ELF Studio brush set, Le Pliage bag and Product Review: One ‘n Only Argan Oil from Sally Beauty Supply

I use the original Morrocanoil Treatment – but because it has a glass bottle, I didn’t take it on my London trip. Instead I took my One ‘n Only Argan Oil Treatment that I purchased from Sally Beauty Supply earlier this year (it comes in a plastic bottle, and was sealed – so I didn’t have to worry about it leaking all over my suitcase). Since I used the One ‘n Only oil exclusively over 3 weeks, I’m now FINALLY able to review it.

Price: US$ 7.49 for 3.4oz (MOROCCANOIL is US$ 27.50 for 3.4oz)
Usage: I use Argan Oil daily. I apply a tiny amount to towel-dried hair to help untangle it, then apply a little bit more to the ends. On days I don’t wash my hair, I apply it before combing to undo tangles and prevent hair breakage. I don’t usually heat-style my hair, but have heard that this is a great protectant against heat damage.
Application: This product is thicker than MOROCCANOIL and takes longer to absorb. Upon initial application, it can make your hair look clumpy and oily – you have to keep massaging it into your hair strands. I’ve found the MOROCCANOIL is lighter, distributes easier, and is better at untangling my hair. I only need a small amount of MOROCCANOIL, whereas I have to apply the One ‘n Only oil at least 2-3 times to get the same effect. These products both have a lovely fragrance, although the MOROCCANOIL is sweeter and longer lasting.
Packaging: As mentioned earlier, the One ‘n Only oil comes in a plastic bottle, which makes it more travel friendly than the MOROCCANOIL. I suppose it’s possible to decant the MOROCCAN OIL – but it seems like a lot of trouble, and you’d have to be very careful to choose a plastic container that won’t leak.
Ingredients: Both contain “cones”. MOROCCANOIL contains more ingredients – including Linseed Oil. 

(MoroccanOil Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Butylphenyl, MethylPropional, Argania Spinoza Kernal Oil (Aragan Oil), Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum) Extract, Fragrance Supplement, D&C Yellow-11, D&C Red-17, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone.

One’nOnly Oil Ingredients: Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Fragrance (Parfum), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Yellow 11 (CI 47000), Red 17 (CI 26100))

Would I buy it again? No. Although MOROCCANOIL costs at least 4x more (depending on where you purchase it), it lasts a LONG time. One ‘n Only takes more time and effort to use, and although you’ll get a similar result, the extra effort is not worth the savings. Also, I need more of the One ‘n Only oil, so 3.4oz of MOROCCAN Oil will last you a lot longer than 3.4oz of One ‘n Only oil.

 

While I was in London, I heard that ELF were offering a 50% discount code – so I used it to purchase the 11 Piece Brush Set from their Studio line – and had a nice package waiting for me when I arrived back in Canada. I’d been reading rave reviews on several of their brushes – and $15 for 11 full-size brushes is an amazing bargain – especially since it includes a travel case. So far I’ve used the flat top powder brush (for applying liquid foundation with an airbrushed finish), the eyeshadow “c” brush (applies a wash of colour better than my MAC 239 brush) and the small smudge brush (perfect for concealing tiny areas). I’m really happy with my purchase – and can’t wait to try out the rest of the brushes. They are really well made – I don’t know how they can offer them so cheaply! If you do order from the site – keep in mind that ELF have several different ranges – I can’t vouch for all of them – but the Studio line is worth checking out. Also, wait for a special offer – the 50% discounts come around quite frequently.

I tried on the small Le Pliage bag by Longchamp while walking through duty-free in London. These bags are a common sight – but there is a reason why they are so popular – they fold up perfectly for travel, so you always have an elegant and classy bag. They are also easy to wipe clean. Unfortunately, they didn’t have this pink colour in the size I wanted at duty-free – so I didn’t get an amazing deal on this bag (I paid US$98 plus shipping and customs rather than £40 at duty-free) . But I know from experience that it’s better to pay up and get what you really want, rather than getting a deal and wishing for something different.

What are your thoughts on Le Pliage bags – do you own one? Have you tried ELF products – what do you recommend? Do you use Argan Oil?

Disclaimer: I purchased these products myself and was not paid to review them.