My experience with Kerastase Aura Botanica
When you have been using a certain haircare brand for nearly a decade and you notice your hair get better, both growth and texture, you know that you have found yourself your hot favourite. The brand on point for me is Kerastase Paris. Oh yes, I have wandered a few times in search of something superior, but have diligently made my way back. That is precisely what good brands do to you. They wow you, they keep you hooked!
Bain Volumifique has been my most coveted range from the brand as it gave my fine and flat hair, volume and life. The products lived upto its claims and they did it well. Imagine then my disappointment when the range was discontinued! Soon enough, I found my replacement in the Bain Densifique range which is great again for adding body and density to fine tresses. But to be absolutely honest, I do miss my lady Volumifique.
The latest addition to the Kerastase product range is Aura Botanica and I was absolutely thrilled to receive an invitation from B Blunt, RMV II stage for the products' salon launch. Aura Botanica is Kerastase's natural origin haircare range featuring two celebrated ingredients for their consistent and proven experience on hair - Coconut oil from Samoan islands and Argan oil from Morocco. A range formulated with 96 - 98% natural origin ingredients, the Aura Botanica products are absolutely devoid of silicones, sulphates and parabens which is perfect for lovers of all things natural. And if you are like me with a little one on the way, this is for you lady :-)
My Aura Botanica salon experience started with a scalp and hair consultation with the lovely Ashika from Kerastase India. I have mentioned this in my earlier posts on Bobbi Brown and Kiehls as well. One of the main reasons that I love certain brands the way that I do is because of the great customer experience the team provides. With the Kerastase team, my experience was no different. We spoke about our common love for some of the brand's iconic products, our disappointment with some discontinuations while my hair and scalp got pampered. Not blowing my own trumpet, but it wasn't quite a surprise when Ashika mentioned that my scalp looked squeaky clean and healthy with just a few tiny sensitive patches here and there. When you have been conscious with your choice of hair products and regular with your oil massages, hair spas and rituals, it better show, right? After the consultation, my hair was washed and shampooed with Bain Micellaire which is a gentle cleansing shampoo from the range. My hair did feel a little stiff after the wash. I have had similar experiences while using natural cleansers/shampoos from other brands like Kama and Forest Essentials. Silicones in the shampoo are what gives your hair a silky, smooth feel after a wash. And natural products are obviously silicone free. And this is why it's advised that this shampoo be always followed with Skin Fondamental(conditioner) from the range to give your hair a smooth texture and healthy glow. If you have fine hair, I'd suggest that you skimp on the conditioner and use it just along the length of the hair(completely avoiding the roots) to not risk your hair falling flat. I loved how smooth and healthy my hair felt and looked post conditioning. A blow-dry with a volumizing mist and Voila, we were done! At home, I do things a little differently. When I do not have the time and energy (Pregnancy does that to you!) to condition post shampoo, I use Kerastase Elixir Ultime on damp, towel dried hair. It's an oil based formula that provides instant conditioning and nourishment. Essence D'eclat from the Aura Botanica range is a perfect substitute if you are looking for something natural.
I am thoroughly pleased with my experience with Aura Botanica and the products are perfect addition to this phase of my life :-) It's yet another winner from the brand, with the range satisfying a desire for 'Responsible Luxury'. The Aura Botanica products are ideal for all hair types, be it fine or thick as the hand-pressed oils provide hair with protection, hydration, nutrition, suppleness and detangling. You could take home the products for your at-home rituals which is worth every penny and highly recommended by me as your hair needs continuous care. Alternatively, you could indulge in monthly Kerastase rituals for your scalp and hair at a salon for a relaxing experience.
A huge shoutout to Kim and the whole team at B Blunt RMV II Stage for always making me feel at home! People, if you live around the area, do visit the salon for extremely professional services and a great experience :-)
Ashika and Nikhila, you ladies are incredible. I wish the whole team at Kerastase India the very best with your new launch!
PC: Saikat Das, kslenscapes Saikat, thank you for accepting my invite at such a short notice and for the super quick turnaround time. You were an absolute joy to work with and hope to collaborate again soon :-)
And all you lovelies out there, I know I have been lagging with blog posts. But hey,I need to embrace this beautiful journey that I am going through :-) and that's my priority right now. Do continue to follow shimmerme.co on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates and stories. Xoxo
