Essential Oils |ConsumersAdvocate.org

Essential Oils are important for your hair as well as your skin. Here is a blog post written by Estenfania Guzman from ConsumersAdvocate.org.

For more information on 33 Essential oils and the research conducted by ConsumersAdvocate.org check out these links:

For those of us blessed with natural hair, finding the perfect product that will give us our dream curl is one of the most time-consuming past time in our lives. If your texture is kinky, coily, wavy, or anything in between, with the minimum amount of frizz, you want to rock glossy, developed curls.

Although you may have read about the properties of coconut, jojoba, and argan oil, you may be overlooking one thing: essential oils. These oils come from flowers, spices, leaves, and fruits who have been known for centuries to have medicinal or therapeutic uses.

However, you can use them for more than aromatherapy. They’re very popular for DIY projects, like hair masks, candles and lotions. Yet since they’re so concentrated, essential oils can cause skin irritation. Make sure you always mix them with carrier oils. These can be oils such as coconut, olive, and jojoba. These neutral oils will dilute the strength of the essential oil so you can use them safely.

Remember to do a small skin test on your arm before distributing the essential and carrier oil mix to a large part of your body. If the sample causes itchiness, irritation or inflammation, this specific type of oil shouldn’t be used.

Certain health conditions may also be affected by the use of essential oils. If you’re pregnant or have life-threatening allergies, speak to your doctor before using essential oils.

To reduce the risk of irritation because of impurities in the oil, look for brands that test their oils for purity. This helpful infographic on eleven tested brands and their results can be useful to understanding which brand and type of oil you should get. Here is a link to the full report:

https://www.consumersadvocate.org/essential-oils

I hope that this article and the links provided have helped all those who have had questions on essential oils.

Racquel (The Curl Factory)

Raw Gold Shea Butter – Hair & Skin

Raw Gold is a proudly South African product; Raw Gold Shea Butter is an all-natural, unrefined Shea butter which encourages the healing, and strengthening of your hair, and skin. Raw Gold’s Shea Butter is a pure, single ingredient fact product which makes it excellent for sensitive skin types and those prone to allergic reactions.

Raw Gold is a range of plant-based hair and body care products. The pure, organic creations from Raw Gold are made with ethically sourced ingredients, which actively support and enhance the overall health of your skin and hair.

I used two of their products: The Whipped Hair Treatment and The Body Butter. First will tell you about the Whipped Hair Treatment.

Whipped Hair Treatment

Stimulates circulation to your scalp, and encourages the growth of your hair.
Helps to alleviate the symptoms & heal the cause of scalp irritations.
Naturally antibacterial and anti fungal.
Moisturizes & softens dry, curly or damaged hair.
Peppermint & Eucalyptus oil leaves the skin feeling crisp,
clean & reinvigorated.
Suitable for African & Caucasian hair. Can also be used as a serum or leave-in treatment.
Free of all parabans & additives. Vegan friendly.

What I loved about this product was the smell, the soft peppermint smell was not over powering. I used it on my scalp before cleansing my hair. I avoided using it all over my hair, I did add a little to the ends of my hair. It left my scalp feeling light and fresh. The application was also really easy. The product melts once you rub your hands together, giving you access to all it’s goodness.

Next the Body Butter:

Body Butter

• Deeply moisturizes, and softens your skin everywhere. Non-comogenic.

• Alleviates dry, irritated patches and soothes/heals excema or dry skin conditions.

• Heals, and hydrate cracked skin.

• Works wonders on wrinkles, stretch-marks and puffyness.

• Plumps & firms the skin.

• Smells delicious.

• Coconut oil is a vegan-friendly, antibacterial alternative to beeswax.

I used the Body Butter throughout winter in South Africa and my skin loved it. I used it in the evening, and I woke up every morning with soft, hydrated skin. It melts onto the skin giving it the added moisture that is needed especially during winter. I really enjoyed using it.

My overall thoughts.

