Review | Vidal Sassoon Shine Envy Hot Air Styler

You may have already seen the Babyliss Hot Big Hair Hot Air doing the rounds on YouTube and I initially thought this Vidal Sassoon styler would work along the same lines. From what I can see from demos of it, they're quite different as this barrel doesn't rotate making it a bit easier to use for hair styling novices or super lazy people like me!

I had visions of creating a Kate Middleton flicky blow dry, but I had to manage my expectations downwards after the first five minutes wrestling with it. It's 1000W so does actually dry hair quite effectively, but I found it much more time consuming that my usual technique of tipping my head upside down and going at it with a normal hairdryer. 

If your hair requires a bit more styling effort than this - if you HAVE to blow dry it properly with a big round barrel brush every time, then this is much easier to handle than a brush and blow dryer and you'll only be left with one dead arm rather than two!

This styler would work best on short to mid length hair - I think mine is slightly too long and therefore too heavy to create any meaningful volume.  I'd also recommend using it on at least 50% dry hair - unless you have a lot of time to devote to hair styling!

The large attachment - 50mm - is best for drying hair quickly, the smaller 25mm barrel works best for creating flicky curly ends and creates a straight style with more volume that poker straight flat ironing.  

Overall it gave me a bit more volume at the crown, but you have to watch how you position the barrel.  The ends look much more 'finished' than usual thanks to the ionic generator to eliminate frizz.  If you've got silky, smooth hair already that you struggle to volumise I'd stay away from Ionic stylers as they tend to just flatten the hair.  I had an iconic hairdryer years ago and chucked it as my hair felt practically greasy after drying it.  Thankfully the Vidal Sassoon ionic technology doesn't do this. 

The Vidal Sassoon Shine Envy Hot Air Styler* is £39.99 (as of 07/02/2013 it's got £5 off) and exclusive to Argos.

 

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Beauty Empties | January 2013

You may have already seen my special review post on perfumes I've 'emptied' recently, but as promised here are the other bits and bobs I've powered through in January.  Many of these have been hanging around my dressing table and bathroom cabinet for too long and I'm glad to see the back of them and create space for new exciting things!  

...Yes, I really do need to get out more.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Make Up Remover: Refreshing Oil-Free Cleansing Lotion - no repurchase 

I bought this off the back of a recommendation from Laura's (Lollipop26 now buynowbloglater) blog many moons ago and while it was an 'okay' make up remover it's definitely not an all rounder and didn't do very well with waterproof mascara, or any mascara for that matter despite the claims.  

There are so many other efficient all-in-one cleansers on the market now like hot cloth cream cleansers and very liquid solutions like Bioderma that you'd be better off investing in rather than having to use multiple products in your cleansing regime.  

However, if you don't tend to use eye make up and like the old lotion and a cotton pad routine, this is a nice option as it is refreshing and doesn't leave too much of a nasty residue, although you do get the urge to wash and/or tone afterwards.

L'Oreal Elvive Re-Nutrition Replenishing Masque - definite repurchase  

Elvive make many a hair masque, but none smell as delicious as their Re-Nutrition range.  

It's great for those days you feel your hair needs more than a standard bottle conditioner but you don't have the time to put in a Kerastase masque.  When I 'Kerastase' my hair I always leave it on at least 20 minutes 'cos that stuff ain't cheap and I want to make sure I get my money's worth!

Even if your hair doesn't need conditioning, just buy this for the heavenly scent!

Organic Surge Eye Gel* - no repurchase

I honestly can't remember if I got this free with a magazine or if it was sent to me, so I've included a disclosing little asterisk just in case.  It sat around for ages as I was never one to tend to eyecare in my morning routine, but the ravages of age kicked in and now I wouldn't dream of ditching my routine. 

I've moved over to using a more moisturising undereye cream in the morning but gel was a nice little introduction.  

It's refreshing and sinks in fast and was a treat for sleep-wearing eyes.  However at this stage in my life I really need something more anti-aging for that area and so won't be repurchasing.

