Philip Martins Maple Rinse Conditioner

Hello beauty world, this next post is a follow-on from the last post about Philip Martins Maple Wash Shampoo, sharing my experience on the conditioner in the same range.  Tammerly from Spoilt asked me to trial and review the duo for her blog. You can view that published version here.

The hydrating, plant based Philip Martins Maple Rinse Conditioner is suitable for dry hair and scalps, claiming to restore elasticity, nourish dry, damaged ends and untangle for smooth, shiny, more manageable locks.

I received this conditioner in a sample sachet, so am unable to share my thoughts on the product packaging.  I am aware though, that it is available in both 100 and 250ml sizes.

The thick, white conditioner is rich and looks like a velvety mousse-like dessert, featuring the same distinct, strong, sweet fragrance as the shampoo.  I personally find the smell to be the only downside, however while it’s initially quite overpowering, it eventually fades into a subtle, non-offensive aroma that perfumes my hair.  I only need a small amount of product to massage into my scalp and through the strands, which instantly detangles and easily rinses straight out, leaving no build-up or greasy residue to weigh down my mane. 

After conditioning and drying my mop was silky soft, smooth and full bodied, with a healthy, lustrous shine.  I teamed this pH balancing conditioner with the complimentary shampoo in the same range and experienced no scalp irritation; therefore I can confirm this range is gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive of skin.  I consider the price to be quite expensive, yet similar to that of a high-end, professional brand, and to be expected for a range enriched with natural, scalp soothing ingredients.  I would recommend the Philip Martins Maple Rinse Conditioner to those who are interested in quality, plant-based hair care products that are safe and effective, with the ability to transform your tresses and provide essential nutrients to maintain health and vibrancy.  If you like heavily fragranced products, then give this pair a try, you will be sure to achieve beautifully shiny, hair that looks and feels soft, voluminous and bouncy.

Are you familiar with this brand or have you tried it before?  What are your thoughts??  Can you recommend a good natural range of haircare products based on your own experience?  Please do share xxx ooo

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Aromatherapy Associates

Hi again beauties! :-h  This next post features a couple of hair care products that were sent to me by Tammerly, who is the talented author of Spoilt.  She asked me to test drive a shampoo and conditioner from a company I’d never heard of before, so I could then review them for her blog.  I’m always happy to try out new hair care brands, especially when they’re a little bit different than the norm, but of course, who wouldn’t hehe   ;))  Anyway, here’s what I though: 

Aromatherapy Associates Balance Shampoo

( $28.80 per 300ml –  I received the 40ml Travel Size )

Aromatherapy Associates is a UK brand focused on delivering effective and luxurious aromatherapy experiences.  Their Balance Shampoo claims to be mild, gentle and suitable for all hair types.  It’s enriched with pure essential oils to maintain optimal hair and scalp health.  :)

I received this shampoo in a small, squeezable tube, which is lavender in colour and has a clear plastic flip-top lid.  The generous size makes it ideal for travelling and reminds me of the amenities that are usually supplied for guests to use when staying at certain motel/hotel chains.  ;)

The clear, gel-like shampoo has a thick consistency and a very prominent herbal scented aroma,   @};-  due to rosemary and ylang ylang being the two key ingredients.  I’m not sure if it’s the sort of smell that appeals to everyone, however I found it quite soothing and relaxing, yet considering it was quite strong initially, the scent eventually faded.  I needed to dispense about a 20c coin worth of product to massage into my scalp and lengths, which developed into a very light, somewhat creamy lather that left my locks feeling squeaky clean and instantly refreshed.  It rinsed completely out of my hair, leaving no oily residue, but I did notice my strands were quite tangled and feeling a little parched.  :-S

