by Maya
Happy Wednesday everyone. It’s time for another product review. Today I will launch into cosmetics. I have to admit that I’m not very open-minded when it comes to cosmetic products. With the exception of eye makeup I do not use conventional cosmetics at all. I am a huge fan of natural cosmetic products which I have been using for almost 10 years and which helped me to overcome severe skin problems when I was in my early twenties.
There are 3 major criteria which distinguish natural cosmetics from their conventional counterparts. Natural products do not contain:
– Petrochemical ingredients: in very simple terms this is basically the same as the fuel you fill up your car with. Cosmetic companies use liquid paraffin for the oil base in their crèmes. It is cheap, easy to work with and it creates the illusion of softness. But since it has an inorganic origin is does not sink into your skin but just sits on top of it.
– Silicones: these ingredients make your hair shine and are used in anti-aging products. Some silicones are not water soluble. They stay in your hair and build a layer which turns your hair into a dull mess over time.
– Synthetic preservatives: parabenes are commonly used in mostly all conventional cosmetic products. They have a fungicidal effect that prolongs the shelf life of crèmes. The problem is that this effect does not stop when the product is applied to the skin. Currently parabenes are under discussion to influence cancer.
Natural cosmetics do not use these ingredients. Instead they contain natural oils and use natural preservation. There are so many different brands in the market that sell great products which do not cost a fortune.
Natural hair care is a totally different story. It is very hard to replace aggressive detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulhate and silicones with natural ingredients that achieve similar results. I had tried so many different brands and had never been satisfied until I discovered Aubrey Organics. Aubrey Organics is an American company that was founded in 1967 and works with purest natural and organic ingredients. I have been using their hair products for about a year and my hair is at its best. Even my hairdresser complimented on it, I don’t have any split ends after 4 months without a cut. This is a total novelty. So far I tried the following products:
Blue Camomile Hydrating Shampoo & Camomile Luxurious Volumizing Shampoo: both shampoos contain a very gentle Coconut Oil-Corn Oil Soap that does not dry out your hair at all.
GPB Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner: this is simply the best conditioner I have ever used. Ever! Actually this is the only conditioner I can use for my hair. I have a very “special” hair structure. It is curly/ wavy and needs a lot of moisture. At the same time it is rather fine and gets weighed down easily by conditioners. I do not know how it works but this conditioner creates the silkiest hair without taking away its volume.
Mandarin Magic Ginkgo Leaf & Ginseng Root Hair Moisturizing Jelly & B-5 Design Gel: I was searching for a natural styling product that does not contain alcohol. Almost all natural styling aids need alcohol for preservation and texture but unfortunately it has a drying effect on my hair. Aubrey’s gels work without any alcohol. They offer light hold, body and moisture. I will never again use a different product for hair styling and hope that they do not discontinue them.
The prices of Aubrey products may appear quite high but their bottles are pretty big and the products can be used very sparingly. They have a huge variety of shampoos and conditioners. You can choose the best product for your hair type.
Shop at:
USA: http://www.aubrey-organics.com/
Germany: http://www.aubrey-organics.de/
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