Both products are amazing, my hair does not like unrefined shea butter, hence me only using it on my scalp and the ends of my hair. The texture of both products is not too hard, after scooping it out of the container, and rubbing it onto the palms of your hands it melts. Both products smell amazing. They are natural products that work really well.

Racquel

REVIEW |NILOTIQA Deep Moisture Butter

The Nilotiqa Deep Moisture Hair Care Range Shea & CoCo Collection Deep Moisture Butter. It contains shea butter and coconut oil. It promises to retain moisture, lock in moisture and hydrate hair.

This Deep Moisture Butter contains natural ingredients and is formulated for dry and brittle hair. It is perfect for daily use.

Packaging: The packaging is very simple, the branding is front and center. It also tells you what type of product it is and what it does. There are no directions on the packaging and for many it can be confusing, “how do I use this product?”. There is also no mention of sulphates, silicones or parabens on the packaging. I reached out to Nilotiqa and they informed me that there are no sulphates, silicones or parabens. The rating I am going to give for Packaging is 3 out of 5.

Price: The Deep Moisture Butter costs R135.00 at Clicks. I think it is a fair price for the amount of product in the container. It is under R200 which is really good. The rating I am going to give for Price is 4 out of 5.

Application: It smells amazing, as you open the product an amazing sweet smells comes out. I really like the smell of the Deep Moisture Butter. It is white in colour, the texture is creamy and it is not too thick or too thin. A little goes a long way which is something I really like. You can use the Deep Moisture Butter daily to moisturize your hair or you can use it on your wash day before adding a styler of your choice. The Application is easy, you rub in onto the palms of your hands and distribute the product in small sections. The rating I am going to give it for Application is 4 out of 5.

Quality & Size: The Deep Moisture Butter is made with natural ingredients and the first ingredient is water. As mentioned earlier there is no information on the packing on sulphates, silicones or parabens. I did reach out to the Nilotiqa team and they informed me that the product is sulphate free, paraben free and contains no minerals. The size of the product is 250ml or 8.4 oz. I like the quality of the product and I think the size is average. The rating I am going to give it for Quality &Size is 4 out of 5.

Results: I used the Deep Moisture Butter on, Two Strand Twists as well as on a Wash and Go, on both hairstyles my hair was moisturized, soft and manageable. When I did the Two Strand Twist I did not add a styler, when I opened the Two Strand Twists, my hair had definition as well as hold. On my Wash and Go my hair was moisturized and soft throughout the week. I used the Deep Moisture Butter during winter in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the product performed really well. The rating I am going to give for Results is 4 out of 5.

Here is a Review Card with categories and ratings out of 5:

Price: 4 out of 5

Packaging: 3 out of 5

Curly Hair: 4 out of 5

Coils Hair: 4 out of 5

Kinky hair: 4 out of 5

Fine Strands: 3.5 out of 5

Thick Strands: 4 out of 5

Happy Wash Day

The Curl Factory (Racquel)

REVIEW | ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR Synchronized Recovery Complex II

The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II is a powerful nighttime renewal for radiant, youthful looking skin. It instantly adds radiance and intensely hydrates the skin.

Packaging: The packing is very simple. The colours are brown and gold. There is very little writing on the packing. It keeps to the Advanced Night Repair series of products, they are all packaged in brown and gold.

Price: In my opinion the Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II is expensive. It costs between R890.00-R1225.00. It comes in two sizes a large bottle and a smaller one.

Click the link to watch the review on my YouTube channel!
ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR Synchronized Recovery Complex II

Application: Apply on clean skin before your moisturizer. Use your finger tips to spread the serum all over your face.

Benefits:

Lines and wrinkles look significantly reduced.
75% of women felt their skin looked more youthful.
Skin feels smoother, hydrated and stronger.
82% felt their skin was instantly hydrated.
83% of women felt their skin looked healthier, fresher and more relaxed.

Results: At first I did not see any results. I used the serum daily in the evenings, and my skin remained the same. I then started applying the serum and then adding a sheet mask on top, to help the serum absorb into my skin. It worked really well for me and I saw results. My skin was soft, supple and hydrated.

This serum is not a must have for me, it works well with a sheet mask but I am not in the percentage of women who saw amazing results using this serum.

Racquel

REVIEW | ESTEE LAUDER Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Foam

The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Foam is a micro-purifying and micro-revitalizing foam cleanser. It has a conditioning formula that transforms into an airy foam to remove makeup, impurities and pollution.

Packaging: At fist glance the packaging is very disappointing. The tube is white with a gold lid. However, it keeps to the Estee Lauder minimalist packing which grows on you. There is not much writing on the packing as well. The directions are at the back. The tube is firm, so when it is half empty it will not fall over or look flimsy.

Click the link you watch a video review of the product.

REVIEW| ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT MICRO CLEANSING FOAM

Price: This cleansing foam costs R595.00. Personally this is expensive for me. I did buy this product and I am not sure if I would buy it again. I like it, but it depends on whether or not I am willing to pay that much on the day that I am shopping for a skin cleanser. It is not a must have in my skin care, so i would not say that this is a must have. You can get this cleansing foam at any Estee Lauder countes at Edgards, Trueworths, Foshini stores ect.

Application: A little goes a long way. At first I was disappointed with the size, I thought this cleansing foam will be finished in a month. But no, this cleansing foam can last you a few months. Use this cleansing foam every night and massage gently over damp skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and avoid the eye area. A trick while cleansing your face is to dampen your face first and then dry your hands. Make sure you squeeze the cleansing foam onto dry hands, this will allow the product to foam up. If your hands are wet the cleansing foam will not foam up and you will feel the need to add more product. To avoid to more product than needed use this trick.

Benefits:

The airy foam purifies skin.
Removes makeup and pollution.
Leaves skin feeling soft, clean and refreshed.

Results: This cleansing foam really surprised me, after cleansing my face did not feel dry or tight. It left my skin refreshed, moisturized and energized. It is a really good night time cleanser, after a day of work or school.

Racquel

REVIEW | ESTEE LAUDER DayWear Matte Gel Creme

A review of the Estee Lauder DayWear Matte Oil-control anti-Oxidant Moisture Gel Creme. Before getting into the review, i will say that this gel creme was too matte for me and left my skin oily. When you use products that are too matte it can cause your skin to produce more naturals oils to combat the dryness. I do have combination combination skin and I thought that this would work for me. But it did not.

This gel creme is for oily skin. The application of this gel creme requires you to apply it in the morning as well as in the evening after a serum. During application avoid the eye area.

To watch my review on Youtube click the link:

REVIEW| ESTEE LAUDER Day Wear Matte Gel Cream

Packaging: I think that the packaging is very sleek. I love the logo on the gold lid and the matte green/blue casing is eye catching. This gel creme comes in a container that is a bit bulky. It will definitely take up space on your vanity table.

Price: It costs R395 at Foshini stores in South Africa. It is on the pricey side, but it is Estee Lauder…You can get this gel creme, not any cosmetic outlet in South Africa, like Edgars Stores, Trueworths ect.

Application: The colour of the creme looks just like the colour of the container. It is a light green/blue colour. It smells like cucumber, which is refreshing. The gel creme is soft to the touch and it applies on the skin easily. It disappears very quickly into the skin. It takes about a minute to dry on the skin. It dries very matte, as promised. It is not sticky or tacky on the skin.

Benefits:

The gel creme offers 10 hour oil control.
Skin hydration.
It also defends against premature aging.
It contains vitamin A and E.
It contains SPF 25.
With continued use it promises to minimize pores over time.

Results: This gel creme is for oily skin, so it didn’t work on my combination skin. As i mentioned earlier it was too drying for my skin type.

If you have oily skin give it a try, if you have combination skin, it also might just work for you. Or you can apply it to the oily parts of your skin like your T-Zone.

Racquel

REVIEW | GARNIER SKINACTIVE HYDRA BOMB TISSUE MASKS

I have been using four of the Garnier SkinActive Tissue Masks for about a year and I love all four of them. All four masks contain hyaluronic acid which promotes moisture in the skin. Depending on what your skin needs, there is a mask for you.

