The Best of 2013 | Skin, Hair & Body Care

 

Rightyho.  After having a little mini-break from blogging for the past 4 days (yet again, blame the uni coursework!), I'm back with another instalment of my 'Best of 2013' series.  This time around, I'm focusing on an array of hair, skin and body products which I've been loving the past 12 months. If you still haven't read my 'Best of 2013 Makeup' post, you can find that here.  I could have easily added to this post - after all, combining skin, hair and body into one post consisting of just 13 products is pretty tough going (at least, it is for me!) but in order to avoid a post as long as my arm, I thought I'd restrain myself and stick to the whole '13' rule! One has to be consistent after all! Without further jibber-jabbering - I shall kick off the second instalment of the 'Best of 2013' series...

1. The Facewash | Arran Aromatics - Lavender Tea Tree Reviving Toning Facial Gel Wash

(oo what a mouthful!?) I know what you're thinking - 'you're kicking off a Best of 2013 post with a bloomin' FACE WASH?!'. Well, yes - I am indeed.  I don't often get excited about cleansers and facial washes - I never see a dramatic enough difference for me to get overly chipper about a certain brand if I'm honest - but 2013 has become the year that I discovered Arran Aromatics. I received this earlier in the year in one of my Love Me Beauty boxes, and I've been addicted ever since.  It's lasted me a good while as I find I only need a little blob, but I'm just about to order myself another - definitely a sign of a good discovery! I've written about this little skincare gem here and in a monthly favourites post here if you fancy a read up! I have sensitive skin which breaks out if I use anything overly fragranced or heavy - so this little gel wash is perfect for me as it's really gentle.  It has the most beautiful scent and I find it really relaxes me before I go to bed of an evening (I've mentioned before that it reminds me somewhat of these spa-products you find in posh hotels!) - and my skin is always left feeling smooth, soft and completely clean afterwards. The texture is unlike any other facial wash I've used  and I find it really soothing to massage into the skin. It also contains small exfoliating beads which help to remove any dull, dead skin and keep your complexion looking fresh, healthy and blemish free (thank the Tea Tree in it for that!).  I LOVE it. My only bug-bear so far is that it isn't the easiest to get hold of - but well worth having a search around for! It retails for £12.95 - which in my opinion, isn't half bad for a luxurious little face wash that does wonders for the skin.

2. The Face Mask | Organic Surge First Class Mask

Again, I was sent this little beauty for review purposes but it is without a doubt a product I will be purchasing again in future.  Organic Surge as a brand have fast become a favourite of mine this year - and I use a select few of their products on a daily basis now.  This face mask really did impress me.  It's really gentle - so you can use it more than once a week, and the fact that it doesn't create a lot of mess is a massive plus point for me.  I find it so simple to use and I reach for it one heck of a lot when my skin is feeling dry, congested or just in general need of a spruce up! I have a full review of it here if you fancy reading more! It retails for £8.49 which is a fabulous price for a face mask bottle which will last you absolutely ages! 

3. The Blemish Treatment | Harley Street Skincare Spot Buster

If I didn't include this in my 2013 favourites post then it would be a complete travesty - a TRAVESTY I tells ya! I was sent this to review waaay back in July (you can read my thoughts and review here) and since, I have repurchased another 2 times. Its always a good sign when a blogger repurchases a PR sent product and I can honestly say I will be buying this little bottle again and again and again. It's an amazing spot treatment that you can use day or night - even under makeup as it doesn't leave any crusty residue (there's no way of saying that without it sounding a bit disgusting...sorry).  I'm lucky that I actually do have pretty clear skin the majority of the time - I don't suffer with acne but now and again, I do get the odd breakout! I suffered over the summer with a tonne of breakouts when I came off a certain contraceptive pill - and i kid you not - this little gem saved my life! I can't sing it's praises enough - it heals breakouts quick, prevents more from forming and really does work. It's a little pricey at £25 (it used to be £20) - but even the extra fiver doesn't put me off.  If you're at your wits end with spot treatments - it's worth making an order on one of these (you can find them here). Harley Street are amazing with their deliveries too - you do pay a fee but it arrives within 1-2 days without fail and I cannot wait to try more of their 'Spot Less' range.

