Original Sprout, as I have previously noted, makes really wonderful cruelty-free beauty products, and I am quite enamored of their haircare collection. My latest find is the Original Sprout Luscious Island Protein Mist in Tropical Citrus, and what a find it is! This spray, which is filled with nourishing plant proteins, is formulated to protect and rejuvenate hair, and it revitalizes damaged hair. It leaves hair hydrated and protected, and it smells delectable. I notice that my curly hair is far more hydrated and manageable when I use this mist.
According to Original Sprout,
Our nutrient-rich Protective Protein Hair Mist is the pinnacle of hair repair solutions. Like a refreshing green juice for your hair, it brims with an array of plant proteins and organic extracts, including kale, carrots, lemon, argan oil, and jojoba. Harnessing the innovative Vega Bead Technology, this formula features microcapsules composed of alginate polymers. Each single drop of standard encapsulated Vegabead® products contains over a billion encapsulated beads that adhere to the charge-rich amino acid surface of damaged hair.
As the product dries, these beads pack tightly and bond with each other within the damaged areas. This process visibly closes structural gaps while releasing a protective layer along the hair shaft. The skin subsequently forms a delicate reparative protein patch, restoring the cuticle's flexibility and leaving your hair feeling rejuvenated and renewed.
Features:
- Restores and rejuvenate hair that has suffered damage from heat styling or excessive processing.
- Key ingredients: shea and kale oil, carrot and lemon protein
- Free from: Sulfates, Phthalates, and Parabens
- Free from: Soy, Gluten, Honey, Peanut, and Dairy
- Color Safe
- Gentle pH of 4.5 – 5.5
- 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free
Directions: Spritz liberally on wet or dry hair. It revitalizes and strengthens hair, adds moisture, nourishes damages hair and enhances elasticity.
Overall Assessment: I am really pleased with the results, and my curly hair is hydrated and manageable when I use this mist. It also adds a layer of protection when I blow dry my hair.
$24.99 for 3 oz. from Original Sprout (Unaffiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
If you are starting to miss the warm weather, and dream of a tropical vacation, then the Original Sprout Tahitian Collection will delight your senses and transport you to a tropical island.
This collection consists of: Island Bliss Shampoo, Luscious Island Conditioner, Protective Protein Hair Mist, Tahitian Hair Oil and Worry Free Sunscreen.
Original Sprout Island Bliss Shampoo ($19.99 for 8 oz. from Original Sprout): This is a wonderful nourishing and hydrating shampoo that thoroughly cleans the hair without stripping it and without leaving a greasy residue. Hair is never weighed down and it is left manageable and soft. It has the most amazing tropical aroma that smells like a creamy and warm coconut.
According to Original Sprout,
Our Island Bliss Shampoo is ultra-nourishing without weighing down your hair. The sulfate-free formula is excellent for all hair types including color-treated or dry, damaged hair. It is infused with botanicals like jojoba to strengthen strands, and cucumber to restore and hydrate. Rosemary and Arnica Flower cleanse hair follicles and sooth a sensitive scalp. This gentle shampoo leaves hair silky soft!
Features:
- Gentle pH of 5.0-7.0
- Safe for babies but created for teens and adults
Original Sprout Luscious Island Conditioner ($19.99 for 8 oz. from Original Sprout): This nourishing conditioner, which smells like toasty and warm coconuts, seriously conditions hair and leaves it manageable, frizz-free and shiny. It rinses clean, without any sort of residue, and it does not weigh down hair. My naturally curly hair LOVES this conditioner.
According to Original Sprout,
Our Luscious Island Conditioner will transport you to luxury. Vegan jojoba protein rebuilds and strengthens hair, while nourishing mongongo oil heals and regenerates dry, brittle strands. For extra moisture and shine, leave on hair for five extra relaxing minutes while in the shower! *Tree nuts used in the following products include: Mongongo nuts.
