Review / Redken Nature's Rescue Refining Sea Polish

Today's review is about the Redken Nature's Rescue Refining Sea Polish*.

I was surprised - maybe like you - when I first saw this product: it's basically a scrub for your locks and I have never heard of anything like this before. Surprised and apprehensive, I must admit - but I  HAD to give it a try!

It contains pumice that removes impurities and smooths hair surface; it's suitable for coloured hair and also big plus because it's silicone and paraben free.

It can be used both on the scalp and the length of the hair; you massage it in from roots to ends after shampooing and you're not supposed to use a conditioner afterwards (which makes sense, since you're deep cleansing and you don't just want to add a thick layer of product).

If you don't feel comfortable about leaving the conditioner out, I suggest to use a 2-in-1 shampoo or a leave-in detlanger.

I got to say that I didn't miss the conditions step, tho: my hair were left super-soft and bouncy, once blow-dried. 

I was a bit worried on the rinsing part, but the product was surprisingly easy to remove and I didn't spend any extra time in the shower than when I do my regular shampoo/conditioner routine.

It is a gentle exfoliant, non-damaging and it has a discreet, fresh scent; it does't foam up but it's easy to spread and work into the hair.

All round a fantastic discovery! I just wish I'd come in a bigger size too because it will now firmly be part of my hair regime as a weekly detox treatment. You can pick up a tube on Hairtrade.com, the Uk's leading online retailer of hair extensions, hair care and beauty products.

Review / TIGI Bed Head Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo

Recently I’ve been relying on dry shampoos a lot.

I normally tend to wash my hair 2/3 times per week but they seem to get dirty quicker lately; I know some people need (well, want) to wash their hair every morning, but I personally don’t like it – it just does more damage than good.

Anyway, I blame the change in my hair behaviour to the fact that I’ve been wearing hats basically everyday, to shelter from the freezing weather and - consequently - I’ve been abusing products to keep the frizz at bay and to inject a bit of boost to flat and dull roots.

I’ve currently been using the TIGI Bed Head Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo* to freshen up my locks between washes.

This dry shampoo is part of the Bed Head Rockaholic line and comes in a matte black bottle with a green cap; I think it looks pretty cool and you get a generous 300ml of product.

It has a pleasant fresh scent so your hair don’t only look clean but also smell nice! 

It leaves the hair feeling soft and bouncy and it goes on virtually clear (although doesn't claim to be); it doesn’t leave an ashy powdery cast and it's easy to brush off. It's also ideal to add a bit of texture to your hair - when they look flat and lacklustre - or grit when doing hairdos but don't want to weight them down.

I guess the only downside is that it’s not really travel-friendly but definitely a worthy ally for your beauty cabinet.

Do you use dry shampoos? Have you tried this product before?
You can get TIGI Bed Head Rochaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo from HairTrade.com, the UK's leading online retailer of hair extensions, hair care and beauty products. 

Review / milk_shake Active Milk Mask

Since I ombred my hair, I started to pay extra attention to my haircare routine. Luckly, i don't think the dye has damaged them but prevention is better than cure, right?
Milk_shake Active Milk Mask* is a restructuring mask for dry or damaged hair but I reckon is suitable for most hair types in need of a bit of TLC. Their products are inspired by the simple use of the power of nature, where ingredients (like dairy proteins) are used as food for the hair.
It contains milk proteins, rice & avocado oils and vitamin E that hydrate and nourish and at the same time reinforce the follicles. The consistency is like a thick gel but not heavy, spread easily and quick to wash off.

I love that it's fast acting! For how much I love to treat myself with a full-on pampering session, I simply don't have the time to do so weekly; you simply apply the mask on damp hair, after shampooing, leave it on for 3/5 mins and finally rinse.

 It also has a lovely, sweet scent that reminds me of white chocolate buttons that leaves the hair softly scented and soft to the touch. :)

I was also pleasantly surprised to find out that Milk_Shake is an italian brand and I'm looking forward to try other products too. You can find their range on Hairtrade.com, the Uk's leading online retailer of hair extensions, hair care and beauty products.

Review / Goldwell Style Sign Curl Twist Around

Since going ombre' last week, I started curling my hair regularly - I think a loose curl or beach wave really enhance the look.

My problem is that my hair is beyond straight and don't hold any styling for more than a couple of hours.

