How To: Care For Long Hair

Maintaining long and glossy locks is one of my daily tasks, after that second day hair is looking a little drab, there's something resembling a rats nest formed by the hairs at the back of my head and dry ends are starting to show. 

My haircare routine is constantly changing but there are three things that remain constant. My use of heat protector, hair oil and a hair mask. These three firm favourites have been helping my hair repair against damage and have proved to be quite a killer combination.

First up is the newest out of the bunch, L'Oreal Paris Elnett Heat Protect Styling Spray (post here). I'll always make sure my locks are protected from the daily dose of heat and this protects up to 230 degrees while adding that extra hold. There are three formulas that I'll mix depending on what look I'm going for that day, normally I'll lightly mist straight throughout my hair and volume at the roots. As well as protecting my hair they also help tame frizz and fly aways!

The weekly hair mask is a chore I've learnt to love, so many appear in my stash but none will ever compare to Philip Kingsley Elasicizer Extreme. I've got this to thank for my hair, it may not produce the same instant results as others but produces the best over time with constant use. One of my holy grails I will never be without! 

To tame frizz, add shine and gloss I'll douse my hair in hair oil. Not only is Ojon Rare Blend Oil beautiful and smells amazing it does its job and more. After shaking the bottle I'll run it though my ends on damp hair and again once blowdried. Even though I'm nowhere near finishing this I've stocked up on backups just in case. 

When it comes to hairbrushes there is only one that can get through the horendous knots that I come home to is the Michael Mercier Detangling Brush. Unlike the Tangle Teaser this has a handle making trudging through those knots much easier. It gets the job done (and fast) with minimal breakage. 

As hair is most sensitvie to damage when it 's wet I'll be sure to brush it when dry, I'll use a really gentle brush like Mason Pearson as it doesn't tug or pull. I've noticed bad quality hair brushes causing a lot of breakage on my hair so I made sure to invest in a decent hair brush.

How do you look after your hair?

The Back Ups

There are a few products that I adore so much I wouldn't even have to think about if I would repurchase them. In fact I love them that much I end up hoarding doubles, just incase that lipgloss or concealer comes to an end and I'm left running to find a replacement. 

Currently only two haircare products are worthy of the back up plan, Oribe Dry Texturising Spray, of which I have a large bottle for my dressing table and a smaller handbag sized. Whenever I opt out of using this in my hair the difference in volume is phenomenal. It provides lift in my hair like no other as well as adding texture. Not only is Ojon Rare Blend Oil the most beautiful hair oil around it's also nourishing, tames frizz and leaves hair smelling amazing. 

Three mascaras I couldn't see myself living without...

1. Dior DiorShow Lash Serum & Primer - I apply before mascara to lengthen, thicken and give the appearance of longer lashes

2. MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara - is an absolute drugstore gem, that manages to take my lashes from short stumpy lashes to long and fluttery. 

3. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black - I normally add as a boost after any mascara as it adds the most incredible volume and seems to work well with any formula

For my chapped lips Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips does the trick for bringing cracked lips back to plumpy, it's a bit of a sticky ointment so reserves a place on the bedside table for overnight use. Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky is one I had to search Space NK stores desperate to get my hands on some back ups. It's the most beautiful peachy pink with a golden shimmer running through it that illuminates the lips making them appear fuller. 

Avon SuperShock Gel Liner is the most incredible gel eyeliner around, it lasts the better part of 8 hours on my waterline and has an unbelievably creamy formula that's easy to blend out but once set it won't budge. 

For concealer my two couldn't-live-without favourites are, By Terry Touche Veloutee and Collection Lasting Perfection, nothing beats these. Touche Veloutee gets swept under my eyes for concealing bags as it has the most lightweight formula and invisible texture. Lasting Perfection anywhere else like covering redness as it's pretty full coverage and blendable. 

So there you have it, my backups. Favourite products, these truly ones I could not even dream of being without. 

Do you own any backups? What would yours be?