4. The Moisturiser | Superdrug Tea Tree

Well, I could have lied and made it sound like I use a posh, expensive moisturiser on a daily basis but sometimes - you don't always get what you pay for and there are plenty of drugstore cheapies that do the job just as well! Don't underestimate budget friendly skincare! I've been using this moisturiser all year round without fail. Don't get me wrong, it's not the only one I use - and I alternate between Nivea, Organic Surge and Balance Me depending on the time of year, but one I always go back to is Superdrug's Tea Tree! It's like my little skincare secret.  It's a really good little all-round moisturiser - I used it on holiday to soothe my skin when I'd accidentally sat on the sunbed for one too many hours, I used it when my skin had a bit of a 'tantrum' earlier in the year and I still use it now as part of my daily regime.  It seems to really help keep my skin clear, soothes any redness and isn't greasy in the slightest. Obviously, if you're not a fan of Tea Tree I wouldn't recommend this - but it isn't overly strong at all and is the perfect little skin soother - and the best bit? It only costs a couple of quid!

5. The Shampoo | John Frieda Frizz Ease Hydrating Shampoo

I love John Frieda.  I use their products year in, year out and I always have a bottle somewhere on my shower shelf! My hair drawer is full of back-ups! They just seem to really work for my hair and I'm a massive fan of both the 'Volume' range and the 'Blonde' range.  This year, I discovered the Smooth Start Hydrating Shampoo.  I'd used the Conditioner before but after my hair started to feel a little dry half-way through this year, I thought I'd better give the shampoo a whirl.  It completely revives my hair when it's feeling dull, lack-lustre and straw-like and transforms it into swishy, Rapunzel-like locks in just one wash.  

6. The Conditioner | Neal & Wolf Intensive Care Treatment

Ok - so firstly, I do have to give a little mention to my other 2013 favourite - Loreal's Ever Riche Nourishing Conditioner - but since I didn't have a bottle handy, I thought I'd use my equal top-spot favourite - Neal & Wolf's Intensive Care.  I received this in my Love Me Beauty box way back in the summer, and instantly fell in love with it. Full on-head-over-heels in love!  So much so, I have since ordered another bottle (along with their heat protection spray which has fast become another favourite!) What makes Neal & Wolf for me is the scent.  It's not to everybody's taste and I know a few bloggers that have mentioned their dislike for it - but I personally find it really lovely.  Once I've used this, my hair smells like a salon for hours afterwards and often into the next day.  I find it really softening on the hair and think it works really well at putting some much needed moisture back into my ends! I featured it in my monthly favourites here a while back if you fancy a more in-depth read!

7. The Oil | Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue

Easily my BEST hair care find of 2013. I've tried my fair share of oils, that's for sure.  And although there's a select few on the market that I love, this one seems to top the mark for me.  Just 1-2 pumps massaged through the ends of damp hair before blow-drying and my hair is transformed into silky soft, easily manageable locks!  I can easily apply more without it weighing my hair down or looking greasy, and it really does moisturise the hair.  I also use this when my hair is already dry and styled to help combat any frizz or dry-looking bits, and it instantly revives my style without adding grease or heaviness.  It also smells amazing! I could go on all day about my love for this bottle, but in case you fancy reading up more on it - I have a full review of it here.

8. The Body Butter | Soap & Glory Righteous Butter

What's a favourites post without a bit of Soap & Glory in there?! I've been loving their Righteous Butter this year and have been using it all year round when I get out of the bath to help keep my skin feeling silky smooth and soft. As well as the big tubs of the stuff, I also purchase the mini versions (seen in the photograph above) to keep in my handbag as I actually use it as a hand cream throughout the day - I also take the mini versions on holiday with me because I can't bare to be without it. People at uni are always asking me what I smell of - and to be honest, if it isn't my perfume - it's probably this! It's easily my most favourite Soap & Glory scent ever - I often find myself just opening the tub a little purely so I can grab a whiff (...strange much?) My love for this product will without a doubt continue well into 2014 and if you're in the market for a really moisturising body butter for dry skin - I recommend this Soap & Glory blogger fave! I have an ancient review here.

9. The Perfume | Hugo Boss 'Jour'

Me and Hugo Boss fragrance get on like a house on fire. Seriously - I always seem to adore their scents! My signature scent has to be their 'Orange' perfume - but this year, I discovered a new favourite - 'Jour'.  I'm not the best at describing scents but if you like that whole fresh, clean and classy sort of scent - I'd give this a spray next time you're walking past a tester! It's stunning!  It just smells of sophistication and luxury and I'm so glad to have it sitting in my perfume drawer.  I have a more descriptive, 'adjective-overload' sort of review here.

