Review: Marc Anthony Oil of Morrocco Sulfate Free Conditioner

250 mL/8.4 fl oz

Ulta: $7.99

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4180927

 

Found on MarcAnthony.com

This conditioner is formulated with Keratin, Grape Seed Oil and Argan Oil to “nourish, strengthen and infuse moisture into your hair” as well as “fortify, add high luster and improve manageability… [and] protect from damage and color fade”. It is a very thick consistency and has a strange, almost nutty smell. The smell does not stay in the hair after the conditioner is washed out.

Ingredients:

Water, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Stearyl Alcohol, Amodimethicone, Trideceth-12, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasyloxane, Behentrimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Propylene Glycol, Parfum (Fragrance), Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Anuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Keratin, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arigine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Pheynlalanine, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Disodium EDTA

This conditioner did make my hair soft and shiny while I was using it, but I think it wasn’t so much from the nourishing keratin and argan oil as the two silicones listed above the “key” ingredients in the ingredients list. After discontinuing the conditioner, my hair was not any less dry than it was than before using the conditioner. In essence, it had no long term reparative benefits.

If you’re ok with silicones I guess this is a good product for you, but honestly I’m looking for more than surface benefits: I did not find this conditioner to “nourish” or “strengthen” jack, and it most certainly didn’t “infuse” any kind of moisture into my hair.

Rating: C

Review: Hydrating Moroccan Argan Oil Creamy Oil Body Lotion

13 fl. oz./385 mL

Ulta: $6.99

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4190131

Found on OrganixHair.com

This “lavish creamy oil body lotion” is described as having “an exclusive moisture lock system” made up of Moroccan argan oil (“to restore skin’s elasticity”), sugar cane and willow bark (“to soften, giving a radiant glow” and “promote cellular turnover” ), and finally rice milk and bamboo extract (“to make skin supple and touchable all over”). The “moisture lock system” uses a PCA complex (whatever that is- a quick Google search did not clarify anything) that apparently draws moisture in, and a ceramide complex (stuff that resembles the natural lipid barrier of the skin) to lock in the moisture. The argan oil is supposed to be a dry oil, meaning that it sinks in quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.

Ingredients

Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfocuccinate, Socium C14-16 Olefine Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide DEA, Glycerin, Clycol Distearate, Acrylates Copolymer, Saccarum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Cocamide MEA, Laureth-10, Polyquaternium-11, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Milk, Hydrolyzed Collagen (Collagen Peptides), Paullinia Cupana (Cuarana) Extract, PCA, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Ceramide 3, Argania Spinoza (Argan) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Extract, Paullinia Cupana (Guarana) Extract, Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Extract, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexlglycerin, Parfum.

This stuff is amazing. It lives up to basically every claim that was thrown my way. Moisturizing? Very. Makes skin supple? Yup. Sinks in quickly? Yeah, pretty much. Gives skin a radiant glow? Actually, yes.

So yeah this lotion was moisturizing, but that doesn’t necessarily set it apart from the other good moisturizers out there. What does stand out, though, is that one bit about glowing skin. It sounds gimmicky, but to my astonishment it proved to be actually true. What happens is you apply the product, and it sinks in fairly quickly, but leaves this sheen on your skin. I think it might be the combination of the ceramide complex and the argan oil, but damn it is great. It doesn’t necessarily hide imperfections like say a tinted product might, but it certainly does minimize the appearance of discoloration and cellulite. So as it is winter right now, my legs are very pasty and more than a little bit infested with cellulite. This lotion makes them look so so much better. I cannot wait to see what this does when I have a tan! This doesn’t to my knowledge reduce cellulite necessarily, though- just diminishes appearance. I don’t know how they do it but I absolutely love it.

The sheen is a layer of moisture and definitely feels it, but it isn’t like those products where it takes forever to sink in and you feel sticky. It doesn’t bother me at all, it doesn’t stick to my clothes or anything, but I might see some people that are really sensitive to that sort of thing not loving it.

Something that the description doesn’t mention, though, is the scent. I personally love the smell, it’s sort of sweet and floral (it’s the same smell from the conditioner– it’s probably standard for the line), but it is pretty strong so again this might be a turn off for some people.

