August Empties , Products I've Used Up!

This month I decided to follow the 'trend' of collecting up the empty product packaging of beauty, skincare and hair care items I had used up through out the month of August. I enjoyed doing this, it's definitely motivation to use up things that may have been overlooked or sitting around for a bit too long! I collected mine up in the little basket above, belonging to my daughter- to keep everything together. Read on to see what I used and a short opinion on each.

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel 100g, £3.50.
I used to love this, and don't get me wrong I still really like it I just felt this time it was a little overpowering for me. Who knows why! At £3.50 it's more than I would normally spend on a shower gel of this size but is a nice treat. I believe Snow Fairy is available again at the end of October, I won't be repurchasing this year as I do still have another stored away, but in the future I would.

Herbal Essences Ignite my Colour Intensive Mask 200ml, £2.50.
This claims to 'revive your colour vibrancy' , I have blonde highlights and while I can't say I noticed it on my colour it worked really well as a weekly mask to leave my hair feeling really soft and of course smelling gorgeous!

Vineyard Peach Shower Gel, The Body Shop. 250ml, £4.00.
Smells so so nice! I feel like I've neglected the Body Shop recently but after using this I will definitely be going in soon to try some other items, especially with the great offers I keep hearing about.

 Mostly sample sizes here so I won't go into prices.

Figs & Rouge 100% Natural Organic Balm, Peppermint & Tea Tree. On the packaging it says it is a lip, face and body balm. I chose to use it as a lip balm and was really enjoying using it, even with the packaging which can be hard to open. Forgot about it at the bottom of my bag and when I found it had gone a bit weird. I wouldn't buy it again, I received this one in a Glossybox.

I wasn't a fan of the Palmers Facial Scrub, the scrub part was good- the smell not so much for me. The Dove conditioner was ok, but I wouldn't rush to buy it. Aquafresh- again it was fine!

If you read my review on the L'Oreal Micellar Solution here you will know I really like this product. Priced at £4.99. I already have another one of these on the go.

Tea Tree Blackhead Exfoliating Wash, from the Body Shop. I had this for ages, it lasted a long time and I can't currently find it on the website but I really liked this and think it was priced about £6.50.

17 Instant Body Bronzer. This was a sample size the full size is £4.99 from Boots. I wasn't a big fan of this, but then again I don't tan alot so I don't really know much on the subject.

Normandie Amazing Day Cream, I think I picked this up pretty cheap in Tesco. The packaging appealed to me but unfortunately it didn't really do anything for my skin and the smell is really manly and overpowering for me to use on my face.

Taylor Swift Wonderstruck 30ml, £19.50. The packaging is so damn cute, I'm tempted not to put it in the bin lol. Smelled gorgeous and would definitely purchase again.

Helen Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Black Mascara. I received this as a gift so I'm unsure how much this costs nor do I know much on the brand. The packaging is fab but the product didn't do much for me, I found it clumpy and it often smudged under my eyes.

Physician's Formula Fake Out Organic Wear Mascara, I bought this as part of my iherb haul and I enjoyed using it but found it dried up in the tube a bit too quick.

There we go, my August empties. I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up and that I didn't ramble on too much. If you have done an empties post I'd love to see it!

Linzi
xo

Confessions of a Make Up Novice

I've never been fantastic when it comes to make-up. It's only the past few years that I've really started treating myself to good quality make-up. Growing up I never wore it except for the occasional concealer to cover some teenage spots.

Me and one of my best friends at 18 as you can see I was very pale and had not started using a proper foundation or bronzer.

I think I was 19 when I really got into good make-up and even then it was just like basic stuff like foundation and eye shadows. I also found out that contact lenses aren't as scary as I thought. When I was 21 I learnt how to put on fake eyelashes, I thought as I was going to Vegas I might as well learn and have show stoppers for a night out.

As you can see, still not really got into bronzer and look at the lack of brows!! Aged 21

 I think the past year or so I've really got into it. Learnt about contouring and stuff like that. Being a part of this group has really given me a lot more knowledge about make-up. I now know about Bronzer, Illuminating, Highlighting and most importantly, Zee Brows!

Mastered Basic Make-Up This Year at Aged 23

Even though I am still not an expert I am still going to continue to learn and my next make-up conquer I would like to accomplish would be learning proper eye make up. I've already started, I have been sent a 12 piece make-up brush kit (£9.99) and a make-up "Tool Kit" (£5.99) both from W7 Cosmetics. And over the next few weeks I will be self teaching myself to do "proper" eye make-up and try and learn how to put on eyeliner and maybe do simple smoky eyes to show you. So keep an eye out and any pointers please leave me any comments below. 

