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Why Love Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Overnight Serum

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Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment Review

Harsh winter weather combined with forced indoor heat can cause luscious locks to quickly turn dry, brittle and blah. So we were excited to try Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment. It provides a no-fuss, overnight remedy to revive hair and build bonds with natural oils. It is especially effective on delicate hair ends.

Aveda Botanical Repair is excellent for delicate and brittle hair strands

What Is Aveda Botanical Repair 

It is an overnight bond builder hair serum that did not leave my hair sticky or greasy

Why Aveda Botanical Repair Is Special

Unlike many bond builders, it is free from silicones, parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, and formaldehyde. 

It is a small package, but you only need to use the tiniest amount for full-size product level results.

The Ingredients

Avocado Oil Ingredient featured on StyleChicks.com

 

Avocado Oil

Using Avo in a formulation imparts the benefits of avocado oil without the heavy oil feel.

Sacha Indci Nuts

Sacha Inchi nuts

Sacha Inchi Oil

Sachi Inchi Oil  has amazing hair friendly properties. It replaces lost protein in the hair shaft. It is another name for  Sacha Inchi Oil has an astounding level of omega-3s, omega-6s and some omega-9s. Omegas feed hair and keep it looking lush and hydrated.

Nangai Oil (CANARIUM INDICUM OIL)

Nangai Oil comes from a nut of the canarium indicum tree. It absorbs quickly and retains precious hair moisture with moisture-enhancing triglycerides. These promote hair shine and texture.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower Oil is an excellent unscented oil for hair hydration and softening. 

  • Vitamin E promotes scalp health.
  • It blends well with other oils.
  • Ideal for coarse hair because it helps hair retain moisture. It is a light non-polar solvent that prevents water loss. It penetrates the hair shaft to lock and retain moisture.
  • It contains Omega 9, an essential acid needed to stop breakage and stimulate hair growth.

Sunflower Oil benefits all hair types, especially hair needing extra moisture. This includes coarse hair, curly hair, and damaged hair

The Experience

CONSISTENCY

A lightweight consistency similar to a finishing cream. I did not find it at all greasy, especially for a product with multiple heavy oils.

SCENT

There is a faint nutty scent in the tube but I do not find it detectible upon application.

APPLICATION

TIP: Apply sparingly – think lima bean, not grape size dollop for long hair, pea size dollop for short. I find it also doubles as a hair smoother.

It comes is a smaller sample size to try before a bigger investment. It says it is intended to be used as part of the Aveda Botanical Repair system, but also functions as a nice go-to smoother that fits into your bag for a quick frizzy hair fix.

Where to Find Aveda Botanical Repair

Find Aveda Botanical Repair at aveda.com and Nordstrom

Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment

Summary of Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment

Did you like this article Why Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In is Special?

Then you may also enjoy other hair care articles and topics such as:

10 TIPS HOW TO BEST USE PHILIP KINGSLEY ELASTICIZER

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Have any comments or questions about Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment? Leave a comment or Email Us

ABOUT THIS POST

The Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment was submitted to Style Chicks for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own.

How to Best Use the Nira Precision Laser

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REVIEW + GUIDE for the NIRA PRECISION LASER DEVICE

We previously featured NIRA. NIRA is an FDA-approved, at-home use non-fractional at-home laser device tightens skin in 2 minutes a day.

This handheld dermatological device stimulates natural collagen production for younger looking skin and works in the small tricky crevice areas like around the browbone, crow’s feet, mouth, and eleven lines.

In this guide we tell our experience with the Nira Precision Skincare Laser and how to use NIRA.

Meet NIRA Precision: an FDA approved skin care device for at-home use

Meet NIRA: an FDA approved skin care device for at-home use

See Part One of this two part series:  How Does the NIRA Skincare Laser work?

 

What Is NIRA Precision Skincare Laser?

