October 23, 2017

OGX Kandee Johnson Sparkling Cider Shampoo and Conditioner Review

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

OGX Kandee Johnson Sparkling Cider Shampoo and Conditioner is one of three limited edition gourmand scented hair care products that the brand launched in collaboration with youTuber, Kandee Johnson.

When these popped up online at Ulta I popped all three into my cart without hesitation as I’m a big gourmand lover!

Here’s my thoughts on the OGX Kandee Johnson Sparkling Cider Shampoo and Conditioner.

As you know I already reviewed the OGX Frosted Cookie line and didn’t really love it. I expected more fragrance and most importantly I expected sugar cookie and vanilla frosting scented hair. The scent turned into more of a fruity, sweet type of deal though which was one reason I disliked it.

Oh well!

I kept hope alive for the Sparkling Cider line but unfortunately, it did disappoint as well. I’m not entirely keen on sulfate-free hair care as I do like a lather and this shampoo formula doesn’t quite work up a good, rich lather. I know, I know, I realize sulfate isn’t a great ingredient and I also realize it isn’t needed but my self conscious mind somehow believes my hair isn’t getting clean without a good lather.

I failed to mention it in my prior review but the conditioner also seems to have a lot less silicones than my other conditioners. This isn’t a bad thing as I weaned myself off silicones when I started using Lush hair care several hundred years ago. But it does take some getting used to if you require a lot of moisture and detangling power from your conditioner. This is a much lighter texture and causes a lot less buildup and rinses away a lot easier but also fails to coat hair in moisture.

Now, you really want to know about the scent right? Sparkling Cider? Sounds great right? In the bottle, it actually smells very fruity but I don’t get any apple or cinnamon vibe. Once applied to my wet hair I get a little more of an apple not but still a fruit sweet note that I can’t quite identify. There’s some spicy apple note here but you really have to reach to smell it. It isn’t one that hits you right in the face. I imagine cinnamon oil and cinnamon in general wouldn’t work in a hair care product, it would like be irritating. So, there isn’t a lot of spicy apple cider going on here. It’s some apple, lots of sweetness, and fruit and a certain level of spice and warmth but nothing in your face. It also doesn’t linger long so once you rinse it out the scent doesn’t stick around for long periods of time.

Oh well!

I was expecting so much more from this collection and so far it is proving disappointing. I still have one more to try! Keep your fingers crossed that’s the one that will impress me.

The OGX Kandee Johnson Sparkling Cider Shampoo and Conditioner is available now at ulta.com and launching soon at drugstores.

Tried it?

Do share!

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Kimmwc03

    I just ordered the gumdrop one with my coupon. I hope that one doesn’t disappoint!

  • Carol G

    I agree. What’s the point of doing these special scents if they don’t linger? Then just use their regular shampoo.
    I thought the Sparkling Cider sounded fantastic for fall but the heck with it if it doesn’t even smell that great.

    • Isabella Muse

      Philosophy is legendary for this. great scents that wash away once you leave the shower :-/

  • Tara

    Have you tried the Kirkland Moisturizing Shampoo/conditioner? Sulfate/paranoid free and one heck of a lather and slip! I pay the $55 Costco fee just for shampoo!

  • Alyssa

    I love the idea of OGX, but their products tend to leave my hair dry as straw. They do smell great!

    • Isabella Muse

      I’m good, not straw but not really hydrating enough for my dry hair though either :-/ But believe me I KNOW that straw hair feeling lol! Big from Lush gives me a head of straw!

  • Stephanie

    Please try the Gumdrop one soon! I would love to know which of these you like the best, since so far you haven’t liked two. We like similar fragrances and have similar hair, so I look forward to your final review. Thanks Muse!

  • Meg

    I’ve tried this today and yes the smell is amazing and so yummy but straw city after when I tried to brush my hair out. I’m disappointed but glad I took your advice and didn’t stock up on this holiday collection! Even my short lob was hard to comb thru after leaving it on for a good 10 minutes in the shower. I’m giving up my high end shampoos for now so one day I’ll find a good drugstore brand of shampoo and conditioners! Any recommendations?!