Packaging: I love the packaging of all the masks, they are vibrant and eye catching. When I saw them in the store I had to get them and try them out. All of the masks are Super-Hydrating Tissue Masks. At the back of the packaging it shows you how to apply the mask as well as how long to keep it on – which is 15 minutes.

Price: The mask costs R55.95 at Foshini. Check Clicks and Dischem as well.

Application: Unfold the mask and apply on a clean face with the blue protective film visible on the outside of the face. Remove the blue layer and gently adjust the mask to fit your face. Leave on for 15 minutes.

Benefits:

Results: Each tissue mask delivers on what it promises. They are great to use 3 or 4 times a week. My skin always feel smooth and hydrated after each mask. If your skin needs moisture, these masks are for you.

Racquel

Review: Noughty 97% Natural Intensive Care Leave-in Conditioner.

I love the name and the honesty, it says it is 97% natural that made me lol…I love that it doesn’t claim to be 100% natural. It is for frizzy and damaged hair. It promises to help banish damaged hair and split ends.

Packaging: I actually like the packing, it is lilac in color and the writing on the packing is in black, white and purple. On the packing it tell you how to apply the leave-in conditioner. It says to apply after washing your hair and to focus on the length of your hair and not the roots. Because it is a leave-in conditioner you do not rinse it out. The rating I am going to give for Packing is 4 out of 5.

Price: I bought the Noughty 97% Natural Intensive Care Leave-in Conditioner at Clicks for R149.99. I thought that it was expensive considering the size of the product. The rating I am going to give for Price is 3 out of 5.

Application: The Noughty 97% Natural Intensive Care Leave-in Conditioner melts into your hair like butter. It is thick and creamy, and it glides onto and into the hair shaft. I have long hair, so I did use quiet a bit. The rating I am going to give for Application is 4 out of 5.

Quality & Size: This leave-in conditioner is 150ml or 5fl.oz. It is way too small for me. It is free from; Petrochemicals, Parabens, Sulphates and Silicones. It is contains ingredients like Shea Butter and Argan Oil.The rating I am going to give for Quality & Size is 3 out of 5, because it is too small. The rating I am going to give for Quality and Size is 2.5 out of 5.

Results: I loved the results, it kept my hair soft, and moisturized during the Johannesburg winter and it worked well with different stylers.

I am loving this leave-in conditioner. I was pleasantly surprised by this product. It worked so well during the Johannesburg winter. It is a keeper for me.

Racquel

Review-Shea Moisture Full Beard Detangler

Something for the Guys! I chatted to Nhlanhla Nkambule for his take on the Shea Moisture Maracuja Oil with Shea Butter: Full Beard Detangler.

The Shea Moisture Maracuja Oil with Shea Butter: Full Beard Detangler softens hair and eases out knots to make beards manageable and smell great! This beard detangler has NO parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, sulfates and it is not tested on animals.

Packing: The colours on the product are brown and green with white writing. The Shea Moisture logo is clearly seen on the front of the bottle, and Full Beard Detangler is in bold. Nhlanhla and I like the colours, they are not too girly or unappealing to men. At the back it clearly tells men, “What the product does”: It conditions and softens the thick, course facial hair of a majestic full beard. It also provides great slip to ease out knots without tugging. At the back it also tells men, “How it Works”, Apply a dime-size amount into the palm of your hand, massage it into your beard and comb through from root to ends. For best results apply on a damp (not dripping wet) beard, preferably soon after taking a shower or washing your face. It is a leave in, so guys do not rise it out. The rating Nhlanhla gives for Packaging is 4.5 out of 5.

Price: He bought it from Clicks for R 259. At first glance he thought it was expensive, but it can last a guy 6-9 months depending on the length of their beard and frequency of use. So in a year guys only need to purchase it a maximum of twice. The rating Nhlanhla gives for Price is 4 out of 5.

