Simply Smooth a Touch of Keratin Treatment

I recently reviewed the Simply Smooth xtend reparative magic potion and how I love it for a multi-purpose hair fixer upper! The term 'magic potion' really does apply!
Because of how much I loved the Magic Potion and a hair dresser told me I really need to do a keratin treatment to help my super frizzy new growth and 'puffy' hair. I didn't want to pay the $100-$200 to get it done professionally and end up hating the results so I decided to get the Touch of Keratin Treatment which is touted as a 'at-home keratin treatment' that is supposed to last up to 4 weeks!
The website claims this is a keratin filler that is supposed to restore in the weak spots in the hair and provide smooth hair, without losing the volume. Not only that, it can be done at home in the normal amount of time it takes to normally blow-dry and flat iron your hair.
I tried the Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Perfector right when it came out, and hated it.  It made my entire house smell like rotten eggs soaked in chemicals for over a day and really didn't do anything to my hair. I also purchased the John Frieda 3-day Straight which I have used on and off since purchase.  I like the benefits of the 3-day straight, but feel it can be drying, especially considering the second ingredient is alcohol.

So I was looking for a more natural, easy to use frizz reducer that wouldn't make my entire house gag on the smell. The spec sheet for the product says there are 2-4 applications per 2oz bottle (retail price $29), however, it looks like to me I should get about 6 uses.  Either I didn't use enough product, or their estimations are conservative. However, either way the price breaks down to be very reasonable and slightly better than the Garnier which is around $8 for one use.

There was no chemical odor, no scalp irritation and super easy to use!  My hair looked pretty nasty after the blow dry and had me pretty worried - however, once flat ironed my hair became shiny and smooth as promised. Whats even better?  I have plenty of body and volume in my normally thin, frizzy hair!

Hopefully after a wash or two it still looks this good!

Simply Smooth xtend reparative magic potion

Ah yes!  One of my favorite products.
I came across this at my favorite professional supply stores and all the girls there were raving about it.  I had never heard of the brand, but decided to buy it anyways. They offered small trial sizes and that made it a perfect easy purchase!
Simply Smooth is a line by American Culture Hair that is focused around healthy keratin treatments that one of the smallest formaldehyde amounts of any product on the market.  Their shampoos, conditioners and styling products all revolve around keeping treated hair smooth, soft and healthy.
The xtend reparative magic potion is a leave in product that is all things in one!  It is a leave-in conditioner, styling cream, split end treatment, and extends the life of a keratin treatment.  I use it after shampooing and conditioning as more of a treatment than leave in conditioner.  When I started using this product I had never done a keratin treatment, so I can't comment on how well it extends the life of the treatment, only how it works as a conditioning treatment.
I love it for heat protection,  conditioning, frizz treatment, detangling and simply smoothing my frizzy lifeless hair!
The directions recommend using on damp hair before styling, but I have even used it on day two of a blow-out to add extra moisture from the desert air.

American Culture Hair has a salon finder on their website to find a location near you that sells this product and offers their services, but there aren't that many, yet!  It is possible to buy the products on Amazon and other internet retailers.

Tea Tree Oil - Miracle Cure

I have plenty of spot treatments for my stubborn acne and I rotate through them pretty often.  I love sulfur in my products and the standby salicylic acid, however when I add Tea Tree Oil to the mix is when I see fantastic results.  Plus, I use it for more than one thing!

Some people experience redness, irritation and dryness when using straight Tea Tree Oil on blemishes, however I have never had such problems.  I actually get much less dryness than using Salicylic acid.  When I feel a blemish popping up I will put a Q-Tip dipped in TTO right on it, and continue to do so morning and night until healed.   I also have a patch of flaky skin on my scalp right at my hairline and will also swipe some TTO on that area once in awhile, since doing so I haven't had any irritation or flaking in that area!   

TTO also works great on small cuts or small infections - I get small infected areas on my chest from my Lupus medication and TTO helps heal them better than Neosporin I feel. 

Part of my acne problems since starting Methotrexate is constant breakouts on my back and shoulders, since those are impossible for me to reach I have to use a spray to get on my back.  Right now I have a acne toner that contains Salicylic acid and I added TTO to it and I spray that morning and night to help keep my back as clear as possible.  In addition, I also get irritation and bumps under my arms from shaving and deodorant - spraying under my arms prior to deodorant this mixture really helps keep the irritation down. 

