Oil has been really big recently. My love for face oil, body oil, and hair oil is well-documented here, so when Kérastase launched Elixir Ultime Sublime Cleansing Oil Shampoo (RRP in Belgium: 22 euros) and Beautifying Oil Masque (RRP: 39,30 euros), I was definitely intrigued! The duo contains the well-loved Elixir Ultime to complete the hair care routine. I’ve been using both products for the past 6 weeks, and I’m ready to share my findings with you!
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Sublime Cleansing Oil Shampoo has the classic packaging of Kérastase “Bain,” and it has the same reflective sticker on the back with the Elixir Ultime oil. The packaging functions well, and golden cap makes it look more luxurious (though I can assure you I went a little coo coo photographing it).
The shampoo is clear, and it smells like warm nutty amber (again, just like the oil). I was very skeptical about it, because many “nourishing” shampoos or the ones that contain oil tend to make my scalp grease up so much faster. Fortunately, the Elixir Ultime shampoo doesn’t do that! On top of that, it foams up well, cleanses well, and it is really gentle on my distressed locks. My hair tangles up less in the shower with this one. I am really pretty happy, because this is about the first nourishing shampoo I’ve tried that doesn’t make my hair greasy!
Here is the ingredient list if anyone is interested:
I have always had good experience with Kérastase hair masks, so one that contains oil sounds really promising! Kérastase Elixir Ultime Beautifying Oil Masque has the same smell with the oil and shampoo. It has shimmer when you look at it under the light, though since you have to rinse it off I don’t see it on my hair afterwards.
Like other Kérastase masks I’ve tried, Elixir Ultime Beautifying Oil Masque does not disappoint. It is rich, and like any conditioner/treatment, I wouldn’t suggest you put it on the scalp. Normally only the hair below your ears needs special attention. I do feel that for the past 6 weeks, my hair has been more manageable. Whether I follow up with Elixir Ultime or a silicone-free leave-in conditioner afterwards (I still like Kiehl’s Strengthening and Hydrating Hair Oil-in-Cream), my hair is less brittle and rough. My new hairdryer might have something to do with it as well (that will be for another post), but this duo has been working very well for me!
Here is the ingredient list if anyone needs it:
Bottom line: If Kérastase, or more specifically Elixir Ultime works well for you but your hair needs some extra help in winter, the Elixir Ultime Sublime Cleansing Oil Shampoo and Beautifying Oil Masque are definitely worth looking into. The shampoo cleanses well, is gentle for the hair, and it doesn’t make my scalp oil up faster. The mask works just as well as other Kérastase masks I have tried. You probably don’t need to run out and get this one if you are using a Kérastase mask that you like, but should you run out and want a new one, it is worth a try!
Have you tried any shampoos/masks that contain oil? How do they work for you?
Sunny, your beauty culture translator xx
