Hair's the Deal! | Aveda Scalp Benefits Shampoo and Conditioner

See what I did there!

So I was out shopping a couple of weeks ago with my mum and of course I went into Debenhams, as any beauty blogger would tell you- this is a must! I religiously look through all the makeup counters, searching for some newbies or treats that catch my eye and then bite the bullet and purchase them. I never really look at haircare. Enter Aveda....

I sometimes suffer with dry scalp. If you are like me, you know it is extremely embarrassing to brush your hair and see little flakes around your hair line, the crown and the nape of your neck where your scalp is crying for moisture. I've tried Polytar, T-Gel, Head and Shoulders and nothing seemed to work. Even shampoo and conditioners specifically formulated to moisturise your scalp and hair.

I don't really know much about Aveda, Sure I'd heard of the brand and seen the gorgeous advertising campaign with models who have long luxurious glossy hair. So I thought I would have a nose..

Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo 250ml | £17.50

"Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp" YES! This formula cleans right down to the route whilst removing excess sebum and buildup. The formula is sulphate free and creates the ideal foundation for healthy looking hair. A little goes a long way, plus the price tag makes you a bit cautious about putting a massive dollop in your hand.  It gently cleanses, nourishes and balances the scalp so all hair types look and feel their best. With a unique blend of burdock root, echinacea and sage, it smells almost herbal and calming.  Buy it here!

                           

Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Conditioner 200ml | £20.50

Hello silky smooth hair! This conditioner soothes and hydrates the hair and scalp to relieve your hair of that nasty dry itch. Also with similar ingredients to the shampoo it balances the scalp and is suitable for all hair types. I really love how your hair is soft but still manageable when dry. Plus the smell stays with you! Buy it here!

I'm really happy I've found this brand, and I'm eager to try more of their products and see how they compare.

Check out Aveda Haircare at Aveda.co.uk

Have you tried any Aveda Products, or similar hair care brands?

Liss xxx

                               

Foundation Review #1 | Bare Minerals Bare Skin Foundation

It's all about the face!

I've been a fan of the mineral foundation from Bare Minerals for a couple of years, but when I heard that the liquid foundation was due to be released I thought YES! Thank the Lord above!

Now I know this foundation came out this summer, but after wearing it for a nearly 5 months I think it's time to review it. And oh my lord.. this is a beauty!

So a quick background of what the product is. 

"Our first ever mineral foundation and skincare serum in one. This ultra-thin, skin-perfecting fluid provides seamless adjustable coverage, a natural finish and the look and feel of beautiful skin. Supercharged Lilac Plant Stem Cells and Vitamin C help to reveal brighter, more even-looking skin tone. It's like nothing you've ever felt before."

I completely agree! When I first tried it on my face the feel reminds me so much of the Loreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint foundation (which I love) where it kind of feels like your makeup on, but it does't look like your have makeup on, but you can tell you have coverage, but its really light and looks so natural. 

I originally bought the shade Bare Linen 03 when I first purchased it for summer. I bought it straight from QVC direct which scared me a bit because I hadn't seen the full shade range (there are 20 shades all together - eek!) but I was really happy that it matched perfectly. I recently had to buy the shade Bare Porcelain 01 for the winter time, which again matches perfectly. I would say that this foundation gives me a good 7 hour wear before my t-zone starts to become slightly oily towards the end of the day . I feel if you have dry/normal skin this would be perfect for you, and if you have a slightly more oily skin, I would recommend to use a blotting powder just to touch up throughout the day. 

So Bare Minerals recommend to apply the product with the Perfecting Face Brush which is a unique buffing brush style applicator with a "fluid reservoir" which holds the drops of foundation. Personally, I didn't bother buying the brush, because I have a million and one foundation brushes, and I'm sure this brush is amazing, but it wasn't for me. I enjoy applying this with either the Real Techniques Buffing Brush, or a damp Beauty Blender. 

The coverage is light to medium but definitely build-able. It recommends that you should start with 1-2 drops. Or you can use 3-4 for a medium coverage and 5-6 drops for full coverage. I always want a full flawless coverage so I usually use 5-6 drops (i'm just in denial about my fat head) on the back of my hand and then dot around my face and blend. It has a natural, dewy finish to it which is good because I am definitely not a matte-foundation fan. The one tip I would give before you apply, it to shake the bottle really well. It is super-concentrated, so the more you shake it, the less chance you will have of the foundation being really runny and thin. 