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

Lust List: Illamasqua Sacred Hour

I need to start this post by saying that I think this may be my all time favourite Illamasqua collection. I need it all! I'm a massive fan of the colours Illamasqua use for their products. They're all so unusual and absolutely stunning. I've picked out my three favourite products and put them at the very top of my lust list.

Firstly, the Reflection eye palette is without a doubt at the top of my list. The four colours, Precipice (Soft Lemon), Acute (Ash Taupe), Graphica (Graphite Grey) or Dart (Toasted Bronze) are all beautiful and I think Precipice would look perfect for a natural eye or a bold fifties and sixties look with Graphica or Acute lining the socket. As I'm a blue-eyed girl I always go for bronzes around my eyes on a night out  and Dart looks like none of my several bronze eye shadows. At £34.50, it's a definite treat!

Just look at that lipstick. Shard is an absolutely gorgeous red violet colour with a matt finish. Always a plus in my book. I just know it'll look great with Autumn/Winters new dark and embellished trends and I have an outfit planned around it already! At £16.50, Illamasqua lipsticks don't come cheap, but I don't mind investing in good make up if I know I'll use it over and over. 

The third one was tough to pick, but Velvet blusher in Sleek came out top. I've been looking for a coral blush that won't look strange on my super pale complexion and I think this colour is just right. It's a cream- to- powder blush which I often find to have the best results (plus I can be lazy and apply it with my fingers when I'm in a rush). It retails at £18.

Anybody have their eye on anything else in the collection? Who's brave enough to try the eyelashes?

Kate A x

Images obtained from Illamasqua.com

I LOVE SUMMER TAG

Summer is nearly over but found this fun tag on the lovely Charlotte's blog Confessions of a Small Town Girl  It's kinda like a get to know me. So thought whilst it's still Summer I'd do it.

1. Favourite bronzer for Summer?

As you may know I love Soap & Glory's Solar Powder Bronzer and have used it quite a bit this Summer, I love it because it's so light wearing and looks great.

2. Favourite summer lip product?

Sounds boring but plain old Chapstick, it has an SPF in it and it comes in lots of gorgeous flavours, my fave being Cherry! I really love Nivea Lip Butter also.

3. Pool or beach?

Definitely the Pool! I have a thing about sand, it physically makes me feel ill. I feel sick just thinking about it - BLEUGH!! 

4. Must have styling product?

My must have product for styling my hair is my Heat Defence Spray! It's a must have for all hair styles.

5. Sun bathing or fake tan?

Sun Bathing. I am awful at putting on tan and it always goes wrong or patchy haha. Saying that I am prone to sunburn whether slapped up in SPF or not.

6. Favourite summer drink?

Definitely Pina Colada's. I love them, only just found out that a cheap, easy at home pina colada can be made with some Malibu and Pineapple juice. My sister also makes these ones called Mary Millingtons with Vodka and lots of fresh fruit and fruit juices. 

7. Favourite summer nail polish?

I don't actually wear nail polish, I'm funny about stuff on my nails. But I know my sister has really enjoyed getting Gelish polish done on here nails, she's currently got Silver Glittery Nails which look fabulous!! 

8. Any summer traditions?

Me and my boyfriend always go the bank by the beach and watch the sunset every year, a few times in Summer. Usually with snacks.

9. Favourite summer scent?

Katy Perry - Meow and Clinique Happy Heart. Both really florally scents which are great for the summer. Both in cute pink bottles too, so they look pretty on my chest of drawers. 

10. Favourite BBQ food?

Belly Pork!! I love everything that comes off a pig but on a Barbie Belly Pork is definitely a winner! And can't go wrong with a Corn on the Cob. Mmmm now I'm hungry!!

11. Favourite summer-proof product?

Steamcream, with all the warm, it's drying out my skin and Steamcream has been my saviour!! 

12. Any summer plans?

Not really, been recovering from surgery the most part of the Summer but in September I am going to Vegas to make up for any lost time! Next year though, there will be a Summer holiday, rest assured!! 

Feel free to join in and post this tag on your blog - let me know if you do.

