The Glamour Spring Beauty Edit Box

When I heard through the grapevine about the new Latest in Beauty 'Glamour Spring Edit' box - I knew it would be a good'un.  With contents totalling a whopping £99, there was bound to be some beauty gems in there - and I wasn't wrong.  There's definitely some big names in the Spring box - Moroccan Oil, Nuxe, Kiko and Revlon to name a few.  It's safe to say that I couldn't wait to get my mitts into this one...

Packaged in a pastel coloured box and wrapped in dotted tissue, the Spring Edit box  is a pastel, girly treat containing 9 different products. Here's what I received in my box:

• Model Co Creme Rouge Cheek & Lips in Just Peachy
• Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask - 75ml
• Beauty UK High Brow Kit
• Rimmel Oh My Gloss! Lip Gloss in 'Snog'
• Revlon Colorstay Nail Enamel in 'Full House'
• Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat
• Nuxe Creme Fraiche De Beaute Mask, 50ml
• Kiko Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick in 07
• Elie Saab L'eau Couture Perfume sample

A delightful mix of hair, makeup, skin and nail goodies I'm sure you'll all agree! The box also comes with a 12 month subscription to Glamour magazine discounted by 62%...all for £16.99*.  I have to say I reckon this might be the best Latest in Beauty box yet... I've bought a few of them in the past and I've never been disappointed but this one really does top the mark for me!  As far as beauty boxes go - Latest in Beauty have to be my 'go to'... Yes, you loose the element of surprise slightly but you're never left feeling disheartened and there's always a fabulous variety of products to try.  I often check the website to see what's coming up...

I won't go into detail of each individual product as I'm still working my way through trying and testing all of them - let's face it, there's a lot to get through (i predict there might be a couple popping up in a monthly favourites sometime soon...) Personal favourites so far have to be the ModelCo Creme Cheek and Lip tint in 'Just Peachy'.  It's a stunning bright coral-red perfect for the summertime - I reckon this will be a holiday favourite for me.  As I'm thinking of booking a holiday abroad soon I'm sure I'll get plenty of use from this over the next few months.  I love a good versatile product too so the fact that it works well on the lips to is a nice fruity bonus!  

I'm also a fan of the Rimmel 'Oh My Gloss' lipgloss.  It's so smooth and glides onto the lips easily with next to no stickiness at all. I love the shade as it pairs well with my '90s' nude lipstick shades - I love it over Mac's Velvet Teddy at the moment! It just adds a bit of dimension and the pink hue is really flattering.

The Moroccan Oil Intense Hydration mask is also a winner in my books.  I love a good hair product and I'm always reaching for deep conditioners and masks like this one - I'd like to do a full review of this soon so for now I shall keep it short and sweet - but it's made for a very welcome addition to my hair cupboard.  I'm also super excited about the Nuxe Creme Fraiche De Beaute Mask. I've heard amazing things about this face mask, and after reading a few reviews of this box it's clear that it's been the star of the show. I can't wait to see what it does for my skin - I've been burning the candle at both ends just recently so to say it could do with a bit of pampering is an understatement...

I was also chuffed to see Kiko make an appearance in this box - i've always wanted to try something from the brand so this lovely champagne toned eyeshadow stick will make for a nice introduction. As for the other products, the BeautyUK eyebrow palette is a must-have in my collection. I actually already have this from a past beauty box but I've got a tonne of use out of it so it's nice to have back-up ready and waiting.  The Revlon polishes are a lovely addition too - I particularly like the blue shade as I think it's going to look amazing with tanned skin through summer.

Overall, I'm so happy with this box.  There's not a single thing in there I wouldn't use and I think it's been the best LIB box so far for me.  The mix of products is really well thought through and I like that the shades of the products are quite neutral - meaning i'll get plenty of use from them on a daily basis.  You can grab the Glamour Spring Beauty Edit box on the Latest in Beauty website here for £16.99*.

Have you got your mitts on this box yet? What was your favourite product?

Neal & Wolf | 'AURA' Hair & Body Fragrance

When it comes to haircare, Neal & Wolf have to be one of my favourite brands.  I fell in love as soon as I first tried their 'Harmony Intensive Conditioning Treatment' a while back now and I use their Heat Guard spray on a daily basis.  My hair has never felt so soft after styling! As much as I love their products and think they work a treat, one thing I do enjoy is the 'Neal & Wolf' scent.  It really is so unique and my hair is always left smelling salon fresh and totally gorgeous after I've used their products. Seriously - it's just divine! I've had a fair few people comment on it actually and I often wished they would create a hair perfume of some sort so I could keep the scent going for longer. Well, the hair-care fairies certainly answered my prayers when I heard that Neal & Wolf had released their 'Aura Hair and Body Fragrance'* - I was a happy girl indeed. Their fragrance is very much a signature scent and I know that so many people adore it - me included. I couldn't wait to get my mitts on it.

Packaged in a sleek box, the Aura fragrance is presented in a gorgeous glass bottle - it all feels very luxury.  The scent itself is very musky and identical to the smell of Neal & Wolf's other products. If you aren't familiar with it, it's described as being a 'blend of delicate blossom, white thyme and saffron combined with lily, ylang ylang and vanilla' - a truly beautiful blend which smells so sophisticated and luxurious.  It's not incredibly long lasting (around the 5 hour mark I'd say) but if you're a fellow Neal & Wolf fan like myself and you 'layer' it up with their other haircare products - the scent is somewhat intensified and lasts much longer.  Like i said, I use their Heat Guard spray on a daily basis so my hair tends to smell very much like it to begin with - if i use the shampoo and conditioner to go with it then the scent lasts even longer. The perfume doesn't effect the condition or texture of the hair and doesn't dry it out - my hair feels perfectly soft even after a few sprays.   What's more, it also doubles up as a body spray - I always spray a little around my neck/décolletage area to finish off. 

