Ombre' Hair

I've liked the ombre' hair look since it became popular few years ago but my hair was too short, at the time... and then I usually have a very long pondering/hibernation period before embracing new trends.

I'm actually getting fed up with my longer hair, so I thought it was perfect timing to try the ombre', before my next haircut.

I decided to go diy and used the L'Oreal Preference Wild Ombres in No1 Dip Dye Hair Kit From Light Brown To Dark Brown.

I had actually never ever dyed my hair before but the whole process was really easy, instructions clear and the brush just perfect to achieve this result. The only thing I straggled with was the smell of bleach which was sooooo overpowering that I had to stop and dry my tears a few times; I guess it could be expected but It was seriously (nearly) unbearable and  considered stopping midway.

You can leave this formula on between 25/45 mins depending how light you want to go and I went for the safe middle-of-the-road 35 minutes.

I'm actually really pleased with the result and love it!

I'm glad I took the plunge and did it - It was time for a change!
What do you think? Are you a fan of the ombre' hair?

Haul / Boots

Few weeks ago I placed an order on Boots.com to take advantage of the 3for2 offer that included make up, skincare and body care.

Recently, I mentioned in my March' Empties that I finished The Beauty Parlour Boob Tubes but wasn't really impressed.

I love Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula - and how the products smell - so I picked up the Bust Cream which is also reasonably priced at under 7 pounds. The consistency seems a bit on the thick side, like a body butter, but it absorbs really well, I haven't experienced any break out so far and you only need a small amount.

Then, I stocked up on some body cream: I haven't tried the No7 Smooth & Improve Cellulite Treatment and at £22 I wouldn't normally buy it without being sure it works. So I thought it was the right chance to give it a go. I'm not too fussed with the gimmicky applicator, I just have high hopes on the formulation, really.

Finally, I bought the Tweezerman Deluxe Hair Cutting Shears; I cut my fringe every couple of weeks and currently I'm using a pair with texturising teeth which is really effortless to use. I decided to get a regular pair, in case I want to try a more dramatic, blunt style. they are vvvvery sharp!

I also HAD to get some make up... of course!!! ;)

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr in On and On Bronze: Big fan of these pots! I already have a couple and been wanting the bronze shade for a while. I've been pretty much used it every day since I got it - it lets you create a beautiful look, effortlessly and quickly. You don't need anything else on top... this is really a case where less is more.

Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail Enamel in 180 Indigo Night: Prologue - I love blue polishes but a nice, bright midnight blue was missing from my collection. 

I decided to get the Revlon because I've been wanting to try this line since it came out; I'm pleased with both consistency and longevity but £7.99 is a bit steep for an high street polish, in my opinion... I mean you can get an Essie for that price, right?! High street-wise, Rimmel is still my favourite around the 4quid range.

Real Techniques Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Kit: another product I'm crossing off my wishlist.

I'm a bit fan of RT brushes - I already wrote about them here & here.

I mainly wanted to try the deluxe crease brush for concealer since my dark circles are so bad and I figured every little helps. I'm finding the base shadow brush great to apply cream shadows/color tattoos and the accent brush for undereye smudging.

I don't really have any use for the pixel-point eyeliner brush and brow brush so I will keep them to give away in my next giveaway. ;)

Have you tried any of these items? What are your thoughts?
x

Boots Haul

... apologies - I wrote this post back in October but then It got forgotten in my draft so these offerS are no more available in store, I think...

Sanctuary Warming Microbrasion Polish - I love this product! It's a thick, creamy exfoliator to use on wet face and the water will active it, warming it up and helping drawing all the impurities out.

I have been using it regularly (I just requires once a week, personally) for over 2 years but I was running out so I decide to stock up again because Boots was giving the 2nd Sanctuary item for free.

Sanctuary 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask - as just mentioned, I got this for free! It's a full size bottle and works with the same principle of the polish: heat! The only criticism is that it's quite glue-ish and I found difficult to spread uniformly so ended up using more than necessary.

