Tresemme Youth Boost

I'm well aware that I'm not naturally blessed on the hair front. It's frizzy, dry, damaged and really not as thick as I'd like. I'm always trying out volume boosting products to try and give my hair that little bit of oomph. I had been using the Bumble and Bumble thickening hairspray for a while and although it does work, it leaves an awful lot of build up and my hair was never great on day two.

So when I was offered the chance to try out a few products from Tresemme Youth Boost range I jumped at the chance. According to Tresemme, the Youth Boost system is "weightlessly infused with omega-3 and antioxidants" and "recharges your hair with youthful fullness, softness and shine". At 23, I'm probably not the type of consumer who would notice the biggest change but I know that when something claims to be anti ageing, it's always full of moisture which is perfect for my constantly thirsty hair.

I was sent the shampoo, conditioner and styling lotion. During the first week I have to admit, I wasn't blown away. They were nice products but I thought that was it, something I'd pick up but easily change. By week two I was sold. My hair felt softer, was much more easily manageable even in the shower (no tangles even after the first shampoo!) and I didn't have to tie back flat second day hair.  I've been using the three products for almost a month and I really am in love with the results! I may revert back to my usual hair oil when I run out of the lotion for even more moisture but I would 100% buy the shampoo and conditioner again and again. I already have my eye on the Fullness Emulsion Spray to complete the range. 

Has anybody else tried this range yet, or have a wonder hair product? My mind is always open to new ideas!

Kate A

Pro Activ+ 3 Step System

When I was approached to try some of Nicole Scherzinger's beauty staples. Of course I was intrigued as to what the wonderful Scherzy uses to stay looking gorgeous. One of these being the new ProActiv+ 3 step system for spot prone skin. Having used the Original ProActiv, I asked to try this as my skincare regime was becoming a bit muddled. 

Here's a little about the brand itself: 

"Throughout their professional careers, Katie Rodan, M.D., and Kathy Fields, M.D., have been on a mission to help blemish sufferers take control—so that the physical and emotional challenges of breakouts no longer need to be a fact of life. Their vision: Healthy, beautiful skin for all.

Today, the Proactiv® branded products have sold to 20 million customers worldwide, and is trusted by women, men and teens." - ProActiv Website

This is a brand which has been championed by many a celeb which not only includes Nicole but Adam Levine (Maroon 5 Frontman), Julianne Hough (Actress, Dancer, All Around BABE!), Ola Jordan (Strictly Dancer) and Katy Perry (Also an all around BABE!) I have loved ProActiv since I first tried the skincare wipes last year in Vegas. 

When I received this it was presented in a cardboard box which looked really clean and lovely. Inside the products have steered away from the dark teal, white and orange packaging and now opted for a more simple White and Light Teal colours for it's packagine which I really like because it does look fresh and new. 

Inside the box was not only the 3 Step System there were extras that I was really pleasantly surprised with - Skin Purifying Mask and a Cleansing Body Bar.

Now I aimed to use these products for 30 days to see the effects it had on my skin. I've been using it on and off since the 20th September. I was using this product alongside my sister who often suffers with spot-prone skin who has been using it consistently. I had to take over a week out of using it due to an illness causes cracks around my nose and mouth and because all these products contain the spot fighting active ingredient of Salicylic Acid, I could not use it because my skin had become overly sensitive.

All of these products were good for me, I did see a reduction in the redness of my blemishes but it wasn't stopping the little pinprick spots from emerging on my skin. My sister on the other hand experienced amazing results from using the 3 Step System Daily, her skin had cleared up within a week of using it and is looking to repurchase.

For me the best product out of these is the moisturiser. Even though it contains the Salicylic Acid, which is a natural drying to the skin ingredient, it left my skin feeling normal and soft. 

The ALL NEW Proactiv+ 30 Day Core Kit includes your 3-Step System for beautiful, clear skin: 

+ Skin Smoothing Exfoliator (2oz/60ml) 

+ Pore Targeting Treatment (1oz/30ml) 

+ Complexion Perfecting Hydrator (1oz/30ml)

And if you order from the website you get the Purifying Mask with this bundle all for just £19.99.