Features:
- Gentle pH of 5.0-7.0
- For the whole family
- Key ingredients: jojoba protein and mongongo oil
- Great for all hair types
- Locks in color and leaves hair shiny and silky soft
Original Sprout Protective Protein Hair Mist ($24.99 for 4 oz. from Original Sprout): This protective, delectably tropically scented, hair mist conditions and softens the hair and makes it manageable and it fights frizz. It does not weigh down hair in the least bit, and it doesn't leave hair greasy. It utilizes silicones and natural oils, but if you prefer silicone-free haircare products, then this one is not for you.
According to Original Sprout,
Our nutrient-rich Protective Protein Hair Mist is the ultimate hair repair product. Like a green juice for your hair, it is loaded with plant proteins and organic extracts from kale, carrots, lemon, argan oil and jojoba. We use Vega Bead Technology – microcaptules that are a complex of alginate polymers. A single drop of standard encap Vegabead® products contains more than a billion encapsulated beads. These beads adhere to the charge-rich amino acid surface of damaged hair. As the product dries, the beads pack tightly and attach to each other within the damaged area. Tensile forces visibly close structural gaps and the beads release a protective layer on the hair shaft. The skin then forms a thin reparative protein patch and the cuticle is restored to a flexible integrity, leaving the hair feeling like new!
Original Sprout Tahitian Hair Oil ($24.99 for 4 oz. from Original Sprout): This hair oil fights frizz and fly-aways, moisturizes and leaves hair soft, smooth and shiny without weighing it down or leaving it greasy. It has a light nutty aroma that fades very quickly. It utilizes silicones and natural oils, but if you prefer silicone-free haircare products, then this one is not for you.
According to Original Sprout,
Our Tahitian Hair Oil’s gentle formula is infused with coconut oil and linseed oil, to lock in moisture, control breakage and prevent frizz. To use, apply a dime-sized amount onto ends of hair. For optimal moisture, use as an overnight treatment, or to protect hair from the elements when at the beach or pool. Also great for use on extra dry skin.
I am wildly in love with shu uemura art of hair products, and they have long been among my holiest of holy grail haircare picks. Their products are ultra-luxe, a delight to use, and they always deliver real tangible results. I recently began testing the shu uemura art of hair muroto volume hair care for fine hair collection, and I must extol its many virtues for you. If you have fine hair– whether it's straight, wavy or curly– this is a great collection that gives those tresses volume without looking like 80s mall hair. It neither weighs down the hair, nor does it leave behind any sort of residue.
shu uemura muroto volume shampoo for fine hair ($52.00 for 10 oz. from shu uemura art of hair, Sephora, The Bay): This shampoo thoroughly cleans the hair without stripping it, drying it out, and without leaving behind any sort of oily residue. It rinses clean and it has a nice light aroma, but the scent is neither long lasting, nor in the least bit cloying.
According to shu uemura,
This paraben free and silicone free shampoo for fine hair gently cleanses and infuses long-lasting hair volume. It creates a re-balance of natural oils and leaves strands supple with a weightless finish. The hair fiber is fortified, protected against damage and is able to maintain bounce and movement. Safe on colored hair so your hair color can thrive without sacrificing the health of your hair.
Enriched with Himalayan crystal minerals, this shampoo rebalances natural oils and leaves strands supple with a weightless finish. Hair fibers are fortified to ensure protection against damage which helps maintain bounce and movement while providing shine, and a lustrous touch.
Features:
Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily
Hair Texture: Fine
Key Benefits: Volume, Shine, and Fortifies Hair Fibers
shu uemura muroto volume lightweight care conditioner ($58.00 for 8oz. from shu uemura art of hair, Sephora): This is a wonderfully lightweight and ultra-emollient conditioner that really hydrates my dry and fine curly hair. It rinses clean, fights frizz, hydrates hair and leaves it shiny with the right amount of volume. It has a light and pleasant aroma, but it isn't long lasting.
