Review- Arrojo Detangling Foam

LIGHTWEIGHT AND CONDITIONING TO SMOOTH, SILKEN, HYDRATE, AND DETANGLE.

This foam is sort of the standard type of deal one would expect of a detanging foam. It isn't really special, and I think that a $15 price tag is a bit over the top. I'm not trying to be mean, I just didn't think it really knocked my tangles that well. I didn't find it particularly moisturizing, and my hair really didn't look that good after I used it regardless of what I used after. The smell was really nice and fresh though, so thats a plus. The thickness of the foam was ok, but again pretty standard. You can find really good, much less expensive, detangling products than this very easily. So all in all I can't say I loved this foam, I wouldn't buy it again.

Review- RUSK Priming Creme

It's a Resurfacing Texture Creme. Lightweight priming creme that smooths the cuticle for instant styling control and is the perfect primer for porous and chemically-treated hair. Hydrating properties leave hair silky soft with incredible shine. Humidity-resistant formula protects hair from harmful UVB rays. Contains Thermplex that provides thermal protection from heat stress caused by daily use of styling appliances.

Doesn't just the description above make you want to go out and buy it? And it's true. It's as good as it sounds. Ok, I can't actually tell if it's providing protection from heat stress yet (I'd have to use it every time I washed my hair for quite a long time before I could come to that conclusion) but I enthusiastically tell you that this stuff is great for hair like mine- wavy to straight, dry, too soft to be manageable, etc. This gave my hair just the texture it needed to make blow dry effortlessly with a round bristle brush. True I said something similar about the Arrojo hair creme, but I feel like this one is a little more goof-proof. Also add in the UVB protection and I'm sold (God am I a sucker for SPF). I honestly didn't know this creme had any protective qualities before I used it and I still came away with a wonderful opinion of it. All the rest is just icing on the cake. Additionally, my hair still looked good the next day. I can't wait to hear what our curly haired reviewers have to say about it, but I highly recommend it for anyone with dry hair who is blow drying it straight. Oh, one last thing: my tiny travel tube is going to last forever. You only need to use the slightest bit.

Deedlejuse Says: I totally agree with how wonderful this product is! I only had to use it once before I knew how great it was. Like Hillary says it leaves your hair silky smooth and so beautiful, even until the next day, which is great for me since I don't have so much time for styling. I (also) love the SPF, I am also trying another SPF protectant for one's hair and I have to tell you this summer compared to last I have seen a vast improvement in shine and the overall health of my hair.... So don't just think its a silly addition to the arsenal, its important and worth it! The smell is really nice, feminine and slightly musky, but not in an earthy way. More like a perfume smell than anything. This product, and Rusk in general, gets two thumbs up from over here!

Josephine says: I can't decide if I like the Gleam creme or this one more. This worked amazingly with wet hair set to airdry. My curls had a very interesting quality to them once they dried--they weren't bouncy looking or even particularly clean. Instead they looked totally rock and roll and insouciant. The potential hair looks I am prepped to roll out with this quality of curl are kind of awesome.

Amanda S. Says: I was decidedly NOT a fan of the Gleam creme by Rusk, but I will give a high five to the Priming creme for sure. My hair felt awesome the entire week I used it, and I was given extra complements about how well behaved my hair is considering I'm trying to grow it out a bit and it has straggly awful pieces fighting me every step of he way. Reasonably priced and really awesome stuff, I am definitely going to pick up a bottle at Ricky's.

Trish Says: If there's only one hairstyling product to have on hand, this is the one. I'm a wash and go type of hair care gal. My routine consists of showering and then putting it up in a bun to dry. The results at best are usually unpredictable. But, with this Priming cream, I can get the look I'm hoping to achieve with the least amount of work necessary. For thin/fine hair types - this cream is so very lightweight and sculpting at the same time. It works as a primer, smoother, corrector, disciplinarian, therapist, etc...a must have for all hair-care types as well as the less inclined - your hair will be so thankful!

