The Natural Source answers

Quite a long time ago, I wrote about my experience with The Natural Source products. In a nutshell, I was underwhelmed so I never went back to the store. In my experience, it was not just one item that bugged me, but a few so after a while, I just reckoned that it was a line that did not work for me.

Anyway, I got an email just a few days ago from The Natural Source (TNS). Apparently, they had come across my old rants and decided to clear the air. So, here is the email I received from TNS.

I told them I’d put it up so you my dear readers can make your own judgments. If it helps clear the air for you, good.

The Natural Source - bit of a let down

I reviewed some products from The Natural Source some time back on my old blog. At the time, I thought some of the products weren’t too bad. I didn’t actually buy into the “natural” hype, despite what their advertising claims, but I have to admit they did really hype it up.

Australia being a country that seems particular about the environment and natural stuff, I naturally thought that this line of products would have passed muster there. I liked the Tropical Sugar Cane Body Whip and I tested their hair products. Everything was fine and dandy initially.

But later, I found that the body whip, although it sank into my skin, didn’t leave it feeling moisturised. My dad who has cracked heels, tried this moisturiser and pronounced it a disaster, for it did nothing for his cracked heels. On the other hand, some cheap brand of body butter did the trick. That got me thinking.

The next thing was my hair. After using the shampoo and conditioner, my hair felt nice. Initially. As I went on, I felt that my hair was feeling drier and drier. I previously used Redken which did not dry out my hair, but my hair was now feeling like straw.

I had also tried the AHA antioxidant cream for the face which was given by a friend. It, unfortunately, did nothing for me. I’m only glad it didn’t break me out.

So, in conclusion, I think this brand has disappointed me overall. It feels nice initially, but after a while, it doesn’t anymore. And someone people who previously commented on my post said their products contain a lot of chemicals which totally undermines the “natural” element. I wouldn’t know, as I’m not familiar with the long words printed under “Ingredients”, but only because I’ve used it and found it didn’t work for me, I’m going to scrap it from my future shopping lists.

Sorry mate!

UPDATE: TNS has responded to this post on 11 May 2008. Read it here.

Review: Skincare: The Natural Source Mayaltha Better Fuller Lips

I tried this once, when I was suffering from dry lips. I happened to be in The Natural Source store in Midvalley Megamall and in a fit of desperation, bought this. Oh dear! I’m sorry, but I’m sad to say, this was a totally bum product for me.

According to the official website, this is what its supposed to do. In gist:

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  • Firms and plumps your lips naturally and safely by stimulating your lips to produce their own collagen. This helps to re-densify the connective lip tissue, promoting fuller, younger, healthier looking lips.
  • After the first application, your lips will feel firmer, smoother and be better defined. With continued use, fine lines and wrinkles will be minimised and your lips will appear naturally fuller and healthier.
  • Hydrates and soothes lips.
  • Also acts as a lip-fix for lipstick application.

First of all, the texture. This product is a white colour cream. It feels rather waxy and goes on your lips white. So, you look rather ill for a while, until you rub it in. Even then, the waxy and pale look doesn’t go away. However, I noticed that it has a pink tint in it that is apparent if you wipe your fingers on a piece of tissue paper after that. Its odd that even though there’s a pink tint, it shows up as white on the lips.

Secondly, it does not feel nice. As I have mentioned before, it feels waxy and like a coating over my lips. I don’t like that.

Thirdly, it did nothing for my dry lips. It didn’t make it drier, but it didn’t make it more moisturised either. My lips just stayed as dry and flakey as ever. There was no plumping effect and my lips look the same now as it did before I used it. I even loyally used it twice a day, morning and night to no avail. Every morning, I’d still wake up to dry flakey lips.

Finally, the price. Its an astronomical RM125 for a little 30ml tube. Yes yes… I was suckered. But you don’t have to be!

Rating: