The Weekend Hobbyist

Today I’m sharing a styling product I’ve reached for again and again: the Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé (affiliate link).

Before you scroll past thinking soufflé sounds complicated, let me stop you right there. This one is very beginner-friendly, even if you’re still figuring out your curl pattern or you’ve had a complicated relationship with gel in the past. Keep reading for how I use it and why it’s earned a permanent spot in my routine.

So what exactly is it? The Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé is a lightweight gel that defines your curls, without the crunch! It’s meant to enhance your natural texture—not fight it—and it does that beautifully.

What I love most is how soft the results are. You get definition, shine, and hold, but your hair still moves. No helmet curls. No stiff, sticky feeling. Just touchable curls that actually look like your hair on a good day.

Let’s talk about how I use it.

After washing and conditioning, I apply this to soaking wet hair. (This is key!) I rake a small amount through my curls, then scrunch upward to encourage clumps. A little goes a long way here—you can always add more, but starting light helps avoid product overload.

Once it’s in, I either air dry or diffuse, depending on how much patience I have that day. As my hair dries, it forms a very light cast, which is exactly what you want. When my hair is fully dry, I gently scrunch out that cast with my hands, and the result is soft, defined curls with zero crunch.

Another big win? This product plays nicely with others. I’ve layered it over leave-ins and curl creams without any flaking or weird buildup, which is a huge plus if you like to mix and match your routine.

I’ve repurchased the Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé (affiliate link) more than once, and that’s usually my sign that a product is a keeper. It’s reliable, easy to use, and gives consistent results—which is really all I ask for on a busy weekday morning.

If you’re looking to simplify your curl routine this year while still getting great results, this might be your new go-to.

Here’s to soft curls, low-effort routines, and products that are actually worth your free time 💛