My Fab Five

I mentioned before that I am not a major product junkie. Of course, I do have some products on my wish list like the Oyin Handmade line and different types of oils. But, for the most part I stick to my main products. So, I started thinking about what are my Fab Five products that I would need no matter what. Meaning, if someone said you are going to an island and can only bring 5 products these are the ones I would bring.

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: So, this is my main oil. I adore the weight of EVOO, the smell, and its many benefits. Also, my hair and skin loves this stuff so, this product has many functions. It is one of the few products that I use everyday no matter what.

2. Shea Butter: I adore shea butter! Usually, I mix my shea butter with EVOO in the microwave and let it set. I use this mixture to seal my ends and lay down my hair edges. I love this product because it is a great sealant.

3. Suave Naturals in Tropical Cocounut: I own a few conditioners but, this conditioner has earned it spot as my FAVE (HE Hello Hydration used to be my fave). It contains no cones, which is good. I am not against cones but, I do try to limit the amount of cones I apply to my hair. This conditioner is lightweight. Also, this is one of the few conditioners I will co-wash with, deep condition with, and use as a leave in. When, I apply this conditioner as a leave-in it does not weigh the hair down or leave a film behind. I know I love this stuff because I buy it like I buy tissue. If I am in the store, I will pick up a bottle of because I use it that much. And did I mention the price is so nice?!? It usually ranges from 0.94 to 1.09.

4. Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo: This is my only shampoo and I love it! Why change a good thing??? I do have an interest in trying out other shampoos but, this is my main shampoo. This shampoo contains great ingredients--sulfate free. And its easily accessible. I usually buy mine from Target and I heard that they now sell it at Walmart. The price is usually about $7-$8 but, I feel this is a very good price considering what a great product it is and its many benefits. I do like the Giovanni line as a whole but, this is my FAVE product from their line.

5. Water (H20) : Ok, I know that technically water is not a product but, it is essential to me. I was trying to think of a 5th product and I was having such a difficult time. Then, it came to me...water! Of course, we use water to wash our hair but, it also aids me in my numerous hairstyles. I constantly keep water in my spray bottle. I may mix it with conditioner, or a leave in, or oils, or just use it in its pure state. No matter how I use it, it is a crucial part of my natural hair care regimen. Also, it is the only product that I can consume and it will benefit my entire body:-)

So, do you have a Fab Five???

A Staple Product: Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture Conditioner

You already know that I am a big fan of the Giovanni product line. I did a previous review for the leave-in conditioner HERE. And I did another review on the shampoo HERE. So, now I am moving on the Giovanni Deep Moisture conditioner.

I adore this conditioner. I always use it in conjunction with the entire Giovanni line. Meaning, if I am shampooing with the Giovanni then I will be conditioning with the Giovanni. This conditioner has a creamy consistency and is great for detangling. However, since this is one of my most expensive conditioners I usually mainly deep condition with this only.

Pros:
1. Great consistency.
2. No overpowering scent.
3. Provides great moisture to the hair.
4. Great for detangling.
5. Gives great sheen to the hair.
6. Decreases the amount of frizz.

Cons:
1. Other conditioners can provide these same results. So, there is not a need to purchase this particular brand.

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water) With *Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, *Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Valencia Orange) Extract, (Mangifera Indica (Mango) Extract, *Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract, *Ginkgo Biloba Extract, *Echinacea Angustifolia Extract, *Salix Alba (Willow Bark), *Macrocystis Pyrifera (Sea Kelp) Extract, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Leaf Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, *Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Extract, *Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamide Mea, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Distearate, Amodimethicone, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysulfaine, Decyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disteareth-75 Ipdi,C11-15 Pareth-7, Citric Acid, C12-16 Pareth-9,Glycerin, Trideceth-12, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance With Essential Oils. *Certified Organic By Guaranteed Certification Services.


