Original Moxie Intense Quench Hair Care – Review

As mentioned in my last review, I’m still looking for some nice natural hair care products to replace my conventional ones. My hair’s dry and while I can manage it, I’d like to start finally transitioning. Mia Bell, a consultant and founding member of alex + von, approached me with a solution – Original Moxie’s Intense Quench products! Namely, the Twist Mist Lightweight Shine, Emollience Penetrating Moisture, and the Intense Quench Deep Conditioner.

Original Moxie’s a newer company but are already making huge waves in the natural hair care industry. They are salon quality, but with affordable prices – and they actually work. Original Moxie has lines for everyone – dry hair, limp hair, oily – there’s sure to be something for you. They’ve definitely got something for my picky hair type!

So, I got to try all three items and frankly, I’m impressed! They all passed the test and I’m actually going to go full sized for once! Here’s my review:

Emollience Penetrating Moisture

This is a pre-conditioning treatment, meant to soften your hair before you style. You can even leave it on overnight, but I left it in for about 5 minutes, then rinsed it out and shampooed as usual. The treatment is tick and kind of waxy but very moisturizing – it uses cupacu butter, shea butter and castor oil, all very effective, natural emollients. It smells very spicy, sort of like cinnamon, but very pleasant – wakes you up, too! My hair loved it, and during the treatment it noticeably softened. It rinsed well with warm water, and my hair stayed softer. When it dried, it didn’t look as frizzy as before. So far, this product looks great!

Intense Quench Deep Conditioner

I only had enough product to apply to my ends,  so that’s exactly where I tried this on. Confidentially, my ends are also the driest and usually look frayed and gross after a shower. After the shampoo, I applied my usual conditioner to the rest of my hair, but saved the ends for this deep conditioner. As I applied it, I could already tell it was making a significant difference – the ends softened and my hair literally drank it up. The scent was really nice, too – light and not overpowering – sort of floral but with a spicy kick. It was lightweight but very creamy and didn’t slide off my hair. I left it in for 5 minutes, then rinsed. One thing I also noticed was that most thick conditioners leave a slightly oily residue on my hands when I try to rinse it off. This one didn’t!

After my flat ironing session, my ends remained smooth and looked less drier than before. I’m willing to bet the Emollience Penetrating Treatment helped too, but I’m super pleased at the results. I’m going to get a full version of this one soon!

Twist Mist Lightweight Shine

This leave-in shine spray is also supposed to lightly moisturize and is suitable for dry, chemically treated hair. After flat ironing it, I sprayed this all over and was amazed at the amount of sheen I got! The shine was incredible, and looked like those expensive silicones you get at the salon. However, this has better ingredients and work much better than those since it also smells great!  It has a unique, fresh, herbal scent. I normally find most herbal scents to be either nauseating or just not suitable to my taste, but this was the opposite. it doesn’t spray like a fine mist – more like a thicker, wetter spritz, but it doesn’t oversaturate Just spray about 6 inches away from your hair, and comb through. I’m addicted to the shine and will be using this daily. :)

If you’d like to grab these products for yourself, check them out at Pure Natural Brands, Mia’s shop at alex + von! You can also check out her blog at Naturally Pure Beauty.

Original Moxie gets 4.5 stars!

Ingredients (Emollience Penetrating Moisture): Ricinus communis (Castor) Oil, Virgin Butyrospermum Parkii* (Shea) Nut Butter, Caprylic-Capric TG (Fractionated Coconut Oil and/or Palm Kernel Oil), Theobroma grandiflorum (Cupuaçu) Butter, Polianthes tuberose (Tuberose) Wax, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol, Cera Flava (Beeswax), Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Essential Oils of Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla), Citrus sinensis (Sweet Orange), Citrus reticulata blanco var. tangerina (Tangerine), Mentha spicata (Spearmint), Jasminum grandiflorum (Jasmine), Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang), Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia) Bark, Salvia sclarea (Clary Sage), Santalum album (Sandalwood), Elettaria Cardamomum (Cardamom).