10. The Bath-Time Treat | Elemis Spa Home Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir

This is easily one of my best finds of 2013.  Ever since I started going for massages at a local spa/salon, I've really gotten into luxury spa products and oils.  This bath elixir by Elemis is the most relaxing scent that's ever passed my nostrils and if ever I've had a stressful day, I pop some of this into a running hot bath and I'm sorted.  It lingers on the skin afterwards and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and pampered.  I have a full review of it in my 'Top 5 Relaxation Products' post which you can find here.

11. The Hand Product | Soap & Glory Hand Maid

I'm known to carry a bottle of this stuff everywhere with me.  I used to work with children and found I picked up ridiculous amounts of colds and coughs so it's been part of my daily routine for a good few years now - it's actually ingrained into my routine!  I used to have one in every locker, cupboard and bag - no word of a lie. Soap & Glory's Hand Maid is by far my favourite hand sanitiser.  I find that a lot of sanitisers have that 'medical chemically alcohol-y' sort of scent that totally overpowers any perfume you have on, but this one is lovely and sweet and gentle.  If you like Soap & Glory scents - I'd recommend this little bottle.  It lasts ages, costs around £2.50 and works a treat.  No more coughs and splutters and your hands smell yummy at the same time! Perfect.

12. The Nail Polish | Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Polish

My nails aren't in tip top condition at the moment as I've started nibbling them through stress at uni (New Years Resolution is to get my killer talons back!) - but throughout summer, these polishes really were the Bee's Knees and I think the entire collection sums up my nail polish preferences of 2013.  Barry M don't half know how to make a smashing nail polish! Their Gelly Hi-Shines are amazing to apply, give a super-shiny salon perfected finish and come in an array of beautiful shades.  I did a post on my entire collection of them in the summer, so if you're interested in having a nosey and a further read-up on them, you can find it here.

13. The Lip Balm | Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Peach Kiss' & Carmex Moisture Plus in 'Pink'

Ok ok ok. So I cheated *slap wrist* - just think of the extra product a fruity little bonus? I've been loving 2 lip balms this year for different reasons. The first is the ever-famous Maybelline Baby Lips which finally hit the UK this year - causing a complete frenzy amongst us British Bloggers. They became a 'hit and miss' product for most but I'm personally in the love it camp.  Not necessarily for the moisturising properties - because truth be told, there are much better balms on the market - but more for the sheer wash of colour complete with ease of use and snazzy packaging. 'Peach Kiss' is perfect for throwing in my bag at uni as it provides a very faint wash of colour which smooths out my lips and it adds a little bit of gloss and moisture.  Perfect for everyday.  I have a full review here.  Carmex Moisture Plus is my go-to winter treat and I have a lot to owe to this little beauty.  I actually have a post coming up on my blog about it as it's been a favourite of mine since summer now, but it provides amazing moisture. When it comes to lip balms, I think Carmex has to be 'up there' with the best, doesn't it? If your lips are in need of some thirst quenching, then Carmex comes to the rescue! I personally love the 'Pink' sheer tint version (it also comes in other shades as well as a clear version) - it looks like I've applied a lip gloss or lipstick and provides instant relief from dry, thirst-deprived lips. The shade also looks beautiful against my winter skin - it instantly seems to brighten my complexion.  Look out for my full review post coming soon!

So there we have it - my top 13 skin, hair and body care products of 2013! I think it just goes to show how highly I rate these products as almost every single one of them has it's own post or review - a great number of them also have appeared in my monthly favourites throughout the course of the year.  If you missed my 'Best of 2013 Makeup' post, then you can find it here. I do hope you've enjoyed having a read up on my ultimate favourites and have atleast found yourself one product to try for 2014! 

What were your top skin/hair/body products of 2013? Do we share any of the same favourites?

A New Favourite | Shu Uemura 'Art of Hair' Essence Absolue Oil (plus 20% off!)

Shu Uemura 'Art of Hair' | Essence Absolue Hair Oil - £39.50* [link]

I swear by hair oil. I've used it religiously ever since I tried my first one quite some time ago now and I've become somewhat of an addict.  My hair drawer has it's very own little oil section and I reach for one every single time I wash my hair without fail.  I really do believe that using them so often for so long has resulted in me having longer, more healthy looking hair, and I'm never satisfied with the condition of my hair when blow dryed unless I've applied one of my oils.  I simply can't live without them in my hair routine.  So, I thought I'd introduce you to my new favourite - Shu Uemura's 'Essence Absolue' - a nourishing, protective oil that leaves your hair feeling silky soft to the touch.  Grab your glow sticks... I feel a product rave coming on ;)...

