Products I Used Up | September 2017

Another delved into the pile of beauty trash I amassed over the past months starts with the usual regular appearances of Sure Maximum Protection* and The Wet Brush. Both are staples in my daily routines, although the former may be opted due to a new deodorant I've discovered recently so stay tuned for that in a later post. The Mitchum Deodorant mini is the usual type I have thrown in my bag for freshening up on the go.

I'd love to hear from other Wet Brush users and whether you have to change yours as regular as I do - especially as I don't think I have particularly thick knotty hair to battle. It's probably my only gripe that I do sometimes feel I'm replacing it every month or two but it does give me an opportunity to try out a new colour and there's nothing like a fresh new hairbrush.

Sticking with haircare and shampoo of the dry and regular varieties; Catwalk by TIGI Transforming Dry Shampoo* and John Frieda Sheer Blonde Honey Blonde Colour Illuminating Shampoo*. Both were products that worked as they should and I enjoyed using. You can read full reviews here and here but I suspect any repurchase will be made at John Frieda. As much as I loved the scent of the TIGI Dry Shampoo, I'll still with paying a few pound for the regular offerings.

The cooler temperatures means allowing my hair to air dry isn't so much of an option and it's time to reach for the hairdryer. When I was I powered through TIGI Bed Head Queen Beach Salt Infused Texture Spray* with it's beachy scent and more moisturising offering that left hair less crispy. I would repurchase again, and indeed would for my forthcoming holiday were it not for one or two other bottles lurking around I'd like to use up before the year is out. You can read my original review here.

I've been trying some new skincare items recently so we only say goodbye to Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner* and Lacura Expert Eye Gel. Interestingly and for transparency both these items were ones I loved in it's early stages but later started to find fault and hence there appearance in the basket. In the case of Dermalogica I think I was at fault and had allowed the product to hang around to long in amongst many other skincare products. At first it seemed fine when I reached for it again but the first tell tale sign with any product if the smell seems off it's time to get rid.

The Lacura Expert Eye Gel appeared in my April Favourites I liked it so much in it's early stages but as time went on I found it was a little drying and not quite doing what I wanted. That said a few other gel eye creams I've reached for I've found the same result so think in my older years I need something a little more powerful.

Two products I'm sad to say goodbye to are my Carmex Classic Wild Pot* and Revlon Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Colour in Devotion. Again I'm trying to use up lip balms I have in my collection before buying others but I really am missing Carmex although I'm not a fan of the pot. Stiletto nails do not create the perfect conditions for dipping fingers in but the product was fantastic at keeping lips moisturised.

Revlon's Devotion was my go to lip when I wanted some colour but I wasn't in the mood for the maintenance of a red lip, it also works well whatever the weather. I realised as I was wearing this week that it was becoming less easy to work with and dispense the product so I decided it was time to favour other products. I would repurchase but also as part of my decluttering I'm allowing myself time to discover if indeed I am missing certain products before hitting the repurchase button.

The ever present hand creams that I used up this month were again disappointments. Sorry for this months empties post appearing on the negative side but I guess thats how some months go. Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Hand Cream* but as with Leighton Denny Best Defence Hand Cream* I found that my hands would not feel so moisturised after I'd applied. They were not dry in the same way as when they come out of water but I still find it was my usual experience.

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Summer Hair | TIGI Bed Head Queen Beach Salt Infused Texture Spray

There are many things to love about Summer and the warmer weather but for someone like me who will always hit the snooze button and enjoy an extra five more minutes in bed, one of those things is allowing my hair to air dry.

As soon as I'm able to pack away the hairdryer, out comes the salt spray. The salt spray I'm currently enjoying is TIGI Bed Head Queen Beach Salt Infused Texture Spray* which has a gorgeous beachy scent which belies the train journey that lies ahead and it's made a nice replacement for my typically favoured Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray.