I then used the Condtioner in the same range, with the combination resulting in shiny, lustrous tresses that ended up feeling adequately nourished.  I was really disappointed to discover that the second ingredient listed on the back of the shampoo was SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)   :-O   which I really didn’t expect to find in an aromatherapy range.  I originally assumed the brand supported the use of natural ingredients, considering the company philosophy includes ‘Pure natural and effective’ and especially since it didn’t work into a very foamy lather either.  But after using both the shampoo and conditioner several times, I noticed that my scalp had become irritated and itchy, only since introducing these products.  This triggered me to check the ingredients list and I know based on past experience that the SLES in the shampoo was the most likely culprit to cause the scalp aggravation.  ~X(  What a shame, in my opinion that alone, spoils the whole experience for me and I don’t understand the sense in using nasty ingredients in a product that claims to keep the scalp in good condition?  :-/  It goes to show, if you’re concerned and have sensitive skin then always check the ingredients labels, despite what the product name suggests.  /:)

Travel Size Shampoo

Overall, this shampoo was a let down.  :(  It’s rather costly like a high end salon product and while it promises to deliver healthy, strong tresses and to keep the scalp in good condition, I guess it would be better suited to those without sensitive skin issues.  My hair was soft, smooth and healthy after using the Aromatherapy Associates Balance Shampoo and Condtioner combination, however because I determined that the detergents in the shampoo were upsetting my scalp so much, I had to discontinue use.  Unfortunately, this product was not for me and based on my own personal views, I would only be comfortable suggesting it to people who are keen on the therapeutic benefits of essential oils and don’t mind the distinct fragrance they produce.  :)>-

Rating - 2.5 out of 5 (published for Spoilt. Click here to view) 

Aromatherapy Associates Balance Conditioner 

($28.80 for 300ml - I received the 40ml Travel Size)

Aromatherapy Associates is a UK brand focused on delivering effective and luxurious aromatherapy experiences.  Their Balance Conditioner claims to be enriched with pure essential oils and suitable for all hair types.  It maximises smooth, soft glossy hair.  :D

I received this conditioner in a small, squeezable tube, which is pale grey in colour and has a clear plastic flip-top lid.  The generous size makes it ideal for travelling and reminds me of the amenities that are usually supplied for guests to use when staying at certain motel/hotel chains.  ;;)

The white, creamy conditioner has a smooth, rich consistency and boasts a distinct herbal fragrance,  %%-  based on the key ingredients of ylang ylang, geranium and patchouli.  The smell may not appeal to everyone, but I find the aroma uplifting and it stimulates the senses and leaves me feeling revitalised.  I use a small amount of conditioner, around the size of a 20 cent coin to massage into my scalp and distribute it throughout my lengths.   It washes out with warm water and instantly detangles my long straight locks, which were all tangled after the washing process.  =D>

When dry, my mane is left soft and shiny, with no greasy build-up weighing it down, instead it’s more balanced and effectively nourished.  It works well at taming my frizzy flyaways, resulting in smooth, sleek strands with a more definite shine.  After using the conditioner, in conjunction with the shampoo in the same range, unfortunately my scalp became itchy and irritable as a result of the detergents in the shampoo, so I was unable to continue using the combination to determine if over time the products do in fact improve the strength and condition of my hair.   :|  I’ve been using the conditioner alone as an occasional treatment and I have not experienced any discomfort to my scalp, so I can vouch that it is in fact suitable for those with sensitive skin too.  :-*

Travel Size Conditioner

The conditioner has wonderful detangling and smoothing properties and did moderately care for my overall hair health.  It’s quite expensive, in line with top-shelf, salon brands and based on my personal experience, I highly doubt I would consider spending that much on what I consider to be more of a mediocre product.  The Aromatherapy Associates Balance Conditioner may appeal to anyone who appreciates the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, particularly those who don’t mind the aromatic qualities and can afford the cost.  It’s really a better option for those who wish to team it with the partnering shampoo, otherwise if used on its own; it could make for a nice moisturising treat that delivers soft, sleek, more manageable tresses.  :)

Rating - 3.5 out of 5 (published for Spoilt. Click here to view)

Have you heard of this brand or tried it before??   :-?  Have you tried hair care products that you assumed were natural, based on labeling, only to discover they were not quite what you were led to believe?   :-/  Please feel free to comment with your thoughts.

