m happy to report that these mascaras cover from base to tip very nicely and highlight the length of lashes. Both applicators do separate lashes and do not encourage clumping (however, this does not always apply to additional layers of mascara or reapplication). I love how it has made my naked eyelashes feel! They feel moisturized and soft, not dry or brittle. These mascaras are also easily washed away with gentle soap or oil. I like that I can easily correct any mascara applying accidents.

Here are the con’s:

• Flakes

• Smudges

• Does not hold curl

• Minimal volume

Why they fell short for me:

Knowing that I have long eyelashes that stick straight forward (that don’t have much natural upward curl) finding a mascara to hold curl is always something I look for. Unfortunately (I’m not surprise), I did not find that with these mascaras. This is something I have learned to live with and is only a minor issue for me. Also, these mascaras don’t provide a great amount of volume. I might have long lashes but I am always looking for added fullness. These don’t quite hit the mark, but do provided a natural look for everyday.

The biggest issues I noticed was the smudging and flaking. I have noticed that with my oily skin smudging does occur unintentionally. I try my best to avoid touching my eye area. Additionally, flaking is something that I did noticed. This usually happens if I itched my eyes. Also, I have noticed flaking at the end of the night or when I have had the mascara for a while. I would suggest replacing your mascara if you are experiencing frequent flaking.

The Verdict

Overall, I have to say this is a decent natural mascara for the price and availability. The ingredient lists look very similar to me (I'm no chemist by any means), which only gives me further validation of my feeling that these two products are similar in many ways. However, my favorite of the two products would be the Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara. Why? Because while Fakeout has some added volume. Origin is better suited to lengthen and separate my long lashes. It really comes down to preference of applicator for me. I would buy these products again, but I am still on the hunt for the holy grail of natural mascaras.