No7 Protect & Protect Intense Beauty Serum - no repurchase

Note that this is the INTENSE serum.  

I absolutely adore the regular version of Protect & Perfect Serum and thought that the Intense one would ramp it's amazing properties up a notch.  It certainly does, but for once, my skin is too young for this product.

Every time I used it (and as you can see I carried onto the bitter end determined not be be defeated!) my skin felt overloaded and I woke up the next morning with the beginnings of spots. 

I am not spot prone at all which God is his almighty wisdom chose to spare me from, so if you are then this serum would go Rambo on your face.

Essentially this heavy serum is aimed at mature/parched skin - at least 45+ - so if you're under this, stick with the original version which is a few quid cheaper anyway.

Aussie Aussome Volume Shampoo - no repurchase

I'm a huge fan of their Miracle Moisture shampoo which is a treat for frazzled hair, but if used all the time translates into lank hair, for me anyway.

It's always handy to have a volumising shampoo around for days your hair feels like it needs a REALLY good clean.  Essentially what they do is strip out the product buildup, and some of your hair's natural oils in a bid to counteract lankness and therefore promote volume.

This Aussie shampoo did a good job and I did repurchase several times, but this will be my last bottle as I've since discovered Bumble & Bumble's Sunday Shampoo which is harsh but very good at removing buildup.  I have super greasy hair mind, so it might be too harsh for normal/dry hair types. 

I also wasn't keen on the scent of this Aussie shampoo, odd because their known for great smelling products. 

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel - no repurchase

This was part of a Clinique skincare set so I didn't feel massively let down when it didn't live up to it's claims.  Simply put, it didn't make my skin 'dramatically different'.

The major drawback is no SPF - in something designed to be your main daily facial skincare product, it's just not on.

I do have oily skin so the gel formula worked well and created a good base for applying foundation over, but I don't feel it brought any benefit to my skin.

Obviously this Clinique range is aimed at problem skin, so I can see where this lotion might be a good option for someone looking to get some moisture into their skin without overloading it and exacerbating break outs.

Nice to try as it's one of those raved about products, but I can't see a repurchase on the horizon.

Boots Teatree + Witchhazel Cleansing and Toning Lotion - maybe repurchase

I can't even tell you how long I've had this toner but let's just say it's been through a repackaging and doubled in price!

This toner isn't for the faint hearted.  It STRIPS yours skin.  But I'm such a greasey monkey I sometimes feel I need it.

I've been through the most extensive cleansing routine, been 100% sure every scrap of make up is removed and then swiped a bit of this on a cotton pad only to be horrified.  No pictorial evidence as there might be minors reading this!

If you like Clinique Clarifying Lotion which is equally as eye-watering harsh, it's a fab budget alternative.  

The more I think about it's amazing grime removing properties, the more I want a full bottle in my skincare arsenal again.  

Have you tried anything from this motley crew? Anything you would definitely repurchase?

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Review | Elemis FreshSkin Face Wash + Moisturiser

Elemis Freshskin Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser*, 50ml, £20, Buy here 

Elemis Freshskin Peachy Perfect Gentle Face Wash*, 100ml, £12, Buy here

The Elemis Freshskin range launched a little over a year ago, aimed at those in their teens to early twenties as an accessible and more affordable introduction to the luxury brand for those on a tighter budget, or young skin which doesn't need unpronounceable ingredients to stave off the march of time and gravity.

Although I'm a couple of years away from having 'young skin' I put the face wash and daily moisturiser to the test and am happy to report that my skin has responded well.

The face wash is lightly perfumed and leaves your skin feeling clean but not tight.  It contains extracts of chicory for hydrating, elderflower for conditioning and lemon to awaken.  It's a nice, basic face wash and seems less harsh than cheaper high street options while still being an effective cleanser.  

The moisturiser is equally gentle on sensitive skin and does a good job of moisturising skin without leaving it feeling clogged or greasy which is important if you've got oily/teenage skin.  However, one huge drawback is that it contains no SPF at all, not even SPF10.  This really is unacceptable as you are never too young to start protecting your skin against harmful sun damage, and the earlier you start the better.  Therefore I tend to just use this moisturiser at night after a serum when I'm not feeling like applying a heavy night cream.

