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Thursday 15 August 2013

Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner

Having been a fan of L'oreal Elvive with Argan Oil I was interested in trying another brand based on it. Its made  in China for Xpel Marketing in Bootle, who are unknown to me as experts in hair care. Whereas L'oreal have +_ 100 R&D scientists in the hair care lab and have many hair care brands – in short – they are pretty experienced hair care formulators.

Shampoo Ingredients

Claims: “nourishes and moisturises leaving hair shiny, smooth & healthy”
Its a basic formulation with Argan oil featuring 7th on the list behind 2 surfactants (Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) - its unusual to have two surfactants in hair care formulation and a bit OTT and tends to make for a harsher shampoo.

Conditioner Ingredients

Claims: “rejuvenates and rehydrates leaving hair shiny, smooth & healthy”
This ought to be good as it contains Argan Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Coconut Oil & Avocado Oil – all lovely ingredients. However, the formulation is quite basic and lacks a lot of innovative ingredients found in most conditioners.

Personal Experience

Shampoo – I find the shampoo harsh on my hair and leaves it unmanageable, it doesn't have the anti-frizzing calming properties I find with most better known shampoos. It reminded me of a discount family shampoo.

Conditioner – disappointing as it does not untangle my hair, meaning I need to use serum after. I often leave conditioner on damp hair overnight as I find this gives a similar effect as an intensive hair mask, leaving my hair soft and silky. This condition does not give a similar effect.

Conclusion

Adding Argan Oil to a poor formulation isn't going to improve it.

Rating
Value for money – costs less than £2 from discount stores like Savers 150ml (shampoo) 250ml (conditioner)
Effectiveness – I won't be finishing the tubes, and certainly not purchasing again
Pampering factor – feels harsh on my hair, and does not untangle and condition
Have low expectations and you won't be disappointed

Bloggers website www.english-rose-cosmetics.com 



Nailtiques Formula Plus 2


"Recommended for Excessive Problem Nails ie nails that are weak, thin, soft peeling and bitten."

My nails have always been weak, brittle and soft, I rarely apply polish and only once have had false nails and always wear rubber gloves when doing housework. Unfortunately my nails only ever look half way decent after a 3 week holiday in the sun. Until one day a good friend, suggested I try Nailtiques. A couple of months later I had sourced this online as it’s made in the US and distributed by Grafton International.

Within 2-3 weeks I saw improvements, and now 10 months later I am still using this product every 2 weeks and my nails have NEVER looked so good. They grown evenly, are thicker, lovely white tips, stronger, rarely flake and look good and they are natural – I look like have a permanent French manicure.
 

Ingredients

Nail polishes are flammable as they contain nitrocellulose. This formulation contains some natural ingredients to strengthen and improve the condition of the the nails ie wheat amino acids, calcium pantothenate, hydrolyzed keratin and glycerine. It also contains some not so nice chemicals i.e. Tosylamide formaldehyde resin. However, if you apply products to your nails or use false nails etc, than you are not going down the natural route.

Rating

Value for money – good costs £8.76 for 7ml
Purchased mine from beautybag.com
Effectiveness – I doubt I will ever stop using it – very, very impressed
Highly Recommended – if your nails are weak, thin and brittle – use this and & they will improve loads!

Bloggers website www.english-rose-cosmetics.com