Author: MICHXMASH

Scalp and Hair Care Routine 2022: 1B, Low Porosity, Virgin Hair

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Another year, another post on my current scalp and hair care routine! The past year I’ve been trying out many different kinds of products – I did the “clean” beauty shampoo/conditioners, bars, gentle surfactant formulas, traditional SLES/SLS and dimethicone containing products, oil-silicone blends, scalp treatments, anti-dandruff washes… Like I said, I’ve been trying a lot. But this routine I’m about to share is by far the simplest, easiest one yet!

Before we get into the routine, about my hair:

  • Type 1; I’m thinking B because it’s not fine, ultra thin hair
  • Medium strand
  • ~*ViRGiN*~
  • I consider my hair to have majority low porosity – the only place where it may be questionably higher are right at the tips. Even then, they’re not near as bad as when I had bleached ends! Either way, I think no matter the porosity, all of us have a similar goal on keeping our hair moisturized so the water levels in external environments don’t effect our hair and retaining moisture in general.
  • Oily scalp – I prefer washing it on an as need basis instead of piling on the dry shampoo.
  • Hair – pretty normal! Now that it’s all ~*ViRGiN*~ again I haven’t felt the need to pile on the various moisturizing products.

Check out my hair routines from previous years:

My Scalp and Hair Care Routine

Here’s what my usual scalp and hair care routine looks like on wash day:

  1. Wash scalp and crown of hair with a simply formulated shampoo for oilier scalps.
  2. Condition scalp and mid-shaft to ends with a conditioner simply formulated with oils.
  3. Wrap hair in microfiber towel for 5-15ish minutes.
  4. Blow dry hair with medium heat at a distance; Switch to cool setting once almost dry.
  5. Apply hair serum/oil at the tips and brush hair starting at the ends.

Extras:

  1. Hair mask once a week.
  2. Use anti-dandruff shampoo as needed.

And that’s it! Surprisingly, once I switched back to “clean” beauty products – essentially just shampoo/conditioners with saponified oils – my hair felt great. It actually reminded me of the year I used a lot of Calia Natural. Simply formulated hair wash products + just washing my hair as needed is keeping my scalp healthy while just making sure the rest of my hair is nicely conditioned. I’ve rarely had to reach for an anti-dandruff shampoo because my scalp doesn’t have noticeable dandruff and it doesn’t feel as irritated as it used to. I like doing a hair mask once a week to maintain the soft feeling I like for my hair. Last year I did the Capillary Schedule and while I don’t think one needs 3 different types of hair masks, I saw the benefit of hair masking in general and I learned what works best for my hair. Maybe in another post I can talk more about my experience with the Capillary Schedule and whether or not I think it’s worth it. In the mean time, check out my instagram post!

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The Products I Use in my Scalp and Haire Care Routine

Herbis Shampoo with Rosemary for Hair with Oily Scalp and Dry Ends
https://www.zoya.bg/en/Shampoo-with-rosemary-for-hair-with-oily-roots-and-dry-ends-300-ml.13099

Herbis Natural Conditioner for Healthy Hair and Scalp
https://www.zoya.bg/en/Natural-Conditioner-for-Healthy-Hair-and-Scalp-200ml.11857

Herbis Mask for Dry and Exhausted Hair
https://www.zoya.bg/en/Natural-Conditioner-for-Healthy-Hair-and-Scalp-200ml.11857

Ducray Squanorm Anti-Dandruff Treatment Shampoo
https://www.caretobeauty.com/bg/ducray-squanorm-anti-dandruff-treatment-shampoo-dry-dandruff-200ml/

Dabur Amla Gold Hair Oil
* https://rstyle.me/+RiqiQebI2ucFNZ7cx_BPqQ

I feel like my scalp and hair health have come a looooooong way since I stopped bleaching and dying back in 2017. After much trial and error, I’m really happy that I’ve come to finally understand my scalp and hair needs without using an excessive amount of products. I feel like I broke out of the vicious cycle!

Now that I’m here, I hope I can do more scalp and hair care posts in the future; Such as more detailed posts on how my scalp’s health improved, general hair care, damage prevention tips, and more first impressions on hair masks and DIYs!

As always I hope you find this content helpful and informative.

xo, M

My First Skincare Haul of 2022!