Overall, an amazing product from Neal & Wolf.  If you're a fan of their products and adore the unique scent like I do, I guarantee you'll love this perfume.  It's become quite the must-have for me.  It retails at £20.95* - so it's a little indulgence but well worth it considering you don't need to use much at all.  You can find out more about it on the Neal & Wolf website here - keep your eyes peeled for this one! It's sure to be a winner.

Do you love Neal & Wolf as much as me? What's your favourite product?

Toni & Guy | Extreme Volume Heated Rollers

Toni&Guy // Extreme Volume Heated Rollers // £59.99* // Link

I swear by heated rollers.  Whether I'm wearing my hair straight or wanting big, bouncy curls - I always start by applying rollers to give that extra bit of lift and volume at the root. I just love the natural movement they give the hair and I've always managed to achieve such a wide range of looks with them depending on how I apply them.  Once you've mastered them, you'll never want to go back to using a standard clamp-curling wand again! For a long time now, I've loved my Enrapture Extremity Heated Rollers (post here) but I've recently had the chance to try Toni&Guy's 'Extreme Volume Heated Rollers. I thought I'd give them a whirl and offer my thoughts on the set - along with a comparison of the two.  The Enrapture ones are notoriously difficult to track down and I've always wondered if there was ever going to be an alternative introduced...

Firstly, I love how neat and compact the set is - it's so lightweight and small in size.  The set contains 10 rollers - 4 large (placed down the middle section) and 6 medium sized ones located on either side.    What's great is that you can purchase the rollers separately so if you have longer or thicker hair you still have the option of using more than 10 if you need to.  Personally, I always feel slightly sad that I'm unable to take my Enrapture ones away with me when I'm travelling... although the Toni&Guy ones aren't marketed as a travel set, I'm definitely considering taking them in my suitcase the next time I go on a little weekend trip - they're about half the weight of my larger set and don't take up much space at all.

The rollers sit neatly on the heated plates, and each come with a butterfly clip (which also have heated pads) to secure the roller in place.  I won't go into how to apply them too much as it's very difficult to explain in words, but once you've got the knack of it, they're super quick and easy and they're perfect to leave in whilst you do your makeup.  The set also heats up super quick so there's no waiting around of a morning. I have to say, my hair goes straight much quicker when I've used these as opposed to my Enrapture ones - they don't seem to lock in as much style - but I still like the effect they give. My hair always appears much more lifted at the root and feels bouncier - it also appears much more glossy and smooth after I've used them. The work well at providing volume at the root and prepping the hair for further styling. The only thing I didn't like so much is the application - for some reason, they're a little slippier than what I'm used to and I struggled at times to get the clips to hold properly.  I've read a couple of reviews online and a few people have mentioned this - I thought it was just my hair but they're definitely a little more fiddly.  It's a shame because it makes the application time slightly longer.

Overall, I think these rollers are a lovely little set.  I do think the lack of hold on the clips lets it down slightly and I do still prefer my Enrapture ones as they seem to lock in a curl much easier - however, these are a fab buy if you're looking for something that's more appropriate to travel with or just want something to provide some quick volume.  If you have thinner hair, or aren't so bothered about creating waves or curls and just want something to provide some lift, these are well worth a look.  I'm glad I have them in my collection and I'm definitely going to try travelling with them sometime in the future...  The set retails for £59.99* and you can find them on the Boots website here - I've also found them on offer at ASDA for £29.00.

8 High End Products I Can't Live Without...

Why is it that all of your more expensive make-up must-haves always run out at the same time? Seriously - it happens to me every single bloomin' time and this month has been particularly cruel to me to say the least.  As I'm currently on a bit of a budget and am trying to curb my beauty product-spend-age, it's been difficult to justify splurging on high-end replacements. For some, I've managed to find good cheaper alternatives (see my recent 'drugstore gems' post here), but I've come to realise that there's a few high-end products in my collection I simply cannot live without.  Of course, as a blogger, I often end up treating myself to the odd luxury or two but there's only a small handful of them that I'd say hold the 'cannot live without' status.  I thought it was about time that I dedicate a post to my high-end 'holy grail' must-haves...

Nars / Sheer Glow Foundation / Link

Ever since I first purchased this foundation, it's never been out of my makeup collection.   It's a medium to full coverage foundation (in my opinion, more on the 'full' side) and always provides me with such flawless results.  It stays put all day and the formula is so easy to apply and blend out with a buffing brush. It's not dewy but provides a gorgeous subtle glow to the skin.  I particularly like this for nights out and events because it contains no SPF (no ghost face!) and I've also taken this away on holiday for use in the evenings and it's never let me down - it's so long-lasting. I have a full review here.

Mac / Mineralise Skinfinish Natural / Link

This powder has featured so many times on my blog - but for good reason! I'm still yet to find another powder that quite matches up.  It looks so natural and gives the skin such a smoothed out, 'soft focus' sort of finish. It controls oil and shine without looking cakey (even if you over-apply of a morning...) and doesn't cling to dry patches - it also doesn't darken or adjust the colour of your foundation underneath.  As well as controlling shine, it also sets your makeup and keeps your base locked in place for much longer - I notice such a difference when I don't use this (which isn't very often as it's a daily must-have for me!)  I can be out all day and after a few hours my makeup looks pretty much freshly applied - If i ever need to 'touch-up' it's very minimal.  I have a review here.

Estee Lauder / Double Wear Concealer / Link

I doubt I will ever find a concealer as good as this one!  It's expensive but lasts such a long time so it's price tag is perfectly justified to me considering I'd probably go through about 4 or 5 drugstore versions for just one tube of this.  It instantly covers dark circles, pigmentation and blemishes with a tiny dab - the full coverage is amazing yet it never looks caked or over-applied. It has a beautiful creamy consistency which is a dream to blend and it never sticks to dry patches.  This really is an unsung hero of the beauty world...

