Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray Review

The Bumble & Bumble Thickening Hairspray retails at £21.50. Which is stupidly expensive. And honestly, there’s a similar thickening spray available on the market that’s much more affordable. Blue bottle, yellow top, and it’s last name is Frieda…however if you’re still interested in B&B’s version, read on.

It’s a lightweight setting spray that will give you hair extra oomph, a bit of volume and hold. This sounded perfect as I like volume, and use rollers often enough to appreciate a product that’ll help hold my style at the same time.

I like the fresh smell, although it doesn’t linger. Be careful not to apply too much in one area (hello crunchy hair!), I spray it all over and then blow -dry using a large round brush. My hair does feel thicker, though not as much as other products I’ve used in the past. However on the off-chance, the lady at the counter at Boots did offer to style my hair. And in the right hands you really could achieve a lion’s mane of volume if you so wish with this product. I prefer more sutble volume rather than va-va-voom hair and I can achieve this at home by myself.

It also works really well with heated rollers. If you’re going to straighten, then you’ll lose the volume this product provides.

So all in all, a versatile product. Looks pretty. Smells good. Expensive though.

Bumble & Bumble Texture Hair (Un)dressing Creme

(You’ll have to excuse me, I literally couldn’t take a decent photograph of myself. I still haven’t quite recovered from Reading Festival)

My hair is neither straight or curly, naturally left to it’s own devices it’s a strange fluffy mess, with only the slightest of waves. When it was shorter the waves were more prominent, but because my hair is now longer/heavier, the waves have simply dropped. So when it comes to air-drying, I try to aim for a tousled look – minimum effort, with hopefully minimum product.

I didn’t think I’d need another styling product. I have loads stashed away that I don’t think I’ve ever used. But boy am I glad I picked this little beauty up. I own the little travel sized tube, which for £9.50 is stupidly expensive. I like the packaging, the “lid” unscrews slightly, however you don’t remove it completely. There’s a little hole in the lid that the product squeezes out of. I’ve never seen hair products being dispensed like this before, and it was rather exciting (I’m sad, I know…). Right away I loved the light, beach scent. The creme itself is thick and sticky, and it’s best to start off using a small pea-sized amount and then adding more.

I made the mistake of using too much, and it left my hair crunchy. With the right amount it’s soft, matte and helps to create the most wonderful undone, tousled style. There’s alot of work involved using this product – you’ve really got to distribute the product well, and continue to rub, smooth and run the creme through your hair. It helps to use a comb too. I concentrate on my mid-lengths and ends, and then lightly use whatever product is left on my hands on my roots.

I’ve fallen in the love with this creme from Bumble & Bumble. Don’t really adore the pricetag, but what’s a girl to do? I just want to have tousled, undone, gorgeous hair.

Do you guys have any product recommendations? Especially ones that don’t break the bank?

Umberto Giannini Indulgent Beauty Moisture Mask

First of all, I would like to apologise for the photographs. They’re quite dark/shadowed, but given the distinct lack of sunshine in Wales at the moment, there’s no alot I can do besides invest in some decent studio lighting.

I’ve put off reviewing this product for a few weeks now, I’ve even finished the tub, because I feel so “blah” and “whatever” about the product. Truth be told, it’s an okay hair mask but there’s so many 5 star and amazing reviews on the Boots website that I was expecting something a little more special.

The mask contains shea butter to replenish dry damaged hair and has a light, almost floral, scent. It doesn’t linger on the hair, however. The mask is incredibly thick, and glides on beautifully. A litte goes a long way, and this 200ml tub will last for ages. The packaging is gorgeous.

(A half empty tub)

You use it after shampooing, leave it one for 5 minutes and then rinse out. Fairly simply, and not terribly time-consuming. It does leave my hair moisturised, less fluffy and a tad smoother. No shine, or disguising split-ends. It’s a decent product, it does what it says on the tub. But I was expecting more, especially long term effects. I can get the same results with a decent conditioner.