Sultana says: I too cannot decide if I like the Primer or the Gleam better. They both are absolutely great products. I will say this, I used the Primer alone almost as if it was a gel. I crunched my hair to create waves and the Primer helped keep them wavy. At the same time, I didn't feel the need to put anything additionally. This is good if your hair is semi-wet and you are in a rush. It creates shine but it also has some hold which is perfect. I am totally smitten with Rusk at this point. Their products smell so good and after I am done applying, there is no sticky residue. I have longer hair, so I require a good quarter size dollop to get this to work for me. This one is a keeper!

Review- Privé Thermal Protection Detangling Spray

Enriched with cactus, bamboo and kelp, Herbal Blend #30 deeply penetrates the cuticle to deliver excellent conditioning and detangling, while protecting against hot tool damage. This unique, lightweight spray imparts exceptional sheen to the hair, which brightens haircolor and makes hair easier to style.

Let me start out by saying I love me some thermal protection. It's one of my "can't live without" products. Now I may sound like a broken record or a total defective, but as happens with many things I use, the first time I used this I overdid it. Thus, next day- oily looking hair. If you read yesterday's review of Arrojo Hair Crème, you will see a pattern. So at this point I feel the mention that a little of this spray goes a long way. Unlike many other detanglers I've used, you don't have to drench your hair in this spray in order to get a comb through it. Simply spay enough to put a fine mist on your hair and you'll be able to put a wide tooth comb through your hair no problem. Now when I use it it simply adds sheen to my hair and surely spares me many a split end because I don't have to tug on my hair to brush it. Thermal protectant is sort of like my imaginary childhood friend, Stanley. They are both invisible but serve a big purpose. (My mother used to give me a cookie for myself AND Stanley). My haircolor lasts longer and my hair is definitely less dry since I started using thermal protectant and I have to say, this one is in my book of favorites because it does the double duty of detangling to boot.

Sultana says: I agree with Hillary 100%! I've spent tons of money on various detanglers that have never worked on my hair. They usually are so heavy that they weigh my hair down or they feel too watery. The first day I used this spray I was in love. Not only does it take out all those pesky knots, but it protects your hair from heat! I curl my hair 5-6 times per week and I need the extra protection. I put this on after I wash my hair at night. In the morning when I wake up, my hair is shinier; softer and way more manageable. I would not normally pay $21 for a detangler but as Hillary stated, a little goes a long way. Therefore, this is definitely worth the money!

Gift with Purchase- Free Travel Arrojo Color Save Duo w/ Purchase in July

Get a FREE travel-size (1.7 fl. oz. I believe) ARROJO color save shampoo & conditioner with all purchases this July, from arrojoproduct.com. Plus free shipping on all orders $50+ withing the lower 48 states.

Review- Arrojo Hair Crème

SUPREMELY GENTLE AND LIGHT TO SMOOTH AND POLISH YOUR LOOK. VERSATILE TOO, HAIR CRÈME CREATES SMOOTHNESS WHEN YOU BLOW-DRY IN, OR SIMPLY RUN THROUGH DAMP HAIR FOR A SOFT AND SEXY SLEPT-IN LOOK. DIRECTIONS: RUN A LIBERAL AMOUNT THROUGH DAMP HAIR TO CREATE THE SLEPT-IN LOOK, OR BLOW-DRY IN FOR ULTIMATE SMOOTH CONTROL.
1.7 FL. OZ.= $7.00 4.2 FL. OZ.= $15.00

The first time I used this product I got it wrong. How you might ask? Well let's just say the words "liberal amount" are open to many interpretations. My idea of liberal is obviously more liberal than Arrojo's. So this time I scaled back and it worked fabulously! I honestly didn't think that I would be giving this product a positive review after my first experience, but right now, my hair looks great and it blew dry perfectly straight and frizz free. Considering it's going to storm later today, frizz free is nothing to balk at. I have hair that is past my shoulders and I used a little more than a rounded quarter's worth of product for my whole head (I had previously used about a half dollar's worth). This crème also gave my hair some "grip", making it easy to maneuver with a round bristle brush. That is key for hair like mine which is sometimes too soft to style easily. I highly recommend this creme for light to medium hold and easier manageability. It's excellent for blow drying your hair smooth without weighing it down- if you use the correct amount!

