Hair Care Faves

It's no secret that I've become a hair care nut over the past few months and I find washing and treating my hair more of a pleasure than a chore. I thought it was high time I showed you some of the products that I'm absolutely loving at the moment and can't believe I haven't blogged about them before!

♥ Dove ♥

♥ Dove Hair Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo

Having tried, loved and repurchased the Conditioner numerous times, I was happy to try out the shampoo. It gives such a surprisingly luxurious lather, smells beautiful, cleanses well and nourishes my hair a treat!

♥ Dove Hair Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Conditioner

I've raved about this before after getting a freebie sample in a magazine, but I can't tell you how much I love this. Again it smells fab and I think this is quite possibly the best conditioner you'll find on the high street. My hair has never felt so smooth, soft and sleek. In fact, my hairdresser commented on the lovely condition of my hair! A real favourite that I've repurchased time and time again.

♥ Dove Damage Therapy Heat Defence Heat Activated Protect Mist

Long days and early starts have pretty much meant that I don't use heated appliances on my hair much these days but when I have, I always give my hair a spritz with this heat defence mist. A lovely product that protects and fragrances without being sticky, leaving a residue or making my hair look greasy.

♥ Dove Hair Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Express Treatment Conditioner

Another product that has been a staple in my bathroom over the past few months is this lovely express treatment conditioner. On the days that I have a few extra minutes to spare on my hair, I love to treat it to 3 minutes of TLC. My hair is left impossibly smooth, beautifully fragrances, silky and so, so soft I can't stop touching it.

♥ VO5 & Alberto Balsam ♥

♥ VO5 Treat Me Right Rinse Deep Conditioning Treatment
Once a week I tend to give my hair some extra love and I've been using this mask to help deep condition and nourish my tresses. I love the scent, it smells just like the VO5 Miracle Concentrate. I can rave about VO5 until the cows come home but all I really want to say is: You. Need. This. In. Your. Life. :)

♥ VO5 Smoothly Does It Heat Protect Serum
I've never used a serum that has heat protection in it before so this was something new for me. It's a great two in one product as it leaves you with sleek, shiny locks without letting them get frazzled to death by heated appliances. And we've all got carried away when curling our hair and gotten side tracked... No? Just me then. Whoopsie ;)

♥ VO5 Hot Oil Treatments
These are a MUST HAVE. This time last year I'd have thought you were mad as a hatter for telling me to put oil on my hair. Surprisingly this is one of the best things I've ever done. Super soft, sleek, shiny, perfect hair? Yes please.

♥ Alberto Balsam Intensive Conditioning Treatment
This brand is one I haven't used in donkey's years, but I was surprisingly impressed with how lovely this conditioner is. I've been alternating (give my bathroom a till and it's a branch of Boots) between conditioning treatments and I was surprised at how nice this was to use. The scent reminds me of the Dove products and it is a lovely product that does exactly what it says on the bottle.

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Which hair products do you use and love? Have you tried any of the above?

* PR samples - products were sent for my consideration - read my disclaimer *

Illamasqua SS12: Human Fundamentalism

Illamasqua never fail to impress with their stunning collections. Human Fundamentalism for Spring/Summer 2012 is no exception. With bold brights and striking designs aplenty, it's going to be a colourful season!

This was the first image I saw of the collection and I absolutely love it. I wish I had awesome teal hair! I could totes rock that look yeah?

The collection goes right back to the root of what is fast becoming my favourite brand: freedom of self expression, creative artistry and not conforming to society's expectations of make up and beauty. And besides, who'd want to be normal anyway? ;) I cannot wait to give the above look a try - it's beautiful!

Look at these brilliant nails! These aren't colours I'd have paired together but they look stunning. 

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You can check out the collection on Illamasqua's stunning and recently redesigned website! Whilst you're there, check out the new Socialise section where you can truly get involved in everything Illamasqua! You can even send in reviews and swatches which could get posted on the site.

Now, I'm off to spend an obscene amount of money on this collection. See you on the other side!

Moon Dust on Parisian Rooftops

Recently, the very lovely Liloo sent me a couple of polishes so I thought I'd show you how they look! 

I received L'Oreal Colour Riche in Parisian Rooftops which you may have spotted in Liloo's L'Oreal post, and Max Factor's Moon Dust. I was a little underwhelmed by both separately but they do make a lovely combination if used to layer. Case in point:

It reminds me of Cadbury's ha!