Nars / Matte Multiple in 'Altai' / Link

My contouring dreams came true when Nars released their Matte Multiples.  I much prefer contouring with cream products (and then add a dash of powder product to strengthen the effect afterwards once it's set) - i just find it gives a much more natural, sculpted finish as it's blended into your foundation as opposed to sitting on top of it. 'Altai' is a lovely colour for contouring as it adds a touch of warmth to the face without looking too bronzed.  My cheeks always look so defined after I've used this and the fact it's so long lasting means I can have perfectly contoured cheekbones all day long. I have a full review here.

Benefit / 'Hoola' Bronzer / Link

This is such an all-rounder which is why I love it so much.  It works as an all over bronzer if applied with a fluffy brush but also works perfectly as a contour shade.  As mentioned previously, I apply some of my Nars Multiple and then, once I've set with Mac's MSF, I'll dust a small amount of this along the contour line with the brush that comes in the compact. It intensifies the effect but still looks super natural.  I love the fact that it's matte too. I have a full review here.

Clinique / Bottom Lash Mascara / Link

Ever since I first started wearing makeup I've struggled with my mascara smudging below my bottom lash line. However, that all changed when I began purchasing Clinique's Bottom Lash Mascara and I haven't used anything else since. I swear by it.  I never get panda eyes anymore and my bottom lashes always look so defined and separated thanks to the tiny little wand. It coats every single lash with ease, doesn't flake or smudge (even if there's a few tears - tried and tested ;)) I talk a little more about it in this favourites post.

Shu Uemura / Art of Hair Essence Absolue Oil / Link

If you've been reading my blog for a while, I bet you're sick of hearing about this product by now - but seriously, I adore everything about it and I definitely think it's helped towards hair growth.  My hair has never felt in such good condition since I started using this and I use it every time I wash my hair.  It doesn't weigh the hair down at all yet provides such intense moisture. I sometimes apply it to dry hair to revive my style if it's gone a little bit frizzy (perfect for rainy days) and I've also used it on extensions to help them stay soft and shiny for longer.  SUCH a wonder product. I have a full review here.

Harley Street Skincare / Spot Buster Solution / Link

As far as spot treatments go - this is by far the best I've ever used.  Again, i've spoken about it quite a bit on my blog but I really do think it's the bees knees and it's worth every single penny. If I ever have a breakout, it clears it within a couple of days and helps to prevent scarring/marking after the blemish has gone.  Unlike other spot treatments, this one doesn't leave a residue so it's perfect if you're applying makeup afterwards - you can't tell it's been applied at all.  Because it's a spray, you can apply it easily over larger areas too. Without a doubt the best anti-blemish solution I've ever tried. It featured in my skincare routine post here.

What are your 'can't live without' products?

My Current Hair Product Favourites

Oh hello there! Long time no see... (well, it's been a week but for me - in blogging time - that's an absolute eternity) It's not that I haven't wanted to blog - more that I haven't been able to access the interwebs properly since my laptop finally croaked it. It's been a long time coming but stupid me had only backed up my uni work - I have all the important 'work-related' stuff on external hard-drives but I never really thought about the sentimental things that I'd miss if they were gone.  Every cloud has a silver lining though as I've now used this mishap as an excuse to upgrade to a Macbook Pro... I've also learnt my lesson and promised myself I'll be much more organised (and less lazy when it comes to backing up my files) from now on.  It just so happens that I now have a tonne of blog photographs that I need to re-take (for once, i had them all sorted for the month of November and cleared out my memory card just before my laptop died - typical) - amongst the ones that I lost, I had a batch that I'd taken for my October favourites, but since I seem to have missed that boat now, I've decided to type up a few generic ones instead. The majority of the products featured were all hair-related anyway so it seemed silly not to group them all together and create some sort of hair-themed post! Without any further rambling, here's my newest additions to the hair product cupboard and why I think they're the bees knees...

The Mousse // Percy & Reed | Abundantly Bouncy Volumising Mousse | £12.00* | Link

I received this in one of my Love Me Beauty boxes (post here) and it's fast become my favourite mousse. So much so, it's blown any others I've previously used out of the water.  It's much more creamy in consistency than your average mousse and comes out a little more runny as opposed to foamy. However, it doesn't compromise on volume and adds so much body to my hair - after I've dried it, it feels so weightless and bouncy. I love that it seems much more moisturising too - I'm never left with crispy hair even if I do go a little bit overboard and my hair looks glossy and polished despite having product in it. I also love the packaging and design - always a nice little bonus!

The Heat Protection Spray // Neal & Wolf | Heat Guard | £7.61 | Link

I love the scent of Neal & Wolf products so I always spend a little more on their heat protection spray. For me, it's such a necessity and although they all essentially do the same thing, nothing compares to the lovely, musky scent that Neal & Wolf's version leaves my hair with.  It just smells so expensive and luxurious. It leaves my hair feeling silky smooth and I've noticed that the ends feel much softer to the touch since I've been using this - definitely worth the extra bit of money for me and I love that the salon-like scent lingers for a while afterwards.

The Shine Spray // Neal & Wolf | Glow Super Shine Spray | £8.08 | Link

I've never really used shine sprays before but due to my love affair with Neal & Wolf, I decided to give their version a go. Just a few spritzes after styling and my hair looks glossy, smoothed and polished without looking greasy.  It's a nice addition to my collection, especially through winter when my hair can have a tendency become a little dull.  I wouldn't say it makes masses of difference but for me, it has the added bonus of the signature Neal & Wolf scent! It kind of doubles up as a subtle hair perfume for me - I'm left with glossy hair that smells salon-fresh and doesn't feel weighed down. It's a nice little treat if you're a fan of the brand like me...

