The Essential: Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

DSC_1110 To sum it up rather concisely (especially when you take my wordiness into account), the hype is real everyone. The Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask ($29/100 mL) is worthy of all the buzz that you hear surrounding it but I fear that I must make one thing clear, first this has nothing to do with it being so natural and ‘good for your skin’ and ‘free of nasties’ because there may be loads of natural extracts in this, but there are a good number of potentially irritating natural extracts and fragrance but luckily my temperamental skin does not get angry in the least with this one. If you’re interested in what I mean by the potentially problematic ingredients here, I’ll direct you on over to Paula Begoun’s analysis over here.

The mask boasts being able to quench the skin’s thirst overnight to compensate for how our skin loses water constantly throughout our busy lives and is described as an “intensive moisture replacement mask with Avocado and Apricot Kernel Oil” that “deeply and instantly quenches comprised moisture reserves and builds a reservoir for tomorrow” and “Japanese Seaweed repairs skin barrier to prevent future dehydration and signs of premature aging”. While I have to scoff at the claim that is builds a reservoir of moisture and their clever use of the word ‘signs’, this mask does what it promises. It’s intensively hydrating on the skin and my skin drinks it up almost immediately after the thick textured cream that smells strongly of peaches is applied. Ingredient-wise, you’re paying for the heavy concentration of rose flower water and chamomile flower water that both act as soothing antioxidants and the high concentrations of oils in the glycerin base; it’s worth it for me. Not only does it hydrate the skin instantly, I find this to be fantastic at soothing the skin and repairing/replenishing the dry irritated patches of skin that seem to persist throughout the colder weather. When my skin is looking a little dull and feeling more than a bit dehydrated, I slap on this one after removing my makeup and cleansing my skin and so without much effort -viola- my skin looks much better when I wake up in the morning.

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My skin type is naturally sensitive and easily-irritated, with general dehydration as well as texture issues and while I can get dry patches a plenty and do always suffer with dryness, I would classify myself as someone with a normal t-zone and dry skin everywhere else. I would easily recommend this overnight mask to anyone in the drier spectrum but I also think it would be suitable on more truly combination skins as its so effective with hydrating the skin and does not feel particularly heavy or greasy.

 

Have you given this a go?
Maggie, x.

Weekly Medley #39/40

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(1) The reason for the lack of recent posts around these parts… The last two weeks have consisted of drowning in the stress of my never-ending workload and thinking about everything that had to be done, even before getting anything done was considered so things didn’t exactly happen frequently blogging-wise. I’m sure any readers understand but I irritated myself in slacking more than anything else. I’m not going to hold myself to anything but I hope for things to go better in following weeks, even though things are pretty crazy now that its midterm season.

(2) Getting back into that whole nail painting thing… In recent weeks I had completely left that whole nail painting game but in the last two weeks, I really have made a return to loving polish and this was perhaps my favourite combination, the slightly frosted deep red OPI I’m Not Really A Waitress paired with the Sally Hansen Diamond Shine Base & Top Coat. It would have lasted a good amount of time had I not picked it off during a moment of great anxiety (there were many) and it was almost opaque in one coat, drying quickly to boot.

(3) When all else fails, I turned to Netflix for some binge-watching … It’s easy to say that when this craziness was entering the scene that I should not have decided to start watching a new series without stopping but somehow I started watching Downton Abbey and couldn’t stop watching it for a good week afterwards. I don’t want to even think about how much time was spent watching this but it is a very compelling show, like a less-trashy Gossip Girl set in the turn-of-the-twentieth-century.

(4) One of the few passable pictures of the makeup situation… You might recognize this day’s photo from my not-too-distant review of the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze but I was also a fan of my makeup that day in general, particularly my first effort with the Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick that I recently picked up.

(5) The cliched and expected blogger mirror picture … You may be aware of this but I’m not known for taking pictures in this fashion that show the clothes that I’m wearing and the length and craziness of the mass that is my hair so this had to be included. I didn’t hate my hair so it was a given.

(6) Where it all began… My decision to watch the aforementioned show comes down to clicking on the Lisa Eldridge Downton Abbey Tutorial, as one does when Lisa releases a new Youtube video and then my interest was piqued enough to try watching the show, simply with my interest in the gorgeous but natural makeup. It was one of my favourites of Lisa’s and I’ve watched them all so I highly recommend giving it a watch or 23.