According to shu uemura,
A lightweight conditioner that creates long-lasting volume for fine hair. Enriched with Himalayan crystal minerals, this conditioner rebalances natural oils and leaves strands supple with a light finish. Hair fibers are fortified to ensure protection against damage, which helps maintain bounce and movement while creating a shiny, lustrous touch.
Features:
Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily
Hair Texture: Fine
Key Benefits: Volume
A nurturing hair mask that creates lightweight and long-lasting volume for fine hair. Enriched with Himalayan crystal minerals, this hair mask rebalances natural oils and leaves strands supple with a light finish. Hair fibers are fortified to ensure protection against damage, which helps maintain bounce and movement while providing shine and lustrous touch.
Features:
Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily
Hair Texture: Fine
Key Benefits: Volume, Shine, and Fortifies Hair Fibers
A hydro-texturizing mist that provides texture and volume while keeping a natural look and enhancing movement. Infused with deepsea water, this formula offers pure minerals that shape natural waves for volume with a moveable finish. It is perfect for creating beachy waves or for a full, long-lasting blowout.
Features:
Hair Texture: Fine
Key Benefits: Texture, Voluming, and Color Safe
Directions: -Shake before use to activate ingredients and spray two to three pumps into damp hair before air-drying or blow-drying hair. For light body and texture, mist throughout hair and blow-dry to style as desired. For natural-looking waves, twist hair into desired shape.
If you have curly hair, then you know the extent to which products that effectively combat the effects of humidity, and which prevent frizz, are welcomed with open arms. Humidity causes frizz and fly-aways, and can transform beautiful soft ringlets into a fuzzy, frizzy mess. Therefore, I am thrilled to introduce everyone with curly tresses to the latest Ouidad launch– launching today, April 3m 2018– that further expands their Advanced Climate Control collection.
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel Stronger Hold ($26.00 for 8.5 oz. from Ouidad): This mid-weight gel, which isn't sticky, fights frizz, repels humidity and offers hair strong hold to preserve curl patterns. It dries rather quickly, therefore if you have thick dense curls, you may need to dampen your hands with water to prevent the gel from setting before you are done styling. Unlike many strong hold gels, this one doesn't flake or become crunchy and unnatural looking. Thankfully, hair never looks as though it is heavily product-laden, or unnatural. Additionally, it enhances curls, leaves hair soft, gives hair a lovely shine, and it offers hair UV protection. It has a very light and pleasant aroma that fades quickly.
According to Ouidad,
Humidity: It's every curl’s nightmare. That's because curly hair’s unique structure exposes its cuticle. When humidity gets in, curls expand with unwanted volume and look frizzy, undefined, and dull. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control® Heat & Humidity Gel – Stronger Hold transforms uneven curl patterns into consistently formed, well-defined and frizz-free spirals. Anti-Frizz Nano Technology seals the cuticle to lock in moisture and lock out humidity. A dedicated UV filter helps protect against damage from environmental aggressors. The result: Defined, shiny, controlled curls – in any climate.
Features:
• Consistently defines uneven curl patterns with strong, long-lasting hold • Locks out humidity and helps protect curls from heat and UV damage • Prevents frizz, flyaways, and unwanted volume
Directions: Apply using Ouidad's Rake & Shake technique. Divide damp hair into sections. Rake a nickel-size amount of gel through each section, using fingertips to seal and smooth the cuticle from roots to ends. When finished, hold the ends of hair in each section and shake to create curls. Let hair air-dry or blow-dry with a diffuser.
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Restore + Revive Bi-Phase ($32.00 for 6.8 oz. from Ouidad): This pretty pink bi-phase treatment, that you need to shake well to incorporate the ingredients, includes a cocktail of antioxidant-rich natural oils that nourish and moisturize the hair. The formula protects hair from free-radical damage while defining curls, fighting frizz and leaving hair shiny, soft and smooth. Furthermore, like the gel, it neither flakes, nor does it become crunchy and unnatural looking. There is a very light clean scent in the bottle, but I detected no fragrance in my hair.