Project 10 Pan

I realised I had too much stuff when the bottom of my drawer fell through because of the weight. And it’s no even half of what I own. The rest is scattered across 2 bathrooms, my boyfriend’s apartment and my old room back the parents’ house. Something had to be done, so I set myself a challenge. I was not allowed to buy any new products until I finished at least 10 items.

And here are my 10 empty items!

Not terribly exciting, but 10 items nonetheless.

1. Original Source Lime Shower Gel
This zesty fragranced shower gel is one of my favourites for the morning routine. It lathers nicely, and oh so refreshing when you’re feeling a bit groggy. Makes me wanna eat a slice of Key Lime Pie everytime I hit the shower with it.

2. Original Source Fair Trade Shea Butter and Honey Shower Gel
The Fair Trade honey comes from Chile, and this shower gel feels slightly more nourishing than the lime version. It’s soothing, and whereas the Lime shower gel was perfect for early mornings, this one is great for relaxing evenings.

3. Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner
I have a review for this product here. And I still love it. It’s thick, and does a brilliant job at making my hair feel softer.

4. Rituals Zensation Foaming Shower Gel
I have to admit, I got bored of the scent of this shower gel almost to the point of dislike. I like the foaming aspect, but it was drying for my skin. Read my full review here

5. Boots Essentials Cleansing Wipes
These are cheap, often available on offer, and handy. I first came across these in hospital. I sent my boyfriend downstairs to the Boots in the waiting area (what kind of hospital was this!? Sounds more like an airport lounge…) to fetch a few things. Facial Wipes were on my list, as they were quick, convenient and easy to use. Since this time last year, I haven’t used any other wipes. I really enjoy the fresh cucumber scent, and even though I have to use a second wipe to ensure I got all my makeup off, these do a really a good job. I don’t find them too drying either. Woohoo!

6. Olay Complete Care Daily UV Cream
I reviewed this moisturiser not so long ago, here. It’s a great all rounder and contains the all important SPF to prevent sun damage.

7. Sexy Hair Colour Me Sexy Colourset Moisturising Treatment
Didn’t like it. Used it as a shaving cream instead. Full review here.

8. Marks & Spencer Per Una Eau De Toilette Purse Spray
There’s only 10ml in this little purse spray, handy for carrying around in your bag and costing only £3.50 it’s a bargain. Not only does it smell lovely and girly, it’s noticebly similar to a very well known expensive brand.

9. Soap and Glory Breakfast Scrub
This is the yummiest smelling body scrub ever. This is the second pot I’ve finished. It has just the right amount of sugar to give a good scrub, but it’s not harsh either. The added oils and shea butter leaves skin soft too. Absolutely lovely, and combined well with the Original Source Shea Butter and Honey shower gel.

10. Clarins Extra Firming Body Cream
Smells lovely, not overpowering. Did I notice my arms or thighs becoming firmer. Not really. Although this is only a 30ml sample tube and lasted only a couple of weeks. Maybe it needs more time?

And what did I buy to celebrate finishing up 10 products?

Urban Decay’s 24/7 Liquid Eyeliner in the shade Perversion. Totally excited to try this out.

Glesni x0

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Review: L’Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

My obsession with sulfate free shampoo started a few years ago, and ever since I’ve been happily converted. L’Oreal’s newest haircare range is an entire selection of sulfate-free shampoos that have finally made their way over the pond (where they’ve been on sale for years!)

I choose the EverSleek range, which promises to smooth and moisturise my hair. But there’s also an EverPure and EverStrong versions for different hair needs. All the shampoos and conditioners smell lovely, not the usual L’Oreal scent but not natural or organic either.

It’s well worth checking out a sulfate-free shampoo is you have curly hair, or a paticulary sensitive scalp. I have neither, a little wave, but still enjoy the benefits.

The shampoo lathers well, much better than other sulfate-free shampoos I’ve used in the past. It’s not as frothy or foamy as your usual shampoo but it still leaves hair squeaky clean. Combined with the matching conditioner, hair is soft, glossy and no frizz! I’m actually really impressed.

I found my bottles in Boots, currently on offer (3 for 2) but normally priced £5.99 each for 250ml.