New Haircare Wonder Product, Haircare Tips & Your Questions Answered

I've tried a new product that was sent to me a few weeks ago. It's called Wella Color Recharge in Warm Red (RRP: £11.85). It's a colour refreshing conditioner for "Warm Red" tones. It's a product used by Wella Professionals and is a salon fresh product used on the models in the Missoni Show in Milan SS13. 

I dyed my hair darker last week and this was the product that I needed for my new darker locks. I go away in 5 weeks and I want to try and keep the colour intensity in my hair as much as possible so before I go away it will just be a touch up job on my roots. 

It's a thick, red conditioner and it's recommended to be left in 3-5 mins for it to put it's magic to good use. I did this and it wasn't too heavy on my hair and rinsed out easily. 

After I had rinsed, I towel-dried my hair and then blow dried it. From my years of taking care of my hair I have noticed that a good conditioner cuts down drying time. It blew out lovely and quickly. My hair felt super-soft, really clean and had a great shine to it. 

Pros - 

• It's light on your hair which makes for shorter blow drying time.
• This conditioner is specifically for Red heads which leaves colour-depositing pigments where they are needed most. 

Cons - 

• Only thing is the price, but this is a professional product and have paid more for other products.

This is part of a Color Recharge Range which includes products for Blonde's, Brunette's and Red Heads! Wella Products can be purchased from Salon's over the country. To find your nearest Wella Stockist click here.

Haircare Tips

As you know I love taking care of my hair and keeping it as healthy as possible. Below are some of my top tips to healthy hair.

- For healthy hair a cut is recommended every 8 weeks

- To create some texture in your hair, braiding is a good way to create waves

- For instantly fresher, cleaner feeling hair rinse with cold water

- When blow drying try not to use the hottest heat, it can give you static hair and using a cooler setting will mean easier styling.

- Try not to tie your hair up with bobbles or bands with any metal in, as these can snag the hair and damage it.

- Massage your scalp occasionally as this will bring out the natural oils and protectants for the roots of your hair.

- Dye your hair often? Use colour friendly shampoo and conditioner as these will not only look after the colour of your hair, it also protects your hair more than a normal shampoo and conditioner.

- Keratin Supplements promote healthy, strong hair. Taking them regularly will not only keep your hair in good shape, it also helps with growth.  (Good for Skin and Nails too)

Your Questions Answered! 

I asked a few people on Facebook if they had any haircare questions they wanted to know the answers to. So me using as much of my knowledge as possible answered them. Some of them are our blogging friends so I've included links to their pages. (But finish reading this before you go explore ;))

Rachel Armory - How do I make my hair stronger?

- There’s a couple of easy ways to help the strength in your hair.  Tie your hair up as much as you can just use snag free bands to put it up, this will stop it from dealing so much with the elements and stop you running your fingers through it. Don’t over brush, on average a person loses between 100 – 200 hairs a day, over brushing will bring that number up for yourself in turn thinning your hair out and damaging it. Don’t over use products and finally, drink plenty of water.

Anna Smith  - My hairs starting to break! What products would be best to fix this!?

- Sounds as if you need a good intensive conditioning treatment. Preferably with Argan Oil or Keratin in it. I recommend Mark Hill MiracOILicious 2 Minute Intensive Treatment which is £7.99 in Boots, it really does work and depending on the damage to your hair. If there’s a lot of damage, then 2 times a week until you see a noticeable difference then just once weekly.

Kay Gilligan - I have thick, wavy hair but when its dry its very frizzy. What the best way to achieve cheap beach like waves whilst abroad? (Is that any good?) xx 28 minutes ago via mobile · Like

- If you don't want to spend anything a good braid will give you beachy waves, I usually do 2 braids because my hair's thick, but use a good conditioner and put the braids in while towel dried.  But for a good product to use try Got 2B Beach Matte Salt Spray. If you struggle with frizz then avoid heated appliances as much as possible whilst you are away on your hols. (£2.70 Superdrug) Facebook: Nail Envy Sunniside Durham

Ingrid Baumgart - What's best for lots of volume? Xx 34 minutes ago via mobile · Like

To reduce product build-up I’d use a Volume Boosting Shampoo and Conditioner and dry your hair upside down on a cool setting for extra oompfh. Phil Smith's Be Gorgeous! Big It Up Shampoo and Conditioner is available from Sainsburys for £3.99 each.

Fay Brant - I have incredibly thick hair, which products should I be using to tame it? 

