Author: Michele Raiyne

LUS Brands Love Ur Curls 3-Step System Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 4 Comments

LUS (Love Ur Self) Brands is a Canadian hair care company that offers a 3-step system (shampoo, conditioner and an all-in-one leave-in cream) for wavy, curly and coiled/kinky hair that claims to soften, hydrate and enhance all curl types.

The 3-step system consists of a shampoo and conditioner for all curl types and an all-in-one cream leave-in customized to wavy, curly and kinky/coiled hair. I received this set as a gift from a family member including the shampoo and conditioner for all curl types, the all-in-one for curly hair, an infinity spray bottle to re-wet and refresh hair and a cotton t-shirt type hair turban that is very comfortable and helps reduce frizz as the hair dries.

All products are free of:

Shampoo for all curl types:

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Cocamide MEA, PEG-150 Distearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance/Parfum

Directions: Apply to wet hair and massage gently. Rinse well.

This shampoo claims to cleanse hair and scalp without stripping them of moisture, leaving the hair feeling clean and moisturized. The shampoo comes in a squeeze bottle where to open, one side is pressed down and the other pops up. The shampoo is thick and quite difficult to squeeze out of the bottle, particularly when the shampoo is about halfway down. The scent is not fruity or flowery; it is a nice smell, a little overpowering in the bottle, but not on the hair. A fragrance-free option is also offered.

The shampoo has a concentrated formula to give the scalp and curls a “clean slate.” As usual, I shampoo my hair twice, once to clean surface oils and a second to deep clean oils and build up. The shampoo creates a big soft lather and is moisturizing, and cleans relatively well. Having an oily scalp, I needed to clarify after about 5 washes of the LUS shampoo.

Conditioner for all curl types:

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Glycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-11, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-37, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance/Parfum.

Directions: Apply to wet, clean hair from root to tip. Leave in for 3 to 5 minutes. Add more water. Comb gently with a wide tooth comb. Rinse well with cool water.

The conditioner claims to repair dry and damaged hair, moisturize the curl cuticle and leave hair soft without weighing it down. The conditioner is a thick lotion. It is easier to get out of the bottle than the shampoo. The scent is the same as the shampoo. The first time I used the conditioner, I applied too much and my hair felt quite heavy. Using the right amount, the hair detangles well, is moisturized, soft, bouncy and not weighed down.

Curly all-in-one:

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Polyquaternium-11, Glycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-4, Corn Starch Modified, Polyquaternium-37, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance/Parfum.

Directions: This product is activated by wet hair and must by applied to wet, clean hair. Section hair. Wet thoroughly, add product, rake through and smooth. Squeeze out excess water and scrunch. Air dry or diffuse.

This product is an all-in-one leave-in that claims to repair, hydrate and style in one step, giving soft, bouncy, hydrated curls.

This all-in-one is a light-weight thin lotion that is not sticky. It has a sort of similar scent to the shampoo and conditioner, but much lighter. The first time I used this product, I applied to damp, towel dried hair and was very disappointed as my hair was sticky and heavy and I did not really have any enhanced waves. I have since been using this in the shower after rinsing the conditioner. I scrunch the product in, squeeze out the excess water and then use a diffuser. As an aside, previous to using this 3-step system, I had never used a diffuser. My hair is generally a bit flat at the roots and a diffuser is excellent for gaining and retaining volume.

The all-in-one definitely enhances frizz-free curls and waves. There is a bit of residue; touching my hair, I can tell there is product in it, but it is not sticky or crunchy and the hair is still relatively soft, though not as soft as using the shampoo and conditioner alone. Interestingly, the residue is felt more the next day and if the hair needs a touch up, I spray with water using the infinity bottle and do a quick diffuse.

I have fine, dry, wavy hair and oily scalp. I usually blow dry my hair straight with a round brush and if I air dry, I put my hair back in a bun. For reference, above, the first photo is air dried after using my regular Snobgirls shampoo, conditioner and bio oil (I do not remember if I maybe combed my hair out a bit and/or had it in a bun; my hair is usually more frizzy and more wavy than in the photo), and the second photo is blow dried with a round brush.