I do recommend getting the 30 day kit which is a bargain at under £20 to make your mind up about ProActiv+ first because as I mentioned before it won't always work the same on the same skin types.

And if it's good enough for Scherzy then you should give it a try because it could be good enough for you. 

Thanks for reading and for more of the latest news and reviews from the Beauty Hot Squad please follow us on Blog Lovin' 

Summer Hair Heroes

This Summer has been a complete whirlwind with my hair. From cutting my long locks off and reverting back to my natural colour to try and improve the health of my hair. I've also been trying a multitude of different products over the summer. I've had 3 Shampoo and Conditioning rituals which have really made a difference. Now's time to prepare my hair for winter which is a completely different post to this so keep an eye out. 

My first one is Aussie's Miracle Moist Shampoo and Conditioner (Bought on offer in Costco for £9.50 for both (massive bottles) but usually available in Boot's 3 for 2 or 3 for £10 offers). This was perfect to start off the Summer when it was hotter in late June, early July because that's when my hair was drying out a little. I noticed that the Aussie did strip some of my colour off my hair so wouldn't recommend this to people who have recently dyed their hair red or brown. It smells amazing like Bubblegum and it left a really distinctive shine on my hair.

Next up is natural brand A'Kin. I was kindly sent these to try out and because my scalp has been really sensitive over the transition from red head to brunette to natural mousey tones and these were perfect. The bottle of Macadamia and Wheat Protein Conditioner (£10 225ml) didn't last very long but it was very very good. With natural wheat proteins it really strengthened my hair really well. The very gently shampoo (£18 for 500ml)has no smell and it's great for sensitive scalps. I use it when my fringe can do with a bit of a wash because it's kind on my forehead skin. The packaging for these is really organic.

Finally my fave. TIGI's Bed Head Recharge for Dull Hair. It has definitely put a shine back in my hair that the others couldn't. After use it feels like I've had my hair washed and blown in the salon. They use this in my hairdressers and when I had some spare cash and I seen them in TK Maxx I thought, "Why not?". Boy am I glad I did make the purchase that day. It worked out at £22 for the both but found them cheaper on Feel Unique and these are 750ml Bottle, they are MAHOOSIVE!

Thanks for reading and for more of the latest news and reviews from the Beauty Hot Squad please follow us on Blog Lovin' 

My Cut and Blow with Alison Roberts

On Wednesday I was invited down to Andrew Collinge for a complimentary cut and blow by Supreme Stylist Alison Roberts. Alison has been shortlisted for The British Hairdressing Awards -North Western Division (which I've been told are like the Oscars of the Hairdressing World). Whilst Alison was doing my hair I had a lovely chat with her and found out that she's a pretty amazing woman!

I walked into the Andrew Collinge in Castle Street in Liverpool on Wednesday at about 12.20 when I knew my appointment wasn't until 1pm but I was so excited. When I got in the receptionist showed me to a lovely comfortable seat to wait in until my appointment and offered a drink while I waited. Obviously I opted for a lovely cup of tea (which was spot on). While I sat with my cuppa I had a little nosey around and seen all the awards the salon had won and they were proudly on display around all their products they have on offer to purchase. Talking about their products, they have tonnes of TIGI products which I love loads! They aren't expensive either, a guy came in and bought a large barrel curling wand and it was only £35 which is great value. The salon itself is lovely, modern and bright, it just felt fresh and new.

 

Please excuse the poor pics with my fingers in the way!

When I met Alison she asked me what I wanted and I said I only wanted a trim but everything else was up to her. She decided on a long defined side fringe and layers in the front to frame my face. I was really happy with that and thought it would look fantastic. She sent me to be washed and conditioned and that was really where the experience starts. She asked the shampoo lad to use a number 2 on my hair which in my memory of TIGI is usually Recovery for Dry/Damaged hair. The guy was like magic, he gave me a head massage and I have never felt so relaxed in my life. 