Jennifer Dixon - My hair is rather long and I love the different things I can do with it (when I can be bothered!) however it gets tangled and knotted very easily, I started using a leave in conditioner, which helped with the tangles but it made my hair really greasy, any other solutions? http://www.mymummyspennies.com/

- To both Fay and Jennifer - I’ve not long invested in a Tangle Teezer and it’s amazing!! I also have lots of thick hair so completely understand. The tangle tamer works through tats and knots a little bit easier than a normal brush.  Just remember to condition your hair a few times a week and use a detangling spray, don’t be afraid to use a kids one, my one has Rapunzel on! They are £9.18 from FeelUnique but cheaper alternatives can be found in Poundstores, Bodycare and Drugstores

Pippa Ainsworth - I'm growing out short hair and it's getting a bit of a bushy mess. I don't really want to get it cut as I need it to grow but would love some tips for keeping it under control, it's very wavy and thick (www.redrosemummy.com)

- When you wash your hair if you blow it on a cool setting it should calm down the bushyness of it. Don’t be afraid to try new styles whilst growing out your hair –such as quiffs, curls, across head braids. As I’ve mentioned in my tips, try some supplements for hair which will help the growth. Remember though hair grows quicker when you get rid of any damaged ends so if a cut isn’t for you get a trim, even a quarter of an inch will make a massive difference to how well your hair grows and the condition of it.

 

My sister with short hair after having it wanded.

Rachel Armory - How long should I use a protein treatment for?

- Protein treatments really depend on the condition of the hair, for damaged hair it’s recommended that you use a protein treatment 2-3 times in a month you can keep using the protein treatment until your hair feels in better condition after that it only needs to be a once monthly treat for your hair. Milk_Shake do an Integrity Hair Treatment which is enriched with Protein which what I recommend for anyone looking for a good protein treatment.  (£13.99 Feel Unique)

Joanne Dodd - My teenage daughter’s hair gets greasy after one day of washing, we have tried all-sorts of shampoo for greasy hair over the years and it has not worked. How can I keep her hair nice in between washes? www.mummy2five.com 

- Neutrogena do a shampoo called T/Gel and they do one specifically for greasy hair, it rids the hair of excess oil and it’s the only one I’ve known to work properly. If you’ve tried this, then a good clarifying shampoo 1-2 times a month will reduce grease and the build up of hair products. Make sure that she’s also using her conditioner properly, only conditioning the ends and not going near the root where natural oils are formed. One last tip is don’t over brush, especially not at the root, brushing can act as a stimulation for the scalp releasing natural oils. For those in between days try a dry shampoo which will soak up any excess oil from the roots. I highly recommend Batiste. T/Gel is £6.99 in Boots

Keeley Watts - I'm running low on my Aveda Be Curly cream and could use a cheaper alternative that won't make my curls crispy and can be left to dry naturally, any suggestions? www.phatcupcake.com

- There are lots of god alternatives to Aveda’s Be Curly Curl Enhancer Cream. There is a make called “Sexy Hair” and they do a foam curl enhancer. It’s currently £10.79 from FeelUnique and from my knowledge of foam products for hair they work a lot better than creams as creams can leave your hair feeling quite heavy, and as it’s a foam not a mousse, it will be light on your hair and it won’t leave your hair feeling sticky or crispy.  

Colette Burgess - My hair is ridiculously long & thick (its in desperate need of a good cut) but tips for styling / looking after very long would be welcome! benandchloetakeontheworld.blogspot.co.uk

- It’s really easy to look after long hair, just shampoo and condition it and when styling use a heat spray along the lengths of the hair so no more damage can occur. I also recommend a good conditioning treatment once a week as a little treat for your hair. In terms of styling, waving /curling is a great way to hide ends that need a good cut. I have a tutorial here.

Tina Bailey  - Following a bad haircut, I'm in the middle of growing my fringe out so I can have a long side fringe put in. It is now at that "clipped up on top of my head to keep it out of my eyes" stage. Any tips for styles to hide the current fringe disaster?! http://mothergeek.co.uk

- First of all, try not to pin it right back (this can sometimes lead to giving yourself an unwanted cows lick, which is never good if you’re wanting a side fringe), if you’re getting a side fringe in then clip it to the side you want the fringe on as it will stay better when it gets cut in. In terms of styles I always go for the cross over braid or a twist, as this can add a little bit extra to your hair as well as training it to sit to the side.