Review- Arrojo Daily Shampoo and Conditioner

OUR ANTI-OXIDIZING VITAMIN RICH CLEANSER IS LIGHTLY SCENTED WITH ORGANIC RHUBARB EXTRACTS. KEEPS HAIR CLEAN, BALANCED AND REFRESHED. GENTLE ENOUGH FOR DAILY USE WITHOUT THE BUILD-UP OF HARSH IRRITANTS OR RESIDUE.

Earlier, we tried and reviewed Arrojo's Moisturizing and Color Save Shampoo and Conditioners, now in this third installment of the Daily Shampoo and Conditioner set, all I can say is that I really, really love this brand! My hair has never looked so full and lavish and have felt this clean in a while! (And I have tried everything under the moon from regular drug-store brands to expensive salon lines.) The Daily Shampoo and Conditioner line delivers a very clean wash with zero build up, in a lightweight formula, leaving my hair looking its very best. Although, on the downside, the basic daily conditioner - while super gentle and light on the hair - does not moisturize or detangle as much as I normally prefer. As a test I went back to my normal moisturizing conditioner, but noticed my old brand weighed much heavier on my hair than Arrojo's daily conditioner, so I quickly switched back to the Arrojo line. However, the daily shampoo works wonders on my hair! (If you have thin or fine hair, you definitely understand how less is more and every bit of a lift helps!) I have a feeling I'm going to stick to this product for a while because it really works! Almost everyday is a good hair day! As for the daily conditioner, currently I have to make up for the lack of silkiness by using an additional hair serum on top. Otherwise, my hair turns super dry and frizzy on its own! So while lightweight, the daily conditioner could use a little more moisturizing and silkening. I may have to mix up the Arrojo daily shampoo with their moisturizing conditioner, because when this combination works, it truly works!

Review-Chi Silk Infusion

Chi Silk Infusion serum is ideal for protecting hair from damaging chemicals. This leave in, alcohol free reconstructing treatment is enriched with pure natural silk, wheat and soy proteins for soft manageable hair with incredible shine and no build up. Protects the hair against thermal styling and environment. Also for use on skin. 6oz for $20.99

This serum adds shine to your hair like nothing else, but sadly, it doesn't last too long. Just smooth a few drops onto your hair after styling and its instantly left with a natural radiance without weighing your hair down. It could be all the silk and soy proteins, but no other serum has given my hair such a natural looking shine. However, like most silicone based serums, the effects of the shine are short-lived. By the end of the day my hair was looking pretty dull; I tried reapplying, but a few hours later it lost its shine again and started to feel gunky. They say it doesn't build-up, but I think that means if you only apply it once a day. The company also says you can use it on your skin, but that wasn't exactly my cup of tea. Overall, I would say this stuff is okay but considering the price tag (and the fact that it smells a little bit like my boyfriend's cologne) I wouldn't spend my money on this.

Josephine says: It took me the longest time to figure out the usage for Chi Silk on my skin as the bottle suggests. You have to admit, it sounds intriguing that you could use your hair serum on your body. I tried applying it to my rough spots, i.e elbows and heels but it basically slid off. I rubbed it into my face in hopes that I might suddenly appear like I was 25, again. But I just succeeded in facilitating a necessary yet impromptu microdermabrasion to remove the sheen off of my face. Finally, it occured to me that my legs, still damp post-shaving, could glisten and gleam and not be ridiculed. As it turns out, the bottle does not falsely advertise. The Chi is as loving to my skin as it is to my dry-ish highlighted head of hair!

Amanda S. Says: I had a sample of this, but before reviewing I wanted to get a larger amount to try because I am a SUPER stickler for hair shining products and want to be sure a stamp of approval is not haphazardly handed out. I would say this Chi product is right up there at the top of the list, and is relatively well priced also. I do love all of the Chi products I have tried so far, which is A LOT by the way, and I recommend their line to anyone wanting to try something new and fun but not wanting to blow their money on a product that's going to be a total disappointment. Any Chi product seems to be rigorously tried out by the company before marketing, because they haven't had a 'miss' yet with me.