The Shampoo // Lush | 'BIG' Seal Salt Shampoo | £12.25 | Link

I've recently done a full review of this shampoo here.  I mentioned that it didn't lather too well on me, but since I've used it again I have too eat my words - I'm not sure whether I just didn't use enough water but I bloomin' love it! It smells so fresh and delicious, and the sea salt really does seem to help lift the hair.  For me, it's more of a cleansing shampoo with volumising benefits as opposed to an 'every day' product, as it really does leave the hair squeaky clean and removes build-up. I love the unique texture too - it's actually quite relaxing to massage this in to the scalp and once dry, my hair is left feeling (and smelling) super fresh.

The Deep Conditioner // Lush | 'American Cream' | £4.50 (100g)  | Link

Ok - so Lush don't market this as a deep conditioner as such but that's what I've been using it as.  It's incredibly moisturising and even though it doesn't have an overly thick consistency, it really does work itself in to the hair and you only need a small amount. My hair always feels incredibly soft after using this and always appears much more healthy. It completely revives my hair if it's feeling a bit worse for wear and injects some much needed moisture into the mid-lengths and ends.  It also smells incredible. Honestly, if you love 'creamy' scents you'll absolutely adore this because it's good enough to eat - it lingers on the hair for ages afterwards too. I have a full review here.

The Hair Oil // Shu Uemura | Essence Absolue Oil | Travel Size - £12.00 (Full - £29.60) | Link

This is not a recent discovery for me but I have to include it - it's been my holy grail favourite since I first discovered it over a year ago now and I kid you not, no other hair oil compares. Not even close.  I recently had to use my Moroccan Oil instead when I went away recently and I really did realise just how good the Shu Uemura version is. I missed it so much.  I'm surprised that it's not more well known on blogs because seriously - once you've used one drop of this you'll never want to use anything else. It's so moisturising and my hair never feels weighed down or greasy when I've used it - it's perfect for using on dry hair too and I often run a drop through to kill frizz or add some more moisture to the ends (it also revives hair extensions extremely well). It instantly polishes off your style.  I owe so much to this oil - i truly believe that it's made my hair grow considerably and it's looked and felt so healthy since I switched to using this. I recently picked up the travel size (shown in the photographs) which is sadly a limited edition.  If you've been wanting to try it for a while but didn't want to pay the full whack I urge you to pick one up. I'm so tempted to stock-up on some more to keep by me for when I go on holiday next year because I really can't live without it. It's completely transformed my hair.  I really hope they make the smaller size a permanent thing - it's fab to pop in your handbag for on the go! I have a full review here. 

The Daily Conditioner // Dove | Pure Care Dry Oil Conditioner |  £5.99 £2.97 | Link

I picked up a few bottles of this on a whim for just over £2 each. It's become my new go-to daily conditioner and I love it.  It's so moisturising and smells beautiful. I get through conditioner extremely quickly and a bottle of this lasts me quite a while because the consistency is rather thick.  I love the fact that it's tailored towards dry hair and contains oil - the moisturising benefits are instant.  My hair is left feeling silky smooth and easy to manage - I've found it styles really well after use too as it doesn't leave it feeling 'fluffy'.  Really recommend! 

What are your current hair favourites? Have you tried any of the products featured?

Lush 'American Cream' Conditioner

If you read Sunday's post, you'll know that I've recently branched out into the Lush hair care range.  My mum bought me this small bottle of 'American Cream' conditioner to try as a little stocking filler when it was my birthday a few months ago and, not that I want to spoil the ending for you, but I bloomin' love it! Honestly - I'm addicted.  'American Cream' is said to be a 'milkshake thick conditioner that helps cleanse and soften the hair' whilst leaving it silky smooth and super shiny. With its strawberries and cream inspired fragrance and soothing hint of sage and lavender, it really does smell good enough to eat! I was instantly sold on the scent - it is simply divine and the delicate hint of sage stops it from being overly sweet.  It's rather unique - definitely a more luxurious version of your typical, vanilla scented products.  The scent lingers on the hair for ages afterwards - I wash my hair every other day and I could still smell the scent after the second day - it's almost like a conditioner and subtle hair perfume in one in my opinion! I found myself deliberately swishing my hair about just so I could keep catching a whiff of this stuff - it's so dreamy...

Not only does it smell beautiful but it does an amazing job at conditioning the hair too. It isn't overly thick in consistency but it's so smooth and creamy in texture - you really don't need a large amount at all.  The first time I used this, I think I must have over-applied like I do with my normal conditioners - but you only need to work a small blob in through the mid-lengths and into the ends for this one to do its job.  My hair was left feeling so unbelievably soft and smooth - it was baby soft to the touch and the ends looked really shiny and healthy.  If you're going to be styling your hair the next day - I'd bear this in mind as I've found that it can make it a little bit fly away but this stuff really does deliver in the softening stakes! It's been a while since my hair has felt so soft and easy to comb through after washing. If your hair is in need of some gentle TLC and has been feeling a little dry and brittle of late, I really recommend trying a bottle of this.  I'd actually go as far as to say it works better than some of my deep conditioners (and let me tell you I've tried my fair share) and as soon as this bottle runs out, I'm going to invest in a larger size -  it definitely deserves a space on my bathroom shelf!  

The small bottle that I have retails at £4.50 for 100g (larger sizes - £8.95 for 250g / £14.25 for 500g) - it's more of a treat than a daily conditioner but one that's well worth it since you don't need to over-apply in order to see its moisturising benefits. If that doesn't get you hooked, the scent most certainly will! It's one of those pamper products I really look forward to using after a long day or simply when I just fancy a bit of a beauty treat - i found it worked really nicely alongside their 'BIG' shampoo too (review here) - together they really do work well at cleansing the hair and making it soft, shiny and altogether much more radiant and healthy.

You can find 'American Cream' on the LUSH website here.

Have you tried any LUSH hair products?

