Monday, September 18, 2017

Living Libations Haircare Review - True Blue Spirulina Shampoo & Fortifying Frankincense Dry Shampoo




Hi Lovelies,



Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕

Living Libations Haircare


How are all of you? Hope life is treating you well?

Today I am excited to be reviewing some really natural and wonderful products that I really enjoyed using for the last couple of months -True Blue Spirulina Shampoo and Fortifying Frankincense Dry Shampoo. 

Living Libations is one of the first companies to come into my radar when I transitioned into green beauty more than eight years ago - I did countless of hours of research and the more I found out about them, the more I liked them - one of the few truly natural companies that use only top quality products and don't cut any corners. You can feel the products are top quality, and I don't know about you, but I do a happy dance when I find company like that. I mean you can read the ingredient list of any of the products and understand all of it without needing the chemist degree! And they work really well too, I enjoyed every single product I tried to date. Admittedly I haven't tried lots, just these two and a few dental products I reviewed in my Dental Hygiene Routine (link here if you want to check it out), but give me some time and I will work my way through them, don't you worry! Living Libations is one of the brands I am truly enamored with, and let me just say this - Best Skin(s) Ever and Poetic Pits - here I come :) 

I have written about Living Libations as a brand in said Dental Hygiene Routine post, so I won't be repeating myself here. Thankfully products from this wonderful Canadian company are available from within Europe via Dutchhealthstore.com - and I wanted to take opportunity to thanks wonderful Wilma for a chance to try these wonderful products. . This Dutch online store stocks the widest range of Living Libations products in Europe, there are selected few other retailers, but they tend to stock only a few products, mainly focusing on Best Skin Ever. So when I found out that Dutch Health Store has dental products and Poetic Pits too, which was my main draw to Living Libations brand, I placed my order immediately and have enjoyed them ever since.

So let's see how did I find the the spirulina shampoo and frankincense dry shampoo? Let's dive it!



Living Libations True Blue Spirulina Shampoo

True Blue Spirulina Shampoo

First of all, who knew spirulina is good for the hair?! Or that I would be using a shampoo that is such a muddy green in colour? Well, let me spoil this for you and tell you that this is one of the best of the shampoos I've used to date, if not the best! The ingredients are all truly natural and the formula is so well thought out that you don't have to worry about your hair looking anything less than fabulous! It is the ultimate wash-and-go of a green beauty world if I know one. I used this shampoo for over two months and I really do want to get it back now it is all gone. I am testing a array of other natural eco-luxe (if I can call it) shampoos, but let me say, none of them compares to this and I it is up top of my "to repurchase" product list. And we all know bloggers rarely repurchase a thing. So that is saying a lot.
I took this shampoo with me when I went away for a month to Lithuania, and I found it so good, I actually took the remains back, as I didn't want to waste a drop of it. I knew it would perform well, and it gave me worry free month when it came to my hair, I knew I could rely on it for my hair to look good. It did not disappoint. I have to add it passed my 4 days test with gusto, and I could go on longer in between of washes if I wanted to - I can't say that about many shampoos. It also didn't give me dandruff, and I can't say that about much of green beauty shampoos. It is a vegan product, gluten free and 100% organic too. Well worth the money I would say!

Let's look at the ingredients?