Also, most of the styling products that I've seen on the market needs to be applied on wet hair which is a totally no-no for my hair type.

Then, I recently came across the Goldwell Style Sign Curl Twist Around* which can be used on dry hair too.

It is one of these two-phase products that you need to shake and mix before use; it delivers a super fine mist to moist the hair just to the perfect degree and I like to brush my hair afterwards to help distribute it uniformly.
It has a hold no.3 and it has been working wonders for my fine straight hair: the curls last for 2 days and I usually 'refresh' them on the 3rd morning. This is the perfect routine for me, since I typically wash my hair every three days, and I don't find that it makes my hair any greasier.
It also provides colour protection and heat protection up to 200 degrees, which is definitely a must for me!

You can buy this spray for a bargain £6.25 on Hairtrade.com, the Uk's leading online retailer for hair care, hair extensions and beauty products. Have you tried any Goldwell product before?

Review / Essensity Styling Juice

Essensity is a professional line from Schwarzkopf - normally only available in hair salons, you can now buy it on Hairtrade.com, one of Uk's leading online retailers of hair extensions, hair care and beauty products.

I have previously used the Essensity Volumising Pudding and I was so impressed that I had to try more from the range.

Another reason why I keep going back to this line is because I decided to go greener when it comes to haircare and all Essensity products are free from artificial fragrances, silicones, peg's, paraffin, mineral oils and parabens.

Essensity Styling Juice* contains freshly freeze-dired organic essence of red vine bud and organic blackcurrent bud.

Whilst I use the Volumising Pudding when I style my hair with a curling wand because provides a stronger hold, I can use the Styling Juice on a normal basis.

You just apply on wet hair, the pump distributes the product uniformly which is invisible and allows natural movement.

The Styling Juice gives a light hold, ideal for an everyday blow-dry to keep flyaway hair at bay.

It also provides heat protection and it doesn't feel sticky at the touch - leaves hair very soft and conditioned.

All in all an all-round hair styling tool, effortlessly to use and leaves hair looking healthy and great value for money: you can get the 200ml for £8.64 on Hairtrade.com now.

BirchBox / January 2013

When I read that JolieBox had become BirchBox, I decided to re-subscribe!

The box was delivered by Yodel this morning - actually I don't have much faith in them as they always seem to f**k up our deliveries but no complaints this time.

The box itself looks like is made from recycled cardboard and it comes in a pink packaging, which wasn't sealed. The products are inside a pink string bag like JolieBox used to do and a small magazine.

Here is the content of my box:

Fresh Sugar Rose' Lip Treatment - this product alone made the box for me. Been wanting to try the Fresh Sugar lip balms for a while... so very excited to see it! 

The wee sample size tube is really cute too. :)

Kms California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry - this is a dual-phase spray that acts as a detangler and should help hair dry faster. I will definitely try it out and see if it makes any difference time-wise... fingers crossed.

Taaj Hand Cream - another lovely and useful product; unfortunately, I didn't have much luck with the Taaj cleanser because it stung my eyes but looking forward to try something else from this brand.

Wei White Lotus Moisture Rich Eye Blend - another brand that I have never tried but was on my wishlist. I received the eye cream - and happy about it - with moisturizing and firming properties. Decent sample size.

Teapigs Chamomile Tea - I really like chamomile tea so I'm happy! :)

All in all, I'm pleased with this box, although not blown away - the Fresh Sugar lip balm definitely had a lot to do with that... I think I will get another box and then I'll take it from there.

I also noticed people getting an 'extra beauty' item - anybody else's missing I Coloniali sample?

 x

Review / Essensity Volumising Pudding by Schwarzkopf

I first saw the Essensity line by Schwarzkopf whilst browsing on Hairtrade.com

Hairtrade.com is one of Uk's leading online retailers of hair extensions, hair care and beauty products.

The packaging - straight away - looks sleek and clean and reading through, I found out the line revolves around raw ingredients like freshly  freeze-dried  organic essence of red vine bud, tapioca roots and organic ash tree bark and hops.

The whole line has a special natural formula - free from artificial fragrances, silicones, paraffin, mineral oils and parabens and it's mostly biodegradable; the packaging is also 100% recyclable.

So, I was very excited by these promises and surprised that I had never heard of this range before.

I was pleased to received Essensity Volumising Pudding* to try out.