According to Ouidad,
Extend your style another day with our two-in-one miracle mist, designed to redefine and reactivate your curl pattern as it eliminates frizz. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control® Restore + Revive Bi-Phase combines two high-performing formulas in one: The concentrated oil phase with Mongongo, Grapeseed, and Meadowfoam Seed Oils nourishes, plumps, and perfects curls for consistency and bounce. The Anti-Frizz Nano Technology phase seals hair’s cuticle to lock in moisture and lock out humidity. A dedicated UV filter helps protect against color fade, heat, and free radical damage. The result: Defined, shiny, frizz-free curls – in any climate..
Features:
• Nourishes and hydrates dry, damaged hair
• Reactivates curl definition and restores luster for day one shine • Eliminates frizz and flyaways
Directions: Shake well. Mist all over dry hair, and scrunch to redefine the curl pattern and smooth frizz.
Overall Assessment: I am very impressed by these new products, and definitely recommend them to anyone with curly hair looking to define their curls, increase hold, fight humidity and tame frizz.
Most college students do not tend to indulge in many little luxuries, and given the cost of tuition, rent, food and textbooks, they seldom have much left in the way of disposable income to pamper themselves. With that in mind, I selected some lovely indulgences to give to the college students in your life.
Chamilia, which is part of the Swarovski Company, makes a beautiful selection of sterling silver pendants and charms from which to choose. They are beautiful, high quality and affordable, and will be loved by the recipient. Chamilia Paisely Charm ($45.00 from Chamilia and Amazon): This beautiful paisley shaped sterling silver charm is punctuated by a lovely light Sapphire Swarovski Crystal. The floral motif is elegant and intricate. According to Chamilia, Originally seen to embody a flower, the Paisley is a form which represents the totality of life within a droplet. It symbolizes creation, abundance and life. Chamilia's Paisley Flower is detailed with a petite bloom accented with Light Sapphire Swarovski Crystal and a lightly oxidized finish. Take two of the charms and fit them together, top to bottom, to create a Yin Yang symbol. Chamilia Horse ($35.00 from Chamilia): This pretty sterling silver horse pendant has an enamel blue floral motif that serves as an ornamental saddle. It is a very sweet pendant that is sure to delight anyone who loves horses. According to Chamilia, The horse symbolizes motivation, passion and a need for freedom. Chamilia's Horse charm is detailed with a beautiful Folk Art pattern in blue enamel with lightly oxidized detail. Chamilia Lucky Horseshoe ($40.00 from Chamilia): This sterling silver charm with a polished finish features a tiny horseshoe encrusted with Rose Gold Swarovski Crystals from the Chamilia Iconopop collection. Chamilia Paisely Treasure ($60.00 from Chamilia and Amazon): This gorgeous bejeweled sterling silver bead is punctuated by aisle motifs and Swarovski Crystals. According to Chamilia, This sterling silver bead with lightly oxidized finish features a Light Sapphire Swarovski Crystal embedded in a stylized Paisley flower.
Each Chamilia charm and pendant come in these lovely little gift boxes
Chamilia Charms also come with a nice little pouch where you can store them when you aren't wearing them.
S'well Water Bottles ($25.00-$45.00 each from S'well, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Birchbox, Shopbop, Athleta Gap, Anthropologie and The Container Store): are ingeniously made from BPA-free, double-walled stainless steel that is so well insulated that it keeps liquids cold for 24 hours, and hot for 12 hours. They are so well insulated that no matter how cold the liquid inside, there is absolutely no condensation outside. I purchased the 25 oz. size so that I wouldn't have to refill my bottle as frequently, but you might prefer the 17 oz. size because it a bit smaller to tote around. However, I definitely think that the 9 oz. is a little too small for the purposes of staying hydrated throughout the day. This is perfect for college students who have back-to-back classes, and are on campus all day. They can fill it with coffee in the morning, and rinse it out and fill it with water in the afternoon. According to S'well, In 2010, S'well was launched with a mission to rid the world of plastic bottles. With your continued support, we are doing just that! Every day, walking around the city I love, I see New Yorkers carrying the one thing S'well dreads the most — the plastic bottle. In the US alone, an estimated 50 billion plastic bottles are dumped in landfill sites each year, and over 200 billion globally. When developing and designing the S'well bottle, we aimed to create a beautifully crafted bottle that keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, while also giving back to those in need. At S'well, we understand it's important to be part of the solution, which is why we're proud to partner with our many charity partners: we are working towards bettering our environment and communities around the world, one S'well bottle at a time. Features:
Bottle may be used as a water bottle or to hold other beverages.