Tea Tree Oil lasts for ever, a little goes a long way and has so many uses head to toe.  It does have a very noticeable scent, and you need to be very careful when applying it near your eye area (actually, just don't apply it near your eye area! ha) and it has fumes that stay in the air for awhile and can make some people cough.  However, the scent goes away after awhile on your skin and no one will know you were using it.  

Plus, when you use it as a spot treatment at night, or day, it won't affect your makeup and leaves no ugly white residue or dry cakey-ness that others can see.  

Dermalogica mediBac Skin Clearing Wash

As I have mentioned, I developed adult acne suddenly when I was around 28.  I have sensitive, combination skin that flakes easily and I get everything from small whiteheads, black heads to a occasional cyst and ones that NEVER heal due to a auto-immune disorder.    
I have tried many products on the market, but hadn't really done a full kit by one brand. I decided maybe a full kit that is meant to go together might help.  
So I purchased the Dermalogica mediBac trial kit for around $40.  The kit is easy to find at Ulta and online.  This review is about the Skin Clearing Wash itself, because it deserves its own spotlight.


This may be my favorite acne wash ever.  The cleanser takes off makeup, lathers well, a little bit goes a long way and doesn't dry out my skin. 
The ingredients are also pretty impressive - 
Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid 0.5%. Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidpropyl Betaine, PEG-3 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract, Arctium Majus Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf


OK, maybe I should have just bolded the entire ingredient list.    Look at all of those great extracts !   We have Salicylic Acid which is clearly a top anti-acne ingredient because of it's ability to help clear the skin by increasing cell turnover and shedding, clearing pores and preventing pores from re-clogging.  But everything has Salicylic acid in it, that is no surprise.  So seeing Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract** - which not only adds a fresh natural scent to the product, but it is also a antibacterial agent, Echinacea Purpurea which is considered to be a Immunol-stimulant, Arnica Montana Flower Extract that is a amazing ingredient that not only restores suppleness in skin, but it helps reduce inflammation and is top notch on bruises, Arctium Majus Root Extract (or Burdock) is a  ant-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.  Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is used so many ways, whether it is for skincare, treating varicose veins, a balm on burns and more. It also helps regulate oily skin, prevents free radical formation and is a anti-inflammatory. Together all of these ingredients combat every symptom and issue associated with adult acne without stressing the skin.







**Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract  - please note, when looking up this ingredient I noticed that Wikipedia mentioned that this extract "should be avoided by those on thyroid medication (such as thyroxine), as it is believed the herb inhibits the absorption of this medicine".   Now, I don't know if this applies to the amount found in a face wash, or when used topically.  I am on thyroxine myself, so this was a interesting find!

Fresh - Umbrian Clay Face Treatment

I like products that have multiple uses  (except those weird cheek, lip and eye color sticks - no thank you) so the Umbrian Clay Face Treatment by Fresh is right up my alley.

It is a Cleanser, Masque and Spot treatment. It can seriously be used as all three too, not just one and fails at all others.  I most use it as a Masque before a shower because it can be pretty messy, but have used it for all advertised purposes.

According to Sephora.com

  

What it is:
A multi-functional treatment that can be used as an instant detoxifying face mask, a daily purifying face cleanser, or a spot treatment for blemishes and irritations.

What it is formulated to do:
A high concentration of Umbrian Clay, a proprietary ingredient to Fresh, imparts the formula with supreme anti-inflammatory and absorbent properties. Thanks to its high mineral content, Umbrian Clay removes toxins, soothes irritations, reduces breakouts, and aids in the regeneration of healthy skin cells. Umbrian Clay Face Treatment is further enhanced with anti-inflammatory nettle, gentle chamomile flower, and purifying olive leaf extract. Regular use of Umbrian Clay Face Treatment will detoxify, tone, and improve the overall condition of the skin.

I have sensitive, combination acne prone skin.  I am also now 30, so harsh acne products dry my skin out and cause irritation. This Umbrian Clay treatment helps my skin, without being too harsh.  The Umbrian Clay helps detoxify, soothe irritation and promote cell turnover, and it also has a mild physical exfoliant to it.  The white nettle also helps aid with acne with its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.  In addition there is Olive leaf extract, chamomile, and lavender water all to soothe the skin.

