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- The post was made 1 weekRating: 4 out of 5
I choose to believe
I have tested this serum for just over 2 weeks. Far too short a time to say anything about hair health or fuller curls... ... but, unlike other products in the same category (and I have tried many!), I have good hope for Redken’s new one. From what I’ve read about the ingredients, there is reason for cautious optimism, and Redken is a brand I have a good impression of from before. The product itself is easy to use and gives a fresh, healthy feeling on the scalp. Some similar products become sticky, oily, or stiff when applied, but not this one. It ALSO FEELS like it actually works – not with a hysterically stinging or warming sensation (like similar sprays sometimes give), but with a slight tingling right when the liquid lands. Unlike shampoo and conditioner, the scent is not too much “Ajax citrus,” and it doesn’t linger, which I appreciate. Together with the treatment spray, which gives good volume, this feels like a complete system for the scalp and future fullness. (And unlike the spray, the serum nozzle is just the right size and gives a nicely distributed mist). I choose to believe (which is needed for this price ;-) ) The review was conducted on behalf of Smartson – the test pilot got to try the product for free.1 product in post I choose to believe64 views - The post was made 1 weekRating: 5 out of 5
A root lift for me who hates root lifts!
I've done my research. I know that azelaic acid, this skincare darling, is actually supposed to be good for the scalp and hair health as well. I also know that it's one of the few ingredients I haven't tried yet in the hunt for fuller 40+ hair; warming sprays, smelly masks, stiff mousses... Been there done that. But even though I read up on Redken's new product, I still can't quite figure out the difference between "serum" and "treatment." To me, those words mean roughly the same thing, and both come in a spray bottle and are said to increase density. Oh well. Just have to try it. The first time I probably spray a bit too enthusiastically: The hair gets stiff at the roots. That makes me realize this is probably more of a styling product...? (Aha, "Instant" yes!) And volumizing styling products I've of course also tried – but hated... I just never manage to get root lifts or texture sprays or volume mousse right... Everything gets as stiff as the first (overenthusiastic) spray of Redken Instant Densifying Spray. I brush out as best I can and go to work. And come home with hair that is airy, fluffy, and higher than since I was about 12. I should probably deduct a star because the spray nozzle feels a bit plasticky and unreliable. But once I've learned not to take too much, this becomes my new best friend. If it also increases fullness in the long run (which I choose to believe it can!) extra stars are needed. Also, the color on the bottle is nice! I've tried the whole Acidic Grow Full System and never thought this would become my favorite, but as you can tell from above, this will be my definite repurchase. The review was conducted on behalf of Smartson – the tester got to try the product for free.1 product in post A root lift for me who hates root lifts!50 views - The post was made 1 weekRating: 4 out of 5
Hope lives - but I want more proof
In a duo with a shampoo that makes the hair super clean and airy, you want a conditioner that doesn’t destroy the airy feel, but still makes the hair softer and smoother. And this conditioner manages that - kind of. The airy feel is no problem - the product is quite loose and not at all greasy, which makes me doubt the softness. However, once out of the shower, I can’t complain: The hair feels smooth and healthy. But the feeling of the shampoo still remains, and I don’t know if it’s because of that or because the conditioner actually doesn’t quite get all the way there, as I feel I need to complement with a mask or leave-in when I use the duo. A bit of a shame! A bit of a shame about the scent too! It’s fresh and citrusy (a bit like Olaplex!). I understand that this can appeal, but for me, the line is very thin to “Ajax cleaning product”... Not as luxurious as I otherwise imagine Redken! The bottle is nice and functional though (I’m weak for the color, even if it has nothing to do with hair care :-)). As you understand, I have used the series as a whole and I can reveal that it gets an overall pass. Maybe I’ll raise the rating further after longer use too, when I see more long-term effect...? It DOESN’T feel completely impossible that it would actually work, and based on what I’ve researched myself about hair growth and similar, the research behind it is solid. Then maybe I won’t buy another bottle until more have tested ... So you do that! :-) The review was conducted on behalf of Smartson - the test pilot got to try the product for free.1 product in post Hope lives - but I want more proof65 views - The post was made 1 weekRating: 3 out of 5
Detox shampoo with extra effect...?
A look at other reviews tells me that I am ... picky? But to get full marks from me, full performance is also required! This shampoo does perform its basic function – the hair gets clean. Really clean, it feels like. Both consistency, lather, and effect are the same as the shampoos I use as detox. But I do detox once a week (to avoid drying out), and this shampoo I want to – if it also performs its extra task: to make the hair healthier and fuller – to use more often...? The combo doesn’t feel quite right. Neither does the scent. It’s fresh and citrusy (a bit like Olaplex!). I understand that this can appeal, but for me, the line is very thin to "Ajax cleaning agent"... Not as luxurious as I usually think of Redken! The bottle is nice and functional though (I’m weak for the color, even if it has nothing to do with hair care :-)). Together with the conditioner bottle, it makes me happy to look at on the shower shelf! Speaking of the conditioner, it’s good to know that it doesn’t quite balance out the detoxed/super clean (and therefore a bit dry) feeling after the shampoo. If I use these two, there’s a need for an extra mask or leave-in product (but that’s easy to solve!). As you understand, I have used the series as a whole and I can reveal that overall it gets a pass (so picky I’m not!). Maybe I’ll raise the rating of the shampoo after longer use too, when I see more long-term effect...? It DOESN’T feel impossible that it could actually work, and based on what I’ve researched about hair growth and similar, the research behind it is solid. Worth trying, for you with oilier hair and who like citrus cleansing... or just aren’t so picky ;-) The review was conducted on behalf of Smartson – the test pilot got to try the product for free.1 product in post Detox shampoo with extra effect...?71 views - The post was made 1 monthRating: 4 out of 5
Lovely for tired eyes!
