Christmas Eve Eve! Aka, Prep Night!

Hey everybody!

I hope you are all ok and not too sick of all the Mulled Wine and Quality Streets yet. Well tonight, is Christmas Eve Eve, the 23rd of December, one of my favourite nights of the year. Prep, pamper, prep, pamper, prep I go for Christttttmaaaasssss is almost here. Yay!!!!

I'm quite excited this year. Working in the community means I've seen my normal 'Boringsville' get Christmassy and Christmassy and yep, if we ignore the sheets of rain and battle through the demon winds, there is some kind of magic in how 'Boringsville' has almost morphed in to a winter wonderland with all those lights and carols playing in the distance. Not to mention, the smiles. Yep, get this, people are actually smiling. Ninety year old people smiling as much as their great-grand children, isn't Christmas wonderful?!!

Anyway here is my Christmas Prep plan for tonight...

1/ Ooh and aah at all the Christmas trees lights as I drive home, all those flashing Santa's and wobbling snowmen. My favourite is those large trees endorsed with twinkling light blue lights, they are subtle but always a dead cert to give me that Christmas shiver.

2/ Get in and turn the heating on. It is all right trying to save money (and we all know how good I am at that, ha!) but I work hard for my money and I'm not going to freeze besides I need some Coconut Oil to melt for step 4.

3/ Switch on computer, check Bloglovin' updates and You Tube with the Yankee Christmas Cookie Candle burning silently but oh so fragrantly beside me.

4/ Check Coconut Oil. Oops, I was only meant to soften it, it is almost liquid. Scoop what I can out and distribute through my hair staying back from the roots. See this post on using Coconut Oil as a hair treatment.

5/ Finish blog post and watch one or two more vlogs then planned before cleansing face with one of my favourite products, the Una Brennan Cleansing Oil followed by the Rose creamy cleanser and then apply the Microdermabrasion Polish from Botanics starting in cute little circles before losing my patience and dolloping on. Try to slow down and wash off with a flannel (so much more comforting in the winter then those muslin cloths) before applying The Sanctuary Thermal Charcoal Face Mask and starting to run bath as the Snowflake Cookie, another lovely Christmas candle from Yankee flickers away over the sink.

6/ Half a Honeybee Lush bath bomb later and I dip my toe in, ouch, that's friggin' hot. Jump back and almost slip on floor retreating quickly. The last thing I want for Christmas is a scold. As cold water cools the bath, I'll rinse the Charcoal Face Mask off the face and find that little salt scrub sachet from The Sanctuary that I brought in Boots. On locating it, I dither, this is the scrub that has given me a rash before. However, so many people rave about this scrub just how bad can it be? Besides, the rash thing was ages ago. I decide to take the risk (Note: I do NOT think YOU should do the same if you have reacted to a product before, it is very much a case of 'Do as I say and not as I do')

7/ Hop in bath as agile as I can manage, ie. sort of stumble my way in and plop down with a big splash. Enjoy the warmth of the water before lathering up with my favourite shower gel (this post!) from Imperial Leather, Spellbound and rinsing away. I do this once again leaving the lather on my skin as I wash my hair with firstly the Deep cleansing/Detox shampoo from Boots brand (themselves) then the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo. I have never used this Bumble and Bumble line before, but I used to be so impressed when I used the Quench conditioning masque, that I'm very hopeful, this line will indeed give me a little volume. I apply the conditioner mid-length and down before rinsing off shower gel and applying scrub in circular motions occasionally ie. when I am concentrating on what I'm doing. Rinse off conditioner with shower head, stand up and rinse off scrub. Apply scrub to dry areas again if I'm not reacting and my skin will tolerate it before rinsing off and drying.

8/ Then moisturise with the Garnier Moisturiser. I like this stuff a lot and apply Thickening spray from Bumble and Bumble to hair then heat protector from Schwarzkopf . Let it dry a little and read a little bit of 'I Heart Christmas'. Use hairdryer to rough dry then apply some Schwarzkopf oil as recommended by my hairdressers and continue to rough dry. Brushing through to make sure my extensions aren't matting (too much).

9/ Then, the straighteners are coming out to straighten hair loosely, trying to keep some volume at the roots. I'm hoping the Charles Worthington, Texturising Spray will help with this, apparently it is a dupe for the infamous but very expensive Oribe. Tie back hair in ponytail and hope it's bouffant, glossy state lasts until morning and maybe even Christmas Day. Fingers crossed!

10/ Check blog post for comments, hint hint, after dressing in a random old tee shirt and trackies, THE Combo of the century for kicking back and relaxing this time of year. Apply a little Tea Tree toner from Lush to my face then Hydraluron and if I can be bothered the Una Brennan eye cream (I'm soo slack with eye creams) before plastering The Sanctuary Moisture Mask all over my face for the night.


Phew, here's hoping when I wake up in the morning, I am glowing and all polished for the Christmas celebrations. I'm very excited now. Are you ready for Christmas? For once I think I am, although I am a little tempted to pop in to town tomorrow and grab a pair of these red flats from Primark for the big day. 