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I am proud of myself to say that my first set of skincare purchases of 2022 was back in March, all of which replaced an empty that couldn’t be replaced by another item in my skincare collection. You’ll notice many of the ones I will mention are French Pharmacy, and a couple of purchases was specifically for my post – CO2 Fraxel laser care.

Before you continue reading, please be sure to check out the following relevant blog posts that may provide further insight into this one:

Let’s Low Buy! My Rules for 2022 | Journey to Minimalism
Skin Update #6: Acne + Scars
Low Buy Update #1: 3 Month Check-In + Skincare Empties

Skincare I Purchased

Please note that products marked with an “*” indicates a PR item or gift. Links marked with “*” indicate an affiliate link – by clicking on this link and making a purchase, I earn a small commission. MICHXMASH Disclosure

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water

The first time I tried micellar water, I wasn’t the hugest fan. Looking back, it was probably because I wore a full face of makeup on a daily basis, so a soaked cotton round just wasn’t enough to achieve a properly cleansed face. Now that I wear minimal makeup with no foundation, and was quite lazy near the end of 2021 – micellar water just seems to fit.

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water
* https://rstyle.me/+9vL2Sj3BkuGIkRLZdjfcig

Avene Thermal Spring Water

While recovering from CO2 Fraxel Laser (3 times), my skin was in dire need of something soft, light, cooling, and just overall gentle. The Avene Thermal Spring Water spray produces a fine, lovely, cloudy mist all over my face and neck and gave my skin immediate relief from irritation. I also like having this on hand for days my skin has become sensitized, or it just needs a bit more TLC.

Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray
* https://rstyle.me/+KfcqhEIiWH7FO05wV3ocHA

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume

Are we suprised here? Emptied so many tubes and bottles of the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume! It’s my holy grail moisturizer; It comfortably moisturizes my skin without exacerbating my acne and is a great value for the price.

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
* https://rstyle.me/+53FftnxpnGicuzKJTUhk8Q

Bioderma Cicabio Pommade x2

The Bioderma Cicabio Pommade has replaced my previous go-to, La Roche Posay (LRP) Cicaplaste Baume. I find they both do the exact same thing in terms of lowering inflammation, only I prefer the texture and finish of the Bioderma Cicabio Pommade more. It has a tackier finish rather than greasy, and no white cast! I was limited to only nightly use or post-laster recovery days with LRP, but with this I can comfortably use any time of day. I love this pommade so much, I’m already on my second tube!

Bioderma Cicabio Pommade
https://www.caretobeauty.com/ca/bioderma-cicabio-pommade-soothing-repairing-ointment-40ml/

That’s all for my first skincare haul of 2022. Considering that we are already 4 months into the year, purchasing 5 products ain’t too bad. 2 of which I use daily in my skincare routine, and the others which I still like to keep on hand in case of a skin-mergency.

As always, I hope you find my content helpful and informative!

xo, M

Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ – Sunscreen Sunday #22

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For those of you well in-tune with the skincare world, last year Purito (and others) pulled their sunscreens off market as they were not meeting the SPF claim as indicated on the label. Recently they launched their new and (supposedly) improved sunscreen called Daily Go-To Sunscreen with an SPF50+ and PA++++. I decided to give them a chance as out of all the brands that experienced similiar issues with their sunscreens, Purito seemed to be the most upfront. In general, I also find Purito takes customer feedback well and have seen them reformulate their products throughout the years. Looking at the ingredients list alone, I felt like they did just that.

Video version of my review on Purito’s Daily Go-To SunscreenSPF 50+ PA++++

Information on Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen

“The new PURITO hybrid sunscreen is formulated with both chemical and physical filters to provide exceptionally high, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

The fragrance-free and moisturizing formula instantly melts on the skin during application, allowing an easy and even spread. The lightweight texture leaves a sheer finish with no white cast. This sunscreen has been designed specifically for easy re-application and effective performance when worn with makeup or alone.”

– puritoen.com

Price: $19.50 USD
Amount: 60ml/2.02oz
Packaging:  Opaque white plastic tube with a twist-off cap.
Water Resistant? On box package, it says to reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, but on the tube and website I don’t see this number. I’m going to say no, this is not water resistant, because it shouldn’t be this confusing to figure out.

