Holiday Beauty Heroes

You may have noticed my absence over the past few weeks. My holiday came around sooner than I expected and I hadn't planned any posts in advance (bad blogger, I know), so you can consider this my 'Weekly Loves' #21 through to #25. Now it is fair to say that my beauty stash which traveled with me was a little extensive, the handful of products shown above were the ones that I reached for most days and couldn't have been with out.

As for skin care, I really took it down to the bare minimum. It may have included two cleansers, but it was still the minimum. The Liz Earle C&P is no stranger to A Day in Beauty and it is the longest remaining staple product to my skincare line up. I used this as my AM and PM cleanser as it is a great all rounder. I could have easily used this to remove my barely-there makeup as well, but I did have my beloved Clinique balm for that. I also narrowed down my moisturizers and brought Origins GinZing along for the ride. Usually just for the mornings, I found this hydrating and light enough to use for the evenings as well, plus the citrus scent just screams summer holiday. Also, the fact that it comes in a plastic tub makes it weight-allowance friendly. 

I mentioned my makeup was barely-there. I meant this literally. I wore makeup three times throughout the whole of the two weeks and even then it was only for a few hours in the evening - that is what holidays are for... right?  The Bourjois CC Cream was the perfect match for the hot weather. Light and dewy but still with a good amount of build-able coverage. This applies and blends easily for a natrual looking base. My love for the Dior Creme De Rose Balm has been well documented over the months and it was at the top of my list of products to bring. Where ever I went, this went - hand luggage, pool, beach, day trips, shopping, water park... every where. My lips stayed perfectly hydrated and plump, with a beautiful soft pink tint that this gives.

My hair was my main area of concern. Having spent the past three years growing it and getting to a healthy state, I didn't want it to get damaged by the heat or chlorine. I purchased the Redken After-Sun Mask specifically for this purpose. I used this whenever I washed my hair in place of a normal conditioner. I definitely think that this made a huge difference as my hair was, for the most part, in good condition. I can't really say that this worked differently to any other mask but it conditioned my hair, stopping it from becoming too dry and unmanageable so it is a winner in my eyes. I also brought along a sample of the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer - the product that wowed me the most. After a couple of days in and out of the pool, tied up on the top of my head with out being brushed, my hair was in a bit of a mess (yep, that's an understatement). I slathered this on, tied my hair up and slept it in over night and some sort of miracle happened. I washed my hair the next day to find there wasn't any knots or tangles and my hair felt nicer than it ever had before. This is a product I now, never want to be with out and I plan on buying a huge tub of it when payday rolls around. 

As for the most important staples for a holiday - perfume and nail polish... One is an old favourite and one is a new favourite. Essie Fiji adorned my nails on both my fingers and toes and made for the perfect holiday shade. A milky-pink nude that looks fabulous with a tan. This is a universally flattering shade that every one will love, as I have done for years. I wanted a new fragrance for my holiday, something fitting that would always remind of mine and my boyfriends first holiday together. With my ever growing Jo Malone obsession, I opted for their Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne. A very fruity scent, with sweet yet almost warm notes running through. This is the perfect summer perfume, weather you're going abroad or staying at home. 

What are your holiday beauty heroes? 

Redken Hair Cleansing Cream

Being a bit of a product junkie, my hair can get overloaded with various serums, oils and products to create volume - I'm looking at you Batiste XXL. After doing a bit of research I decided a clarifying shampoo needed to be added into my routine, and being a huge lover of this brand the Redken Hair Cleansing Cream was my first choice. 

White in colour and lemon in scent, this product comes in before your usual shampoo and conditioner. Using only a small amount, I like to massage this into the roots of my hair for a few minuets so that any excess minerals or product build-up is gentle removed. Filled with fruit acids, this cleansing cream not only gives lots of shine to your hair and helps in strengthening your hair cuticles, it also adds moisture to your locks. 