Also, it will not dry completely, which is a bonus as it's easier to remove.

I find these mud, clay masks really effective - especially with heat.

After using one or the other - my face feels so smooth and free from any oiliness.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Skin-Brightening MOisturiser SPF15 - I like many things about this product but somehow failed to wow me.

I got it because I read many positive reviews and it was on promotion with 3 pounds off.

I like the packaging, the bottle comes with a pump; I like that it got a SPF15 and the smell is nice too and fades away quickly.

'Skin brightening' because it has sparkling particles that reflects the light and helps hides imperfections - (well, in my opinion - I don't really think all that 'diffuse, trick the eye'-concept makes much of a difference!).

Anyway, the main issue I have with this cream is that it's too heavy. It looks like soufflé when out of the bottle but then I can feel it on my skin for many hours and it doesn't seem to sink it very well; in fact, I'm only using it when in the house or when I don't wear make up.

TRESemme' Naturals - Nourishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner - I never used to be too fuss about hair brands but now I wanna try to use more natural products. 

This new line says is 'hypoallergenic, no added colour with certified organic aloe vera and avocado oil'. Also, shampoo is lower in sulphates an conditioner silicone free.

I like this combo: my hair feel clean, not heavy... not sure about all the claims but I would recommend them. Promotion was buy 1 get 1 free.

No 7 Eyeshadow Blend and Contour Brush - much raved about brush, Mac 217 dupe... you all know... Used the £5 off voucher so it only cost me about £2.25

Finally, I got these samples:

Ojon Damage Reverse - Restorative Hair Treatment: Unfortunately, my face didn't like it. :(
 I put it on my hair, all was good and I really enjoyed the treatment but when in the shower, rinsing it off, I had an allergic reaction on my face. it was pretty bad, all red and burning so I, definitely, can't use this product but I would recommend to others.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF20 in Nude - to be honest, I was pretty disappointed!  This is supposed to be The Daddy of all tinted moisturisers but I found it too thick for my liking. I wouldn't want a foundation this heavy, nevertheless a tinted moisturiser. 

Colour-wise is a good match and it's a shame because I seriously love other LM products... just not this one. I'm glad I didn't cave in and bought without trying.

Lancome Teint Miracle - Lancome regularly send out vouchers to go and try products in store and this time it was for the foundation. I tried it before and I love it! That much in fact that it's on the short list for my wedding make up kit!

Anyway, I went in Debenhams, House of Fraser and Boots and I got matched 3 times with 3 different colours!

l-r: 010, 01, 03 swatched

blended

My shade is 010; the others are too dark or too yellow or too pink - I'm neutral.

Previously, I tried 02 which is also pretty good for me.

I really can't recommend this foundation enough! Have you tried it yet?

FeelUnique - October Box

It's time to review this box! This was my first FeelUnique beauty box and gets thumps up all the way from me.

First, the actual box. I like the colours: black on the outside and the fuchsia inside - I adore Fuchsia btw.

Also the drawer type of aperture which makes it really sturdy and it's a good size as well (a tad smaller than the other brands).

Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash

Really excited to receive this one. I like to try different face washes, because I don't like to use the same one all time and give my skin a change. This product is a two-in-one exfoliant, the granules are very small and not too abrasive so suitable to use every day. I've been using it since I got it and I didn't experience any tightness or spots. It also smells so good, like candy floss. :)

Also, I always wanted to try Bliss, especially the FatGirlSlim but never got around to buy it (anybody recommend it??!!) - I haven't been disappointed by the brand and I would purchase this wash in the future.

TIGI Catwalk Sleek Mystique Straight Collection Blow Out Balm

If you read any of my previous beauty box reviews, you'll know I'm not a fan of styling products; I just don't like to add unnecessary chemicals to my hair. Anyway, for a second I got excited about this one because, as you can see in the pictures, It has got some sparking particles in it. Unfortunately, I didn't see any difference to my hair whatsoever, so this item will go in the swap pile.