Overall, though, this is an outstanding product if the slight sheen and the smell don’t bother you. I will definitely be repurchasing this when it finishes and cannot wait to use it in summer!

Rating: A+

Review: Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner

385 ml/13 fl. oz.

Drugstore.com/Ulta.com: $7.99

Boots.com: ₤6.99

http://www.drugstore.com/organix-conditioner-renewing-moroccan-argan-oil/qxp336539

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2690025

http://www.boots.com/en/Organix-Morocon-Oil-Conditioner-385ml_1222258/

Picture found on Drugstore.com

 

 

This conditioner is described as “unique precious blend of Moroccan argan oil” that “instantly penetrates the hair shaft” to strengthen the hair and “restore shine and softness”. It contains no parabens or sulfates, and is apparently safe for color-treated hair. It also claims to protect against styling heat and UV damage.

 

Ingredients:

Water Cetyl alcohol Behentrimonium chloride Cetearyl alcohol Ceteareth-20 Glycerin Dimethicone Glycol stearate Parfum PANTHENOL-DL Persea gratissima oil Theobroma cacao extract Cocos Nucifera Aloe Barbadensis Argania Spinosa Oil Tetrasodium EDTA Dmdm hydantoin Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone, in combination

 

This conditioner did leave my hair sufficiently soft and shiny, and was no less strengthening than any other relatively good conditioner. It also smelled quite good. However, I didn’t notice any particular differences between this conditioner and any other conditioner without argan oil. And the fact that there is “argan oil” written on the label probably made this product more expensive by at least a couple of dollars.

This conditioner is my no means a bad product, it was a thoroughly acceptable, solid conditioner, I was just expecting something a little more from a product containing argan oil. I suspect that this product doesn’t actually contain that much argan oil, as it is only listed as 11^th on the ingredients list. So basically what I am trying to say is that you shouldn’t get too excited about the argan element of this product, I don’t think there is much of one.

Honestly $8 is not too bad for a conditioner, and I might purchase this product again at some point, but I wasn’t overly stunned by its performance. I had quite high hopes for this, as argan oil is really great (as you have probably heard) and this product didn’t do anything exceptional.

 

Overall

A good, solid conditioner- works relatively well, smells nice, but fails to really wow. Being made from the holy fad oil that has hit the market (or containing it, I should say, there doesn’t seem to be that much of it in there) gave this product a standard it fell short of fulfilling.

 

Rating: A-

Cambridge HAUL!!

Cambridge Haul!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So I was in Cambridge for 3 weeks this summer, and I picked up a couple of things. I’m quite surprised actually, normally I would have gotten more things and then not used them as much, but I think this time I spent my money on things that I will actually use. Let’s just get started!

Clothing

I got two articles of clothing from Primark, a top and a jacket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really love both these pieces, I think the top is so elegant and stunning, and I honestly have never seen anything like it. It can be worn just in an everyday outfit worn with jeans, but it can also be a bit more dressy if tucked into a skirt so it is fairly versatile! I think it was ₤8.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The jacket is one of those pieces that can finish off a bit of a boring outfit, it makes everything look a little more polished! It fits really nicely, and also reminds me of one of those Chanel jackets everyone is going gaga over. For ₤10, I was very happy!

All my other clothing I got from New Look. I must say, I really enjoy shopping at New Look because I always find something I like, and I get a 10% student discount!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Again, I am very happy with all these pieces as I think I will get a lot of use out of them. I love flowey things, so the top is right up my alley. I must say I do tend to shy away from color a bit, so this is a great way to incorporate some color into my wardrobe. I would probably wear this with classic denim shorts in the summer and I think I might even be able to bring this into autumn with black leggings. This was on sale for ₤10, so I was very happy with that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These pants are the most comfortable bottoms I have ever worn, with the exception of my pajama bottoms! They are really stretchy, but quite sturdy as well. I think the color and cut is quite flattering, and they go with everything. Unfortunately they are a bit big on me, but it’s not that much of an issue. I think these were around ₤17, so quite good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have been searching high and low for a plain black maxi dress that I like, and now I have found it! It is very simple and elegant, and very flattering. I love maxi dresses in general because they are a great way to keep cool in the summer without showing off your legs (I am not so happy with mine), but I love this one especially because it is so versatile! You could get away with wearing this to the beach or for a more formal event. I also really like the silver detailing on the straps. I can’t remember how much this dress was, but I think it was around the ₤20 mark.