New In: Ojon Rare Blend Oil

Ojon Rare Blend Oil £29

There was a moment at the Ojon HQ where this beautiful pot of sunset colours made me smile. It was applied to half my hair and after looking in the mirror at each side of ends, one dreary and dull and one shiny yet not greasy looking and almost glowing. It was a serious transformation!

Ojon Rare Blend Oil includes 7 natural oils that have whole host of claims like 'nourishes, repairs and transforms' dull or dry hair, making hair instantly look 'glossier, shinier and silkier' & as far as claims go I definitely agree. My hair was shiny, light & soft.  

3 coloured layers of oil that need to be shaken to create one beautiful sunset colour. In terms of application I apply it on damp hair before blowdrying and after blow-drying to add shine. I recommend  sniffing it, even if you don't buy it. The smell is heavenly! 

The consistency differs to the likes of Kerastase Elixir Ultime and Moroccan Oil as it's much much lighter in texture and less thick, not as light as the Ojon Damage Reverse Hair Serum however.  Lighter hair oils tend to be the formulas that I favour as they don't weigh the hair down full of sillicones but it's all a matter of preference.

I really would have liked to see this with a pump or a pipet as scooping out oil into my hands always ends up being too much/little product and I can never get the amount right!

Did spy this wonder bottle in Sephora in France so picked up a couple more as its not out till October in the UK. It will be available from John Lewis, Harrods & Fenwicks. 

Loves Of The Month: August

Something that won't come as a surprise to many of you is the fact that my most loved products in the past month are mostly holiday themed. Thanks to the humidity it's been mostly about skin and hair this month as opposed to makeup. For the rare evening that I apply makeup it's been the same products all month!

Xen Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe - post here

In sunlight it's pretty difficult to pass fake tan off as real. This stuff is easily the most natural fake tan around! Applied with a mitt and buffed into the skin gives the most natural finish that lasts around 6-7 days. Didn't streak in the heat and has a gorgeous olive (as opposed to orange) undertone.

Yes To Carrots Body Butter - post here 

Unlike your average body butter as it dries matte, as opposed to leaving you feeling sticky. Left my skin feeling silky smooth almost to the point where I couldn't stop stroking my arms ;)  

L'Oreal Studio Matte & Messy - post here

This salt-spray provides instant texture and lift, giving my hair a messy 'lived in' effect with such ease. Perfect for days at the beach or just in general a lazy hair day. It's a fantastic dupe for the Bumble & Bumble's Surf Spray too! 

Klorane Conditioner With Pomegranate

Really balmy and moisturising, smells amazing and leaves hair tangle free. My sister & I went through 2 bottles of this stuff in the past month - it's addictive!

Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment - post here

A recent hair mask discovery that leaves my hair feeling instantly softer, shinier and feel much more hydrated - in one use! This is a mini size but I will definitely be picking up the full size soon!

Dior DiorSkin Airflash Spray Foundation - post here

I've been relying on Dior's spray foundation for giving me a flawless base. It's a spray foundation which means the finish is much more natural as opposed to the usual liquid or powder. The spray lightly mists the face to leave a semi-matte but glowing finish that lasts hours! Major plus point - the total application time is around 5 seconds! 

Mac Style Blush - post here

One of the most stunning blushes I've ever come across! It's absolutely beautiful on the skin. The golden finely milled shimmer running through it helps fake that 'lit from within' glow and aids enhancing a tan.

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows - post here

Everything I look for in an eyeshadow - pigmented, blendable, creamy and lovely metallic shades!

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky - post here

As much as I've looked, there doesn't seem to be another lipgloss as beautiful as this. A lovely peachy pink shade with tiny flecks of golden shimmer running through it that reflect the light and highlight the lips, making them appear fuller. 

The Reviews: Volumizing Hair Products

Let's face it big hair rocks, I'm definitely someone that thinks when it comes to hair, the bigger the better! That said, getting volume in my long thick hair is something that doesn't come without the help of products. From left to right here's my thoughts on what I've been using (not all at once of course!)