As mentioned before, the main ingredient is red vine buds which are rich in nutritive substances like amino acids, enzymes, oligo-elements and sugars.

I've been applying this product on wet hair, when using my hairdryer to add some extra volume to my roots.

I must admit, I'm not the most skilled with hairdos and I don't spend much time styling my hair (and you can tell), so I wanted a product easy to use but that would add a little extra dimension to my plain, old blow-dry.

This product is fantastic - It adds that extra wa-wa-woom effortlessly and I can't stop swooshing my hair around and playing with them because they feel so soft.

The formulation is really nice too: it's not sticky and a little goes a long away. 

It provides a strong hold so it comes in handy when using tools like curling tongs, as well.

Definitely well impressed with this line and highly recommend it, if you want to try a more natural approach to haircare. Essensity includes shampoos and conditioners for different type of hair, hydrating paste, styling juice and I want to try more myself!

Have you used this product before?

More Beauty Swaps

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

I'm not too bothered with hair products; I like a mask here and there but I don't have one that I swear by and I always try a different one (usually, what's on offer in Boots).

Then, I heard that the Elasticizer was originally created for Audrey Hepburn so I HAD to try it.

This is pre-shampoo treatment with improves elasticity and shine and provides UV protection.

I love it! It will, definitely, become a staple in my hair routine (in fact, I noticed it's on the 'wish-list' on buyapowa and looking forward to buy a full size!!).

I swapped with the gorgeous Emily @ peoniesandsweetpeas.blogspot.com

Trind Nail Repair

This is a treatment supposed to straighten your nails - you need to apply it everyday for 2 weeks but remove the previous coat before (which I thought was a pain plus using acetone everyday... surely can't do any good). I really didn't see any improvement on my nails appearance but I liked the shiny finish so I will just use it up as a top coat.

The Balm Frat Boy Blush

This is such a gorgeous colour!!! It has no shimmer, not too over-powering but easy buildable and so cream - it's a joy to apply. Definitely, one of my fave blusher of all time. <3

Both of the above, traded with the talented Katie @ Facebook.com/heartbeads


Gatineau Strategie Jeuness Throat Gel

Gatineau Defi Lift 3D Mask has been on my wish-list for a long time (and probably stay there for a bit longer) - apparently, it's a red carpet must have... so when I saw this product, I jumped at the chance of trying the brand and hopefully banish the double chin, before the big day!! ;)
So far so good - I'm loving this gel: it's very fresh and light, lovely smell and it has definitely a tensor effect. I would expect this to be very expensive so I don't think I'm gonna buy again but I'm definitely enjoying this tube.

Elizabeth Arden All-Over Cellulite Skin Treatment with Green Tea

I didn't really enjoy this product - It smelled funny and it didn't do anything for my cellulite, to be honest. Also, it was a bit sticky and It didn't even firm my skin. I think it has been discontinued now and I understand why.

Biotherm Body Resculpt Svelt 

Biotherm is one of my favourite body cream on the market - sure, they're on the expensive side but I like how they perform and I usually stock up when they are on offer (they regularly run 3for2 in Boots)... and this one didn't disappoint either. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find it on the market in Uk - they have probably replaced it with their S & D code but it's still available to buy in Europe.

Last three creams got from Martina Smith.

This Works Clean Skin Daily Wash

Since receiving my Clarisonic at Christmas, I have been trying all different cleansers with it. This one is, definitely, in the top 3: It works very well with the Clarisonic but it fairs well also 'manually'.
It gets rid of make up easily and the olive oil performs as a moisturiser too. It never dries my skin or make me break out. I'll definitely consider buy the full size.
Swapped with Dorothy @ http://dorothyinbeauty.blogspot.com/

Dead Sea Spa Magik Delicate Boosting Mask

I'm a huge fan of this brand - and you can read me raving about their body stuff here & here.
Unfortunately, the face mask didnt live up to my expectations; it really didn't do anything for me. :(
I received this from Charlotte Johnson.

Are you a fellow swapper?? :)

Introducing / Fudge Urban

Fudge, the original hair products brand, has just developed a new range of innovative, salon quality, cool hair styling products, called Urban. There are 13 products in this new line and there's something for everyone - whatever your style or if you'd like to experiment with a new look, don't look any further!

