Tati Westbrook also known as GlamLifeGuru came out with her own brand called Halo Beauty around two months ago and I held off on getting the hair, nails, and skin booster at first due to all of the controversy. From people picking apart every ingredient to no before and after photos on the website during launch. As well as a clinical photo that also appears elsewhere on the internet. Overall, there was just a lot going on and I wasn’t sure at the time I wanted to pay $40 for beauty supplements that didn’t have a lot of proof behind it. So I waited until two weeks after most people had gotten there’s to see if it actually did something. Also, these supplements are supposed to be cruelty free, vegan, no preventatives, gluten free, sugar free, soy free, and no parabens. Which is wonderful.
Controversy of Halo Beauty
Overall there is a controversy of beauty supplements, many clinical researchers in dermatology don’t find that supplements actually do much for hair growth or skin improvement. Also supplements are not regulated by the Food & Drug Administration. Halo Beauty’s supplement in particular contains saw palmetto, which some claim it interferes with your birth control. Though other researchers claim there is no evidence to support that claim. But do support that saw palmetto may affect endogenous hormone levels and estrogenic activity.
The other controversy comes for the ingredient Ceramide-Rx, which on Halo Beauty’s website they use the same photo as another website. Plus the trademark for this is own by her husband James. But again other than an illustration shown on the website, there are no before or after photos that shows their “clinically proven” results. Just a comment from Tati that James has been using it and you could tell from watching past videos. Which I don’t agree with, since nowhere in any of those videos were closer ups of his nails or skin to see that improvement. So it’s hearsay. Tati said she didn’t want to have models for it but just something from a case study would’ve been better and calm everyone down.
Disclaimers
I’m not on any medication so I’m not concerned about conflicts with some of the ingredients. Plus after seeing other before/after at the two week mark, I felt good enough that this wouldn’t cause issues for me plus might actually do something. Also I could always use some help in the terms of vitamins. One of the things that I’m really interested in about this product is that this product is supposed to improve skin smoothness. I have keratosis pilaris, which makes itself very noticeable on my arms and legs. Sugar scrubs and various acid lotions from the drugstores can help make the appearance minimize but overall there is nothing that helps. This is something that is incurable so I wasn’t expecting Halo Beauty to get rid of it. But if it helps lessen the appearance, that I’m all for. I just wanted to make that clear since that might makes some people think it does nothing when I have a skin condition that nothing can cure. Of course there are other things this booster is supposed to help with but that’s the one I was really curious about before starting the supplement.
Also before we get into the weekly updates, I do want to note that I’ve been on a journey to be healthier. This means cutting back on my pop consummation and I’m hoping to get to a point of cutting it out of my regular diet. And I joined weight watchers to learn how to eat better, unlike probably most of the others on this program. I’m not worrying about the point counting as I just want to learn how to eat healthier and how to come up with meals since previously my idea every day for every meal was something that came from a fast food joint of some type. As well as learning how to exercise correctly as when I first started I was a little overwhelmed and just wanted to give up when I signed up for a gym in my work building.
Ingredients
One thing I did notice straight away is that the number of capsules in the container versus what the supplement facts on the back are don’t add up. On the front you are told there are 60 capsules in the container. On the back, a serving size is 2 capsules. So that should last you 30 days if you take them consistently. But underneath that, it states there are 60 servings so based off the serving size there should be 120 capsules in the bottle instead of 60 as the front stated. Not that it changes the formula by any means, but I do want to note that there is a misprint somewhere. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA so this wouldn’t be something they would check, but if you’re going to add a food & drug label of ingredients it should be accurate. There are in reality 30 servings if you take 2 capsules as recommended by their serving size. But mine might just be a misprint as on their website, the label that’s supposed to be on the back reflects that there are 30 servings.
Now let’s dive into the ingredients a little since that’s the important detail about any supplement and what they are supposed to do for you, according to Halo Beauty’s Website:
- Vitamin C: Helps Grow and Strengthen Hair. As well as help build collage and serve to protect us from the damage of sun exposure and normal aging.
- Vitamin D3 (plant derived from Lichen): Vitamin D is from the conversion of cholesterol with sunshine and since most people avoid the sun, this leads to a deficiency, so the inclusion of this helps give skin a healthy glow.
- B1, B2, & B6 vitamins: These are essential for great hair and skin and help with energy metabolism. Together taken with Biotin, the B complex helps to make the skin glow, and fights free radicals which are one of the main causes of aging and age related conditions.
- Vitamin B1: Also known as Thiamine, is excellent for skin and is an anchor vitamin for the other B vitamins to support synergistic results.
- Vitamin B2: Also known as Riboflavin, is an activator for vitamin B6 which contributes melanin to the hair and also known to help prevent hair loss. Also as an antioxidant, this vitamin scavenges for free radicals and plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of collagen which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Vitamin B6: Plays an important role in a variety of enzymatic reactions in the body. It also has a role in improving blood flow to hair follicles supporting healthy hair growth. Researchers found Vitamin B6 to inhibit the formation of DHT by binding to receptors responsible for the formation of DHT. The result of the action is thought by researchers to support both the prevention of hair loss and the improvement of hair condition. Similarly, Vitamin B6 has been studied in the aid of natural hair color restoration by increasing the formation of melanin, the pigment that gives hair it’s color.
