Monthly Favourites|February

February was an odd month. 

It started off in the Southern Hemisphere in balmy Sydney with most days spent at the beach; it ended in frosty London, back at work and in a long distance relationship. Not quite what I had in mind but when does life ever go to plan hey? I got back to the UK around 2 weeks ago and feel like I haven't stopped since. Although, I've still had time to rediscover some fantastic old favourites and happily shop for some new ones. And who better to share them with than you lovely lot?! Here goes...

- 17 Beehive Lipstick is a product that was hugely hyped in Blogger World a few years ago now. It's a beautiful lipstick with a perfect 'my lips but better' hue and the formulation is creamy and just the right side of glossy. I repurchased it time and time again but then, as usual, my head was turned to other products and I forgot all about it. That was until last week. I spied it in Boots with its incredible new packaging - why has nobody thought of a mirror in the tube before?! - and have worn it every day since. The other bonus? It's an absolute steal at £4.79. Dreamy!

- The little red pot is a sample size of Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, which was gifted from a friend. I haven't used a primer in ages but dug this out last week and it's love already. It does everything you want a primer to do - fills in fine lines and pores, creates a super smooth base for your foundation and then ensures it doesn't sink into your skin over the course of the day. You only need the tiniest amount so this pot will last a while but I think £26 for the large pot is totally worth it and I'll definitely be investing.

- When it comes to perfume, I'm a total creature of habit. So when my Mum sent me off to Australia with a bottle of Armani Diamonds I was a little wary. But it turns out she knows best - as always! - and it's a great scent that I get compliments on whenever I wear it. From now on, I vow to be more adventurous. Maybe...

- I'm also branching out with skincare as I'm unfortunately not getting any younger and really starting to notice it in my skin. I've been seriously impressed with all of the products I've tried from the Boots Botanics range but this Microdermabrasion Polish is definitely the winner. About once a week, I gently massage a pea sized amount of this all over my face, concentrating on any problem areas. It not only makes my skin feel amazing but I can see the difference instantly as well. I look forward to Sunday nights purely so I can use this - it's a true Holy Grail product.

- I'm not sure what else to say about KMS Tame Frizz Taming Creme other than - I bloody love it! It smells insanely good and actually does what it promises. Yes, it tames the frizz. And well, that's good enough for me! 

- Lastly, is something that has taken over my life so much that it deserves a mention. I'm back on the Tumblr wagon and it feels good. Pictures of incredible food, fashion to drool over and enough cute kittens to make anyone smile - an hour on this day a day, keeps the long-distance relationships blues away. For now anyway...

What have you loved this February? Are you on Tumblr? Let me know!

Happy March everyone xxxx

Product of the month: Mythic Oil

Ever since the September Glossy Box landed in my lap, there has been one product that I have used every single day, without fail.

It is, of course, the beautiful Mythic Oil from the L'oreal Professionnel range.

Hair oils have been on my radar for months but I'd always been of the view that I had enough hair products to last me a life time and I just didn't need one.  Not anymore!!!!

I honestly could not live without this product now.  From the first time I applied two drops to my wet hair and then blow dried it, I noticed a difference.  My hair was softer, smoother and generally looked a million times better.  My split ends were sealed and any fly-aways were history.  When applied to my dry hair after, it gave me the most amazing shine and the scent made my hair smell like I'd just come out of the hairdressers.  I was hooked!

As for the actual product, it's enriched with all sorts of oils that care for your hair and give it back some moisture without ever making your hair greasy or weighed down.

I am in love!  If you are like me and think that any old serum makes your hair feel as good as you possibly think.....try a hair oil!  You will not be disappointed - I promise!!!

EDIT: I am a useless blogger and put absolutely no details in of where to get this.  It can be bought from hair salons but for the savvy beauty addict, Cheap Smells or Feel Unique are your best option to snap it up for £11.95.  Go on...... You're worth it ;)

Hair Growth Update

I haven't posted about my battle with my hair length since November but it is always on my mind!  I'm currently torn on whether to chop it all to a mid-length style but I know I'd end up hating it, so I'm sticking to my long hair aim!