Made with camellia oil, the product provides intense moisture without weighing the hair down.   The consistency is surprisingly fairly runny; at first I was unsure whether or not it would be enough for my hair (it's long and fairly thick) - but just 1-2 pumps is more than enough and I still cannot get over how incredibly lightweight it is without compromising on the moisture factor.  The oil also provides UV protection as well as the intense nourishment - fruity bonus!  I use it straight after I've showered, before I blow dry my hair, making sure to coat the mid-lengths to the ends.  When my hair is almost dry, I'll pop another half a pump or so through the very ends just for an extra boost of moisture.  That's what so great about this oil and what makes it a favourite for me personally - you can easily use it on wet or dry hair without leaving your hair feeling greasy or weighed down.  I even use this in the daytime for a little boost if my hair is looking a bit frazzled - it's such a good pick me up and it's perfect for a little spruce up in between washes and for taming frizz or softening up any brittle ends.  It also says that it can be used as a pre-shampoo or overnight treatment.  I haven't used it as a pre-shampoo treatment yet, but am planning on doing so very soon once the colder weather takes hold and my hair starts to get a bit dull. I love how versatile the oil is - it's something I've struggled to find with other oils - they can be a little too heavy to use on dry, styled hair - but with this one I have no problem either way.

It's also worth mentioning how amazing Essence Absolue smells.  It's just divine.  I can still smell it on my hair the day after - a little whiff of luxury every time you swish your hair about. Lovely.   Of course, Essence Absolue isn't the cheapest of hair oils on the market. At £39.50 it's definitely on the higher end of the scale. But having tried all kinds of oils, both cheaper drugstore versions and popular high-end offerings, I can safely say this is one that I will be without a doubt repurchasing - despite the price. It's all I've been using on my hair since it arrived on my doorstep and it ticks every single box for me.  I actually can't fault a single thing about it - they've even nailed the packaging! The handy pump system is much less messy (and clumsy-person proof) that the typical bottles of oils you get and it's easy to control how much comes out.  When you're spending up to this amount on a product - you don't want to waste a single drop!  

Fancy trying some for yourself? The lovely folk over at MySalonLooks have given me a discount code for my fabulous readers for 20% off all Shu Uemera products on the website (excluding duos).  All you need to do is enter the code 'BIRD20' at the checkout! The code will expire 2 weeks from today, so you have plenty of time to choose something lovely!

You can find the Essence Absolue oil on MySalonLooks here, or have a nosey at the other Shu Uemura products on offer here.

Do you like the sound of this hair oil? What Shu Uemera products have you tried and loved?

New John Frieda Products | Tried and Tested!

John Frieda is undoubtedly one of, if not my favourite hair care brand on the market.  I religiously use their 'Blonde' range and I always feel at a bit of a loss if I don't have my trusty 'Volume' shampoo at hand! Whenever people ask me about my hair care routine, I guarantee there's always a John Frieda product or two in there - it's fair to say that my bathroom cabinet houses my very own little JF army!   So, when I had the chance to try some of the new offerings from John Frieda, I was rather chuffed to say the least.  What I love about John Frieda is that there's always something new - the ranges are tailored perfectly for different hair colours and types and the products are almost always of amazing quality and all at a competitive, high street price.  I've been trying these products now for a good few weeks and thought I'd give you my two pennies worth; have they managed to make it into my 'John Frieda Army' or are they just a fleeting member of the 'Not so Sure' crew...? Let us find out, shall we?!

John Frieda | Full Repair | Deep Conditioner 'Hydrate and Rescue' | £6.99*

The John Frieda 'Full Repair' range often finds it's way into my shower! I love the conditioner and often use it if my hair is feeling a little in need of a moisture boost - so I was really intrigued to try the Deep Conditioning version.  This bottle promises to 'restore softness and shine' whilst deeply nourishing the hair strands and repairing the look and feel of any damage.  I found this to work really well on my hair - it left it feeling smooth and silky and easy to comb through and style, and left it looking in good condition with a good bit of shine. Having long hair means that my ends can sometimes lack a little bit of life but this perks it up no end.  It says to leave it on for 2-5 minutes so I always leave it on for as long as I can - the longer you leave it the more beneficial it will be. It's by no means the greatest deep conditioner on the market, and if your hair is considerably dry I'd recommend using this in-between a thicker treatment - but it is without a doubt a very good little deep conditioner that I will definitely repurchase.