The bottle looks nice on the shelf and the silver balls feel a bit luxurious. The balls are also cold, which feels lovely against the skin under the eyes. The feeling on the skin after application is also nice. The surface gets a bit "sticky", but it also gives a tightening effect - grateful right around the eyes! At the same time, I have a hard time getting it to work under makeup, which means this becomes a pure night serum - that unfortunately brings the rating down a bit. I also imagine that the skin around the eyes feels a bit more hydrated and that fine lines become less noticeable even after use. More fun than the "regular" hyaluronic serum in the series, then! (Even though you can get both if you want to match on the shelf :-) ) The review was conducted on behalf of Smartson - the test pilot was allowed to try the product for free.1 product in post Lovely for tired eyes!88 views - The post was made 1 monthRating: 3 out of 5
Fancier packaging than content
The bottle looks nice on the shelf and the dropper function works well (even though the light consistency makes it easy to spill). But the serum gives neither more nor less than other hyaluronic serums, so I'm unsure if it's worth its price...? The feel on the skin is lovely and it works well under makeup. I haven't noticed any long-term effects, but I usually don't with pure moisture serums either. If you want something purple on the shelf, it works! The review was conducted on behalf of Smartson - the test pilot was allowed to try the product for free.1 product in post Fancier packaging than content84 views - The post was made 1 monthRating: 2 out of 5
Silky/crumbly
Yes, the jar looks a bit cheap and the protection inside the lid is loose, which leads to stickiness (and it doesn't protect). But purple is nice! You can immediately see that it will be quite "silky" - which gives a nice feeling on the fingers, but easily layers up and flakes off on the skin. Why do manufacturers still do this...? It's the usage over time that should work, not the first feeling...? Doesn't work under anything, so only if you want a silky layer on the outside - and don't tend to touch your face during the day (because then it crumbles!) The scent is classic lorealig and also feels quite cheap. The effect is not luxurious either, but as an extra layer of moisture over more effective products, it serves a certain function. Probably wouldn't pay full price though - there are better and more effective creams just for moisture! The review was conducted on behalf of Smartson - the test pilot was allowed to try the product for free.1 product in post Silky/crumbly69 views - The post was made 1 monthRating: 3 out of 5
Moisture in nice packaging (but not much more)
Yes, the jar looks a bit cheap and the protection inside the lid is loose, which leads to messiness (and it doesn't protect). But purple is nice! The cream is also beautifully purple, which adds to the experience. You can immediately see that it will be quite "silicony" - which gives a nice feeling on the fingers, but easily layers up and flakes on the skin. Why do manufacturers still do this...? It's the long-term use that should work, not the first feeling...? Well, in a night cream, it matters less for me. The scent is classic lorealig and feels quite cheap as well. The effect is not luxurious either, but as an extra layer of moisture over more effective products, it serves a certain function. I probably wouldn't pay full price though - there are better and more effective creams just for moisture! The review was conducted on behalf of Smartson - the test pilot was allowed to try the product for free.1 product in post Moisture in nice packaging (but not much more)120 views - The post was made 1 monthRating: 5 out of 5
Cheap diamond
First impression: The man's budget shampoo favorite, but with a silver suit... should it be something to have...? I'm testing quickly with my thin, lightly weighed down hair and it becomes shiny - not greasy. Plus, it smells good. Hmm, maybe worth trying on someone with better quality hair. And yes - the daughter will fall in love. First in the mist, then in the scent. It's easy to brush through right away, and it's hard to overdose. The hair becomes shiny and the shine lasts. The scent does too, just the right amount for just the right length of time. 119 bucks - steal! The review was conducted on behalf of Smartson - the test pilot got to try the product for free.1 product in post Cheap diamond181 views - The post was made 1 monthRating: 2 out of 5
Fun consistency - boring effect
Yellow is ugly, or yellow is fun...? The plastic container looks cheap, but at the same time uplifting, and it's light in the hand (better for the environment than heavy "luxury" packaging, I think). The cream is significantly more appealing, with a lovely sorbet-like consistency that you immediately want to run your fingers through. The first feeling is also lovely and - as the name suggests - fresh. A bit too fresh though. I don't really know where Garnier gets "bright" or "hydrating" from - the sorbet consistency, along with the high content of niacinamide and alcohol, gives an immediately mattifying feeling on the skin. For me, it becomes far too dry. Maybe it works better for someone with oily skin? However, I don't dare ask my teenage daughter to test it, as all the scents and citrus additives feel like they would immediately irritate acne-prone skin. It ends up that I use the cream on my body, mostly for the lovely feeling when applying - then I unfortunately feel dry all day. I will stick to Garnier's hair products in the future! The review was conducted on behalf of Smartson - the test pilot was allowed to try the product for free.1 product in post Fun consistency - boring effect124 views