Other products of note in the range include Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash, Tired Eyes Soothing Eye Rescue and Super Boost Moisturising Serum.

Have you tried anything from the Elemis Freshskin range yet?

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Review | Maybelline Rocket Volum' Express Mascara

Don't you love it when you find a new mascara to love?

Maybelline's new Rocket Volum' Express Mascara* thickened, lengthened, fanned and held the curl in my lashes impressively well - I expect the Waterproof formula would do the latter even better.

Very few plastic wands appeal to me, but the bristles (that would be the jet glide brush!) are so fine and pliable that coupled with the incredibly smooth formula, clumping is kept at bay.  My lashes are happily quite plentiful so I experience a measure of clumping with all mascara, but on someone with denser, finer lashes, Rocket Volum' would work even better.

It's currently on offer at Boots, so you can take your lashes into space for a mere £5.99. 

What's your favourite Maybelline mascara? Let me know in the comments.

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Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea #6 - Versace Woman EDP

Angel introduced me to this perfume many years ago - it was one of those that made me ask 'what are you wearing?!' every time she had it on as it smelt slightly different but beautiful every time.  It's not one of those scents that is instantly recognisable, but I find really blends with your own chemistry to become a unique and understated scent. 

The bottle is a beautiful addition to any dressing table and quite understated by normal Versace standards.  The best bit about it is that the 50ml bottle is on offer at Boots now for £15! The 100ml is shown in these photographs as I repurchased it a couple of months ago.  It's rare for me to repurchase perfume as I have so many, so it really is something special.

The scent is described as a modern floral and the top notes include jasmine, wild rose, frangipani and bergamot, middle notes of lotus, plum and raspberry and base notes of musk, grey amber and Inoki wood.  There isn't another perfume out there I can compare it to, it's just a lovely light but sophisticated daytime scent - I now prefer it to D&G Light Blue and Marc Jacobs Daisy which are just too overdone. 

You can find it at Boots on offer now for £15 in store or online here.

           

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Event + Perfume Review | GHOST Moonlight

GHOST Moonlight EDT* 30ml £25.00, 50ml £34.00, 75ml £46.50

Launching in January 2013

In the past few weeks I've started heading out to blogger events again, and the launch for the new GHOST Moonlight eau de toilette at 24London club was definitely a highlight.  I'm new to the GHOST brand but have always admired their pale floaty dresses, promising myself that when I finally kick the baby fat I will wear one! Pipe dreams eh?

More than anything I'm a fragrance junkie (35 bottles and counting) so I was really excited to get my nostrils around GHOST Moonlight described as a flirtatious, elegant and ethereal new fragrance.  While most perfumes can be easily characterised into spring/summer or winter, day or night, girly or sexy, GHOST Moonlight is pretty enigmatic at once being fresh, spicy and complex.

The gourmand base of white chocolate builds into a floral oriental with notes including ginger, Bergamot, Cantaloupe, orange blossom, pink Peony, Lily of the Valley, Amber and Sandalwood.

The elegant bottle design and colour graduation from light to dark reflects how it could easily transition from day to night.  To give you a scent reference, it reminds me of Armani Code for women.

Angel (www.youtube.com/AngelArmogida) came to the event with me - photos below!

 

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Review | Braun Silk-épil 7 Wet + Dry Cordless Epilator for Legs, Body + Face

Braun Silk-épil 7 Wet + Dry Cordless Epilator for Legs, Body + Face*

Where to buy: Boots £90.99, Currys £139.99 or Amazon £73.51

Epilation is one method of hair removal which never caught on with me.  I owned a Braun epilator about eight years ago, used it a couple of times and then let it retire to the great gadget heaven in the sky.  With that model, the results did not outweigh the pain and effort involved.