John Frieda | Full Repair |  Flyaway Tamer Smoothing Wand | £10.99*

Ok. I'll be honest. Out of everything I thought this would be the one I wasn't going to be too fussed about.  I was intrigued by the wand concept but was unsure if it was going to be more of a gimmick and do nothing more than stir up memories of my 11 year old self getting creative with the blue hair mascara (don't lie, you went there too).  I was wrong.  I actually really like this one! I can only describe it as a serum in handy little tube, that you simply smooth on using the mascara-like wand. It distributes an even amount of product and instantly tames any fly aways.  I get one heck of a load of 'wispy' bits so this has been a little gem of a product for me! It's so simple, and is the perfect handbag friend due to it's size and easy to use concept - no sticky serum hands on the go! It's perfect for going to uni or work, or for events where you might get a little bit of frizz going on (I'll definitely be taking it to my graduation - there's no way that I'm having any 'bird's-nest-barnet' in my photographs!)  The only downside is that it can get a little straw-like if you overdo it.  It's easy to go a bit heavy handed on it (I did simply because I liked the motion of mascara-wanding my hair...) so it's worth using a very light hand and using quick, gentle 'wispy' motions rather than full on combing!

John Frieda | Frizz Ease | Dream Curls Enhancing Oil | £9.99*

This one still holds the 'undecided' status with me.  I have naturally straight hair that I curl or wave using hot tools or rollers - so straight away I wasn't so sure this would work for me what with it being tailored towards naturally curly hair.  However, I gave it a good go.  I noticed it feels more like a cross between a serum and an oil rather than a pure oil - it didn't provide the moisture I usually want from a hair oil.  However, it did seem to work well at defining the curls I went on to style and didn't seem to weigh them down at all - which is great.  I do think it does it's job - I just wasn't blown away by it.  I've taken to using it now as a finishing oil to smooth on once I've styled my hair rather than before - or I mix a drop or two in with my usual oil to give it a bit of 'oomph' which seems to work better for me.  I like it, don't get me wrong, I just don't love it.  Maybe it would work better for people who do have naturally curly hair as I can imagine it would provide a good bit of definition and tame any frizz. 

So, yet again, John Frieda doesn't disappoint! I love that they're always bringing out new things, and for me they still hold a special place in my bathroom cupboard. You can have a nosey at their products on the John Frieda website here, or have a gander at Boot's website - they often have 3 for 2 offers on which is when I tend to replenish my stash - so keep your eyes peeled!

Have you tried any of these products from John Frieda? Have you got a favourite JF product?

KMS California | Tame Frizz Range

KMS California Tame Frizz Range* | Link | Frizz Fighter Kit |

If you know me, you'll know that one thing I'm really fussy about is my hair.  I often spend a little more on my hair care, and have a drawer full of my favourite treatments (honestly it's like there's a little hair product pick 'n' mix going on in there).  Recently, I had the chance to try the new 'Tame Frizz' range from KMS California. A brand I actually hadn't tried before but one that my mum uses often (my mum's also a bit of a hair fanatic so if she uses something and likes it then I can often rest assured that I will like it too..), Tame Frizz is the new offering that aims to do just what it says on the tin - Tame your frizz! Now, I've been struggling no end just recently to keep frizzy-bits at bay! I won't harp on about this but I've been noticing changes in the texture of my hair just recently due to medication I've been taking - so to say this range interested me is an understatement as my hair has been a little unmanageable at times and quite a bit drier than what I'm used to.

| Tame Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner |

Before I go into what I think about the performance of the shampoo and conditioner - let me tell you that they smell absolutely divine.  I have to say it's one of the nicest smelling shampoo & conditioner sets I've used - it almost has hints of vanilla to it and leaves your hair smelling beautiful after you've blow dried.  It doesn't take much to get a good lather going on with the shampoo, and when used alongside the conditioner you really do notice how smooth your hair is upon rinsing out.  I noticed a bigger difference after I'd used the products for a couple of weeks or so - of course, it leaves your hair silky soft from first use but it lives up to it's claims of controlling humidity after you've used it a few times.  It's moisturising but not overly so - so if you're more in the market for a moisture surge for very dry hair then it might interest you to know they do a Moisture Repair range (I stole some off my motherbear and it's lovely).  Tame Frizz seems to concentrate more on controlling fly aways and frizzy bits - and leaves your hair smooth to the touch and easier to brush through afterwards.