APRIL 2010

NOVEMBER 2010

JUNE 2011

Hopefully you can see the length is constantly improving and the condition is amazing considering I abuse it with heat most days!  My routine hasn't changed dramatically since November except that I switch up the products a lot more - my new favourite is the Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends leave in cream - and include volumising mousses most days to give my mane a much needed boost without back combing! 

The future....

I will be going for a trim as soon as I get back from my holiday because I'm really not a fan of the tapered ends that Toni & Guy have given me.  I want it to be all mostly one length to ensure the ends look as thick as possible.  Then the V05 oil will come into play to ensure it stays as healthy as possible!

Do you have any miracle hair growth products to recommend??  I'd love to hear about them - anything to give me the Kardashian hair of my dreams! xxx

What would Lauren do?

Style her hair perfectly; apply her make up immaculately; don a simple but beautifully put together outfit; come out with a fantastic quote and generally be classy.  (With a spot of Chanel thrown in for good measure...!)

She is amazing and I love her.  Always glamorous and glossy - a true inspiration for me.  You can have your bed head and boyfriend shirts Olsens and Hudgens - give me LC any day!

TAG: 11 Most Reached For Products/March Favourites

My eleven favourite products change constantly but these products have been consistently used day in/day out for the whole of March...so I'm killing two birds with one stone!

Skin care, hair care, tan and bases

St Moriz Dark Mousse

John Frieda Serum

Olay Multi-Radiance Fluid

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Estée Lauder Double Wear Concealer

No 7 Creme Touch Powder

Eye and lip products

Collection 2000 Big Fake Lash Mascara

NAKED Palette

MAC Tempting Quad

MOR Passionflower Lip Delight

17 Beehive Mirror Shine Lipstick

As you can tell, these products have been loved to death and is seen by their completely battered packing!  If there is anything that catches your eye for a full review, just say!

What have been your favourites recently???

xxx

Hairstyle of the Week

Nothing too drastic but instead of curling my hair, this past week I've been straightening it, putting in a few extensions and a bump it - for some much needed volume - and then pinning the top section up.

This is unfortunately as exciting as my life gets at the moment...I'm not usually this shallow. I promise!

xx

Post-Dissertation Haul

The last few weeks have been, let's face it, pretty dull for me.  I spent what felt like every waking moment working on my dissertation and I still didn't feel happy with it at all when I handed it in on Friday.

However, it is done now; I can't change it and I can still make up for it over the next few months...here's hoping!

Since then, the relief has been amazing..anybody who has handed in a large piece of work will know what I mean! It has been fantastic to enjoy the last few days - Sunday afternoon especially when we made our way to Gusto in Didsbury for my house mate's birthday.  Amazing food, company, drinks and service - we ended up spending a small fortune but it was worth every penny!

As for the rest of the weekend, Saturday was my third week working for Boots which I absolutely love.  I spent the morning mentally deciding what I was going to treat myself to on my break - I honestly spend my wages before I earn them!

I was tempted by some of the great deals and freebies available with brands such as Bourjois and MaxFactor but in the end I decided on the 3 for 2 professional hair care offer.

John Frieda Serum

I can't believe I have never tried this cult product before.  I used it yesterday and can see what the fuss is all about - made my hair feel so soft and manageable.  A definite keeper..

Lee Stafford Heat Protection Spray

I've repurchased this so many times - it does what the name suggests but its bonus factor is the smell.  Makes your tresses smell beautiful; and who doesn't want that?!

Trevor Sorbie Beautiful Curls Curl Constructor

When buying hair products, I'm usually still stuck in the mindset of my 14 year old self.  That is - what can I buy that is going to give me the straightest, flattest hair possible.  Luckily, I've finally realised that look is not good on me and I now go for the curly option 90% of the time.  My hair has a natural wave but hopefully using this in conjunction with my tongs will help to create beautiful curls that last all day.

