little white truths: February 2016

Look what showed up yesterday - woot woot! It arrived on the last day of February, so happily I received it in the right month.

Even better, the box worked out well for me: I'd already seen some spoilers and I didn't want to receive a Mellow blush because I'd already received two of them from other boxes, and gladly I didn't - instead I received a lipstick in a colour I'll actually wear. Praise the universe!

There's what we received: three full-sized products and a bunch of samples. I wasn't too thrilled about the contents when I first saw the photos because all the brands are well-known to me and I prefer to have at least one unknown brand in each box, but when I saw what I got I was happy. I'll use everything and I've only tried the samples before, so the full-sized products are all things I haven't used.

Plus we're going away later in the month and the skincare samples will be great for travelling.

There's the card that came with the box. I've just seen that you could have received either a Lanolips hand cream or a body cream, and I'm super glad I got the body cream because I've just run out of mine so the inclusion is well-timed. Plus I have enough hand creams to sink a large ship, so I don't need any more for now. Double yay!

Let's have a quick look at each item in turn.

Mellow Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Nude (RRP $18 AUD; received full size)

This is apparently highly pigmented, richly formulated and long-wearing. It's meant to glide on smoothly and leave a velvety-smooth, moisturising finish - plus it's cruelty and paraben free.

I'm really pleased with this and extra pleased that I didn't receive something bright red or pink, since I always seem to receive those lip colours and I never wear them. Also, everything I've used so far from Mellow has been good, so I'm expecting to like the product. Yay!

Be a Bombshell Silhouette Mascara (RRP $21 AUD; received full size)

I'm a bit over receiving mascaras: I have two open at the moment and six back-ups (this makes seven), so I'm not going to get to this any time soon. Still, mascaras do get used so I'll keep it for now.

According to the card, this is a rich and pigmented mascara with a volumising formula that offers a multidimensional look. I'll try it and let you know how I go.

Lanolips Lovely Lanolin Golden Ointment (RRP $28.95 for 50g; received full size)

Apparently this is made from a 100% natural mix of lanolin, manuka honey and vitamin e - three powerful, 'nature-perfect' ingredients. You can use it on dry skin all over, including hands, legs and arms, and it's also a good lip conditioner.

I'm pleased about this one since I go through body creams so quickly (I have dry skin, which soaks everything up) and I'm always in need of a new one, so this has saved me a purchase : )

The Body Shop Italian Summer Fig EDT (RRP $36.95 AUD for 50ml; received 1.5ml sample) and Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil (RRP $54.95 for 30ml; received 7ml sample)

The fragrance I've tried before but I'm always happy to receive perfumes in sub boxes because they're good to throw in your purse and I do use them. This isn't my favourite fragrance but I don't mind it: it's quite fresh and light and has a 'green' base note that's not too overpowering.

The face oil I've received before from another sub box (I've reviewed it here) and while it's not my favourite because it's not hydrating enough for my dry skin, I've been using the one I have to mix in with my foundation and I've almost finished it so this will made a good replacement.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream (RRP $24.95 AUD for 50ml; received 15ml sample)

According to the card, this rehydrates parched skin for a beautiful all-day glow. It's meant to have fantastic moisturising abilities and it should leave skin soft and refreshed.

I've used this before and remember that it was ok but not my favourite. Still, I'm happy to test it again and I need a day cream so this will definitely get used.

Garnier Fructis Full and Luscious Shampoo and Conditioner (RRP $5.95 AUD each for 250ml; received 10ml samples of each)

I've used these before and they were nowhere near hydrating enough for my dry hair so I'll either pass them on or just throw them in one of my sachet city posts since they're only single use samples and aren't much good to anyone - most of the time, you can't tell much from one use (although I could with these).

Not my favourite inclusion but I'll live ; )

In sum

This is a good-value box and the RRP value of the contents clocks in at over $90. More importantly, everything will get used and I'll probably keep it all. You can't ask for more than that!