| Tame Frizz De Frizz Oil |

If I had to pick a favourite product from the range it would be this one.  As a person who hoards hair oils, I thought 'do I really need another?'. Well...Yes. Yes I do.  You can use this oil just as you would any other hair oil - applied to the ends of the hair after washing and towel drying.  It really does work a miracle on my hair, and I find it best to use when my hair is dry.  I find the top layers of my hair sometimes get a little bit frizzy, but with a couple of pumps ran through lightly it banishes any sign of fly aways in an instant and leaves the hair feeling moisturised a soft without looking greasy.  It's lighter than some oils I own (it's not as thick or heavy as some) which makes it perfect for more multi-purpose use - either when your hair is wet or dry.  I really recommend trying it when your hair is having a bit of a cruddy day - it smooths it out and adds a little extra shine and moisture to hair that's lacking a bit of life. It also adds heat protection - little fruity bonus there!

| Tame Frizz Smoothing Lotion |

Another one of my favourites from the range and I reckon I'll be buying this pretty soon.  I use the smoothing lotion like a finishing touch to my hairstyle - a small amount rubbed into the palms of your hands and lightly smoothed over the top layers of the hair or through the ends and provides a smoothing effect; banishing any frizzy-bits and generally just adding that finishing touch. You can also use it when you're hair is damp depending on what works for you. I really like this one - smoothing cremes are something I've used since I was a teenager and I find them so beneficial for those days where my hair looks a little dishevelled!

| Tame Frizz Taming Creme |

The Taming Creme is very similar to the smoothing lotion, but just with that extra bit of hold that the lotion doesn't provide.  It's ever so slightly thicker in consistency but works in more or less the same way - adding that extra bit of control if your hair is being particularly devilish!  It adds heat protection which is really handy and can be applied to hair wet or dry. It's quite lightweight to say it adds a little bit of hold - so if you want a bit of control but don't want to weigh your hair down with sprays or heavy styling products then it's worth giving something like this a whirl.

Overall, I really like the KMS California Tame Frizz range and am so glad I've been introduced to a brand I know I will go back to. Would I buy into the range in future? Absoloutely yes.  The hair oil is something I couldn't live without now despite my array of different bottles and brands that I have - I find it the most lightweight and versatile oil I currently own, and I really love the effect it gives on dry hair. It's worth mentioning that their 'Frizz Fighter' kit also comes with an anti-static comb (not pictured) - really handy for those untameable days! I really want to try their Moisture Repair shampoo and conditioner next - and can imagine using them alternatively with the Tame Frizz will work wonders for me and my hair.  You can find KMS California on Look Fantastic, Beauty Bay and Feel Unique, and also in salons across the country. You can have a nosey at their website here and discover more about the ranges they do.

Have you tried KMS California?
What product from them would you recommend if you have?

April Favourites

It's the beginning of another month. Which can only mean one thing. Favourites time! I do hope you have all been enjoying the rare occurrence that has been this wonderfully sunshine-y bank holiday! For those of you who are blessed to live in sunnier climes (lucky devils, you), it is simply an unwritten rule that whenever the sun decides to show itself in the UK, everybody, everywhere across the whole country must adorn their summer wardrobes, dust down their flip-flops and herd to the nearest watering hole. And stay there. Even when the sunlight is fading for the day and a mere strip of light on the pavement is all that remains of the excitement of the past few hours, we stay there. Until every last ray that we can possibly squeeze from the day has disappeared.  And even then, by heck are we taking our sunglasses off!? I love it when the sun comes out - it's amazing how much happier it makes you feel and even the simplest things like going for a walk and queueing for a Mr Whippy feel like the most exciting thing you've done since forever.  The pubs are full of bare beer bellys and football shirts galore, and the air is filled with many a whiff of BBQ's from every single garden on the street.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a red-hot summer now (even if red-hot simply means that we remain in decent double figures for more than the one week of nice-ness we usually get..)  Anyway, typical British rambles aside...here are a selection of my monthly loves..

| Moroccan Oil Treatment |

After using my mother's sample size of the Moroccan Oil treatment, it's safe to say I'm hooked. So much so I now have a fuller version.  You may have seen my post a while back on my love for hair oils (here), and my love very much remains the same.  I can't say I can tell a huge difference between this and my Macadamia Oil, but the smell of the Moroccan Oil is just divine. Honestly. I urge you to sneak a little sniff of this beauty if ever you get the chance. It's just what dreams are made of.  Yes, it's pricey. But it's worth every penny and a bottle like this would last you an absolute age! It leaves your hair feeling incredibly soft and nourished and I will never ever wash my hair again without applying some form of oil to the ends. Honestly, trust me on this - never again will conditioner simply be enough.  I really want to try their shampoo and conditioner now - my mum uses them and loves them to bits so I'm definitely on the hunt for some to try for myself now!