My routine is simple; once my morning skincare and make up has been applied I spray a little Queen Beach, brush though, tousle a little, perhaps add another spritz and then walk out the door. In the current hot and him weather it's always a plus when able to avoid blowing hot air around adding to sticky conditions.

I find TIGI Bed Head Queen less drying that Bumble & Bumble thanks to Balinese sea salt and marine algae extra. I do find that there's less texture for this reason but it creates the right balance for me on a day to day basis and is a nod to Summer whilst in the office but without looking like I have indeed stepped off the beach.

Volume is not something I look for from salt sprays but because it is less drying and I am using after a regular shampoo I find that my hair doesn't lose it's natural volume and the subtle texture means my hair looks healthier rather than crispy.

As for the packaging it's cute to look at but the circular shape is a little troublesome and would be a nightmare to slot neatly into a make up bag - and no chance in hand luggage but thats a minor gripe and I can always decant.

Are you a fan of salt sprays?

*this post contains press samples

St Lucia | Inside My Shower

One of the exciting things about heading off on holiday, apart from the sun sea and sand of course is heading out to pick up all your toiletries in dinky travel size and I have a pretty healthy stash of travel minis I could reach for. That said I always panic, will I have enough for the duration of my trip, what if I run out before departure and then there are the products I already own in full size, is it worth duplicating with their smaller counterparts?

Over thinking aside when I headed to St Lucia last month my travel allowance was not something to worry about and as I continue to enjoy working my way through products I actually own or have been sent all concerns were allowed to be ignored and it was full size ahead in my shower.

During vacations there's a lot of showering, shaving of legs and prepping for a night of cocktails so I decided that Champneys Citrus Blush Enlivening Shower Mousse* was a perfect travel partner. I can't believe it's still going as it appeared in my August favourites last year as a Summer favourite so I thought it was ideal for my trip. From the Champney's 'A Little Pick Me Up' it designed to add zing to your shower routine with it's lemon scent so fitted nicely whether it was used following an early morning call for a boat trip or to liven me up for a night of cocktails after a lazy day poolside.

As a mousse rather than a gel it's perfect for regular shaving duties required during holidays yet still adds a pampering feel to a monotonous task. I also paired the shower mousse with the matching scrub which became a 'house favourite' and found it's way into my empties pile so keep your eyes peeled for that post coming up soon.

During the Summer months, or indeed those I'm holidaying in the sun Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo and Conditioner are my go to products, and they did travel to St Lucia with me but went rather unloved thanks to the Totally Bleachin' duo from TIGI Bed Head*.

I'm sure I've said this before as there are a lot of TIGI Bed Head products I'm working with at the moment but the always smell amazing and the Totally Bleachin' range is no different with it's totally tropical mango and tangerine fragrance.

TIGI Bed Head Totally Bleachin' Cleansing Jelly Shampoo* and TIGI Bed Head Totally Bleachin' Mellow After-Sun Conditioner* are will both maintain colour vibrancy thanks to their protective UV complext and use Vitamin E to target signs of damage and leave hair soft and nourished.

As my hair is coloured and dryer in recent years I found that just using a salt spray was sufficient and was conscious of drying out further with salt shampoo formlas. Using the Totally Bleachin' shampoo and conditioner ensured that my hair was left looking soft and shiny, even after a day travelling by boat at high speeds left me resembling Worzel Gummage and barely able to run a brush through.

Every time I'm on holiday I'm reminded I really should look into laser hair removal, spending too much time keeping my legs hair free. For this trip I was sent the updated Wilkinson Sword Hydro Silk Bikini razor* which has the new added benefits including Pro-Vitamin B5 and Shea Butter to protect the skins natural oils and add a boost of hydration - no one wants scaly, red or bumpy legs on holidays do they.

I have used the earlier version of this 2 in 1 trimmer with adjustable bikini trimmer with success and was once again pleased with it's use. 5 'curve sensing blades' provide closeness will reducing irritation and I do find this a gentle and more subtle shave. I wouldn't favour this for a heavier shave but for daily use it's perfect.