UV FILTERS:
Ethylhexyl Triazone – Uvinul T 150 (UVB)
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine – Tinosorb S (UVB, UVA1 & UVA2)
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate – Uvinul A Plus (UVA1 & UVA2)
Titanium Dioxide (UVB & UVA2)
Type: Hybrid

Protection:
UVB: SPF 50+
UVA: PPD 16 or more

INGREDIENTS: Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Trideceth-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid

INCIDecoder

Just like their original Green Level Unscented Sun (reviewed), Purito’s Daily Go-To Sunscreen contains Centella Asiatica Extract and it’s constituents Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid. Their skin benefits range from wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Aside from that, there’s not much else going on other than having a base to provide the texture and moisture! For those of you sensitive to Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, and/or Niacinamide, those ingredients are not in this formula. It is also free of alcohol and additional fragrance.

My Experience with Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen

TEXTURE: Gel-cream.

APPLICATION: Applied all in one go all over my face and neck. I saw a little bit of white as I blended the sunscreen and there was no gross industrial type smell.

FINISH: It looks like there are particles in the formula that help diffuse the look from shiny to glowy.

FEEL: Light, has an oily finish for a while.

STINGS EYES? No.

UNDER MAKEUP: If you plan on wearing foundation, I recommend either blotting or applying a grippy primer for the oily, slick finish stays for a while.

Final Thoughts on Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen

Pros

  • Highest protection offered in Asian sunscreens
  • No “industrial” smell – quite scentless
  • Removed some key ingredients that may not be so nice for those with irritated skin, making it as friendly as possible for sensitive, acne-prone skin types.

Cons

  • I want consistent labels, especially if one package says to reapply after 40 minutes of swimming but the other says immediately.

In-Between Feels

  • It is possible Purito told us foreign consumers one thing about their previous sunscreen manufacturer and another to the Korean Cosmetics Association. Watch this video to get more detail.
  • This sunscreen is nowhere to be found on their Korean website. Why? It’s being sold on their American and Russian website. Why is it not being sold in their home country? I buy sunscreens from South Korea because I want a sunscreen that’s regulated in the their market.

Overall Purito’s Daily Go-To Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ has been okay to use – I like that it’s gentle, has no weird smell and is still at a decent pricepoint. However it’s quite disconcerting that the truth of last year’s low SPF value may be different to what us foreign, non-Korean speaking consumers heard. To add a cherry on top, they’re not even selling their new SPF in the Korean market, which to me makes the whole situation even more odd.

WHERE TO BUY:
YesStyle + YESMICH for 10% off first order, 4% off returning orders (affiliate link and code)

As always, I hope you found this review helpful and informative!

xo, M

Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk Review

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Back in the summer, I had quite the splurge-fest and purchased almost all of the products from Violette_FR’s beauty line – perfume, makeup, and skincare. As I mentioned in my Unboxing and First Impressions video, the brand just spoke to me. I appreciate Violette’s aesthetic and what she emits into the beautysphere.

In this post, I will be reviewing Violette_FR’s Boum-Boum Milk. Violette described it as a 3-in-1 cream spray (toner, serum, moisturizer), something that can be used on your face, hair and body. In addition, she wanted to create a reliable product when one has done too much to their skin – something anti-inflammatory and moisturizing, all the while promoting a minimal skincare routine.

I finished my second bottle, so I have a pretty good idea of what the product is all about and how it works/doesn’t work for me in my skincare routine.

General Information on Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk

“The French tradition of science-backed beauty innovation paired with the desire to streamline the skincare routine (for reasons of sustainability and minimalism), led to the formulation of Boum-Boum Milk. The key ingredients— Fermented Birch Sap, Glacier Water, Olive Leaf Extract— were selected for their results-driven composition by veteran chemists with over 20+ years of experience in the clean beauty world. The 3-in-1 “smart” product efficiently acts as a toner, serum and moisturizer. With one or two sprays (boum, boum!), it acts as a toner (balancing and moisturizing), a serum (highly concentrated, quick absorption) and as a hydrating moisturizer. Suitable for all skin types.” – violettefr.com

Price: $58 USD
Amount: 100ml
Packaging: Clear plastic spray bottle with a frosted gold cap

Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk Ingredients

Up-close photo of the Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk Ingredients list.