Glesni x0

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Review: Percy & Reed Totally TLC Hydrating Mask

I received a 100ml sample of this product free with this month’s Glamour magazine. A full sized 175ml pot of this retails at £20.00 and is available from their website or at Beautybay.com.

This mask contains marshmallow to lend a hand nourishing and strengthening stressed tresses, and coconut oil for deep conditioning and moisturising. The ingredients also list aloe vera and mango seed oil. As you can imagine, it smells gorgeous. The packaging is also very professional and I really like the squeezy tube.

The instuctions say to leave this on for 10 minutes, but I couldn’t wait that long and only managed about half of that. As I rinsed the mask out I could already feel how smooth and soft my hair felt and was excited for my hair to dry.

It didn’t dissappoint. My hair feels healthier, smoother and looks glossy. Styling was a dream. Even my ends, which haven’t been cut in a while, felt hydrated. I’ll be heading out to buy some more magazines as I don’t fancy paying £20.00 for a full sized tub.

Did anybody else manage to pick up the other Percy & Reed samples from Glamour?

Glesni x0

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Glossybox – February

I’m a bit late posting this, as my Glossybox parcel has been laying forgotten amongst other letters (bills! bills! bills!) that I haven’t got around to opening. And I’m so ashamed and after opening have wondered why it took me so long.

I was really excited about some products, others I’m guessing will grow on me. But I can see myself getting some good use out of all of these products. In my February Glossybox was;

Becca Beach Tint Watermelon
This is an award-winning lip and cheeck stain that blends to a non-drying and water resistant finish. I received a full size sample, which retails at a whopping £20.00. It does indeed smell like Watermelon, and I can see myself using this product on holiday or during beach trips.

Dr Bronner Lavender Hand Sanitiser
I don’t like anything lavander scented. This included. However I’ll use the product as I’m constantly in danger of developing coughs and colds through work as a teacher. My box included a full sized 59ml product that’s handy to put in my bag. It’s organic and retails at £3.99 but don’t see myself repurchasing because of the scent.

Awapuhi By Paul Mitchell – Wild Ginger Treatment Oil
Now this product I was seriously excited about, as I love anything hair related. Mine arrived leaking, which made my box smell gorgeous. Only a 25ml sample, but a full sized 100ml costs £25.95. It claims to smooth and seal parched hair and I can’t wait to trial it.

BM Beauty Pure Mineral Eyeshadow
Probably the least exciting product in my box. I generally find most mineral eyeshadows to be chalky and not very pigmented. I received a 1g sample (half of a full sized product) in the shade Noir, which the website describes as a matte black. But I swear I can see some shimmer in there. It’s buildable, needs a primer and I doubt I’d really use it as I already have MAC’s Black Tied in my collection which is a carbon copy.

Cosmo Shambhala Invigorate Shower Gel
For the third month in a row I have received a body wash/gel. Which I find disappointing. It smells lovely, kinda reminds me of Olbas oil. It’ll get used, it’s a handy size for travelling but no more shower gels Glossybox! Please! I haven’t finished any of the other ones from previous boxes.

Overall I’m happy. They’re products I’ll use (most of the time) and it’s good to see two full sized products in there. How about you guys, did you get any of these products? What else did you get?

Review: John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

With Inca Inchi, a lightweight micro-oil rich in omega-3, this formula repairs the look and feel of overworked hair and adds body for full, flowing styles. Detangles strands, reducing the risk of breaking and snagging while combing or brushing.

I’ve always hated having to use a volumising shampoo & conditioner before styling my hair for a big night out, skipping on the benefits of using my regular moisturising/repairing shampoo and conditioner. John Frieda has come up with the perfect solution of combining the two. Good volumising products, with the combined benefits of moisturising Inca Inchi micro-oil.

The shampoo and conditioner have an amazing scent, and you don’t need to use alot of product to get a good lather or coverage. Which makes it economical. The shampoo cleans well, doesn’t strip colour or leave strands dry. It foams really well.

