Foil packets have their moment, but deluxe samples are the best. With re-closable packaging and enough product to really get a feel for an item, these are one of my favorite ways to try out new products. My tendency is always to hold onto them on the vague notion of of using them when I travel, but with no travel plans in sight, I decided it was time to give these a whirl. Keep reading to see what I thought of these four items from Evolvh, The Body Deli, F. Miller Skincare, and Nourish Organic.
Evolvh SmartStart Leave-in Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners always function as second-day curl refreshers for me, so when I got this in the January Petit Vour box, I was cautiously excited even though the scent didn't seem like my cup of tea. Evolvh's products list only essential oils in the ingredients, but they smell very perfumey to me, and even - dare I say it - synthetic. Nonetheless, I saw a lot of good feedback on this product - and I'd already taken the photo for this post - so I decided to give it a try. As a leave-in conditioner, it worked fine, but I should have gone with my gut on the scent. I used it in my upstairs bedroom and it still managed to make half my house smell like perfume. The scent was also crazy strong in my hair, to the point where my mom - who is possibly even more scent-sensitive than me - could barely stand to be in the same room as me! I ended up having to take a mid-day shower to wash it out, and even after triple-shampooing, the smell was still noticeable in my hair. I'm not interested in calling anyone out, but I've never had such a difficult time getting rid of a 100% essential oil-based scent, which, combined with the scent itself, makes me a little skeptical. Take that for what you will.
The Body Deli Melon Foaming Cleanser
I always get sucked in by skincare products that promise to brighten and the combination of turmeric, licorice root and vitamin B-12 sounded great. After using the cleanser, I'm sort of on the fence. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. I like the fresh melon scent and it works fine, but I haven't noticed any brightening or other improvements in my skin while using it.
F. Miller Skincare Body Oil
F. Miller is a fairly new Toronto company and one I wasn't familiar with before attending a press event at The Cure Apothecary. Made with a blend of argan, jojoba, fractionated coconut, borage, sweet almond, sunflower, and apricot kernel oils, the oil feels deceptively light in texture for something that's actually very nourishing to the skin. The scent is an earthy/citrus blend with neroli, bergamot, frankincense, grapefruit, and palmarose essential oils. I enjoyed the sample, but if I were to splurge on a $60+ body oil, it would still be Lina Hanson's Global Body Serum.
Nourish Organic Coconut & Argan Body Lotion with Hibiscus
I've never been too impressed by Nourish's body lotions, but the Coconut & Argan has a slightly different formula that I like a lot more. It's both thicker and richer, and doesn't have the strong alcohol scent I'm used to from Nourish's lotions. I've mostly used it as a hand cream, as the mini size is perfect for carrying with you, and it's worked great. The coconut scent isn't my favorite, but it's not an overly strong or fake coconut like a lot of others. It reminds me of a cross between a fresh, young coconut and sunscreen. Unfortunately, it looks like Nourish has replaced this variety with a Tropical Coconut scent, but that one doesn't have the argan oil or hibiscus extract, so I don't know how similar it is. If you can find this version and you like coconut scents, I think it's worth picking up.
So, all in all, nothing I'm fully convinced to buy this time around, but I'm still glad to have had the chance to try these four items out. If you've used any of them, I'd love to know what you thought!
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I have been using Nourish Organics Facial Cleanser and I'm loving it :) I will see about their body lotion! I love a think rich cream, especially right before bed :)
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing really good things about their facial cleanser, I'll have to check it out! The regular lotions are very light, so definitely see if you can find this particular one if you're looking for something richer. Otherwise, the body butters are great too!
DeleteHmm the Evolvh scent seems a little strange to me...it shouldn't be that hard to get a "100% essential oil" scent out of your hair surely? I've not heard of F Miller before, off to check them out!
ReplyDeleteThat's my thinking too. Plus, their scents don't smell like something I would have thought you could achieve with just the essential oils they list (orange, grapefruit, lavender, bergamot, patchouli, cinnamon, geranium, lemongrass, lemon, and thyme.) I hate to be so skeptical, but I can't help it :(
DeleteF. Miller is still pretty small I think, but they have some nice products!
Anything that has a strong scent raises alarm bells for me now. It is indeed weird that the scent lingered in your hair for so long!
ReplyDeleteIt is! I've washed my hair probably 8 times since using the spray, and I still catch occasional whiffs of it throughout the day! My shampoos aren't the most scented things ever, but it's still pretty crazy!
DeleteI've just stumbled upon about Nourish Organics review, I must admit I am quite intrigued, first of all because of the package:), second reason - different thoughts! Will definitely grab something from their line to try next time I am in the Whole Foods. I love coconut scent, and I just would want to try it myself to know what I think about it:)!
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I love their packaging too! I always feel like it brightens up my bathroom :) I don't think you'll be disappointed - Nourish is one of my favorite body care brands!
DeleteI am very tempted by the Body Deli, just wish that samples were a bit easier to get hold of across here x
ReplyDeleteI can relate! They aren't very widely available here either, unfortunately.
DeleteEvolvh definitely doesn't smell natural, reminds me of being at a salon. As for The Body Deli cleanser, that's disappointing. Does it foam quite a bit or leave your skin feeling dry?
ReplyDeleteIt foams up some, but not a ton. I don't find my skin feels dry after, but it doesn't look its best. Contrary to the brightening claims, I almost feel like my skin looks duller on days when I use this versus other cleansers!
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