I'm most excited about the Mellow lipstick because I like the look of the shade, and I'm also extra pleased about the body cream because I was going to have to buy one soon and now I don't need to. Yay!

Did you receive this box? Let me know what you thought if so.

I bought this travel-sized Hourglass primer because I absolutely loved the product when it was applied to my face during a makeup application, but I couldn't bear the thought of dropping $100 on a primer so I went for this 8ml version.

From memory I paid $29 for it (it's gone up since then), which has ended up being a better-value purchase than I first thought because you only use the tiniest bit each time - about half the amount or even a third of other primers.

I also don't use it every day but instead save it for special occasions or when my skin needs some extra TLC, so this little bottle has lasted me months so far and I've barely made a dent in it.

So if I end up buying the travel-size every year or so because I would never get through the full-size fast enough, it doesn't end up being a huge expense for me - something to consider if you've had your eye on this or the fabled Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer. Yes they're expensive, but you don't need to hand over a huge wad of cash for the full size if you're not going to use it every day.

Hourglass claims/product details:

A primer and serum in one infused with 28 beneficial ingredients to nourish and prepare your skin for a flawless makeup application
The silky, lightweight oil blend glides on, absorbs to prime the skin and hydrates the complexion
Creates a refined and retexturised surface for makeup
Softens the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles and extends the durability of your foundation
The formula repels water, so makeup stays looking fresh
The number 28 refers to: 14 essential oils that soften the complexion; 10 lipid-rich plant oils that help hydrate the skin’s underlying layers; and 4 nourishing vitamins that condition the complexion
Can also be used as a serum at night, or on hair to seal split ends
Vegan and cruelty free
Free of parabens, sulfates, nanoparticles, phthalates, synthetic dyes and gluten
To use: apply one pump to clean skin and let it set for approximately 2 minutes; can be applied over moisturiser, used as a moisturiser/primer or nighttime skin treatment; also apply to hair to hydrate split ends and fly-aways
RRP $104 AUD for 30ml; $35 AUD for 8ml

Verdict

This stuff is just divine. I can't remember the last time I used something this luxe and hydrating: while I've got plenty of hydrating products for my dry skin, this primer is in a class of its own.

It's a thick oil serum that has a faint smell - I smell a touch of lemon and something fresh - but it's not strongly fragranced so the scent shouldn't bother most people.

One pump is enough for your whole face, although you wouldn't quite believe that when you see it because one pump is about the size of a swollen grain of rice. The product does warm and spread on impact with the skin (so it spreads to about two grains of rice in size), but that's all you need. Honestly, I've used eye creams that require more product per application than this primer, meaning it's better value than you might think, given the whopping price tag.

No other primer I've used hydrates my dry skin like this does. At the moment my skin is dry and flaky around my mouth and nose, which makes foundation application a complete nightmare because I wind up with foundation-coloured flakes on my face. Unless I use this product. When I use this, my dry skin suddenly becomes beautifully nourished. This means the primer is a perfect base for makeup, although I do wonder whether it would suit those with oily skin.

Because this hydrates so well, it also means I need less of my base product when I use it because my skin doesn't 'cling' to product as it does when it's dry. This of course makes for a more natural look, and that's the look I prefer.

On the product claims: yes it nourishes and prepares your skin for makeup application; yes it's silky and lightweight; yes it's hydrating and it absorbs well; and yes it softens the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles. I can't say whether it makes my makeup last longer because makeup tends to cling to dry skin like mine anyway, and I can't tell you what it's like as a hair serum because there's no way I'd use a drop of an expensive product like this on my hair!

In sum, I love this product and I absolutely recommend it. I don't recommend buying it without testing it first since it's so expensive (!), but do pick up a sample or test it in-store if you can.

Amazing. I've given it an HG tag.

It's the end of the month tomorrow, meaning I've gotten through another month of not buying any beauty products.

