But recently I have noticed that it isn't quite enough. I lightened my hair about a month ago, and it really deteriorated in condition, which isn't helped by the amount of washing (everyday) and straightening (everyday) I used to put it through!
So now (after giving it a good trim) I've ditched the straighteners and wash every other day. I also use a few more products to ensure my hair is kept in tip-top condition, one of which is the Dr Organic 'Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum'.
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Dr Organic are a brand that describe themselves as 'committed to creating unique, natural products which are functional by design and formulated to capture the key active properties within each of the ingredients used.' They promise that their products will contain organically grown ingredients wherever possible, certified bioactive ingredients, natural ingredients, no harsh chemicals, no animal ingredients, no mineral oils, no GM ingredients, no artificial preservatives and they don't test on animals. It all sounds pretty darn good doesn't it?!
I personally am a little bit of a fan already because I have used a few of their products in the past and have been extremely pleased with the quality of their products. However, I have not used their products for a couple of years now, what with my interest in other brands, so using this product has been the first time in a long time I've used any of their products.
This particular product is from one of their many ranges, the 'Organic Moroccan Argan Oil' range. This oil seems to be the new 'in thing' right now, and if you haven't heard of it then I'm sorry but you have been living under a rock. It is derived from the kernals of the Argan tree, which grows in Morocco (courtesy of Wikipedia!). Cosmetically, it's in everything from hair products, to shower products to skincare. There are lots of brands that market their own products containing Argan oil, but I just happened to pick up this product!
As mentioned before, this product is free from parabens, SLS, artificial colours, fragrances and harsh preservatives. It's not a complete deal-breaker for me if a product doesn't have those specifications, but I know some people are quite specific about those sorts of things.
Despite it being free from artificial fragrances, this product smells phenomenal. It contains (deep breath): Argan Oil, Orange Fruit Extract, Clove Leaf Oil, Geranium Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Patchouli Oil, Cinnamon Leaf Oil, Rosewood Oil, Wild Mint Oil, Mandarin Peel Oil, Vanilla Fruit Extract, Spearmint Oil, Kukui Seed Oil, Moringa Seed Oil and Sacha Inchi Seed Oil. Phew. These oils are what gives this product a smell that is so amazing I can't even describe it. And best of all - they're all natural!
The product comes out clear. It is slightly thicker than an oil consistency, it's more like a light gel consistency. You can either use it on towel-dried hair, then style as desired, or you can use it on dry hair. I have used it both ways. Using it before blow-drying makes my hair feel so soft, smooth and sleek, without it feeling weighed down. Using it on dry hair pretty much achieves the same result (plus your hair smells great throughout the day). I do have to be careful with my hair, because it's so fine, it's easily over-loaded, so I have to use a tiny amount.
Now we move onto the packaging. Now, I'm not really fussy well it comes to packaging, sure, if it's nice packaging then great, but I tend to focus on what's inside. But with this product the packaging is beautiful. I mean, just look at it. That frosted glass makes it feel so damn expensive. I also think the artistry on the product makes it look extremely professional and again, makes me feel like I'm using a product 50x the price! Dr Organic, I salute you on your packaging-design brilliance. Somebody definitely needs a medal.
I paid £14.99 for 100ml, which I think is good value for money, considering the price of other hair oils I have seen on the market! You only needs to use a tiny amount, so I can see this product lasting a long time.
Would I buy again? Of course I would. I love everything about the product. I love the smell, it makes my hair feel so soft, the price is great and it looks absolutely beautiful on my dresser.
You can find the 'Dr Organic' range exclusively in Holland and Barrett stores.
Thursday, 20 September 2012
How much is my beauty routine?
I saw this feature in 'Healthy' magazine, and found it so interesting to see how much people spent on themselves in areas like haircare, skincare and makeup. Some people would spend more on haircare whilst scrimping on skincare and makeup or vice versa, whilst others would scrimp on all areas.
I thought it would be really interesting to do one for myself, and although I already know what area is going to be the one I spend most on, it would be interesting just how much I spent on each little bit.
So, here goes...
Skincare.