Picture from Google Image Search here.

How cute are those bows and they sparkle and they are just £4. . !!!

I'm not sure if I'm going to have time to post tomorrow so just in case, Happy Christmas everybody. Have a lovely time and a fabulous Christmas! I hope it is your best one yet!!!

See this post for more information about skincare products!

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Hair brief!

So one more day of work and then I'm looking at a WHOLE week off, yay :)

And the first thing I'm doing is heading to the bright lights of London and getting the barnet sorted!

I think I mentioned a few posts ago that my natural hair is long now, not as long as my extensions or anywhere near as long as I'd like but there is some length there and really after months and months of waiting, I should be showing it off.

However at the moment, as you can imagine with just two haircuts in almost two and half years, it ain't in no state to be shown off so I'm mustering all the courage I have and going to a "top" hairdresser in London who I can only find rave reviews for. If I walk away as happy as the reviewers claim to have then I will share her details with you.

Anyhow, I have spent a little time tonight making a little list of points that I would like to bring up at the consultation (normally my mouth goes dry but not this time I will be holding tightly on to my list and I intend to use it)

The points are as follows . . .

1/ I don't want to lose too much length! Yes, I probably need to lose two or three inches right now but I really don't want to. It has took me so long to get my hair to this point. I'm not sure that I could go through all the waiting, hair pills and so-called miracle products (expensive!) again.

2/ The front needs sorting out! No hairdresser has ever perfected the front sections of my hair, the bits in front of my ear. I'm thinking it needs graduating and it has been done before by many a hairdresser but for some reason always looks disjointed. There is no hope of my hair ever looking styled unless somebody can find a way of giving the front some good shape and creating an illusion where these front sections seamlessly flow down to the baseline.

3/ I want chunky ends. I want my fine hair to look as strong as possible but sadly, I know this may not be possible unless I concede point 1.

4/ I also intend to ask the hairdresser for some advice as to colour. At the moment, I'm not booked in for anything as I know chemical colour can be detrimental to growing hair. My hair is a very dark brown at the moment which I think, makes it appear quite healthy considering its true state. However, I'm finding the dark colour, which is probably only a shade darker then my natural hair, can look very harsh in photos and I wonder what others see. It maybe that the colour will be softened once my hair actually has a cut and is more styled but colour talk is going on the agenda!

Here are a few pictures I've pinned that I may show (I always take five or six pics to the salon but I'm not sure if one has ever made it out of my bag) the hairdresser.

This is one of Rachel Bilson but I've actually pinned two or three. I really like her hair and general style.

Similar to Rachel's . . .

Something a little different, if my face is deemed not suitable for the 'Rachel'. . .

And worse case scenario, if the length has got to go then I want a long bob Olivia style but please remember (and don't worry, I will remind the hairdresser), I don't really want to Bob anything.

Hmmm, I wonder what my new hairdresser will come up with?!!

To be continued, I guess . . , eek!

What do you ask for at the salon? Do you always know what you want or do you leave it up to the hairdresser to decide? I hope you are all well.

PS I would love your pinning links. Going through a Pin, pin, pin phase at the moment! My Pinterest is here if you wanted a peek :)

X

All about volume: John Frieda, Brilliant Brunette!!!

I'm always a big kid when it comes to trying out different hair products. FACT!

Where as my skincare routine is pretty stable, with the same products cropping up in the mix again and again (though I've just given in to the Hydraluron hype), it would be fair to say that my haircare routine is pretty random (though I prefer to see it as "evolving") with different products been thrown in and out of the mix constantly.

Lately, I have invested in quite a few higher end products that promise to repair all my hair wrongs and deliver the long, long, lustrous locks I dream of but, though a little longer, I don't have the barnet of Rapunzel yet and occasionally, I actually find myself quite disappointed with what the higher end products leave me with and feel almost robbed of my hard-earnt pennies. Consequently, I'm trying to bring my hair spending down a little (though I'm so interested to give this Phylia de M Connect product a go, apparently it kind of fertilises your scalp so that your barnet can grow and fully blossom!!) so when the lovely Rhian, a PR, offered to send me some John Frieda products to try, I thought, why not?!

Rhian sent me the Brilliant Brunette Multi-tone Revealing Moisturising shampoo and conditioners from John Frieda. As I awaited the products, I began to convince myself that maybe these were the ones for me. John Frieda claim that these products have a 'moisturising formula with crushed pearls and sweet almond oil {which} softens as it brings out rich, multi-dimensional brunette tones and adds shine.'

Oooh, sounds just what my hair needs. After all, brunette hair can look fab. See . . .

From Pinterest

Love the length, cut and colour.

 

 

From Pinterest

Love how this style shows off the different tones in her hair. I will master this updo for Christmas.

However, sometimes, my growing (albeit, veerrrry slowly but still growing) hair looks a little dull and in need of a cut and colour. Yet, I'm reluctant to do either until my hair has reached a length where I do not shiver at the thought of losing a centimetre or two. I was hoping that maybe these John Frieda products, would deliver a barnet so beautiful and radiant that all my other hair woes would go unnoticed.