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Royal Moroccan Hair Repair Conditioner

Hello, hello!  :-h   :-h   Next I have the partner product of the previous review I posted, which unite together in a team effort to provide the overall end results.  Once again, the Royal Moroccan product was send to me via Tammerly from Spoilt, to trial and review for her fabulous beauty blog.  As I mentioned in my last post, I was keen to experience the benefits of Argan oil hair care, so was thrilled to have the opportunity to check out a new and wonderful brand that I’d not previously heard of.  >:/

The Royal Moroccan Hair Repair Conditioner comes in a 300ml translucent amber plastic bottle with a pump-action dispenser situated on a silver/chrome coloured lid.  It boasts a contrasting pale blue label that includes an attractive silver, yellow and black design.  The pump features an open and close position, but based on experience, I wouldn’t recommend travelling with the bottle as it could possibly leak during transit, d’oh!   #-o   The white conditioner has a thick consistency and a smooth, creamy texture, similar to a moisturiser.  The blend is infused with lots of natural goodness such as Sweet Almond, Calendula and Argan oils that create a fragrant floral, botanical aroma that is also evident in the shampoo.  @};-  The scent is quite strong initially, but it’s not an offensive smell and it gradually dissipates once the hair starts to dry.   I need at least 6 – 8 pumps of conditioner to generously massage through my strands from root to tip, so I gather that the conditioner will run out twice as fast as the shampoo.  It spreads effectively and the gentle formula is soothing and nurturing to my easily aggravated, sensitive scalp and it rinses away completely with water.  Unfortunately it doesn’t do a very good job at detangling my long, straight tresses, so I need to go through with a wide tooth comb, whilst still damp and remove the knots that have formed during the washing process.  :-<

After drying, my locks are super soft, shiny and not at all greasy.  There is no build-up coating my strands, so it doesn’t weigh it down, instead there is a distinctive bounce that enhances the illusion of fuller, thicker hair.  =D>  It doesn’t do much to control the frizzy flyaways, so an additional product is required for achieving sleek, straight strands.  After using this conditioner, along with the shampoo in the same range, for the past couple of weeks, I am noticing a slight improvement in the overall condition of my hair and scalp.  My scalp isn’t dry, flaky or irritable and my over processed tresses are nourished and feeling less fragile with a reduction in brittle, straggly ends and a general healthier-looking appearance.  :D

This conditioner compliments my fine hair, which has long been exposed to DIY hair colours and heat styling for the best part of my life.  I like the hair care qualities of Argan oil that, over time, help to treat and repair my hair.  :)  With the ability to restore life to my neglected mane, adding moisture and strength, as well as boosting elasticity.  The addition of vitamins and proteins protects against environmental assault and ensures all over brilliance and lustre.  ;;)  Some of the more popular brands of Argan oil, like Moroccanoil, are very costly,  :>  however Royal Moroccan is very affordable at a fraction of the price and ideal for consumers who want to experience the benefits but can’t justify such an expense.  ;)  Personally I am satisfied with the short term results of this shampoo/conditioner combination and I will continue its use in the hope of rejuvenating my hair further, which only time will tell.  The Royal Moroccan Hair Repair Conditioner would be suitable for anyone looking to actively repair damage and maintain optimum hair heath, utilising the benefits of Argan oil, minus the expense of over priced alternatives.    >:D<

I rated this conditioner with 4 stars out of 5.  (*)  (*)  (*)  (*)

Does this range sound like something you would be interested in trying?  :-/  Have you experienced any similar products before and if so what are your thoughts?  :-?  Would you be satisfied with a conditioner that does wonders for your hair and scalp but not so much for detangling, or does it need to do both? 