Nicola Roberts Girls Aloud Lashes by Eyelure

I finally bought these after lusting after the beautifully flirty, winged out style for a while.  I snapped them up as I noticed the appearance of some new 'day' styles appearing on the shelves.  I'm not sure whether these are replacing the old styles or in addition to, but I didn't want to risk not being able to try them in case they disappear of the shelves.  

I cannot believe it is March tomorrow!  This year is going so quickly but I for one cannot wait for warmer weather and longer days.  Plus, the added bonus of Easter - I've eaten about a million mini eggs already but there are plenty more to be had I'm sure....

xxx

TIGI Bed Head Brunette Goddess

When I received this trio from a beautiful friend, to say I was chuffed would very much be an understatement!

I have used and loved many TIGI styling products over the years but I've never treated myself to any shampoos or conditioners.  In fact, not just from TIGI but from any high end hair care range to be honest...

Well now thanks to Samantha(!) it's going to be hard to go back to my faithful TRESemmé..!

The beautiful shampoo enriched with nutrients smells truly amazing and lathers so luxuriously that it really is a treat to use.  It also helps to de-tangle my hair which is something I can whole heartedly say a shampoo has never done for me before.

The real gem of the collection has to be this miracle working conditioner.  I could talk about the liposome delivery system that releases nutrients; the soy and wheat proteins which retain moisture and revitalize shine or the panthenol which strengthens the hair to help resist breakage and reduce split ends..but all I will say is that it leaves my hair feeling instantly manageable, silky soft and frizz-free whether I blow dry it or leave it to dry naturally.  It also smells bloody gorgeous too!

The third and final step of my new hair regime leaves my hair so shiny when spritzed all over my final style.  It is not at all sticky or greasy which is always a worry when putting something on your finished 'do.

It also has the amazing sweet smell of the other two products which for a girl with a sweet-tooth like me is the cherry on top of the very good cake!

TIGI can be bought in hair salons, online retailers such as Feel Unique and occasionally in TK Maxx Stores.  The whole range of products can be investigated on the brand's website...which has reminded me that I was a huge fan of the Control Freak products and I must invest in some of them again...

What are you experiences with TIGI?  Any must-have products?!

And a very special P.S - Thank you Sammy for spoiling me with this - you are too kind to me! XXX

Hair Growth

I have been on the quest for gorgeous long and thick hair since I first saw Laura/Lollipop26 discussing hair extensions about 18 months/2 years ago.  Since then I have purchased numerous packs of other people's hair but only a year or so ago did it click that if I grew my own hair, I could kick my expensive habit.

I now invest in intensive conditioning treatments, leave in products and heat protectants.  I do forget sometimes and I do have a set of extensions for nights out but we're all human...

Here is my hair in April, looking a little bit sorry for itself:

And 7 months on:

So, 7 months of growth should = 3.5 inches of growth?

Probably about right!  But my hair is also thicker and just generally in a much better condition which for totally abused hair like mine, is an amazing improvment.  

HOW I DID IT

Products

• Shampoos and conditioners for heat damaged hair.  They don't need to be expensive - I love TRESemmé...
• Intensive conditioners as often and for as long as possible.  If I am not going out for a day I will just leave one on all day.  My current favourite is the Lee Stafford Growth Treatment as previously mentioned - makes your hair feel like silk and smells truly amazing!
• Leave in conditioners such as the Aussie Sprays, Redken Anti-Snap or my new favourite, Tigi Ego Boost.  I apply these to the lower half my hair to avoid greasy roots.

• Heat protectant - just cover your hair in the stuff!