WATER (AQUA)(EUA), BETULA PENDULA (BIRCH) SAP, GLYCERIN, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, SQUALANE, AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM (HORSE CHESTNUT) SEED EXTRACT, ARTHROSPIRA PLATENSIS EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) LEAF EXTRACT, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT, CYAMOPSIS TETRAGONOLOBA (GUAR) GUM, CETETH-20 PHOSPHATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, DICETYL PHOSPHATE, TOCOPHEROL, LEVULINIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM LEVULINATE, XANTHAN GUM, BENZYL ALCOHOL, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, CITRIC ACID

INCIDecoder

Glacier water and fermented birch sap make up the base of the formula. I believe the former is sourced from Iceland, so I’m under the assumption it has mineral content as well as the soothing properties similar to classic French Pharmacy spring thermal water mists. The latter makes up 38% of the formula and was explained by Violette to be what the French drink the day after a lovely night out to “detoxify”. While that’s nice to hear, that’s ingestion, not topical application. Fortunately, Korean skincare has gone down this route of using birch sap in their products! It’s rich in probiotics (when fermented), soothing and contains amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It’s overall a nice, different kind of humectant to have in a skincare product, and fermentation in general can boost nutritional properties of an ingredient. I would say overall, glacier water and fermented birch sap are a nice vehicle alternatives to the classic distilled water.

As for olive leaf extract, the third highlighted ingredient in the Boum-Boum Milk description, it seems to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. But there are other extracts in the formula that also offer these benefits and are more well-known:

  • Horse chestnut extract – anti-inflammatory and wound healing
  • Calendula extract – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
  • Camellia sinesis leaf extract – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial

Some lovely moisturizing ingredients can also be found in the formula such as glycerin as a star humectant, followed with emollients capriylic/capric triglyceride, sunflower seed oil, and squalane. Arthrosperia platensis extract and tocopherol make appearances in the INCI list as well for antioxidant benefits.

My Experience Using Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk

Up-close photo of the Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk
Swatch of the Violette_FR Boum Boum Milk

Upon first spritz, I noticed right away the moisturizing properties of Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk. The finish is very reminiscent of the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner (reviewed) in that it has an emollient feel, however I do find the Boum-Boum Milk sinks into the skin more and there’s a more obvious calming effect after application. After a few more uses, I’ve come to realize I’m not a huge fan of the spritzer; It’s a bit assertive, does not have even distribution of the liquid, and I noticed product leaking from the spout.

As seen in my Summer 2021 Nighttime Skincare Routine, I used the Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk in my hydrator step by applying a few spritz to the palm of my hands and lightly massaging the fluid on my face and neck. I have also used the Boum-Boum Milk over makeup and a refresher throughout the day if my skin felt dry. In addition, I’ve decanted some of it in a mini spray bottle and took it with me to the beach to remoisturize my skin after taking a dip in the salt water. I found I most enjoyed the Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk when I used it in the last two ways.

My Final Thoughts on Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk

PROS

  • Gentle.
  • Calming and soothing.
  • Can use it in a number of ways to add moisture to my skin – in my skincare routine, throughout the day, at the beach 😀
  • I recall Violette saying in one of her Instagram lives that she wants clinical trials conducted on the Boum-Boum Milk – it would be a biased study mind you, but at least she wants data to show how it helps certain skin conditions.

CONS

  • The packaging – the spritzer does not dispense the product evenly, the mist itself is quite direct and not a gentle veil, and the fluid leaks.
  • Shipping – this is just a general con when ordering from violettefr.com, but it was a bit pricey. After speaking to my friend, the shipping is becoming more expensive :\ If you plan on investing in the Boum-Boum milk, be sure to keep the costly shipping in mind.

Two bottles later, I definitely like what the Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk offered for my skin in terms of gentle and light moisturization, but I am ready to move on. Not just because I can’t actually repurchase it where I am, but the cost in CAD plus the seemingly increasing shipping prices is just becoming too much. I also have the NIOD SDSM waiting to be opened! It seems to also offer a gentle, light hydrating effect plus effective antioxidant protection. If Violette_FR finally ships to the country I’m residing in, I may consider repurchasing.

Where to Buy: Violette_FR Official Website

As always, I hope you find posts like this helpful and informative!

XO, M

Low Buy Update #1: 3 Month Check-In + Skincare Empties

MICHXMASH1 Comment

Spring is finally here, that means it’s time for a check-in to see how well I’m progressing with my Low Buy 2022 Challenge after 3 months – and skincare empties, of course!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my blog post Let’s Low Buy 2022 – here I write about why I am doing this challenge, what I hope to achieve, my rules, and how I am going to hold myself accountable. As a random person on the internet who is sharing this Low Buy challenge, the main way I am publicly holding myself accountable is by doing seasonal (3-month) check-ins; I talk about my successes and challenges with the challenge, as well as sharing all my skincare empties!