This month was a bit of a struggle, so I whipped out a couple of giftcards I've been saving and used those during the month. While my spending ban is still going, I did have to spend a few extra dollars for the two separate purchases I made with the giftcards, since the cards were just under the total value of the products I bought.

So I guess it's been a bit of a 'cheat' month in that sense, but I'm sticking to my guns and continuing with the ban for at least another month.

What I find hardest is when my inbox is flooded with sales and GWP deals from all the different outlets I subscribe to (eg Priceline and Adore Beauty, to name a couple). If I had any sense I would remove myself from the email subscription lists for now, but I'm a pretty slow learner (!) and I always want to know what promotions are currently available.

I guess the other reason I want to know what specials are on is that I've run out of a few 'essential' products (eg day cream and night cream), and while I have found products to fill the gaps for now - eg I'm using a hydrating primer as my day cream - I will need to buy replacements soon enough so it's worth looking out for good deals. Otherwise I might end up shooting myself in the foot and missing out on a promotion for a purchase I would have made anyway.

The good news is that we have a holiday coming up next month, so it's worth counting my pennies and saving for that. We're not going to blow budget while we're away - we don't have the dough for that anyway - but we do plan to do some of the things we haven't been doing lately while money is tight.

So I can leave my online shopping carts full of purchases never made, knowing that the money I would have spent is marked for some nice dinners out while we're on holiday. Woot woot!

Have you ever gone on a spending ban or low buy? It's not easy, is it?!?!

Ach, the things we do...

I bought this last year on a whim: from memory I needed something to make up the total of an online order so I could get a discount and free shipping, and since this cost less than $15 and I needed a blemish treatment, I added it to my bag.

It's one of those times when fortune has come to the table because this is the only blemish treatment I've used in absolutely ages that actually works. Not only this, it's from my favourite skincare brand and it doesn't cost much - that kind of luck doesn't happen every day!

It comes in the standard Alpha-H white packaging. It's not the prettiest packaging I own but it does look classy and it's functional so that's the main thing.

The tube has a little nozzle that I needed to snip open with scissors when I first used the product. I like the nozzle because it's narrow so it helps ensure that you only squirt out a small amount each time.

Alpha-H claims/product details:

A rapid spot treatment gel for active blemishes, this blemish control gel has been formulated to reduce swelling from the root of the infection
The antibacterial properties from oregano, tea tree and eucalyptus fight the cause of infection, preventing the spread of breakouts
Also contains niacinamide, salicylic acid and zinc
Can be used on all skin types for unexpected and unwanted blemishes
Can be used any time of the day to treat the spread of infection
Best result will be achieved when applied while sleeping overnight
Swiftly reduces the appearance of redness and swelling of breakouts
For acne/problematic skin
To use: apply onto dry skin, targeting the affected areas with a thin layer of product; for maximum benefits, use twice daily
RRP $19.95 AUD for 20ml, but do shop around

Verdict

This isn't a miracle worker but it definitely works and it's made a difference where no other product I've used recently has.

It's a clear gel that smells like oregano and feels a little sticky when applied, but not in a bad way - unlike the Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment (reviewed here), which I found overly sticky and quite uncomfortable on the skin.

I've had these annoying, persistent blemishes that have kept appearing along my jawline for the past six months now, and I'd tried everything to manage them until I remembered that I had this and I whipped it out late last year, pleased to see that it all but stopped the problem.

The blemishes went away but they came back a couple of weeks ago (I think from a new product I've been testing) so it was time to use this again, and again it's calmed them and stopped new ones appearing every day, as they were before I used this product.

It doesn't magically remove blemishes overnight (not for me, anyway), but if you have a big red spot it will calm and reduce inflammation, and it gets rid of the spot in record time. It doesn't have the same immediately obvious impact on little spots of the black and white variety (they're the main ones I suffer from), but it definitely speeds the healing process and stops news ones forming.