Above, the top photo is diffused after using my regular Snobgirls shampoo and conditioner on its own and the bottom photo is using the LUS shampoo and conditioner on its own (no all-in-one). The diffuser works well to enhance waves, curls and volume in both cases. I did not know my hair could look like this. The LUS shampoo and conditioner made my hair feel moisturized and soft (and less frizzy), where the Snobgirls shampoo and conditioner made my hair feel hydrated and silky. In both cases, my waves fell a bit after about 20 minutes and by the end of the day the more curly pieces were waves and the waves were straighter, but I still had a lot of volume and body. My hair generally has trouble holding a curl.

For the photos above, I used the LUS 3-step system – the shampoo, conditioner and all-in-one leave-in, and then diffused the hair. Right after diffusing, my hair felt soft, albeit with a bit of product residue. There is no frizz and the waves are certainly enhanced.

After 8 hours, particularly the hair at the back, there is less volume and body, and reduced waves. Overnight, I slept with my hair in a silk bonnet (I use one from LilySilk). The next day, my hair still looked pretty good. There are still waves and no frizz, however, less volume and I can feel residue from the all-in-one.

Where the LUS Brands shampoo and conditioner adds moisture and softness to the hair, the all-in-one is great for bringing out curls and waves, adding moisture and reducing frizz, and I expect does most of the work. I do not often wear my hair wavy/curly, but when I do, I would use the all-in-one. I could take or leave the shampoo (I prefer a really cleansing shampoo for oily scalp) and would use the conditioner when I need added moisture and softness.

My teenager has coiled hair and used the 3-step system and it worked so well (much better than for my hair) for very soft, more coiled, frizz-free, bouncy curls, with no residue. The all-in-one for wavy hair might work better for me, though the curly all-in-one worked quite well.

Thanks for visiting.

BIA Skin Whipped Body Créme Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 1 Comment

BIA Skin is a Canadian company formulating clinical grade skin care for the body to clear blemishes, improve tone, tighten skin, smooth bumps, reverse signs of aging, and protect skin against environmental stressors.

The Whipped Body Créme is a smoothing, firming, antiaging moisturizer with fatty acids, caffeine and antioxidants that claims to nourish skin and leaving a tightened, toned, and velvety appearance.

Ingredients: aqua, caprylic/capric triglycerides, shea butter, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, octyldodecanol, sodium citrate, cetearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, caffeine, ascorbyl palmitate, mica, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, glycerin, acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, PVM/MA decadiene crosspolymer, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium hydroxide, parfum, triethanolamine, citric acid 

Octyldodecanol is a mineral wax (a silicone alternative), providing hydration as an emollient and occlusive. Ascorbyl palmitate is a form of vitamin C with antioxidant benefits. Caffeine is an antioxidant and is said to improve the appearance of cellulite and skin tone. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, performing best over damp skin.

Directions: Massage onto damp skin, particularly the breasts, chest, bum, hips and tummy.

When I purchased the cream, the jar was a very thick, heavy plastic and the scent of the lotion is a combination of rum and plastic, the plastic scent lasting more than a few minutes, then settles into a sort of light vanilla rum scent that lasts less than an hour. BIA has since changed the jars to a lighter-weight 100% post consumer recycled plastic, so I expect the lotion will no longer smell like plastic.

The Whipped Body Créme is a very thick lotion, not as thick as some body butters. It does not spread easily on dry skin, but after a shower on damp skin, it goes on very nicely. The lotion is a bit heavy at first and take a few minutes to absorb. A little goes a long way. The skin is then left with a velvety feeling, lasting about 8 hours; smooth, soft skin until the next day, and a slight shine from the mica that lasts a couple hours. I have used the body cream for a couple months and texture has improved and the skin feels moisturized and nourished. I am not sure about firming the skin, but the crepiness around my bellybutton, inner thighs and breasts from weight fluctuations certainly looks better.

I have had very dry, very itches patches on my lower back and after one use, the dry skin improved by about 50% and was no longer itchy. I am however now left with patches of hyperpigmentation and am going to try Bush Balm’s Bermuda Oil that is formulated to improve dark spots anywhere on the body.

The cream does not work as well on very dry elbows and knees or hands and feet (for these areas I use O’Keeffe’s products; reviews here and here). The Whipped Body Créme however hydrates overall dry, flaky skin elsewhere on the body.