3 Months of Low Buying – How It’s Going So Far

2022 is flying by – I can’t believe it’s already April as I sit down and write this post! Although it’s been a speedy 3 months, I feel that the Low Buy challenge for the most part has been rather successful.

No More Freebies

I have been contacted by various PR companies and brands for campaigns, to which I respectfully declined. I was interested in a few of them, but right now I really want to focus on the goal at hand!

Remove Temptations

This rule has been the most successful thus far. For example, I did not even know the Sephora VIB Sale was taking place until a few youtubers I watch talked about it! I unsubscribed from Sephora’s newsletter a while ago, as well as unfollowed various brand social media accounts and uninstalled shopping apps. The only purchases I have made this year (stay tuned) have been skincare products that are directly replacing an empty in my skincare routine and/or a skincare product I keep on rotation for emergency breakout/impaired skin barrier days.

Let it Marinate

I have not impulse shopped since Deciem’s Black Friday sale of 2021 *pat on back*. Instead, I have created a wishlist of skincare products I am very interested in! If I ever feel the urge to buy something, I first take a look at my skincare routine as well as collection to make sure the item I want to purchase is unique and not similar to something I already have.

Empty Before Newbie

This has been the more challenging rule out of the 5 I have created for this Low Buy! I am a lover of skincare, and as someone who does reviews every so often, I like drawing comparisons. I like saving the skincare item I like when opening a new product because in the off-chance I don’t like the newer one, I have the original to fall back on if I decide to use up the new one or give it away. There are also items I have opened up that are quite similar, but to me their primary function is different. Further tangent on this in the video!

No Makeup

The easiest rule so far! I have not felt the need to purchase any makeup because I have been happy and content with my current collection. I think I’ll be downsizing it further soon!

Skincare Empties

The visual of how my Low Buy challenge is progressing – skincare empties! Below is a list of the empties names and links. Please note that products marked with an “*” indicates a PR item or gift. Links marked with “*” indicate an affiliate link – by clicking on this link and making a purchase, I earn a small commission. MICHXMASH Disclosure

Bioderma H2O Hydrabio Micellar Water
* https://rstyle.me/+ATLVDyAd1DbDVm7hWAduAw

Geek & Gorgeous Jelly Joker Low pH Gentle Cleanser
* https://iaff.geekandgorgeous.com/118-11-3-15.html

Bonajour Eggplant Daily BHA Toner
* https://rstyle.me/+x2WxopcSUxsVoPHwttcfEg

Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Body Spray
* https://rstyle.me/+71SiyGmURtLOQC29SmRI1A

* Rovectin Biome Ampoule
* https://rstyle.me/+k6oUegjchUeTt4TGsIRosw

The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
* https://rstyle.me/+-qLkCsCdOXyoB3OHzKw1Fw

* Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
* https://rstyle.me/+N8q_MV80aDrGFVVOKsFThg

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
* https://rstyle.me/+7u2rLKkhbVyoXyLn-4vsNw

* Charcoal & Rose Petals Body Butter
https://charcoalandrosepetals.ca/collections/cream-lotion-body-butter/products/essential-oil-body-butter?variant=36442599063713

Shyne Body Butter Island Vanilla
* https://rstyle.me/+xgllPISnxv4UiISjqnHbIQ

Eucerin Rich Replenishing Cream
* https://rstyle.me/+BvnY7QLpGvS3PIAJdgryxA

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
* https://rstyle.me/+HEwhGhvxihj981FmuRl8BA

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
* https://rstyle.me/+53FftnxpnGicuzKJTUhk8Q

La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ Ultra Fluid Invisible Finish Lotion
* https://rstyle.me/+e6I8cgrNI5PIHKNfONPCiQ

SVR Sun Secure Mousse Cream SPF 50
https://www.caretobeauty.com/us/svr-sun-protection/svr-sun-secure-blur-optical-mousse-cream-spf50-50ml/

And that’s all for my first Low Buy update! How has yours been going so far? Any rules working for you, or what do you find challenging? Let me know in the comments down below!

xo, M