Rachel Armory - How much heat protection spray should I use?

- Dependant on the length and thickness of your hair it should only need a few spritzes, the thing to remember is not to drown your hair. I use Phil Smith’s Be Gorgeous Hot Stuff which is £4.09 also available at Sainsburys

Stephanie Ball - How do you make dyed blonde hair look more vibrant instead of looking washed out? Is there a product to make it brighter instead of continuously dying it ??

- Wella Professionals not only do products for red heads (see above) they also do a whole range of blonde maintenance products for around the £11 mark. If it’s a cheaper alternative you’re looking for, then John Freida’s Colour Renew Range has had some great reviews, and from this I would say it’s well worth a try. John Freida can usually be found in Boots on 3 for 2 or In Asda for 3 for £10.

Kerrie McGiveron - I dyed my hair blonde gradually last year, and then got fed up and dyed it back to brown. It is now a nice colour for me, but very dry and brittle. I know that I need to grow it out but would you recommend a treatment regime to get it back to health? www.wifemumstudentbum.com

Now, with dry and brittle hair I would recommend a deep conditioning masque once a week but if you’re short for time then Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructer Deep Conditioning Treatment once or twice a week will really help. After you conditioner your hair rinse it with cold water, this will help with the brittleness and open up the pores on your scalp to release your own natural oils into your hair which help with the condition of it. Aussie Haircare is currently on offer in Boots for 3 for £10

I hope I've helped you with your haircare. If you have any more questions comment below and I will answer back ASAP. Remember to visit the lovely ladies' blogs from the Q&A session today.

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

Beetox Serum

I was asked a little while ago to try this new (and expensive) serum, a serum which promises to assist with cell regeneration, hydrates and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This serum is BEETOX - Manuka Honey and Bee Venom Serum. I won't lie, it smells pretty nice, but I think if you used too much the smell could be overbearing.

I have a few little scars on my face which I would love to try and vanquish with a miracle treatment but this was not meant to be for me. 

I received the bottle of 30ml Serum (pictured below) and it highly recommends, even though all products are natural and organic, that before use a patch test is to take place. This is one of the most important parts DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE ALLERGIES TO BEE STINGS. I'd never been stung by a bee from my recollection, so went ahead with the patch test. The consistency of the serum itself is thick and rich. It's oil free so it's suitable for those with oily and combination skin. 

After about 20 mins after the patch test my hand was itching like mad and started to swell a little, those who know me may know I'm a tiny bit sensitive to some things and one of those things, I found out the day of the test was - BEE VENOM!! Ahhhhh. 

As this retails for £45, I didn't want to waste it. So as the lovely daughter I am, I told my Mum to try it without telling her about my previous itching and swelling "incident". My Mum loves trying out new things and truth be told this has made her skin look a lot healthier. My Mum tried this over a month and only really just over a third of the bottle has been used so even at £45, if it lasts 3 months it is WELL WORTH IT!

(Unfortunately my Mum didn't pose for any pictures for this post so, apologies for that.)

Just some important information about this product. It uses Bee Venom, which when I first got it I was hesitant to try it as I thought to myself: "Don't Bee's die straight after they sting?" with this product it isn't the case,  Bee's only die because they penetrate a thick enough surface to lose their stinger (ie skin). To extract the venom from the Bee is a delicate process where the Bee's are kept in a good environment where they are encouraged to sting a thin layer of something which collects the venom and leave's the Bee's living a happy beeful life. 

BEETOX also do a Moisturiser and a Face Mask which is available from their online store at: www.beetox.co.uk

Additions to my Lush collection ...

I've recently added some goodies to my growing Lush collection, and thought I would share them with you. I'm a big fan of Lush products and love using them mostly weekly as a little treat, read below to find out what I got.

Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask, was the first product I picked up. I say picked up as I did the return 5 clean empty black pots from the store and receive a free Fresh Face Mask in return, encouraging recycling. This 75g pot retails at £5.95 and aims to help get tired and dull skin back to radiant and glowing. I've since used this a few times and really enjoy it but no so much as my favourite Face Mask, the Lush Oatifix which is for dry skin.

The rest of the products I got we're all bought from the lovely Annie from Three Little Búhos. Annie was downsizing (a very small amount I imagine!) of her Lush collection and was selling a few 'surprise' type boxes. Keen to try more products I bought one. Although yet to try most of the items they all look fab,below are the lovely things I received :) .