Crabtree & Evelyn India Hicks Island Living Spider Lily Ultra Moisturising Hand Therapy

My god - can a hand cream have a longer name??!!

Anyway, I devour hand creams so this is definitely a product that won't go to waste. 

It's a posh hand cream - something that I wouldn't normally buy - but it will be a nice treat for my poor hands, for sure. Nice smell and right consistency (not too thick).

Orly Nail Lacquer in Naughty

Unfortunately, the brush of my bottle is split in half and I haven't received a replacement yet so I will do a separate post when I'll be able to try it.

All I can say for now is that I like the colour and I know the brand but I never tried it before.

Caudalie Vinexpert Radiance Day Fluid SPF10

Caudalie - another brand I've read so much about and I always wanted to try and here is my chance now! :)

This is a day cream which also offers firming, protective and anti-wrinkle actions during the day. 

I definitely noticed a radiance enhancement as soon as I apply it but the smell is too strong I'm afraid, and that;s reason why I'm not planning to purchase it again. It's a shame as I'm liking the performance of the product. Also, It's described as 'fluid' and I would expect a lighter consistency as gel, serum maybe but It just feels like a cream really.

The other criticism would be with the packaging: it's too big for the actually amount of cream in fact it feels like it's empty (and I'm sure you all read the complaints on their Facebook page).

Burberry Body Eau de Parfum

This is a 6th bonus item so I don't mind it's a parfum. I actually ordered a sample on their Facebook page few weeks ago but I never received it so I'm glad I can try it anyway because... I like it!

****

All in all, I love this box and I'll keep my subscription for now; maybe, I'd like a make up item in the next one (I don't see nail polish as make up, personally)...

All products are for sale on FeelUnique.com, of course - and if you order before the 31th of October, you can get 10% off with code BBOCT10

are you going to take advantage of the discount?

GlossyBox September Edition

Hello lovelies!

Apologies for this late post but I swapped 1 of the items and I wanted to wait to have the complete box, before posting my review.

So, theme of the box was 5 Future Classics - basically, the newest formulas that are bound to become big.

HD Brows Eye & Brow Palette in Foxy: this is the item I swapped. Initially, I was sent the Bombshell version but I'm clearly not blonde (you see, this is what I'm not too happy about Glossybox: I think they should customise the boxes better or send everybody the same stuff). Anyway, I read around that many people were excited about this one - me personally, not so much.

Mainly because I have a fringe and I never do my brows: yes, it's a nice kit, I will probably use it as eye shadows and It may come in handy in the future but I could have lived without it.
 I gave it a go - It came out a bit thick but I have never done this before; it seems pretty easy to master with a bit of practise and once it's on you need make up remover to take it off.

Full size, retail price £19.95

I reckon it's an ok match for my hair colour

L'Oreal Professionnel Mysthic Oil: this is the star item for me! I'm usually very fussy with hair products but I love this and I can't stop using it. 

It's a blend of avocado and grape seed oil that nourishes the hair and smells d-i-v-i-n-e. You can use it both on wet and dry hair but I usually only put on 2 pumps after my shampoo; on top of that, it doesn't leave my hair feel heavy. This bottle will last for a long time but I will repurchase when I run out. 

Full size, retail price £ 14.95 (but you can get it cheaper here).