♥

Are you a fan of the L'Oreal Colour Riche mini polishes or the Max Factor mini polishes?

Review: Ahava Mineral Foot Cream

Product

Ahava say: Wrap your feet and legs in the soothing comfort of this rich blend of moisture enabling minerals. This ultra-absorbed cream hydrates dry and rough skin, enveloping your feet in silky softness and making your skin noticeably smoother. Step through the day with comfort and confidence.

I say: I'm quite impressed with the Mineral Foot Cream. It's a lovely light lotion, that's easily absorbed into the skin. Prolonged use has pepped up my feet an absolute treat, and I'm left with soft, smooth, hydrated feet.

Application

Ahava say: Massage a small amount into clean feet and legs until absorbed.

I say: Mineral Foot Cream is a lovely, luxurious cream that once applied, will sink into the skin to renew and replenish leaving me with soft, smooth feet. It's not heavily scented like other Ahava body products I've tried (and adored). This one smells a little like suncream but definitely isn't an unpleasant scent. A little goes a long way, which is always a bonus so I can see this lasting me a while.

Price: £13.30
Size: 100ml
Available from: Ahava

Ratings

Product: 10/10
Price: 9/10
Packaging: 10/10
Overall: 9/10
Purchase: Yes

♥ ♥ ♥

Are you a fan of Ahava? Which products are you using for perfect tootsies?

*PR Sample - read my disclaimer

Wordless Wednesday

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Glossybox: The Harrods Edition

I'm not going to lie, I am getting a bit bored with the whole beauty box thing. I almost cancelled my Glossybox last month due to some pretty poor customer service but the only thing that stopped me was finding out that the March box was another special edition. This month, Glossybox have teamed up with Harrods to put 5 luxury branded items in to their box.

In place of the usual Glossybox logo sticker and pink ribbon, there was a Harrods sticker and Harrods' signature green and gold ribbon.

The 5 luxury samples in the box were:

♥ Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau De Parfum (1ml)

Quite a heady scent, not 100% my cup of tea but I think it's a grower. It reminds me of something but I really cannot put my finger on it. Any ideas?

♥ Burberry Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipstick (0.3g)

I think Burberry is one of those brands that I'd always sort of avoided but I have to say this lipstick is gorgeous! I'd definitely give the brand a second look when it comes to cosmetics.

♥ YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum (5ml)

This is one product I'm not really sure I'd use. I'm not really a serum person. Let me know if you're a fan and if they've benefitted your skin :)

♥ Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Moisture Bath & Shower Gel (50ml)

I love the scent of this! I've really gotten into Molton Brown lately and I would love to try more of their products.

♥ Clarins Extra-Firming Body Cream (30ml)

Clarins is another brand I've come to love over the past year or so and this is a product I haven't come across before. I can't help think this is a gimmicky item though. Do these extra-firming creams actually work?

Swatches

L-R: YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum, Burberry Lip Cover, Clarins Extra-Firming Body Cream

♥

Have you received this month's Glossybox? What did you think? Are you getting a bit bored of the beauty box trend now?

Are you Eau So Fresh as a Daisy?

This is just a bit of a heads up for you as I've just discovered that my favourite Marc Jacobs fragrance is a live co-buy on BuyaPowa right now! At a jaw droppingly good price at the moment, I couldn't resist. I nearly bought this in Debenhams the other day as it was 10% off. Good job I resisted eh?

♥

Will you be joining the co-buy action?

P.S. This is NOT a sponsored post - I just adore Marc Jacobs fragrances!

17 Twitter Party

Morning ladies! I'd like to invite you to 17's second Twitter party which is taking place this Sunday, 11th March between 7 and 8pm. One of my absolute favourite bloggers and tweeters May from Smooch is hosting along with Ree from Really Ree and 17's make up artist Vanesa Guallar. There's even a special guest in the form of musician Beca!

For your chance to chat make up and music, and win 17 goodie bags, all you need to do is follow 17 on Twitter along with the hosts and include the hashtag #17cosmetics in your tweets. 