Well . . .

I did, indeed, quite enjoy using the John Frieda products.

For a start, they smelt bloody delicious, like toffee or a naughty dessert (this probably shouldn't be my top pro in a hair product review but we all know how a good scent can swing me). The shampoo also lathered very easily and I really felt as if I could work it in to my hair and wash it well with minimal effort. My resulting barnet, once dried was incredibly soft, and polished. There was some shine but not enough to dazzle and I certainly wouldn't say each hair was shimmering like satin, as John Frieda suggested it would. However, my overall colour didn't seem as patchy and any red tones, even after one wash, seemed a little muted deepening my brunette.

So far, OK.

The Brilliant Brunette products did indeed make me feel a little happier with the colour of my hair, it looked quite definite and glossy. However, what impressed me the most in using these two products , was the added volume my blow dried barnet finished up with. My hair looked thicker and healthier when I washed with these. You see, usually my hair lies flat at the roots (boo) and if any volume can be conjured, it is usually in a bit of a puffy mess at the sides (double boo). Voluminous maybe but not particularly attractive. Huh!

However. . .

after using the Brilliant Brunette products, my hair looked thicker but without frizz (for me, volume and frizz usually come hand in hand) and my long ends looked much less scraggly. The overall look was so much better and my hair looked long (yay) and healthy. It also felt good to touch, I've already mentioned how soft these products seem to make my hair. The Brilliant Brunette conditioner is supposed to replenish dry hair for a satin (yes, satin, again) feel, it seems to have delivered on that level.

So yes, I'd definitely consider buying these products myself especially, if I was attempting big hair. Although, I should say that as luxurious as the shampoo feels to lather, my wet hair did tangle easily and unless I made a conscious effort to really rinse the conditioner out well, I was left with a little sticky residue in my hair. However, these little glitches can be overcome. A few seconds extra under the shower combing the conditioner through and rinsing it out well is certainly worth the final 'big, healthy hair' look in my opinion.

You can find out more about John Frieda here and in particular, the Brilliant Brunette products here. John Frieda do have product lines for blondes and redheads too. I wonder if these offer as much volume. Also, I've just taken a peek, at their You Tube channel and I never realised just how many videos John Frieda had up. There seems to be some fab tutorials which would keep hair looking glam over the upcoming party season. You might want to check it out.

Have you tried any John Freida products? What haircare products are you using right now?

 

X

*These products were sent to me for review but this has not affected or influenced my thoughts. I have used these Brilliant Brunette products several times to wash my hair and they really did deliver me big hair!!

A little shampoo love!

It is very unusual that I am completely satisfied with my hair routine and the products that it includes.

More often then not, the hair routine I have is simply ok.

Sometimes there are even one or two products that actually wow me (The Body Shop Banana Shampoo+Conditioner, the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment and Moroccan Oil. This is probably the only other hair routine I've indulged in that brings my locks ever so slightly closer to Goddess standard though Phyto often delivers.) but I'm usually left still seeking that allusive something else to throw in to the mix, an additional product just to give my barnet that little bit more.

However, my current routine has got me wondering, realistically, is this as good as it gets?!

And you know what . . , if the answer is yes then ok, I will never have the beautiful locks of Angelina Jolie or Rachel Bilson but given the tragic hair history of my poor barnet and all, I've put it through, the future is looking brightish!

So, let me introduce you to my current hair saviours.

*The Redken Extreme Shampoo

*The Kerastase Ciment Anti-Usure Vita-Ciment Topseal

*The Kerastase Masque Force Architecte

*Moroccan Oil

*The Lee Stafford Heat Protector

I'm really enjoying all of these products, the Keratase conditioners seem very moisturising and little is needed. While the Lee Stafford Heat Protector is my favourite heat protector ever. Sometimes it is difficult to know if a heat protector is working but at the very least, this one does not leave my hair feeling greasy and weighed down like every other heat protector I remember trying. As for the Moroccan Oil, well, most of you will already know that I love the stuff and have written about it before here and here. I've recently used the Redken alternative, the Argan 6 which is ok but it is the Moroccan Oil that I repurchase again and again.

Anyways to the point of this post, shampoo . . .

To be honest, I've always thought shampoo is maybe the least important part of a hair routine. I've always thought that as long as you indulge in decent treatments and always protect your hair from heat then any old shampoo would suffice.

Fail!

The Redken Extreme shampoo is the newest addition to my routine and has wowed me. It has made such a difference to my locks .

Before the Redken, I was using the Keratase Bain De Force, a shampoo from the Anti-Ciment range (designed to stregthen weakened, damaged or fine hair) which was quite expensive. I have no doubt that the Keratase is a great shampoo but I think, compared to the Redken, it was a little too much for my locks. I found that the Keratase did not lather easily and I needed two or three shampoos before my hair felt clean. It almost felt as if I needed to shampoo again and again to shampoo the shampoo itself out ( if that makes any sense! :0 ). When I placed the shampoo on my hair and tried to conjure a lather, everything would come to a standstill. It was like the shampoo stuck where it had been placed, creating a film over my barnet. 