- Biotin: A key supplement for growing and maintaining hair, skin and nails. This vitamin supports keratin production that leads to stronger hair, skin and nails. It has been used to address common unwanted conditions such as problem dandruff, eczema, brittle nails, and acne. As a main component of human hair, skin and nails, Biotin has been known to be called the “go-to vitamin for beauty”. A transporter in the skin cells layers that produce keratin is highly specific for utilizing biotin and is particularly effective when combined with B-complexes and Alpha Lipoic Acid “ALA”.
- Zinc: A key mineral vital for hair growth and to help support the prevention of hair loss. Zinc is also great for skin as it helps to regulate the skin’s own immune system, helping to prevent acne, but also acts at the cellular level within the hair follicles. In this regard it is touted as a potent inhibitor of hair follicle regression and accelerates hair follicle recovery.
- Copper: A mineral used in the production and maintenance of collagen. Copper also helps prevent the onset of premature graying of the hair as it is required in the production of melanin. The greatest concentration of copper in our bodies is also found in our hair.
- Manganese: Works in conjunction with Vitamin C and Biotin to help activate enzymes that are important for hair and nails. Too little Manganese can result in brittle nails and premature graying.
- Catalase: An enzyme found in mostly all oxygen breathing plants and animals. An anti-gray enzyme, it helps break down hydrogen peroxide produced by our bodies into harmless water and oxygen. It is thought that the anti-gray function of catalase may be the result of hydrogen peroxide interference with the production of melanin, a pigment that gives hair its color
- Rosehip: Studies show improvement of aging-induced skin conditions. Rosehip is rich in Vitamin C and other nutrients such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These vitamins help support the skin (and even the eyes). For the skin, it has been known to help correct the dark circles under the eyes and aid in maintaining the hydration barrier of the skin while exerting protective effects from light induced skin damage.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): An organic sulfur found in our bodies and sometimes described as a “beauty mineral” or “nature’s collagen supplement”. It works with Vitamin C as a great collaborator to build new healthy tissues and to normalize collagen formation while improving overall skin health. MSM is needed by the body to form collagen and keratin. This helps keep the skin appearing youthful while adding luster to the hair. MSM is also known to contribute to exceptional strength and thickness of the hair and nails, which can be noticed in just a couple weeks of consistent use.
- Saw Palmetto: This powerful berry is a natural treatment for use with acne and hair loss. While Saw Palmetto may help men and women in slightly different ways, one of the main reasons it’s beneficial for both sexes is due to the way it balances hormones. Saw Palmetto is a DHT blocker, which can cause balding and thinning of the hair in men, in women DHT can cause skin to become too oily, causing bacteria to flourish and eventually lead to increase in acne. Reducing DHT levels might help hair growth and assist in a clearer complexion.
- Emblica Officianalis (Amla): Also known as Indian Gooseberry, it is honored for its anti-aging capabilities and rich spectrum of phytonutrients. The antioxidant properties of Amla, provides a powerful defense against oxidation of skin cells. It has been traditionally used for improvement in complexion, moisturizing the skin, cleansing the tissues of toxins, and supports immunity of the skin against acne.
- Grape Seed Extract: Contains several plant compounds, mainly powerful antioxidants. According to the Food Research Center in Guelph, Canada, the antioxidants in grape seed extract offer 20 times more antioxidant power than vitamin E. The use of Grape seed extract is to protect the skin from sun exposure and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
- Pumpkin Seed Powder: A rich source of antioxidant vitamin A and E, K, zinc, selenium and Omega-3 fatty acids. It has been shown to stimulate hair growth, promote a healthy scalp and prevent the onset of premature hair loss. Pumpkin Seed powder also helps maintain sebum production, which is the oil your skin needs in the right amount to stay hydrated.
- Ceramide-Rx™: Halo Beauty’s proprietary and clinically proven Ceramide-Rx™ is a phytoceramide extracted from rice. Phytoceramides are lipids that keep your skin hydrated and plump. Ceramide-Rx™ has been proven in human clinical double blind trials to restore and rebuild the outer skin layer, increasing the skins ability to retain moisture while improving skin smoothness in as little as 3 weeks. It also results in an improved barrier for toxins and other harmful substances from entering the body. Ceramide-Rx™ may reduce the appearance of large pores and fine lines. Clinical human studies results demonstrate Ceramide-Rx™:
- INCREASES Skin Hydration*
- REDUCES Itchiness & Redness*
- MINIMIZES Small Lines & Wrinkles*
- PROMOTES Skin Smoothness*
- FIGHTS Signs of Aging Visibly and from Within*
- Horsetail: Exerts both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It is comprised of silica which is used for improving the strength of hair strands and thereby improving the structural integrity of the hair, while adding luster or shine and encouraging new growth. It works to help your hair to grow faster, stronger and provide it protection against several hair problems. Apart from hair growth, horsetail also reduces hair fall and breakage by strengthening the cuticle of the hair.
