EVOLVh Smartcurl First Impressions

EVOLVh is a brand that is all over the green beauty scene. They appear in natural food stores, in beauty boxes, and seem to be a staple for a few beauty bloggers. I had my first experience with them in one of my first Petite Vour box earlier this year.

For those that don’t know Petite Vour is a beauty subscription services that you receive monthly. They have sample, deluxe sample, and often time full size of natural beauty, body, and, makeup. They offer cruelty free, vegan, and natural products and brands. They are a great way to get started in green beauty. But I digress.

My first impressions of the products were honestly, meh. The shampoo was nice. I enjoyed the smell and the lather. The Conditioner was a bit lack luster in my opinion. I had a trial size bottle and used it all up in one washing. The conditioner didn’t offer the slip I need to detangle and properly condition my hair and that says a lot to me as my hair is curly but I do not have much of it as it rather thin.  It was nothing exceptional but I liked that they were clean and avoided synthetic fragrances. I could also find them in a local health food store although I never bought any full sizes as they are fairly expensive.

After following them for several months on instagram I saw they were producing a new line geared towards curly girls, Smart Curls. This new line includes a new  styling product called the Wonderbalm. It us different as it is clear but not an oil. My first thought was the John Frida Frizz Ease Serum which is like an oil but its nothing like that.

I will be entirely honest, and this wont be a revelation if you follow me on Instagram, I was highly skeptical about this product. While the Smart Curl shampoo and conditioner are priced similar to their other shampoos and conditioners, this ‘Wonderbalm’ is a whopping $59 for a measly 3.4 ounces. A travel size amount. This gave me pause. What on earth could warrant this price tag.

From their site:

INGREDIENTS

Coco-caprylate, diheptyl succinate & capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer*, hydrogenated rapeseed oil*, kiwi seed oil, castor oil, almond oil.

* Eco-certified Ingredients

……? I still don’t see it. Someone pointed out to me that it kiwi seed oil can be pricey. Yet when I look up kiwi seed oil I don’t find any jaw dropping prices. So in my mind even if that oil is very expensive, it is third last on the list.

After the launch of their new products they offered for only 2 days to purchase the sample size of the shampoo, conditioner, and the wonderbalm for $20. I couldn’t resist. This was my chance. I purchased it.

The shampoo and conditioner was the typical size but this wonder balm size. I can’t even describe how small it is.

Previously on Instagram I had questioned the price. They responded to me that a little goes a long way. Yet when I check the website for instructions on use it stated to apply 3-6 pumps. The sample size is probably 1-2 pumps. It is to be noted as I reread their website and after a bit of pointing this out on my Instagram page (probably not related) it has been changed to “Initially apply 1 pump to wet or dry hair, roots to ends.  Then adjust number of pumps according to length of hair and definition required.” After using it this seems to be more in line as I will agree a little does indeed go a long way.

The Wonderbalm is a clear serum like consistency. It has a nice texture and does feel like a product that has silicons in yet but it does not. I used what I believed what one pump would be and that was more than enough. When I use this again I will use even less. I applied it using the praying hands method, scrunch a bit more in the ends, ploppled, and diffused.

 

Below is a video and I demonstrate using all the products, styling, and I give my first impressions on the line.  Enjoy watching!