The other good thing about it is that it's not expensive (and do shop around because it's usually discounted somewhere), and you only need a little each time so the tube should last for ages. The Origins treatment that did nothing for me cost $19 and it's only 10ml, so this one's much better value and it's from an Australian brand, which is important to me because I like buying home-grown products when I can.

Overall this is a fantastic product that does what it says it will do. It's a product I plan to always have in my collection because it just works with a minimum of fuss. Woot woot!

It's almost the end of the month again so it's high time I set out my monthly favourites. No prizes for guessing a few of these - I've posted reviews on them recently so they're all front of mind and I've been using them a lot throughout February.

I had thought of including my disappointing products for each month but I've decided not to for now: I don't always have disappointing products (although I have had a few lately) and I think there'll only be enough for a yearly post. Let me know if you'd like to see those products talked about monthly as well.

Unani Il-luminate Micellar Water

This is a recent discovery and I loved it from the first use. I've reviewed it here.

I didn't love the fabled Bioderma Micellar Water so I'd wondered whether this would work for me: fortunately it does. It's a water but it's slightly thicker than water (might be the glycerin) and it does a great job of removing everything but my mascara. Few products do remove my mascara so it doesn't lose points for that, and it removes everything else so well that I can overlook it.

It makes my skin clean, bright and baby-soft, and it's one of those products that works with a minimum of fuss. Love it.

Stila Stay all Day 10-in-1 HD Illuminating Beauty Balm

Full review here. This is a slightly odd product: I've used nothing like it before and it somehow evens out my skin without adding colour, plus you can't see it on me so it looks really natural. Perfect!

It's great for everyday use and has a good SPF to boot, but what I usually use it for is to even out my skin before applying something else over it, meaning I need to use half the amount of my base that I normally would because this has already done the hard work for me. An unexpected love for me and one I would buy again.

Becca Mineral Blush in Wild Honey

Becca has fast become one of my favourite brands and I don't think I've ever used a product from these guys that I don't love. This blush is no exception. I've reviewed it here.

It's everything I expect from a high-end blush - soft and creamy in texture, a dream to apply, pigmented but not so much so that I'm prone to giving myself clown cheeks, and easy to blend and build. Plus the colour is a gorgeous everyday peachy nude that works with just about any look and in any season. So so good.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in 215 Totally Toffee

Full review here. I love everything about this lipstick and just looking at the photo makes me want to wear it. Plus I got it half-price so it only cost around $8!

I love the colour but it's also a really great formula: creamy, pigmented, nourishing and luxe. You'd be forgiven for thinking it cost a lot more than it did. I can't wait to finish off some more lip products so I can pick up a couple more of these - I suspect this will end up being my favourite budget lipstick formula of the year.

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight

Ah, my old friend. This is a cult product for a reason: it delivers a beautifully natural-looking highlight and is almost impossible to overdo. I've reviewed it here.

I've had it for ages and still love it as much as I did when I first bought it, and it's my go-to product for 'no makeup' days or days when I'm in a rush and don't have time to spend ages blending out my highlight so it looks natural. An oldie but a goodie and one I reckon I'll always have in my collection.

In sum

February has been a good month in terms of favourites and I could have included more products here, but decided to continue limiting these posts to five items.

Looking forward to seeing what makes the list in March - hopefully I'll discover a couple more favourites in the coming weeks.

What have you been loving this month?

This is one of four Nars duos I own and it's the only one I'm yet to review, even though I've had it for ages.

I have a few reasons for taking so long to review it: I don't wear it that much because it's more of a night product for me and less of an everyday one; the shadows reek of chemicals and always have, and the smell turns me off whenever I open the compact; and I've also been desperately trying to love the product because so many people do, but sadly I don't (more on why below).

I bought four Nars duos over a year ago now, when I was just getting into eyeshadow.