- Astaxanthin: One of the most powerful antioxidants available and is derived from algae. It is a powerhouse to help support the reduction of fine lines and increased skin moisture and improved skin tone and elasticity. It has been shown to help smooth the skin surface, diminish freckles, and reduce under-eye puffiness with use. Astaxanthin is beginning to emerge as one of the game changers in the world of high-performance natural skincare. Astaxanthin has been shown in clinical studies to increase skin moisture, moisture retention, elasticity, as well as promote skin smoothness, decreasing fine lines and wrinkles.
- L-Glutathione: An important antioxidant used by every cell and tissue in the human body. What is unique about Glutathione is it is an intracellular antioxidant, which means it acts inside the cells. Research supports the effectiveness of certain nutrients in not only growing healthy hair, but actually reducing hair loss. The key, however, is always to ensure a constant, ongoing supply.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): Often referred to as the “universal anti-oxidant”, ALA is a super powerful antioxidant. It aid in the control oil production of the skin, helping to regulating the oil glands while providing good color and tone to the skin. ALA has been shown to reduce swelling and puffiness in the face. Its anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness and blotchiness, resulting in an evening out of skin tone, often making foundation less necessary.
30-Days of Halo Beauty
Sorry that was a lot but instead of doing 10 posts leading up to one thing, I wanted everything in one place since there’s a lot to get into and I didn’t want anything to be missed. Ok now that all of that is done, let’s get onto my actual results.
Now I decided not to post videos or photos of the progress before this post as I just wanted it all in one place. This is my 30-day update and my bottle of the boosters is out. So here’s what happened from the good, the bad, and the weird as they happened….
On day 3, I noticed my pee started being a bright neon color and continued being that color going forward. And I do remember Kimbyrleigha also noted that on her one week update video, which is really the video that made me decide to take it off the Anti-Haul list and decide to give it a chance… not such of the neon pee but because she was actually noticing a difference. A little TMI but I think it’s worth mentioning.
On day 10, I don’t have any dry patches on my face anymore. And my skin overall doesn’t feel dry or like I need to reach for a skin lotion at any point during the day. Minnesota has been crazy as far as weather and previously that effected my skin, but I don’t notice a lot of it’s effects anymore. Nothing else in my routine has changed, so I would say this is due to Halo Beauty hair, skin, and nail boosters. But as far as other aspects of my skin, I haven’t seen too many changes at this point.
On the third week, I noticed my skin was a lot softer than usual not just that it didn’t feel dry anymore. Also applying my makeup was so much of a smoother process and my makeup looked nicer throughout the day. Which was extremely nice. And my pores did look slightly smaller for once. I have been working on using more masks and whatnot to unclog them but I think the combination with this has been assisting with making my pores better.
Near day 20 I want to say, my nails were a lot longer since I had not cut or really touched them since starting these beauty boosters. Typically at the length they reached, my nails would break or chip. And while I did have a few chips it never got to the point where I had to just cut them short again. Which is a major improvement, now I don’t think I’ll let them get much longer than they are as I just am not a long nail person. It just doesn’t work for my lifestyle. So I will be filing them going forward, but considering they feel stronger, I am impressed.
What should’ve been the final week, I had terrible depression and didn’t end up taking Halo Beauty for that entire week. I also realized I missed a few days though I swore I didn’t except for that final week. I didn’t notice much as far as changes during this week from dryness coming back or my nails feeling weaker. My nails were also the strongest and longest they’ve ever been, and I’ve been debating on keeping them longer. Now a lot of people would probably still consider them “short” but to me these are hella long. And normally would’ve already broken in half at this point.
After that week, I started up with Halo Beauty again making sure to take it every day. My period also came during this week. I am not on any birth control and only within the last six months started having a regular period that came on time and generally medium flow in nature lasting between 4 to 6 days. I did not notice any difference with my period. I use a tracking system called Clue on my phone to keep track of it, and this last period was just like my previous three.
My nails also decided on day 37, half my nails broke or chipped so I had to make them shorter again. I’m not sure if that was due to me not taking Halo for a week or if it was due to the nail polish remover I was using as I was switching up my polish every week. Or if they just hit their limit for the time being. I didn’t take a video of them at the longest as I had polish on at the time but I wish I had considering most of them broke so I was back at square one.
As far as my hair goes, I think it’s grown an inch or so but it’s a little hard to tell considering my hair dries wavy but I do think it’s looking healthier. I don’t know if I’m going to let it get long again or cut it shorter into a messy bob. I honestly can never decide what length I want my hair. I love long hair for all of the braids I can do, but I love short hair ’cause I can actually maintain it and wear it down way more often. I don’t know. What do you guys think? Long or medium/short length.
Overall, I’m really happy with my results from Halo and have gotten another bottle to go another month and will probably keep going on these as I do see a difference in my nails and hair. My skin is softer though I didn’t see any significant differences personally in the way my skin looked. But you tell me from my Halo Beauty results video.
Love ya,
Mae Polzine
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