Beauty On Location: Water Skiing

Those fellow water skiers amongst you will know that the optimum water ski is when the water is completely flat, usually early in the morning, which means it's hello to the early starts. Getting out of bed that early is such a task that I rarely do anything makeup wise. For the sake of this post I decided to slap on a few more products than usual, but let me assure you, this won't happen again - that extra five minutes of sleep is far too important for me      

Some of Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 was applied with some Make Up For Ever Waterproof Concealer under my eyes and over any redness. Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless Serum was run thoughout my hair to avoid any frizz with a couple of spritz's of L'Oreal Matt & Messy Spray for some beachy texture. For sun protection Instiut Estederm was applied on my body. Lastly, to add some definition to my eyes I ran my lashes over with Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof.

Not too much here, but that's what these posts are all about and on this occasion it was very little!

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 Pre-Holiday Pamper

Weekends tend to be one of those times I indulge in a spot of pampering, which usually involves some sort of face mask, nails and a bit of fake tan. Before I'm off to Ibiza tomorrow I opted for the morning at home to pack and do some last minute pampering. Here's what I got up to...

Firstly as soon as I woke up I tried something new, the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask, which I've had my eye on for a while. They are a funny little contraption with a separate cucumber infused liquid and cotton eye pads. To use, one must press firmly on the fluid chamber, wait for eye pads to soak up the water and follow by keeping them under eyes for about 15 minutes, of which I daydreamed about doing absolutely nothing in the sun! After 15 minutes of depuffing and hydrating my eyes looked brighter as well as feeling more refreshed. Having only four in a packet these should definitely be saved for when eyes need a major pick me up and I've already packed one saches in my suitcase as a post party saviour!

I then continue to wet my hair in the sink purely to apply my favourite hair mask, Fekkai Advanced Salon Technician Rapid Results Moisture Mask, which smells incredible, feels really nourishing and helps maintain coloured hair, but more on that here. I kept this in for as long as possible with my hair up in a bun. Before I started packing some Ren Invisible Pores Detox Mask (my all time favourite mask by the way - would highly recommend) covered my face with some Lierac Eye Contour Balm and Mask in a thick layer around my eyes.  I then continued to decide which bikinis to bring along for around half an hour until the face and eye masks were ready to wash off. 

After washing off the masks I hopped in the shower to remove my hair mask and exfoliate my body head to toe. Of course no surprises here I whipped out my favourite Soap & Glory scrub, all of which are amazing, but after finishing Some Like It Hot! recently I decided to try out Pulp Friction and let me tell you it was no disappointment. Smells much more fruity than the usual Soap & Glory scent, was much less emulsifying yet much more gritty - perfect for a hard scrub!

Normally after scrubbing I would reach for my moisturiser or Xen Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe but this time I went over to indulge in a St Tropez tan with a professional. I'll let you know how that gets on but I'm currently in all black baggy clothing smelling a bit like a biscuit. 

Lastly, after getting out the shower I reached for my tweezers and got rid of a couple of stray hairs on my eyebrows, just to make sure everything was very neat, slapped on some nail oil, Neals Yard hand cream and Dr Lipp (post here) at this point was all pampered out.

Of course with all of this going on I had my Neom Candle - link to post here - burning in the background, helping my turn my room into a mini spa. Just writing this post makes me want to do it all again...perhaps a post holiday pamper too?


I'm off to finishing packing but before I do, what does your pamper regime consist of? Anything I need to add?

Oh and ps - I narrowed it down to eleven bikinis for a week...is that too much?

Beauty On Location: Horse Riding In The Hail!

These 'On Location' posts are all about beauty looks for different occasions and what products I wear for depending on the events. This week's post I've gone a little different and decided to address something I haven't before in these posts... a sport. Horse Riding to be precise and purely because it's all very well for me to mention how much makeup I slap on for nights out but what about those times where makeup isn't really a necessity but more of a habit, wanting to put something on but without going overboard.

Meet Sam, a beautiful horse who kindly took me on a ride in Scotland when it was absolutely pouring with rain as well a little hail and shock horror my minimal makeup remained in tact! Only a couple of products here but great ones for staying on in those conditions. One terrific hair product, especially if you're prone to getting frizzy hair when it comes in contact with the rain - Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless Serum, which Mr Frederik Fekkai described as 'a raincoat for your hair'. A special serum that 1. smells divine 2. feels really weightless and watery as opposed to weighing the hair down 3. tames and prevents all frizz

Skin

- Dior DiorSkin Nude Foundation which is my favourite light option for day time as it contains SPF 20 and is a mineral foundation so isn't heavy at all

- Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer, apart from the weird smell it's a lovely weightless concealer that covers under eye circles well. Definitely one for the daytime though as gives that flashback when interacting with a camera!