I've always steered clear of fancy eyeshadows because I have hooded eyes and in the past I've preferred to stick to cheaper matte products because I don't wear strong eye looks so you don't need high-end stuff when you can't really see what you've applied (if you ever 'need' high-end stuff at all). But over the past couple of years I've become better at wearing eyeshadow in a way that reduces the look of my eye puff and I started with Nars when it came to making a few purchases.

I started with Nars because of all the hype surrounding its powders, but I'm wishing now that I'd bought only one duo before exploring other brands: Nars doesn't make the most consistent eyeshadows and I don't love the hard texture and sheer application you get from most Nars products (at least the ones I've tried). Again, more on all that below.

Nars claims/product details:

Modern, unique, sometimes unexpected colour combinations
All duos feature micro-fine powders that are highly pigmented, long-wearing and crease resistant
Colour glides on smoothly, evenly and blends effortlessly
The effects can be subtle or smouldering
True colour application
Can be applied dry or with a dampened brush for stronger intensity
Multi-function use for shading, lining and highlighting the eyes
Classic, neutral, and fashion-forward shade pairings
'Isolde' is described as 'frosted ginger and shimmering copper'
RRP $55 AUD for 4g, but do shop around

Above I've photographed the compact in direct sunlight, and below in natural light.

The colours are warm and gorgeous, which is why I bought it - even though I knew I'd be limited to using them on the lids because I keep shimmering products away from my crease and hooded eye area so I don't accentuate my eye puff.

Photo taken in direct sunlight:

And in natural light:

Swatched heavily and lightly, direct sunlight:

And in natural light:

And oh dear, look how badly they perform on my eyes without a primer. I applied both on my eyelids and took this photo only twenty minutes after I'd applied the shadows:

The darker colour especially has shifted and creased, and you can barely see it. The lighter colour fared better, but that transferred within a minute of application. Not what you'd hope for from a high-end shadow!

Below I've used a primer and taken the shot outdoors (indirect sunlight). The darker colour is on the outer third of my lids and the lighter one is along the rest of the mobile lid - you can see that, even with a primer, the colour payoff isn't great.

And in the shade (I've used a matte shadow in the crease and above that in an attempt to retract my eye-puff):

Below I tried applying these with my finger, in the hope that the colour payoff would be a little better (it is, but not much):

Verdict

Sadly, this product just doesn't work for me. I don't know why because I've seen so many people rave about this particular duo, but there are others like myself who just don't understand the hype. Maybe it works better for some than it does for others, depending on your skin and how oily your eyelids are etc.

First, I want to mention the smell. I've seen another reviewer mention the stench of Isolde, so I'm glad I'm not the only one! It's the only Nars product I own that reeks strongly of chemicals and I've no idea why, but it's so strong that I can smell it from the other side of the room when the compact is open, and the stench hasn't faded over time. Makes me worry what's in it.

Second, this is one of those products that swatches really well and delivers huge pigment on your arm, but when it comes to applying it to your eyes, it fades into nothing. This happens for me whether I use a brush or my fingers, and I guess I could apply it wet but I don't think I should have to do that for a product that costs this much.

Third, this transfers in a heartbeat on my hooded eyes - more than any other eyeshadow I own (even the budget ones). Granted, the shadows perform better with a primer, but at this price point, I don't think you should need one - at least if you're only going out for dinner for a couple of hours and don't need them to last all day.

Fourth, unhappily these colours can make me look like I've had an allergic reaction around my eye area if I'm not careful with them. This is the same for the Nars duo I own in St Paul De Vence (which also doesn't deliver on pigment), so I would definitely test this on the eye area and in different lights before committing to the purchase. Don't just swatch it on your arm and fall in love with it like I did, because like me you might take it home and be disappointed.

Fifth, I've come to realise that I don't like the texture of Nars powders. They're quite hard and sheer, and I prefer my expensive products to feel luxe: creamy, soft and gorgeous. These don't. They do soften a little once you get through the top layer, but the texture isn't something that adds to the experience of using them, unlike other high-end eyeshadows I own, which make me feel good when I apply them - one of the reasons I like fancy products.