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse: another product I love! I wanted to try this for some time and I'm glad I got it in this box. It feels good on the skin and I love the smell - in fact when I wear this I don't feel the need to wear a perfume too. I will definitely take advantage of the discount code and get the or version here.
This is a generous sample; full bottles come in 50ml and 100ml and cost between £16.50 - £37.00

Plum by Mary Greenwell Eau de Parfum: I don't really care of this one, to be honest; it's ok but not my cup of tea. Plus, as many other bloggers pointed out... ENOUGH WITH PERFUME SAMPLES!!
Full bottle costs £60

StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate: I'm a bit of a sucker for eye creams; especially after turning 30 so I tried this straight away. At first, I was surprised by the smell: it's quite subtly fruity and unexpectedly so because of the high-tech packaging I was expecting a more chemical smell, if it makes sense. It was a nice surprise anyway.
During the first few applications I felt a tingling and warming sensation - nothing too uncomfortable but definitely noticeable. Also, I could see that after just 2 days my dark circles were positively lighter.
Now,  about reducing fine lines I haven't seen any improvement but the sample is for 2 weeks only and the product promises smoother wrinkles after 8 weeks.
All in all, I'm very pleased with this product and would totally recommend.
Price - well that's the sore note: £49 for 30ml.

What were your impressions on this box?

Birthday BeautyBox Delivery for me! :)

I've just received my first FeelUnique beauty box.

This is my first one and I'm very pleased... what do you think? 

If you are interested in subscribing, just visit FeelUnique.com - you can also check out the amazing brands they sell - and you're likely to receive! :)

GlossyBox - September

I'm veeeery pleased with my selection.

I'm just not sure about brow palette in Bombshell (which apparently is for blondes) - anybody wanna swap?

Are you a subscriber? What did you get this month? :)

GlossyBox - August

So, I had a couple of weeks to play with the items in the latest GlossyBox and here is what I think:

AHAVA Mineral Body Lotion: I LOOOOOVE THIS! I'm not a fan of 'only moisturising' body creams but this smells too good. I will definitely re-purchase and I'd like to try other products too! Also, I like the graphic on the bottle.

MURAD Time Release Blemish Cleanser: the consistency is quite fresh and gel-like and it doesn't foam at all (I didn't really like that as I don't have the feeling it's cleaning my face) - I have to fail this product. 

Initially, I didn't even want to try it as I don't have acne but then I read that you can use it anyway and will keep your face blemish-free... well, not true! At least in my case, I had breaks out on my upper lip and jaw (places which I usually don't have any spot at all - if I get any occasional spot would be on my chin) and I can only connect it to this face wash. So, I passed it over to my better-half that had recently some blemishes on his chin and he reported and it actually dried them out a bit. So, I would say to give it a go if you have problematic skin, otherwise stay away!

It's a shame: I have tried 4 Murad products and all have failed to impress me (you can check out the others here and here).

DANIEL SANDLER Baby Jet Mascara: I'm not too fussy with mascaras - basically I get them on offers on Boots, any brand really or use up the miniatures that come with free gifts but I'm pleased I received this one. It's a 'specialised' product, if you wish and I wanted to try Clinique Bottom Lashes for a while - this is a similar concept. It works fine: I apply the 1st coat on my top lashes which helps with the length and then use it on the bottom lashes. Finally, I like the sleek-smart thin tube.

KMS CALIFORNIA Hairstay Style Boost: honestly, I didn't care for this product... I gave it a try and - after the initial fascination with the crackling - I still don't care about it. You see, I'm really quite against these products: I feel it's like spraying plastic on your hair - surely, It can't be good for your scalp. I'm becoming more and more 'a purist', concerning my head. On the contrary, I'm happy to use masks and repairing treatments.

I got to admit, It does add volume to the hair but I also found that leaves hair greasy; I used it at night and the morning after I already felt my hair were oily and heavy, plus every time I touched my hair, It left a sticky residue on my fingers.

 Bottom line is that I don't buy or use styling stuff so I'm not going to start using this now, just because I got it for free (kinda). 

Anybody wanna swap? :)

REBEL NAILS Nail Wraps: I'm looking forward to try these, but I'm happy just 50% because I really dislike the design I received. :(

I have never used wraps before but they sounds like fun. I received the toes version so I'll save them for next spring, I think.

That's all folks!