The NIRA Precision Skincare Laser offers a method of collagen building without the risks associated with in-office fractional laser skin resurfacing.

And it is far less painful. No risks or downtime. 

The improvement is slow and subtle. But it is notable.

The NIRA Precision laser device is an ergonomically shaped tool that is lightweight and fits in your hand.

The device is an ergonomically shaped tool that is lightweight and fits in your hand

NIRA Precision Device Bundle

Here is what came in my NIRA skincare laser bundle:

NIRA Precision comes with the device and a Hyaluronic Acid serum

The bundle comes with the device and a Hyaluronic Acid serum

Nira Precision comes with a charger

NIRA Precision comes with a charger

The Treatment Head

The treatment head makes direct contact with the skin.

Because the head is small (about the size of a pencil head eraser) the treatment can be very targeted to thin skin areas a fractional (damaging) laser could not normally treat.

 Two examples are around the mouth and the orbital eye area.

Nira Precision treatment head closeup

The NIRA Precision Skincare Laser treatment head is small enough to fit into crevices and target fine lines

 

Meet NIRA: an FDA approved skin care device for at-home use

Side view of the device

 

Nira Precision treatment head closeup

Close up of the treatment head

Nira Precision treatment head closeup

Nira Precision with back of box

Nira Precision body closeup

The body of the laser device lights up for the increment levels from low to high

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The serum is hyaluronic acid – no extra bells and whistles. No fillers, parabens, and it is fragrance-free.

You may have a HA product you love, but for this purpose, choose one without extra treating ingredients so you can best tolerate the treatment.

Nira Hyaluronic Acid Serum enhances Nira Precision results

NIRA Hyaluronic Acid Advanced Serum is oil free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free

How to Best Use Nira Precision 

The instructions are simple.

  1. Wash and dry the area to be treated.
  2. Now turn the device on.
  3. Press the button again to increase or decrease the strength level between 1 and 5.
  4. For your first session, start at one or two green bars.
  5. Place the circle tip head directly and evenly against your skin where you desire treatment.
  6. Press the big button to activate the “burst” of energy.
  7. Listen for the two beeps. You will feel the “burst”.
  8. Adjust the level of green bars to your comfort. Some areas won’t hurt at all with 4 or 5 bars.  But other areas are more sensitive. Determine your comfort level per area.
  9. Move over to the next spot and repeat until you have treated the entire area.
  10. Repeat a second treatment on the area, so that the area is treated twice. (every spot gets two bursts total)
  11. Focus on one small area at a time for best results. 
  12. Then repeat in the next area. 
  13. End your session or move onto the next area to be treated.
  14. Once treatment is complete, apply the Hyaluronic Acid.
  15. It is about two minutes to treat each area.
  16. Each area should get two treatments, but don’t do them twice in succession.
  17. Complete the treatment area and start over.

How to DECODE THE NIRA Precision BEEP Sounds

There are 3 distinct sounds to help you use the device properly.

You should hear two sounds each time you press the button.

WHAT IS THE NIRA FIRED CORRECTLY SOUND?

When you correctly fired the energy burst, there are two quick beeps.

WHAT IS THE NIRA MISFIRED SOUND?

  • if the head is misaligned or on an uneven surface or misfired, it is one beep before a losing a game show like buzz.
  • When you hear that, you will need to redo that spot. This happens most often along contours and curves of the face.

WHAT IS THE BURST COUNT SOUND?

Periodically there is a two-beat third sound that is just keeping count of how many bursts have happened so far in the session.

All is well!

What is the PAIN LEVEL of NIRA?

It is not completely painless, but not bad. Its a quick little “zap”.

What can I do if it is uncomfortable to use the device?

  • If it is too uncomfortable, choose a lower setting.
  • You control when the burst occurs, so you can be ready for it.
  • We recommend starting with level 1 or 2 the first time just to know what to expect.

RESULTS

The device is quite useful on forehead wrinkles and around the eyes. I really like it to firm and tone around the browbone, crow’s feet and to contour my lip line.

