Story time!
*groan from audience*
I was very lucky to be offered a place on to the Hairtrade Blogger Partnership - this is where Hairtrade send me one product to review each month. (Hairtrade.com is one of the UK’s leading online retailers of hair extensions, hair care and beauty products, dont you know?) After much umm-ing and ahh-ing, I decided on the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum. I emailed Hairtrade with my choice and waited.
And I waited.
A few months had passed and I still hadn’t received the item. I was getting a bit fidgety to say the least. I emailed Hairtrade one morning and they informed that the package had been signed for. Whut? After looking at the online signature, which clearly was not mine(!), I had a bit of a rage (read kicking and screaming). Hairtrade kindly sent me a replacement (you guys) and here we are! Moral of the story?
Hehe. Let’s carry on.
They say:
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum smoothes, conditions and seals strands and leaves hair smooth, shiny and frizz-free in any weather. Its exclusive Super Skinny® Complex penetrates deep into hair to displace water and constrict hair for speedy drying and styling. The Lightweight silicones it contains smoothes, conditions and seals hair with added shine.
I say:
As a natural curly haired gal, it’s a constant battle to keep my hair straight. I’m actually sat here looking like the lovechild of Monica from Friends (from that episode where they go to Barbados) and the Lion from The Wizard of Oz. I called upon my good friend Jennifer, who surely is days away from qualifying as a hairdresser(?!), for advice. She told me to look for products which would physically weigh down my hair to keep it straight. That’s where this product comes in.
The Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum ツ is anything but super skinny. If anything, it’s super heavy (*another groan from the audience*). I can feel the weight of this in my hands once I’ve pumped out a squirt (so….much….innuendo…) (there was no other way of saying it, I am sorry)
How Do I Use? I tend to use one pump only and distribute through the mid lengths and ends on damp hair. If I need to use it on dry hair, I use the tiniest amount possible and only apply to my ends. Like I said, you can feel how heavy this product is. If you put it on your roots you’re only asking for trouble.
What Do I Think? I really really like this; so much so that I had to mention it in my April Favourites. It keeps my hair straight and frizz free which is all I ever wanted in a hair product. It makes my hair feel soft and smooth, and adds a good amount of shine. The effect it has on my hair lasts until I next wash it, so I get about 3 days of frizz free, smooth and shiny hair. Result! For the reduced drying time claim, I would say it does (for me at least) but not by a lot.
I could waffle on about the ingredients but who wants to read that? Having a quick skim over the ingredients it seems it does contain silicones which is why it weighs my hair down. (Apply this and then try to curl your hair, it’s impossible pahaha). I’m not too fussed about that as I tend to avoid them in my shampoos only and at the end of the day I can use my trusty Naked Detox Shampoo to wash them out.
Here is the real jewel in this product’s crown; Paul Mitchell is a salon quality brand that is BUAV approved. Paul Mitchell are incredibly vocal about animal rights and refused to sell in China until they changed their animal testing laws. I was actually supposed to have posted about this serum in my cruelty free month but y’know… I’m useless.
If you struggle with curly, frizzy hair - buy this product. It’s cheaper than John Frieda, cruelty free and will last you ages. You can buy this at Hairtrade for £4.89 for 25ml.
Do you have any hair tips and tricks for curly girls? Leave them below!
x x x
ツ I was sent the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to review as part of my partnership with Hairtrade. For more information, read my Contact Me page.
There are 800 of you yet there isn’t 800 entries - what’s going on?! :O
http://beautyinjapan.tumblr.com/post/50020486826
Go go go Glen Cocos!
P.S Sorry for no posts, I am literally paralyzed with blogger’s block. Don’t leave meeeee :’(
x x x
I won another pot of GlamGlow - woop! This version sounds a little more chemically than the other; the back details all sorts of acid ingredients such as AHAs (oh dear!). I’m hoping to use this soon and perhaps do a post comparing the two masks I have from them so look out for that in the future.
