Dunkin' x Native Collection: A Sweet-Smelling Collaboration or a Pastry-Scented Miss?

America runs on Dunkin', and now, so can your beauty routine, thanks to a recent collaboration between the coffee giant and personal care brand Native. The Native x Dunkin’ Collection features an assortment of shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and body washes in four signature scents: Strawberry Frosted, Vanilla Sprinkle, Boston Kreme, and Blueberry Cobbler. As a foodie who is always first to try anything new at Dunkin’, the concept of a chocolate-doughnut-scented shampoo and a vanilla-sprinkle-infused deodorant was intriguing.

First Impressions and Expectations

The excitement surrounding this launch was palpable. Beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira, a self-proclaimed “Dunkin’ stan,” expressed her desire for the collection. While initially most excited for the Vanilla Sprinkle and Strawberry Frosted scents, she ended up favoring the Boston Kreme and Blueberry Cobbler. Despite typically gravitating towards floral fragrances, the positive reviews piqued my curiosity, leading me to test the collection for two weeks.

Fast Facts

The complete Native x Dunkin’ Collection of 15 products costs $170. Individually, the prices are as follows:

• Strawberry Frosted Deodorant: $13
• Strawberry Frosted Body Wash: $10
• Strawberry Frosted Shampoo: $10
• Strawberry Frosted Conditioner: $10
• Vanilla Sprinkle Deodorant: $13
• Vanilla Sprinkle Body Wash: $10
• Vanilla Sprinkle Lotion: $14
• Blueberry Cobbler Deodorant: $13
• Blueberry Cobbler Body Wash: $10
• Blueberry Cobbler 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner: $10
• Blueberry Cobbler Lotion: $14
• Boston Kreme Deodorant: $13
• Boston Kreme Body Wash: $10
• Boston Kreme Shampoo: $10
• Boston Kreme Conditioner: $10

This collection is ideal for anyone who wants to smell like a doughnut shop. The shampoo provides a nice lather, but the scents can be hit or miss. Overall rating: 2.75/5

Scent-by-Scent Breakdown

Strawberry Frosted: More Jelly Than Strawberry

• Packaging: The Strawberry Frosted design, with its classic image of a Dunkin’ doughnut, is colorful and appealing. The pump dispenser for the shampoo and conditioner is practical for shower use.
• First Impressions: The scent leans more towards a jelly aroma than a fresh strawberry. This aligns with the expectation of a strawberry doughnut rather than fresh fruit. Native successfully captured that specific scent.
• Application: Massage the shampoo into the scalp in the shower to create a rich lather. After rinsing, apply the conditioner and leave it on for two to three minutes before rinsing for extra smooth hair. Apply the body wash by hand or with a loofah. The deodorant requires only two to three swipes in the morning but may need reapplication throughout the day due to its weaker strength.

Vanilla Sprinkle: Missing the Vanilla

• Packaging: Available as a deodorant, body wash, and lotion, the Vanilla Sprinkle packaging features a vanilla-frosted doughnut.
• First Impressions: The scent doesn’t resemble vanilla. Described by Native as a blend of vanilla, coconut, and citrus, it primarily smells like an unidentifiable fruit. The deodorant had the closest resemblance to vanilla, but with a fruity undertone.
• Application: Apply the deodorant and body wash as with the Strawberry Frosted collection. Massage the lotion into the skin after showering and reapply as needed for extra moisture.

Boston Kreme: A Creamy Vanilla Experience

• Packaging: The Boston Kreme products, available in the same range as Strawberry Frosted, feature a chocolate doughnut on the packaging.
• First Impressions: Expectations were high for a chocolate-forward scent, similar to a hot chocolate body treatment. However, the notes leaned towards buttery sugar, cream, and vanilla, resulting in a creamy vanilla aroma reminiscent of the Boston cream filling. This scent is suitable for those seeking a creamy vanilla experience.
• Application: Similar to the Strawberry Frosted collection.

Blueberry Cobbler: A Surprising Success

• Packaging: The Blueberry Cobbler scent is available as a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner and lotion. The packaging design is less visually appealing compared to the others.
• First Impressions: The scent evokes the aroma of walking into a Dunkin’ cafe. While not a natural blueberry scent, it perfectly captures the fragrance of a blueberry pastry with a caramel-like cobbler topping. The two-in-one shampoo and conditioner offer a fresher scent, while the lotion's fragrance lasts for hours. The deodorant is weaker compared to the Vanilla Sprinkle version.
• Application: Apply the deodorant and lotion as with the rest of the collection. Use the two-in-one shampoo and conditioner as a regular shampoo, noting its great lather.

Overall Impressions

The scents were somewhat confusing, and without knowing it was a Dunkin’ collection, it would be difficult to identify them as doughnut-inspired. However, the individual items are worth considering due to their comparable or more affordable pricing compared to similar products.

Read also: Review: Native Curl Care Shampoo

Final Verdict

After two weeks of testing, the Strawberry Frosted scent emerged as the favorite. The Vanilla Sprinkle scent grew in appreciation with the understanding of its citrus notes. The Boston Kreme and Blueberry Cobbler leaned more towards custard and cream, which were less appealing over time.

The shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were enjoyable, prompting interest in trying other Native scents. The deodorants, while typically a highlight of the Native brand due to their vegan and cruelty-free nature, lacked the desired longevity for personal use, requiring frequent reapplication.

Read also: Is Native 2-in-1 Worth It?

Read also: History of Native American Hairstyles

tags: #dunkin #native #shampoo #ingredients #review

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