Interested? Then make a date with your sofa on Sunday night! I'll see you there :D

♥

Wordless Wednesday

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Review: Queen Cosmetics Sensitive Skin Oil

Product

Queen Cosmetics say: Sensitive Skin Oil is a special blend of gentle oils which are known to moisturise, soften and soothe sensitive skin.  It can be used as an intensive moisturiser, as a body lotion after bathing or showering or as an after-sun (perfect for maintaining a safely-acquired tan!). It makes an ideal massage oil for the face or the body. It is also a fabulous bath oil. Just add a few drops to running water for a luxurious soak. This product is preservative-free, hypo-allergenic and perfume-free.

I say: Having previously tried a skin oil, I was more than happy to give this one a go as it's aimed at sensitive skin. Currently, I'm using Sensitive Skin Oil as a body lotion after showering. I put plenty on and massage it in then I allow it sink in for a while before doing anything else. It leaves my skin hydrated and silky smooth, and it really has helped me through the dreary winter that can often leave skin looking less than its best.

Application

Queen Cosmetics say: As a moisturiser, body lotion or massage oil, put a few drops at at time into the palm of your hand and apply in gentle strokes. Allow time for your skin to absorb the oil before dressing.

I say: Sensitive Skin Oil is really simple to apply. I usually apply it as directed, in the palm of my hand and massage it into my skin. It feels lovely and my skin is super soft afterwards. It's not a scented oil unlike the Weleda oil that came in a Glossybox a few months back, so you can't smell anything obvious. However, I did give it a sniff and it reminds me of vegetable oil. Not my cup of tea but if you don't stick your nose in it, you won't notice it!

Price: £17.65 or £3.75 for a sample size
Size: 250ml (full sized)
Available from: Queen Cosmetics

Ratings

Product: 9/10
Price: 8/10
Packaging: 7/10
Overall: 8/10
Purchase: Maybe

♥ ♥ ♥

Have you tried a skin oil as opposed to a moisturiser? What did you think? Any recommendations for me?

To give you a heads up, if you fancied ordering from Queen Cosmetics, they're celebrating 85 years in the industry this year, and to celebrate, they're giving away a free skin care gift with all website orders worth £10 and over, throughout 2012!

*PR Sample - read my disclaimer

My Blogger's Week BuyaPowa Co-Buy!!

Just a quick post to say that my lovely Blogger's Week BuyaPowa co-buy is live!!

♥ ♥ ♥

Will you be buying? Have you enjoyed BuyaPowa's Blogger's Week? Let me know which bargains you've picked up!

Things I learned in February 2012

February whizzed by in a flash didn't it? I have to say it was a pretty good month! Surprises, IMATS, Olly Murs, and a new car <3 Exciting stuff! Here are the things I learned over the last 29 days!

Source

001. Surprises are nice :) People can be very thoughtful. 

002. Car salesmen are desperate to make sales aren't they?

003. Walking around London is always an experience

004. Olly Murs is absolutely bloody gorgeous. And snow is a right royal pain in the arse.

005. I should try new things more often.

006. If I've learnt something over the past few days, it's that TFL are infuriating.

007. I own a ridiculous amount of haircare and skincare products.

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008. MUFE HD Foundation is lovely! And I passed my newbie probation period at work. Hello new car shaped plans!

009. Porridge always makes you feel better :)

010. I swear all I do on my days off is clean!

011. I adore my Whooga boots

012. People can be surprising

013. Men can be so damn childish

014. No secret admirers this year. No not-so-secret ones either. Darn ;)

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015. I LOVE being yelled at *rolls eyes*

016. So excited to pick up my car! Paid the deposit today :D

017. I do love a cheeky chappy

018. Girly nights out are brilliant for gossip!

019. Discovering Mountain Lion for Mac is out this summer has been the highlight of my day... geek!

020. I ask a lot of questions

021. I really quite like my job

Source

022. I'm lost without my iPhone. But I can fix it. Legend.

023. No matter how hard you try, sometimes its just time to accept that people aren't worth it.

024. There is something most definitely wrong with my iPhone

025. My lemon cupcakes are TDF in my humble opinion ;)

026. My car is here :D I can pick it up on Tuesday!!

027. I very much dislike being messed around.

028. The guys at the Apple Store in Meadowhall offer great customer service. As does Toyota. HELLO NEW CAR :D

029. Car insurance isn't as painful as I first thought it'd be!

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