(7) MAC Heirloom Mix wishing… Although I’m aware that the MAC holiday collections are not universally fantastic, – thanks to my constant scouring of Temptalia’s archives – I’m always ridiculously excited for the October release of the massive collection and this year I’ve got my eye on the Keepsakes Smoky Face Palette ($48.50 US/ $59.50 CDN) . I am aware that Temptalia gave it a scathing review based on the shadows (the inclusion of the infamous Carbon in particular) but the mixture of products is so intruiguing that I want to give it a go. If you’re interested, I would recommend giving her review a look and then perhaps having a look in store.

(8) Insert example post here… I’m sure that I’m not alone in doing this, always including at least one of my posts of the week (or two weeks) in these round-ups and this week I chose my The Current Shower Staples because not only did I manage to get an appealing photo taken with this post, but I also did something a little bit different that I was pleased with the result with.

(9) Another case where I should have known better … This week, I fell in love with reading again, for the sake of fun! However, with all of the craziness that was going on I really should not have spent the time re-reading a lengthy novel for amusement rather than being productive. Phillipa Gregory’s The White Queen was fantastic and I’d give it a go if you’re historically inclined. I’m now onto re-reading The Red Queen…

How have your recent weeks been?
Maggie, x.

 

 

The Weekend Post |The Current Shower Staples

 

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If you’re anything like me, there’s something instantly compelling about discovering the products that other human beings use and obviously you derive some sort of borderline twisted pleasure from being nosy and seeing the products that one uses in the shower. Because I tend to go on and on about products and I share my shower with my brother and other family members and therefore have a million products in there, I thought I would share my picks for the moment.

Herbal Essences Naked Moisture Cleansing Conditioner ($6-8)

I’m not entirely new to the whole cleansing conditioner thing, having used the L’Oreal EverCreme version previously with fairly good success and doing some plain old conditioner washing with similar success, but I’m still no expert on the whole thing. However, I would say that I’ve really been enjoying this one as its potent mint scent feels refreshing, particularly on the scalp and it both seems to cleanse nicely without weighing my hair down where my hair is the finest and works nicely as a conditioner to boot. I appreciate that this does work as a truly 2 in 1 product for me when I’m feeling lower key and the only thing I would change is the dimethicone (a non-water-soluble silicone) in the formula.

L’Oreal EverCreme Intense Nourishing Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($8-10)

I must admit that I’ve only had this shampoo in my possession for a few weeks but since I’ve picked it up, I’ve been loving this nourishing shampoo. Out of all of the shampoos that I’ve tried this comes closest to the Pureology SuperSmooth for gently cleansing the hair with its concentrated but gentle formula, leaving my hair relatively untangled as a result without any sort of weighing down action going on. It has a nice subtle scent and works nicely on my finer wavy-curly hair. While it does contain a silicone, it’s one that does not build up on the hair and I appreciate this.

Pureology Precious Oil Softening Hair Masque ($50)

I’m beginning to realize that I’ve neglected declaring my love for this rather indulgent but phenomenal hair masque after my initial ravings months ago. I was not using it for a bit in fear of running out of it but now that I’ve returned to it, I’ve been loving the concentrated silicone-free formula that somehow manages to detangle hair and nourish it like nothing else in this world with a hefty amount of coconut and sunflower oil without weighing hair down in the slightest. It’s amazing but pricy and I’m a huge fan of the brand in general.

L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Replenishing Mask ($6-8)

I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been very disappointed overall in my adventures in the drugstore for effective masks and also that this one has broken that streak a few weeks back here and my thoughts have not changed on the subject. While its not quite as concentrated as the Pureology, this offering is nourishing on my hair and definitely has a nice slip to it for detangling, despite only containing a water-soluble silicone and is effective without weighing down my hair in the slightest and it has a nice concentration of amino acids that I haven’t noticed a huge effect from yet but are impressive nevertheless. If only the scent wasn’t quite so synthetic-floral…

Aveeno Eczema Care Body Wash ($7-8)