NIRA tackles pesky tell tale signs of aging such as crows feet, eleven lines, and deep forehead creases.

Results take time. But there is no down time. And no risk of infection.

There is a bit of temporary redness after use, but no skin irritation or swelling.

 

Tips for NIRA Precision Best Use

  • Take closeup photos of yourself, there are improvements but subtle over 90 days.
  • Start with a lower strength, especially on sensitive areas. Increment up as you grow accustomed to the device
  • Charge after every other use

Where to Find It

Find the NIRA Precision Skincare Laser & Serum Bundle at niraskin.com

Nira Precision Skincare Laser

The Skincare Laser Packaging

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Have any comments or questions? 

The Style Chicks are here to answer them.

Leave a comment below or Email Us

 

ABOUT THIS POST

The NIRA Precision Skincare Laser was submitted to us for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own.

How to Best Use Vegamour GRO Hair Foam

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This is a product review and ingredient breakdown for Vegamour GRO Hair Foam. We clarify a common misconception about How to Best Use Vegamour GRO Hair Foam.

Many of us would like to grow fuller, lush hair. There are several serums and oils on the market. These are often a messy application that makes hair go flat and greasy at the root – right where you want more volume.

Here is our research on the Vegamour GRO Hair Foam formulation as well as our experience.

Read all about how Vegamour GRO Hair Foam works. It looks like hair mousse but you only need to apply small amount

How to Best Use Vegamour GRO Hair Foam

Vegamour GRO Hair Foam is a mousse-like foam that adds volume at the root.

It is not intended for the lengths of the hair.

While it does double-duty as a styling agent to maximize the appearance of thinner hair, it is really a hair growth serum in a precise application form.

Why It Vegamour GRO Hair Foam is Special

While most hair growth formulations are oily, greasy or clump the hair together, this formula acts like a styling mousse at the root and adds some hair volume.

Adhering to daily use is much easier when I am not tempted to skip a day of treatment in order to have a better looking hair style for a day.

Vegamour GRO Hair Foam review

Research-Backed Treatments for Hair Regrowth

There are many formulations out there promising hair growth. While many ingredients can provide SOME benefit, most don’t address the main reasons hair won’t grow in well.

Research indicates the primary enemies to hair growth are:

  • DHT accumulation on the scalp
  • loss of blood circulation to the scalp
  • scalp inflammation
  • nutritional deficiencies

Bloodwork can rule out some nutritional basics like low Vitamin D levels, iron, magnesium, and B12. Most of us get enough Biotin from fortified foods but if you are low, that can impair hair growth.

A dermatologist can rule out other conditions, such as inflammatory conditions of the scalp, that may require medical attention.

But DHT and poor blood circulation are more complicated. That requires some topical treatment intervention. The ingredients in that topical treatment are key to your success.

Check out the ingredients in Vegamour GRO Hair Foam.

Vegamour Gro Hair Foam Key Ingredients

tumeric

Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Callus Conditioned Media

Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) is used for the prevention and reduction of hair loss, achieving an increase in density.

It is also an important stimulator of follicular activity, optimizing the hair cycle and providing improvements in the density, strength and health of the hair.

It is also an outstanding anti-inflammatory for promoting optimal scalp health.

Tumeric is effective at “jumpstarting” the dermal papilla cells of DPCs – where hair growth happens – after periods of dormancy.


Trifolium Pratense

Trifolium Pratense is red clover. Red clover addresses DHT.

DHT is a hormone that accumulates on the scalp. It can suffocate the hair follicle, causing it to grow a thinner and shorter until it cannot produce a hair at all.

DHT is partially removed with regular hair washing, but not entirely. It can be trapped under dandruff or oils. Certain ingredients show an ability to remove DHT. Red Clover is an particularly effective one while also not being harsh or drying to the scalp. 