I hope you lovely lot are well and my apologies for the short post. I’m feeling a little tired (it’s been a long day) and Honey Boo Boo is on tonight.. a post shall be up tomorrow hopefully!
x x x
We bloggers love to hype up beauty products. When we find something good, everyone has to know.
*Lumpy Space Princess voice*
ERMAGERDTHISPRODUCTHASCHANGEDMYLIFEYOUGUYSYOUGOTTABUYTHISLIKERIGHTNOW.
Today (or perhaps tonight?) I thought I would share with you the products that I love and that I think are worth the hype. This in turn is indeed “hyping” them up. What are we like, eh? Just can’t help ourselves..
The Soap and Glory Breakfast Scrub is my favourite scrub ever. It is apparently Soap and Glory’s toughest, grittiest and perhaps scrubiest scrubscrub (that isn’t a typo… it’s just funny to say) and is right at the top of the scale. I’m on my third tub of this as I feel about a stone lighter after a good scrub down. Soap and Glory say it contains organic cupuacu bio scrubs, bananas, almond and honey extracts. I think the best way to describe it is that it smells like golden syrup porridge in all honesty! Mmm.
Move over Ross and Rachel, myself and the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish are now queen and queen (?) of the on again, off again romance. My face hated this cleanser at first; breakouts and redness galore. I wasn’t ready to write it off just yet and I kept using and repurchasing. My skin loves this plant based cleanser now (silly sod) and I find it’s so easy to use. It removes all my make up, including mascara and it’s so gentle. I love it! As it uses rosemary, chamomile, cocoa butter and eucalyptus essential oil it can be a bit of a shock to the system so perhaps tread carefully if your skin is sensitive.
It’s very rare I continually repurchase a mascara but Benefit They’re Real; you are one in a million. This honestly does make my lashes look out of this world; long, curled, jet black and volumised. It is truly everything I want in a mascara. I am going to rewrite my review of this and show you some better pictures. The one pictured above is my second tube but I have bought another full size and snaffled a mini in this month’s Elle magazine.
I am a bit late to the Ginvera party but I somehow popped up on their radar and they invited me - yay! Their BB cream has converted me to Asian BB Creams but their Marvel Gel ツ has my E in AS Physics confuddled (it really doesn’t take a lot). This exfoliator leaves your skin SO smooth but there is absolutely NO grainy or harsh ingredients. I’m planning on reviewing this soon once I have really put it to the test a bit more in terms of their long term claims but I did actually repurchase a full size of this yesterday at Harvey Nichols.
Another party I was late to was the Bioderma one; all the cool kids were there like magazine editors and make up artists. I probably wouldn’t have ever gone if it wasn’t for those lovely wizards. I spoke about the Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution ツ in detail t’other day so do pop on over and have a look at that (*cough* that’s the link *cough*).
I think Pixiwoo are missing a trick here; why they honestly do not sell the Real Techniques Buffing Brush on it’s own is a mystery. They could make a fortune of this brush - definitely enough to retire on their own island. It’s amazing. You can use it for liquid and powder foundations, blushes, BB creams, highlighters… the list is probably not endless but you get my drift. If you were to get any RT brushes I would not be alone in recommending this.
Another favourite to finish us off, the Batiste Dry Shampoo. I won the above bottle on Twitter as a present for my mum but oops, looks like it somehow ended up in my room! It’s the best dry shampoo I have tried and I could kick myself for being an &$%£ for trying other brands instead of this one.
What are your products worth the hype?
x x x
Don’t forget that you have until 31 May to enter my international 800 Follower Giveaway. Go go go!
ツ - Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution was provided to me for consideration. Ginvera Marvel Gel was provided to me for consideration.
Last month as part of my cruelty free series, I reviewed the B. Pure Micellar Water. Despite it being £4.99 and BUAV cruelty free I didn’t like it *boos from the audience*. I mentioned in my review that as I didn’t get on with it, I was now wary of trying Bioderma in case the same happened again. Some little wizards saw this and offered me the chance to try it for myself.
Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution ツ is a 3-in-1 cleansing water that promises to eliminate impurities without drawing out moisture from the skin. Using soothing and decongesting ingredients, the ultra-mild formula minimises irritation; leaving skin feeling comfortable and clean.
So I’ve been sat here for nearly an hour now with mind block trying to think of cool and witty ways to start this post. In that time I’ve been googling stockists so I can have another bottle of this as soon as possible as mine is dangerously close to running out. I can’t run out of this. Running out isn’t an option.
I love this product. It truly deserves the title “magic little bottle” as it has made me spellbound (wonder what spell it used… perhaps Stupefy?) I’m not the only one stunned; a bottle of this is sold every 6 seconds. I wonder how many are sold by the time you finish reading…?
I personally use this as a pre-cleanse product to remove my make up before I crack out the Liz Earle, or in the morning as a quick once over (essential for when you have slept in - who doesn’t abuse the power of the snooze button?!). It’s so gentle - it looks and feels like water. There is no odour or residue; nor any tight or stinging feeling. My skin feels comfortably clean and I personally can see a difference in my skin after use. It looks brighter, my pores seem minimised and it feels smoother.
“How does one use the Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution?” I hear you ask.
Simply soak a cotton wool pad and gently glide it across your face. There is no need to rinse with water; however Bioderma recommend patting the face dry with a clean cotton towel. (I personally pat my skin with a dry cotton wool pad afterwards to soak up any excess as I don’t trust towels. Unless it has come straight from the washing line, in my eyes it’s not clean…no offence Mum…)
Aaand that’s enough of my crazy hygiene stories *cough* let’s move on.
I’ve seen some reviews online stating that they have had problems removing eye make-up with it. I haven’t had a problem so far; simply soak another cotton wool pad and hold it over closed eyes for a minute. Gently wipe downwards and the make up should loosen. Keep using the pad to gently wipe away the make up. I’ve removed They’re Real with this; it can be done.
Do not believe the rumours that Bioderma will be sold in Boots (I know I did and I feel very guilty now..). Bioderma want consultants to advise on skincare concerns so people do not buy the wrong product for their skin. Fear not! It is sold online at Escentual.com, and if you live in London you are lucky enough to be able to pop down to John Bell & Croyden.
Have you tried Bioderma?
x x x
Don’t forget I’m running a giveaway to celebrate 800 Tumblr followers. The prize? A Benefit Cosmetics World Famous Neutrals Set in Glamorous Nudes Ever! Click this link to find out more.
ツ - Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution was sent to me for consideration/review.
I am simply overwhelmed by the above. You have no idea how much it means to me that there are over 800 of you that have chosen to click the “follow” button and read my silly ramblings!
I thought I would do another giveaway as a thank you. As Benefit are not cruelty free I understand if not all of you enter. I decided to use my £10 Debenhams points for a prize as it’s seemed the best thing to do! This is one of my favourite products from Benefit, and I hope it is someone else’s too.
Rules:
If you have any feedback about my blog, please don’t hesitate to put a suggestion in my ask box - I’m always up for improving!
This giveaway will end on 31 May 2013 at 8:00pm (BST) and I will choose a winner shortly after.
Good luck!
x x x
I thought I would do a rather quick and snappy post about a new addition to my skincare routine - the ECOTOOLS Facial Sponges. I received a sample of Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask with a Cleanse and Polish purchase. With that, came some facial sponges that you were encouraged to remove the product with. I was hooked. I began to use the sponges for other products (and the Liz Earle mask has been shunned to the back of the cupboard).
During my cruelty free month I was racing around Boots, excusing purchases “for the blog” (like we all do really) and these happened to land in my basket. As I had already tried (and pretty much destroyed) the Liz Earle ones, I thought I would give these a go. I actually prefer these! I find that when absorbed with water, they are so much softer and gentler on the skin. I find that the Liz Earle ones do have a rougher texture as opposed to these.
I use these sponges to wipe away cleansers, use with exfoliators and to remove messy face masks. They are such little multi taskers! You can even use them just with water if you need a quick rinse over.
