Kérastase is my favourite hair care brand and after being seriously impressed by Oleo-Relax shampoo, I really wanted to try this one from the Elixir Ultime range, partly because I expected it to be another fantastic shampoo, but mostly because I adore the scent of the Elixir Ultime hair oil and this has the same scent.
The formula is an average clear runny one and it foams nicely. It cleans the hair well, washes out easily and in general performs as it should, though I miss that bit of extra nourishment that Oleo-Relax has. The latter feels like I used a conditioner, however, Elixir Ultime is less moisturising and leaves my hair feeling a bit too stripped for my liking, but I'm the one that does not like the squeaky clean feeling as my hair is already very dry. I think Kérastase is very much right in recommending this shampoo for all hair types, it truly is something that should work for anyone despite the fact it has the word oil in the description.
The scent of it is almost the same as the oil just less intense, so pretty much divine in every aspect. I describe it as a floral-coconut-amber scent, very high-end fragrance like and people often compliment how good my perfume is, even though I've only used a bit of Elixir Ultime on the hair.
The packaging looks luxuriously shiny with the gold cap, but I have the same issue with it as with Oleo-Relax - seriously, has no one in their design team had the common sense to put a cap with a flip lid on it instead of a screw-off one? It's such a simple little thing and it would made things a lot easier. But at least the bottle is clear so you can see how much it's still left.
It's a nice shampoo, not doubt about that, but when I pay as much as this one costs, I expect something exceptional that pretty much performs miracles on my dry hair. I'm not disappointed in any way, but I would like more from it, hence why I will repurchase Oleo-Relax, which in my opinion is exceptional and I am willing to pay the price for it. The scent is addictive and I wish Oleo-Relax had the same one.
I bought my bottle on HqHair for 19.28 €. Slovenes can get it in Simple salons and Salma.
Have a great day!