28.2.17

Minimal Hair Care Routine

garnier ultimate blends

I've never been one to use that many products on my hair, be it for cleansing or styling, which I've only come to realise very recently. I wash my hair 3 times a week and for cleansing I only use one product as I concentrate more on conditioning and nourishing my hair to keep it soft and shiny. I do look after my hair as I find it is a way to express my femininity so I make sure I care for it properly.

The basics:


For cleansing I've been using The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo, it doesn't have sulphates, silicones, parabens or colourants, which is great but I don't think it cleanses the scalp that well so unsure about getting it again. Full review.

For conditioning I'm using the Garnier Ultimate Blends Blonde Illuminator Conditioner, it's meant to lighten hair naturally thanks to camomile in the formula. It's not very nourishing so probably won't be getting it again. Full review.

Once a week after washing my hair I use a hair mask, and currently I'm using the Tresemme Oleo Radiance Mask which is very thick and creamy. I apply this mask and leave it on for a couple of minutes while I wash my body and upon rinsing it leaves my hair feeling smooth and soft.

After washing I always use a leave-in conditioner, though lately I've been more inclined towards hair oils (and body and face oils but that's another story). While my hair is still wet I use 3 or 4 pumps of the Garnier Ultimate Blends Blonde Illuminator Oil and distribute it with my fingers through my hair, avoiding the roots. I've been using it for around a year now and still got a lot of product left. It definitely lightened my hair which makes it great for summer. Full review.

Hair styling John Frieda Batiste Got2B

The extras:

We all need a little extra help with our hair every once in a while, which is why I have the great amount of 3 more products to fall back on when my hair is not cooperating with me.

If I must dry my hair, I make sure I apply a heat protecting product before blow drying it as not to damage it. This is my 2nd bottle of John Frieda Full Repair Styling Spray (which I got from the pound shop so I'm afraid it's been discontinued) so that tells you that I actually like this spray. It provides heat protection and a light hold without weighing hair down. Full review.

For styling, which is something I rarely do, I have a salt spray in case I want to give my hair some texture or any style some hold. I got the got2b Beach Matt Texturising Salt Spray, which does provide some texture when you scrunch your hair after you apply it, but be careful not to use too much as it can make your hair sticky. Don't love the glue-like smell and stickiness so would like to try a different one in the future.

In case of an oily scalp emergency, a dry shampoo is a very helpful tool. I've been using this Batiste Cherry Dry Shampoo and I've actually had it for years as I use it very rarely, once a week at most. To use it I shake the can, separate hair an inch away from the parting and spray, then massage it in and it helps disguise oily roots and gives hair a bit of volume too.

What are your hair care essentials?

xo

21.2.17

Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser

Avene gentle cleanser
Most days I use a makeup remover on my eyes and face. Some time ago I found the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser in the clearance section in Boots for just £1 and couldn't pass this offer up. 

The Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser is a cleanser that can be used without rinsing and contains a high percentage of Avene thermal spring water, which has soothing and anti-irritating properties that calm irritation quickly. This cleanser is designed to be natural and provide a very gentle cleansing that removes makeup without any irritation. The formula is designed with a minimum of ingredients and doesn't contain potential irritants such as parabens, fragrance or colourants. 

The formula of the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser is very fluid and oil-free, and is meant to leave skin feeling clean and comfortable without over drying. To use I apply it on a cotton pad and massage it onto my skin (you can also use your fingers). I find that it does remove makeup and leaves my skin feeling clean without any stinging or redness on neither skin or eyes, which is great but I feel that it does take a bit more product than it would with a liquid makeup remover. 

If you are looking for a gentle cleanser that won't irritate your skin or eyes and don't mind spending a bit more than you would on your usual high street cleanser, then I definitely recommend you try the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser. 

Find Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser in Superdrug and Boots.

xo

16.2.17

Pink Wool & Black Cashmere

New Look Pink Coat
Adidas Stan Smith
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
H&M Cashmere Scarf
Pink Wool Coat

New Look Coat // Uniqlo Sweatshirt // H&M Scarf // Uniqlo Down Jacket // Topshop Jeans // Adidas Stan Smith

The sun is finally coming out these days, which I've missed, even though I'm getting more resistant to the cold (or maybe finally learned to dress for it haha). I like that this coat adds a pop of colour to an otherwise monochrome outfit, it's quite fitted so layering under it was a bit movement restrictive.

xo

14.2.17

Happy Valentine's Day!

Patisserie Valerie Valentine's Day Heart Shaped Strawberry Cake
Patisserie Valerie
Red roses
Bourjois makeup
Watercolour illustration valentines card
Patisserie Valerie macarons
Valentine's Day
Dot spoiled me as usual ♥ with some beauty bits and also 12 red roses, a heart shaped cake and macarons from Patisserie Valerie, and a card with my own artwork on it.

Hope you have a lovely day!

xo

9.2.17

Shop Now Open!

Guerlain, YSL, Olympea, Birthday Cake


As you might know, I really enjoy painting and watercolour illustration is something I've been doing quite a bit the last couple of years. Well I've finally set up a place where you can shop greeting cards and stationery with my illustrations, if you so wish. Take a look!

xo

7.2.17

New In: January 2017

H&M camel oversized cardigan
Pusheen sticky notes
Bourjois eyeshadow quad
agnes b tote bag
Garnier Pure Active Sensitive
H&M bralette

Last month I used one of my H&M gift cards to get the camel oversized cardigan, which I've been loving (see it on). Also got a mini notebook from the Works, and another set of sticky notes. 

Got the Bourjois eyeshadow quad thanks to Dot, as we got some makeup for his mum for Christmas and it was on 3 for 2. I won an agnes b. x Rough Trade records tote bag, got a new Garnier Face Wash and Moisturiser from their Pure Active Sensitive range. And last but not least I got a couple more bralettes from H&M

xo

2.2.17

Longline Cardigan & Knee High Boots

H&M Longline Cardigan & Knee High Boots
H&M Longline Cardigan & Knee High Boots
H&M Longline Cardigan & Knee High Boots

H&M Cardigan // Topshop Coated Jeans // Next Leather Boots // Topshop Bag // H&M Jumper

Remember I said I completely forgot about these boots last winter? Well I wanted to make up for the times I didn't use them and have been wearing them quite a lot. I like how the combination of the boots and the black trousers make me look taller haha. I want to go and get my hair cut, thinking about going next week.

xo