After using this shampoo, my hair is left feeling unbeatably clean and lightweight yet silky smooth at the same time. I can go about three days before the next wash - bonus! Despite being a 'cleansing' product I haven't found this to be at all stripping to my hair, but if you follow this up with a deep conditioning treatment your hair will probably be the nicest it has ever felt and you won't be able to stop stroking yourself - you have been warned! I tend to save this for a pampering session and only use it once a week, however I will use it more often if I have had a product-heavy day. I have been using this 300ml bottle for three months now and I am only half way down but I will be repurchasing it the salon size when I run out.

Do you use a cleansing shampoo? 

February 2014 Favourites

I know it is a bit cliche to say but seriously, how is it March all ready? After a bit of a whirl-wind month with lots of things going on I have discovered some amazing new and old products, even some life changing ones. Now that may be a tad dramatic, but it is true...

This month saw the return of the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in my collection. After living with out it for a couple of months, it was greatly missed. I have been using this every single day this month, the smallest amount gives me the perfected, natural looking base I strive for - along with a bit of concealer of course. 

Another old favourite that has made a return to my daily-makeup rota has been the Le Blush Creme De Chanel, in the shade Inspiration to be exact. A soft pale pink, that accompanies my pale skin perfectly and is super easy to blend. This also works great with any makeup look, just to add a flush of colour to your cheeks.

With February seeing in Valentines Day, it was only right that the best shade of red, in my opinion, made it into this months favourites. Essie A-List polish is a true red shade, not too bright nor too dark, just red. 

Speaking of Valentines Day... I was lucky enough to receive Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne. A deep fruity scent with fresh, almost crisp notes makes this perfume one that I cannot stay away from. Possibly a new contender for my favourite scent, I am having to ration myself so I don't use it up too quickly.

The Pai Rosehip Oil is the newest addition into my skin care routine, and something I was definitely missing. Applied after serum, I have found this to brighten up my skin whilst adding some much needed hydration. It is still early days yet but so far I very impressed with this little bottle of goodness.

If you have quite fine hair like I do, you know how much of a struggle it is to add some volume to it. The Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray has been welcomed with open arms into my styling routine, especially where curls are involved. A few sprays throughout my hair and it has almost doubled in size, with a slight hairspray-like hold my hair has the volume I have always wanted and it lasts throughout the day. 

Now onto that life saving product I was talking about... the Unite 7 Seconds Conditioner. A leave in conditioning spray that works wonders for knotty hair. In only a few spritzes this stuff makes combing through unmanageable hair a breeze, how? I'm not quite sure, but this stuff is a hero product in my eyes and don't ever want to be without it. 

What have been your favourite products from the past month? 

Unite 7 Seconds Conditioner

I have spoke about my quest for nicer, healthier hair many times before and I finally feel as though I am getting somewhere with it. With a slightly excessive hair care stash that is taking over my bathroom and dressing table I thought I would share with you probably my favourite product of them all...

The Unite 7 Seconds Conditioner is a leave in conditioning treatment that works wonders on tangled hair. Once washed and towel-tried, my hair has a big issue with knots so much so that my Tangle Teezer usually ends up full of my hair - gross, but true. Having always been doubtful of 'detangling sprays' I wasn't expecting much from this well-hyped product. With only a few spritzes of this subtly, sweet scented product throughout the lengths of my hair and then left for a few seconds, or 7 if you like,  my hair put up much less of a fuss to being brushed. I was able to comb through my hair with such ease that a huge smile came across my face - I had found the answers to all my hair woes. Obviously not every single knot and tangle had gone but I was still completely wowed by the results.

Now onto all added extras... This product is Paraben free, a UV and thermal protector, helps colour treated hair by locking in the colour and works to build up the hair's strength as it is filled with protein and moisturizers. There isn't anything that it doesn't do. I now look forward to washing my hair and being able to use this miracle product as it has completely changed the way my hair feels and behaves, I really couldn't recommend this any more.

What is your favourite hair product? 

Weekly Loves #8

After a pretty hectic week and an even more hectic week approaching I am having a relaxing weekend. All-day pajama sessions, blankets and Friends on my TV means I can get on with some well overdue blogging so today I bring you a round of my favourite products from the past week...