Lush 'BIG' Sea Salt Shampoo

Yes. I finally went there. I took the Lush obsession beyond the odd bath bomb or two.  After reading mixed reviews about their 'BIG' shampoo and having never tried Lush's haircare range before, I must admit I was a little unsure - but I couldn't resist the promise of fuller, glossier locks and quite fancied mixing up my haircare routine.  When I was on holiday in Greece this year, I loved the way my hair had so much natural volume in it due to the change in environment - a combination of the sun and the sea worked miracles for my hair and when I arrived home, I missed my swishy, volumised barnet.  The fact that the main ingredient in Lush's 'BIG' is sea salt made it my first port of call in a bid to recreate my bouncy, effortless holiday-mermaid hair!  

'BIG' is said to be a softening, volumising shampoo containing coarse sea salt, sea water and seaweed extracts. Whilst the salt helps to lift and add body, the extra virgin coconut oil and protein rich seaweed softens the hair and injects moisture.  Lemon and lime help to add shine as they allow the cuticles on your hair to lie flat, thus reflecting more light - oo it's all very scientific ya know! After doing my research into the ingredients, I hoped for summery beach hair in a tub...

The texture is unlike any other hair product I've ever used - it's gel-like, slightly lumpy/gritty (due to the sea salt) and feels quite cool to the touch.  I gathered a rather sizeable blob in my hands and began to work it through my hair - which is when I realised that 'BIG' is rather unlike any other volume shampoo I've tried in the past... it doesn't lather too well! *I've since been informed that you just need a lot of water to work up more of a lather - I guess I didn't add enough - to be fair, it did create a light lather but just not the level of suds I was used to!* It's a sensation I've not really experienced before and I must admit I was a little worried - I had visions of having to get straight back in the shower because it really didn't feel as if I was cleaning my hair and I was gearing myself up for a negative review (sorry, LUSH - I love you but you did throw me off guard with this one!). You have to work it through gently too as the bits of sea salt can be a little bit scratchy - but it actually feels quite satisfying - like a strange, sea salty head massage!  But despite my initial uncertainty, I was very pleasantly surprised.  Honestly, this shampoo really did clean and cleanse my hair amazingly well. I was amazed at how shiny and soft it was after just one use and my blonde appeared brighter and lighter - if you've ever used a cleansing shampoo, you'll know the feeling I'm describing. I was so impressed. My hair looked and felt so healthy and soft to the touch.

But the 'BIG' question (lolz), did it volumise? I have to say - it does do a great job at lifting the hair and making it feel altogether more 'swishy'. It looked visibly more lifted and 'plumped' at the root. I applied my heated rollers after drying and my hair was visibly quite bouncy and light - even more so than when I wash it with a regular shampoo. It wasn't a drastic 'oh my goodness my hair looks so volumous' effect, but it was certainly noticeable. I've been meaning to try it again alongside blow-drying my hair upside down - I can image this will work wonders (if you want to maximise volume potential it's always good to blow-dry upside-down - this is one of my usual tactics!) It certainly transformed my dull, lifeless hair into shinier, healthier looking hair and I really recommend this if you're experiencing limp, dry hair that's in need of a bit of a perk up!

Overall, I have to say, 'BIG' is a winner in my books - if not for the volumising effect but for the fact it breathed so much life into my hair and made it look so much healthier.  It definitely provides a slightly different hair-washing experience - which actually adds to the attraction to this product for me.  At first, you might feel a bit unsure about the fact that it's difficult to get a lather going and slightly weird, lumpy consistency, but roll with it and I can guarantee you'll be left pleasantly surprised like I was.  I've used it a few times since and still have a load left - which is great considering this stuff isn't the cheapest of hair care out there. Priced at £11.35 for 330g, it's definitely more of a treat but one that's worth it for both the benefits it provides and the slight novelty value!  It also smells lovely and fresh - with a hint of 'ocean' in there (what else would you expect?!) and a citrus-y kick, it's quite a unique scent - one that completely freshens up your hair and lingers slightly even once you've washed and dried it. I can imagine it's going to be a 'marmite' product but personally, I love it!  Also, keep your eyes peeled for a review of their 'American Cream' conditioner soon - together with 'BIG' i think I may have found my newest dream team...  You can find 'BIG' on the Lush website here.

Have you tried Lush's 'BIG' shampoo? What did you think? 

Jerome Russell | Bblonde Lightening Spray

As I mentioned in my previous post, I often use lightening sprays and tints on my hair. My hair has been in such good condition and has grown no end since I stopped bleaching it and piling on the hair dye and for the past 3 years or so, I've tried my best to embrace a slightly more natural look when it comes to my hair.  Luckily, I quite like the colour of my natural hair but sometimes, especially through the winter, it can look a little bit lack-lustre. To combat dullness, I often cheat a little bit with lightening sprays and similar products - it gives my hair a little boost without me having to commit to a hair dye or highlighting kit because the results are gradual. For the past few weeks, I've been using Jerome Russell's Bblonde Lightening Spray*.  I've used their hightlighting kits in the past and have always managed to achieve a good result.  I've also always found Jerome Russel to offer me the closest result to salon-applied highlights (provided you use it carefully and correctly) so I had high hopes for this spray. 

As you can see from the guide on the side of the box, this is more for subtle lightening and lifting the hair a couple of shades as opposed to full-on lightening from brown to blonde.  As my hair is mid-dark blonde naturally, I'm able to achieve the desired result quite easily and quickly.  It gradually lifts the hair colour in around 3 applications and provides a permanent lightening solution.  To use, I simply spray on the area I want to lighten after I've washed and towel dried my hair (in my case, I tend to use it at the roots) and then I'll use my hairdryer as usual.  Because the product is heat activated, I concentrate the hairdryer in this area for a while before moving on the drying the rest of my hair.  It contains thermal protector which is a handy little bonus, as it limits the amount of damage from any further heat styling.  I noticed a difference after 2-3 washes and I stopped using the product as soon as I achieved the desired lift after around 6 washes.  I like the fact that this spray seems to work quite quickly and it also seems to limit brassiness.  Whilst I still use a purple shampoo alongside it to combat any yellow tones (if you're lightening your hair this way it's quite difficult to cut it out completely), it does seem to lighten the hair without causing those nasty 'false' looking brassy hints.  

