For beauty enthusiasts and haircare aficionados, the market is constantly evolving, with new brands emerging and vying for attention. In the realm of celebrity-backed beauty lines, Blake Lively has recently entered the scene with her haircare brand, Blake Brown Beauty. This brand, promising a fragrance-forward approach and a touch of luxury at accessible price points, has generated considerable buzz. Having explored a wide range of haircare products available at Target, I was intrigued to delve into Blake Brown Beauty and assess if it lives up to the hype, especially in a market saturated with options.
In today’s beauty landscape, haircare has transitioned from a mere hygiene necessity to a booming beauty category. Consumers are no longer satisfied with just clean hair; they seek an elevated user experience. This includes luxurious textures, captivating fragrances, and effective formulations. Blake Brown Beauty aims to tap into this desire, promising a sensory journey alongside performance. This review will explore the key aspects of Blake Lively’s haircare line, focusing on its unique fragrance profiles, product performance, packaging, and overall value proposition. We’ll dissect each product in the range, from shampoos and masks to leave-in treatments and styling aids, to provide a comprehensive understanding of what Blake Brown Beauty offers and whether it’s worth incorporating into your hair care routine.
What Defines a Standout Haircare Experience?
Before diving into the specifics of Blake Brown Beauty, it’s crucial to outline the criteria for a truly exceptional haircare experience. For me, it goes beyond just clean and healthy hair; it’s about indulging in a multi-sensory ritual. Drawing from my experience with both high-end and drugstore brands, several key elements contribute to a superior haircare product:
Fragrance: Having spent time immersed in the niche fragrance industry, I’ve developed a discerning appreciation for sophisticated scents. While I may not always wear perfume, fragrance plays a significant role in my enjoyment of personal care products, including haircare. I seek complex, nuanced scents that evoke a sense of luxury and well-being, without being overpowering or synthetic. My personal preferences lean towards fresh, green, woody, white floral, and warm spice compositions, often found in indie and niche perfumes. I’m particularly sensitive to artificial or overly generic “feminine” scents that often dominate mainstream haircare. Blake Brown Beauty, with its fragrance-forward approach, immediately piqued my interest.
Formulation and Texture: Beyond fragrance, the formulation and texture of haircare products are paramount. I look for clean, effective formulas with ingredients included at efficacious levels, not just for marketing purposes. The texture should be luxurious and substantial – shampoos that lather richly without stripping the hair, and conditioners that provide deep hydration without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. The “squeaky clean” feeling is often a sign of over-stripping, which I actively avoid.
Packaging: Functional and aesthetically pleasing packaging enhances the user experience. Products should be easy to dispense in the shower, without requiring excessive effort. Thoughtful design, including secure closures and satisfying tactile elements, contributes to the overall feeling of luxury. While visually appealing packaging is a bonus, functionality remains key.
Performance: Ultimately, haircare products must deliver on their promises. While I expect a certain level of performance as a given in today’s market, brands that leverage innovative technologies and deliver noticeable results at accessible price points stand out. This includes effective cleansing, hydration, manageability, and addressing specific hair concerns like strengthening or nourishing.
It’s also important to consider brand ethics and transparency. I’m mindful of brands owned by large conglomerates, as their focus on year-over-year profit growth can sometimes lead to compromises in product quality or consumer safety. Independent and newer brands often have a unique value proposition, driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to stand out in a crowded market. The claim that Blake Lively dedicated seven years to developing Blake Brown Beauty suggests a significant investment in creating a unique and high-quality line, encompassing unique fragrances, formulations, and packaging.
The Allure of Fragrance-Forward Haircare: Blake Brown Beauty’s Signature Scents
Blake Brown Beauty distinguishes itself with its emphasis on fragrance. While many haircare lines offer a signature scent or two, Blake Brown Beauty presents six distinct fragrances across its range. This positions the brand in a similar vein to Ouai, another fragrance-forward haircare line known for its sophisticated scents, some of which are even available as eau de parfums.
Each scent within the Blake Brown Beauty collection is designed to be unique yet complementary, allowing for layering within the product line. However, it’s worth noting that these fragrances are designed to be noticeable and may compete with or complement your personal fragrance choices.
One aspect that initially caused some confusion was the brand’s marketing materials. While they feature fragrance note pyramids (top, middle, base notes), the product descriptions often highlight additional notes not included in these pyramids. This means that consumers shopping online or in-store might not get the complete scent profile picture at first glance.
Despite this minor discrepancy, the fragrances themselves are undeniably well-crafted and nuanced. They evoke scents reminiscent of niche-leaning designer perfumes, such as those from Tom Ford, which aligns with Blake Lively’s stated inspiration from fragrances like Burberry’s discontinued The Beat. Each Blake Brown Beauty scent aims to tell a story and evolve throughout the day, both in the bottle and in your hair.