Like I’ve said previously, ECOTOOLS are one of the most environmentally friendly companies I know of. This particular product is derived from plant pulp which is a sustainable source.
If that wasn’t reason enough alone… EcoTools is a member of 1% for the Planet, a non-profit federation that supports more than 500 environmental and conservation charities by donating at least 1% of their annual revenues.
You can pick up a pack of 3 from Boots for £4.99 (at the moment I cannot link to the site as… *holds back a tear* IT’S DOWN FOR MAINTENENCE!)
x x x
THE SUN IS OUT, YAY! That means it’s time to style; without fear of ruined do’s by rain, snow or wind. I’m ready for you, summer.
They say:
Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce is your last touch super strong-hold hairspray. Ideal for medium and heavy hair textures, this ultra-firm finishing hairspray provides dry-hold and shape to your hair; because fiercely dressed hair won’t let you down.
I say:
For years I used L’Oreal Elnett (take it in turns to send me some abuse - I deserve it) but I grew tired of the baby sick smell (vom). I even tried using waxes or gels to hold a style but they was too heavy. This in turn caused my beachy waves to drop like an unwanted ice cream… (that is when I strike… nomnomnom free ice cream #loljk).
I was recently sent the Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce Hairspray ツ to have a play with.
Sebastian Professional claim to “deliver ultra firm, all day, dry hold” which should “freeze my style so it holds up until dawn”. If you know me well you will know that I’m no Disco Stu. Do I really need a hairspray that overestimates my social life? It appears that I do.
This hairspray is like sprayable concrete. When I use this on my curls (my style of choice for summer, don’t cha know), they last all day; from 07:30am to around 6:00pm.
Whilst it does a cracking good job of freezing my hair, I find that using too much of it can make my hair feel rather odd, and it doesn’t exactly “brush out” so to speak. If I use a lot, I find my hair feels stereotypically crispy and hard but yet my style… it lasts. I find that if I have used a lot, I need to wash my hair at the end of the day as the next morning it can be quite unmanageable. I generally counter this by giving my hair a gentle spray of this so that my follicles can live another day. Whilst my curls won’t be as impressive nearing freedom time 5pm, at least I’m not messing around washing it yet again (which isn’t good for your hair!)
I would recommend this to guys and gals that are going to quite a fancy shindig and need to look Fierce (see what I did there?) all night long. If you don’t mind washing your hair the day after you can afford to use a generous amount and REALLY lock in that style.
If you’re worried about smelling like the innards of a baby’s nappy, fear not. This hairspray doesn’t try to be sophisticated with a fragrance; it smells normal *phew!* (it was really hard to smell this without looking like a solvent abuser, the sacrifices I make for you guys!).
In terms of reviewing I would give it 4/5. Whilst it does hold my style I’m a bit disappointed it doesn’t brush out. Oh well, I can’t have the world!
If the sound of this hairspray rocks your boat, you can pick it up for £12.33 at Look Fantastic. Whilst it may look expensive upon first glance, you get 400ml of product. I was sent a sample size of 50ml so can you imagine how long this would last?
What’s your favourite hairspray? Do you have any recommendations?
x x x
ツ Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce Hairspray (50ml) was provided to me for consideration/review by Look Fantastic.
It’s a common thing with bloggers to go back and to laugh at your earlier posts. Instead of laughing, I cringe rather violently. I have decided to rewrite my reviews as I feel I can string a sentence better than I previously could.
First up, it’s the Benefit b.right Moisture Prep Toning Lotion. *cracks knuckles* *runs montage*
They say:
Moisture Prep Toning Lotion smoothes, revitalizes and clarifies, allowing the skin to fully optimize benefits of any moisturizer. Leaves skin hydrated, soft and supple.
I say:
Toners toners toners. I’ve been reading so many skincare blogs lately that I’m actually beginning to learn something *gasp from the audience*. Whilst I’ve been reading a diverse few, they’re all saying the same thing - I need a toner. I had been using the Clean and Clear one but in all honesty, a toner priced under £5 isn’t going to actively care and treat my face in the long run, is it?