An oldie, but a goodie is the Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara. A staple in my collection for quite a few months now, this has made it's way back into my everyday routine. Long, full lashes that stay put all day without 'printing' on to my brow bone - always a winner in my book. The tapered shape to this brush makes it super easy to reach the smaller lashes in to corner of your eyes and helps to coat your bottom lashes.

Another staple in my stash that has received a lot of love this week is the Laura Mercier Radiance Primer. Perfect for creating a glowing base, this bronze coloured product helps to illuminate the skin whilst making the staying power of your makeup an all-day affair. This works perfectly paired with the foundation from last week's post.

With my quest for nice hair continuing, I have been trialing out lots of new products. Over the past few days I have fallen in love with the effects of the Redken All Soft Supple Touch Spray. With a delicate coconut scent, this product gives you incredibly soft hair in only a few spritzes. I have also found this to help tame my frizzy ends, making my hair generally in much nicer condition. 

As I have mentioned in the past, this year I am trying to switch up my makeup looks and products. My NARS One Night Stand has gone a little unloved recently, however this week I rediscovered the shade Goulue (bottom right). A plum shade, that works great with a simple makeup look. I have been using this most days to add a bit of warmth to my complexion, while looking like I have a natural flush to my cheeks. I have also been loving using Laguna again from this palette as well.

What have you rediscovered in your collection lately? 

New Hair Care Additions

I have mentioned before about my hair disasters in my younger years and how I now try to keep it in the best condition possible. With that in mind, and the fact that I was running low on a couple of products, I decided to give my hair a treat...

TIGI S Factor Silky Smooth Moisture Serum is the only product from this line-up that I actually 'needed'. With my previous post-styling serum running out and my love for TIGI as a brand, this was next on my list to try. A large salon-sized bottle filled with a subtle scented, frizz fighting product makes this great for us girls with fly away hair. A little goes more than a long way when it comes to this so this should last a life time.

In recent months my hair has become unimaginably knotted when it is wet, making getting a brush through it an impossible mission. The Unite 7 Seconds Conditioner is now my hero. A few spritzes throughout the hair and you are good to go with out having to play tug-of-war with your hair. This also has a heat protector in which is always a bonus!

Another leave in product which has been added to my routine is the REDKEN All Soft Supple Touch Spray. A light weight product with soft coconut scent that leaves your hair feeling soft, silky and much more manageable. I have also found this to make my hair a lot stronger, so it is less prone to breaking. 

I picked up the REDKEN Cleansing Cream with only one purpose in mind - the first shampooing. This works to remove product build up and purify the hair, this product also contains fruit acids to add shine and refresh the hair. Again, you only need a small amount to work into the scalp, giving yourself a little massage as you go. 

As my mission for nicest hair continues, I would love to know your favourite hair care products!

Weekly Loves #5

Following in line with last week and one of my new year resolutions, I have been trying to use some new products and some old favourites and this week has been spilt down the middle with the new to old ratio...

The most classic product from my collection is the L'Oreal Mythic Oil. I have had this for quite a while now, at least a year, and use it every single time I wash my hair. With out a distinctive scent, this oil helps to combat frizz for a more sleek and less messy look with out weighing down my fine hair.

I have noticed my skin becoming more dry lately so this week I have been overdosing with moisturising products to help restore some life back in to my skin. Hydraluron is product most known for it's hydrating properties and this gel like serum has been out to play almost every day this week. I tend to save this for my evening routine however if I'm having a no-makeup day I will pop some on in the morning as well. 

My dry skin isn't just located on my face, I have noticed my arms and legs also becoming quite lackluster, so in a bid to change this ASAP I picked up the Laura Mercier Souffle Creme Brulee Body Creme (the fact that it was half priced helped!). Firstly, this is probably the most gorgeous scented product I have ever tried - sugary sweet but with a sophisticated edge. Secondly, this is also the most luxurious of body creams I have ever tried - thick, yet silky in texture. My skin has never felt as soft as it does when this is put to use and the scent lingers on the skin for hours upon hours. 

Newest to product line-up is the Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray. If you have fine hair, you know it can be a challenge to add come volume to it but this wonder product has made it look easy. Practically weightless, this product adds volume and texture to your hair that will hold all day with out the typical crunchiness. A top up maybe needed if you're going from day to night, but for a normal day I find a quick spritz in the morning does the job. 