| Mac Turquatic Perfume |

The sun came out. So it's only fair that this little beauty came out too. If you have never copped a sniff of this summer-staple, I urge you to do so right away. Seriously, go knock yourself out and drown yourself in it. It's beautiful. Now, I'm no good with describing scents whatsoever, but I shall try to nonetheless. Imagine sitting by a pool somewhere tropical, cocktail firmly in hand and the sound of the sea gracing your ears. It sounds obviously cheesy, I know, but conjure up an image of your ideal sunshine getaway and this perfume is exactly what it would smell like. Right down to the tropical fish swimming around your ankles.

| Benefit High Beam |

I wrote about this product briefly a while back when I reviewed Benefit's Coralista set (here) and I've always enjoyed using it.  Ever since I first sampled 'Sun Beam' a while back it's safe to say I've had great admiration for these highlighters. The past month, I've been using this over all of my powder highlighters (my Nars 'Albatross' has taken a firm backseat for now) and I just love the dewy glow it gives.  You don't need a lot at all, and just a few dots of it along your brow bone and your cheek bones blended into the skin with a small fluffy brush gives such a gorgeous bit of dimension to the face without being glittery.  I find it looks a lot more natural than my powder highlighters and it's perfect for the slightly warmer weather we are having - I love that it looks dewy and glowy without looking false. It looks like your own skin. No glitterball-face in sight!  I even pop a few dabs on my chest area if I'm going out - it's such a versatile product, and one that I guess I didn't realise just how good it was until just recently. I'll definitely be buying the full size bottle once this runs out - and I really want to try Moon Beam now.

| Nyx Cream Blush in 'Natural |

This blush is one of my spring/summer staples (I actually have two pots of it so I have back-up!) and I included it last year in my 'Top 5 Summer Blushes' (you can have a nosey at that here). I have another shade of theirs and absolutely adore the consistency.  I'm really not a fan of cream to powder blushes as I find them drying - so this one is perfect because its moisturising enough to feel silky smooth on your cheeks but not so heavy that it slides off. Nyx have got the creamy texture spot on the mark and I get a good few hours wear out of them before they fade.  They don't go patchy either.  I simply love the shade - it's a perfect pinky-nude shade, making in the perfect summer companion. 

| Loreal Super Liner Perfect Slim Liquid Liner |

OOf. What a mouthful! I'm a big fan of liquid liner. And a big fan of Loreal's.  I usually use their ever-famous Super Liner Carbon Gloss, but on a recent makeup spree I decided to throw this one in the basket instead.  I wasn't instantly fussed but now I find I'm reaching for it quite a bit and I really quite like it! It's different to the Carbon Gloss due to the slightly thinner, and less flexible tip that makes it more of a felt-tip styled liner.  It's slightly less glossy and looks a little more matte in finish. What I love is the the fact that you're able to vary the weight of line effortlessly, and cat-flicks on the outer corners of your eyes are much easier to achieve. I really like it. Stays put all day, a doddle to apply and a offers a little more precision than other liquid liners I've tried.

| Mac Lipstick in 'Freckletone' | 

I've just realised I have no photograph of the lipstick in the bullet, but I've actually taken photos for a compilation of my nude lipstick collection to be posted soon so it will be included there.  This lipstick deserves a lot more recognition. If you're a fan of Shy Girl - then you will love this. It's a beautiful glossy mid-peach/nude shade that looks very flattering on both pale and darker skins. It's also rumoured to be a favourite of Kim Kardashian and Beyonce. Who can argue with that!? It's a lustre finish so wear time can be a little disappointing, however I can overlook this. It's such a gorgeous, glossy shade and one that I've been wearing almost every day since I bought it.

Also, before I tottle off to paint some more pictures for my children's book (the end is in sight!) I thought I'd be a little bit cheeky and mention the Cosmo Blog Awards. If you're a regular reader or somebody that enjoys reading my blog, it would mean one heck of a lot if you hopped over and voted for me here (it only takes a second or too..I promise)! My category is 'Best Established Beauty Blog'. I shall give you the biggest virtual hug ever if you decide to drop little old me a mention :)

What have you been loving in April? Anything here take your fancy!?