Eyes

- Giorgio Armani Waterproof Mascara but looking back on it now if I had Anastasia Lash Genius (link here) then I would've used it instead!

- Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof Khol in Brown just for some subtle definition

Lips

- Carmex Moisture Plus for a moisturising Lip Balm with a hint of tint

Hair

- Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless Serum

What products do you rely on for the rain?

Loves Of The Month: May

I've discovered and rediscovered so many great items this month! So I'll talk briefly about each one I've been loving...

Firstly I know it's a bit over dramatic to say a hair mask has changed your life but that's the love I'm feeling for Fekkai Advanced Technician Colour Care Mask - works in three minutes and leaves hair SO soft and manageable, smelling amazing and prolongs colour! Full review here

Chanel Summer 2012 Collection Nail Polish in 617 Holiday & 607 Delight. I love these colours they are the perfect combination for summer, especially putting Delight on my ring fingers! You can see the whole Chanel range here

L'Occitane Almond Range - Using the body oil and shower gel have really made me a happy bunny this month, both smell divine, leave my skin so hydrated, smooth and moisturised! Read more here 

As it's exam time I've had a fair few blemishes due to stress so out come the stop zappers! I've discovered two great ones, Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti Blemish Mask which I just pop over the blemish overnight and during the day I apply Dr Nick Lowe Spot Gel four times (and even over makeup!) full post here

As well as blemish stress exam time brings about dry lips for me too! I've rediscovered my Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm which I apply before bed and it's still on my lips the next morning! Smells lovely too...you can read a more in-depth review here

Something that has made changing polish a lot easier, the Bourjois 1 Second Nail Polish Remover which is a pot of sponge infused nail polish remover. Just swish your finger around the hole in the sponge and your polish comes off! This isn't a new invention but compared to others it isn't so drying and leaves nails really moisturised, also smells lovely.

In this heat my bottom lash mascara tends to slide around and transfer onto my skin but not anymore thanks to Anastasia Lash Genius which is basically a coat of clear mascara that makes it waterproof! See how here

The eyeshadow I've been reaching for most is Burberry Pale Barley Sheer Eyeshadow which is the most gorgeous colour ever! I'm totally obsessed with Burberry eyeshadows, they are really blendable, very well colour pigmented and so creamy!

I've tried out a couple of new fake tans this month and all they did was remind my how much I love my Xen Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe and I should not have strayed from it! They others just didn't compare! Full post all about it here

After recently recommending Oribe Dry Texturising Spray to a friend and getting her addicted to it too my love for it was reinforced! Its literally like backcombing in a bottle...perfect for girls with heavy hair that want some volume! Trish McEvoy told me it was her hair volume secret a couple of months ago too!  Full post about here

An entire range I love... the Guerlain and Pucci Collaboration! Some of the most beautifully packaged bronzers I've ever seem! As well as amazing products including a blue lipgloss. This is definitely going to sell out soon! Full post about the range here

The Hunt For The Perfect Hair Mask

Hair masks - one of those things I love to do purely because the results make such a difference but I absolutely hate the long tedious task of applying them. Especially as I like to leave mine in for as long as possible! I like to think I know my stuff when it comes to hair masks as I've tried sooo many. All the ones from Kerastase, a couple from RedKen, some from Tigi, Aussie, Bumble and Bumble and Philip Kingsley, to name a few. Most of these were alright but none of them really light my fire if you know what I mean      

The closest I would have to loving one was with Bumble and Bumble Deeep, I love the softness it left my hair feeling and the manageability but after two big bottles later I didn't notice any major difference in the condition of my hair. This was pretty much the same with the Tigi Dumb Blonde Hair Mask. The Philip Kingsley Elaziser Extreme which I wrote about here, did give amazing results at bringing my dead hair back to life but it doesn't leave a nice scent in the hair or make it very smooth. 

After that long hair mask journey I was happy to have finally found 'the one', at a Fekkai event in March link to post here, and have been addicted to this mask ever since, the Advanced Salon Technician Rapid Results Moisture Mask. Everything about it is what I look for in a hair mask, leaves my hair sooooooo smooth and manageable, adds shine, doesn't weigh it down or make it greasy while improving the condition of my hair. The best part is you only have to apply it for 3 minutes! No more faffing about with wetting my hair and sleeping in hair mask, just apply as I'm in the shower and rinse out.