Structured Spring Water – Structured spring-water is infused with extra oxygen and trace minerals, and is said to increase cellular absorption of nutrients by the hair follicles.
Coco Protein – Coco protein is said to fortify the hair follicles, leading to less breakage. It is also commonly used to increase hair thickness and improve the flexibility of the hair follicle. This combined with yucca helps our shampoo to have suds.
Yucca – Yucca is a natural hair cleanser and an ancient Native American remedy for hair loss and dandruff. The high levels of saponins contained in yucca are what gives our True Blue Spirulina Shampoo its wonderful foaming characteristic.
Wild Harvested Seaweed Extract – Seaweed is a known stimulant for the hair, and is said to foster increased growth and protect against hair thinning. It is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids.
Organic Cold Water Infusion of Spirulina – Spirulina, a high-protein algae, is used to prevent hair thinning, increase hair volume, and dismiss dandruff. Packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, this powerhouse plant can bring balance to scalp and hair.
Organic Oats (non-gluten) – Oats naturally contain beta-glucan, a compound that helps to lock in moisture on the scalp. Oats are also renowned for removing dead skin cells and providing relief to itchy scalps.
Organic Aloe Vera Gel – Aloe Vera is said to regenerate hair and skin cells, smooth the hair cuticle, and create an invisible polymer film on the surface of each hair strand, helping to lock in moisture and nutrients.
Tansy – Tansy is high in azulene and sesquiterpenes, which are calming and cooling plant constituents making it the perfect essential oil to tame your scalp and mane.
Yarrow – Yarrow also high in azulene increases circulation to the scalp, which may promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss. The diaphoretic properties of yarrow root are said to encourage the release of toxins through the scalp, and the essential oil is a popular remedy for sleeplessness and stress.
German Chamomile – While chamomile is an ancient remedy for hair loss, German Chamomile is said to be best suited to hair care because it contains Azulene, a potent anti-inflammatory.
Frankincense – Frankincense is an ancient remedy for hair thinning. It is said to support a healthy scalp, maintain your mane, and fortify hair follicles. Emotionally, Frankincense Oil conjures feelings of sacred gratitude, and lends a ceremonial air to each application of our True Blue Spirulina Shampoo.
Blood Orange – Blood Orange oil is a tonic for the hair follicles and scalp, and its uplifting scent is always inspiring.
Vetiver – Vetiver roots are grounding and soothing, helping to smooth the hair follicle and lock in moisture. Just as it soothes the hair shaft, vetiver oil is a wonderful nervine that calms and cools a frazzled nervous system.
Lemon – A wonderful all-over hair tonic, lemon oil is a known dandruff-buster said to strengthen hair and increase shine. The aroma is uplifting, invigorating, and is commonly used to increase concentration and lift the spirits.
Lavender – The benefits of lavender oil in haircare are endless. This oil is traditionally used to prevent hair thinning, eliminate itchy scalp, deep condition hair, promote hair growth, and more. Lavender is a calming, soothing sedative that promotes deep relaxation.
Bergamot – Bergamot Oil deeply penetrates the scalp and hair shaft, helping to lock in moisture and fortify the hair. Bergamot is both a stimulant and a relaxant, helping to balance the emotions of sadness and anxiety.
Sage & Rosemary Super-Critical Antioxidants – Sage is an infamous hair treatment said to prevent hair thinning, increase shine, while rosemary is famous for its ability to eradicate dandruff and increase circulation in the scalp.

Now, if reading ingredient list like this does not make you happy, then I don't know what will! I also got a sachet sample of blue spirulina conditioner too, and I remember liking it, it made my hair super soft and shiny and easy to manage, although I must admit the shampoo on it's own will do that too, so you won't need that much of a conditioner anyway. Big deal, because left to it's own devices my hair is a frizzy tangly mess which is hard to manage. With my previous order I bought a sample of Seabuckthorn Shampoo, and I remember really liking it too, although I think I like this Spirulina one better.


Living Libations Fortifying Frankincense Dry Shampoo
  
Fortifying Frankincense Dry Shampoo 

I must admit this is the first ready made natural dry shampoo I am using, so I wouldn't be able to compare it to other brands, because since I switched to the green side (get it?) all I was using was my own DIY.

Ingredients: (again, all organic and fabulous)

