April Product Reviews...

April Product Reviews...

                     WEN  Cleansing Conditioner and
               Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Hey girls!  Today's post is the first of (what is likely to be) a monthly post giving my personal review of new (to me) beauty products.  This month I am featuring WEN Cleansing Conditioner and  Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer.  I have been familiar with both of these products for some time, as both have been available for awhile, but I finally gave in to the Wen trend about a month and a half ago and the Jergens craze about a week ago. So, here goes (and remember these reviews are only my personal experience from using the product for the specified period of time)...

WEN Cleansing Conditioner

What the product is:
An all-in-one shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler, leave-in conditioner, and shaving cream. It is formulated for all hair types, including chemically treated.  It contains no stripping agents, detergents, harsh chemicals, or sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates.  Available in a variety of scents.  This review is based on using the Limited Edition Winter Vanilla Mint scent.   

Manufacturer's suggested method of application:
Apply 16-30 pumps of cleansing conditioner to palms and rub together.  Use 30-40 pumps for longer/thicker hair.  Apply to scalp, add a splash of water, and massage vigorously for 1-3 minutes.  Comb through and allow to set for 3-5 minutes for maximum conditioning.  Comb through and rinse hair thoroughly.  It is important to use the suggested number of pumps in order to achieve the results of clean, shiny, and moisturized hair. 

Product claim:
It is a revolutionary step toward beautiful, healthy, shiny hair.  It will clean and condition hair without a lather.  WEN cleansing conditioner replaces the need for shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler, leave-in conditioner, and even shaving cream.  Without detergents, harsh chemicals, and sulfates, and without the need of a lather, it creates clean, healthy, shiny, moisturized hair.     

Product results:
Ok, so I have been using the Winter Vanilla Mint scent for about a month and a half now.  I was aware of the importance of using the suggested number of pumps.  Me, being the rebel that I am, thought I didn't need to use (what seemed like) such an excessive amount of product on my slightly longer than shoulder length hair.  Wrong!  I used 16 or so pumps for my first use and achieved nothing different from my previous products.  For my second use, I went to the other extreme and used 40 pumps. The results were amazing!  My hair was extremely moisturized and soft to the touch, not to mention slightly shinier.  I decided to experiment with the number of pumps to determine the minimum number that I could use to achieve the desired results.  For me, that number appears to be around 26.  Occasionally I will use a couple of extra pumps for additional moisturization.  

The product is relatively expensive based on the amount needed per application.  A 16oz. bottle costs about $29 and a 32oz. bottle costs about $50 (plus tax and S&H...I have yet to see it available in stores).  Depending on the number of pumps, you could use a 16oz. bottle in as little as 8 applications.  I am close to finishing off my first 16oz.bottle, so I probably will have gotten about 15 applications out of mine.  I try to justify the price with the results (never have I had hair this moisturized since chemically treating) and the fact that it acts as a shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, and leave-in conditioner.  

To quote Chaz Dean, the founder of WEN..."Are you a WEN girl?"  Now I can say, "Yes, I am!"
WEN is available at QVC.com here or Wenhaircare.com here. 
Do I recommend this product?  Yes, 4 stars out of 5 stars ....not 5 due to price. 


Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer - Revitalizing

What the product is:A daily moisturizer with a powerful antioxidant and Vitamin E formula that gradually creates natural-looking color.  Available in "light to medium skin tones" and "medium to tan skin tones".  This review is based on the Medium to Tan Skin Tones formula.

Manufacturer's suggested method of application:
Use daily as a body lotion.  Smooth on evenly, allowing several minutes to dry prior to dressing.  Wash hands after application.

Product claim:
Moisturizer delivers fabulous natural-looking color gradually that lasts 2X as long as the leading lotion sunless tanner and infuses your skin with a blend of effective moisturizers, vitamin E, and more antioxidant power to keep it looking healthy.  You will begin to see a subtle development of color within several days.  If color change is not as noticeable as desired, apply more frequently.  Optimum color intensity will be reached after about one week of daily use.  Continue to use it daily to maintain healthy glow.


Product results:
Ok, so I first started using this moisturizer in the medium to tan skin tones formula about a week ago.  Enough time has passed in order for the product to reach it's claimed "optimum color intensity".  I had mixed feelings after the first application.  Fortunately I applied it in the evening because the smell was somewhat offensive.  I noticed almost immediately the moisturizing benefits, and within a couple of hours I started seeing a subtle color change.  My skin was still moisturized the next morning and I noticed additional color to my skin.  Unfortunately, the odor was still there, and I couldn't wait to jump into the shower.  I realized that I would need to keep doing my applications in the evening because of the odor.  

I applied the moisturizer once a day as recommended.  The manufacturer didn't provide a suggestion on the optimum amount to use, so I applied about a quarter size amount to each arm and double that for each leg.  The moisturization benefits continued to be amazing!  With each application, I observed a continual, gradual increase in color for the first several days.  After about day three, the color increase leveled off.  I increased the application amount slightly, but I have not seen any difference.  Either my skin has reached the optimum color intensity or I need to increase the amount I am using.  

The current result is an even, medium golden color...and no orange!  My skin has the look of having spent the weekend at the beach without the sun damage and red, sunburned skin.  The color isn't as intense as other self tanners but comes without the streaking, orange color undertone, or darkened areas that many other self tanners create at knees, elbows, and knuckles.  The price is a plus too, being under $10 for a 7.5oz. bottle.  Most other self tanners are quite a bit more expensive.    

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is available at most drugstores.
Do I recommend this product?  Yes, 3.5 out of 5 stars...not 5 due to odor and maximum color intensity


Hopefully these reviews are beneficial and you consider giving one or both of these products a try.  I especially recommend trying the WEN because the potential health benefits to your hair are amazing!  I would love to hear your feedback on these reviews and on the products themselves if you have used or are using them. 

Have a great weekend!
Cathy