While I haven’t raved about this endlessly, I’m sure that regular readers are aware of my love for this gentle and soothing soap-free and fragrance-free body wash and I couldn’t do this post without including this one. This is easily one of my most repurchased products for good reason; it’s not too expensive and it works for my extremely sensitive eczema-prone skin, even in its most horrific state. This is a really fantastic but basic product that I would recommend to anyone with body skin issues – and I can use it on my acne-prone back without any issues. I apologize if that was verging into TMI territory…

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish ($18)

I picked this up as my first foray into the British-based company (and into body scrubs in general) when I spotted the brand on for three for two at Shopper’s Drugmart maybe six weeks back and I have been particularly impressed. I’m not usually into that whole pink packaging thing but I do enjoy the novelty of it and the whole “now he’ll never know that all this time you’ve been flaking it” slogan and the subtly warm scent. Beyond all of those details, I’ve found this to not be too abrasive on my sensitive skin but leave it smooth and hydrated afterwards even on my rough patches of skin. Obviously, I don’t use it on broken out irritated patches of skin but it doesn’t seem to harsh on other patches compared to other scrubs that I’ve heard about and tried once or twice. This product has been one that really has provided that pampered feeling and hasn’t seemed to irritate things further.

What are your current shower staples?
Maggie, x.

The Review | MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze

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There aren’t many things – especially when thinking distinctly of the beauty variety – that I love more than one of those glowy highlighting blush shades so when you add a bronzy coral hue to the mix I’m hopeless to resist. Enter the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze ($37). The texture and formula of the MSFs that I love found in such a gorgeous bronzed coppery coral hue ensured that I wouldn’t be able to resist and while it’s not the most unique shade in my collection, I can’t say that I’m anything but pleased with my purchase. It has that smooth, buttery and pigmented formula that I’ve grown to love but actually has been included in MAC’s permanent collection unlike my other shades from the line and I do appreciate this and assume you would too, seeing that you would not have to battle to get a hold of such a difficult-to-find product. The shimmer is the most refined, reading on the skin in a luminous and not glittery or over-the-top fashion and despite the texture of the product, it lasts for a full day on the cheeks.

I will admit that it’s not so different from the cult-favourite Stereo Rose shade that I have this slight tendency to go on and on and on some more about, but Cheeky Bronze definitely both swatches and appears on the skin in a different manner, coming out much less pink-coral and more of a bronzed coppery coral. In terms of the drugstore spectrum, I don’t think it’s miles away from my loved Maybelline Master Highlight Hi-Lighting Bronzer in Deep Bronze, either, but it’s not identical as it sits more coral and less outwardly bronze and coppery-hued. I suppose Cheeky Bronze is a shade that sits half-way in between both shades, having that bronziness and hint of copper that dominates in the Maybelline and the coral-hint of MAC Stereo Rose.

While it’s not quite as expensive as an Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush and significantly less expensive than a blush from any of the indulgent fashion houses like Chanel, this MAC product costs a pretty penny but I’m comforted that it comes with a generous 10 grams or 0.35 ounces that keeps things economical. I’m saying that I believe that this illuminating powder is worth the price and I’d say that its versatile because it works on anyone on the medium or lighter side of the spectrum as a blush shade and on darker skins as a highlighter.

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Have you tried a MSF before?
Maggie, x.
P.S. I have not dropped off of the face of the earth…. I’ve just been without a moment to spare in this midterm season!

The Repurchases

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When you’re as beauty-obsessed as I am, indecisive to a fault to boot and easily bored, it’s rare that a product is impressive enough to warrant a repurchase so it speaks volumes when one is repurchased. In fact, when a repurchase occurs it must be nothing short of fantastic and I’ve gathered a few repurchases to share as of late. I’m not going to lie, this is totally inspired by Kate’s posts that I enjoy tremendously. Let’s get to it….