The only thing I can be nit picky about is the packaging, I would really like all hair masks to be packaged like the Bumble and Bumble Deeep as its so much easier to use in a squeeze tube than in a pot, especially when you're in the shower! Then again, if thats the only bad thing I can find about this hair mask then heyho it's no biggie       

Fekkai Advanced Salon Technician Rapid Results Moisture Mask is £33 for a large pot of 198g, I've been using mine weekly in conjunction with the Shampoo and Conditioner and I think I'm about 1/3rd of the way through so will hopefully last a while longer (bear in mine my hair is quite thick and very long!) I will definitely be repurchasing this when the time comes!

Frederic Fekkai is available at House Of Fraser here & Space NK here

Hair Hero: Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream

After recently meeting Mr Frederic Fekkai  (link to post here!) I absolutely had to try out a few of his products! My favourite so far has been the Advanced Brilliant Glossing Cream. A thick yellow scentless cream that can be used in a multitude of ways! I found worked best on second day hair (I show you how to use below!) to give back some body and life. Another way is after a shower, apply to the ends of towel dried hair before blow drying for extra gloss and shine!

Here's how I apply it to dry hair a couple of days after blow drying to give some life back into my hair!

1. Apply a pea size amount depending on your hair length and thickness. I have quite long medium thickness hair so I use a little extra. The squeezy tube makes it very easy to control how much to apply!

2. Rub hands together to spread out product

3. Make sure product is evenly spread out on the palms of your hands

4. From the ears downwards, using your fingers as a comb brush through your hair distributing the cream evenly

5. Use whatever is left on your hands though the ends

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream is £25.00 and available at House Of Fraser here, Harrods here and most Space NK stores.

Event: An Evening With Frédéric Fekkai

Recently I headed over to the House Of Fraser for an event held in Cafe Zest, a masterclass & personal consultation with hair guru, Frédéric Fekkai. 

The event was held on the 23rd anniversary of the 1st Fekkai salon opening in New York!  Listening to Frédéric Fekkai speak was amazing, it was clear he's a very knowledgeable man with tons of tips & tricks to impart! He was absolutely filled with useful information and even better - he was more than happy to share it! He talked about his background, how he became so successful, what made him create his products and the steps for achieving perfect hair! 

Some of the information he shared in his class:

- He developed his hair care line based on skin care technology

- One thing that is not easy to have is hair shine, it makes your hair look good and it is the first thing people notice about your hair

- Dull hair causes are things like split ends, damage, pollution, colour, and chlorine

Fekkai mentioned three simple steps for perfect hair- 

1. Treatment - using shampoo & conditioner that is right for your hair

1. Drying - this step is very important for getting volume. Wait for your hair to be 50% damp and make sure you apply product only at the roots of the hair on he top of your head, not on the sides. If you apply it to the lengths and ends it will have the opposite effect by making your hair flat & weighing it down. Make sure to apply your product straight onto you hair, flip your hair upside down and only dry the roots. The result = amazing volume & very big hair!

3. Texture - work with the natural texture of your hair whether it's straight, curly or wavy and learn to enhance it. Finish with some Glossing Cream to seal your style

The Gorgeous May from Smooch Blog & Mr Fekkai! 

After the masterclass we had one on one consultations with Frédéric where he analysed our hair, telling us the exact products we should be using to improve our hair & achieve the look we wanted! We then received a booklet signed by him with the products he recommended inside! The products he recommended to me were - Brilliant Glossing Cream, Salon Technician Colour Care Shampoo, Salon Technician Colour Care Rapid Results Moisture Mask, Silky Straight Ironless Smooth Finish Serum, Full Blown Volume Styling Whip. 

We also received a gorgeous goody bag! Which contained, Full Blown Volume Shampoo & Conditioner, Essential Shea Ultra Rich Mask, Brilliant Glossing Cream, Colour Care Rapid Results Moisture Mask and mini bottles of the Brilliant Glossing Shampoo & Brilliant Glossing Cream!

Thank you House Of Fraser, Frédéric Fekkai & Team for putting together a wonderful & informative event!

You can keep up with the Fekkai team & upcoming events by following them on twitter here & you can check out their products here