Ingredients (Intense Quench Deep Conditioner):  Aqua (Water), Aqueous Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa* (Hibiscus Flower) & Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit, Vegetable Glycerin***, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein***, Aqueous Extracts of Zingiber officinalis (Ginger) Root, Hypericum perforatum* (St. John’s Wort), Yucca glauca**(Yucca) Root, Equisetum arvense*(Horsetail), Chondrus crispus**(Irish Moss), Emblica officinalis (Indian Gooseberry) & Azadirachta indica* (Neem), Sodium Lactate, Glycine Soja (Soy) Wax, Caprylic-Capric TG (Fractionated Coconut Oil and/or Palm Kernel Oil), Virgin Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Oil, Dimethicone, Sorbitol***, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid, Polyquaternium-10, Theobroma grandiflorum (Cupuaçu) Butter, Virgin Olea Europaea* (Olive) Oil Infused With Ascophyllum nodosum* (Kelp), Azadirachta indica* (Neem), Emblica officinalis (Indian Gooseberry), Equisetum arvense* (Horsetail), Symphytum officinale* (Comfrey) Root, Urtica dioica* (Nettle), & Yucca glauca**(Yucca) Root, Acacia Gum, Tocopherol*** (Vitamin E), Honey (and) Maltodextrin***, Hydrolyzed Silk***, Panthenol, Citric Acid***, Menthol***, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Essential Oils of Mentha spicata (Spearmint), Lavandula officinalis (Lavender), Cymbopogon martinii var. motia (Palmarosa), Coriandrum sativum L. (Coriander), Litsea cubeba, Bergaptene-Free Citrus bergamia (Bergamot), & Citrus aurantifolia (Lime).

Ingredients (Twist Mist Lightweight Shine): Caprylic-Capric TG (Fractionated Coconut Oil and/or Palm Kernel Oil), Squalane Oil- Olea Europaea (Olive), Ricinus communis (Castor) Oil Triglyceride, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Essential Oils of Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla), Citrus reticulata blanco var. tangerina (Tangerine), Lavandula officinalis (Lavender), Bergaptene-Free Citrus bergamia (Bergamot), Salvia sclarea (Clary Sage), & Citrus racemosa (Pink Grapefruit).

*Certified Organic; ** Wildharvested; *** Natural Source

Average Price: $18.00 – $30.00 for full sizes

Additional Notes:  Works exceptionally well on thick, dry, frizzy, chemically treated hair.

Buy at: Pure Natural Brands

Rating:

I was provided free samples to do this review. I did not get paid or compensated – all reviews are 100% honest.

MOOM Organic Hair Remover with Lavender Review

Unwanted hair’s a touchy subject – no one wants to discuss it, but it’s an issue almost all of us deal with at one point. I’ve had my own share of nightmare hair that I wish weren’t there, and I’ve tried almost all the available options that don’t involve a laser – depilatories, shaving, waxing, plucking, even threading. This list is also from least to most painful. However, the one thing I haven’t tried yet was sugaring, which is supposed to be like waxing, but gentler and doesn’t hurt as much. Apparently, the sugaring solution only sticks to the hair, and is made of just a few ingredients (so there’s also less chance of irritation). In fact, you can likely make your own at home. I of course, not being the complicated DIY type, opted to buy mine pre-made.

I found MOOM Organic Hair Remover, which is a sugaring solution, at Amazon.com a few weeks ago. Hmm, not only is it a sugaring solution, but it’s organic and only consists of about 5 ingredients? Curiosity officially piqued, I bought a set, which came with a generous 6oz jar of sugaring blend, some fabric strips of all sizes, wooden spatulas, and instructions.

Now, I’ve waxed my own brows before, but did find it somewhat painful. In addition, my skin’s often left red and sensitive for hours afterward, so I can’t wax before going out, for instance. (Don’t even get me started on waxing the upper lip.) I hate waxing because they either involve pre-waxed strips that don’t work, or I had to heat up a jar that was either left too cold or too warm and I never got the temperature nor consistency right.

That wasn’t the case with MOOM. It smelled like sugar water with a touch of lemon, so I knew this was clean, pure stuff. The scent’s so faint it won’t bother you if you use it for your upper lip. Being water-based,  it washes right off with some water, so screw-ups aren’t punishing. If you use it on your face, you don’t have to heat it up, and the consistency’s thick and easy to spread even when unheated. (So far, I’ve only used it on my face, but when I do try it on my body I’ll report back).

Using the smaller wooden spatula, I spread a small amount on my eyebrows and spread the sugaring blend across, making sure to apply a thin, even coat over the hair. I then took one of the fabric strips and pressed against the blend, making sure to rub semi-vigorously with the hair growth a few times. I let it sit for about 5-10 seconds, stretched my skin taught, and ripped the fabric off in the opposite direction of growth. The result?