Onto Alison herself, whilst she snipped at my hair I really wanted to find out more about her. I found so much stuff out. She's pretty much worked in two of the hairstyling capitals of the world London and New York. She lived in New York for 22 years and worked in a few salons during her time there. She said she loves Liverpool because this is where her partner is from and even though he is still back and forth from New York she loves working for Andrew Collinge (who she says is a pretty nice guy) in Liverpool. I also wanted to know what her favourite hair care products were and she says she loves TIGI Hair Reborn, MorrocanOil Light and she loves using Mason Pearson Brushes to which she refers to them as the Rolls Royce of Hairbrushes. 

I asked her about how she felt about being shortlisted for the award and what her portfolio was like that she sent in to be judged. She said she was really happy about being shortlisted and spoke to me about the prestige these awards have behind them. She said her portfolio was a mix of very geometrical styles and bold colours, which I think is amazing. I think she will really stand out from the crowd with those types of styles. I said to her that if you really love what you do then it reflects on the outcomes. I do wish her all the best of luck with the Awards on the 24th November.

Now to my final look, after all the amazing treatment I had at the Andrew Collinge Salon, I left feeling like a superstar with my perfectly trimmed and blown locks which just felt amazing. I don't think I've ever been so happy after a cut and blow in my life. Alison made me feel and look amazing and really put a spring in my step. Even the people in work noticed a big smile on my face because of my hair. 

The British Hairdressing Awards which are Sponsored by Schwarzkopf and will be held in the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 24th November 2014. I'm wishing Alison good luck at the awards and hopefully she will bring home a lovely new addition to the salon. 

Thanks for reading and for more of the latest news and reviews from the Beauty Hot Squad please follow us on Blog Lovin' 

Glossy Box August.

This month Glossybox celebrated there 3RD birthday, Which is absolutely baffeling I still rememeber everyone and there dog raving about there first ever box containing a full sized Nars product!

I haven't been a full on subscriber and have only ever gotten a few boxes (Mainly Limited edition ones) But I sighned up last month for the 4th of July box and thought i'd keep subscribed for a few months to test out the waters!

So lets see whats inside the box!

Figs & Rouge mini hand cream 

This colourful little tube caught my eye instantly it really is eye catching, The scent is Mango Mandarin and it really does smell beautiful. I own loads of hand creams but never have one on me when I need one so this handy little tube has gone to live in my handbag already!

Sample 20ml size worth £1.73 (Full size £6.95)

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer  

Now this isn't really a product that has ever really interested me, This is a pre shampoo treatment that you leave on for 20 minutes then wash of and wash your hair as usual. It is meant to boost elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine. I'm happy to give this a try as it really isn't a product I would ever buy.

40ml sample worth £6.08 (Full size £38!)

Yves Rocher Nail polish in Rose.

This teeny tiny nail polish is actually a full size! I don't get to wear nail polish very often because of work but seen as I have a bit of time off I can't wait to paint my nails with this, Upon swatch the colour is very true to the colour in the bottle and really packs a punch in pigment instead of really sheer as I imagined! 

Full size product worth £3.60

Lamour Lalique L'amour 

Ugh perfume samples! But seen as though there is 6 products this month I'll let this one slide, It smells ok.. not really my cup of tea as it is a very mature scent where as I love sweet fruity scents. But I'll use the little sample up.

Sample worth £2.68 (Full size £68)

Essence Long lasting lipstick

I got the nude shade in my box, I have seen this brand in Wilkinson's but never gave them a second thought this lipstick is pigmented but glossy, and gives a nice subtle wash of colour. Its simple and cute packaging I also really like.

Full size a bargain £2.29!

Kryolan highlighter Cashmere (Glossy box exclusive)

My last and final product is my favourite of the lot, This creamy highlighter is absolutely stunning it glides on the skin effortlessly and gives the most subtle stunning highlight, Multi purpose that can be used on eyes cheeks and lips. The price of this box is worth it alone for this product. 

Fullsize £12.95

So there we have it my August Glossy box totalling to £34.55 which is a fair amount and I'm happy with the box I'm still unsure with this box.. A £2.29 lipstick compared to a £20 full size cleanser but I suppose that's the fun of these boxes you never know!

What do you think of Glossybox are you a fan of subscription boxes ? 

Nicola x