PRO:VOKE Liquid Blonde Range

PRO:VOKE are a hair brand I wasn't really familiar with until recently due to being a brunette but you might know them for their Touch of Silver range if you need to keep your blonde hair free from brassiness.

Recently I lightened my hair and it was timed rather nicely with the new release of the Liquid Blonde range designed to meet the needs of those of us with highlighted or multi-toned blonde hair. By using Liquid Blonde we can enhance the colour and prolong, what I'm discovering is very costly visits to the hairdresser.

The first two products from the range are the Liquid Blonde Colour Activating Treatment Shampoo* and Liquid Blonde Intense Shine Conditioner* which are to be used once or twice a week to freshen your colour, with best results when you leave in for the advised 3 - 5 minutes. The shampoo contains Golden Blonde Pigments which tone and treat highlighted blonde shades. This is perfect to use before a big night out if you're looking to boost your colour.

When using the conditioner ensure you apply a generous amount and your hair will be left glossy with shine as I'm realising that my colour treated hair can very quickly look dry or lackluster.

To prevent any colour build up in between the aforementioned treatments I am using the Liquid Blonde Colour Care Shampoo and Conditioner*. Both protects work to protect against environmental pollution, boost shine and their light reflecting particles ensure your colour stays vibrant

I went to the salon for a touch up on my colour last weekend and the hairdresser even commented on how well my hair was reacting to the colour and it wasn't looking damaged so thank you Liquid Blonde.

Do share how you look after your blonde hair, especially any tips for protecting it in the sun.

*this post contains press samples

My Favourite Make Up Brushes

Make up brushes, the tools of the trade and the product that can make or break any make up look. Hmmm perhaps that is a little to over enthusiastic but there's something to be said for a decent make up brush aiding someone who is wanting to learn and hone their skills.

To say I was always a fan of make up brushes is a stretch but I did enjoy the process of buying, my early collection came from The Body Shop and in recent years US trips saw me stocking up on Sonia Kashuk. I also shouldn't tell you my old method of washing them would be rinsing under the tap and then dumping in a jug of water for a few hours/days. Thankfully now my current brush cleaning method is far more effective.

Ramblings over let's actually talk about what my favourite make up brushes and why starting with the foundation brushes. It'll be no surprise that first up is the Real Techniques Buffing Brush which annoyingly can only be purchased inside the Real Techniques Core Collection. I've tried the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and even the Bold Metals 101 Triangle Foundation Brush but neither compare to the Buffing Brush for me.

This is the closest I get to an airbrushed finish without that Snapchat filter and I find it works well with all types of foundation I own. Even if I'm rushed with my make up application I still get good results, and when working at my leisure even better.

Sephora's Pro Airbrush 55 brush is definitely one I use when I have more time on my hands as I find the longer bristles make hasty application a little harder. I typically have used this in the past with my beloved Make Up Forever HD Foundation and it is a beautiful partnership. I was even able to pick up a smaller handled travel size which I will be testing out this month when I'm off on holiday.

New to me is Brush Works Multi Tasking Brush* from MakeUpBrushes.co.uk. This website features a lot of familiar make up brush brands, with fast dispatch and free first class delivery. I was able to take a look round the website and pick a brush or to try, the Multi Tasking brush being one of them. I was keen to see how it would fair against my favoured Buffing Brush and it's a hit. I have a pile of make up brushes sitting in my kitchen waiting for cleaning so I've been able to give the Brush Works Multi Tasking Brush a through testing and I'm pleased with what I'm seeing. Dense fibres create the perfect conditions for blending my foundations and for £6.99 I'm happy.

I'm not very adventurous with my eye make up but I find that a trio of brushes from Mac really help make my life easier. Eyeshadow colours are packed on with the Mac 239 Eye Shader Brush, I pick up a new Mac 217 Blending Brush from Duty Free whenever I travel, it really is worth the hype. And a new addition is the Mac 219 pencil brush which I dip in and out of using depending on the look.

Of course these aren't the cheapest of brushes and it seems like Real Techniques, the typical high street make up offering don't provide a good selection of make up brushes. That's where Zoeva fit in. I have the Zoeva Rose Gold 227 Luxe Soft Definer Brush* and I might even love it a little more than the Mac 217. I use this a lot during the week when I'm just reaching for a single eyeshadow and it blends it beautiful. Often the proof is in the cleaning and this cleans up a treat with no shedding to speak of. I definitely think it's time I added a few more Zoeva brushes to my collection - send me your recommendations.

I was also sent the So Eco Eye Brush Set* from MakeUpBrushes.co.uk which contains a concealer brush, eye shading brush, angled eye liner brush and finally a lash and brow comb which I have to ask why we are still be subjected to these - does anyone use them? Although the spooly is a greatyly appreciated.