The brand’s tagline, “Because your hair is your most memorable scent,” truly comes to life with the complexity and sophistication of these fragrances. They successfully merge the worlds of perfume and haircare. However, it’s important to note that if you are not a fan of gourmand-leaning woody floral fragrance profiles, this line may not resonate with your scent preferences.
| Scent | Top | Middle | Base | Description on bottle | Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandalwood Vanille | Bergamot, Juniper Berry | Jasmine, Elemi | Sandalwood, Vanilla | Infused with notes of vanilla, dry ambers, vetiver, and sandalwood | Strengthening Shampoo and Mask |
| Wild Nectar Santal | Neroli, Cardamom | Lily of the valley, Nectar | Cedarwood, Vanilla | Infused with notes of bergamot, fig, cardamom, and sandalwood | Nourishing Shampoo and Mask |
| Bergamot Woods | Bergamot, Green mandarin | Violet, Lily of the valley | Cedarwood, Tonka | Infused with notes of pink peppercorn, apricot, and tonka. | Leave-in potion |
| Amber Vanille | Bergamot, Watermelon | Lily of the valley, Coconut milk | Sandalwood, Vanilla | Infused with notes of woody amber, bergamot, lily of the valley, and vanilla | Dry shampoo |
| Blackcurrent Vanille | Blackcurrant bud, Pink peppercorn | Peony, Strawberry | Vanilla, Musk | Infused with notes of blackcurrant, vanilla, pink peppercorn, and peony | Mousse |
| Milky Sandalwood | Cardamom, Violet Leaf | Coconut milk, Cedarwood | Sandalwood, Milky musks | Infused with notes of sandalwood, amber, lily of the valley, vanilla, and milky musks. | Pre-shampoo mask |
Deep Dive into the Blake Brown Beauty Product Line
Fundamental Strengthening Shampoo/Mask Duo (Sandalwood Vanille)
The Sandalwood Vanille scent in the Strengthening duo immediately stood out. The shower experience was truly elevated by this fragrance. While sandalwood is a common note in perfumery, Blake Brown Beauty executes it exceptionally well. It shares similarities with my everyday shampoo from California Naturals, which features dreamwood (a synthetic sandalwood) in a warm, unisex fragrance I adore. In contrast to some less successful sandalwood interpretations, like the one in Saltair’s shampoo which smells like a cheap candle, Blake Brown Beauty’s Sandalwood Vanille is refined and luxurious.
This scent is a gourmand lover’s dream – addictive, relaxing, and glamorous, reminiscent of wrapping oneself in a plush duvet in a five-star hotel. The fragrance was so captivating that I opted to use this duo again before moving on to testing the Nourishing line.
Fundamental Nourishing Shampoo/Mask Duo (Wild Nectar Santal)
The Wild Nectar Santal scent of the Nourishing duo evokes a familiar department store beauty counter experience, a blend of various perfumes in the air. While not as immediately captivating as the Sandalwood Vanille, it’s a pleasant and recognizable scent profile. Initially, the saccharine top notes upon opening the product were a bit overwhelming. However, once worked into the hair, the fragrance blossomed, revealing deeper woody and spicy notes.
While not my personal favorite scent in the range, the Wild Nectar Santal fragrance grew on me over time.
Update (for both shampoo sets, two months later): Both shampoo sets remain enjoyable to use. However, the lids can be a bit cumbersome to manage in the shower, as they don’t securely screw on and must be balanced on top. The hair masks, while hydrating, tend to make my roots feel slightly oilier by the second day compared to other conditioners I’ve used. The fragrance, however, persists beautifully in the hair for 2-3 days, sometimes even lingering after using a different shampoo.
All-In-Wonder Leave-In Potion (Bergamot Woods)
The Bergamot Woods Leave-In Potion stands out as the most “perfumey” offering in the Blake Brown Beauty line. Upon initial application, it has a slightly synthetic perfume-like scent, similar to a magazine perfume sample strip. However, this initial impression dissipates, and the fragrance dries down to a more subtle and refined scent.
The texture is reminiscent of Ouai’s leave-in conditioner – a creamy lotion that is best applied by spraying into the hands and then working through the hair. It’s remarkably lightweight and effectively smooths hair without silicones, a significant plus for those who, like me, find silicones attract dust and dirt, leading to scalp breakouts and lackluster hair after a couple of days.
Dry Shampoo (Amber Vanille)
The Amber Vanille Dry Shampoo initially reminded me of the discontinued Playa haircare dry shampoo, with a powdery, beachy, warm, yet refreshing scent. The first time I used it, I detected notes of amber, sandalwood, coconut, and vanilla. However, subsequent uses, even after thoroughly shaking the can, revealed more prominent watermelon top notes and lily of the valley. Once the top notes subside, the fragrance becomes more appealing.
While I’m not a regular dry shampoo user due to my preference for clean hair and scalp for clear skin and sensitivity to lingering dry shampoo fragrances, Blake Brown Beauty’s dry shampoo is less overpowering and more appealing than many others I’ve tried. It’s a viable option for refreshing hair between washes.