This is where the Benefit b.right Moisture Prep Toning Lotion steps in. Aimed at dry, dull skin this lotion claims to hydrate the skin whilst also creating a surface that is ready to receive the benefits of a moisturiser.
Whilst generic toners are watery in appearance and texture, this is true to the name in that it feels like a lotion (but quite milky in appearance). Sweeping a cotton wool pad of it across the face, I feel no tightness, dryness or stinging. My face feels smooth and looks healthier. I find moisturiser doesn’t “sit” on my skin - my face absorbs it faster (which means less time in the morning battling with it!)
All of the Benefit b.right skincare line is aimed at “brightening” up dull skin. This particular product counts meadowsweet extract, oat, aloe and yeast as it’s star players in this game of skincare. But what they do?
As this is a hydrating toner, I would recommend it to my dry skinned friends. To my oily friends; I know you need moisture just as much as us but I would perhaps say pick up a smaller bottle of this to try before you commit to a big bottle.
I currently have £10 worth of Debenhams points at the time of writing which I may put towards a big bottle of this (or even towards another one of the small Benefit sets). I doubt I could go back to a simple off the shelf toner; I could even repurchase the Clinique one guilt free now (thanks skincare bloggers!)
This is priced at £24.50 which can either be a) extortionately eye watering expensive or b) an investment in your skin. Now I’m in my twenties (*sob*) I’m going to say… b).
What’s your favourite toner? Do you use one?
x x x
Out of all of the mini series that I start on my blog, my empties post is always the one I remember to do each month *pats self on back*
Again, I used up a LOT so I’m going to BREAK IT DOWNNNNN to spare both my fingers and my attention span.
The B.Pure Micellar Water was a disappointment. It didn’t make my face feel “clean” and felt as if there was a residue sitting on top of my skin. I spoke about it in more detail in my review.
I simply cannot make my mind up about the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. I love it but at the same time my thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations I can’t say why. I’m on my second mini bottle of this and this was my first “big” bottle. It lasted me a good while though!
The Clinique Take the Day Off Eye Make Up Remover is one of my favourites as I could pour it directly into my eyes (don’t try this at home) and it wouldn’t irritate it. I try to get it either as part of a Clinique Bonus Time as the small bottles last me ages.
I didn’t have the teenhood other people did, so the two Montagne Jeunesse face masks were completely new to me! The chocolate masque smelled GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT and you receive so much product it’s hard to keep slathering it on! It was quite messy to remove and it seemed to get all over the bathroom. I’d buy it again though! The Very Berry mask was so creamy it felt as if I was applying yoghurt to my chops. Both masks left my skin looingk really healthy and feeling smooth - I r impressed.
I’m on my second packet of B.Quick Face Wipes yet I’m not using them for my face - I use them on my body, to clean up spillages and to dust my windowsill. Hmm. I would say that my skin is so much better since I stopped using face wipes so perhaps this isn’t a repurchase after I’ve finished them.
The Clinique Eye Cream sample is something that has been lurking in my mum’s make up bag for sometime *guilty face*. It’s so old I’m not even sure I could go buy a full size…
The Clinique Turnaround Concentrate is a product that I adore. It makes my skin feel plump, look healthy and heals any spots or scars on my face. Loooove it!
I decided to throw a bit of make up out this month. I still have a lot which I could throw away but small steps people, small steps. Let’s do some speed reviewing!
No.7 Exquisite Curl - review, Collection The Multiplier - review, Avon Spectralash - good for building big clumpy lashes (I used to love that look…), Revlon DoubleTwist - review, L’Oreal Lash Architect - review, Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion - review, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - didn’t like this at all, found it to be orange and cakey, Clinique High Impact - review (I should probably rewrite this).
Wow, that was easy!
The Redken Extreme CAT spray is something I purchased with my Christmas bonus money. It took a while to get used to but I think it did begin to make a difference. I really need another bottle before I think about a review.