I mainly use this as a masque before a shower, because it is very difficult to get off the skin.  The first few times I used it, the next time I washed my face there was greenish/grey residue STILL on my skin. So I stopped using it as a cleanser due to that, and the horrible mess it would make around my sink.  But in the shower, it is great!

Packaging -The product needs to be shaken before use as it will separate in the container and cause oozing when unscrewing the top. I'd repackage if I had my way  3/5
Value -I find the price very expensive, if I hadn't gotten it for free from a trade, I never would have purchased it. - 3/5
Repurchase - Not unless it went down by about $20.  3.5/5
Does it work as advertised?  - Yes  5/5

Phytomist Instant Hydrating Conditioner - Color-Treated Hair

Back when I was working in Sephora, Ulta and Nordstroms as a Brand Rep, I was able to sample all the products during slow times.  Every time I was in store I always found myself at the Phyto section and spraying the Phytomist Instant Hydrating Conditioner for Colored Hair on my hair.
According to the description it is a Leave-In conditioner to use on wet/damp hair prior to styling.  However, I fell in love with it as a refresher on past styled hair. It would hydrate dried ends,  give a great smell and cover any nasty smells, and add volume and just overall makes hair look better.

I have dry ends, that even with regular trims get crunchy and this spray would always soften them up and make my hair feel great!  I was addicted to this stuff!  But the price tag ($26) always seemed so high to me!  So I never purchased it, but since I was in a store every weekend, I never felt necessary to purchase it.  When I stopped working in the stores, I knew I had to buy the Phyto-Mist to use at home.

I have used it as both a Leave-In on my ends and as a refresher and still love it.  The Hydrolyzed Keratin makes my hair stronger, while the Red Algae acts as a great volumizer and Sunflower Extract is a great color protector and UV protector.


Packaging -Phyto Products are packed in strong metal containers with everything printed on it. I love them 5/5
Value -I find the price very expensive, and if I could find a product that works as such a great refresher that was cheaper I'd be a happy camper  - 3/5
Repurchase -I am not sure, I don't use it as much at home as I thought I would.  Part of the reason is I don't want to run out and have to repurchase.  3.5/5
Does it work as advertised?  - Yes, plus it is a great spray to use between washes (not a dry shampoo) which  is not a advertised use  5/5

Loma Pearatin Treatments - Serum and Oil

It makes me sad that Loma Pearatin Treatments are not on every shelf and in every magazine.  I love them with all my heart.

Lets preface this with I have had them for over a year and I do switch up products pretty often as I am addicted to trying new things. But I have used about 1/5 of each bottle in this time, using them very often.

First there is the Nourishing Oil Treatment -

This amazing smelling Thermal and Color protector contains - Jojoba, Olive, Pumpkin, Acai, Pomegranate and Cranberry oils and antioxidants. Can you imagine the amount of antioxidants and great moisture with all those amazing natural oils?
It is great on damp hair, dry hair, natural hair and extensions - oh AND skin.

I will use it prior to blow drying to keep my frizz in control and protect from heat, I will use it after styling to add polish and shine and I always make sure to massage into my hands, nails and elbows after use for great moisture.
I have used it on hair before bed, then wrapped up in a silk scarf or cap to keep the moisture in so when I wash my hair the next morning it is super soft.  I have added it to hand moisturizers and hair treatments.

Basically, I use it for everything and I love it!

Next is the Fortifying Repairative Serum -

This one isn't AS versatile, but is still a great product.  I often mix the two together to get super results!  Two drops of each gives you everything you need.

The Fortifying Serum is a re-constructor, color protector, creatine and keratin protein based product that also is a color catalyst! I use a few drops in every color process I do on myself, whether it is color or bleach to propel the color deeper in the the hair shaft and give me deeper richer reds - plus it cuts down processing time.  Not to mention, I feel my hair ends up feeling softer and stronger after using compared to not using it. 

I have tried BioSilk and a few others, and this product blows them out of the water. 

I know this isn't a hyped up brand that everyone talks about, but it should be! 

Packaging - They don't leak, don't spill and the product always comes out without making a mess 5/5
Value - I believe so, they cost less than other similar products and with their versatility and variety of uses it makes for a great value  - 5/5 
Repurchase - I can't even imagine when I would even run out, considering how little you need to use. But I would repurchase in the far, far future.  - 5/5
Does it work as advertised?  - Yes, and more!