As with most lightening sprays, it can dry out your hair a little. I always like to apply a deep-conditioner whilst I'm using these sorts of products to try and combat the dryness and limit any damage.  I wouldn't say as if it feels as if I have product left in my hair, but I can tell when I've used this as my hair can feel a little bit gritty - if you're going to apply it through the ends of your hair, it's worth being aware of as it might make your hair less manageable for the time your using it.   Aside from this, the end result is a lovely, naturally sun-kissed look - it's not dramatic but that's exactly why I like it.  It lifts the tones I already have in my hair and just brightens it up a notch - which, through the winter months, is exactly what I want.  I would have posted my results, but seeing as I use products like this quite regularly, I don't think you'd get a true idea of how it works.  I often get questions about my hair and what colour I ask for at the hairdressers and the truth is, I don't! I just use a lightening spray whenever I feel as if my colour needs a lift.  If you're thinking of lightening your hair but are scared of it looking too 'bleached', then it's well worth looking in to a lightening spray.  Just make sure you stock up on the deep conditioner and grab a toning shampoo before you start!  You can find the Jerome Russell Bblonde Lightening Spray on the website here, and you can also find it in Boots.  It retails for £5.99*.

Have you ever tried a lightening spray? What did you think?

Chill* Ed Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner | Beat the Brassiness!

I've been a blonde for the majority of my life (aside from the one time I dyed my hair black on a whim and spent the next few months helplessly trying to get it back to a form of decent blonde - a task and a half I'm sure some of you will be aware of and also one of my life's greatest mishaps).  Ever since said dye mishap, I try to stay away from colouring my hair and all I'll do is tint it or use a lightening spray on the roots now and again. Whilst this means that my hair is pretty low maintenance, it also means that pesky yellow tones often show through and make my hair look rather brassy.  I find that ever since I've gone 'natural', the darker blonde seems to hold on to brassiness much easier than it did when my hair was highlighted and bleached. This is why I'm never without a purple shampoo.  It's pretty much a key part of my hair-care routine and I always make sure I have some handy - especially at this time of year as my hair tends to get a little duller.  As well as knocking out brassy tones, I also think a purple shampoo can really brighten and lift your hair colour - it keeps it looking fresh and bright.  Enter the Chill* 'Ed Blonde' Shampoo and Conditioner duo...

Chill* Ed Blonde Shampoo | £9.99* | Link

Containing grape seed oil, proteins and violet pigments, this shampoo is said to knock out bassy tones whilst richly moisturising the hair, and is suitable for use on coloured or natural blonde. Firstly, I was really impressed with the colour of this shampoo. If you've never used a purple shampoo before it's pretty scary to say the least, but the pigment and shade of it is exactly what I look for and as scary as it seems, it successfully takes away the brassiness.  I've tried slightly lighter ones in the past and I've found I've had to use them a few times before noticing any difference, which is all well and good, but sometimes you just want a quick fix! And that's exactly what Chill Ed Blonde gives you.  I noticed a difference straight from the first wash - and it's something I tend to use every now and again whenever I think my hair needs it rather than every time I wash my hair.

It doesn't lather extremely well, (which is something I've noticed with other purple shampoos in the past - i think it's a purple shampoo thing?) so I did have to work the product in quite a bit before I felt like I'd given it a good clean, but it worked well nonetheless (just bare that in mind if you like a good bit of lather!) Also, the smell of the product is lovely.  In my opinion, it has one of those gorgeous 'salon' smells to it which lingers ever so slightly on the hair once you've washed and dried it.  I personally like this - I'm always a happy chappy when my hair smells and looks salon fresh!  As for knocking out yellow tones, it did so straight away from first wash - without leaving my hair with that 'lilac' tone.  If your hair is naturally blonde like mine and you've always thought purple shampoo is for bleached hair - think again! I always use purple shampoos despite my blonde being quite dark and it works a treat!

Chill* Ed Blonde Conditioner | £9.99* | Link

I must admit, despite my love of purple shampoos I've never invested in a matching conditioner.  If my hair ever gets brassy, it's usually in the top sections and I've never really thought I'd benefit from a matching conditioner. However, it is undoubtedly nice to have a set - especially when you like the scent of a shampoo and want to keep it going when it comes to your conditioner.  This one is quite creamy in consistency and I've found it to be really moisturising - which is great if your hair is feeling a bit parched! It 'rebalances moisture in your hair and closes the cuticle to leave it super soft and shiny'.  Again, it contains grape seed oil and violet pigments to continue the treatment through to the ends of your hair and gives that extra little 'kick' in knocking out brassy tones.  I actually really like this conditioner - it's well worth investing in to use as a second-step to the shampoo. It leaves my hair feeling soft, shiny and manageable.

Overall, a fabulous option if you're after a new purple duo to kick out the brassiness in your blonde! I used to struggle to find them but it's great to see different brands popping up offering different versions - this is definitely a great contender.  It's worth mentioning that the packaging is also really lovely - it's girly, easy to use and looks nice on your shower shelf (the metallic finish also pleases me...its so pretty!) You can find the Blonde range by Chill* on the website here along with other products for coloured hair.

Have you tried anything from the Chill* range?

Foxy Hair | Clip-In Extensions

Foxy Hair Extensions | #18/22 | £84.95* | Link

When I took my first steps into the world of blogging around 3 years ago, I remember hearing about Foxy hair and their range of extensions.  They've always been highly recommended - I've heard lots of good things over the years about the company and I know a couple of girls who've ordered their extensions from Foxy and have been suitably impressed. That's why I jumped at the chance to give them a whirl just recently! I must admit I do love my clip ins. I've never had any bonded extensions as I like the fact that I can have a play around and take them in and out whenever I please - the versatility and the fact they're fairly low maintenance is a massive plus point for me.  Due to having long hair to begin with, I tend to use extensions for volume as opposed to length. Having a set of clip-in pieces works well for me as I can pick and choose how I want my hair to look - I've tried my fair share of them over the past few years! Here's what I thought of my Foxy hair set...