Bergamot

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia, better known as Bergamot has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Linalool and carvacrol are compounds in bergamot oil. Both are excellent anti-inflammatories for skin issues such as acne and skin irritation.[1,2]It also lends natural scent.

Caffeine

Caffeine stimulates blood circulation and reduces puffiness
Caffeine stimulates blood circulation

Caffeine reduces inflammation.

Caffeine has antioxidant properties and slows down photo-aging. On the scalp, Caffeine encourages blood flow to nourish follicles and encourage healthy growth.


Vigna Radiata Extract

Mung beans. 

As it turns out, the humble mung bean is a hair growth superstar.

Mung beans deliver folate directly to the DPCs Dermal Papilla cells (DPCs).

DPCs are specialized mesenchymal cells [3] located at the hair follicle base. They are essential to the hair growth cycle, especially for postnatal hair growth. [4]

Nicotiana benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide 9

This is a fusion peptide. It is designed to be an identical copy of the human gene responsible for vascular endothelial growth factor, part of what grows hair. It contains amino acids, disulfide bonds and proteins all of which build hair. There are no animal bi-products in this peptide, and it functions like your own human genes, but younger and healthier.

Simply put, this peptide nourishes the anagen (growth) cycle of the hair while strengthening roots.

Lemon

Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide 86

A peptide.

Glucopeptide-2

Glucopeptide-2 is a peptide which uses an amino acid that acts like adiponectin. Adiponectin reduces the impact of genetic hair loss factors.

Limonene

Limonene comes from citrus peels. It adds natural fragrance and is believed to have some of the beneficial properties of the fruit such as Vitamins and anti-inflammatories. [5]

Biotin

Biotin is Vitamin H. Biotin aids in hydration, moisturizes, and restores dry skin. Biotin also supports the building of the keratin structure of hair.

Gluconolactone

A gentle polyhydroxy acid (PHA) exfoliant. PHA’s are like aHa’s but less irritating to the skin, so even sensitive skin types can use it. It not only exfoliates barriers such as dandruff and sebum, but is anti-aging to the scalp skin itself. [6] It is a “natural” ingredient, a cyclic ester of D-gluconic acid. [7,8]

THE Vegamour GRO Hair Foam EXPERIENCE

The scent is a fruity bergamot with a touch of citrus, but not so detectible once it dries down.

It is the texture of a hair mousse but applied just on the scalp at the hair root – not the lengths.

There is no weird residue. It wasn’t drying and washes out well. Only a small amount is necessary. This is particularly helpful for precise spot application if hair is thinner in a spot or to treat an uneven hairline.

  • PRO: Foam is less messy and offers a very precise application compared to a serum application.
  • PRO: Hair looks and feels thicker. There is less overall hair shed.
  • PRO: I did not experience white flakes or residue. It is somewhat stiff at the root – like a volumizing styling product – but not sticky.
  • PRO: Makes hair edges and the hair line appear thicker. This is a very nice perk compared to most hair growth serums and oils that tend to clump hair together or make hair seem greasy right where you want the appearance of thicker hair.
  • CON: If I could fix one thing, the nozzle would just a bit thinner to not disperse more product than I need at once.
  • TIP: Remember to shake the bottle well, like a hair mousse, for best texture on application.

If you are not a fan or serums or oils to promote hair growth, then Vegamour GRO Hair Foam’s controlled foam application is a great option for you.

It is useful for days I really prefer to style the fullest looking hair line yet still use a hair growth treatment, and use the hair serum on a “regular” day.