This new offering from Braun can be used dry or wet - in the shower or bath.  Using it wet lessens the sting especially if the water is hot as your pores are more open for extracting the hairs.  Epilation is never a pleasant experience - the device is essentially 40 evil little tweezers yanking your hair out from the roots, however this newer model was much more bearable to use than my old one and glided over my contours -  (*cough* knobbly knees *cough*) - with ease thanks to the pivoting head.  

I find it easier to epilate at night with the light on rather than daylight as this is when the light on the device really shows up the little hairs you need to grab. The Close Grip Technology has improved its performance for removing very short hairs, but I'm still to be persuaded that it can remove hairs as short as a grain of sand (0.5mm).  Perhaps if you have very thick hair, but mine is very fine so a good few get left behind.  The result is not as smooth as a shave because very tiny hairs remain, however used regularly over time the results are better than shaving as it takes longer for the hair to regrow from the root.

The Silk-épil 7 comes with an impressive number of interchangeable heads to make it easier to epilate difficult to reach place such as armpits and bikini line (I've been too much of a wimp to go there yet!).  You also get a shaver and trimmer attachments which make the device really versatile.  My old Braun had to be plugged into the mains, so the fact that this one is cordless is fantastic as you really get to those awkward places with ease, plus you can take it on holiday without worrying about leads or power supplies. - a red light flashes when the battery is running low  To plug into the mains however you do need a two pin plug adaptor, but these are very easy and cheap to come by. 

The major drawback for me with epilation, and this isn't a criticism of the device but merely the method of hair removal, is that I am very prone to ingrown hairs.  I haven't included a photo of how some ingrown hairs on my ankles have turned into angry red blotches as it would probably turn your stomach! But be warned, if you have fine hairs - which find it difficult to break through the skin and as a consequence can become 'ingrown' I would caution you from epilating.  I get the same issues with waxing - anything that involves ripping out hairs.

If you are a seasoned epilator and looking to upgrade your kit, this is a fantastic versatile and efficient option.    I've found a wide variety of prices for this model so make sure to shop around.

While I'm not sure if epilating is the hair removal solution for me, let me know in the comments how you find it and what you do to prevent ingrown hairs.

The 40 rotating tweezers in action:

If you're epilating dry, wipe one of these specialist Olay wipes over the area first, then wait 30 seconds before going in!

The skin on my leg right after epilation - all the raised bumps are where hairs have been pulled out - efficient right?  They faded away after about half a day, so it wouldn't be a good idea to epilate right before going out if you are planning on sporting bare legs - plan ahead!

Look away now if you are squeamish!

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Review and Swatches: Sleek MakeUP Limited Edition PPQ Shangri-La Collection - Respect iDivine Palette and Jazz Matte Lipgloss

Sleek MakeUP have teamed up for a second time with quirky London fashion label PPQ to create two eyeshadow palettes for their Shanghri-La collection and this time added complementary matte lipglosses.

This Limited Edition set channels a 1960s glamorous Motown vibe inspired by PPQ's S/S 2013 collection.  The respect iDivine eyeshadow palette offers a warm selection of shades perfect for A/W while the Supreme palette is cooler toned.  

The Truly Mattely Deeply matte lipgloss in Jazz is a perfectly retro pillarbox red while Soul is a cool toned baby pink.  While I can't fault the colour or pigmentation of these glosses, I'm not fully on board with the matte texture.  Although they go on creamy, I found it too drying and needed to follow up with balm or gloss over the top.  However, they are extremely long lasting and vibrant.  

Sleek eyeshadow palettes are renowned for their excellent pigmentation, but I found the eight matte shadows a little lacking on bare skin, particularly the lighter ones.  Over an eyeshadow base however they are much more vibrant and durable.  The four shimmer shades are where the palette excels and O'Jays is particularly gorgeous, almost like a warmer NARS Orgasm.  

The collection launched on 26 September and the palettes are available for £7.99 at Superdrug or from Sleek MakeUP's website for £11.99 where they're  packaged with one of the matte lipglosses.   The lipglosses are also sold separately for £4.99 each.

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