Despite this, the end result (after two or three generous shampoos! It goes without saying I went through the bottle quite quickly) was very clean, soft, big and fluffy hair which rough dried quickly before swelling again overnight and becoming a little bit too puffy and flyaway for my liking. The Bain De Force also seemed to strip my hair of its dark colour, not great when I'm in the aftermath of the ombre tragedy. All in all, the Keratase is quite possibly a fabulous shampoo, almost too much so and I think, next time I would use it as a clarfier and less frequently maybe once a week or so.

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Anyhow since I swapped the Keratase with the Redken Extreme, my hair standard has cranked up a notch or two. The Redken is cheaper and designed for distressed locks (look this phrase up and you'll probably see a pic of my natural locks!) and I love it!

The Extreme lathers very easily.Two shampoos and my hair feels clean and it remains so for about three or four days. Normally, I'm feeling ready to wash again every other day. I think, the extended good hair mojo results as this shampoo is so good at controlling my hair, few products required! Given, it does seem to take longer to rough dry but looks much sleeker and is easier to style once dry. My hair really is much more manageable.There is no swelling overnight and very few flyaways to tame the next morning meaning less product clogging up the hair. Also, my barnet looks healthier, shineier and more voluminous probably due to the fact that the lengths and ends are not swelling and puffing which sometimes can make my roots look flat and my extensions difficult to blend.

Oh and one more point, the Extreme smells friggin' delicious. A bit chocolatey and Easter-like actually! So if it actually also makes my hair four times stronger as Redken claims it could, well, bonus!!!

Have you used the Extreme? Do you think shampoo is important? What hair products are you loving?

X

In and Out!

So many of you will know that when I got in to blogging a couple of years ago, I was on a mission to make a little more of myself. One of the first bloggers I followed was Laura of Buy Now, Blog Later. At the time, she was posting on her former blog, lollipop26writes.com. In particular, I loved reading her In and Out posts so today, I thought I would post my own.


IN

- 17 Mirrorshine, Beehive

This lipstick is my lip's best friend. It is so incredibly moisturising and this particular shade is very beautiful and easy to wear. The amazing look that Natalya created, for Valentines, used this lippie and I think, I fell in love with it just a little bit more (if that is even possible!) and don't even get me started on the fantastic price (currently £4.59) that the mirror shine lipsticks come in at. Bargain!

- Gucci, Guilty

I quickly went through that bottle of VIP (featured in this earlier post) . VIP was a gorgeous scent but it had very, very little lasting power. Resprays were constantly required and I think, I used the bottle in two weeks. There was no way I could justify £40 odd pounds on another bottle so soon.

Still, maybe that is how it should be, as right now, there seems to be only one scent that smells right (read 'right' as in 'I want to actually wear it!')  and that is Gucci, Guilty.

Surprised?

Yep, me too.

I've always said I love the scent of Guilty but in my earlier review (where I see I referred to Black Orchid as White Orchid,oops!) I was a little wary of it. I found the scent beautiful but in a very obvious and in your face way. It seemed quite sensuous and one I felt a little nervous to wear and on certain occasions, it just seemed  to be a scent that was too distracting and powerful.

However, for some reason, whenever I spray the scent now, it is just as bloody gorgeous but muted. In other words, it is now about as perfume perfect as it gets. I absolutely adore it and at the moment, it is the only scent I'm picking up to spray.

And by the way, Gucci Guilty lasts. Fact! It lingers on everything, skin; clothes; hair etc for hours. So this bottle should last a while.

- My new haircut

I finally got my haircut (FYI: A slight dusting off the ends DOES qualify as a cut!) after more then eighteen months. I am now on a mission to look after my more polished barnet and have brought some new products which I'm hoping to post with new hair photos (!) soon. It's strange but now I've actually had the "snip", I feel a bit stupid that I was so scared about a haircut and held off for so long. I mean for goodness sake, really, what was the worst that could have happened?!

- New Girl



Image from Google Search here!


Normally, I take it or leave it with comedy TV. When it comes to DVDs, for every episode I watch of Friends, I'll watch three or four more of Sex and The City or The Hills. However, New Girl is laugh out loud fantastic. I love it and although, her style is completely different to mine (ie.she always wears a lot of bright colours and I wear black, black, black, maybe a little denim, black, black and navy), I look forward to seeing what Zooey Deschanel's character, Jess, is wearing in each episode. As for Jess and Nick, a big awh, so meant to be!

- Katie Piper

Image from Google Search here!

You all know how incredible and inspiring, I found Katie's book, Beautiful, to be. Well, earlier this week, I watched her new documentary, 'The Science of Seeing Again' and this reminded me not only how amazing and strong Katie is but also, of the fantastic work she puts out there. So I went back and caught up with some of the 'Katie: My Beautiful Friends' episodes and what can I say but that I urge all of you to watch an episode or two of one of the Katie Piper documentaries. At the very least, it will leave you in complete awe of the human body and the courage that some people conjure up every day.