In sum, I can't recommend this product and I've given it a 'disappointing products' tag. Yes I'm in the minority here, but I do urge you to give Nars shadows a good test run before handing over your cash.

Do you own any Nars duos? Let me know your favourites : )

We received this in our January 2016 Lust Have It Women's Boxes (reviewed here).

I only opened it a week or so ago and I would normally take longer to review a skincare product, but not this one: I could tell straight away that it worked and it's turned me into a micellar water fan, when previously I wasn't.

I've only ever tried the fabled Bioderma Micellar Water before and I don't love that because it doesn't do anything for me in terms of makeup removal, but this does and I would definitely buy it.

Unani claims/product details:

A refreshing solution that leaves your skin soft and clean
Removes impurities and clarifies the skin
Leaves skin supple and hydrated
For all skin types and ages
To use: apply during morning and evening using a cotton pad; no rinsing required
RRP $22.50 AUD for 200ml

Verdict

It was love at first use with this product and I look forward to using it every evening as the first step in my skincare routine.

It has a light, fresh scent that's not strong so you might be ok with it if you don't like fragranced products. Yes it's a water but it's a touch thicker than water in texture - almost like a water/gel hybrid. I've had a look at the ingredients list and glycerin is the second-named item, which might explain why it's a little thicker than water and why it leaves your skin looking brighter after use.

I apply a good amount to a cotton pad and use both sides to run over my face and remove makeup. It does a great job of this and the only thing left for my cleanser to deal with (other than cleansing ; )) is mascara: I don't know why, but hardly any products remove my mascara - even ones that work for many other people - and I always need warm water and a good cleanser for that job.

On the product claims: yes it's refreshing and it leaves your skin feeling soft and clean; yes it removes impurities and clarifies the skin; and yes it leaves skin feeling supple and hydrated. It's a product I don't want to finish because it just works and does so with a minimum of fuss.

In sum, a big thumbs up from me. After using the Bioderma Micellar Water and failing to see the fuss, I didn't think a micellar product could win me over - but this one has.

Have you tried this product? Let me know what you think if so : )

I received this from Lust Have It about six months ago and it's been sitting around gathering dust since then because it's too bright for me and it's not something I would wear often.

I do know someone who'll love this though so I thought I'd give it a few test runs before passing it on to her.

Be a Bombshell makes some good products and I reckon this is one of them. I haven't had much luck with the brand's eyeshadows but everything else I've tried has been decent quality.

Be a Bombshell claims/product details:

A lip gloss formula that offers long lasting colour and high shine
'Saucy' is described as 'a classic red with shimmer'
To use: apply to top and bottom lips for full coverage; for sheer coverage, apply to lower lip only and blot lips together; for more colour, apply several coats until you receive desired results
RRP $21 AUD for 3g

There's a swatch in direct sunlight above, with one thick swipe on the left and a sheered-out patch on the right.

Same shot, natural light:

My bare lips for reference:

Wearing a thin layer of product, natural light:

Wearing a couple of thick layers, natural light:

Verdict

This isn't a colour I'll wear but I think it's a decent product. I tend to steer clear of bright reds because I don't like how they look on me, and this one is definitely bright!

You can of course sheer it out as I have above, but I have so many lip products that there's no reason to keep something I don't love. Especially when I have someone in mind who I think will get a lot of wear from this shade.

It's called a gloss but this particular shade is so pigmented that you could almost call it a liquid lipstick. It's quite thick and sticky in texture, so not everyone will like it but sticky products do tend to last longer on the lips so it has that going for it.

'Saucy' is a bright red with shimmer, and I am aware of the shimmer when I press my lips together because they feel a touch grainy - not terribly so, but it's worth mentioning.

