The Miracle Workers

More often than not I'm a little disappointed with products, there will always be something I don't like or something that can be improved but this is all about the products I absolute adore, ones that produce results and work magic.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Extreme

I'll be forever grateful for this hair mask as it saved my hair when it was in its worst condition, so dry and damaged I could hardly style it and after a couple months of weekly treatments it looked less straw-like and much more bouncy. I'll keep this in damp hair overnight and wash my hair the next morning for super soft manageable locks. 

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil (post here) 

I'm not usually too fussed about what's in my shower but this is the one product I will actually hunt down. I've never tried a shower oil like it, it's an oil that emulsifies with water and turns into a moisturising paste. Perfect for winter where it leaves skin so moisturised and nourished! 

Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm

Something new in my stash of favourites is this balm, which I've been religiously using on dehydrated skin overnight and awake stroking my plump, smooth and soft face. It's been working absolute miracles on those pesky blemishes by keeping redness at bay and speeding up healing time. More on this later... stay tuned!

Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips (post here)

A thick layer of this will solve even the driest of lips. Even though this isn't running out anytime soon I already have a back up, just so I'm never without it!

Xen Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe (post here)

Applied just before bed and washed off in the morning, produces the most beautiful colour around. Not too orange and has the perfect olive undertone that will last just under a week before it starts to fade or go patchy.

Dior Lash Serum & Primer (post here)

A couple coats of this before mascara helps lashes appear longer and thicker and lengthened (without clumping!) Love!

Bliss Lid and Lash Wash Makeup Remover (post here) 

When you're a smokey eye wearer like I am removing all that heavy eye makeup can become quite the chore. Something that makes it a little easier is Bliss Lid + Lash Wash Eye Make Up Remover which melts eye makeup off in one swipe, without pulling or tugging at my lashes or leaving an oily residue. 

Before Dr Lewinns ReNunail (left) After Dr Lewinns ReNunail (right)

Dr LeWinns ReNunail Nail Strengthener (post here)

I've never managed to find a nail treatment that's actually done wonders for my nails but this totally saved them. My nails wouldn't grow past a certain (stumpy) point without breaking or chipping and after two uses of this treatment (as recommended) I ended up with total claws! 

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?

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 Contents: 'At Work' Makeup Bag

My student days of only having to ensure makeup lasts a couple of hours seem long gone as I've now ventured out into the 10 hour working days! I've come to the conclusion this week that there is just no way my makeup will last from 8am to sometimes 10pm. It's impossible! While moaning about that this week my friend just said to me 'it's called reapplying' which is exactly what I rush off to the bathroom to do on my lunch break. That's where my 'At work' makeup bag comes in, a little pouch packed with necessities. From powder to hand santitizer here's what's inside...

Carmex Moisture Plus - link to post

The air conditioning in the office can dry out my lips a little so here's a lovely moisturising lip balm with a hint of colour. My shade is pink!

Soap & Glory Hand Maid

A handsanitizer is a must, especially if I'm going on public transport! This one from Soap & Glory smells amazing and doesn't leave hands feeling sticky

By Terry Touche Veloutee Concealer - link to post

This is such a great concealer for touch ups as it has an attached brush so keeps everything pretty hygienic. As well as not looking cakey when you're piling on layer after layer throughout the day! 

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel 917 Sable Rose - link to post

I've raved about this product a million times since I've bought it but rightly so! It's amazing. Perfect for just slapping on my cheeks for some extra colour and touchups - I think I may need to stock up as it's limited edition!

Becca Mineral Powder  Foundation & Brush

Seeing as I do need to repowder my face throughout the day, especially if I'm going somewhere after work I don't want a powder that will end up looking too cakey. This Becca powder compact does the trick and feels really light on the skin!

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray - link to post 

This has become a staple for me now ever since Trish McEvoy recommended it to me (link to post here) it's fantastic at giving instant volume and an instant boost. Especially on lifeless hair days!

Mini Perfume Bottle

This one is one I received in a beauty box recently, it's by Caudalie. I love sprtizing myself throughout the day with perfume for an instant refresher

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