It currently retails for £26.00 which to me is kind of an in the middle price for a high-end style foundation. Believe me I have paid ridiculous amounts of money looking for the perfect foundation, so this is somewhat reasonable to me. But if your looking to try this before christmas, or maybe want to drop the hint to your boyfriend, friends or family to add to your christmas list, it currently is on sale on FeelUnique for a limited time only. Trust me you will not regret it!

(Apologies for the foundation filled makeup applicators)

Let me know your thoughts.

Liss xxxxx

What's in my box? | Birchbox November 2014

Welcome back!

November's birchbox is here! From cosying up in front of a fire and piling on layers of clothes to becoming a hermit for the next 3-4 months, there are plenty of ways to keep warm this winter. This month Birchbox provides us with all the goodies that will help us battle the upcoming winter blues and make the most of your time being all cuddled up and toasty. 

English Laundry | Signature for Her £60

Inspired by classic country gardens this charming scent melds rosy floral top notes with hints of musk. My honest opinion? I'm so undecided with this, I don't know whether its a nice smell, or its grannyish? No idea.

Beauty Protector | Protect & Detangle £14

Hair Woes Goodbye! This wonder spray detangles, minimises frizz, safeguards colour and add shine. Simply spritz onto clean, damp hair and comb through. Job done! I am prone to a slight case of frizz so i'm excited to try this out.

Lord & Berry | Mini Bronzer in Sienna £19

Super fine, matte, bronzing pigments create a healthy glow for a burst of radiance without any shimmer! From a quick swatch on my hand, the colour is not too orange, its quite light and natural, so will look perfect swept over the temples and cheekbones. 

Weleda | Wild Rose Body Oil £19.95

Wild musk rose, enriching jojoba and sweet almond oils nourish and protect skin to leave it soft, suple and smooth. I tried this after getting out of the bath, and it seems to be really soft feeling and dries quickly.

Dr Jart + | V7 Balancing Toner £18 Full Size!

A toner that moisturises? Who knew! A regenerating blend of vitamins brighten and revitalise even the most sensitive of skin. I'm so glad this is my full size treat! I'm running low of my beloved Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic so it came at the right time. It will be interesting to see how it compares, and if it helps my dry skin, thats a bonus!

Bonus : Montezuma's | Mini Bar £2.39 for 100g

This creamy milk chocolate is made from the finest organic cocoa beans for a sophisticated flavour. Get the kettle on!

Overall, It was a bit of a hit and miss box for me this month. I don't love it, but I don't hate it either. It's kind of just "meh". But I'm going to give it a chance and try the products and see how it goes. 

What did you find in your box this month?

Birchbox UK is available here - £10 + P&P 

Liss xxxx

NYC Makeup Haul

I'll apologise now! I am too easily tempted!

So I've recently just come back from New York, and there is no way I couldn't take advantage of the shopping experience whilst I was there. These are some of my favourite bits that I am not sorry they burnt a hole in my budget! When in New York.......

If there wasn't a starbucks on every corner, it was Duane Reade (kind of like our version of Boots).

OPI Nail Polish in My Voice is a Little Noise and Black Cherry Chutney

Maybelline True Match Crayon Concealer in Light/Medium

EOS Lipbalm in Vanilla Mint, Summer Fruits and Strawberry Sorbet

Sephora, Sephora, Sephora. Why not?

Makeupforever HD Foundation Kit in including HD Primer, Foundation and Powder.

GlamGlow Original Mask

Bloomingdales in Soho was one of my favourite places to visit. Full of brands including MAC, Nars and Tom Ford, I think my dad would have had a nervous breakdown if I stayed in any longer!

I was very excited to see that the Christmas Collections where already out in NYC, so of course I had to have a peek. And then ended up nearly buying it all....

MAC Studio Brush Kit 

MAC Nude Lip BAg

MAC Eyeshadow in Vanilla and Antiqued

MAC Lipstick in Plumful

It wouldn't be a right if I didn't go to Victoria's Secret.. $165 dollars later...

VS Night Perfume 100ml

VS Very Sexy Pink Satin Robe

VS Makeup Bag

VS Phone Case for Iphone 5S

I am yet to try all of the products but I am in love with the nude lip bag from MAC as it isn't your typical nude, it has a sort of mauve colour to it, which is perfect because of my skin tone. If you've tried any of the above let me know what you think!

Liss xxx

Concrete Jungle | My Week in NYC

New York City- I Love You <3 

xxxxxxx