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Introduction to Arcadian Matte Paste
Today, we are looking at Arcadian’s improved version of the 2018 Matte Paste. In fact, this is our second review for their product line, where the previous one was the Arcadian Clay Pomade. The Clay Pomade was great with fine hair but it doesn’t holds well especially for those who has thick hair, or in environment that has high humidity. After reading the labels that claims to be a heavy a dry cream, I was pumped up to try it out if it really holds well. Let’s take this for a ride now! (Not forgetting a special discount awaits at the end of this article)
Brand
Arcadian
Origin
Knoxville, Tennesse, USA
Type
Matte Paste
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Design and Packaging
A solid Arcadian Amber Jar as expected, with a matte labeling around it. Consistent with all of their product line, it is weighed at 115g (4oz). The pink label stands out to display the key titles for product.
Scent
Definitely belongs to the citrusy family, with some spicy note to it. This is due to the piney herbal that gives out some peppery scent. However, fortunately, it is not over powering. Phew~~~
Texture & Application
When I first scoop it out, it does feel slightly heavy and sticky like wax. This is definitely heavier that what you would expect for a normal matte paste product such as the Orien’t Texture Paste or the Morris Motley’s Styling Balm.
Rubbing on the palm was easy and smooth though you will feel there are some beads of pepper-like element.
For this review, I had my hair blow dried before applying on it, as advice on the label. With 1 coin size scoop and after disintegrating the paste on my palm, applying on the hair wasn’t as easy compared to a normal hair paste product. You will feel there’s a distinct stickiness (contains wax). It has an immediate effect where you hair starts to hold into a position. Because of this, it is advisable that your hair is blow dried to have some pre-styled shape.
It does gives a great amount of volume and texture. During the mid day, a little restyling was needed to keep it up as I was spending some time outdoor under a humid and sunny environment.
Shine
Matte. No Shine at all.
Strength & Endurance
- Strong Hold. Legit even in humid climates
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor activities in humid climate. If you do sport, the stickiness might fade quite a bit, but able to restyle easily.
- For less intense activity (walking outdoor), it lasted almost the whole day without needing to restyle, however can be easily restyled by finger
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Front View: 8 A.M. (Before)
Neat and Slick!
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Front View: 10 P.M. (After)
Still holding strong despite being out for more than 12 hours. Only a slight fade in hold
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Side View: 8 A.M. (Before)
Able to have a well0defined side parting by just using finger to style.
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Side View: 9 P.M. (After)
My sweat and the humidity has definitely put into a real stress test. Despite all, it’s to holds well. Can be easily re-styled with finger or comb
Washability
Easily washed off with one round of shampoo.
Hair Types
- Thickness – Fine to Thick Hair
- Volume – Low to Medium Volume Hair
- Straight, Wavy
Hairstyles
Pompadour, Spiky Side Parting, Comb back, Side Swept-Brush Up
(See hairstyles here )
Ingredients
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Kaolin, Microcrystalline Wax, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Ceteareth-20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Bentonite, Copernicia Prunifera (Carnauba) Wax, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Polysorbate 80, Silica, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Pinus Nigra (Black Pine) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Juniperus Communis (Juniper Berry) Fruit Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Picea Mariana (Black Spruce) Oil, Canarium Luzonicum (Elemi) Oil, Cedrus Deodora (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Melaleuca Leucadendron Viridiflora (Niaouli) Oil, Potassium Sorbate
Verdict
Definitely the Arcadian Matte Paste is a worthy product for those who live in humid climate. My fellow brothers in South East Asia, this is a great product. Holds very well and easily restyle. Just need some awareness when styling, it requires some effort to ensure you hair is dry. Other than that, if you don’t mind the slight spicy note, it’s a great product over all!
I am glad to share with you all a 15% discount code – URBANOAK15.
Summary of Arcadian Matte Paste
Hold Power: ★★★★★
Shine:☆☆☆☆☆
Endurance ★★★★☆
Washability:★★★★★
Where to Get?
Arcadian Store: Worldwide – USD $15.30 (After Discount – Code: URBANOAK15 )
SG Pomades: SG, MY, ID – SGD $28.00
Amazon USA – USD 23
UO Select Store
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