Styling

• The main point is, only use heat when truly necessary.  Seems obvious but I was guilty of curling or straightening even if I wasn't going anywhere.  I find when I make no effort and just tie my hair up wet, it can look amazing when I take it down.
• If I do need heat, I only use it on the days I wash it.  The curls I put in it usually last for the next day too or I just tie it up.
• Experiment with tools that require no heat such as velcro rollers - I'm sure I helped my hair by being addicted to bendy rollers for a few months.
• Heated rollers damage your hair less than a curling tong.  Or at least I like to think so...
• Use the time you sleep to dry your hair/put it in rollers etc.  Uses less heat and allows you to have an extra half an hour in bed - and who doesn't want that?!

xoxo

The Essentials

As a self-confessed beauty product and cosmetic junkie I have a myriad of lotions and potions.  I always have numerous hair sprays, lipsticks, moisturisers etc on the go at any one time.

However, there are those special few items that I will never be without.  The loves of my life in the cosmetic world.  The items I stress about if I potentially lose or use up and don't have a back up.

Let me introduce you to:

THE ESSENTIALS

Clockwise from left:

Sudocrem - The only thing that clears my skin up when I break out.  My saviour.

Nivea Young Tinted Moisturiser - My daily essential to even out my skin tone.  Amazing on its own or as a base for foundation.

Olay Regenerist Thermal Skin Polisher - I should probably dedicated an entire post to this beauty.  Makes my skin feel incredible.

Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo - I've talked about this before - thoroughly rids your locks of a multitude of products, leaving your hair clean and full of life.

Olay Complete Care Multi-Radiance Moisturiser - This is the only moisturiser I've found that provides a matte but radiant finish whilst keeping my moisture levels topped up WITH an SPF.  This deserves a medal!

Seche Vite topcoat - I honestly won't do my nails without this.  No waiting around for half an hour for polish to try and leaves my nails so incredibly shiny.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 - I stopped using this for about 2 weeks and my skin went insane.  The moral of the story?  I will never be without this again!

Olay Eye Make Remover - My mum has used this for as long as I can remember and she turned me onto it a few years ago.  It just easily removes all my eye make up and doesn't sting my very sensitive eyes - all round winner!

Exfoliating Glove - Just turns any old shower gel into an exfoliator - perfect when my St Moritz turns me all patchy..

No 7 Créme Touch Powder - I have never tried MAC's MSF Natural (call myself a make up enthusiast?!) as  this provides me everything I want a powder to - slight coverage with a semi-matte finish that lasts hours.  I'm not taking the MAC off my to-buy list just yet though... ;)

If you want me to provide a full review for any of these, just let me know in the comments!  

As for me, I'm off to watch The Vampire Diaries.  Stefan, Damon, just how do you choose?!

Hair Inspiration

I am so guilty of always wearing my hair the same way - 80% of the time curly; 10% loose waves and 10% straight.  It is also always, always down and to be honest, I'm just getting a bit bored of it.  As I'm also constantly trying to grow it, I really should be cutting down on the amount of heat I subject my tresses to.

I therefore vow to style my hair differently at least twice a week using these pictures for inspiration...famous last words??

The most unglamorous post yet

If, like me, you are not naturally blessed with sleek, glossy locks then you probably have to use a multitude of products to get the hair of your dreams.

My hair is naturally coarse, wavy and potentially frizzy if I leave it to air dry.  Alas, not exactly the look I go for.

I therefore use an arsenal of deep conditioning treatments, leave in conditioners, protein treatments, serums etcetera etcetera to give me hair that looks a little something like this...

However, as always, some things are just too good to be true.  And every so often my hair can't take the overload of products and becomes lank, greasy and just generally overwhelmed.  So glamorous...

The first time this happened I was totally distraught - a standard hair wash does not clean this up.  Oh no.  For this problem, a heavy duty, detoxing shampoo is needed and thankfully I discovered my saviour..

Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo - £2.99

What Boots say:

No matter how thoroughly you shampoo, your styling products can hang around, leaving a residue on your hair that can really weigh it down. Get rid of the unwanted build-up with Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo.

