The haircare category isn't shy of game-changing best-sellers. There are products that dehumidify so well they make hair waterproof (we see you Color Wow Dream Coat), bonding treatments that can sew up spit ends and lamination solutions that will leave your hair as glossy as a mirror. But there is much to be said for the humble hair oil, too. Granted, even those have come on leaps and bounds thanks to advances in hair tech, but this often overlooked step in a well-rounded hair routine is demanding our attention for good reason. Look to Kérastase's new and improved Elixir Ultime, for the proof, an industry sensation that is now 20% cheaper in the Black Friday 2024 sale.
Beauty editors and hair pros the world over are quick to wax lyrical about their love for the original hair oil which has been the 60-year-old luxe haircare brand's most iconic offering since its inception over a decade ago. Over the years it has grown in popularity, whether caught in the kits of celebrity hairstylists or perched on your hairdresser's station, its residual fragrance has become as familiar as its shine. Even Sydney Sweeney is hooked, so much so she is now the global ambassador of Kérastase and says, 'Elixir Ultime was actually the first Kérastase product I ever used! I always have it with me and find it works wonders for strength, shine, and overall smoothness. It’s the perfect finishing touch for every look!'
Shop: Kérastase Elixir Ultime
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It's hard to think this icon could get better, but the new and improved Kérastase Elixir Ultime does just that. There is good reason why the pro haircare brand defines this as a 'Versatile beautifying oil' on the packaging – the five-in-one treatment sees the French camellia flower take centre stage both in formulation and fragrance for a full 360 experience of the botanical's many benefits. The bottle is also now refillable and fuses the brand's commitment to styling and sustainability into one luxurious glass vessel. Expect the same hair transforming results as the original, just better.
Why is the Kérastase Elixir Ultime so good?
The classic hair finisher is a leave in treatment which promises a lasting ultra-shiny finish. In fact, the brand is so confident in its radiating properties, it says you can use the oil in five different ways to achieve said shine. Apply it through your ends as a styling product, use it as a heat protector, try it as a pre-cleansing treatment, as a style finisher after using heat tools or as a hydrating touch up to your ends – either way, a glow is guaranteed.
However you choose to use it, you'll quickly find it imparts a touchable smooth softness, controls flyways and frizz (if that's your preference, of course), and leaves strands feeling stronger. The benefits are all down to the carefully considered formulation which boasts an impressive list of kind-to-hair ingredients.
French camellia oil takes centre stage for its antioxidant properties and nourishing prowess which softens hair and leaves it luminous. There's also nutrition oils like marula and wild camellia which treat damaged hair to provide much-needed elasticity, while fatty acid-rich oils like camelina sativa seed oil, argan oil and corn germ oil, help to lock in moisture, repair and strengthen strands.
My honest review of the Kérastase Elixir Ultime
It's a loaded formula, sure, but it doesn't necessarily feel that way. I especially love how lightweight and fluid it is, unlike other finishing oils I've used it is more akin to a serum-oil hybrid and doesn't weigh your stands down in any way. Instead, I've found it diffuses instantly and I rarely need more than a pump or two to see the magic at play. My thick, wavy hair, which is prone to a fuzzy halo that I embrace on most days, responded well to the oil's softening and smoothing effects on the odd occasion when I'm opting for a sleek look, all without compromising my natural texture. It's no wonder this cult classic has enjoyed 10 years in the beauty hall of fame. If you've ever wanted to get your hands on one, now is the time as you can save £11.60 on the large 75ml refillable bottle.
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia UK's Beauty Writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