Cetaphil 'Gentle Skin Cleanser' - £8.99
Elemis 'Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash' - £27.60
Elemis 'Papaya Enzyme Peel' - £28.60
No7 'Total Renewal Micro-dermabraison Exfoliator' - £11
Clarisonic 'Mia' - Gifted
Estee Lauder 'Advanced Night Repair' - £54
Eucerin 'Dry Skin Relief Face Cream 5% Urea' - £11
Eucerin 'Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm' - £8.50
Prescription Retin-A - £14
Vichy 'Capital Sun SPF 50 Mattifying Face Fluid Dry Touch' - £10.43
Subtotal: £174.12
I look at this and I wince. I know in my heart that this is a lot of money to spend. But I can't help it, my skin is the most important thing to me; more important than my figure, my hair, clothes etc. I have always been self-conscious about my skin because of my acne, which among the obvious nasty whiteheads, leaves scars and uneven skintone. And this is what inspires me to find products which will help me achieve a 'perfect' skin. So even though this is quite a hefty sum of money, I don't think I would change my skincare routine, I use what works for me, and that's important.
There are a couple of items in this routine that actually don't necessarily work for me (the Elemis cleanser is not having the effect I thought it would - reviews to come!), so I'll probably switch to a cheaper La Roche Posay physiological cleanser when I've ran out, which is about half the price! This would bring the total spend down a tad.
Overall, in terms of my skincare routine - price is no object. Either way; I'm not a beauty snob and love 'drugstore' products; like Eucerin for night creams.
Makeup.
Illamasqua 'Light Liquid Foundation' - £23
Illamasqua 'Concealer' - £13
Illamasqua 'Cream Pigment' in 'Androgen' - £17
Bourjois 'Volume Clubbing' Mascara - £5
No7 'Amazing Eyes' Eyeliner in 'Blue/Black' - £6.50
No7 'Stay Perfect' eyeshadow trio - £9.50
Rimmel 'Professional Eyebrow Pencil' - £2.99
Subtotal: £76.99
I know I spend less on makeup than I do skincare, I just don't think it is as important as good quality skincare. You can never hide bad skin, no matter how much makeup you cake on. Plus I find it hard to get as excited about makeup opposed to skincare.
I'm looking at cheapening my collection even more, I was looking at purchasing some MUA products (especially the eyeshadow palettes) which have got some very good reviews and products start at just £1! Bargainous!
The more expensive products from Illamsqua have proved good value for money because they last ages and you only use a tiny bit at a time, so I don't regret those slightly more expensive purchases, I view them as investments!
Haircare.
Own brand shampoo - 68p
Botanics '3 Minute Deep Conditioning Mask' - £4.99
Charles Worthington 'Front Row Heat Defence Spritz' - £5.49.
Subtotal: £11.16
I never ever used to really take care of my hair, so it's no surprise I spend the least on it. I used to wash it every day with whatever shampoo I could find (sometimes shower gel!), then blow dry then straighten, and voila. But recently I'm really trying to take better care of it because since I've lightened it the condition of it has deteriorated. This means washing it every other day, using a hair mask and not straightening it so much as I used to. I'm also trying to grow it, so hopefully these changes will encourage it to!
GRAND TOTAL: £262.27
I told you it would be completely obvious what area I spend my money on and what areas I claw back the money!
People have different reasons for spending what they do on either their hair, skin or makeup, and what ever makes you happy is the most important thing. I know people who have look beautiful but their beauty regime is so simple! Unfortunately, I'm not one of those naturally beautiful people and I do need to spend a lot of dollar in order to look respectable!
How much is your beauty regime worth?
I thought it would be really interesting to do one for myself, and although I already know what area is going to be the one I spend most on, it would be interesting just how much I spent on each little bit.
So, here goes...
Skincare.