It has a very faint plastic scent but it's not strong so it shouldn't bother most people because it's not in-your-face and doesn't linger.

It's comfortable to wear but I wouldn't wear it every day because it's not a nourishing product and my lips get dry and flaky if I don't wear hydrating products most of the time.

In sum, I think this is a good gloss that meets its claims. It mightn't be my colour, but I'd definitely welcome one of these in another shade.

If you read this blog, you'll know that I reviewed each of the four products in this kit recently and I didn't like any of them.

That made me hesitant to write this round-up post because I don't like to put too much negativity out there, but then I thought that somebody somewhere might be considering purchasing the kit and it's always worth putting an honest opinion into cyberspace because it might be useful to someone.

So I'll start off by saying that my hair is quite dry and frizzy, and it's not easy to tame so I can't just use any haircare and expect it to look good. It's not the most unruly hair in the world, but it definitely needs decent products to look its best.

This kit is designed for hair like mine and is meant to make hair look straighter, shinier and healthier. It did none of those things for me, although perhaps it might work better if your hair isn't dry.

Included in the kit are the Davroe Smooth Senses Shampoo and Conditioner, the Replenish Jojoba Créme Treatment and the Straightening Balm. The Straightening Balm is the only product that didn't play havoc with my hair, although it didn't do anything good for it either.

For my individual reviews of each product, please see the following links:

What I'll do now is make a brief comment on each product and then set out how they made my hair feel (not good!) when used together.

Davroe Smooth Senses Shampoo & Conditioner

I didn't like these at all and they left my hair in terrible condition. I could only bear to use them five times before setting them aside and going into damage control.

The shampoo doesn't clean well and even after three washes (in one sitting) my hair didn't feel close to clean. You know how sometimes you can still feel grime on your hair after washing? That's how I felt when I used this shampoo.

As for the conditioner, it might be ok if your hair isn't dry like mine is, but I found it so lightweight that it didn't do anything for me in terms of hydration. I was expecting my hair to feel nourished and soft after using this, but instead it felt dry and lacked shine and manageability.

In combination, these products somehow left my hair looking limp and dirty, but also dry and seriously frizzy. I've left them in the spare bathroom, in the hope that my husband will use them so they don't go to waste (!).

Davroe Replenish Jojoba Créme Treatment

This product somehow left my hair feeling both coated and dry at the same time, and limp and dull to boot.

After use, my hair was left frizzy and uncooperative, and it felt dry and crackly to the touch. The ends were in all sorts and the rest of my hair was knotty and looked more damaged and dehydrated than usual. I couldn't wait to wash it again to remove all traces of the product and get rid of that coated feeling.

It might be ok if you have different hair than mine, but for me it didn't meet any of its claims and I can't recommend it.

Davroe Straightening Balm

This is the only item in the pack that didn't have an adverse effect on my hair - but indeed, it didn't do anything for me at all.

It applies well without weighing the hair down because it's very light, but it doesn't straighten my hair as claimed and it doesn't do anything else of benefit either. I even used it on only half of my hair so I could compare the two halves, and I noticed no difference on the side containing this balm.

With straightening products, I expect them to have some impact on frizz, shine and hydration - whether or not I decide to straighten my hair with irons or blow dry it after use. Any straightening treatment that's any good does something for your hair even if you don't go ahead and straighten it, but not this one. It just makes my hair look and feel wet for a while and then fades into nothing. It's also not a product you can use more than two days in a row because it builds up and needs to be washed out.

In sum

None of these products worked for me unfortunately, and when used together, my hair wound up in the worst condition it's been in for as long as I can remember: limp, coated, dirty, dull, dry and frizzy. Not what you want!

The packaging of the two products in tubes is also dodgy and I have issues closing the caps because they don't want to connect with the tubes themselves. Particularly annoying when you don't like the products anyway!

Sadly I can't recommend any of these items. I'd be interested to hear if anyone's used these and had better luck with them?

little white truths

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