There are many hair styling products I’m completely unfussed about. I’m immune to the marketing of dry shampoos, curl gels, volumisers and hair sprays – essentially anything with the potential to feel sticky, powdery or crunchy on my head. But styling creams? They've long been multiplying on my dresser.
As an eternally puffy-haired person, I’m instantly drawn in by anything that promises to make my dry, disobedient lengths look silkier and smoother – as if I haven’t just burned the living daylights out of them with a pair of ghds. I need moisture, shine and smoothing – and I want it without any plasticky residue or stiff texture.
Many things do a solid job – Living Proof’s No Frizz Oil wins bronze in my own personal beauty awards, while Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolute will always be the ultimate shiny-hair shortcut. But a recent discovery has instantly made it to the top of my can’t-live-without list – it’s so good, in fact, it’s now the only thing I use on my hair each morning.
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I’ll get the painful part over quickly: I’m talking about Oribe’s Supershine Moisturizing Cream, and it costs £54.50. I’m well aware that that is a borderline insane amount to spend on a bottle of frizz-smoothing goo, but let me assure you: I wouldn’t be writing a love letter to this very fancy product if I didn’t think it was absolutely worth your money.
In short, it’s the ultimate frizz-smoothing, hydrating, shine-bestowing cream, which sinks into highlighted straw to instantly create the illusion of incredibly healthy hair. It’s rich, but melts into fine strands without leaving behind a sticky or oily residue, and somehow manages to shield from frizz even after the seventh surprise downpour of the day. And the smell? It’ll remind you of holidays (tropical island, not Malaga bender). There’s a reason the brand turned it into a perfume.
If you want poetic words from your beauty brands, know that there’s watermelon and lychee extracts involved here, which provide antioxidant protection. And for the science-romancers, there’s a host of plant-sourced amino acids (the building blocks of keratin, which forms the hair fibre). Yes, there’s silicone, but don’t believe everything the clean beauty crew shriek at you about synthetic ingredients – this one is fine – and a tiny touch of pearl powder that really lights up the straggly ends of a six month-old balayage.
If your hair is especially fine, you may prefer the Supershine Light – but really, the original should impress most. The price tag might lead you to question your priorities, but the tube will last at-least six months - and honestly, I’m certain it’ll eclipse any hair product you’ve tried before.
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