I've been using this Dry Shampoo regularly in the last month and this is a first for me! I've never been a fan of dry shampoos probably because I've had bad experience and disappointment (see Batiste).

Fudge Urban, instead of other brands, is doing wonders with my fringe too; I never achieved good results when trying to refresh and degrease my fringe with other brands before. This bottle now lives in my gym bag.

I spray Fudge Urban on my head, wait 2 minutes to let the 'dust' absorb the oil and then brush it off.

I'm very impressed: my hair looks glossy and with volume - you can't really tell I used a dry shampoo and the smell is delicious! It leaves your locks scented like caramel, fudge but not in a sickening way... not sure if the name of the range comes from that but it's defintely fitting! ;)

The other item I was impressed with is the 3 in 1 Miracle Moisture Stuff. It's a balm like a conditioner and it's a treatment lotion with Argan Oil (the miracle ingredient for hair!!) that helps defreeze, repair and moisturizing your locks. It's multi-use and can be used on wet hair before blow dry, on dry hair to smooth ends or also after straightening for added shine. My preference is to use it before blow dry.

In this line you can also find Texture Blaster, Instant Smoothie & Surfer Wax (for boys) and it's on sale in Superdrug natiowide now.

*pr samples*

FeelUnique - November Box

Emma Hardle Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm

I love this product! It comes in a paste form that you need to mix up with few drops of water to create a cream and then massage on the face; pretty similar action as the Liz Earle cleanse but I thought the cloth was of better quality. In fact the Dual Action Professional Cleansing Cloth has 2 side - I use the muslin side to rinse off my face and the smoother side to finish off and the eye area.

It smells really nice, like almond & marzipan and the packaging looks expensive; my only criticism would be that I'm not too keen in sticking my fingers inside the jar day after day, for an hygienic point of view. Nevertheless, I was so impressed with it that this reason wouldn't stop me from buying it.

Schwarzkopf Professional OSIS+ Dust It Mattifying Powder

This product is to add control and volume to your hair.

These types of dusts have become popular in the last couple of years and I already have this powder from Schwarzkopf, which I found really really similar so I will swap the OSIS+ for something else. 

I have barely used the one I got only a couple of times but this was a great item to include, especially since it's a full size.

Xen-Tan Deep Bronze Luxe

I was so disappointed to see this self tan inside the box. First, I don't use self tan products and secondly I already received the same identical one in the July GlossyBox. Luckly, I managed to get rid of the previous one easily - I'm sure there's somebody else out there that can make good use out of it.

Goldwell DualSenses Rich Repair Ultra Volume 60 Sec Treatment

OMG - WORST ITEM EVER!!! I hated it so much that I'm even regretting trying it out.

I don't usually bother with styling products but I try to give a test run to every item I receive, in the beauty boxes - at least once.

It's a pre-wash treatment so I thought it wasn't going to mess my hair but instead it has been like putting blue glue on my scalp!!! I found it incredibly difficult to rinse and, also after washing a couple of time, it still left my hair sticky and tangled.
Personally, to avoid like the plague!!!

Bella Pierre Shimmer Powder in Noir
Nice product but I received the black version which is something I'd never use. If I do a smokey eye look, I usually go for brown or purple. Sorry for the lack of swatch but I've already exchanged this one as well, so I kept it sealed.
Btw, I was informed by the receiver that noir is not shimmery at all.

Prada Candy Eau de Parfum
the name says it all really: too sweet! I don't like it.

To summerize: I only like 1 item out of the box.
 Still, I'm in two minds about the FeelUnique box: I can appreciate the quality of the brands that I received but they don't seem to cater for my needs, really.
I'm thinking the JolieBox will blow it out of the water...

P.S.: I thought I also spare two words about the customer service. In my October box I received a faulty nail polish and after much emailing back and forth I was told that a replacement was sent on the 18th October ( I received the box on the 8th).
Then, a month goes by and when I receive the november box, still no sign of the other polish. I email them again but I get ignored for several days so I decide to contact them on the Facebook page - to much disappointed I notice they've deleted my message. So, I leave another message and guess what? It also gets deleted.
Anyway - bottom line - they, at least, contacted me by email and issued a new replacement.
I can understand that the first one, apparently, went 'missing' in the post but all that censorship is very very poor. You guys can really take no criticism? And as I consequence they created more fuss than necessary because now I'm ranting for half of this blog post. Not too clever, if you ask me!