What did you love this week?

TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes 'Resurrection' Shampoo & Conditioner

After years of mistreating my hair, I now do the best I can to keep it in tip, top condition. I have tried a lot  of different hair care products in the past, some came and went, some are still in my life to this day but there is one range in particular that now receive holy grail status...

TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes 'Resurrection' Shampoo & Conditioner are a winning duo in my eyes. These have been in my life now for almost three years, that's a long relationship to have with some hair products but I can safely say that I do not seeing it ending anytime soon. I originally bought these in the hope of resurrecting  my dry, brittle and very damaged hair and with continuous use over a few months my hair finally felt like hair again. Specifically designed to treat the most damaged of hair, this shampoo and conditioner which is packed with moisture will work wonders on all hair types, from the driest of them all to the healthiest. My hair is in the best condition it has ever been and I still love to use these at least once a week to keep my hair feeling and looking it's best. The strawberry scent, makes them just that little bit more enjoyable to use. Although I make sure to use these a minimum of once a week, these are also my go to products if there is an occasion where I want my hair to look particularly healthy and glossy.  

The Urban Antidotes range by TIGI Bed Head is designed to bring your hair from the worst condition possible, to the best. With 'damage levels' ranging from three to one, you can work your way through the resurrection and recovery products until you're ready for level one, re-energize. I would really recommend this duo if your hair is dry or damaged... or if you just want your hair to look and feel healthy, silky and soft.

What are your holy grail shampoo and conditioner? 

Empties #3

It has been a while since my last empties post, three months to be exact. So I thought it was about time to dig out all of my used up products to show you, now there is more than what is shown here but since they are just multiple cans of dry shampoo and shower gel I thought I would leave them out.

Let's start with skincare... The Origins United State Balancing Toner is my go to toner for the mornings and most evenings as it helps greatly in keeping any oil at bay throughout the day and I think this may be my second or third bottle! This is a toner I would recommend if you have normal/combination skin as it helps to even out both dry and oily patches. To go alongside this toner I like to use the Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Brightening Toner, this is the only exfoliating toner that I have tried but I love the stuff! This is the first bottle that I have used up and it didn't take me long to repurchase. 

Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish is a product that I have been using for years now and I wouldn't want to be with out it in my collection, ever. Another favourite cleanser of mine is the infamous Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, this luxurious balm works wonders at removing makeup and giving you soft, plump skin.

It's not very often that I use up makeup. Why? I don't know, I use enough of the stuff! However I have managed to finish two products that have been getting a lot of attention recently. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation is a holy grail product of mine as it covers every imperfection, giving you a flawless base. 

Although you don't need a powder to go with this, I have fallen head over heels for the Bourjois Java Rice Powder. An illuminating powder that when applied gives an almost airbrushed effect to your complexion while still brightening up your makeup look. 

I have quite an extensive amount of hair care products, especially shampoo and conditioner. So it is really something when I manage to use one up. I discovered the L'Oreal EverRiche Range a couple of months ago and I have absolutely loved using them. I still have some of the shampoo left, however the conditioner is long gone!

What have you used up lately? 

Best of Beauty 2013

2013 was an amazing year beauty-wise. I discovered so many products and brands that I know will remain in my collection for years to come, and some that I don't know how I survived with out them before. I think it is safe to say that Origins was the brand that most stood out to me over the past year and if you haven't already tried their products, go and do so right now - I promise that you will not be disappointed. 

Makeup.

This was a year of firsts for me when it came to makeup as I found myself falling for products that I thought I wouldn't even like. The Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation (review) was one of my favourite discoveries. Usually I am a matte girl, but this foundation gives an luminous glow to the skin that I found myself lusting after, the best bit about this product is the amazing coverage it gives but still with a gorgeous natural finish.  To go with my cravings for a glowing complexion, I tried out the Bourjois Java Rice Powder (review), a illuminating translucent powder that not only gives the skin a radiant look but also makes your skin looks almost airbrushed and flawless. Another first for me was cream blushes, something a matte-finish lover doesn't tend to go for, but with my quest for radiance, and the hype that surrounded them, the Chanel Le Blush Creme De Chanel (review) also won my heart. These give a bright pop of colour to any makeup look, while still looking natural and dewy. After months of wanting them, I finally purchased some of the KORRES Lip Butters (review), not usually one for lip balms, these tinted, non-sticky pots of loveliness are amazing that get used on a daily basis.

