Thursday, 8 May 2014

Big Sexy Hair Flip It Over Texturizing & Finishing Spray

Every time I show my mum a product like this I can predict the six words that will follow 'you've already got big hair sure' she's right but it's only big because it's curly, frizzy, thick and almost elbow length. Once I've styled my head beard, banished the frizz and whatever else, it's limp bizkit at the roots thanks to the weight. The mention of 'Flip It Over' made me imagine this product would give me masses of body in the root area but if I'd bothered to read the description properly instead of getting overly excited I would've realised that's not what this product is designed to do.

Big Sexy Hair Flip It Over Texturizing & Finishing Spray* is exactly that, a texturizing and finishing spray. Sorry to sound like captain obvious but I wouldn't want anyone to buy it thinking they're getting a root booster of some sort. It's designed to be used on dry hair after styling. You flip your head over, spraying and scrunching/shaking you're hands through your hair at the same time then flip your head back over. The end result is what I was hoping to get from the Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray, texture that lasts with a decent amount of hold plus it makes my hair appear fuller. It can also be used after all the hair flipping to hold your style in place but I don't feel the need to do this.

After having a quick look at reviews, it seems you'll either love it or loathe it. I like that it's an aerosol rather than a squirty bottle as it allows me to spray the product more evenly over my hair instead of directly on to one spot. It sprays out just like a hair spray and feels similar but slightly more sticky so it's important to make sure you spray from arms length.

Have you tried this or any other products from the Big Sexy Hair range?
What's your favourite texturizing product?

Big Sexy Hair Flip It Over Texturizing & Finishing Spray, 11.25 from www.hairtrade.com

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Tuesday, 6 May 2014

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in 'Pink Pop'

Lip gloss is something my make up collection lacks, big time. Usually when I'm having a look around Boots, Superdrug, [insert name of any make up haven] I go through all the different make up stands with a fine tooth comb but always overlook the lip gloss sections. While in a local chemist which only has two make up displays, Rimmel and NYC, I noticed the NYC stand had been ditched in favour of Revlon so while waiting for my prescription and only having two stands to occupy myself with, I came across Revlon's Super Lustrous Lip Glosses. 

Quite a few shades caught my eye, there was a shimmery nude I really liked the look of but decided to do the sensible thing and only buy one to see how I got on with the formula. In the end I decided on Pink Pop which is a completely shimmer free creme. In the tube it looks very intense, almost like a liquid lipstick but it is indeed a true gloss. Nowhere near opaque but the pigmentation is decent, you can definitely notice the colour on your lips and the shine is gorgeous. As with most glosses, the staying power isn't fantastic, you'll find yourself needing to reapply throughout the day but the formula is nice, not sticky or gloopy in the slightest, it actually feels moisturising. I really like the packaging too, there's just something about it that appeals to me and for just under 7 quid I think it's a bargain, one of the better glosses I've tried regardless of price point. 

Have you tried the Super Lustrous Lip Glosses?
What shade should I go for next?

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Glosses are available from Boots and Superdrug

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Love: Lauren's Way Solution 60 Self-Tan Bronzing Mousse

Anyone else a bit stand off-ish when it comes to celebrity products? I've always had this idea in my head that companies slap a celebs name on any old crap just to make a sale, which is definitely the case sometimes but tanning fanatics you're in for a treat as that isn't the case at all when it come's to Lauren Goodger's brand. The tanning experts at LW Tan have come up with a new rapid self tan: Laurens Way Solution 60 Self-Tan Bronzing Mousse* which is available as a mousse or a spray. After only an hour you can jump in the shower to rinse off the guide colour and you'll be left with a natural, golden tan but of course you can leave it on longer if you prefer a more intense tan.

 There are a number of reasons why I'm head over heels for this mousse (1) The guide colour is fantastic. Not only does it ensure you'll clearly be able to see if you've missed any random patches but the colour is instant and not at all mucky looking meaning you won't look like you've just stepped out of a pigsty if you have to leave the house shortly after having applied it. Infact, the guide colour is much nicer than the end result of most tans. (2) One coat is all it takes to get a gorgeous, golden even colour. Don't judge but my usual tanning ritual involves up to 4 coats. It's still buildable though so you can layer away til your heart's content. (3) After no longer than a minute I was able to get dressed. No walking around like an upright crab. (4) It can be used on both the body and face. I always use the same tan on my face as on my body anyway but the difference was I didn't wake up looking like I'd been dipped face first into a frying pan. The tan didn't settle into my pores either which is a massive plus. (4) I can't comment on the spray version but when it come's to the mousse, a little goes a long way. 4 pumps is enough for both arms and the chest/neck area.

The first tan I ever used was a mousse. I was hooked after the first use when the salon I was a Saturday girl in about 11 years ago used St Tropez on me for my school formal. I bought bottle after bottle of the stuff but the older I got, the more mousse tans had a drying effect on my skin so I switched to liquid tan. That's the main reason I went for the mousse version of Solution 60, I wanted to see if mousses had improved since I last used them. Luckily it hasn't dried out my skin nor does it highlight the random dry patch I always seem to have on my arm.