Bioderma Sensibio H2O($22)

I’ve raved about my love of the cult-favourite micellar water more than a time or two before but it is easily my most repurchased beauty product. Just like everyone and their second cousin twice removed suggests, it removes makeup like a champ gently, especially on the eye area when held to the lid for some seconds, but effectively and it’s the only thing that doesn’t ever go wonky in my dry sensitive eyes. It’s the gentlest thing out there.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP ($29.99)

This nourishing but lightweight body cream is definitely a more recent repurchase for me but it is an impressive one all the same. It’s formulated without fragrance, colour and the usual irritants and not only helps to intensely hydrate the skin and heal any sort of abrasions and skin condition, but also helps to decrease itchiness of my leg eczema over time. This is a great one for eczema in my experience for it is no frills where it counts but has a nice dose of niacinimide to help repair the barrier of the skin with the usual glycerin and shea butter.

Caudalie Vinosource Riche Intense Moisture Rescue Cream ($40)

Although I feel that including this moisturizer love of mine in a post here to be cheating, I couldn’t write this post without including it. If you’ve been around these parts for ages, you can probably recall how I loved the Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet back in 2013 and so after I finished up the REN moisturizer that I had been using, I couldn’t resist turning back to my old faithful line but I decided to purchase the slightly more nourishing option considering the season. I’m pleased to report that this offering is still lightweight and even more nourishing and soothing than the lighter option. It has that instant ‘breath of fresh air’ effect on the skin that makes me feel like it’s a treatment at the same time.

Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express Mascara ($8-9)

This was easily the most-hyped up mascara in the beauty world a few years ago and I tried it on account of that hype but to this day I haven’t found any mascara that surpasses this affordable one. It adds great volume with a little bit of length and curl thrown in but doesn’t go clumpy on the lashes and give that spider effect – even when the formula is at its wetter stage when it has recently been opened. It also doesn’t flake, smudge or anything but is not actually a nuisance to remove as many others seem to. This is at least my third tube of this mascara and I’ve felt horribly bereft without it, despite having way too many mascara bottles in my possession at the moment.

Have you repurchased anything as of late?
Maggie, x.

The Weekend Post | The Forgotten Wishlist Items

Recently Updated40The funny thing is that I would certainly consider myself to be someone who tends to agonize far too long over what products to include in each post so its rather surprising that I had forgotten to include more than a few products in last week’s “A Weekday Wishlist” post – you know, taking my overthinking tendencies into account. Instead of dwelling on my personal failures and possibly spending far too much time than is healthy pondering a variety of my weaknesses and descending into the endless dark pit where I can’t quite stop. Instead of continuing this path into borderline self-hatred and contempt, I figured that I would remedy the situation by filling you in about these forgotten products.

Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask ($14.95)

If you’ve been a reader of my skincare posts for ages, you’ll be familiar with my healthy skepticism towards so-called natural products but this one seems to be worthwhile, not expensive in the least, loaded with active ingredients and formulated without irritating alcohol regardless how natural its origin. Anyway, I’ve heard impressive things about this brand and this brightening mask loaded with glycolic acid and honey and pumpkin extract goodness seems promising and much more economical than the other AHA-laden treatments that I’ve been looking at.

L’Oreal Elnett Satin Curls Heat Styling Spray ($10)

I’ve been getting more into that whole hair styling thing, as I mentioned in yesterday’s post here, and that has included some heat styling (mainly adding a few curls here and there) and I’ve come to realize that I don’t actually own a good standard heat protectant and seeing as I’ve been so impressed with the products of L’Oreal’s line, this one seems intriguing. I’m particularly interested because of the three-day holding claim…

Bath & Body Works Flannel 3-Wick Candle ($22.50)

After my tragedy that happened where my Spiced Pumpkin Cider had its fall and shattered and then I learned that the family (that I do still in fact, live with) cannot stand the scent of my other large candle in my possession, the Cayenne Caramel offering, I’ve found myself in a position where I could use a full-sized candle in my possession. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been enjoying the mini candle version of the Flannel scent and it doesn’t seem to be bothersome to anybody else, with it’s warm and spicy scent that’s instantly relaxing and smells like attractive male in the best way possible and I’m sure that it will be my next candle purchase. I’m not normally one to be moved by enticing packaging but the packaging of this one in full-size is stunning. Ahhhhh.

Bath & Body Works Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint Bath Soak ($16)

It’s no secret that I’m one that suffers from anxiety and as I’ve been enjoying that whole relaxing bath experience and all of its indulgences and this aromatherapy-based product sounded intriguing. Unlike some of the harsher detergent-based bath products with foaming properties, these salts would seem to provide an indulgent experience that would not irritate my problematic skin – I hammer on about this frequently. I haven’t tried any of the store’s bath products so I would be interested to hear of anyone else’s experiences.