Skincare.

It's no secret that I love skincare and for me, cleansing is the most important step. The Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm (review) has changed the way I cleanse my skin every night. It removes every last trace of my makeup while still nourishing the skin, it is a little on the pricey side of things but this luxury product is worth every penny. It was unintentional that three of four of my skincare favourites were by Origins, but I really do love that brand. The Out of Trouble Mask (review) is a life saver if you have skin prone to blemishes and breakouts, it not only prevents them with continual use but also helps to get-rid of them when you have a break out. This product is probably the best discovery of 2013 and I will not be with out one in my stash, and one as a back-up. Origins Drink Up-Intensive Overnight (review) is a wonderful product that I would recommend to anyone who wants to put a little dose of hydration into your skin for a plump and glowing complexion. 2013 was the year that I discovered serums and my top pick from the bunch has to be the Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright (review). I mentioned before my journey to getting radiant skin and this brightening serum does the job perfectly, I noticed such a difference in the appearance of my skin form the first use and I like to use this whenever my skin is in the need for a little pick me up. 

Hair.

I have spent the past two years trying to get my hair in much healthier condition after destroying it with bleach during my 'experimental' phase. My hair care routine is now almost as complex as my skincare one, but I love each and every step! One thing that has definitely helped my hair this year is discovering dry shampoo, in particular the Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo. I used to wash, blow dry and style my hair every single day, but now I can happily go one to two days in between washes which has changed the condition of my hair to no end. Less heat is always better for hair, plus this product gives huge amounts of volume. The L'Oreal Mythic Oil is a step that I never miss out of my hair care routine. I apply this pre-blow dry to smooth over and tame any frizz. I find this really helps in whatever style I decide to have my hair, whether it be curly or straight. The Redken Extreme range are probably my favourite hair products of 2013, especially the Extreme Strength Builder Mask (review). I use this once a week alongside the shampoo to give my hair the most deep conditioning treatment for silky smooth locks, with continuous use I have found this to re-build my hairs strength that has been broken down due to heat and dying. 

Other.

One other product that has stood out to me over the past twelve months has to be the infamous Seche Vite top coat. This stuff adds a super shiny gloss effect to your nails and drys in about a minuet, which is fab for those late night nail painting sessions. 

This is just a small selection of my favourite products throughout 2013, the products that stood out to me the most, the creme de la creme if you will. Other wise we could have been here for hours. What were your favourite products from the last year? 

October 2013 Favourites

October was a good month for me, not only was it my birthday month but I discovered a load of new beauty products that I have fallen in love with. The products featured this month are all new to my stash and are the ones that have stood out to me most throughout the month.

Now I have raved about these before (here) but the L'Oreal EverRiche Shampoo & Conditioner have been giving me silky smooth hair all month. They have that 'unable to stop touching my hair' effect which I love. Another product that I have already reviewed (here) and sang it's praises is the Bourjois Java Rice Powder, a brightening powder that has been giving my skin the perfected look that I have craved for so long. Something that every beauty lover has been instagramming the past few weeks is Essie's After School Boy Blazer and with good reason. A navy so dark it is pretty much black adorns nails perfectly for autumn. The final two products are both from NARS, and both presents from my boyfriend - heavy hints were given . Gaiety blush is one that I have been after for a while, being a pink kinda girl, for both lips and cheeks, this bright pink shade gives a gorgeous glow to my complexion. The Fairy's Kiss Palette is probably the perfect palette to see you through the autumn/winter months as it is filled with plumy shades to create every day and evening looks and I have been using this nearly everyday.

The leaves have started to fall, meaning all of my berry toned products are coming out, and my wishlist of berry toned products is ever growing... you can probably expect a haul sometime soon.

