Some of the best products I've tried, the ones that have truly made a significant difference in my beauty routine, are still high-end, excellent quality, but they're definitely not viral. You won't see these brands spending millions on advertising, sponsoring influencer trips, or being manufactured by large corporations. 

Rather, they're owned by small businesses that are doing things right now, spending every dollar on quality, scientifically backed ingredients. I've been trying them myself for a while, and I really want to share my REAL experience with each one, now that I'm almost 34! I promise that all of them are formulas that deliver real results, potent yet gentle. I've already tried them for you, and I can swear they work on me! 

Taking care of my scalp was the first—and most game-changer— step toward growing healthy, thick, and stronger hair. I have very thin, curly hair that is genetically prone to breakage and dryness, and an oily scalp. 

Sometimes we spend too much time (and money) caring only for the hair strand itself, when caring for the skin of our scalp is essential to stimulate hair growth. For me, it's the equivalent of fertilizing the soil so that a plant can bloom and bear fruit!

Chronic inflammation around the hair follicle due to excess sebum disrupts its normal cycle. The follicle weakens, the hair grows thinner and thinner, and eventually, the hair falls out prematurely.

1. Gently exfoliate my scalp.

2. Cleanse it regularly with a vegan shampoo that gently but effectively removes excess sebum and dirt that clogs pores and hinders hair growth.

3. Properly condition my hair with a product that provides natural oils and preserves its moisture.

4. Apply a daily treatment directly to my scalp.

5. Massage to stimulate cell micro-circulation.

Hair health is also subject to other biological factors, such as hormonal cycles, so in my mid-30s, it's very important for me to rely on haircare products that provide benefits to maintain full the follicle and thicken thin hair that I naturally have due to genetics.

However, in a market flooded with products promising miracles and costing hundreds of dollars each, I'm grateful to have found Maelove, a California-based brand that not only has a comprehensive skincare line addressing many concerns, but also a Full Follicle "kit" collection, specially formulated to gently yet powerfully care for the sensitive skin of the scalp.

My experience was positive, starting with the soft, pleasant, yet subtly citrusy scent with herbal notes that it leaves after washing my hair. My hair feels perfect—clean, fresh, but not squeaky when I run my fingers through it. This allowed me to wash my hair regularly, even more frequently, without any issues of dryness.

Then, the conditioner—applied from mid-lengths to ends—is neither too runny nor too greasy, just enough to replenish natural oils and detangle my hair with my fingers.

Applying the serum and massaging it in with my fingertips (or a massager) is a step I take every morning before styling my hair, and I've noticed my hair is stronger and fuller, and it's stopped falling out. I saw medium-term results after 5 weeks of continuous use, which is a great sign!

All Maelove products are safe for sensitive skin, made in the USA, vegan, cruelty-free, non-comedogenic, gluten-free, and free of parabens, phthalates, dyes, and artificial fragrances. They also don't use ingredients that are banned in the EU or the USA.

You definitely don't need a product in fancy, collectible packaging, or a wrapper that costs more than the product itself. You need a product that delivers on its promises, at a reasonable price, with simple and proven ingredients.

I tried this multi-purpose product without much enthusiasm, after years of suffering from acne, and immediately after having an abscess on my face. The gel's cooling sensation is instant, ideal for sunburn or sweltering hot days, so it's worth it from the first use.

It's a fragrance-free, transparent, simple Korean skincare gel. However, thanks to its houttuynia cordata extract complex, it noticeably improved my acne, almost making it disappear completely. Furthermore, the texture and tone of my skin became noticeably more even with continued use.

Are topical anti-aging products a trick by the beauty industry to make money off our insecurities? Personally, I don't think that hypothesis is entirely true, but I can understand that you might be looking for immediate and long-lasting results, so many people are looking for injectables in their mid-30s.

Honestly, it was my first time using a microneedle patch technology that dissolves into the skin, so at first, the tiny, slightly uncomfortable pricks faded until the sensation dissipated, and then I didn't even notice the patch for two hours (I also wore it overnight).

Well, I applied it directly to the wrinkles on my forehead, which have been there for several years, and they virtually disappeared! I even thought it slightly restricted my forehead movement, without having to resort to injectables, and for a fraction of the price, all at home! The effect lasted about four months, so I'm quite satisfied with this technology I discovered. 

The menstrual cycle has always been a frustrating thing for me, ever since it started 20 years ago! I always thought that at some point in my adult life it would be easier to manage (the mood shifts, period pains, and spotting everywhere, you know!), almost accepting that it would be part of my life as a woman, right up until perimenopause.

Once, when I was very young, I took hormonal contraceptives that promised to "control" it, but they didn't work for me, so I opted for the difficult path, taking anti-inflammatories, painkillers, and fever reducers during the luteal phase.

However, I started feeling better as I changed my diet to a cleaner one and significantly increased my physical activity, leaving behind the sedentary woman I once was.

Nevertheless, I continued to struggle with mood changes and constant temperature rises. I've been using Rootify for a full cycle, once a day (it's a vitamin and mineral supplement with turmeric), and I've seen relief from these symptoms, so I think it could help you improve your lifestyle too!

I hope this helps!

Jessymar Daneau Tovar (@letroupe)