Though this is a thick lotion, I do not think it will be too heavy in the summer; it absorbs so well without being greasy, and my legs and back are prone to dryness even in warmer weather.

Pairing the body cream with First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser gives such smooth, velvety skin. I also bought BIA Skin Body Polish with Glycolic Acid, similar in function to the Bump Eraser that I will use soon.

BIA Skin’s Whipped Body Créme hydrates, improves texture and tone, and gives a soft, velvety feeling and shine. This is a definite repurchase.

Thanks for visiting.

The Ordinary Shampoo and Conditioner Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

This is a first impression rather than a full review of The Ordinary shampoo and conditioner, as I have only used once thus far, and I will update below in a couple months (update now available; see end of post).

The Ordinary has very recently released a new hair care line with a 4% sulphate cleanser for hair and body, a 2% behentrimonium chloride conditioner, and a hydrating serum for the scalp (they also have the previously released Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density). As with other products from The Ordinary, these new products are formulated with minimal ingredients and no added fragrance.

Sulphate 4% Cleanser for Hair and Body:

Deciem created this product with a scientific approach rather than following “clean beauty” trends that label sulphates as harsh for hair and skin, these harsh sulphates being sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, that can irritate the scalp and and strip the hair and scalp of moisture. I had not really linked sulphates to clean beauty, rather started using sulphate-free shampoo when I started getting my hair colored again a few years ago as sulphates can fade hair color faster. Before using sulphate-free shampoos, I just used drug store brand shampoo and conditioner like Revlon and Tresemme; I do not recall my hair or scalp being worse for it.

Interestingly, two shampoos I was browsing that include SLS is the blond shampoo from Kerastase and the shampoo for damaged hair from Shu Uemura.

Deciem says that their shampoo is strong enough to remove buildup, oils and dirt, and soft enough to be gentle on the skin and scalp. This can be used as a body wash and a shampoo.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Phytic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin

The sodium laureth sulfate here is SLES-2 at 4% (where other sulphate shampoos typically contain around 10-20%), which Deciem says is a milder sulphate that cleanses the hair well, is non-drying, gentle on the skin, does not fade color, and is for use on all hair types and textures.

Directions: This is a “daily use” cleanser. For hair, work into a lather and rinse thoroughly. For body, apply generously and lather.

I have an oily scalp and fine, dry hair that is not colored or otherwise treated.

The shampoo has no scent. This cleanser is clear and very thin, which was unexpected, and has very minimal lather (pictured in the hair photo above). This was a day 2 wash for me, so my hair was not overly oily, and when working it into my hair, I thought I maybe had some buildup or oil (though I had clarified four days prior) because there was not much lather, so shampooed my hair three times (I always shampoo twice); turns out it is not supposed to lather much (I expected lather because of the sulphate). On rinsing my hair, this cleansed the hair okay. By the end of the day (10 hours after washing), my roots and bangs were a little more soft and limp than with other shampoos, indicating some oils already (this does not usually happen until the middle or end of the second-day hair. The shampoo is very gentle. Before using this shampoo, I would have been reluctant to use on colored hair, however, I think it might be gentle enough for colored hair. I wonder if it would cleanse really thick or coiled hair well because the formula is gentle and the texture is so thin, and I imagine if the hair has a lot of product or oil buildup, a clarifying shampoo would have to be used the wash prior.

My scalp is always itchy. The itchiness comes and goes no matter what shampoo or product I use or how much or how little I wash my hair. I do not know why; I do not see any scalp issues, dryness or flakes. I was hoping this sulphate shampoo might help and thus far it has not, but perhaps with further use.

Not really an equal comparison I suppose, but I much prefer the Snobgirls shampoo I have been using lately, though The Ordinary shampoo is not too bad. That being said, I am not sure I would repurchase; maybe if I had a drier scalp, this would be more suitable for me.

I have not tried the cleanser as a body wash yet, but will update here soon.