Empties #2

After my last empties post I expected it to take a while before having another one to share with you, but within about three weeks my 'empties bag' nearly brimming to the top so when it got to the point of it over flowing... I thought I should show you what I have used up.

Two products that I use up on a monthly basis are the Batiste Dry Shampoo and the Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo. I use this on rotation depending on what look I want to achieve and what I am doing that day, these will forever been repurchased and I always have some stashed away for when I run out. Another product for my hair that I have finished is the Herbal Essences Bee Strong Strengthening Cream. I always spritz this throughout my hair before blow drying as it leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft and smooth, again I had a back up in product stash for when I ran out. Soap & Glory's Heel Genius is quite isn't exactly a glamorous product but it is an essential in my collection and I quickly repurchased this. If you want super soft feel, rub this is and pop on some socks over night!

The five remaining products are all skincare ones because I bought them all at the same time, which seemed like a good idea at the time however my collection quickly decreased over the space of a week or two. First up is the REN ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser which may be a mouthful to say but it will work wonders if you have got oily/blemish prone skin. Another cleanser that I love is the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, a favourite in the beauty community and with good reason. If you are looking for a great all round cleanser to clean your skin and remove makeup then this one is for you! Once my skin changed from oily to normal I swapped my toner for a balancing one in the form of Origins United State Balancing Toner. This has already been repurchased and is sitting happily in my collection. Another pick from Origins is the GinZing Moisturizer which has been a favourite of mine for months now, this makes for the perfect early morning pick me up as it is hydrating and filled with a citrus scent. Finally... the Indeed Labs Eysilix. This does the job that and eye cream is supposed to do and keeps my eye area hydrated, however it doesn't wow me so if you have any recommendations I would love to hear them!

I have just restocked my skin care stash so I'm hoping that it will be a little while until I have this many empties again...

L'Oreal EverRiche Shampoo & Conditioner

I am a little bit of a hair care addict, I will hold my hands up and admit that. Usually I lean towards higher end, salon brands such as Redken or Tigi with the exception of the Herbal Essences Bee Strong range. But after reading rave review upon rave review of these L'Oreal products I went on a mini hunt and finally managed to get my hands on them.

Aimed at 'very dry rebellious hair' I knew that these were the ones for me. Although my hair isn't too bad, I am a keen heat user when it comes to my hair and an avid dyer meaning that I am always looking for something to make my hair feel silky smooth and keep it in tip top condition. The main attraction to these products is the 'no sulphates' aspect, which although it is what cleans your hair it is an element that damages your hair which is why it is so important to always condition your hair.

To use I apply the L'Oreal EverRiche Shampoo, massage it in and rinse out. Apply the L'Oreal EverRiche Conditioner, massage it in again but then I like to leave it on for 3-5 minuets before rinsing out. I follow this up with my post hair wash routine (read here) and my hair is left feeling incredibly silky, nourished and smooth. More so than when I have used some other, more expensive products.

If you're a lover of silky hair (who isn't?) then I would recommend picking these up... if you can find them . If these don't sound up your street, try one of the other versions more suited to your hair type... you won't be disappointed.

REDKEN Extreme SOS Pack

In my early teens I went through a stage (well, about three years) where I would continuously change my hair colour and wash, blow dry and straighten my hair every single day. Thankfully I am now way past this stage and I have grown to learn to look after my hair by mainly using high end hair products.

REDKEN are a professional salon brand that gives you glorious hair at home. Although they are not the cheapest option on the market they are definitely worth every penny, in particular the Extreme range. I picked up this REDKEN Extreme SOS Pack to try from FeelUnique.com and these products have become my best friend when my hair is in need of a treat.

I tend to use these once a week, usually during the Sunday night pamper. However, if my hair is feeling a bit lack-luster during the week I will give it another dose. I squeeze out some of the shampoo and apply it the roots of my hair, massaging as I go to stimulate my hair follicles which promotes growth. After rinsing I grab a dollop of the strength building mask and, again, massage it in but concentrating of the ends of hair instead. I like to leave this on for fifteen minuets, giving it plenty on time to do it's thing. Once rinsed out I follow up by using my post-wash hair care routine which you can see here. My hair is left feeling incredibly soft and smooth, but also healthy - it is hard one to explain, your hair just feels full and strong... try it for yourself you'll know what I mean (and maybe you can describe it for me too?). 