Cetaphil 'Gentle Skin Cleanser' - £8.99
Elemis 'Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash' - £27.60
Elemis 'Papaya Enzyme Peel' - £28.60
No7 'Total Renewal Micro-dermabraison Exfoliator' - £11
Clarisonic 'Mia' - Gifted
Estee Lauder 'Advanced Night Repair' - £54
Eucerin 'Dry Skin Relief Face Cream 5% Urea' - £11
Eucerin 'Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm' - £8.50
Prescription Retin-A - £14
Vichy 'Capital Sun SPF 50 Mattifying Face Fluid Dry Touch' - £10.43
Subtotal: £174.12
I look at this and I wince. I know in my heart that this is a lot of money to spend. But I can't help it, my skin is the most important thing to me; more important than my figure, my hair, clothes etc. I have always been self-conscious about my skin because of my acne, which among the obvious nasty whiteheads, leaves scars and uneven skintone. And this is what inspires me to find products which will help me achieve a 'perfect' skin. So even though this is quite a hefty sum of money, I don't think I would change my skincare routine, I use what works for me, and that's important.
There are a couple of items in this routine that actually don't necessarily work for me (the Elemis cleanser is not having the effect I thought it would - reviews to come!), so I'll probably switch to a cheaper La Roche Posay physiological cleanser when I've ran out, which is about half the price! This would bring the total spend down a tad.
Overall, in terms of my skincare routine - price is no object. Either way; I'm not a beauty snob and love 'drugstore' products; like Eucerin for night creams.
Makeup.
Illamasqua 'Light Liquid Foundation' - £23
Illamasqua 'Concealer' - £13
Illamasqua 'Cream Pigment' in 'Androgen' - £17
Bourjois 'Volume Clubbing' Mascara - £5
No7 'Amazing Eyes' Eyeliner in 'Blue/Black' - £6.50
No7 'Stay Perfect' eyeshadow trio - £9.50
Rimmel 'Professional Eyebrow Pencil' - £2.99
Subtotal: £76.99
I know I spend less on makeup than I do skincare, I just don't think it is as important as good quality skincare. You can never hide bad skin, no matter how much makeup you cake on. Plus I find it hard to get as excited about makeup opposed to skincare.
I'm looking at cheapening my collection even more, I was looking at purchasing some MUA products (especially the eyeshadow palettes) which have got some very good reviews and products start at just £1! Bargainous!
The more expensive products from Illamsqua have proved good value for money because they last ages and you only use a tiny bit at a time, so I don't regret those slightly more expensive purchases, I view them as investments!
Haircare.
Own brand shampoo - 68p
Botanics '3 Minute Deep Conditioning Mask' - £4.99
Charles Worthington 'Front Row Heat Defence Spritz' - £5.49.
Subtotal: £11.16
I never ever used to really take care of my hair, so it's no surprise I spend the least on it. I used to wash it every day with whatever shampoo I could find (sometimes shower gel!), then blow dry then straighten, and voila. But recently I'm really trying to take better care of it because since I've lightened it the condition of it has deteriorated. This means washing it every other day, using a hair mask and not straightening it so much as I used to. I'm also trying to grow it, so hopefully these changes will encourage it to!
GRAND TOTAL: £262.27
I told you it would be completely obvious what area I spend my money on and what areas I claw back the money!
People have different reasons for spending what they do on either their hair, skin or makeup, and what ever makes you happy is the most important thing. I know people who have look beautiful but their beauty regime is so simple! Unfortunately, I'm not one of those naturally beautiful people and I do need to spend a lot of dollar in order to look respectable!
How much is your beauty regime worth?
Thursday, 16 February 2012
John Frieda 'Protecting Root Lift Foam'.
This is from John Frieda's 'Full Repair' range, which I only got exposed to whilst looking for a third product during Boots' '3 for 2' deal on hair products. I just don't keep up to date with haircare products as much as I do with skincare.
Awful, I know, but I don't like my hair at the moment so recently I've just been tying it up and forgetting it exists. Sob. But I had an awful thought about how I'm maybe 'letting myself go' (it is a bit of an exaggeration, but it scared me and got me interested in looking after hair, so God bless my paranoia) and decided I will march down to Boots and buy some haircare.
So, as well as a couple of other things which Imay will blog about in the future, I bought the 'Protecting Root Lift Foam' for £5.69, which isn't bad at all, considering you only use a little each time you use it.