Shade and Colour Range:

The colour I decided to go for is #18/22 - 'Medium Ash Blonde/Golden Blonde Mix.  My hair is always a toughie to match so this is one of the most important things for me when looking for a good hair company - I like a wide range of shades to choose from as 'standard' bleached blonde shades don't work for me. I don't have highlights put through my hair anymore and I tend to let it do it's own thing - so my shade of blonde is a big mix of light brown, warm honey blonde and ashy tones.  I have to be careful I don't go too light, as my hair is much darker underneath and when I'm not careful, it can be easy to give the game away! In the past, I've been known to order two shades - but after a few messages to the Foxy team, I settled on 18/22.  My hair isn't particularly ashy but i often find that extensions can be far too warm for my hair. This mix is perfect as it has a certain honey tone to it, but also has ashy bits running through which give it a nice neutral balance.  It's slightly too light for the bottom lengths of my hair but I never expect a perfect match anymore - and once they're all clipped in, the difference is minimal and hardly noticeable at all. Foxy do a good range of shades including mixed brown/blonde and ombre. You can find their colours here.

Hair Quality, Thickness and Options:

Foxy hair is made from high quality Remy hair - something I always like to look for when choosing extensions as I think it makes such a big difference to the overall appearance, quality and the actual length of time they last for before needing to replace them. The full head set which I have contains 120g of hair - pretty much what you can expect from most standard full-head sets of extensions. Upon opening the pack, I noticed the hair was glossy, smooth and soft to the touch - I've since styled mine and I have to say they've stayed very glossy and smooth.  Admittedly, they aren't the thickest set of extensions I've owned - the ends aren't as 'full' as some of my other extensions but I always trim a small amount off to give more 'body' anyway (little tip for you there if you want to make your extensions appear thicker!). This being said, for a regular full set of extensions, they're much better quality than other packs I've spent money on in the past - I've noticed minimal shedding and the ends still look lovely and smooth - no frazzled bits to be seen! If you're after something with more body then it's worth opting for a quad weft or their 'Delxue Full Head Set' which contains 160g of hair.  Personally, although I do like some of my other sets with thicker wefts, I often find slightly thinner ones like this much more practical as there's less chance of the clips/wefts showing through your own hair and they often look more natural (I don't have thin hair but it's also not the thickest so the less bulk, the better for me!).  It's all about how I feel on a certain day - sometimes, I'll often just wear a couple of pieces (again, my hair is long so I can get away with this) and I find the standard full head set more than enough for me. It all depends what sort of look you're going for - if you're a hair extension novice, a full-head set like Foxy's would be a great place to start.  You can see on the pictures above just how much hair you get - it's pretty impressive to say how bulk-free the wefts are.

The Clips and Pieces:

As with most full-head sets, there are 8 pieces to a pack. I often will just clip in the 3 or 2 clip pieces if I'm in a rush and it gives me more than enough body and volume.  I also find the 1 clip pieces so handy for hiding shorter layers around the front of my hair.  The clips are easy to apply - they're a little bigger than some of the other extensions I've tried but it doesn't really matter. They hold really well and are comfortable to wear.

As you can see, they're slightly lighter than the bottom layers of my hair but they seem to merge in really well and they match the top layers perfectly.  I personally like the fact that some of my lighter brown tones show through and I guess it helps that my hair is virtually the same length anyway. If it were shorter, I'd probably have to order a slightly darker colour for underneath but I didn't think it necessary (i don't like my hair being all one colour!)  They don't give huge amounts of volume, so if that's what you're after you're probably better off with a quad weft or thicker set, but for everyday wear this is the sort of look I like to go for.  I'm really not the type who likes to spend ages gripping in bits of hair of a morning!

Overall, I'd recommend Foxy hair if you want to give hair extensions a try and want to be assured of good quality and a good range of shades.  They don't offer the widest range of length or weft choices but they keep it simple and straight forward - perfect if you're new to extensions and just want to see how you get on with a standard full-head set and don't want to faff around with triple wefted or quad weft pieces along with all the bells and whistles! If it's a lot of volume and thickness you're after, it might be worth looking into the quad wefts or deluxe sets - as this standard set offers more of an 'everyday' look and not a huge amount of volume (in my opinion). If, like me, you sometimes struggle to find shades to match, it's well worth looking at their colour chart and range of mixed shades.  They aren't the cheapest at £84.95* - this was the only thing I was slightly unsure of considering you can find similar sets on the market for slightly cheaper containing more grams of hair. I do think the price point is slightly high but I guess it's competitively priced for the overall quality of hair. You can find the Foxy hair extensions range on their website here.

Have you tried Foxy hair in the past? What were your thoughts?

8 Summer Saviours | Holiday Makeup & Hair Favourites

As some of you may know, I've recently returned back from a very much needed break in the sun on the lovely island of Crete (if you follow me on Twitter you probably struggled to avoid my sunshine-related tweetings - apologies). As well as meeting some wonderful people (some of which I hope I'll stay in contact with), I've come home feeling much more refreshed, relaxed and altogether more positive. I guess you could say I'm enjoying that 'just got back off holiday' feeling and I'm making the most of having a natural tan for a change! Of course, being a beauty blogger, two thirds of my suitcase weight allowance was taken up with lotions, potions and cosmetics galore (okay, so i exaggerate slightly - but trust me now when I say that 'packing lightly' is not my forte...) I thought I'd pop a little 'holiday favourites' post together consisting of my most used hair and beauty products - I've narrowed it down to my top 8. Considering I took everything and the kitchen sink, this was easier said than done but if you're jetting away soon and are at a bit of a loss as to what to take, this might give you a few ideas. I haven't photographed everything separately because my camera was having an 'off day' (don't we all...), but I have written individual posts on the majority of things featured in this post anyway so I've linked those for you if you fancy a more in-depth read up! Without further rambling, let's get stuck in to this year's holiday favourites...