Where to Buy Vegamour GRO Hair Foam

Find Vegamour GRO Hair Foam at Vegamour and Sephora

References

  1. Perna, Simone et al. “Efficacy of bergamot: From anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations.” Food science & nutrition vol. 7,2 369-384. 25 Jan. 2019, doi:10.1002/fsn3.903
  2. Shao, L. (2003). [Effects of the extract from bergamot and boxthorn on the delay of skin aging and hair growth in mice]. China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica, 28(8), 766–769.
  3. Satoshi Itami, et al. Role of Androgen in Mesenchymal Epithelial Interactions in Human Hair Follicle, Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings, Volume 10, Issue 3, 2005, Pages 209-211,ISSN 1087-0024, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1087-0024.2005.10107.x.]
  4. Madaan A, Verma R, Singh AT, Jaggi M. Review of Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla cells as in vitro screening model for hair growth. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2018 Oct;40(5):429-450. doi: 10.1111/ics.12489. Epub 2018 Oct 4. PMID: 30144361.
  5. de Cássia da Silveira E Sá R, Lima TC, da Nóbrega FR, de Brito AEM, de Sousa DP. Analgesic-Like Activity of Essential Oil Constituents: An Update. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Dec 9;18(12):2392. doi: 10.3390/ijms18122392. PMID: 29232831; PMCID: PMC5751100.
  6. [Cutis., 2004 Feb;73(2 Suppl):14-7., A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen.]
  7. National Center for Biotechnology Information. “PubChem Compound Summary for CID 7027, Gluconolactone” PubChem, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Gluconolactone. Accessed 26 August, 2023.
  8. Pastore, Saveria, et al. “The epidermal growth factor receptor system in skin repair and inflammation.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology 128.6 (2008): 1365-1374.

ABOUT THIS POST

This product was submitted to Style Chicks for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own.

What We Love About Armani Power Fabric+ Foundation

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June 2025 UPDATE: to this review: a 2025 in-depth detailed review of all the pros and cons of Armani Power Fabric+ Foundation is now live.

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric+ Foundation is a new player in the luxury foundation market. How does it compare to the cult classic Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation?

Armani Power Fabric+ Foundation product review

What We Love About Armani Power Fabric+ Foundation

This formulation covers a multitude of sins, especially on video conference!  It is buildable yet very lightweight. 

BEST FEATURE:  Armani Beauty’s Micro-fil technology and ultra-fine pigments give coverage without looking heavy on the skin. VERY thin layers get the job done.

Features

  • Matte Finish
  • There is an SPF 25 in this formulation
  • Lightweight formula with medium to full Coverage
  • Long-lasting, up to 24 hour wear
  • Full range of shades

The Giorgio Armani Power Fabric+ Foundation Experience

The foundation has enough coverage that I can skip concealer, plus it has an SPF.

I absolutely love the even, smooth coverage of this foundation. It blends flawlessly into skin with a very nice slip. There is a featherweight feel but the coverage is full yet natural. And extra dab under my nose and inner under eye and I needed no concealer.

I can find a shade that is an excellent match for my skin tone which is no small feat for my oddball coloring.

Areas Open for Improvement 

There are two things that disappoint:

  1. My skin is not oily, but the color oxidized within a few hours.
  2. It settled into fine lines quickly, despite my skin being well-hydrated and only using a sparing application. I refreshed with lightweight moisturizer dabbed on with a Beauty Blender, but I typically don’t have to maintain a product.

Final Thoughts

This is not a clean beauty formulation from an ingredient perspective, and it doesn’t claim to be.

However, it is still worthy of mention because it gives the appearance of very little (if any) makeup on the skin. Even those who prefer clean beauty cosmetics may wish to make an exception on occasion for a completely flawless finish that still looks natural.

This matte formulation however, seems best suited towards those with oily complexions.

My skin tends to be more dry, so I personally prefer the dewy finish of the original Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation to this newer matte formulation. Both formulations use the same Micro-fil technology and ultra-fine pigment.

But when you need a matte flawless finish with the look of no visible makeup, (think photo ops) Armani Beauty Power Fabric+ is hard to beat.

Where to Shop Giorgio Armani Power Fabric+ Foundation

Find the Armani Beauty range at Sephora and Saks Fifth Avenue

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