Essie Tart Deco Nail Lacquer ($8-9)

I’m aware that this muted tangerine-hued polish is the antithesis of being autumnal but I’ve had my eye on this polish for ages and I think it would look spectacular with the abundance of grey that I’ve been sporting as of late. After a break from nail painting and the excitement that comes from the whole process, I’m pleased to be eyeing up this one and I do enjoy a good Essie polish.

What have you been eyeing up as of late?
Maggie, x.

The Review: OGX Kukui Oil Curl Cream

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You may already be aware that I have the kind of hair that by anyone’s standards is time-consuming and difficult to deal with, even with the best of tools but despite this, I’ve been getting back into hair lately. One of the products that I’ve been enjoying the OGX Kukui Oil Frizz-Defying Curl Cream ($9-12) as when used in addition to a holding product – my choice is the DevaCare Arc AnGel – it helps my loose wavy curls become defined, hydrated and manageable without weighing down the finer front bits that need as much help as they can get. I will emphasize, however, that it’s ot a great product to add curl that was not previously there; it’s more of one that I would deem suitable for those with wavy and curly hair naturally.

I wouldn’t necessarily agree with the absurd claim that the kukui oil would give the formula hair water-proofing abilities but it does help on the frizz front and otherwise does what it promises to. As with most curl creams, silicone is a bit higher on the ingredient list than even the oil itself (but not much and it doesn’t have that heavy feeling) and is paired with a good amount of glycerin that my hair seems to rather enjoy. The texture is lightweight but creamy with a teensy bit of of gelliness to the formula, which I rather enjoy. Unlike most of the more affordable curl creams (and a few of the higher end ones) that I’ve tried, this doesn’t weigh down the hair, coating it with that heavy sensation while still helping to do all that it promises on the smoothing and defining front.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyquaternium-69, Polyacrylamide, Fragrance (Parfum), Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Dimethiconol, Styrene/VP Copolymer, DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985).
Have you tried this curl cream?
Maggie, x.

A Few Regretful Purchases

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Well look at me, getting up early today and dragging my behind out of bed and being all productive and being able to get back into the swing of things despite the growing pile of work that has my name on it. I thought that I would write on a bit more of a negative note today and share a few of those products that aren’t necessarily bad but I regret nevertheless…

Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser ($24)

Their infamous three-step system aside, I’m a fan of the Clinique skincare range but still this one left me rather disappointed. I will warn you that I bought this cleanser years ago but have left it unused for ages because it’s not one that suits my sensitive dehydrated skin. I was sold this to use as a makeup remover, to be used before cleansing the skin at nighttime and while it works well in that respect, lathering up nicely with its nice creamy texture too, it’s just not suitable for my skin. While the cleanser is technically sulfate-free, it is far too irritating on my fragile skin and I presume this is down to the inclusion of potassium myristate as the primary cleansing agent.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion ($32)

I will acknowledge that part of the reason that I regret this purchase might be down to my buying error, being mislead into thinking that the slight amount of oil produced in my t-zone and my tendency for the occasional hormonal breakouts meant that I suffered with true combination skin and therefore would suit this range. However, it’s high alcohol concentration doesn’t strike me as anything but irritating on anyone’s face regardless of their skin condition and on sensitive types like myself, this is one of the most irritating products out there. I love Kiehl’s as a company but this product was such as disappointment.

Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain in Stockholm Chic ($14-16)

I’ve raved about the comfortable formula when I tried the Milan Moment shade so when these popped up on sale at my local drugstore I couldn’t resist going for another shade and I figured that I would go with one of the deeper ones to branch out and this deeper burgundy shade seemed ideal. Seemed was the key word here; on my lips, the shade comes out as a rusty-leaning brown shade and it is just so unflattering.

Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick in 107 ($7-8)

I do realize that I’m being more than a little bit controversial here, expressing regret for purchasing everyone’s favourite berry shade but as much as I like the comfortable matte formula, the shade is far too cool-toned and fuschia-leaning to flatter my warm-undertones. I’ve tried wearing this in a variety of ways but I don’t seem to be able to make it work.