The first product I saw was the Iced Wine Shower Jelly, this is a Retro product available only online but I can't seem to find the price. Anyway, this smells AMAZE! 'A superbly fruity tropical, fruity shower jelly to wash your body (and your, too!) ' Not sure if I'd use it in my hair but really looking forward to trying this chilled. 

Next, is the Marzibain bubble bar. Love bubble bars! Not the biggest fan of marzipan though but through the wrapper the smell isn't overpowering, and hey if I don't like it it will defiantly get used by my daughter. Retails at £3.40 and only available online or in the Poole shop. 

A sample size of Flowers Barrow, smells good- I actually haven't tried the perfumes before but this is really nice. Prices start at £14 for 10ml. This smell really reminds me of something but can't think what. 

Another sample, this time some of the Gorgeous moisturiser which has a huge rrp of £39.50 for a 45g tub but the reviews on it are fab so it must be worth the cost.

The wrapped item is Big, the Solid Conditioner which is £9 for 100g. Again, this smells really fab.

I've also forgotten to take a photo of the Double Choc lip tint which was included in my goodies, smells yummy!

I saw this and thought Hmmm, is this for guys? Well I read up some reviews of DIRTY Shaving Cream and i think not, maybe more aimed at men to make them feel not so girly lol it smells good and I'm looking forward to trying it. 

Ultimate Shine Solid Shampoo bar, £5.50 for 55g. Not much to say as haven't tried it as of yet but look forward to. 

Last item I got was the Dirty Springwash Shower gel, £4.50 for 100g. I actually have one of these already in my collection unused, but luckily for me I love the smell of this. Spearmint and Menthol LUSH! 

Overall I am really happy with what Annie sent me and I hope you enjoyed seeing what I got in my surprise box. Is there any Lush products you really love? 

Linzi 

xo

Hydraluron- does it do what it says on the box?

According to the box, Hydraluron is a hydration serum inspired by injectable hydration treatments employed in Swiss clinics. It uses the world's purest grade of hyaluronic acid from the Netherlands as it's hydration active, which can hold up to 1,000 times it's weight in water. Hydraluron also contains a bio-engineered strain of marine red algae, which causes controlled and mild stimulation of skin turnover to allow thorough penetration of the hyaluronic acid. Basically, it seems to be a product that allows us to retain high levels of moisture in the skin, with clinically proven results. Not only is skin hydration improved drastically in 8 weeks, skin elasticity is increased by 27% and skin roughness is reduced by 10%. It's available in Boots stores for £24.99.

A small amount of the serum can go a long way! The amount in the picture is enough for my whole face, and so don't be put off by the small tube. It's used as the last step before moisturiser, and it smooths onto the skin beautifully. I've been using it morning and night as part of my usual routine. 

I started using hydraluron with high hopes. After seeing it hyped up by all of the beauty bloggers out there, I started to believe that there was finally an answer for the dry skin problems that have plagued me through life! I promised myself I'd wait to review this product until I had been applying it for the eight weeks used by the testers so I could give a full review.

Through the first few weeks, I could honestly say it was a wonder product. I used to have to moisurise my nose several times a day and that necessity seemed to vanish within the first few days. Had I found a wonder product?? After I passed the six week mark, my skin was starting to dry again. Now I don't know if this was because my skin was exceptionally dry after being subject to the constant changes in the weather or not but I really did expect there to be a more constant improvement. 

I would buy the product again as I think that, with a lot of products like this, I'm just used to the effects now and my skin was really dry before so without using a serum it will just return to how it was! I'd love to try more serums out there but the reality is that they're just too expensive right now. At £24.99 this is most than half the price of loads out there. What serum's do you swear by?

On another note, I seriously do think that a healthy diet and eight glasses of water a day could be a "wonder product" by itself. I've decided to drink at least two litres of water a day and see where that takes me before I start spending a lot of money for a product that is not guaranteed to work! I'll continue to use the serum until it runs out (STILL going after eight solid weeks!) and let you know the results. Have any of you tried Hydraluron? Did it work for you?

Kate A x

Sam Faiers' Interview - Fake Bake's Real Women Fake It! Campaign

Fake Bake are on a mission to find real, inspirational women to join their brand. Sam Faiers is an ambassador and judge for Fake Bake's Real Women Fake it! Campaign, and I asked her some questions to get an insight into her views on both the competition and beauty.