The only bad point I can think of is how quickly it dries. This is a plus point for me and I'm sure it will be for most people who are used to applying fake tan but you need to work fast to blend it all in with a mitt before it starts to stain certain areas of skin and not others. If you're a first time tanner it may take a bit of practise.

Have you tried this or any other tan from LW?

Laurens Way Solution 60, 19.95 from www.laurensway.com

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Monday, 5 May 2014

Review: BarryM Gelly Hi-Shine 'Sugar Apple'

Yes, another nail post. Sorry, not really.

The biggest fan of Barry M nail polishes I am not but the one and only Gelly Hi-Shine I picked up last year in the shade Pomegranate did impress me. After seeing swatches of the new pastel shades which have been added to the line, it was love! Sugar Apple was the one that grabbed my attention most but nothing prepared me for what I felt when I first laid eye's on it in person. Dramatic? Of course. In my ever growing nail polish collection I have similar shades. Some people might did say 'they're the same, you don't need it!' but what do they know.

What make's this different to what I already own is the amount of white in the base. It's vibrant yet muted at the same time. So it's safe to say the colour is a hit but the formula? Don't even get me started. Yes it has the same thick consistency as Pomegranate which didn't bother me in the slightest, I quite liked it but what it lacks is the same self levelling effect. Pastel shades usually are on the streaky side due to the amount of white added but Sugar Apple is possibly the worst pastel I've ever tried. Another down side is the finish. It's no surprise that it isn't overly glossy as pastels generally don't have that amazing shiny finish you get from dark shades but it kinda takes away from the whole 'Gelly' finish Barry M were going for.

So even though I loathe the formula, I love the colour too much to stop using it but if you know of any dupes please let me know.

What are your thoughts on the new Gelly Hi-Shine's?

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paints, 3.99 from Superdrug and Boots

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Sunday, 4 May 2014

April 2014: Used, Abused & Reviewed.

If I've reviewed a product, I've made the product name clickable to take you straight to the post for more info.

Klorane Smoothing & Relaxing Eye Patches: I do like these but I'm still searching for 'the one' as far as eye patches are concerned. They're the best I've tried so far though in terms how how effective they are. The ingredients however, not so good.
Repurchase? Undecided.

Sarah Chapman Skinesis Skin Tone Perfecting Booster, Intense Hydrating Booster, Overnight Facial & Dynamic Defence Day Cream: If you've been a reader of my blog from 2012, you'll already know I'm a huge Sarah Chapman fan.If not, you can see my reviews here and here. Ultimate Cleanse is my pick of the bunch, I've gone through countless sample sizes as well as full size.
Repurchase? Not everything but most, definitely Ultimate Cleanse.

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum: Revitalash I liked but this, it did nada for me.
Repurchase? No.

Di Palomo Tuscan Rose Hand & Body Cream*: I used this only as a hand cream but it took too long to sink in and the scent wasn't my cuppa tea which is weird, I usually love rose scented products.
Repurchase? No.

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara x2: LOVE!
Repurchase? Already have.

Eylure Dylash Lash & Brow Dye Kit: Been using this stuff for years but barely ever use it on myself now as I've finally found a brow pencil that matches the natural colour of my brows and when I use this, it just looks odd against the colour of the pencil but I still use it on my mum every month and it lasts aaaages. Would never pay to have my brows tinted now when you consider how cheap this is and how many uses you get. Click the link to read my review, there's also before and after photos.
Repurchase? Already have.

Caribbean Essentials Radiance Facial Spritz*: I love vanilla, this smells like vanilla = love. My skin adored this when it was going through a dry beyond belief phase as it's so hydrating.
Repurchase? Yes, probably during Winter though. 

SBC Collagen Gel: I've had travel size bottles of this and the 500ml bottles. Used it as both a mask at night and in place of moisturiser which I kinda liked at first but quickly went off it big time. Even though it's a light water based gel I found it sticky and wasn't able to layer it as they suggest.
Repurchase? No.

JASON Family Natural Sunblock SPF 45*: Using this took me back to being a kid. To me it smells like a banana-ish flavoured medicine, anyone know what I mean? This tube isn't completely but I'm sure it's out of date by now.
Repurchase? Not sure.

He-Shi Express Liquid Tan: I'm a bit of a cheat when it comes to tanning, I only apply it to the skin that's visible when I'm wearing clothes. Yup, I look ridiculous in the buff but who cares, it saves time and product which means a bottle of this liquid gold lasts me twice as long. Love the Express Liquid Tan, have recommended it so many times.
Repurchase? Definitely but I'm testing out a cheaper alternative at the mo.

Amie Bright Eyes Gentle Make Up Remover*: Not the most effective make up remover I've ever tried, takes a bit longer to get rid of my eye make up than I'd like but it is gentle as promised and smells good.
Repurchase? No.

NEXT Paradise Perfume: A few years back I couldn't get enough of this! The lasting power was great, as was the price but sadly it's been discontinued.
Repurchase? If I could, I would.

