The Straight n Go Brush

Straight 'n' Go* link

I've mentioned numerous times how hair styling is not my thing. Whilst I love a visit to the hairdressers and I can manage an amateur curl my day to day styling is pretty minimal. I've also never owned a pair of hair straighteners due to no desire nor need so I was interested to see what I would think of the Straight 'n' Go brush. 

To look at the Straight 'n' Go you can obviously see it's hybrid of straighteners and brush. Ceramic plates for aiding hair straightening and a vented design to allow for fast drying. The brushes bristles are designed for untangling and the interlocking rows for creating shine. 

Hair should be slightly damp when using and then you use as you would a normal styling brush and hairdryer. As already mentioned I do not want my hair to be poker straight but am aware it would look somewhat better with some attention to detail but speed is of the essence when I'm getting ready for work in the morning.

I've found using the Straight 'n' Go has been quick, easy and gives great results. Whilst I still like my Wet Brush for combing through to add some style to my hair the Straight 'n' Go does what it says on the tin. It's simple to use and not fussy at all. The only area I struggle with is the back and that's mainly due to the speedy process I adopt rather than attention to detail by sectioning the hair. I tend to just grab sections of hair with a tilt of the head and brush through with the hairdryer. 

This might seem a gimmick and something you don't need but I'd certainly say it's worth a try, especially if you want some sleekness to your hair rather than all out straightening. It's also far cheaper than a pair of straighteners and the perfect brush for travelling when you're concerned about plugging in appliances abroad. I've also noticed 'less frizz' from using the Straight 'n' Go which is definitely a plus point. 

The Straight 'n' Go certainly falls into the 'I didn't know I needed it till I tried it' category and I'm pretty glad I've been introduced to it. Does this sound like something you'd be interested in?

*PR Sample

Morgan Taylor Cinderella Nail Polish Collection

Morgan Taylor Party at the Palace* link
Morgan Taylor Best Ball Gown Ever* link

If you missed out on the Mac Cinderella Collection last week then I might have just the thing today to make up for your disappointment. Mac isn't the only brand capitalising on Disney's latest live action fairytale, Cinderella, so too is Morgan Taylor. 

Morgan Taylor are bringing you six shades inspired by the movie and I have two to talk about today. Party at the Palace* is a gorgeous aqua with an iridescent shimmer running through it. I'm not a fan of glitter polishes as you know but this shimmer suits me quite well and feels slightly more grown up whilst channelling my inner Disney Princess. 

Best Ball Gown Ever* is a pale blue, again with a similar shimmer to it and of course it's certainly modelled on that beautiful dress Cinders Fairy Godmother conjures up. Again whilst I'm not usually a fan of the more pastel colours I found these very wearable and perfect as we transition to Spring.

This is the first time I've used a polish by Morgan Taylor and managed 4 days with only minor chips starting to show. Despite their sheerness the opacity is there and I enjoyed wearing a pastel that caught the light without my feeling too girlie as glitter would do. I'm afraid the swatches below will not do the colours justice but do take my word for it.

Now I have my nails ready for Prince Charming it's just waiting for it's cinema release.

Will you be going to watch Cinderella next week?

*PR Sample

The Lightest Suitcase in the world

IT Lightest Suitcase in the World link

Last Summer I was lucky enough to travel to San Francisco, Hawaii and LA but in the spirit of #firstworldproblems I could only take one suitcase for the main duration of my trip. Any extra luggage would be chargeable on each flight and with four flights in total that would be costly.

With over fourteen nights away from home and various costume changes required the search began for a suitcase that would avoid any excess baggage charges whilst still allowing me to pack everything I needed. My search led me to what is claimed 'the lightest suitcase in the world'. Well that had to be the one didn't it.

The case indeed is very light due to it's fibreglass frame and 'ultra-strong' polyester casing which they tell me is 'built to last'. I thought if there is anyway to put this to the test it was certainly a trip where numerous baggage handlers would enjoy throwing it around the hold if not slightly concerned that I would arrive at various destinations to see my underwear going round the luggage carousel and what was left inside smashed to smithereens.

I'm pleased to report that this didn't happen and my case accompanied me to Las Vegas later in the year with equal success. I don't know if I simply pack too much or the internal luggage allowance wasn't on my side when I flew from Hawaii to LA (where I brought a second case to return to the UK so I could finally do some proper shopping!) and I was told I was over weight (story of my life!). I was prepared and had used packing cubes so whipped one of them out and popped it in my hand luggage and all was right with the world.

My only criticism is that it has a handle which you pull rather than many designs with four wheels which you can push. As such it may not be ideal for everyone as it does make things heavier when it's filled.

I'm very happy with my suitcase and the price was comparable to those on the market. Would I prefer to push than pull? Yes, but that's a small price to pay for being able to pack that second pair of heels!

Please tell me I'm not the only one that has a need for 'the lightest suitcase' due to overpacking.

Chanel Cream Blush in Affinite

Chanel Le Blush Creme - Affinite link

Chanel Cream Blush made an appearance as winner of the 'best cream blusher' in InStyle's Beauty Awards this year and I can see why as they are a lovely product.

I have the shade Affinite which is a bright pink that creates the perfect flush of colour on cheeks. I always reach for this blush when I want something I can rely on, know it will suit most fashion looks and can be applied either with a stippling brush or fingers.

For the reason it can applied so easily I often have this in my in flight make up bag as you may remember from this post. Heavily pigmented a few dabs on the cheeks can be blended out nicely to give the perfect look.

Chamade a red tone has been on mind for sometime and I think the fact it's never lost my consciousness its time to put those Boots Advantage Card points to use.

Have you used Chanel Cream Blushes?

Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File | An Update

Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File link

I first reviewed the Leighton Denny in September 2013 and over a year on and with it winning the 'best nail file in the InStyle Beauty Awards I thought it was worth mentioning again. 

I was a fan of the file back in 2013 and the fandom remains in 2015. This is as essential in my handbag as my iPhone and debit card are. When I happen to have used it at home and it's not in my bag I can't bear using a traditional emery board.

With the traditional emery board I find I end up filing the length of the nail away as I struggle to neaten things up but the Leighton Denny neatly turns your nail to dust and with one swipe acts quickly to deal with any damage and as it helps to seal with end of the nail it prevents splitting which is something I suffer from less now than I did back in 2013.

A year on my nail file is still in perfect condition and working just as efficiently as ever so aids my thrifty theme for 2015. I'm very tempted to buy the larger size to keep at home and avoid leaving it out of my handbag by mistake and causing the trauma of discovering it's not there!

Since purchasing myself both my mum and I have made this our staple gift for friends and family and if you haven't tried this for yourself I would recommend you do. Ultimately this update is merely repeating what I said before or more like reiterating that this was a worthy purchase and my opinions still stand.