I am a loyal consumer of Giovanni and I will be purchasing this product again. When I go to Target, I just pick up all three of my main products from this line--and the conditioner is apart of it. Now, I do plan on trying some of their other products from this line. So, stay tuned for that...

A Staple Product: Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo

I have already reviewed the Giovanni Deep Moisture Leave-in so now it is time to move on to the shampoo.

I have been a faithful user of this shampoo since I first became natural. I heard many great things about it on numerous blogs so, I knew I would definitely be using that shampoo. Currently, this is my only shampoo. I do love what it does for my hair. I do want to try other shampoos in the future but, I am pleased with my current shampoo. So, why mess up a good thing?

Pros:
1. Has no bad ingredients--no sulfate.
2. Does not leave hair feeling stripped and/or dry.
3. Does what it says--provides deep moisture.
4. Does not give too much lather. It just lightly suds up.
5. I only have to lather once (no repeat) to achieve great results.
6. Price is not ridiculous for such a great product.
7. Does not have an overpowering scent.
8. Can be found at Target, Ulta, etc. so, there is no need to order it.
9. No animal products and cruelty free. Vegan.

Cons:
Honestly, I can't think of one con for this product.

Ingredients: Aqua ((purified water)), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Valencia Orange) Extract (*), Mangifera Indica (Mango) Extract (*), Cymbopogon Schoeanthus (Lemongrass) Extract (*), Ginkgo Biloba Extract (*), Echinacea Angustifolia (Coneflower) Extract (*), Salix Alba (Willow Bark) (*), Marcocystis Pyrifera (Sea Kelp) Extract (*), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Leaf Extract (*), Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract (*), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract (*), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract (*), Sodium C14 16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamide MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Distearate, Amodimethicone, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Decyl Glucoside, Ethylhexyglycerin, Disteareth 75 IPDI, C11 15 Pareth 7, Citric Acid, C12 16 Pareth 9, Glycerin, Trideceth 12, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance with Essential Oils

This is definitely my go-to shampoo. Even if I try other shampoos in the future, I will definitely still purchase this product. It is a must have, in my opinion, in my household.

Next up, the Giovanni Deep Moisture conditioner...

A Staple Product: Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner

So, I have had the Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner since I first became natural. I really didn't know how I felt about the leave-in, which is why I have been hesitant to review it. However, this past weekend I used it again and I realize that I do like this product. My initial hesitant feelings was mainly due to the frothy white residue that is on the hair after you apply the leave-in. I guess I was used to leave-ins that don't leave any type of residue. Yet, what's amazing about this residue is that is soaks into the hair and eventually disappears. So, here's my thoughts on this leave-in conditioner...

Pros:
1. This product has great ingredients.
2. This product promotes moisture in the hair, which is always good.
3. There is not an overpowering scent to this product.
4. This product soaks into each strand of the hair once applied.
5. This product does not leave a build-up.
6. This product gives control to the hair but, it keeps the hair soft.

Cons:
1. There is a white frothy residue on the hair but, it eventually leaves.
2. The price may be considered too high--considering that you can get these same results with some cheapie conditioners.

Ingredients:
Aqua (Purifed) Water, Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Oil, Nettle (Urtica Dioica) Oil, Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Oil, Birch (Butela Alba) Leaf Oil, Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis Flower) Oil, Clary (Salvia Sclarea), Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago Fargara), Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Oil, Mallow (Malya Sylvestris), Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) Oil, Soybean Protein (Glycine Soja), Cetyl Alcohol (Plant Derived), Tocopherol (*Vitamin E), Trace Minerals, Citric Acid (Corn), Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Grapefruit Seed (Citrus Derived)

Overall, I am pleased with this product. Will I be buying it again? Most likely. I am loyal to the Giovanni line of products. They have some great products. So, I know that when I go to my local Target to restock on my Giovanni I will be repurchasing this product. Also, I think its good to spoil yourself sometimes.

There will be more reviews of the Giovanni line coming in the future...