Fabulous! It took off not only the thick, longer hairs, but the thin, fine ones too! This is very, very effective – much more so that waxing! Did it hurt? I can say with certainly that to me, it did not hurt. It you rip it out quickly, you shouldn’t feel any pain – maybe a slight sting as the hair’s being pulled out of the root, but it’s not even close to as bad as it does when you wax. And I know why – MOOM isn’t ripping your skin, just the hair off.  (Sugaring does remove dead skin cells though, but gently.)

Now, I’m used to waxing, but I still cringed before ripping off the wax because I knew it’d hurt. With MOOM, I don’t cringe – I just do it methodically like an esthetician on her 508th appointment. After the sugaring, I pluck the strays, which amount to about 5-10 of them all together. My skin turns slightly red afterward, but it only lasts minutes, not hours. I also rinse the area with cold water to help bring down the redness and remove any MOOM residue.

My upper lip has very fine hairs, so there’s more of a challenge there. However, MOOM rips those off with ease as well, proof that sugaring works and does an amazing job at it! I have no doubt it’ll work just as well for bikini waxes, legs, and other unwanted hair removals. My underarms are the only place I’m hesitant in trying it with – not because I doubt it’d work, but because it feels so awkward trying to get it on right. I’d rather just pay a pro to do that.

At any rate, I took a risk with sugaring, and I am happy to report that it DOES work! On top of that, the fine, highest quality botanical ingredients are legit and you can’t go wrong with it – USDA Certified Organic, cruelty-free, gently removes dead skin cells, and is truly a natural solution to hair removal. Lavender and chamomile soothes and nourishes, while the former also acts as an antibacterial. Lemon juice is a natural astringent and helps exfoliate dead cells. MOOM also comes with their classic tea tree version, rose essence version, and pre-waxed strips for legs and body.

Overall, this is easily one of, if not the best organic hair remover product around – I urge you to give it a try!

Ingredients:  Sugar, Water, Lemon Juice, Chamomile, Lavender

Average Price: $13.35 for 4 oz (cleanser), $32.00 for 1.7 oz (moisturizer)

Additional Notes: Vegan product; cruelty-free, certified organic. Should be safe for sensitive skin and areas. Easy to wash off so anyone can try it out! Fabric strips are reusable – just rinse with lukewarm water and let air dry. You can also buy more strips.

Buy at: MOOM

Rating:

I bought this product myself and was not compensated by the company to provide this review. 

ReNew Botanicals BALANCE Creamy Cleanser + Moisturizer, REFINE Cleanser Review

Until recently, the majority of the natural beauty products I’ve been using have been floral or food based. Fruits, coffee, chocolate, lilacs, and especially coconuts. One scent that seems hit-or-miss with me are botanical, green, and woodsy scents. If blended right, they don’t smell like dirt, but the actual essence and sheer green-ness of the plant in question. It’s sort of sad too, because I’ve always loved nature, plants and everything earthy – I just can’t stand how they smell in perfumes and beauty products most of the time!

So, when Shelley Birnbaum of ReNew Botanicals approached me and offered to have me try and review her facial care products, I was thrilled. The line is not only vegan and organic, but features an array of plants of botanical products that  I just knew would smell better than any of the other stuff that didn’t agree with my nose. I also have normal to combination skin, so there was an additional challenge. Shelley’s also an Esthetician and has been practicing skin care for over 20 years (So she definitely knows her stuff!), and has been a pioneer in opening and operating an truly green, organic skin care studio in Baltimore, MD. Check her out if you’re in the area!

But do they actually do the job of thoroughly cleansing and moisturizing my face?

Refine Cleanser: This is the first one I tried. I needed about 4 pumps to get the job done.  It smells lovely, nothing like I’d expect – very tart, fresh and citrusy. It’s a greenish clay color, reminds me of crushed up plants. The cleanser has little to no foam, but dont let that fool you – it definitely dissolves oil and dirt, and cleanses deeply and rinses easily. No greasy afterfeel or residue feeling. My skin definitely felt renewed and it was a nice feeling knowing you were cleansing with such pure ingredients.  This is normally for oilier skin, and it strips oil without overdrying. I like this more that the Balance one, below.

Balance Creamy Cleanser: Like the description, this one was creamier, but still lightweight. Also has very pure, organic ingredients. It also doesn’t foam much, but still did a great job cleansing away everything. I wore foundation for this one since it’s also supposed to clean off makeup. And it did – without any extra product or vigorous rubbing, my foundation dissolved away and after rinsing, my skin was left soft and glowing. It’s very gentle and smells great, so I was surprised to see it work so hard! It also balanced my face and cleansed my oily forehead well, but didn’t leave my cheeks dry.