 Arrow Root (Maranta arundinacea) – Arrow root powder promotes nutrient absorption in the skin and scalp. It creates soft, smooth skin between hair follicles.
Kaolin Clay (Kaolinite, White Clay) – This silica rich clay is an ancient hair and skin remedy that is used to draw out toxins and impurities. It is balancing and nourishing for dry skin and helps the scalp maintain optimal oils levels to prevent dandruff and flaking. Kaolin is also said to increase circulation to the scalp and reverse the damaging effects of heavy metals.
Frankincense resin – (Boswellia carterii) – Frankincense is an eternal offering of crystalline-clarity from the sap of the frankincense tree. Liquid pearls from the tree of life, frankincense resin is astringent and anti-inflammatory soothing and balancing the hair and scalp. These aromatic pearls of pure Somaliland frankincense nourish dry skin, calm skin ulcers, and repair scar tissue.
Rosemary Antioxidant Extract (Rosmarinus officinalis, CO2) – Rosemary extract is a natural preservative that extends the shelf life by slowing the oxidation process of the essential oils. This special supercritical extraction brims with beneficial antioxidants that protect and stimulate hair strands and scalp.
Baking soda (Sodium bicarbonate) – Sodium bicarbonate is a natural cleaning agent that helps to remove toxins, impurities, and product build-up from the hair and scalp. Impressively absorbent, sodium bicarbonate absorbs excess oil at the hair follicle and throughout the hair.
Probiotics – When taken internally and applied topically to the scalp, probiotics have been shown to improve the hair’s resistance to toxins and inflammation. Probiotics may also improve scalp circulation and may alleviate dandruff. A 2011 study conducted by the International Journal of Trichology found that dandruff sufferers who took probiotics orally and topically saw a marked decrease in inflammation and dandruff and a noticeable increase in skin sensitivity. Living Libations probiotics contain Bacillus subtilis, a species of healthy bacteria that has been extensively studied and peer-reviewed for proven efficacy. This probiotic strain has a proven shelf life of two years without refrigeration, and is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Frankincense carterii (Boswellia carterii) – Captured from the same African frankincense trees as our frankincense resin, this essential oil is hydro-distilled from the fresh oleo-gum of pure Carterii frankincense. With a warm, balsamic fragrance and an essence of fortitude, the essential oil is used to heal wounds, nourish dry skin, and stimulate the scalp. It is uplifting and anti-anxiety and offers a euphoric quality.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) – Beautiful bergamot is a fresh citrus oil that functions as an antiseptic. It keeps the hair clean and clear up breakouts around the hairline. Bergamot is said help the scalp and hair to maintain perfect moisture levels.
Thyme Linalool (Thyme vulgaris linalool) – This gentle genus of thyme is non-sensitizing and non-irritating for the most sensitive of skin. As it tones and heals the skin and scalp, thyme linalool offers antimicrobial and antiseptic protection against acne-causing bacteria. Its anti-infectious nature makes it the perfect tool for gentle clarification and stimulating hair ovations.
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) – Rich, earthy vetiver oil is grounding and calming for the skin, anointing the roots of each hair follicle as the rain anoints the grass. Vetiver is a humectant that helps skin and hair retain moisture.
Rosemary Verbenone (Rosmarinus officinalis verbenone) – Gentler on skin and more moisturizing than regular rosemary, Rosemary Verbenone clarifies scalp tissue, stimulates the scalp, and increases nutrient absorption. This essence is abundant with energizing botanical compounds that may help to eliminate dandruff, prevent hair loss, invigorate hair growth, and infuse hair follicles and strands with magnificent moisture.


As you can see, it is kaolin clay, baking soda and arrowroot based dry shampoo with a good few essential oils and some wonderful extracts, and do you know many (if at all) dry shampoos with probiotics in them? Exactly! All while being gluten free, dairy free, vegan organic and shelf stable for two years? Why yes, I will have some of that :) And did I mention it works so well too? Obviously check if you might be sensitive or allergic to some of the ingredients, same goes for the shampoo. And if you want to make sure if it's the right product for you, I would suggest trying out samples first. Thankfully Dutch health store sell samples of selected products and small sizes of the others.
I found it working well, although I must admit the first couple of times I tried it, I found it a bit heavy on the essential oils, which I wasn't used to. So my solution to it was to add more arrowroot powder to it at a time, although my scalp got used to it after first couple of uses.



That is all for today, thanks for reading my dear friends! If you made this thus far, you are a real rock star and I want you to give a pat on your back. And leave me a comment with a "rock star" - just for the fun of it! I know this was a long post, so we might have some fun at the end, right?




Have you tried any of the Living Libations products? What is your favourite? What would you suggest I try next? Please share, I would really love to know.




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Lots of Love,
Renata.




Want to check out my skincare reviews? Click here. Interested in make up reviews? Click here. All my body care and hair care reviews live in this post. Diy inclined? Even if not, you might enjoy my super-simple-minimal-ingredients-DIYs here. You are welcome.

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