Update (March 27, 2022): I have been using the sulphate cleanser as a body wash for a few weeks now. It feels nice while massaging on to the skin, like a soft gel cleanser, however, on rinsing, the skin is very squeaky and after a few uses feels a bit dry overall (though I follow with a body cream; a new favorite is this one by BIA Skin). The sulphate cleanser cleanses and rinses well and while it is okay as a body wash, I do not prefer it.

Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner:

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Phytic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin

Again, this conditioner has minimal ingredients, using behentrimonium chloride as the conditioning agent for softer, smoother hair. Unlike most other conditioners, there are no butters or oils that may weigh the hair down. This is lightweight and suitable for all hair types and textures.

Directions: Work conditioner into wet hair. Rinse.

This is a thick, almost semi-translucent conditioner, like a thick lotion. My hair has dry mid-lengths and ends. Using this in the shower, detangling was good. My hair did feel not very silky while rinsing. I dried my hair in the LUS Brands hair towel for about 15 minutes. When I shook my hair out of the hair towel, it was a bit tangled in the back and looked a little drier than with other conditioners. After blow drying my hair, the bottom 3 or so inches looked a bit dry; there was not really a smooth feeling. The hair was not weighed down, however, did not seem to have as much movement, perhaps because it was a little dehydrated. I would for sure follow with a leave-in conditioner (and generally do anyway). I am not sure I would repurchase the conditioner.

I also bought the Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Scalp Serum formulated to support scalp hydration that I have not used yet.

As far as first impressions, the shampoo cleanses relatively well and I do not find the conditioner very hydrating or smoothing. As of now, I do not think I would repurchase either product, but will update here in a couple months.

Update (May 1, 2022) – I have now used the shampoo and conditioner for 6 weeks two to three times a week. The first 3 weeks I just used the shampoo and conditioner, followed by a leave-in conditioner and a blow dry. The next 3 weeks I used the shampoo and conditioner followed by my regular routine of leave-in conditioner and a hair oil, either Olaplex No. 7 or a hair oil capsule from Snobgirls, followed by a blow dry and an overnight serum, either from Kerastase or Shu Uemera. The last 2 weeks, I used my regular Snobgirls shampoo and conditioner, the K18 hair mask a few times, and followed the routine above.

By the end of the first 3 weeks (and even after the first use), my hair was quite dry and frizzy and lacked movement. With the shampoo being so thin, spreading it throughout the hair for a wash was a bit difficult, so I sectioned my hair into four and applied that way. It cleanses okay, but my hair was quite flat and lacked volume. I do not think the cleanse was quite enough for my oily hair and the shampoo was quite drying. For the conditioner, my hair did not have that silky, detangled feeling, I think because the shampoo was drying and the conditioner not moisturizing enough. My hair started breaking at the back underside of the hair (I am not sure the shampoo/conditioner would cause this, perhaps because my hair was very dry; I have had this issue previously when coloring my hair blonde and when I did not get it cut for 2 years). Adding the oils and hair serum for the second 3 weeks helped a bit with softness and movement of the hair, but not quite where it was previous. I added in 2 or 3 uses of the K18 hair mask, which helped a lot with the softness, dryness, frizz and hair movement, and with using my regular shampoo and conditioner, my hair is nearly back to normal.

I have also continued using the shampoo as a body wash and it is also drying to the skin.

I would not have thought a shampoo and conditioner could make such a noticeable difference to the hair. I would not repurchase either of The Ordinary’s shampoo or conditioner.

Thanks for visiting.

Snobgirls Strong Force Prowash and Masque-Creme Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 2 Comments

Snobgirls is a Canadian professional line of products specifically for color-treated hair with their “100% free series,” banning over 40 harsh ingredients commonly found in skin care and hair care products. Each product contains their TruColour Guard antifading system.

I purchased the Strong Force shampoo and conditioner set for dry, over-processed, weak and damaged hair, and split ends. The shampoo and conditioner have a super-concentrated formula (92 uses in a 300 mL bottle), claiming to nourish, repair, strengthen and protect the hair. Zero-Snap helps prevent and reverse visible signs of hair breakage while sealing lifted cuticles and improving elasticity, frizz and static.

I have been using the shampoo and conditioner for a few months and recently purchased again. They changed the fragrance from a really nice, sort of flower/fruit perfume-like fragrance to a musky, masculine, cologne-like fragrance that I do not like.