OUT

Image from Google Search here!

- Contact lenses

I thought that these were going to make my life so much easier but I'm really struggling to get them in and when I have to leave for work at 6.20am, I'm not sure just how practical these are going to be. Though once they are finally(!) in, all is good and the world is no longer a blur!

- Phytovolume shampoo

Image from Google Search here!

I have just finished a bottle of this and my hair always looked pretty good (considering it is mine) and big after using this but it was so watery and lathering action was non-existent. It reminded me a little of the Mane and Tail products. Maybe the condition of my hair is just a little too dry then is optimal for these products. The final result was fine but I just didn't like the way this Phyto shampoo made my hair feel as I was washing and drying it. Saying that, I'm pretty sure that this shampoo is much better for the health of my hair in the long term then some supermarket alternatives so may consider repurchasing Phyto (I really rated the citrus conditioning treatment a while back!) in the future but as far as Phyto shampoo goes, I certainly prefer the Phytorhum.

- Spending

Image from Google Search here!

I have so many of those bi-annual payments and direct debits due over the next month or so and I'm literally tripping over products and clothes in my flat so I really am going to try and take a no spend seriously this month. Honest, Guv!

What scent are you wearing? Have you got any contact lenses tips for me? I hope you've all had a fabulous start to the weekend. Don't forget to wrap up warm if it is as cold where you are, as it is here in England!

X

So tempted . . .

Er oh, there could be some trouble brewing as I am (very) tempted to go blond!

Yes, it would be a bit foolish and quite likely, stupid; bad; ridiculous and dangerous also but suddenly, I feel compelled to be blond. Actually, to be honest, it was only as sudden as Milly's new look, I love her new blonder locks!

Yes, I know, I have gone on and on about wanting longer and longer hair. However, I have recently come to the sad conclusion that my natural hair will never be more then longish. It seems, I was never destined for Rapunzel-like locks, no matter how many beans I eat or how much I splurge on the latest hair miracle. Sob!

Therefore, why shouldn't I throw caution to the wind (me bitter?! pah!) and go to the lighter side?

I've briefly crossed this border before and the result is one, I try to block out. Straw comes to mind. This horrible hue, I rarely allow my mind to recall, was created entirely by highlights and I think, that was my mistake. I was thinking about the health of my hair too much and consequently followed the salon's advice, to avoid the bleach. However, I spent that much time and heat trying to style a look that carried the patchy, brash colour better, that, even without bleach, my hair was well and truly fried within weeks and um, I was still not happy with my hair!

So I've learnt my lesson and honestly, can't see how throwing bleach in to the process could cause any more disappointment then what I felt last time I crossed to the lighter side. If I do take the plunge again then this time, it will be with a plan:
1) Pre-lighten hair at home with bleach
2) Tint at home
3) Then get highlights at the hairdressers.
I have watched a few You Tube videos and these steps seem to have achieved a reasonable success rate for darker brunettes like myself. I know this is not the proper way to go blond. If any of my friends or indeed any of you asked me about going blonde, I would advise the salon but what is it, that they say?! Do as I say, not as I do (or contemplate!).

My personal plan seems economical and means I'm more likely to get a colour that I want rather then the standard sensible compromise that is normally nervously swished by those leaving the salons. Still, it is a big decision (in the barnet context)  and I will not make my choice lightly. I am going to take some time and see if this crazy yearning passes.

In the mean time, I am going to use one of my favourite intensive conditioners, the Lee Stafford Treatment for Hair That Never Grows Past A Certain Length to pack lots of goodness in my hair just in case . . !

FYI: This is my ideal blonde look. Fingers crossed, I might be able to achieve something similar if I keep my love for hair extensions alive.

Found in Hairideas magazine, page 91, February 2012. They have credited the MAURICE MEADE ARTISTIC TEAM, AUSTRALIA

Are you blonde? Is it natural? If not, how do you do it? Brunettes and Redheads, have you ever been tempted to cross the divide?

X

Sunday Choice 1: Hair Inspiration

So still in Hair monotony mode, I am contemplating a little visit to the hairdressers before Christmas. Many of you will know that for me, a visit to the hairdressers is a very scary idea. I've been surfing the web to find the best pictures to bombard my stylist with even though all I really want is my ends grazed with the scissors and the side layers tidied. After all, isn't it all about safety in the number of pictures when you go to the salon?!


Scrolling through the Best Hairstyles and Trends 2011 from Glamour Magazine, I have found so much hair inspiration.

Ideally, this is how I would like the cut of my natural hair (as it is now) to fall. Lily Cole's hair looks so soft, healthy and tidy although with a little backcombing or lack of care, I'd imagine it could play bedhead easily. She looks groomed but she doesn't look old. I love how healthy the ends of her hair look. Although I'm not sure I could pull off red hair, I do love the fact that her style uses one solid colour. Whenever I have highlights etc, it looks great for about a week but after that it seems too contrived.