Update (two months later): My opinion on the Amber Vanille Dry Shampoo fragrance has shifted. The fruitiness has become increasingly bothersome, and with each use, I like the scent less. Furthermore, it can make hair feel crunchy if overapplied, resembling a texturizing spray more than a traditional dry shampoo. This crunchy texture is a notable downside compared to other dry shampoos I’ve used.
Glam Mousse (Blackcurrant Vanille)
Fruity floral scents are generally not my preference, and the Blackcurrant Vanille Glam Mousse initially triggered headache anticipation. However, the fragrance turned out to be surprisingly tolerable – not loved, but not disliked, which is a significant compliment for a styling product, as I often find styling product scents off-putting. It’s reminiscent of an expensive hair salon scent, a generic cloud of high-end haircare products rather than an overpowering department store perfume.
While it didn’t provide immediate noticeable volume (my hair naturally has volume after drying), the mousse effectively extended the hold and life of waves for a couple of days. It also provided a noticeable lift to bangs, temporarily delaying the need for a trim.
Rich Reset Pre-Shampoo Mask (Milky Sandalwood)
The Milky Sandalwood Pre-Shampoo Mask scent is strikingly similar to Le Labo Santal 33 candle. While the scent is appealing, the concept of a pre-shampoo mask feels somewhat cumbersome to incorporate into my routine. The process of applying it before showering, then shampooing and conditioning afterwards, adds extra steps. I’ve tried similar products, like Olaplex No. 3, but haven’t consistently incorporated them into my routine.
Update (two months later): Despite liking the Milky Sandalwood scent, the pre-shampoo mask remains a product I rarely reach for due to the extra effort involved in using it. In the one instance I used it for a prolonged period, I didn’t notice a significant difference in my hair’s condition afterward.
Packaging and Accessibility Considerations
Blake Brown Beauty’s packaging stands out for its use of PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic and stackable design. The geometric shapes are visually appealing and help the brand stand out on shelves. However, the packaging isn’t without its drawbacks. The twist-off lids can be challenging for those with limited hand dexterity, as my sister experienced when recovering from a hand injury. Additionally, the low contrast of the text on the shampoo and mask bottles can make them difficult to read in certain lighting conditions.
While tub packaging for conditioners and masks is common in high-end haircare, it’s less prevalent at Blake Brown Beauty’s price point. Tubs can be less convenient in smaller showers, as water easily gets inside. The smaller opening on the mask jars might also be challenging for individuals with larger hands to dispense product. Interestingly, the Strengthening Mask has a slightly smaller opening than the Nourishing Mask.
Despite these minor packaging issues, the overall design is distinctive and functional enough. The stackable nature and PCR plastic are commendable features.
Haircare Performance and Effectiveness
As someone with relatively low-maintenance hair, my experience with Blake Brown Beauty has been positive in terms of performance. Allure’s review provides a more in-depth analysis of the product performance, including insights from a cosmetic chemist on the formulations.
The concept of needing multiple shampoos – a strengthening and a nourishing option – is valid. Just as skin benefits from varied skincare routines, hair can also respond differently to products focusing on different needs. The idea that hair “gets used to” shampoo is a common notion, and rotating products can be beneficial. While hair is not living tissue like skin, addressing damage and maintaining hair health is not always straightforward. Different hair types and textures also require different approaches.
Final Verdict: Blake Lively Hair Care – Worth It?
My daily haircare staples remain the original California Naturals shampoo and conditioner due to their exceptional quality-to-price ratio and rich, mask-like conditioner. However, Blake Brown Beauty will definitely be incorporated into my rotation for days when I desire a different sensory experience. A friend aptly described the line as reminiscent of Charlize Theron for Dior’s J’Adore, capturing a peak Gossip Girl era vibe that will likely appeal to millennial women, blending nostalgia with current trends.
Is having a diverse haircare arsenal excessive? Perhaps for some, but for beauty enthusiasts, it’s part of the exploration and enjoyment. Even my dog has a selection of shampoos!
Update (two months later): Reflecting on whether I would repurchase Blake Brown Beauty, I’m still undecided. While the fragrances are unique and appealing initially, I anticipate potentially tiring of them over time. While more affordable than high-end haircare, the almost double cost compared to my usual products makes me question the long-term value.
Recommendations:
For those wanting to try one product: Visit Target and sample the masks. The unique fragrances at this price point are noteworthy.
For fragrance-sensitive individuals: This line might not be suitable due to the lingering and potent fragrances. The scents are designed to be noticeable and long-lasting.
For fragrance enthusiasts: If you enjoy fragrance layering and appreciate sophisticated scents in your haircare, Blake Brown Beauty is worth exploring. Be mindful that the fragrances are designed to be prominent and may compete with or complement your personal perfume.
