Saturday 17 September 2011

Bumble & Bumble Texture Creme

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I don't really "do" much with my hair- I might splurge on expensive shampoo and conditioner, but when it comes to extra haircare products, all I really use is a hairmask and some good old Loreal hairspray. In fact, I don't dye my hair- or at least haven't in almost 3 years- and I'm completely ignorant when it comes to all those beautifully intricate hairstyles you see on the catwalk.  So in terms of haircare, I like to keep it simple, which is why this Bumble & Bumble Texture Creme appealed to me. Involving no complicated styling nor hairdrying techniques- you simply squeeze a modest amount out and run it through your hair. And I can I just say, this product smells AMAZING- probably one of my favourite cosmetic scents to date! So, I followed the easy steps, apply to damp (not soaking wet!)  hair, let sit for a few minutes and then, ruffle and loosen freehand. No hairdryer necessary (which I love because I hate hairdryers, so bad for your hair girls!) A little product goes a long way here- its rather thick and sort of sticky, so too much of the creme and your hair will probably look greasy. But I loved what it did to my hair- it gave it "undone volume"- the sort of texture I can usually only achieve if I sleep with my hair verryyyy slightly damp. AND the simplicity of the product is a definite bonus- quick, easy- perfect for my very rushed and comically basic daily morning hair routine. Since you only have to use a very small amount, it seems to be a good investment, as the creme will last a long time. Bumble & Bumble offer a very practical product- one that takes minimal effort and time- but with really great results. I thought shampoo and conditioner were the only real haircare essentials, but now, I think I gotta get me some more of this texture creme!


Bumble & Bumble products provided by: Chalk PR
Visit Bumble & Bumble online: HERE

Tuesday 13 September 2011

Barry M Silver Nail Paint

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I paint my nails on an almost daily basis (I find it so therapeutic to sit down on my sofa, watch a TV show and concentrate on something so blissfully trivial as my nails). Some people like a glass of wine to unwind after a hectic day, but me, I'm all about grabbing my nail box, choosing a colour and submerging into total relaxation mode. I've always been a fan of Barry M Nail Varnish- probably mostly because their products are incredibly affordable (and when I used to live in the U.K, I'd  go crazy on the 2 for 5 pounds special they seemed to always have at Boots). Anyway, as I've been such a fan of metallics recently, I've been on the look out for a good quality metallic varnish- most of the ones I'd experimented with before didn't sparkle but instead looked grey instead of silver. I think it was Barry M's promise of "SPECIAL EFFECTS" (ensloganed on the bottle's lid) was what finally sold me. And my gosh, you guys; this nail varnish really is special. The colour is shiny, bling-tastic silver! Not grey, not glittery, but instead a really sleek metal shade, as close as a nail varnish can resemble metallic nail foils. I applied 3 coats (the consistency is rather thick, so it takes a little longer to dry) and sealed the deal with a top coat. For 3.99, I really can't complain about this product- it does precisely what it promises, and I've already ordered the gold shade too.

You can visit Barry M online HERE.
Purchase this product on ASOS HERE.

Monday 12 September 2011

Bumble & Bumble Let it Shine

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Bumble and Bumble is a haircare brand that seems to only get sparkling positive reviews. Their first hairdresser opened in 1970 (!) and by 1978 they were recognized as one of New York's best salons. Today Bumble and Bumble has become the ultimate hair brand, with a vast collection of products but also, a Bumble and Bumble Hairdressing University.  And while we might all still be raving and gushing over their Surf Spray: it was developed and marketed in 2000, thats 11 years ago, people! So with 30 years in the business, I guess the creators over at B&B really are on to something, hair-wise.

Anyway, let me start talking about the products I tested: their "let it shine" shampoo, conditioner and finishing spray. The shampoo aims to remove "dulling residue"- its a very light shampoo, both in consistency and smell- which was refreshing, as so many shampoos I've used seem too thick and heavy. Following with the conditioner, obviously a denser liquid, yet still airy and not at all greasy. Only drawback in application was, because its more lightweight than your typical conditioner, I had to use alot of the product to cover my hair. Then after blow drying, I applied the Finishing Spray- instructions indicate to use sparingly, and so I did just that, spraying only 3/4 times. The Finishing Spray was probably the most impressive product. Its what I can only describe as a mix of hair texturer, hair gloss & hairspray: all three styling products in one sleek spray. This is especially great for me, as I have thick locks, and therefore because its an all inclusive spray, I didn't have to use 3 seperate products, which often weighs and dullens down my hair.

Final Conclusion: The light consistency and scent of both the shampoo and conditioner were definitely my favourite aspects of the products. And despite having to use a lot of the conditioner, it didnt dullen my hair at all. After the finishing spray, I lightly straightened my hair- and my hair did feel lighter (without compromising volume) but also, a great deal brighter. However, I think the difference in my hair's appearance was mostly the work of the Finishing Spray rather than that of the shampoo/conditioner. And so, to conclude, while the shampoo/conditioner are good quality, I think  the finishing spray is what really delivers noticeable "shine" results.
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Bumble & Bumble products provided by: Chalk PR
Visit Bumble & Bumble online: HERE

Sunday 11 September 2011

Sephora Nail Patch Art

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Sephora is an irresistible emporium, brimming with beauty products that I really shouldn't buy. But as I live so dangerously close to one of their stores, I find myself casually sauntering in just to "take a quick look". Of course, I never leave empty-handed. My latest buy: Polka Dot Nail Patch Art. There was a lot of variety, making it near-impossible to choose between all the candy colours, stripes and prints. I did have my doubts about how easy application would be, but surprisingly, they were 1-2-3 S-I-M-P-L-E! The nail patches are basically super thin stickers: you peel them back, place on your nail and the excess patch tears away. Unlike other nail patches I've used, these don't require any heat (via hairdryer), which makes application much easier.  Other perks include, no drying time and they really are long lasting- approx 2 weeks if you use a top coat. ONLY drawback is 9 euros seem a little expensive for one set of 10 nail patches. Not a price I'd be willing to pay on a regular basis, for every once in a while, it proves a fun investment!