This is a similar look to Lily's. However, I think this is closer to how mine may fall due to the layers at the side.

Olivia Wilde is always so polished and her hair is no exception. Every time I see a picture of her long bob, I think what a beautiful cut she flaunts. Unfortunately, it is probably slightly too short then I dare to wear but this remains a style that I swoon over in the same way I do when I catch sight of the Miu Miu Bow bag or a beautiful dress.

I have not had a full on fringe for years. I've always loved how they look and the way they draw attention to your eyes. However, stylists have always advised against them because of the wretched cow licks that lie on my hairline. I still want one though and isn't that what straighteners are for? As Nicole shows a full on fringe is the perfect accessory to a simple high ponytail (FYI: my favourite updo ever) and adds instant pizazz to any hair look.

When my natural hair is a little longer, this is what I would like it to look like. In reality, I'm pretty sure that these slightly tousled locks are high, high maintenance. Leighton seems to have balanced some softening flyaways with styled locks. I would never be able to pull off the balance behind the two. Her ombre colour is also so rich and well blended. I adore this but I would imagine that this cut, colour and look requires one very exceptional stylist!

Still there is something about tousled long locks that I aspire to and I also like the look on this Burberry model and the way the waves start effortlessly halfway down her hairline. Modern mermaid chic!

Now this one, I won't be showing the hairdresser. My face isn't sweet enough but this hair look is so futuristic and eye catching yet almost too cute to scream statement.

Who is your hair inspiration? What pictures do you take to the hairdresser? Which of these styles are your favourite? Can you think of any other hair looks I should consider? I love all of your comments. Who knows maybe one of you will find me a dream style that I can actually attain?!

Don't forget, you can now follow me on Pinterest here or click on the button in my sidebar.

I'd also love to have a Christmas/New Year giveaway and if I get to 50 GFC followers on this blog, I will do it! So if you haven't already then it would mean the world to me if you went and clicked the Follow button in my sidebar.

Happy Sunday :)

X

Christmas Countdown: Preen, preen, preen. . !

Image from We Heart It

So it is the first of December tomorrow and my Christmas Countdown officially started about a week ago. Four weeks to get Christmas Perfect!!!

This year I want to embrace Christmas (Yes indeed, I will be downloading the Michael Buble Christmas Album) and all it brings. I do not want to miss anything just because I'm having a bad hair day and I am certainly not missing out on the Chocolate Log (who needs Christmas Pudding?!) just because I'm having a fat day.




Image from We Heart It


Preen, preen, preen. . , is the call of the day for me at the moment. In between scrambling around trying to find any Crest Whitening Strips, I'm preening a lot!

- I am trying to apply the OPI Nail Matte Envy every day in an attempt to keep my mid-length nails strong. Then I might file them down slightly to give them the matched, groomed manicure look. I would love Gelish but I work in a health care environment and that type of thing ain't allowed :(

- The RapidLash is back on the edge of my sink again and I'm trying to apply it every night. Over the last couple of weeks (interestingly since my Phyto supplements ran out), I have noticed that my lashes don't look quite so bold and unfortunately, appear a little wispy on the ends. For me, natural lashes is where is at (how I struggle with the falsies) so I'm hoping that Rapid Lash will work its magic and make them slightly more lashtastic again (In my experience, lash enhancers may not be growth miracles but they always add something ) until then the L'Oreal Volume Million has been repurchased (a much easier way to fake it although the constant drizzle seems to have prompted the 'got a black eye?!' question. I think, I mentioned before what a diva this amazing mascara can be. Such fab results but how easily it smudges which can be a bit awkward. See this review.)

- There will certainly be some mega brow grooming going on in the next couple of weeks. I'm considering HD Brows. You can see some familiar faces with HD brows here, what do you think of the HD look?

- I'm also trying a couple of treats for my hair. Firstly, the Charles Worthington Salon At Home Strength and Repair Kit. This little kit consists of a haircare system which includes four products, an oil to use pre-washing under the plastic cap, a shampoo and an intensive conditioner. I have been using this for about a month now and I've got mixed feelings. It seems to bulk out the ends of my hair and theoretically, it is easy to use. However, I find the oil difficult to wash out and consequently ran out of the shampoo very quickly. I've found that this system tended to make my hair very frizzy as I had to use so much shampoo to get the oil out or on the other hand, I wash only so much and then my hair looks very weighed down. I expect that this system really does boost the health of our barnet but I need to work on my application method to get the dream result.

I also have a new hair oil. I went to the hairdressers to invest yet again in Moroccan Oil (Love! See this post and this post) but they didn't have any. As it was raining and I'm lazy, the lady found a sucker for her sales pitch about a miracle Redken alternative, All Soft Argan 6. This is meant to 'intensely nourish and protect dry, brittle hair'. It can be used before shampooing or blow drying to add moisture, after blow drying to smooth; on damp or dry hair to boost shine; or added to treatments to intensify replenishment and it can also be used overnight for deep nourishment.