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Fudge Daily Mint Conditioner

Howdy folks,  :-h   just me again!  I have a dry scalp and fairly oily hair, so buying suitable hair care products can be quite a dilemma.  ~X(  Not to mention, my scalp is also very sensitive and reacts to various ingredients in products, so finding products with the right balance that cater for my hair and scalp concerns is usually tricky.  :-L   I generally like hair care products that are enriched with essential oils and plant extracts and do my best to avoid the majority of supermarket or no frills brands because based on my own experience the products with the cheaper ingredients on board generally exacerbate my scalp leaving it red, itchy and beginning to flake.  :(  When I have the chance to try products that help both my hair and my scalp I am keen to put it through its paces.  >:/  Tammerly from Spoilt beauty blog kindly offered me the Fudge Daily Mint Conditioner to try and review.  Here is the link to that review and this is what I thought: 

The Fudge Daily Mint Conditioner comes in a white 300ml plastic bottle with a grey flip-top lid.  It’s adorned with a label printed in a grey, orange and silver design that looks modern and has an urban appeal to it.  The consistency is ultra thick and because of that, it’s a bit of an effort to squeeze and shake a decent-sized blob of product from the bottle.  The white conditioner is silky and velvet-like with a rich, creamy texture, which resembles something similar to whipped butter.  The formula boasts a delightfully uplifting minty fragrance that stimulates my mind and enhances my mood, making me more alert, energised and rejuvenated.  Despite the thickness, the non-greasy conditioner is easy to distribute throughout my strands, from root to tip, using the finger comb method, while it gets straight to work eliminating any tangles and knots.  During this process, I also spend a minute or so massaging my scalp to clear build-up, boost circulation and encourage healthy hair growth (this is also extremely relaxing and a great way to relieve tension  :)>-  ) before concentrating on the more needy ends.  It rinses off with warm water and even while still wet, my hair feels instantly softer and smoother, but the best part is experiencing the soothing, tingly sensation on my scalp.  :D

After drying, my locks are left soft, nourished, super shiny and more manageable, without being weighed down.  It also helps banish my frizzy flyaways, so my locks are sleek, smooth and glossy.  For hours after washing my scalp remains cool and feeling refreshed, while my tresses are infused with that gorgeous minty aroma that screams clean.  The additional benefits of this conditioner, such as the anti-ageing properties, strengthening and restoring abilities, along with scalp care and maintenance are all relevant to my hair care needs, whilst the free radical protection against heat styling, UV and environmental assault is a positive advantage.  Maintaining a healthy scalp is important to me because when my scalp is in good condition, it yields greater results for my hair.  This conditioner has worked wonders at alleviating the irritation associated with my dry, itchy, sometimes flaky scalp and because I spend lots of time outdoors, it’s great to have peace of mind that my hair is safeguarded from the elements.   :x   Living in the topics, the heat and humidity wreaks havoc on my mane and proves to be an ongoing challenge, so I’m especially looking forward to incorporating this conditioner to my hair care routine during summer to sustain not only the benefits, but the cool, invigorating, experience that I enjoy every single wash.  :-*

Since I started using this conditioner, I have seen a noticeable improvement in the strength, texture and overall appearance of my strands, with the increased shine clearly evident.  It soothes my scalp, imparts additional hydration to my hair, particularly to the frazzled looking ends, whilst repairing existing damage. Featuring de-stressing and detoxifying capabilities this conditioner is guaranteed to leave me, my hair and my scalp feeling completely replenished and smelling sensational.  <:-P   I would classify the minty fragrance as a unisex scent, therefore, I recommend the Fudge Daily Mint Conditioner to both male and female of any age, even though it’s ideally more suited to an older audience or those with dry coloured or chemically treated, hair that is prone to frizz and breakage or tresses that are just generally difficult to manage.  It’s mild and gentle enough to use on a daily basis and I believe it’s the perfect way to kick-start your day, with an energising lift that will care for your hair.  \:D/

I can’t fault this conditioner so I think it deserves a rating of 5 stars out of 5,  (*)  (*)  (*)  (*)  (*)  brilliant!

Have you tried a cooling minty style hair care product yet??  :-?  If not, you don’t know what your missing out on, it feels remarkable and is just what the doctor ordered for our tropical climate!  Comment below with your thoughts.  ;) 

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