I have an oily scalp and dry, fine hair. I have been blow drying my hair recently rather than letting it air dry; I have read that leaving hair wet is more damaging than heat from a blow dryer (I use medium heat and a protectant). Plus, my hair looks a little crazy air dried (and blow dried as well; I am practicing blowing it out with a round brush) at the length I have now. I last got my hair cut almost 4 months ago, so probably have a some heat/mechanical damage.

Strong Force Prowash:

The shampoo does not contain harsh sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate) or silicones. This contains a number of plant extracts and oils, proteins, peptides and ceramide.

Directions: Apply to wet hair. Lather. Rinse well. Repeat. Follow with masque-creme and a bio-serum.

This is a clear shampoo (clear shampoos are good for oily scalp, rather than a cream shampoo). It has a lot of lather and cleans the scalp and hair very well. My hair feels “squeaky clean,” near to that of some clarifying and sulfate shampoos I have used , which I love for my oily scalp. Despite the squeaky clean feeling, my hair and scalp do not feel dried out, perhaps owing to the equally good Masque-Creme (I also like Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Hydration Mask). I am not sure about the 92 uses, but I am able to use half as much per use (I always shampoo my hair twice per wash) than with other shampoos I have used.

Strong Force Masque-Creme:

Behentrimoium chloride is used as the anti-static, emulsifying conditioning agent, as well as containing a number of plant oils, proteins, ceramide and peptides. As far as I can tell, this does not contain silicone.

Directions: After shampooing, apply to wet hair. Leave on for 1 minute. Rinse thoroughly. Follow with a bio-serum.

This conditioner is a lightweight cream, but is rich and seems to coat and emulsify into the hair. It detangles well and on rinsing, the hair feels hydrated and silky. Like the shampoo, I am able to use half as much as with other conditioners.

I cannot really speak to the anti-breakage claims for the shampoo and conditioner, as I have also been using K18 (have used twice I believe since I got my hair cut), but the ends of my hair still look good for having a cut almost 4 months ago.

Snobgirls has a line of bio-serums (hair oil capsules) that are really good for hydration, frizz, styling, and heat/UV protection.

Having used the Snobgirls Prowash and Masque-Creme (I have also used the Hydramend line and the above bio-serums) for a few months, I love how well the shampoo cleanses and the conditioner moisturizes and detangles. While I will continue to review shampoo and conditioners from time to time (my order of the new shampoo, conditioner and scalp serum from The Ordinary should arrive in a couple days), I will for sure return to the Snobgirls line of products.

Thanks for visiting.

O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Exfoliating Foot Cream Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 3 Comments

O’Keeffe’s exfoliating foot cream is an exfoliating lotion that claims to moisturize, soften and repair extremely dry, rough, cracked feet for softer feet and 48 hours of hydration in one use.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Urea, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Lactic Acid, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyquaternium-10, Beeswax, Propylene Glycol, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Laureth-4, Laureth-23, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Diazolidinyl Urea

This contains moisturizing and occlusive ingredients, beeswax, urea and lactic acid (for gentle exfoliating).

Directions: Apply as often as needed to dry, rough skin.

My feet are often dry with callused, rough and cracked heels. I have been using the exfoliating lotion for a few months now. I also use O’Keeffe’s Working Hands hand lotion.

This is a very thick lotion (much different in texture to their hand lotion) that smells like peppermint and provides a cooling sensation to the feet. I apply it in the evening. It rubs in nicely and does not leave a greasy or sticky residue.

As above, after the first application, my heels are much improved, hydrated and softer. With continued use for 2 weeks, the cracked, very dry skin is gone, though a bit of hardened skin remains. Like O’Keeffe’s hand lotion, the foot lotion works very well in softening, moisturizing and repairing the skin. I think Heel Chemistry might work a little better on the tougher calluses, so I alternate the two every few evenings. I will continue purchasing O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Exfoliating Foot Cream.

As part of my foot routine, once a week I soak my feet in Epsom salt for 10 to15 minutes, buff with a baked silica glass pumice stone, exfoliate with KP Bump Eraser and leave on for about 10 minutes, then apply O’Keeffe’s foot cream for very soft, smooth and moisturized feet.

Thanks for visiting.