I'll also give a nod to the replacement blades I purchased which come in handy travel sized packets so you can throw one or two into your make up bag without finding all sorts clinging to them when you go to use.

What products must you have in your shower on holiday?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

What beauty products can you really pack in your hand luggage

A couple of months ago I headed out to Ibiza for a couple of nights, hand luggage only which caused no end of concerns as everything I needed beauty wise in liquid, gel, cream form (so basically everything) had to fit in a 20cm by 20cm clear plastic bag.

So what beauty products you can really fit in your hand luggage? Or specifically one of those small plastic bags is what I'll be answering today.

Travelling light is not something I'm good at and when it comes to beauty even less so. Yes I could settle for face wipes but I'd still want a moisturiser so I think I might as well use a regular cleanser. And then there's the make up, from mascara to your favourite liquid lipstick it all needs to go in 'that bag'. You've seen some My Holiday Essentials so how was I going to reduce that further?

Often types such as this will show a selection of products that I don't believe would fit in on of these tiny plastic bags and often suggest decanting which just doesn't make sense to me. You often end up with bulkier bottles and pots that once empty you have to return home and clean for reuse. At least with various tubes, sachets and smaller sized bottles once they've been used on your trip you can throw straight into the bin.

Firstly I use the Sephora Beauty on the Fly Travel Bag. This is actually my second as perhaps the fact I have been known to and can overstuff this is the reason why. These TSA friendly bags are zipped which stops products falling out when going through security and more importantly you can plan ahead and have all your products packed and stored without a scrabble at the security desk. For $4.95 this bag is essential for all my flights.

Starting with skincare, I took along AEOS Dew Facial Wash* which worked for both day and night cleansing. I didn't wear too much heavy make up or SPF on my trip so this facial wash was great to use.  I paired that with AEOS Refreshing Hydrating Mist* which has been tagging along to all my trips. I'm not a big fan of it's botanical scent but it's hydrating qualities have worked well, especially on long haul flights.

I probably would've forgone serum for two nights but mum handily had a sample of the Clarins Double Serum which you may remember from my Pycnogenol Challenge. Eyes were covered by Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair*, another in flight favourite thanks to it's hydrating qualities. The biggest concern was SPF and I was saved by the new release of Garnier Moisturise Bomb 3 in 1 Day Cream and it's appearance in sachet form in a number of magazines. I gathered them up and they saw me through my trip.

Another sachet I did have and enjoyed instantly was L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur Instant Skin Smoother Finishing Cream. I found it thicker than I expected and did see my skin smooth out. I'd definitely be interested in purchasing this in full size to use regularly and see if it continues to meet my expectations.

Moving on hair, an area I could've settled with simply shampoo and conditioner but I refused to be without my Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray or a volumising dry shampoo, in this instance Percy & Reed Big, Bold & Beautiful Dry Instant Volumising Spray* which is great to add a bit of oomph to my hair between washes although perhaps more than I'd like to spend in full size. Handily I had some sachets of Bedhead by TIGI Volume Shampoo and Conditioner which with my short hair and being conseravative I was able to use for the three days and two nights and had no need for the back up from L'Oreal.

When it came to make up I returned to an old favourite, Erborian BB Creme Au Ginseng Dore. It's tube was a travel friendly size, it had SPF and was a light enough coverage for in the sun whilst adequate for a fuller face. I added the Maybelline Eye Eraser, again as it's packaging slotted nicely into the travel bag although I have to admit what was once a favourite is not evoking the love any longer. A handy Chanel Mascara in mini size was the perfect accompaniment and lipsticks, the hardest part to edit came from KIKO, Revlon and Benecos.

Other items I couldn't do without were Liz Earle Hand cream, my Diptyque Rollerball, Arm & Hammer Toothpaste and of course a Soap & Glory shower gel and spare contact lenses.