My Hair Growth Miracle | Hair Oils & How I Use Them

I've been growing my hair for quite a considerable amount of time now.  I'm a big lover of long hair and have been ever since I was a little nipper. I used to hate going to the hair dressers. Actually, thinking about it, I must have been a rather strange child - you could sit me in any dentist's chair, wave a tonne of drills and toothpaste tubes in my face and it wouldn't fuss me an ounce, but sit me in a hairdressers chair and flippin'eck - you'd certainly know about it! This little obsession with keeping my hair long has followed me into my twenties and believe me I've tried my fair share of nourishing treatments and products.. I thought I'd share with you my little miracles that have made a massive difference to my hair.

The time it takes people's hair to grow varies, but it's said that when it reaches a certain length (again this length varies from person to person) it can be very difficult to get it to grow past that point.  My hair got to that point about a year ago. I just couldn't seem to get it to budge. However, for the past 6-8 months I have been using hair oils - religiously. And when I say religiously I mean every single time I have washed my hair since I opened my first bottle. Honestly, I 'Brownie promise' you I've never missed an application since (those of you who were in the Brownies when you were younger will be aware that when a girl Brownie promises you - they're not messing about..)  So many of my friends and family have commented on the length of my hair, particularly in the last 2 months or so. It has grown a good inch and a half, so much so that my once 'just below boob lenth' hair is now just above my belly button when straight (please forgive me for the slightly immature description there..) 

If you read my blog back you will see I tried all sorts, Lee Stafford's growth treatment being one of them. Whilst this was good, If I'm honest I found it such a faff and I'm not one for spending ages washing product out of my hair - as it takes long enough as it is to shampoo and condition! Although I liked it, and my review is of it is a good one, I genuinely think using hair oils have made the difference in my hair - it's grown miraculously faster than it ever has before (family and friends have commented so it's not just my wishful thinking!), and also feels in much better condition.  Hair oils can be a fabulous quick fix for split ends, but continue to use them as part of your hair routine each time you wash your hair and you will certainly notice a difference. I simply towel dry my hair after using my tangle teezer, and before I switch to the hair-dryer I apply my mousse at the roots, before applying a little bit of my oil of choice through the ends of my hair, and over any 'frizzy' bits I've noticed in the mid-lengths. Here's my little run down of my current stash...

| Vo5 Miracle Concentrate |

This is the first oil I used. It's cheap. It's cheerful. And I think it works a treat. It comes with a little 'tear-dropper/pipette' that you simply use to gather the oil, place in your hands and run through the ends of your hair.  If you're new to hair oils I'd really suggest grabbing one of these. I'm on my second bottle now but the first one lasted me ages! I find that my hair feels amazingly soft to the touch after drying, and leaves the ends smelling lovely. It seems to seal split ends very well. 

| Macadamia Oil Healing Oil Spray |

This is another one of my faves and I just love the smell of the Macadamia products.  I use this when I want a slightly less 'heavy' application than the Vo5.  I find it very easy to use - fool proof almost - as there's no danger of applying too much. If your ends are very dry though you might find this isn't enough for you. It's really good for a general 'spruce up' and I find when sprayed through the mid-lengths and ends it seals in any frizzy-ness. Hooray!

| Macadamia Oil Healing Oil Treatment |

I actually haven't used this yet. I've been wanting to grab it for ages and found it in TKMaxx for a bargainous price! I shall be using this the same way as my Vo5 - when I want a more thorough application as I can imagine it will be much more nourishing than the oil spray. All Macadamia products smell amazingly good - they smell very 'salon-like' (very technical descriptions here..) They're a little pricier but I really do recommend them for those of you looking for more luxurious hair oil treatments. I shall let you know how I get on with this version!

Oils have most definitely become my 'go-to' hair saviour for any kind of hair problem! They've reduced my split ends, encouraged hair growth by quite a considerable amount and my hair feels more conditioned and soft than it ever has. If you've never used hair oil, I urge you to try one. You'll be amazed at how silky soft your hair is afterwards and frizzyness is most certainly reduced by a mile.  When your split ends are sealed, or even better - prevented, it stops the breakage from travelling up the hair shaft and making your hair strand thicker - which is what can prevent hair growth. Taking care of the ends of your hair really can make a difference to how it grows - the better the condition, the better the growth.

Have you tried any hair oils recently? What are your favourites?