Made of 18/8 double-walled stainless steel.
Nontoxic, non-leaching, and BPA free.
Hand-painted.
Mouth wide enough for ice cubes and drip-free sipping.
Vacuum sealed; keeps drinks cold for 24 hours, hot for 12.
Fits standard-size cup holder.
Hand wash only. Not dishwasher safe.
They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and are available in 3 sizes (25 oz, 17 oz. and 9 oz.). While they are by no means the least expensive water bottles on the market, I assure that they will last a very very long time, and are worth every penny.
LAVANILA The Healthy Body Butter in Vanilla Lavender ($19.00 for 6.7oz. Available from Sephora, Dermstore, Macy's and Lavanila): Once the weather starts to cool down, it will be time to reach for richer and heavier creams, oils and body butters to keep the skin soft, supple and moisturized. This body butter in not only only tremendously hydrating, but the warm and pleasant fusion of vanilla and lavender is a calming and soothing bedtime treat that relaxes me and encourages me to drift off into a peaceful slumber. When I wake up my skin is velvety soft and deliciously hydrated.
If you are looking for a hydrating body butter, this is definitely one to consider. It comes in 6 wonderful scents: Vanilla Summer, Fresh Vanilla Lemon, Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Lavender and Vanilla Coconut, and they are all free of harsh chemicals.
According to Lavanila,
Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Body Butter will give you instantly soft skin! The Healthy Body Butter uses an advanced, restorative formula made with 100% natural ingredients and survival molecules to lock in a healthy dose of 30 essential vitamins and minerals.
LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Grapefruit ($14.00 from LAVANILA, Sephora,Skin Store and Net-A-Porter): I have been using natural deodorants for many, many years, and LAVANILA definitely makes one of my all-time favorite formulas. They offer a nice selection of scents that boast excellent odor protection, and they are filled with healthy ingredients. Furthermore, LAVANILA deodorants do not stain clothes, and they soothe the delicate underarm area.
According to LAVANILA,
Finally, a natural deodorant that works. Get superior odor protection with this 100 percent natural, freshly scented deodorant. Soothing essential oils blend with beta-glucan technology fight odor effectively while soothing, conditioning, and nourishing the delicate underarm area. It goes on clean, with no sticky wetness, and delivers long-lasting, luxurious results.
Select Ingredients & Their Attributes:
Beta-Glucan Technology: Promotes healthy skin and fights odor with a complex of powerful antioxidants, anti-bacterial agents, and polysaccharides.
Goji Berry: Provides powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, 21 essential minerals, and 18 amino acids.
Japanese Honeysuckle: Acts as a natural preservative and an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.
Lichen Lemon and Tea Tree Oils: Prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria; provide safe, long-lasting protection sans harsh chemicals or alcohol.
Weightless, daily detangling mist leaves hair glossy and frizz-free. Perfect for all hair types.
Water-light leave-in toner adjusts the pH of tap water to seal the cuticle of your hair, for a remarkably smooth, shiny finish
Boosts manageability and shine with Apple Cider Vinegar, a natural astringent and pH balancer
A featherweight blend of essential oils detangles, obliterates frizz and static, and imparts a light botanical scent
Spritz on clean wet hair—or use to revive your style anytime!
Paraben free; color & keratin-treatment safe
Directions: Shake well. After shampooing and conditioning your hair, lightly spray PHILIP B® pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist through the mid-shaft and ends. Squeeze into your hair, towel dry and style as usual.
Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil is an ultra light blend of essential oils that deeply hydrate even the most damaged hair. I use it in a variety of ways, from a daily treatment and styling aid to an ultra deep conditioning treatment. Part of its magic is in its versatility, and it is one of those remarkably effective hair oils that can be used on a daily basis. When I apply a few drops to my hair before styling (it can be used on wet or dry hair) it leaves my hair frizz-free, moisturized, shiny and manageable. My curls become well-formed shiny ringlets that feel and look stunning. When I use it as a deep conditioner, my hair and scalp are left healthy, ultra-moisturized and soft and supple. I often apply it before going to bed, and then wrap my head in a towel and then rinse it in the shower the following day– the difference is absolutely unmistakable.
According to Philip B.,
Packed with ultra-light essential oils, our legendary conditioning treatment sinks in instantly to transform even the driest, most frazzled hair, leaving it bouncy and gleaming.
Features:
Restores hair's strength, shine and elasticity. Prevents breakage
Detoxes your scalp: Dissolves scalp oils and product buildup for extra lift at the roots
Paves the way for luminous, dimensional, healthy-looking color
See and feel the results of bouncy, healthy, soft, silky, shiny hair from your very first treatment
Suggested use: Use on parched, damaged hair twice a week; on dry hair, once a week; and on normal hair 1-4 times a month. For a dehydrated scalp, use once or twice a week.
Apply Rejuvenating Oil liberally to dry, unwashed hair, starting two inches from the roots, and work it in with your fingers down to the ends. To help the botanical moisture sink in quickly, warm your hair with a blow dryer for one to two minutes.
LEAVE ON:
For dry hair leave on for20-45 minutes.
For dry to damaged hair leave on for45 minutes -2 hours.
For deep conditioning heave ob for 2-15 hours.
Tip: Use a clarifying shampoo to lift excess oil from hair shaft. Rinse well. Condition as usual.
AllGlamR Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 ($38.25. Available at day spas, specialty stores and online at www.allglamr.com): AllGlamR Tinted Sunscreens offer broad spectrum sun protection that is hypo-allergenic, non-irritating, and available in two shades. The formula is an antioxidant-rich hydrating and gives skin a natural sheer finish, and a mild dewy glow. According to AllGlamR, By incorporating skin refreshing moisturization, color dispensing toner and sun rejecting ingredients, our antioxidant enriched tinted moisturizer balances skin tones while providing protection against the harmful rays of the sun. Our Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 is available in two radiant shades, light and medium, that blend to match most skin tones. We believe in making our paraben free products right here in the USA without harmful additives and irritants and we never, ever test on animals. Benefits: - Powerful SPF 30 protects from UVA and UVB rays - Non-irritant and nonallergenic - Re-hydrates with natural oils providing moisture while under the sun - Antioxidant enriched with safe and natural ingredients - Provides smooth, even complexion Directions: Apply generously until desired coverage is achieved. If exposed to sun, swimming or excessive sweating, reapply every two hours or more frequently as needed.
Left to Right: AllGlamR Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 in Light and Medium
AllGlamR Tinted Sunscreen is available in Light (for light to medium tones)
and Medium (for medium to dark tones).
COCOFLOSS ($8.00 for a single, $21 for three piece set, Available at Cocofloss, Sephora, Shen Beauty, Anthropologie and Goop): Cocofloss is a very effective dental floss that deeply cleans teeth and is gentle and soothing on the gums. It actually makes flossing something that I look forward to, and it is available in 4 coconut infused flavors: Delicious Mint, Pure Strawberries, Fresh Coconut and Cara Cara Orange. According to COCOFLOSS, Founded by two sisters – one artist and one dentist – Cocofloss is on a mission to bring paradise to your oral care routine with refreshing, high-performance products. This unique floss is made with a bright blue rope and is infused with coconut oil. What makes this special and fun floss even better is that it is vegan and eco-friendly! Take this paradise on the go with you as its perfect for travel and can fit in any makeup or toiletry bag.