The Body Shop 100% Natural Lip Roll-On in Coconut: Another non empty but I'm sure it's expired by now. Loved it at first, especially the cooling metal roller-ball applicator but I've found so many other lip products I prefer.
Repurchase? Not sure if it's still available but no.

Super Facialist by Una Brennan Vitamin C+ Brighten Dark Circles Eye Cream*: A brilliant, affordable eye cream. It hydrates without making the baggage are worse but the main reason I wanted to try this eye cream was because of the brightening of dark circles claim which sadly it didn't do for me.
Repurchase? Maybe but I'm not loyal to any eye cream.

Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturiser: The texture of this is heavenly, as is the feeling it leaves on the skin but like most things, the more often I used it it caused hives to pop up all over my face.
Repurchase? No.

The Body Shop Orange & Tangelo Candle: This smells unreal! Seriously, I can't explain how much I love it but, the scent throw leaves a lot to be desired. I made the mistake of lighting this half an hour before I needed to head out #EagerBeever which of course resulted in major tunneling. When the candle finally burnt out after a few weeks I was left with quite alot of wax so rather than chuck it in the bin, I removed it from the glass and used it in my oil/tart burner. When used in the burner the scent throw was amazing so now I definitely want to try the oil version.
Repurchase? Yes but not at full price, I always wait for a sale then stock up on home fragrance-y things from TBS. Plus I found an Ikea dupe which is much cheaper.

Air Wick Colour Change Candle in Pink Sweet Pea: Not my favourite candles by a long shot but when they're on offer I can't help myself. I usually love sweet pea scented candles but this was OTT, way too floral for my liking but the glasses do come in handy for storing liners. :)
Repurchase? Yes but in other scents.

Dunnes White Cotton Candle: Dunnes stores are only in N.Ire/Ire as far as I know. It's an affordable clothing store that also sells bits and bobs for the home. At under 3 quid this candle got the job done and lasted a REALLY long time.
Repurchase? More than likely, might try a different scent next time though.

Did you work your way through many things last month?

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NOTD: Models Own 'Coral Reef'

Please excuse the baby nail, or lack of rather. 

I don't own many polishes from Models Own but what I've tried, I've liked. The formula of Coral Reef* is on the thicker side which I don't mind but application could get very messy, very quickly if you tried to rush it. Thanks to the thick formula and brilliant pigmentation it could easily be a one coater but I added two, the weirdo in me doesn't feel right unless I do. The finish is extremely glossy but as always, I've added a top coat.

Products used:
Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Base Coat
Models Own Coral Reef
Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top Coat

Do you own Coral Reef?
What Models Own shades would you recommend?

Models Own nail polish, 5 quid each from www.modelsownit.com and www.boots.com

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Thursday, 1 May 2014

My Current AM/PM Moisturisers


Since around Christmas I've really been enjoying using Organic Surge products. When I first started this blog I was a self-confessed skin care snob 'What, it's under a tenner? Nah, won't be any good!' sad but true, that was my way of thinking. One of the good things about blogging though is getting the chance to try products you (a) haven't heard of before or (b) more than likely wouldn't have tried. I've came across some brilliant beauty bargains over the last few years so of course I want to share them with you. Who doesn't want to save a few pennies where they can?

Blissful Daily Moisturiser, 50ml, £8.49*: This product doesn't target wrinkles, dark spots or anything like that, nor does it claim to. What it does do though is keep the dry/dehydrated areas of my face happy with just the right amount of moisture which keeps fine lines at bay but it also rebalances my oily t-zone. Oily skins looking for a good daily moisturiser that won't increase shine throughout the day even when worn under foundation would get on brilliantly with this, as would anyone with normal combination skin. The texture is lovely, it's light and a little goes a long way which is rare for something this light. It's quickly absorbed and leaves behind a healthy looking complexion. However, if your skin is extremely dry or you want something that's going to target specific skin concerns then this isn't for you. I'm almost at the end of my pot now and still like it as much now as I did when I first tried it. It's also worth mentionin I'm prone to hives, even products formulated for sensitive skin can cause them to pop up all over my face but I haven't had that problem with this.

Overnight Sensation Night Cream, 50ml, £8.99*: Yes, this has been designed for night time use but when my skin is looking and feeling a bit drab I use it in place of the Blissful Daily Moisturiser. I also use it at night but unfortunately it isn't as moisturising as I'd hoped. In the morning my skin does look smoother and brighter but I always feel like I need more hydration. Paired with an oil it does the trick though so more often than not that's how I use it. Just like the Blissful Daily Moisturiser it sinks into the skin quickly, you aren't left with that heavy greasy feeling which I know will appeal to those of you whose skin is more on the oily side or maybe you just don't like the feeling of product on your skin.

Once my pot of BDM runs out I'll switch to using the OSNC as my AM moisturiser then might give the Super-Intensive Daily Moisturiser a go just to see how they all compare. 

Have you tried either of these creams from Organic Surge?
Let me know how you got on with the Super-Intensive Daily Moisturiser if you've tried it.

All products mentioned are available from www.organicsurge.com

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