I have been swapping it up a bit and using it in a mix of ways. So far, so good! It really does make the hair very soft and actually does not seem to weigh my hair down as much as the Moroccan Oil although I wonder if that will change with constant use.

- Of course, I'm also trying to eat very healthily (although this running/walking regime is making me so soo hungry) and am having lots of Green Monsters to keep my eyes bright and energy levels up.

- And finally, I'm also trying to save a little money for Christmas hence the lack of "haul" posts recently but I think, there is a couple of treats I haven't shared with you yet and I'll try and get those posts up ASAP but I'm still having a bit of a love affair with the New Look kimono that I posted here.

Sidenote: In case you're wondering, I'm hoping that Christmas will bring a DSLR, a Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch, the One Molecule scent (see Ruths secret), the ability to run thirty minutes plus nonstop (Er, that would be without a heart attack), a trip to Paris, my invitation to Pinterest (it is taking so soo long) 50 Blog GFC followers (hint hint, any ideas?) and some of those chocolate gold coins. Phew,much, you think?! Ok maybe between Christmas and my late January birthday.

Are you making any special efforts for Christmas? Have you tried the Redken Oil? Do you have HD Brows?

X

The Halo: First Impressions!

It is common knowledge by now that I am a self-confessed hair geek. Yesterday, I was in my element as I got to play with my new Halo.

The Halo is a basically a one piece, quadrupled weft to hair heaven. Yes, indeed, there are going to be a whole lot of positives in this first review. There are no clips, glue or tape. It simply attaches to your head with one very small wire.

This wire is not really a wire in a conventional, industrial sense. It is actually very thin and transparent which potentially means less damage to the hair (none of that sticking or pulling nonsense). Of course, damage isn't an issue if the weft is going to fall out anyway.

This, folks, was my main concern with the Halo especially when I first saw the little wire attached to the weft. My joy at opening the parcel (delivered the next day, free of charge! Oh and I had a 10% Twiiter promo code!) was tainted with the doom of the 'this is never going to work, more money down the drain. . .'  thoughts. Argh . . !

Thankfully, I was wrong. I've now worn the halo and I can declare, yes, it really does stay in. Even when you shake your head really vigorously, the ultimate test of any extension! Mel did it a lot better then me!

Phew!

What is more, the final look really is amazing given the simplicity of the concept. The hair is Indian remy and it feels very silky and soft. The ends are already beautifully tapered and give the extensions a styled look.

I was worried that one piece would be difficult to blend and unbalanced. I suspected that the weft would either be too thin, too heavy or too blunt to blend in to my hair but once in, it blends really well and I still look, like me. I've always being a bit cynical about how generic one pieces could look. I guess, I'm a bit of a control freak and like tape or clips because you have the potential to customise your style a little more but actually with the Halo in, I don't really want to alter the style or change how the hair falls at all.

Sidenote: I took a gamble with the colour match and ordered Darkest Brown. *Happy Dance.* It is a perfect match for my natural hair colour. Personally I think that my Darkest Brown Halo is a little lighter (and possibly has some hints of chocolate in it) then some of the other Dark Brown hair extensions, I have or have dyed. This works for me as my hair has lightened a little lately but I would suggest to others, taking a little time and emailing a pic to the Halo team to get colour matched for free.

Now I've raved about the staying power and the beauty of the Halo, time to consider the application. Hmmm . . .

Given, it is quite easy to get the Halo on to your head, you more or less just place it there. However, covering the wire and getting the natural look took a few goes without a tail comb but with a tail comb, I did it first time and very quickly.

Really, get a tail comb for this one. It is so much easier and the combs are so cheap. Mine cost me nothing, I just used my Boots points! I think I manage to conceal the wire ok, I'm just a little nervous about it showing in the gap for my parting. However, somehow with a tail comb and just pulling the hair over, it appears to have disappeared and I've just backcombed a little at the crown to be sure. The only thing I may need to work on a little is how much hair to pull over the weft on the back of my head as this is where the difference between the length of the extension and natural hair is most apparent.

All in all. I'm very happy with my Halo so far and can not wait to play with it a little more. I want to investigate the styling options further, I know you can leave the wire forgotten in the weft and wear the hair in a bun and ponytail etc which I will try but to be honest, I like to wear my extension as an extension and then pull it up in to a ponytail or bun from there, it feels a little less contrived but we'll see. I might have to compromise with this when it comes to a halo as to take the halo out, you would normally pull it in a ponytail and tug a couple of times so I'm not sure if styling will make the wire slip. Saying that, I have managed a ponytail of some sort ( The Slovenly Saturday style, to be precise) for a couple of hours this morning. No grips and it remains in place, yayyy!

- For those interested, here are some links to some helpful You Tube videos on the Halo:
From Amy, Dazzledust25
From Louise, MakeupLoveer
From Mel, 30somethingmel

Have you tried the Halo? What hairstyle are you choosing this Christmas? Happy Saturday!

