Review: Tonic Leave-In Conditioner

Bren of So Much Pretty and I have been blogger buddies since we both wrote for Heels.com.  However, her posts are geared more towards beauty & body than style, so she’s always rolling in yummy beauty treats.  She offered to hook me up with some for review, including Luster Tonic: Leave in Conditioner.

Luster Tonic’s described as:

Luster is a leave-in conditioning mist with powerful UV-inhibitors and natural botanical oils designed to protect hair from the damaging effects of sun, salt, wind and chlorine…. Our unique cream-to-mist technology doubles as a luxurious moisturizer that re-hydrates dull skin with aloe vera and grapeseed oil, leaving a subtle scent of remote tropical island. Think French West Indies meets the Caribbean with a delicious blend of vanilla, banana and a hint of sparkling orange extract.

Paraben-free, sulfate-free, not tested on animals, contains no animal products or by-products, environmentally friendly and completely non-toxic.

Plus the packaging is recycled, too!

Thoughts?

• First off, I LOVE not knowing I’m crazy now for thinking it always smelled like bananas and vanilla after I used it! I could have sworn Bren described it as coconut-y, but that never crossed my nose.  It’s yummy and comforting, especially when the bathroom is still warm and steamy from your shower.
• Put a towel down before you use it; if you’re like me, and have tile or linoleum in your bathroom, it can make the floor super slippery! Not as much of a problem at the beach or a pool, but indoors? Do not run!
• I have super fine hair that tangles if you look at it wrong– so heavy conditioners are out of the question.  The only good experiences I’ve had with leave-in conditioners were with Pantene when I was younger.  The first time I used Luster Tonic, I wasn’t overly impressed.  It didn’t seem as conditioning as I wanted.  However, I kept up using it.  I think back on that, and I’m pretty sure I’m crazy (or I just saturate my hair with more now).  It detangles well and keeps my hair lightweight throughout the day.
• Remember how I’ve been testing dry shampoos, so I can go longer without washing my hair? Luster Tonic is great because by day 2, my hair is still lightweight enough, and dare I say “dry” enough, that I don’t feel the need to necessarily use dry shampoo on day 2. (Day 3 is another story though!)

Overall, Luster Tonic is a nice product, and definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for hair care products that are free of harsh chemicals, are earth happy, and smell yummy.  The $12 price tag could be a weighty for some shoppers, but for those who are used to spending more for luxury hair care products, it could be a nice alternative to your high end conditioners.