The Naked Detox 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner is something that I love for banishing build up. It leaves my hair feeling so soft! Need to repurchase. To read about it in more detail see my review.
The Burt’s Bees Shampoo & Conditioner again are something that I adore. These have been discontinued but I luckily for me I received them in my Grab Bag. I have done a review/rave about them here.
I received the Percy and Reed Colour & Shine Shampoo & Conditioner sample in a parcel from LookFantastic (not a purchase, they sent me some thing to review). I honestly can’t remember what they did but I have got the full size bottles from when they were given away in Glamour so I’ll let you lot know how I got on when I eventually crack them open! (‘effin hell, longest sentence award goes to me for that corker).
THIS ONE is a new brand to Superdrug and I use up deep conditioners like there is no tomorrow. I spoke about the THIS ONE GETS GLAM LOCKS AGAIN deep conditioner quite recently in a review so pop on over and have a look at that… please.
I always have something Soap and Glory on the go and I took some minis away for me jollies. I think during an epic bath I used up all 4 of these minis - Calm One Calm All (a review that needs rewriting), two Clean On Me (another that needs rewriting, it makes no sense!) and Flake Away (review - my feelings haven’t changed but it could do with me rewritten…) I really needed a bath, ok…
I love the So? Kiss Me body spray and it will always be one that you find in my bag. I try and shop around as it is usually £1 somewhere.
I think I used the Pretty Quick Nail Drying Spray about 3 times and all I can remember is that it didn’t like glitter. Hmmm. Maybe not a repurchase.
I reached the end! *the crowd goes wild*. I do love the satisfaction of putting empty bottles in my empties bag (yeah I HAVE ONE) as it means it needs replacing, hurhurhur *evil laugh*.
What did you use up this month? Leave your empties posts below so I can nosey :)
x x x
Choosing my favourites for this month was easy - it was simply the ones I had needed by my side, one way or another… *dramatic music*
I went on my first holiday with my boyfriend in April for my birthday so I needed to pack light but I also needed things to make me look pretty (so he didn’t run a mile when he saw me sans make up).
First up, it’s the Bioderma Sensibio H20 ツ. I was very lucky to be sent this and wowza, I can see why it is so hyped! I’m going to post a review of this VERY soon and I’m forewarning you now it’s going to be a rave, not a rant.
I’ve started REALLY taking care of my skin now - cutting down on sugar, drinking more water, drinking matcha tea and have a skincare routine (I can do a post about it if you munchkins like). I have started using the Benefit b.right Moisture Prep Lotion instead of the stinging sensation that is Clean and Clear’s toner (*cringes*). I’m going to rewrite my review of this soon and really go into detail.
I took the Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream ツ on my jollies as it really is what a BB cream should be. I loved it so much I’ve bought a full size version. That is also on my “to review very soon list”!
Everyday this month I have relied on the Benefit They’re Real mascara to make me look awake (when you have woken up at 3:00am due to your boyfriend’s snoring and inhuman body heat, you need something). It’s heat and water resistant and lasts all day. I’ve bought another one of these and if you’re quick, you can snaffle the mini version in this month’s Elle magazine (UK only). I may even rewrite this review as well (my writing was so poor back in the early days!).
A product I was supposed to review last month as part of my cruelty free series is the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum ツ. I have never tried Paul Mitchell before and I’ve only ever heard great things. These people do not lie. These serum keeps my hair straight and soft for at least 2-3 days (depending on when I wash it). You only need one pump too as it’s THAT concentrated. Move over John Frieda, this serum is knocking you off your place!
Last but not least is the MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighter. Usually I use Benefit High Beam to give me face some shimmy shimmy but I actually prefer this. It feels lighter on my skin AND I can actually see it on my face. Best £3 I have ever spent.
Those were my favourites for April! If you have done a favourites post, leave it below so I can enjoy some Sunday night reading :)
x x x
ツ Bioderma Sensibio H20 and Ginvera BB Cream sent for consideration. I was sent the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to review as part of my partnership with Hairtrade. For more information, read my Contact Me page.
(Source: beautyinjapan)