Warning: You'll probably read 'apply it through the roots of my hair' about 50 times in this post, but what did you expect! It is a volumzing post after all and that's where I apply all the product to achieve some volume in my unruly locks...

Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Styling Spray £20 (post here)

If you've seen my previous posts you'll know this is a winner for me, I use it when hair is dry and styled, solely in the roots for some added lift as well as an all over hairspray. It has the ability to lift my hair without making it feel overly crunchy. It's exactly like backcombing hair in a bottle!

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray £18/£38 (post here)

One of the most luxury purchases but one that I know I won't be without for its amazing effects! Sprayed throughout dry hair after styling creates instant lift without feeling gritty. It's for good reason this is applauded by beauty editors and stylists, what I would describe as volume and texture in a can!

Bumble & Bumble Extra Strength Holding Spray £17

A recent purchase after my hairdresser used this and I saw how amazing the effects were! Sprayed throughout wet hair, only along my roots crown of my hair and I could feel the texture it created. It also can be used as a finishing hair spray as it has amazing hold.

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Hairspray £7/£21.50

Again, I applied this throughout damp hair before styling all through my roots in the crown of my hair. I didn't notice too much of a difference when using this, perhaps I'm a little too used to 'feeling' a lot of product in my hair and this was practically weightless, or perhaps it didn't make too much of a difference on my already thick hair. Bumble & Bumble online do have mini bottles available for purchase which is perfect if you're interested in testing products out, which is why I'm a little relieved this is only a small size that will now be going to my friend who has much thinner hair!

Kerastase Volumactive Volume Expansion Spray £16.10

Another product I didn't notice too much of a difference when using, perhaps I'm too used to thick creams and sprays but I didn't feel as though this made any difference to my hair or helped give it any lift when used on wet or dry hair.

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray £8.50/£20.50

One of my favourites of the bunch, named a salt water spray that I spritz a couple of sprays throughout the crown on damp hair before styling as well as on dry hair for instant lift and texture. All in all giving a beach babe hair effect. Unlike a lot of the other volumizing products this I felt lasted all day and even two without changing the oil levels (aka making it more greasy!)

Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip £20

Firstly the nozzle is the perfect size for running throughout the crown at the roots of wet hair, which I then follow by massaging in and blowdrying upside down. A little goes a long way so I would be careful not to over apply in fear or hair clumping together or feeling crunchy. Unlike other mousses I've tried I didn't find this to alter the state of my hair. It didn't leave my hair sticky, make my hair greasy or look unwashed. After blowdrying my hair would actually be huge! It gives such amazing amazzzzing lift!

Bumble & Bumble Texture Cream £9.50/£21.50

What I would describe as a volumizing, texturizing and holding cream which formula reminds me of thick PVC glue. A little goes a seriously long way with this stuff, I tend to use about a 5p dollop and run it through the roots of damp hair and run my hands through the lengths of my hair with whatever is left over for a messy toussled look.

I tend to favour products with formulas I can actually feel in my hair causing some grit and friction which is probably why I didn't get on too well with the Bumble and Bumble & Kerastase as I didn't feel it in my hair like the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray or Oribe Dry Textuizing Spray. 

My top picks would be the below, if the above ramble hasn't given that away already!

Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip
Bumble & Bumble BB Texture Hair (un) dressing creme
Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray
Orible Dry Texturizing Spray

After using Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip & Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Expect a separate post on lower end volumizing products shortly! In the meantime, do share... Any you recommend?

The Spotlight: Bronze, Silver & Gold

With the Olympics providing us all with an amazing fortnight, I'm going to save my soppy proud to be British thoughts to myself and of course, relate it all back to beauty! All these medals got me thinking and as I took a look at my excessive stash and decided on 3 items that deserve an extra little mention as they've been most reached for recently as they always deliver the results I would like!

Bronze: Real Techniques Buffing Brush (post here)

Something I rarely talk about yet it's such a vital part of my routine! There are rare days when I don't reach for this whether it's for applying foundation, blending concealer or applying bronzer it just leaves me with the most airbrushed finish! I don't know what I would do without it... 