My two top picks from the list are the eye shading brush and angled eye liner. Wider than the Mac 239 it allows for packing on those one colours without needing too much detail. I'm usually loyal the to the Mac 266 Small Angled Brush but I don't know what it is about it, I keep losing them! Luckily I have had the So Eco version to hand to play with. It's thicker than the Mac version so not ideal for detailed work but it's serving me well until I hit duty free and great to have in the collection for use between washing or if I want to go a little thicker with my liner (I use powders typically).

If I have one or two of these brushes to hand I can apply my make up with ease. What are your favourite brushes?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Summer Travel Essentials

What's that we see in the sky? Could it be the sun? Yes the past two days have been glorious sunshine and whilst there may be rain on the horizon I thought I'd jump in quickly and share with you a few Summer essentials whether you'll be chasing the UK sun or travelling abroad like I am in two weeks time.

First up is MonuPlus Beauty Balm* which I've been enjoying on my no make up days at weekends. The MonuPlus Beauty Balm is designed to 'energise and awaken the complexion' with Orange and Neroli Essential Oils to calm redness and broken capillaries - so perfect if you've enjoyed two many margaritas and late nights on your holiday.

Applied after your moisturiser this is perfect for smoothing out the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles so a great addition before heading to the beach if you need a little more confidence. You can even apply a thick layer and leave for 15 minutes creating a mask that leaves skin looking it's best if you have a big night out on your holiday when you know lot's of selfies will be taken.

If you're travelling long haul on your holiday or staying in an air conditioned apartment then keeping your skin hydrated will be important. Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream* is from an Australian brand using 100% natural ingredients such as Chamomile and Green Tea (to soothe and calm) and Pomegranate (to promote skin elasticity).

The perfect natural moisturiser which protects against dehydrating environmental effects it is easily absorbed in the skin and makes it the perfect addition to your in flight beauty kit.

When I am heading on holiday you could almost say I enjoy the packing and planning process more than the holiday itself. I love nothing more than putting together check lists and one of the things I always used to include was some sort of first aid kit. The reality was that beyond a few plasters and paracetamol for those hangovers the other bumph would be taking up unnecessary space.

That said I'm quite keen to make space for NatraSan First Aid Spray* in it's handy travel buddy size as I have a feeling it will come in handy. Whether you're backpacking or relaxing in a luxurious beach resort I think you'll find a use for this new first aid spray.

NatraSan First Aid Spray contains pure hypochlorous acid which is the body's own antiseptic. And what does that do? Helps our body to kill all manner of germs that can be found in planes (tray tables are apparently harbouring more bacteria than the toilets - yuk!) but its also effective against pesky bites, minor burns from that Summer BBQ.

This handy 100ml size is perfect to check the box for having something to tackle the chance of a bite but more importantly having a sanitiser on hand. Anything that says it kills 99.9999% of germs gets the thumbs up in my book. I'll be testing more thoroughly in a couple of weeks so stay tuned.

This Works is a brand that is far much more than their famous Deep Sleep Pillow Spray and recently I've had the opportunity to try out This Works Energy Bank Skin Glow*. Marketed as a 'battery pack in a bottle' this all in one serum and skin luminiser is great for those of us that find sleeping a challenge or perhaps are exhausted and sleep deprived with jet lag.

You can use This Works Energy Bank Skin Glow* in place of or in addition to moisturiser so it makes a suitable companion for the Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream* or MonuPlus Beauty Balm*. If you're looking to maximise your products on holiday and find those that can achieve multiple uses then why not try adding to your foundation or as an illuminating primer step.

Perhaps you're travelling for business and need to boost your mental and physical alertness then this formula that contains Ylang Ylang ticks the box as well as balancing Geranium and revitalising Rosemary. All these ingredients are there to uplift and leave your radiant for any day ahead even if it's just battling tourists on your City Break.

Another product from the brand is This Works Skin Deep Beauty Oil* which comes in a travel friendly rollerball. Applied to pulse points as either a fragrance or mood booster, thanks to the plant oil ingredients, during your flight or simply as on the go boost of hydration to your skin this is very much a handbag essential. It's a simple way to add a little first class luxury in even the smallest economy sized seat.

Moving on to more intimate products and the travel sized Femfresh Daily Intimate Wash* which I've blogged about in it's more traditional size here. No one wants their holiday spoiled by discomfort and irritation and all that sea and sand can cause havoc. Designed especially for 'down there' it's well worth sticking to your routine if you find regular shower gels lead to issues. I traveled with Femfresh Wipes* when I went to Florida earlier in the year and they really came in handy if you found yourself in a bathroom without toilet paper - and even for any handy cleans ups from sticky ice cream .