Well, it does what it says.  Any bouts of build up are now distant memories from using this, without fail, once a week.  Prevention is better than cure as they say....

Look what I got...

Some beautiful, silky soft tresses courtesy of... somebody else.  One day I'll hopefully have my own 18 inch locks...!

These are 18 inch remy extensions which I purchased from Paul's Hair World in Manchester.  They are seriously so helpful in there...they would not let me leave unless they found me a perfect colour match.  Even when I said I'd just get the closest match they wouldn't let me...!  Quite refreshing when I feel in certain shops they literally force you to buy something totally wrong for you.

We finally decided on number 6 from Sleek and they are amazingggg!  The colour is spot on and I can't get over how soft they are - I just want to keep stroking them....seriously.

I will do a post on how I cut them, sew them and attach the clips soon!

xxx

Alsooo, a little message to all you lush followers out there...can't believe I've got over 100 - you all really do make my day, so thank you xxxx

Yesterday

The Outfit

Top: River Island

Belt: ASOS

Jeans: Crafted at Republic

The Hair

Curled the same as in my hair routine.  I decided to go sans hair extensions - this warm weather makes me want to embrace the natural side of things!

The make up

MaxFactor Miracle Touch Foundation - 45 Warm Almond

GOSH Touch Up Concealer - 2

No 7 Creme Touch Face Powder - Translucent - Lightly on t-zone

Prestige Glam Tan 

MAC Paint - Bare Canvas - All over the lip

MAC Eyeshadow - Tempting - Outer third of lid; Lower lash line

Bourjois Clubbing Mascara

ELF Eyebrow Kit - Medium

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss - Peach Petal

Click on photos for a more detailed view xxx

Hair Routine

For a good few years now I have been obsessed with big, sexy, voluptuous hair.  I decided that my naturally wavy but perma-straightened hair was doing nothing for me and that a big, glamorous 'do' instantly made me feel happier.
Below is a picture of me around this time last year - having just had my hair attacked by a hairdresser.

Admittedly, my hair does look healthy but I just didn't feel nice.  For me, the more hair, the better.

(Excuse my attire - standard University geek night out)

It was only a few weeks after this that I realised how easily attainable the (old) Cheryl Cole look was with the use of extensions.  I always thought extensions were only for the women willing to pay thousands to have millions of pieces of hair glued in.  Cue my introduction to the beauty community and the realisation that a girl can get herself a set of clip in extensions around the £50 mark. 
Result??  Happy George with a full head of long, luscious locks!

Since then, I have hardly gone without extensions - constanstly increasing their quality from synthetic to standard human to remi.  I am also on a mission though to grow my own hair so that one day I will only need my own hair on my head.

Thus, here is my hair care routine which I carry out every other day.... Enjoy!

• I wash my hair usually with a volumising shampoo followed by a heavy duty conditioner - I have quite a lot of hair naturally so I am quite lucky as it does not get weighed down by heavy conditioners
• Towel dry and comb through then apply 2-3 pumps of Redken Anti Snap to the ends
• Spray liberally with Aussie Luscious Long Leave In Condtioner which doubles up as heat protector when blow drying                                            

• Blow dry as straight as possible, which leaves hair looking something like this i.e. an awful hybrid mess of straight and wavy

                                                       

• Spritz hair all over with a heat protectant spray - at the moment a cheapo choice from Boots
• Curl random sections with a large barrrel curling tong until whole head is done

• Add pre-curled extensions - 1 large weft at ear level; 2 smaller wefts at eye level - lighter in colour to give illusion of highlights
  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

• Spray with a generous amount of hair spray and voila!
  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

I actually really enjoyed doing this as the photos have proved to me how much my hair has actually grown and how my 16 inch extensions don't really make that much difference anymore?!  Time for 18 inch wefts?!  I think so!

Any questions?? Let me know in the comments! xxx