What are some of your regrets?
Maggie, x.

(Late) Weekly Medley #38

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1. The essentials for productivity and sanity … I’ve been relying on this trio, a nice magazine to escape to, the uber-amazing Bath & Body Works Flannel Mini Candle and the Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Moisturizing Stick. I‘m confident to say that I can’t explain my deep love of magazines and a good lip balm is such an essential for my permanently chapped lips. And there’s something about lighting a candle that helps me to get stuff done and this one smells warm and spicy and somewhat masculine in a good way.

2. The Thanksgiving face… I set out about to put a normal amount of makeup on, doing my usual thing and somehow this happened but I was rather pleased. The lipstick is the gorgeous MAC Dubonnet, if you wanted to inquire and I love it to death.

3. A trio of products that I’ve been loving … I’ve taken back out the coral MAC Style Blush that’s yet another one of those gorgeous corals with that golden shimmer running throughout, I’ve still been obsessed with my recently discovered Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara and the L’Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighting Concealer Pen for instantly brightening up my far too-tired face.

4. The shameless self-promotion of the week… I wrote out and put up an updated post that reviewed the Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet last week and it had to be my favourite but I might also enjoy that it serves as evidence that I’m trying to get into the habit of writing more frequent review posts.

5. Hello bath, how I’ve loved thee… I haven’t been really into that whole bath situation in years but I’ve recently gotten into them as of late and have been finding them essential and consequently a wee bit more frequent as of late. The relaxation element is good for my sanity, it ensures that I actually shave my legs on a frequent basis and it’s a way of getting some reading done in peace and tranquility. Those pictured are the noteworthy products.

6. Writing, writing, reading, reading, with some studying thrown in … It never ends and I’m exhausted. It’s that time of year again and obviously this is why I’m putting this post up so inexcusably late!

Things have gotten to that point for me when there’s so much to do and little energy to accomplish anything on that list and this is why this post is so very late — my apologies! Regardless, things have been a little more hectic around these parts and stress-filled so I’m afraid nothing noteworthy has been happening blogging wise but I’m alive and not particularly sleep deprived and/or over-caffeinated at the moment and with that considered, everything is pretty good. I will say I’m loving the whole fall thing as it’s been hitting; there’s something lovely about that cozy attitude and not casually dying of sweat throughout the day.

How was your week?
Maggie, x.

The Beauty Bargain |Garnier Deconstructed Texture Tease Dry Finishing Spray

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Being someone who has finer textured strands but a huge heavy mass of lengthy hair, the roots of my hair in the front really tend to fall flat and limp and in consequence I’ve become quite interested in these volumizing and texturizing sprays as of late. However I’m fairly new to the game, only previously having tried the Dove Refresh + Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo and a smaller size of the pricy Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish, that I loved but went through far too quickly for my taste. After this experience, I decided that I would give the Garnier Deconstructed Texture Tease Dry Finishing Spray as it was a much more affordable offering that claimed to do the same thing that the Thickening Dryspun Finish did (in the short time that I had it). While I wouldn’t say that it’s an exactly exchangeable alternative or ‘duplicate’ product, it’s a product that offers similar results but with a little bit more hold and less of that airy refreshed finish. The Garnier seems to be a mixture between the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish and the Cityswept Finish, although I admit that I have not tried the latter and am merely going off of what I’ve heard from others about it; it offers that bit added hold and control of the Cityswept but with more of that dramatic lightweight but buoyant mussing and texturizing effect that the Thickening delivers. However, I must acknowledge that I’m not as much of a fan of the scent of the $7 dollar offering — although it is a nice but strong fruity scent — and that it doesn’t operate as a freshening dry shampoo-like product in the same way, although I’m loving this stuff and am finding it to be a great alternative — but I don’t have hair that needs much refreshing action. And I should add that if you’re planning on spraying this liberally onto the roots from little distance away, you’ll see some amazingly huge voluminous hair but there may be some stickiness and crunchiness that you have to deal with.

TLDR? In short, I love this as a volumizing and texturizing spray, especially for the much-easier-to-stomach price, despite its extra hold and less airy hair refreshing ability.

 Have you tried any of these dry finishing sprays?

Maggie, x.