I think you can see I managed to pack quite a lot into my hand luggage beauty bag and all that was left for me to do was pop to the supermarket and pick up some disposable razors. Anything you think I missed or was unnecessary?

Let me know how you would pack your hand luggage and hope this helps if you're heading off for some Winter sun.

*this post contains press sample and affiliate links

Bed Head by TIGI Volume Range Review

I'm surprised it's taken me so long to share with you my thoughts on the new Bed Head by TIGI volume range as it's one I'm loving. In fact I'm pretty sure the reason it's been omitted from my favourites is because I love each product from the range and it was waiting on this very post especially as all my friends have been told how they must get these products so it's only fair I share them with you.

My introduction to the range started when I was invited down to a hairdressers in Soho where I met with one of their stylists who talked me through the range and showed the products in action on my own hair. I must admit I can be a little skeptical about these types of events where a skilled stylist plumps and preens, I walk out looking fabulous but with no possibility of recreating the style myself. In this instance my skepticism was unfounded as I found the stylist talked me through what she was applying, how, why and gave me tips and tricks I could try at home on a relatable level.

As with any new hair range we start with the TIGI Bed Head Fully Loaded Massive Volume Shampoo* and Conditioner* which smell amazing. If you're a fan of sweet scents you'll love lathering this up in the shower. TIGI Bed Head Fully Loaded Massive Volume Shampoo says it will eliminate impurities and product build up which I do find apparent. Since bleaching my hair I've been reluctant to reach for my Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo since Zoe mentioned it can be stripping on dyed hair but I'm not finding my hair is typical weighed down or heavy as it would be usually.

Apparently you should see instant 'va-va-voom' which I don't think is the case when I leave my hair to air dry (which I'm doing a lot at the moment) but when I blast it with the hairdryer it certainly gives me more volume than I would expect. Likewise the TIGI Bed Head Fully Loaded Massive Volume Conditioner says will plump and thicken which I agree with more than the shampoo's claims. I do find it's jelly texture can weigh my hair down if I'm having a 'bad hair day' but that's more to do with my hairs quirks than the product.

Moving on to the styling products which are my favourite. The one I use most frequently is TIGI Bed Head Big Head Volume Boosting Foam* and I reach for it on a near daily basis. I use mousses or foams a lot more these days than I did having overcome my fear of scrunch drying resulting in crispy curls and the TIGI Bed Head Big Head Volume Boosting Foam is perfect for daily use whether you're blasting with the hairdryer with head upside down or being more intricate with your styling.

A small amount of the foam is run through hair and any residue on my hands tackles the roots to avoid them becoming greasy. The Volume Boosting Foam is lightweight but gives the desired volume and oomph to my hair. It is not sticky or heavy on the hair and I can simply apply this and go and even throughout the day a quick ruffle at the roots picks things back up

A tip from my stylist at the event was so common sense I was embarrassed it hadn't occurred to me before is to blow dry hair at the root, pushing the hair onto the other side of where it will hang to create volume. It's so simple and really works and is a trick I'm using constantly which in conjunction with the styling products looks like I've been teasing my hair for hours.

Finally is TIGI Bed Head Full Of It Volume Finishing Spray* which should come with a warning 'extreme volume'. This product is not forgiving and is most definitely the product that stands up to the 'va-va-voom' claims. They say 'without greasy residue or stiffness' and that it will 'deliver firm hold that remains flexible' which is mostly true. I find this to be quite sticky on my hands, I like to spray on them and then run through my hair, but it doesn't translate to stickiness on the hair.

One thing to be mindful of is as I've alluded to is that this product really does work so be careful. I sprayed some in my hair, tipped it over and blasted with my hairdryer and I resembled Cameron Diaz in There's Something About Mary. This certainly gives you volume and hold although it's flexible. It will take some figuring out how you like to use this product and what works best for you and your hairstyle but once you do you'll love it as much as I.

If you're craving volume in your hair I can't recommend these products enough.

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links