X



Taped hair revamp!

It seems that Truth of The World, Numero uno states that growing hair can take a long, long time!
Truth of The World, Number two states that it can be so frigging boring!!

This is where we're currently at with the hair growth marathon. Sigh!!!

Over the last couple of weeks, I've lost my motivation to grow my hair a little. I want long hair but I don't want to sit around with conditioners on my head and I certainly don't want to wait another eighteen months.
I'm in danger of letting all the hard work fall to the hairdressers floor, snip snip style.

Noooo, that can't happen.

So last weekend, I set about finding my hair mojo again by mixing the extensions up a bit. About this time last year, I stopped having my extensions sewn in. Instead, I have being alternating between clip ins and taped extensions. Swapping it up between the two is what I have being doing instead of the regular hair trim (yes, naughty to skip, I know . . .).

On Saturday, I swapped back from clips to tape. You can buy pretaped extensions (and I have) but I seem to find it as easy to make my own.
I took a weft of hair and some tape.

I cut the weft up in to pieces, attached the tape  to the weft.

Then, I heated the tape a little to warm up the adhesive before attaching the extension to my head.

Five days later and I have not lost any extensions. I used the whole weft and have 10-12 pieces in my hair.

Some of the pre-taped extensions are skin wefts and the edge of the weft is more  or less invisible unlike mine.

A lot of people use smaller pieces of weft and more of them (Given: this is probably kinder to the natural hair as the weight pulling on the hair would be more dispersed). I have done this but for three reasons, I'm not quite so keen. . .
1/ I'm lazy and this method means that more taping and active action is required. It can get quite time consuming and again, I'm lazy.
2/ I'm used to wearing larger extension pieces. Most of the clips in and sewns in I have used before have fitted almost around the head.
3/ I feel more secure with the larger pieces. It seems to me that as they are attached to so much of your head, they are less likely to fall out.
I would say that maybe smaller pieces can be blended better to give you a very natural, individual style. Larger pieces probably do give a more obvious fake look but a good hairdresser should be able to cut in to these and make them more natural. It's all a matter of personal choice.

At the moment, I keep swishing my hair. It feels very light after a couple of months wearing clip ins especially since with those last clips in, I had doubled, tripled some of the pieces up to give me voluminous rows. It all got quite thick and heavy.

I haven't done that this time. Instead, I've gone for a slightly sleeker look (although I have taped the bottom two or three rows quite close together to try and avoid wispy extension ends). Like my previous extensions, these extensions are 18 inches but I think because I've done less multiplying up with the wefts, the length may show itself off more.

Colour-wise, I'm trying not to colour my hair again at the moment as lately it has appeared so dark and also feels  a bit dry. Normally I would colour my extensions and hair before applying taped extensions or making clip ins but as I don't want to colour my hair at the moment, I've try to use extensions of my natural colour so that they will blend better in a few weeks time. I feel my natural hair colour is going to get lighter with the dye fade and the increasing number of lighter roots starting to grow through but until all this comes together a bit more, I suspect my hair will look a bit Ombre in some lights. I'm interested to see how I will take to this.

This is the great thing about extensions, you can make a real difference to the look of your hair with just a weft or two and yes, extensions do cause damage but nearly everything you put on your hair can damage it. At the end of the day, extensions mean long hair now rather then in x amount of long time!

Anyway, I'm not sure how long they are going to last (In the past, I have stuck liquid gold on to the ends of the hair pieces for added security but it can all get a bit sticky and messy so I'm trying to avoid doing that for now.) but small changes like this make such a big difference to hair mojo when you're in the midst of hair growth monotony. So maybe I'll start eating the green beans again and finishing off my Phyto tablets. . .!

Extra hair information

- My new hair is by a brand I've never used before so I will see how it lasts before recommending them to you. However, my last lot of Beauty Works hair (worn more or less 24 hours a day every single day for about five months) lasted really well and I was very impressed with the quality but then I should have been. It is the most expensive hair I've ever brought and even today when I found the link, I felt a bit guilty about the price but I guess, it was less then 75p a day. The only other downer was that I remember, waiting a while for the delivery. Hence, why they weren't invited to the hair revamp this time.
- I get my hair tape from here.

Extra, extra

In other news, I need to backtrack. I have spent the best part of two years rolling my eyes when I catch sight of the gold bottle that still needs to be used up but this last week (see this review, I take it back), I have actually really enjoyed dowsing myself in Something About Sofia (Benefit). It no longer seems to smell as busy or as deep as it used to. I'm not sure if it is the scent that has changed or me but I do think that by Christmas, the bottle will be almost empty.

Also, I am still so in love with the table I brought in Homesense earlier in the year. It is gorgeous. The gold, the decoration . , I love everything about it. Oh and I guess, it fits in with the metallic trend. Talking of which I'm currently lusting after this Top Shop number.

Do you like it? Have you brought any metallics lately? Do you ever wear extensions? Do you have to make an effort to grow your hair? Any tips or perfume recommendations?

Have a good week!

X