HappySoaps - new at Haarspullen! Although the concept of soap bars has existed for a while (think of the hand soap next to the tap at your grandma’s), bars for hair, face, and body care still feel quite ‘new’. ''Would it be like a normal shampoo?’’ was one of the questions that soon wandered around the office. Curiosity was sparked and soon a number of people wanted to try the products. Then the idea quickly arose: let’s try it! 5 colleagues from Haarspullen therefore tried 5 different products from HappySoaps. In this blog, they share their experience and what they thought of them. These are the products that were tried:
Well. Actually, I don’t have many doubts. I’m mostly curious because I’ve never used a bar before to cleanse my face. But I immediately have one prejudice: where am I going to put the bar? There’s no holder included, and placing it on the sink doesn’t feel very hygienic. Oh, now that we’re talking about hygiene... maybe I do have doubts about that. You touch the product a lot, which you don’t do when using a cotton pad. I’m curious what I’ll think of it!
After the first use: hHow was your first experience with the product?
I’m really enthusiastic. I didn’t expect this. Now I realize how poorly I used to cleanse my skin. My skin feels clean and there’s no greasy layer from the product. I usually often have that after cleansing my skin. So I’m super happy! My skin feels soft, fresh, and wonderfully clean.
How do you use the product?
Every evening I use the product before going to bed to remove the makeup from my face. Occasionally (when I’m not in a hurry) I also use it in the morning. Actually, I should do this every day because I notice my skin looks much more radiant.
What did you think of the result after the first use?
Pleasantly surprised. I probably didn’t expect it. I’m always a bit of the principle; seeing is believing. But it does exactly what it’s supposed to do. A clean skin without hassle!
After two weeks: what do you think of the product now that you’ve used it a bit longer?
Completely happy! My skin finally felt truly clean. A bit like when I’ve been swimming in the sea. Then my skin always feels super clean! My cream also absorbs much better, so I no longer suffer from dry skin.
Conclusion: how did you experience the product?
Great! The effect is very good and that’s the most important thing. The only downside I find is that you can’t store it properly, and that feels less hygienic to me. Meanwhile, I know that’s not the case, so I just need to get used to it.
Will you keep using the product?
Yes, absolutely. I’m completely convinced!
Would you recommend the product?
Yes, after reading the review you probably expected that. But I can recommend it to everyone because it’s a good base to really clean your skin well. Just make sure to buy a holder because you can’t leave the bar on the sink. Oh, and if you don’t like Chamomile, there are 5 other scents including Aloe Vera and Lavender. I will definitely try those too.
I doubt if I’ll find it easy to use. I’m used to applying something liquid, and to me this feels less easy to spread over your skin because it’s really such a ‘block.’ The product name says ‘Body Oil’ but I’m very curious if it will also feel like an oil on my skin.
After the first use: How was your first experience with the product?
Surprising! The Bar is very easy to use. I could place the bar directly on my skin and move it back and forth. To my surprise, the oil released very easily from the Bar. After a few back-and-forth movements, a layer was already on my skin.
How do you use the product?
After I took the Bar out of the packaging, I actually started applying it to my skin right away. I moved it back and forth a few times on the same spot, which warmed the Bar and released the oil. The oil was nicely fluid, so I could easily massage it in and spread it over the rest of my skin.
What did you think of the result after the first use?
I actually never use an oil myself; I always go for a body cream. Because of this, I had to get used to the ‘oiliness’ of the product. It took a bit longer to absorb into my skin, maybe I used too much, which made it feel a bit greasy. Maybe better for dry skin, so the oil absorbs well right away.
After two weeks: what do you think of the product now that you’ve used it a bit longer?
I am very satisfied with the product because it actually does exactly what the name suggests. I use the product when I feel my skin needs some extra care. I don’t use it every day because it’s a bit too oily for my skin then, but 1 or 2 times a week I like to give my skin extra softness, suppleness, and hydration.
Conclusion: hHow did you experience the product?
Nice! Does what it says and is a good addition to my skincare routine, once a week.
Will you keep using the product?
Absolutely! I only see the benefits. Delightfully nourishing for my skin!
Would you recommend the product?
Definitely. Maybe not for every skin type, because if you already have oily skin, I think it’s wiser to choose a different product. But for anyone who needs more hydration, this oil is definitely a nice choice.
A long time ago I used a shampoo bar before, but I wasn’t very satisfied with it then. My hair became stiff and tangled. So I’m still a bit skeptical.
After the first use: how was your first experience with the product?
Okay, getting used to it again… Lather it up in my hands, and then rub that into my hair? Or just rub the shampoo bar directly over my hair? I soon noticed that the shampoo bar combined with the warm water created foam in my hand. When I rubbed this into my hair, it immediately gave a foaming effect, more than I expected!
How do you use the product?
I rub the bar between my hands under warm, running water. The foam that comes off I rub into my hair, just like I would with a liquid shampoo. Then I rub the shampoo bar a few more times over my hair, from the roots following the direction of the hair towards the back.
What did you think of the result after the first use?
Actually pretty good! I was already happy that my hair didn’t feel like it did with the shampoo bar I used a long time ago. My hair actually doesn’t feel different than after using a (professional) shampoo I normally use!
After two weeks: wWhat do you think of the product now that you've used it a bit longer?