The Fuss-Free Base - Benefit 'Big Easy' in 'Beige | Review Post

I'll admit that when I first tried 'Big Easy' a few months ago, I wasn't instantly blown away. I liked it, and the review was still a rather positive one, but at that particular time I wasn't sure it suited my skin as well as it could. I did, however, make a note to try it again when on holiday as the cream to powder finish and added SPF seemed to tick all the boxes for the perfect lightweight holiday base.  I wasn't wrong.  This stuff is amazing! I'd simply apply a teeny bit over the top of my sun lotion on any areas that I felt needed a bit of help (yes, you might be lounging around a pool but a little cheat never hurt anybody did it?) and I was good to go.  It was the perfect base when we hired a car and went sightseeing for a day as it blended seamlessly into my skin and I didn't feel caked - it just gave me a little bit of coverage whilst still allowing my natural skin to show through and breathe. I didn't really use it at night as I wanted to avoid 'ghost-face' (the SPF is quite high), but for day wear and for using on the airplane/travelling - it was a godsend and I will definitely be using this should I jet away again soon.  It was amazing in the heat and humidity and didn't go patchy or orange - plus the fact that its so lightweight and sheer worked extremely well in the sun. OO and it's worth mentioning that I find it works best applied with fingers as it helps it to blend. Put the buffing brush away - this stuff really is as fuss-free as they come!

The Primer - Benefit Porefessional | Review Post

I alternate between this and my trusty Loreal Professional Resurfacing Primer but for hot climates and balmy nights - Benefit wins hands down! It's lightweight, silky and smooth and helps prepare your skin for foundation as well as helping it to stay on longer - even on humid evenings.  It helps to smooth over any dry patches as it doesn't cling, and it also helps to minimise the appearance of pores (i can vouch for this as my pores go crazy when I'm in a sunnier climate!).  I always pick up a travel size before I jet away - it's well worth looking for the miniature size if you fancy giving it a whirl.

The Eyeshadow Bases - Art Deco | Featured Here / & Mac 'Rubenesque' | Review Post

I received Art Deco's shadow base in one of my beauty boxes ages ago now and it's still one of my favourites! Although I love my Urban Decay primer potion, I find this one a little more hard-wearing if it's hot outside due to the thicker consistency.  I also find that my eyeshadow appears much more pigmented and bright when I've used this beforehand.  I threw caution to the wind this year and opted for a smokey eye on a couple of occasions and this was my ultimate must-have! You only need the tiniest bit and you're good to go. Another favourite was Mac's Paint Pot in 'Rubenesque' - its great because it doesn't crease, is super easy and quick to apply and can be used as a base for building up further colour or simply on its own - very versatile.  The peachy-gold tone is also the perfect shade for summer tans!

The Eyebrow Tamer - Benefit 'Gimme Brow' | Review Post

Although I always fill in my brows if I'm going out of an evening, when I'm around the pool in the daytime I just cannot be bothered to faff around! If I wanted a little bit of definition, I simply filled them in ever so slightly with a cheapy pencil, quickly swept a bit of this through and I was set for the day. I love 'Gimme Brow' - I actually need to repurchase the darker shade when I get chance as I prefer how it looks on me but this came in so handy. If you have sparse eyebrows like me, you'll love this as it's so easy to apply and adds the perfect finishing touch.  At the end of an entire day of sunbathing, my eyebrows were still pretty much perfectly in place and I owe it all to this little mascara.

The Summer Blush | Stargazer Blush in  'Shade 8' | Review Post

Ok. So this isn't exactly a summer 'saviour' but it would have been silly if I didn't include it because it's the only blush I've been using for the past 3 weeks and the only one I can see myself using for the foreseeable future (until my tan has completely gone...)  This is my ultimate favourite blush for when I have a bit of sunkissed glow to my skin. It's not for the faint hearted as it's undeniably quite bright but it instantly brightens the complexion and looks amazing when worn subtly with a contour.  Although it's super pigmented, it's so easy to blend and lasts very well on the skin. 

The Lip Colour for All Occasions | Tanya Burr Gloss in 'Let's Travel the World' | Review Post

I managed to solve all of my 'which lipstick shall I wear with this outfit?!' issues whilst on holiday this year. I'll be honest and say I didn't use the majority of the other shades I bought simply because all I needed was this. The orangey-red sets off a tan perfectly as it brings out the warmer tones in your skin and the glossy finish adds dimension. The colour is perfect because it's not so opaque that it's difficult to wear but it's bright and pigmented enough to make a statement in the evening.  I must say, it lasted incredibly well and even my mother was impressed when it was still going strong after a cocktail or three...

The Hair Saviour | Aussie '3 Minute Miracle' 

As much as I love holiday hair (sun, sea and sand don't half help to boost the volume!), I hate how dry it feels after a few days of sunbathing.  I used Mark Hill's Sun Protection Spray in the day to try and limit the damage but there's no getting away from the fact that any length of time in the sun is going to leave your hair rather parched - I could almost hear mine crying out for some moisture!  I picked up 3 sachets of '3 Minute Miracle' in the airport just before I boarded the flight and my goodness, am I glad I did! I used them half-way through the holiday to restore some shine and quench my poor thirst-deprived ends. It's well worth picking up some deep-conditioning sachets before you jet away - they don't weigh much at all and are so easy to pack.  I've picked up a few more so I can use the treatment again over the next few weeks.

If you're looking for products to keep your makeup in place, I'll also recommend Mac's MSF Natural (my holy grail powder) and Urban Decay's Setting Sprays - both of these were also holiday must-haves for me - I thought they were worth a mention even if I didn't include them in this post! (I should have done my 'Top 10' shouldn't I?!)

What have been your summer saviours this year?