Accessories

I got most of my accessories from Primark (I love Primark, it is amazing!), but I did get some sandals from New Look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The flats were from Primark, and I think they are super cute! I don’t tend to buy expensive shoes because my feet tip in a bit when I walk, so I end up ruining shoes, expensive or not! These were between ₤4 and ₤6, so you can’t really beat that. They are really comfortable, and fit very well. The only problem is they get dirty really fast because they are a suede-type material, but if you wash them in the washing machine it will take off most of the dirt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got the sandals on sale for ₤3 I think, and boy was I lucky with these. The shop was closing, and I needed shoes to match my dress, so I literally just grabbed these and bought them without trying them on. In addition, they aren’t something I would normally go for, with the glitter. But now I am really happy that I bought them, they go with so many outfits and they are SPARKLEY!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bag was one of those things that I saw and I knew I had to get it. It was also an out-of-character purchase because I don’t wear red very often, but I think it will serve me well. It is huge, so I am using it as a school bag. I am very surprised, it fits all my books and still closes! It was ₤12, so just about right for a school bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t actually own any clutches, so when I saw this one for ₤6 I decided to get it. It is a rather large envelope clutch; it fits pretty much everything you would need it to for a night out. It goes with a lot as well, as it is very simple. It also has a gold chain you can carry it with , but I wouldn’t use it. I like it!

Beauty

Finally, we get to the most exciting part of the haul… beauty! This is the category where I made my most extravagant purchase of the 3 weeks, which is another out-of-character buy that I love.

Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got this mini-sized conditioner from Boots for like ₤1-2. It does the job and smells quite nice, but I don’t think it is anything really special, and is also a little bit more expensive than other conditioners.

MUA Eyeliners in Jet Black and Rich Brown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These were a whopping ₤1 each from Superdrug, so definitely a great deal. I got black and brown, so not very exciting, I’m afraid. I hardly ever wear brown, so I didn’t want to spend too much on one, but I think it is a good thing to have on hand. These are very creamy and pigmented, but they can be a bit too creamy at times. If applied incorrectly they smudge like nothing else, but it can be easily worked around.

Jack Wills Lipsticks in Wine and Vivid Pink

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I cannot resist pink lipstick, so when I saw these were not animal tested, I got super excited, and bought two. I got the shade Wine, and the shade Vivid Pink in the gloss finish. I bought the Wine shade for my friend who has a deeper complexion, and I think it will look amazing on her. The Vivid Pink is a more rosy but bright pink. The finish is phenomenal, they are not only not drying, but also slightly moisturizing as well!! If that wasn’t enough, the packaging for these lipsticks is to die for, it is just so cute!

Lush No Drought Dry Shampoo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Lush I picked up the No Drought dry shampoo it smells amazing, works quite well, and will last me for ages. I only wish it came in a spray bottle of some sort because then it would be a whole lot easier to use.

Lush Feeling Younger Highlighter

 

 

 

 

 

As most of the world knows by now, Lush has come out with a range of color cosmetics. I bought the Feeling Younger highlighter on Livie from Liviesays’s reommendation. I’m not sure how I feel about it, it is a really strange iridescent pink color in some lights. I don’t think the camera was able to pick it up at all in any of the pictures except maybe the last one, but it is really strange. I have found it to be pretty applied to the top of the cheekbones very, very lightly for a subtle highlight, but I will have to play around with it a bit more before I can form an opinion. I wish I had also bought the mascara from the Emotional Brilliance line, I tried it out in store but for some reason decided not to get it. I think I will pick it up soon, though.

Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Flash Lipgloss in 982 Black-Tie Plum

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies and gents, this is the extravagant purchase. I saw this at a stand in Boots loved the color, but normally I hate lipglosses so I decided not to buy it. Then I saw it again on my last day, swatched it, and really, really, REALLY wanted it. But they were all out. So I had to run across town to John Lewis and I managed to pick one up right before the shop closed. And I must say, I am so glad I did. I love everything about it. The color is gorgeous, the packaging is stunning, and it can be worn not so glossy, just how I like it. It was worth every single cent.

So that’s it for my Cambridge haul, hope you liked it and have a great day!