From what the product description tells me on the back of the bottle, this product is aimed at creating 'instant body with natural movement', and also 'protects from high-heat damage'. I needed a product to inject that ooomph into my hair, especially when I choose to wear it down. My hair is so fine and lacks natural volume, most of the time when I wear it down it can look a little flat and lack-lustre, and the heat-protection is a great feature considering I wash and blow-dry my hair every single day.
All you do is section your hair from front to back, and down the parting of the sections pump a little all the way along the parting, and pat/massage it in to the roots, and so on and so forth.
WARNING: You only need a tiny bit (I used a small blob going along the parting of the section), otherwise your hair will dry all clumpy and nasty, and that is not cool.
First time I used it, my hair was SO big. I'm not joking, I looked like I was playing the main role in Hairspray! I was very, very pleased with the results. I could hardly get out the door my hair was so large and bouncy. Okay, I joke, but it was the most voluminous I had ever seen my hair.
After I had patted my hair down a bit so I wouldn't look like a hair-cloud with legs, I was ready to go! My hair stayed voluminous all day, and yet had a natural swish (Cat Deeley moment) and movement, which was perfect. There is nothing worse than seeing people with hair that's backcombed so much it's like a hedge on their head and they've sprayed it with so much hairspray that even if they got caught in a gale their hair would be pretty much intact.
I never noticed any nasty residue left on the hair after using the product (if you use it sparingly, as mentioned above), and I didn't need any additional products to keep the volume (i.e. hairspray/dry shampoo).
I would definitely recommend it if you have fine hair or hair that lacks volume and you don't want to go down the backcombing/hairspray/dry shampoo route.
I will definitely repurchase. It is a easy product to use, affordable and provides lovely results and protection.
Awful, I know, but I don't like my hair at the moment so recently I've just been tying it up and forgetting it exists. Sob. But I had an awful thought about how I'm maybe 'letting myself go' (it is a bit of an exaggeration, but it scared me and got me interested in looking after hair, so God bless my paranoia) and decided I will march down to Boots and buy some haircare.
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So, as well as a couple of other things which I
From what the product description tells me on the back of the bottle, this product is aimed at creating 'instant body with natural movement', and also 'protects from high-heat damage'. I needed a product to inject that ooomph into my hair, especially when I choose to wear it down. My hair is so fine and lacks natural volume, most of the time when I wear it down it can look a little flat and lack-lustre, and the heat-protection is a great feature considering I wash and blow-dry my hair every single day.
All you do is section your hair from front to back, and down the parting of the sections pump a little all the way along the parting, and pat/massage it in to the roots, and so on and so forth.
WARNING: You only need a tiny bit (I used a small blob going along the parting of the section), otherwise your hair will dry all clumpy and nasty, and that is not cool.
First time I used it, my hair was SO big. I'm not joking, I looked like I was playing the main role in Hairspray! I was very, very pleased with the results. I could hardly get out the door my hair was so large and bouncy. Okay, I joke, but it was the most voluminous I had ever seen my hair.
After I had patted my hair down a bit so I wouldn't look like a hair-cloud with legs, I was ready to go! My hair stayed voluminous all day, and yet had a natural swish (Cat Deeley moment) and movement, which was perfect. There is nothing worse than seeing people with hair that's backcombed so much it's like a hedge on their head and they've sprayed it with so much hairspray that even if they got caught in a gale their hair would be pretty much intact.
I never noticed any nasty residue left on the hair after using the product (if you use it sparingly, as mentioned above), and I didn't need any additional products to keep the volume (i.e. hairspray/dry shampoo).
I would definitely recommend it if you have fine hair or hair that lacks volume and you don't want to go down the backcombing/hairspray/dry shampoo route.
I will definitely repurchase. It is a easy product to use, affordable and provides lovely results and protection.
Monday, 13 February 2012
Feel Unique January 2012
I super-love this months box! Super-duper-mega love it, making the fact the boxes are no more a bit more of a bitter pill to swallow.
I have tried and love the Nuxe Multi-Usage Dry Oil. I used it under my Darphin cream on my face last night and my skin this morning looked and felt amazingly hydrated and soft.