Application: It comes out of the tube very easily, it is white in color and it is also a very thick paste. Nhlanhla liked the smell as it was not over powering and the smell disappeared soon after application. When applying the Full Beard Detangler a little goes a long way, you don’t need to use a lot. The Full Beard Detangler is very hydrating and can be likened to a light sprits of water on the beard. Men are encouraged to apply the product with their fingertips and immediately the detangler takes effects; eliminating knots and tangles leaving the beard soft, and manageable making it easier to comb the beard and run your fingers threw it. The rating Nhlanhla gives for Application is 4.5 out of 5.

Quality & Size: The size of the Full Beard Detangler is 118ml or 4fl oz. Its the perfect size allowing men to use it for 6-9 months. Also the size makes it convenient for travel as it can comfortably fit into a regular toiletry bag without limiting space for other products. The Detanger has No sulphates, parbens, mineral oil, phthalates and propylene glycol. It also contains Shea Butter and Maracuja Oil. Nhlanhla likes the size as well as the quality. The rating Nhlanhla gives it for Quality & Size is 4.5 out of 5.

Results: The beard is left detangled and soft as promised. However the effects can be short lived, requiring reapplication once or twice more throughout the day to maintain a tangle free beard. The rating Nhlanhla gives for Results is 4 out of 5.

Overall Nhlanhla’s experience using the Shea Moisture Full Beard Detangler was positive, Nhlanhla really likes the product, he recommends it for men who are starting out on their beard journey or those that have been on it for sometime.

I hope you guys enjoyed this review. It gets a thumbs up from The Curl Factory!

Racquel and Nhlanhla

Woolworths Skin Care

Woolworths Cleanse Daily Foaming Cleaner. It clarifies, smoothens skin and moisturizers. It promises to gently wash away impurities to cleanse, clarify and smooth your skin. It is for All Skin Types.

How to use: Dampen face with warm water. Gently massage in a circular motion to remove makeup and impurities. Rinse throughly with warm water and apply toner. For best results, use in conjunction with Woolworths Daily Cleansing Toner.

Price: R100.82

Size: 150ml

Woolworths Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser. It deep cleansers and removes dead skin cells. It promises to gently cleanse and remove impurities from the skin while maintaining the skin’s natural pH balance and moisture.It is for All Skin Types.

Price: R120.00

Size: 150ml

Woolworths Cleanse Daily Gel Cleanser. It clarifies and smoothes skin and moisturizers. It promises to gently wash away impurities to cleanse, clarify and smoothe your skin. It is for All Skin Types.

Price: R79.95

Size: 150ml

Woolworths Cleanse 2 in 1 Exfoliating Mask. It clarifies and unblocks pores. It is formulated with Kaolin to unblock clogged pores and deep-cleanse skin. It is for All Skin Types.

How to use: Apply to damp, clean skin in gentle circular movements. Avoid eye area. Leave to dry for five minutes before rinsing with warm water. For best results use once or twice a week. Dampen face with warm water. Gently massage in a circular motion to remove makeup and impurities. Rinse throughly with warm water and apply toner. For best results, use in conjunction with Woolworths Daily Cleansing Toner. Pay particular attention to nose and chin and avoid sensitive areas around the eyes.

Price: R100.82

Size: 50ml

Woolworths Toner Daily Cleansing Toner. It clarifies and tighten pores and balances pH It promises to gently cleanse and refine your pores for clear, radiant skin. .It is for All Skin Types.

How to use: After cleansing, soak a cotton wool pad with Woolworths Daily Cleansing Toner and smoothe over the face and neck. Avoid the eye area.

Price: R100.82

Size: 250ml

My personal experience with the Woolworths skin care line, was not good at all. It dried my skin and caused it to break out in pimples. I did use it for at least 3 weeks hoping that I would get better results as I continued to use it, but I was wrong. I didn’t like the smell of the products either, I could smell the chemicals used in the products. The cleansers did clean my skin, but it also dried my skin as well. Neither of the cleansers moisturized my skin or left it moisturized. The toner, was very harsh on my skin as well. And after using the 2 in 1 Exfoliating Mask I would break out within a few hours. Overall it was a NO for me!

Racquel