Finally it'll be no surprise that if I'm heading to warmer climates I'll be armed with Sure Maximum Protection* my everyday must-have essential. Yes I could find a smaller, more travel friendly deodorant but I'd rather not take the chance and like to stick with what I know. I might not be the most active person on holiday (I'll be watching beach volleyball rather than participating) I still like to ensure that the walk from the hotel to that beachside cocktail bar doesn't leave me a sweaty mess.

What are your Summer Holiday essentials?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Products I'm trying to use up #2

Last month I gathered another pile of beauty products that sit somewhere between being on the cusp of being finished or half used. The intention is simple to add them to my everyday rotation and help them on their way to the 'empties' bag that sits in my airing cupboard.

The first product I added to this pile was the No 7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation. As I look through my blog to see when I first purchased this foundation I note it was 2014 and think perhaps rather than use up I can have a pass to throw it out? Use by dates aside and no obvious worries with formula or smell I was happily working my way through this foundation and remembered why it was one of my foundation favourites at the time, even including it in my travel make up bag due to it's travel friendly plastic packaging.

I remember being shade matched in store and using some of those No 7 vouchers it seems I'm given with every other Boots purchase. The coverage is light-medium and wears well throughout the day. It claims to be non-pore blocking, which as someone who can be lax with evening skincare can vouch for as I don't suffer any breakouts when wearing this foundation. As it claims it's a lightweight foundation that sits nicely on the skin giving a luminous finish whilst evening out the complexion.

At the end of last year I was able to try some products from The Body Shop Oils of Life collection and the least favourite of those I tried was the Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Bi-Phase Essence Lotion* or quite simply, to me at least, a toner. That criticism aside and it's perhaps excessive £15 price point I do rather like this product. I am currently using in the mornings as refresher and imagine I'll work through this quite swiftly although it's a sizable bottle.

Once again I'm reminded how old a product is with the Jelly Belly Lip Balm*. Perhaps this shouldn't be Products I'm trying to use up but Products I need to throw away! Nonetheless I'm determined and what you can see in the picture is all that is left and there is nothing like the sense of achievement at using a product to it's very end. I wrote a full review of these balms way back when. Where I have lip balms hidden all over my flat and desk at work this offering does what it should with a fun twist.

Spoiler alert I can confirm I have successfully used up Nip+Fab Viper Venom Micro Blur Fix* even before I had an opportunity to post about it. To be honest I was cheating a little to include it as it hadn't moved from my dressing table since my initial review of the Viper Venom range so it was inevitable that I would use it up quickly.

As I said in that initial review this is a pleasant primer to use, and whilst it did work to 'blur and mattify' the skin I didn't find it as obvious as Benefit Porefessional for example although this offering is more expensive than Nip+Fab Viper Venom Micro Blur Fix and if you're not a fan of the silicone this where you should be looking.

You will have seen Essence's I Love Extreme Mascara in my monthly favourites so it's safe to say I'm being diligent in using this product and enjoying it. I can already feel it's drying out a little so it'll be time to move onto something new soon, I'm thinking a waterproof version for my holiday so please leave your recommendations.

And finally another product on the list is Xen-Tan Dark Intense Weekly Tan. This was a blogger inspired purchase and was what Bondi Sands is today. That said I was actually introduced to it by a friend who popped it on me before we headed out for a night on the town and I still to this day look at the photos from that night and admire how bronzed I'm looking. Other tans have come and gone and I find I work much easier with mousse but practice makes perfect. With the weather being what it is lately (cold!) a rare occasion to get my legs out whilst also enjoying the luxury of still wearing tights means popping this on in hurry works well for me.

Keep an eye out for these products appearing in an empties post soon and feel free to give me a telling off if I happen to buy replacements before that happens!

You can read my previous post on products I'm trying to use up here and let me know what you're trying to finish.

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Book Review | The Honeymoon Hotel by Hester Brown

The Honeymoon Hotel by Hester Brown was a return to my chick lit roots and I knew how it would end a matter of pages from starting but I still enjoyed the journey.

The Bonneville Hotel is the best kept secret in Mayfair. It's art deco suites and glittering ballrooms a former home away from home for royalty and film stars alike. Recent years haven't been kind, bit thanks to Events Manager Rosie, the Bonneville is reclaiming some of its old cachet as a chic retro-glam wedding venue. While Rosie's weddings are the ultimate in romance, Rosie herself isn't; she's focused on the details, not the dramas. But when the hotel owner appoints his eccentric son Joe to the Bonneville staff, Rosie finds herself up against an unprecedented challenge; a rival whose predilection for the unconventional could derail not only Rosie's own career, but the most elaborate, high-profile wedding the Bonneville has ever seen.

I've read all of Hester Browns book, and particularly recommend her Little Lady Agency series. If you're a fan of vintage glamour all Hester's books have a touch of that. Female characters that may be flawed but not overly weak that I'm left frustrated.

There are no surprises in this book but if you're looking for a warm and fuzzy easy read on your holidays then this is worth the time.

*this post contains affiliate links