I love the Leighton Denny nail polish. I got was 'Viva La Diva', and it is the brightest, most colourful nail polish I have ever owned. It sucks I'll be in a hospital for the next three months, cause I won't be able to paint my nails with it! I love it, and I may even go as far as saying I might purchase the full size one because I love the colour so much.
I haven't used the Philip Kingsley 'Elasticizer' before, but I've heard so much about it! I think you must have been sleeping for the past few months not to have heard about it. So I'm dead excited about using it, and I think my hair needs all the restoration it can get!
I can't wait to lather myself up with the Elemis 'Lime and Ginger Hand and Body Wash'. It definitely smells amazing. From the bottle it does smell quite strong, but I like very aromatic/smelly things, so this just rocks my socks.
The Decleor 'Phytopeel Face Peel Cream' excites me very much, and I can't wait to put it on my face! Exfoliating products always tick my box, so I'm very pleased to have received this.
I will try and review this collection as separate products, but I still have some products from the January box still to review, so I'm not being very proactive, but I will aim to change and get some reviews bashed out as soon as I can!
RIP Feel Unique beauty box, there is a box-shaped hole in my heart where you used to be.
I think I'll just cry myself to sleep now.
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
L'Oreal 'Everpure'.
I'm part of the 'Elle Panel', which means I get the opportunity to take part in surveys and trials. This is the first trial they've run whilst I've been a member, so it's all very exciting!
They teamed up with L'Oreal, and before I got sent the parcel I filled in a rather lengthy and detailed questionairre about my hair colour, type, length, how often I washed, how often I conditioned and what I looked for in hair products.
There were some other questions but I can't remember them off the top of my head!
So this is what came in the post;
I was very impressed when I lifted up the lid. Packaging was neat, sophisticated and simple.
I wasn't expecting full size products, but I've got a full size shampoo and conditioner (250ml tubes). HAPPY FACE.
I suppose it gives the opportunity for us trialists to test it out for a decent amount of time.
The 'EverPure' range is 'specifically designed for coloured and dry hair', and contains no sulphates, salts or surfactants that can strip, dull or dry the hair. It contains natural botanicals; rosemary, juniper and mint.
I've just popped open the lid and had a sniff and it smells quite pleasant, not overpoweringly herby but a nice subtle salon smell (you know what I mean right?)
Another plus point is that it's 100% vegan!
Now, I got the parcel an hour ago, and I was already washed and dressed so I haven't as of yet had chance to trial the products, but I will do a review when I've used it all up!
I just couldn't contain my excitement when I opened the parcel and was like 'I HAVE to blog and tell EVERYONE!'.
P.S. Is there any other Elle Panellists out there, and if you took part in this trial, WHAT HAVE YOU GOT?! I'm dead curious!
They teamed up with L'Oreal, and before I got sent the parcel I filled in a rather lengthy and detailed questionairre about my hair colour, type, length, how often I washed, how often I conditioned and what I looked for in hair products.
There were some other questions but I can't remember them off the top of my head!
So this is what came in the post;
I was very impressed when I lifted up the lid. Packaging was neat, sophisticated and simple.
I wasn't expecting full size products, but I've got a full size shampoo and conditioner (250ml tubes). HAPPY FACE.
I suppose it gives the opportunity for us trialists to test it out for a decent amount of time.
The 'EverPure' range is 'specifically designed for coloured and dry hair', and contains no sulphates, salts or surfactants that can strip, dull or dry the hair. It contains natural botanicals; rosemary, juniper and mint.
I've just popped open the lid and had a sniff and it smells quite pleasant, not overpoweringly herby but a nice subtle salon smell (you know what I mean right?)
Another plus point is that it's 100% vegan!
Now, I got the parcel an hour ago, and I was already washed and dressed so I haven't as of yet had chance to trial the products, but I will do a review when I've used it all up!
I just couldn't contain my excitement when I opened the parcel and was like 'I HAVE to blog and tell EVERYONE!'.
P.S. Is there any other Elle Panellists out there, and if you took part in this trial, WHAT HAVE YOU GOT?! I'm dead curious!
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