Balance Moisturizer:  I really, really love this creamy, thick, yet lightweight moisturizer. It has a clean, botanical, natural, earthy scent. Normally, I’m turned off by plant based scents, but this one is absolutely wonderful. It’s soothing not just to my skin, but my senses as well. It’s a thinner consistency, but still very creamy and a dab will cover a wide area of your face. I use it on both my face and neck for and feel very hydrated. Almost feels tailor made for my skin (and in many ways, it is!) the best part is using the spatula to gather the cream.This prevents possible contamination from your fingers, and the product will keep for much longer.

Because you don’t need so much, this tiny jar of 1.7 oz will last quite a while. my skin is left feeling balanced – the oiliest part of my face is my forehead and temples, but after cleansing with ReNew products and applying this moisturizer, it didn’t feel oily anymore. This moisturizer is my new night cream – I’ll be happily using this exclusively for the next few months!

Note that it does take a while to completely absorb – I timed ~20 minutes – so it’s not for wearing under makeup unless you can wait that long. Best used as a rich night cream.

Now to go back and answer the previous question: Do they actually do the job of thoroughly cleansing and moisturizing my face?

YES! Extremely well, in fact! The ingredients in all of ReNew Botanicals’ products are clean, earthy and organic, and do the job just as well, perhaps better, than conventional products with tons of crap ingredients in them. The Refine Cleanser, Balance Cleanser and Balance Moisturizer did a fine job keeping my skin balanced and clean, without the extras you just don’t need in your beauty care. The basics will do, and they will make your skin feel “ReNew”ed.

4.5 stars for this line! :)

Ingredients (Refine Cleanser): 

Aloe barbadensis (Aloe) Juice*, Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos Tea) Extract*, Olea europaea (Olive) Oil*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Emulsifying Wax, Vegetable Glycerin, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*, Decyl Glucoside, Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) Extract*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Hyaluronate, Activated Charcoal, Camellia sinensis (White Tea) Extract*, Usnea (Lichen) Extract*, Salix nigra (Black Willowbark) Extract*, Panthenol (Vitamin B Complex), Calophyllum inophyllum (Tamanu) Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester), Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Citrus aurantifolia (Lime) Oil*, Cedrus deodora (Himalayan Cedarwood) Oil*, Cymbopogon Martini (Palma Rosa) Oil*, Cymbopogen citrates (Lemongrass) Oil*, Rosemarinus officianalis var Verbenon (Rosemary Verbonenon) Oil*, Thymus vulgaris linalool (Thyme Linalool)*

* Organi

Ingredients (Balance Cleanser): Aloe barbadensis (Aloe) Juice*, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) Extract*, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Olea europaea (Olive) Oil*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) C02*, Avena sativa (Oatstraw) Extract*, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Palm Stearic Acid, Lavendula augustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Pelargonium Roseum (Rose Geranium) Oil*, Vetiveria zizanoides (Vetiver) Oil*, Rosa damascena (Rose Otto) Oil*, Cymbopogon Martini (Palma Rosa)*, Tanacetum anuum (Blue Tansy) Oil*

* Organic

Ingredients (Balance Moisturizer):  Aloe barbadensis (Aloe) Juice*, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Rosa damascene (Rose) Distillate, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*, Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos Tea) Extract*, Emulsifying Wax NF, Palm Stearic Acid, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Extract*, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Polysaccharide gum (Xanthan Gum), Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) C02 extract*, Hippophae rhammoides (Sea Buckthorn Berry) CO2*, Rosa rubiginosa (Rose Hip Seed) C02 extract*, Citric Acid, Lavendula augustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Pelargonium Roseum (Rose Geranium) Oil*, Vetiveria zizanoides (Vetiver) Oil*, Rosa damascena (Rose Otto) Oil*, Cymbopogon Martini (Palma Rosa)* Tanacetum anuum (Blue Tansy) Oil*

* Organic

Average Price: $24.00 for 4 oz (cleanser), $32.00 for 1.7 oz (moisturizer)

Additional Notes: All products are VEGAN! The products I tried were perfect for normal to combination skin, but there are lines for oily, acne, sensitive/inflamed, and dry as well. Almost all ingredients are organic! Moisturizer comes with a little spatula to prevent contamination from your fingers.

Buy at: ReNew Botanicals

Rating:

I was provided free products by the company to give a fair and honest review.