I haven't tried much from REDKEN but from what I have tried, and immediately fallen in love with, I can say they are now one of my favourite hair care brands. Their new Diamond Oil range has definitely caught my attention...

July 2013 Favourites

July has been hot month, it has actually represented what summer should be like which is a rarity for the UK. So this month has been all about having a glowing complexion, giving my hair and skin a treat and having that perfect summer scent.

The Origins Out of Trouble mask is a newbie to my collection but it has been sorting my skin out over a couple weeks of break outs. Having used this every other day my skin was left looking clear and blemish free! Benefit's "That Gal" primer (a magazine freebie from months ago) has been giving my skin a healthy glow and helping me to fake a radiant complexion - radiance primers may be my new thing. Another new addition is a creme blush. Never have I owned a creme blush but this one from Bourjois has been hitting all the right spots this month by giving me a subtle flush to my cheeks. Humidity and my hair do not go well together. So in order to prevent dry, brittle ends I have been using the REDKEN Extreme Strength Builder hair mask once a week. If you want super soft locks, I would definitely give this a go! Finally that perfect summer scent I was talking about... Vera Wang Lovestruck Floral. Sweet and floral with a hint of musk, making it perfect for those summer days and nights.

What have you been loving this month?

Post Hair Wash Routine

One thing that I have been on top of lately is having a good hair care routine. Over the years I have tried  and tested multiple products from oils to mouses to waxes. Yes, waxes. So after much trial and error I have finally found a post-wash, hair care routine that works perfectly for me.

After towel drying my hair and brushing it through, I spray the Herbal Essences Bee Strong Strengthening Cream on my hair, from roots to ends. This has quickly become one of my favourite products as it leaves my hair feeling softer and more nourished than ever. I follow this by applying the L'Oreal Mythic Oil Rich Oil to the ends of my hair, I use this to help tame the ends of my hair as they tend to be quite unruly. After these steps, I blow dry my hair. Not in any particular way, just roughly - and as quickly as possible. Following this I spritz the REDKEN Iron Shape 11 Styling Spray throughout my hair and brush it through. This helps to keep my hair style in place for longer. I usually straighten my hair on a day-to-day basis, and when using this I do not need to use heat on it again until my next wash - bonus! Once my hair has been styled, for which I either use the Enrapture Totem Styler or GHDs, I let it cool down before applying the Bed Head Glaze Haze Serum to the ends of my hair. This again helps in controlling my fly away ends and adds a glossy shine.

This combination of products has been my go-to routine for about a couple of months now and my hair has quickly become very manageable and frizzy ends have been kept at bay. Along with this routine I use certain shampoo and conditioners for certain days and/or events, but I will save that for another post...

Herbal Essences Bee Strong

Herbal Essences is my go-to drugstore hair care range, because as much as I love high-end hair care - using it for every wash just isn't very purse friendly. So when I saw this new Bee Strong range released, and on offer I should add, I quickly put one of each of the products in my basket before my boyfriend could see and I was on my way.

Smelling deliciously sweet, I couldn't wait to use them in my next hair wash - which ended up being an unscheduled one that night. Both the shampoo and conditioner are made with honey and apricot extracts, but the conditioner is extra special as it is serum-infused - fancy! I did as instructed and shampooed, rinsed, repeated and then conditioned. I was left with super soft, healthy feeling hair. Results that rival some of my high-end products and for just a fraction of the price... now that is something to write home about! The best bit? I can easily skip a wash (a hair wash that is) if I use these as they keep the hair clean whilst still being nourished. They even got the seal of approval from my boyfriend - which meant that we had to repurchase pretty quickly!

The Bee Strong range is aimed at damaged hair, but I would highly recommended this to anyone and all hair types! They are quite often on offer as well, so keep an eye out and definitely stock up!