I’ve been using the shampoo bar for two weeks now, and actually I’m quite satisfied! It’s easy to use. And this time I got the right bar for my hair type, because my hair doesn’t get stiff or tangled, luckily. My hair feels nice and healthy. By the way, I always finish with a conditioner, I really can’t do without! Oh, and I happened to still have a drip tray from last time. But if I hadn’t had that, I wouldn’t have known where to let the bar dry. So such a tray is really ideal.
Conclusion: hHow did you experience the product?
I find the shampoo bar nice and easy to use, it lathers well and after a while my hair feels clean and fresh. If I may mention a (small) difference between the bar and a liquid shampoo, for me personally it’s the scent. Some liquid shampoos leave a strong perfume smell in your hair. The shampoo bar also leaves a fresh scent in your hair (because it simply cleans your hair), but less perfumed. Did I mind that? Not really. I sometimes look into ingredients and I know that perfume isn’t always the best for your hair. And when I weigh that against all the benefits of the brand, I’m fine with it ;)
Will you keep using the product?
I like to try a different one when my shampoo runs out that matches my hair type, and actually, I am always satisfied with that. Just like with this shampoo bar, that's why I keep using it until it's finished. Not only because I find it a nice shampoo, but also for all the benefits that come with it. I went to look around my bathroom and wow… there are so many plastic bottles. So it's a nice thought that with such a bar you are more conscious because it saves a lot of plastic (almost 3 to 4 bottles per bar). It also lasts a long time. I keep enjoying trying new shampoos, but this one will definitely stay in use until it's finished!
Would you recommend the product?
Yes! I do recommend looking carefully at which shampoo bar suits your hair.
I'm a bit skeptical. I've already had bad experiences with natural deodorants, so I don't expect too much from this one.
After the first use: how was your first experience with the product?
The smell was quite pleasant. I liked it. It's sweet, but not heavy or annoying. I could clearly smell the lemon and coconut. After applying, I felt the scent on my skin, but not on my clothes. I think this is good.
How do you use the product?
The applying process is something you have to get "used to". This is the main thing with such deodorants - there is no plastic tube. So you apply it with your hands. Well, I can do it for the Planet, you know :)
I took it from the box with my nail. The texture is something familiar to a lip balm, but without the oily effect. And it has small pieces in it, like a scrub. It melts on your skin quite fast. But I'm not sure that you can use it directly after shaving. I rubbed it on my skin with my hand until I felt it was dry. It was fast, I think about 10-15 seconds. The leftovers on my hand disappeared too. So I didn't have the feeling that I had to wash my hands.
What did you think of the result after the first use?
"The quality of the deodorant is quite good. I was sweating a bit that day because of the weather, but there was no smell at all. And the skin was soft, without any irritation."
After two weeks: wWhat do you think of the product now that you've used it a bit longer?
This deo is a nice solution for daily use. It's not the best choice if you are going to the gym (I mean, if you know you are going to sweat a lot). I think this one is the best compared to those I've used before.
Conclusion: hHow did you experience the product?
This product is a nice choice if you want to start using natural deodorants. It's handmade, plastic-free, soooo - planet friendly and smells very good.
Will you keep using the product?
Yes, I think I will have it in my bag as an optional deodorant. Sometimes you need extra care during the day.
Would you recommend the product?
You should definitely try it. This is, in my opinion, the new step in the deodorant industry. It's something totally different from ordinary deodorants that we have been buying for many years. So you have to try it first - and then make a conclusion. It's worth it.
I'm curious whether the soap is as easy and quick to use as a "normal" liquid shower gel from a bottle. I also wonder if the scent of the soap remains after washing and if it actually softens the skin!
After the first use: hHow was your first experience with the product?
The soap smells super nice and looks great! The bar is easy to use, but it takes some getting used to if you're used to showering with a "normal" shower gel. This is mainly because the soap foamed less during use than I had expected beforehand. Since the bar naturally foams a bit less, you have to put in a bit more effort and rub the bar well between your hands until it foams.
How do you use the product?
I used the Bar by holding it between my hands under the shower until it started to foam. You can then wash yourself wonderfully with the foam! After a few washes, I also started using the bar as a scrub, which I prefer!
What did you think of the result after the first use?
The bar cleanses your skin and leaves a lovely rose scent, not only in the bathroom but also on your own skin! In addition, your skin feels soft and cared for when you step out of the shower.
After two weeks: wWhat do you think of the product now that you've used it a bit longer?
After a few washes, I discovered that you can also use the bar as a scrub. You rub the bar directly over your body, and the particles in the bar have an exfoliating effect. Handy! This works faster than having to massage the bar between your hands first and waiting for the foam.
Conclusion: hHow did you experience the product?
At first, it takes some getting used to switching to soap instead of liquid shower gel, but you get used to it quickly. I found it most pleasant to use the bar as a scrub, this works fastest. The bar is easy to use and you can smell the rose scent beautifully throughout your entire bathroom!
Will you keep using the product?
I don't know if I would use it every wash, especially if I want to shower quickly for example. Still, I find the scent of the bar really lovely and would definitely keep it within reach!
Would you recommend the product?
Yes, if you don't mind putting in a little extra effort and like contributing to a better environment, absolutely! Besides, the bar is also handy if you go on vacation, it fits right in your suitcase and you don't have to worry about the allowed maximum amounts of liquid on board :)