Review- Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash

Bare Escentuals Buxom® Lash Mascara - Blackest Black holds the style of your lashes for a continuous 12 hours with no flakiness. The silky, vitamin-rich formula darkens, lengthens, and thickens from root to tip without ever clumping. Its patented, hourglass-shaped brush is designed to lift and separate every lash while delivering the perfect amount of antioxidant-rich mascara needed for bigger, fuller lashes. 1 tube for $18

For reasons not interesting enough to detail, I have not been a supporter of the mineral movement. I cannot lie, Bare Escentuals has been a dirty word to me. For this reason, I wasn't that geeked about trying their mascara but I am pleased and humbled to say that this product is pretty much flawless. It's all in the brush, people. I am an old school cake mascara girl, all the way, when I do other peoples' makeup but when it comes to my personal preference, I need something durable, non-flaky, great-in-any-weather, non-clumping and lightening quick to apply. (Hey, I never said I wasn't high maintenance.) Buxom provides a great eye look that doesn't move until my lashes see a cotton ball and eye makeup remover at the end of the day. The brush, as I was saying, holds so much quality product yet the bristles are short enough to control the application of it with complete ease. The only thing I am only sorry about is that this was a sample size tube!

Review- Arrojo Color Save Conditioner

Formulated with Vitamin B5 and an advanced Moisture-Plex formula, Repair Masque de-stresses dehydrated locks with Coconut Oil, while hydrating and smoothing the cuticle with Silk Amino Acids and Hydrolyzed Oat Proteins. Perfect to restore vitality and make styling easy.

I felt that I needed to review the Arrojo Color Save Shampoo and Conditioner separately since I found one very helpful and the other quite the opposite. If you noticed my post yesterday, you will be able to tell the product that looses out of these two! I literally had to stop using this conditioner because not only did I need to use almost half the container for one use, but it left my hair straw-like and not conditioned at all. If I hadn't been sent the Arrojo Detangling Foam I would have cried after the first use! If you use the three (Shampoo, Conditioner, & Foam) products together you will be MUCH happier with the end result All in all though, I found cutting the Conditioner out of my routine was best for me. I do have chemically processed bleach blond hair, which needs like a ton (seriously) of moisture for it to even think about brushing, so for those of you who have shorter/darker hair you might be happier with this product.

Review- Arrojo Shower Gel

"Featuring mineral-rich formulas, our three body washes all smooth, mousturize and rejuvenate the skin." 10.1 fl. oz. for $14

"This smells like Europe," I said to my friend after I opened the bottle of Arrojo Floral Citrus Body Wash to take a whiff.

"What? That doesn't make any sense."

"No, it smells like Europe. Smell it."

"Fine, but I still say - OH MY GOD. It does smell like Europe."

Nick Arrojo, best known as the strange, hairstyling elf on TLC's What Not To Wear, has produced, for some reason, a line of products - not just for hair, but also body washes and other skincare items. I suppose expanding your brand is important - I mean, even Lindsay Lohan has a self-tanner, and she's barely even a celebrity anymore - but why Arrojo decided that body washes, in particular, would be a good idea is beyond me.

This is not to say the Floral Citrus body isn't fine. It is. It smells great (like Europe; specifically, like a hotel I stayed in in Spain), it lathers fine, and gets me clean. But there's nothing particularly amazing about it to explain or excuse the price point ($14/10 oz) - that's like five bucks more than Bath and Body Works, and I already think they're overpriced. So if you happen to be an Arrojo client or you really like him on WNTW, go for it! You won't be disappointed. But if you're just a regular gal looking to get clean and smell nice, there's bound to be a drugstore brand that will work just as well.

Amanda S. Says: Major points for caring enough about rhubarb to make a rhubarb scent of shower gel... because this is definitely my favorite scent that is 'fruity' in nature. And sure, it is a great shower gel, it lathers, it cleans squeaky and nice, rinses off, clean clean clean... But that's about it. I do love using it because I love the smell (although not like Europe, it does remind me of pie I think I once ate in the Berkshires).

Josephine adds: I, too, experienced the ambience of a Parisian boutique hotel clawtub bath with my Arrojo Rhubarb Shower Gel. I kid you not, I literally thought to myself, "How European" when I first flipped the cap open. And, really as far as shower gels go, I mostly just look for a pleasant scent that does not either change my life or ruin it and this one satisfies. I have to add though that I also have the Arrojo Sweet Pachouli Shower Gel and if I am honest here, I was fearful that by using it I would be forced to relive my sort of violent distaste of this essential oil circa my college days in the early 90s. However, after just one use, I like it better than the Rhubarb. The shower gel's combination of scented notes comes together like some woodsy forest-y fantasy where I could suddenly imagine what it might be like to be a tiny woodland creature playing under the canopy of trees early in the morning. Seriously, the scent is really that divine.

Trish Says: I have to agree with Josephine completely! This scent is divine. I really liked this shower gel. A lot. I know it is on the pricey side for body cleansing products, but I try to make up for the price and think of how much I'm saving on not needing additional body lotion, oil and sprays after using one product from Arrojo. I tried the patchouli scented gel and with such a strong fragrance as patchouli it takes a delicate touch to pull it off. Arrojo Shower Gel seemed to have done it remarkably! Their patchouli scented gel is light, earthy and sensuous. It really doesn't come on too strong or offensive, but instead it provides a secondary whiff of aromatic bliss. The best part of the gel is feeling super clean after a shower, no soapy buildup, or extra residue - just a silky finish leaving your body feeling soft, light, and smelling sensual. Even on a humid overcast day in the city, I didn't feel sticky at all after using this cleanser and was especially glad that I had used it earlier.

Hillary says: This shower gel has all the components I feel make a great shower gel: it lathers nicely, it smells wonderful, it doesn't compete with my perfume and it leaves me feeling clean without drying me out. I have the gel in Refreshing Rhubarb which may not sound too appealing to anyone who knows what a stalk of rhubarb looks like, but the smell is super although it's hard to describe. The Arrojo website says it is a mix of rhubarb and honeydew melon and it is their signature scent. It is also good for your skin as it is enriched with lots of minerals. You only have to use a tiny amount for each part of your body, so this bottle is going to last me a while (it's a generous 10.1 fl. oz.). This quality for this price is usually hard to come by and as an added bonus, throughout June get 14 free sample sachets of Arrojo products with any order from arrojoproduct.com. Great shower gel with a great bonus!

BTW, I just read that everyone else finds this shower gel pricey. Ok, it's a little high, but when you take into consideration how little you are using each time, it's like the equivalent of a bottle and a half of another shower gel.

Melissa adds:

How could you not get excited about trying this product? Like all the other reviewers mentioned, it comes from Nick Arrojo’s salon from What Not to Wear so it already starts off on a good note. The packaging is simple but has a luxury feel (I’m really big on packaging).

I tried the patchouli scent and absolutely love it because it’s not too girly, but not too manly either. When I put it on, I could tell that this would be a great bodywash for summer because it was light and refreshing. There are some products that are so potent and filled with the bad stuff that you can feel the toxins, despite all the smell-good scents that are added in. This was exactly the opposite and I was pretty impressed with this shower gel.

Deedlejuse says: I seven, I guess, really enjoyed this body wash. It suds' wonderfully, smells great, leaves your skin moisturized and refreshed. Simply it is exactly everything one could want in a body wash. I had the Floral Citrus flavor and really loved it. I guess I will disagree with Movie Maven about that, it is expensive, but is also a real treat to use. I think it would be a perfect gift to go into a basket or something, or a little extravagance for yourself. So far I have been more than happy with many of the products by Arrojo, but this would be top of my list!

Malikah says: I actually adored this stuff! I've been a huge Arrojo fan since he started on WNTW, and was pleasantly surprised he had ventured info body products. The smell is absolutely divine - light, pleasant, but not overbearing. You certainly don't see rhubarb popping up in too many beauty products, but hopefully Arrojo will make it the next big thing. I was a bit turned off by the price, especially since other than the smell there were no remarkable features about it. But it would make a great gift, especially since it looks super fancy.