By the way! If you're unable to get hold of Real Techniques Brushes the Sephora Mineral Powder Brush is a very similar alternative      

Silver: Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment (post here)

How did I finish this little tub so fast? It's next on my 'to purchase' list as it's absolutely amazing at nourishing hair, leaving it so tame, smooth and all round in instantly better condition. As it's a solid formula that melts into an oil I don't feel as though I'm wasting any product too! Love!

Gold: Dior DiorShow Airflash Foundation

For the rare days I've been reaching for foundation this has been my one of choice as it's a spray so my base can be applied in a total of 4 seconds! Apart from being a total time saviour and lazy girl option it leaves a glowing matte finish and lasts well on my skin, especially in the heat! Expect a full review but for now it's getting gold!

What are your Bronze Silver & Gold beauty items?

Tanning While Hair Masking

I've always tried to use the sun to my hair's advantage, even since I was a little girl I would sit in the garden with lemon juice on my hair trying to get my naturally very dark hair a shade lighter (as if). Since then my discoveries have progressed, I've applied hair oils and let the sun works it's magic on them but my most recent discovery to do while I tan is this mask from Ojon, Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment.

Of course it doesn't have to be used in the sun but it works best with heat, this could also mean using it in conjunction with a hairdryer but as I've been sitting in the sun this week I've been multitasking and giving my hair some nourishment.

I'm a sucker for hair masks, this post here would've told you that by the bazillions I've been hoarding, but this is my latest favourite. With products like hair masks you can almost instantly see results. If it's made hair softer, appear shinier and overall if hair feels more hydrated. All of which is something I felt Ojon Damage Reverse achieved in one use.

Unlike any other hair masks I've used, its solid but melts in your hands and becomes an oil, which I rub throughout my hair from root to tip. I then sunbathed for around an hour, as I mentioned,  it's activated with heat. Ojon recommends applying gentle heat from a hairdryer for very dry hair, which I like to think the suns rays did for me! 

It's not the cheapest hair mask around at £32.50 for 100ml but like I always mention when it comes to talking about hair products, they are one of those things I'm more than willing to splurge on! This is a mini sample size and when it runs out I will definitely be purchasing the larger tub!

I'm really loving Ojon at the moment! First Volumizing Styling Spray (post here) then Ojon Dry Recovery Conditioner (post here) now this! Any other products I need to try?

Loves Of The Month: July

I've become a bit more religious with my skincare routine this month, trying to take everything back to basics and learning a little more about what goes into my products. That said I've decided to turn to my favourite brand, Ren which are now the majority of my skincare routine. I've only been using my new bits for a week so it's too soon to tell but I will be sure to let you ladies know! In the meantime here's what I've been loving this month...

Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream

Part of their new Bee Lovely range and my favourite item is the Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream. It's not sticky, really moisturising and smells incredible. Neal's Yard will be donating 5% of sales to charities that support awareness of the decline in our precious pollinators too!

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm

I've raved about my love for cleansing balms, how the don't strip the skin and remove makeup easily here but the Amazing Face Cleansing Balm is my latest favourite, purely because of the scent! It doesn't sting eyes too which means it can be used all over the face and removes makeup with such ease.

Ojon Dry Recover Conditioner - post here

I was more than happy to return back to my favourite condition after the ends of my hair drying out a little on holiday. This is by far the favourite conditioner I have ever used! Smells amazing, really nourishing and helps detangle hair easily.

Institut Estederm UV Incellium Bronzant & Adaptasun - post here & here

My usual tanning routine every summer consists of Institut Estederm but this time I added UV InCellium Bronzant into the mix, which claims to adapt your skin to the sun and prepare it for the rays. I don't want to speak too soon but so far so good - I didn't burn!

Melvita Eye Makeup Remover - post here

With all this waterproof mascara I'm applying I've been reaching for Melvita which removes it with such ease and there's no need to rub and tug against my eyes!

Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti Blemish Mask

I'm not sure what's happening to my skin at the moment, if it's just being a bit hormonal or I haven't properly been removing all the SPF I've been wearing but I've come out with a few blemishes. Something that I've been dabbing on them overnight is the Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti Blemish Mask which seems to be doing a good job of keeping them at bay whilst reducing redness.

Instutue Estederm Pure System Shine Control Fluid - post here

As it's been a little hotter I've been a little shinier so I've been reaching for a mattifying primer, I've raved about this fully here, but it's gel texture really helps keep shine at a minimum and is a perfect base for foundation

Yes To Carrots Body Butter - post here

This was an outstanding body butter that came in a Travel Essentials set from Yes To and the full size has already been added to my list as it's really nourishing, not sticky and dries matt so there's no need for waiting around before putting clothes on!

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser

I'm still in two minds about this product, yes it's amazing, gives flawless coverage, lasts well throughout the day but is it worth the price tag of £55? I'm still deciding but for now it's my go-to summer product that I've been reaching for everyday for its weightless finish and healthy glow. 

Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Powder - post here

For when I don't want to cake myself in powder but just add a light sweeping this is what I've been reaching for, very light in texture and gives a flawless finish - love!

Lancome Hypnose Star - post here

I'm definitely one for thick dramatic lashes and my latest discovery - Lancome Hypnose Star has been gracing my lashes for the majority of this month. It's very similar to my favourite mascara Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill (post here) but a tad more dramatic. 

What have you been loving this month?

Currently Loving: Ojon Dry Recovery Conditioner

Whenever I go on holiday there are always those products I wish I brought along and those tend to be the ones I'm more than happy to return home to. Last week after washing my hair daily from being on the beach and in the sun there was one product I wish I packed, Ojon Dry Recovery Conditioner. Ojon is a brand I've recently become familiar with since I was on the hunt for a natural haircare brand and purchased their Volume Advance Volumising Styling Spray, which I had great success with! (link to post here) 

Be prepared for a major rave as my separation from this conditioner has caused my love to grow massively. Conditioners are one of those products that make a world of difference, especially on long tangly hair like mine. It's one of those products where I have to induce a little self control as I just want to smother it all over my hair - it's that nice. 

Unlike any other conditioner I've tried, and believe me I've done my rounds, this stuff works serious miracles in detangling, making hair feel smooth as well as smell amazing (I could inhale the stuff all day) making an overall massive difference and giving my hair the SOS it needs. I even leave a bit in my hair after shampooing for extra softness. 

For application I'm not shy at all, apart from avoiding my roots, I apply the conditioner ears down and slather it on. I don't think I'll be using another conditioner for a while and it's a rare thing for me to stay loyal to a haircare product but I would definitely repurchase! Saying that it is in the higher price range at £19.50 but haircare is one of those items I'll always splurge on. 

Ojon is £19.50 and available from Ojon here

Have you ever tried any Ojon haircare? Any products you recommend?

Liana Beauty Award: Ojon Volume Advanced Volumizing Styling Spray

Getting volume in long, quite thick hair is something I really have trouble with on a daily basis. Especially if I haven't gone through the hassle of blowdrying my hair upside down (a great tip for getting volume!) and applied some volumizing mousse. On a day to day basis, I reach for the finishing products that just add a bit of oomph to my hair, making it look less flat. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray being my favourite, but a pricey one at that. I wrote about it in more detail here, but it's just absolutely incredible at adding volume to flat hair. 

Another alternative is Ojon Volume Advanced Volumizing Styling Spray, which pretty much does the same thing as the Oribe, adds lift and life into my hair, but does give that feeling of having sand in my roots. In terms of application, I create small sections in the roots of my hair, and apply the spray mainly in the roots. Another use is as a finishing spray, which personally I wasn't too keen on as it left my hair a little too crunchy but smelling lovely!

A big bottle will set you back £20 for 200g. I've had mine for a pretty long time and it doesn't seem to be finishing anytime soon! 

Ojon are a brand I'm becoming really familiar with at the moment, I've been trying out some of their other products so I will keep you posted! What are your favourite products for getting some volume in your hair? Have you tried anything from Ojon?