Judges for Fake Bake's Real Women Fake It! Campaign:
BB Winner Josie Gibson, Fake Bake Founder Sandra and TOWIE's Sam Faiers

From July 22nd, Fake Bake have been scouring the country and encouraging ladies to nominate their friends and family for this amazing prize. ‘We want to hear about that colleague who juggles her career and motherhood and is still uber glam or that nurse who always looks top-to-toe perfection because she knows it cheers up her patients’ Sandra Mclumpha, Fake Bake consultant. 

The competition will be judged by much loved reality TV stars Sam Faiers from TOWIE and Big Brother’s Josie Gibson. A noted beauty journalist will also be joining the panel which will be headed up by Fake Bake’s very own Sandra Mclumpha. 

(Source: Fake Bake Real Women Fake It! Campaign Press Release)

What interested you in taking part in Fake Bake’s Real Women Fake it! Campaign?

I’ve known the brand for quite a long time now and Sandra (the founder of Fake Bake) and I have been friends from the day I started TOWIE, we’ve always kept in contact. So when she was telling me about encouraging real women to model and be a part of Fake Bake and the team, I definitely wanted to do it. With Josie and I being involved I think that we are really good judges because I feel like I am a real woman; not only because I haven’t had any surgery but because I’ve got natural curves and I appreciate a real woman and a working mum. I’m really looking forward to it.

Our favourite Fake Bake product is Flawless Darker, what’s your favourite Fake Bake product?

Mine is probably the Airbrush Instant Self Tan. It’s good because when you’re going out if you haven’t got time to fake tan you can put it on your arms and legs and it gives you a nice glow.

What is your number one beauty necessity?

Probably a moisturiser as I’m always really conscious of my skin and ageing, so I make sure I use a good face cream. Though it doesn’t have to be expensive, just nice and moisturising for my skin.

Who do you think would be the ideal candidate to win the Fake Bake Real Women Campaign?

I would like to see someone who is confident, bright and bubbly, and has got natural curves. There are already so many entrants and everyone has got a story behind them. We’ve still got a way to go yet... what I’m saying now I may completely change my mind when I meet them.

Do you find pressure in looking good 24/7 because you are often in the spotlight?

I suppose sometimes, but the point of our show and what we do is to look glamorous and look great. Though I’m actually quite casual…I think some people think we just wear heels and have our hair blow dried 24/7 but we don’t. However, when I’m going to an event where there’s probably going to be paparazzi I enjoy to pamper myself and look nice. But I don’t really feel pressured, I only do it as and when I want to. Say for example I’m going to the office and I’m going to do a bit of work for the shop then I’ve just got my leggings and jumper on.

What was the last beauty product you bought?

It was in Manchester in Selfridges. I spent about £200 in Mac makeup, including a new range of lipglosses.

You can follow Fake Bake's Real Women Fake It! Campaign through their Facebook Page here. You can also catch Sam on Twitter on @SamanthaFaiers. 

NO INHIBITION 12 Wonders - 2 Week Review

Missed my first post for this product? Find it here.

I've been using NO INHIBITION's 12 Wonders (RRP £11.99) for like 2 times a week for the past 2 weeks. I have noticed that only about 1/6th of the bottle has been used, which is good because I've used quite a few sprays whilst using it. The spray is thick, it's more like a cream. One little flaw from this bottle design I think it would work better with a trigger spray as oppose to a normal spray cap as you do have to spray the bottle a few times to cover your whole head.

How to use: Spray on towel-dried hair then comb through or massage into hair using fingers. Style as normal.

The product has 12 Wonders (ie things it can do for your hair). These are listed below and those with an X next to them are the ones I have noticed it has done for my hair. 

1. Repairing action (on all hair types)  X 
2. Anti-frizz X
3. Prevention of split ends X
4. Heat protection X
5. Hair hold
6. Conditioning X
7. Extreme shine X
8. Gives body and volume
9. Facilitates the use of irons X
10. Protects and preserves hair colour X (I have only just coloured my hair though but my previous colour was preserved really well as you can see in the above pictures as the red is still pretty vibrant.)
11. UV protection
12. Smoothing the cuticle for sleek results X

Source: Unleased-Potential Press Release for z.one concept.

I am still hoping that I will see all 12 wonders work on my hair. I will be back in 2 weeks time with another write-up and a how to blowdry long hair as quick as possible using 12 Wonders from NOINHIBITION. 

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