The conditioner isn’t heavy, and a little runny. But it does the job. Don’t apply too much, and rinse thoroughly or you could end up with greasy hair. The overall result is clean, smooth and soft healthy looking hair. Admittedly not alot of volume, but at least my hair isn’t flat against my head. The soft feeling means I can even skip using Redken’s All Soft Argan-6 Oil, and continue straight to the styling.

My only concern is that after a couple of weeks I got alot of build-up, and my hair became greasy quickly soon after. I had to use a clarifying shampoo to sort this out. Which is a shame, as I really like these products. Will have to finish the bottles/change my haircare routine to see if I’d repurchase.

Glesni x0

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Review: Pro:Voke Touch of Silver Twice a Week Treatment Shampoo

Even though my New Year’s Resolution is to grow out my coloured hair, I still maintain my blonde locks. I have an inch or so of growth, but I noticed a couple of weeks ago that my hair was looking brassy, dull and generally very rubbish. I read this review by Miss Lucy Loves and instantly had to try the range out.

Don’t let the name fool you. This shampoo isn’t just for yellowing greys, but for brassy blondes too. It’s a violet pigmented shampoo that removes any yellow/unwanted warm tones from blonde and grey hair.

The product inside the bottle is purple. Very very purple. So scary purple that it’s best to be careful as my boyfriend’s white bathroom mat is now stained with purple splodges. You have been warned. Used just like a normal shampoo, you lather up and then leave it for 5 minutes whilst it does it’s job. Rinse clear, and then follow with a conditioner. I used my own, but Pro:Voke also sell a conditioner specifically for blondes. Easy peasy. After a few washes I noticed a definate difference. A couple more and my blonde colour was cooler toned and the brassiness gone. I’m super impressed.

This product really does work. And at £3.05 for 150ml it’s not expensive either.

Glesni x0

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Review: Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner

So this is Dove’s latest offering, a treatment and conditioner in one bottle. It’s purse friendly and available at your local supermarket. Inside, the conditioner was infused with treatment, it appears to be a bit like toothpaste. A white stripe for the conditioner, and a yellow treatment stripe. It smelt lovely and was thick enough to cover my long hair.

I have been using this for a couple of weeks now, Dove’s Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner has definately made a difference to my hair. My hair seems smoother and softer, and it’s not so heavy that I can’t use it everytime I wash my hair. I worry about build-up, but as long as I use a good sulfate shampoo I’ve had no problems with flat, greasy hair so far.

I’ve already reccomended this product to a friend.

Glesni x0

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Review: Sexy Hair Colour Me Sexy Colourset Moisturising Treatment

Apologies for the poor picture. I’ve been massively tired, and poorly lately and whenever I manage to wake up it’s dark. Anyway, on with the show!

Sexy Hair products are relatively hard to come by. Hairsupermarket.com sells pretty much most of the range, including Sexy Hair Colourset Moisturising Treatment. It retails at £19.68 (free delivery) for 250ml. Which is incredibly expensive. I thought that they couldn’t possibly be asking that sort of money for a subpar product.

The product itself is thick and almost putty-like, smells great and contains no sulfates (this is written on the tub. I have yet to come across a treatment that contains cleansing, foaming sulfates…) and no protein. It really is just a moisturising treatment that’ll help hair colour retention as it contains UV protectants.

It claims to contain to help detangle, but if you’ve got long hair like mine don’t hold your breath. Unless you brush immediately after rinsing, my hair was left a little knotty.

After using my hair was left shiny and smoother. However it just felt like I had used a normal conditioner. Whilst experimenting and trying to get more from this product, I absolutely covered my hair with this treatment. Which proved too much and my hair was left lank and greasy. Too little product and you barely notice a difference.

It smells nice, made my hair shiny and the added UV protectants are a nice touch. But I wouldn’t reccomend based on the price. There are better, cheaper alternatives available. Although I ve heard great things about their Healthy line of products, so I’ll have to get around to ordering some of them.

Review: Schwarzkopf Got2B Powder’ful Volumising Styling Powder

My sister received a swanky new camera for Christmas, bless her, and has been taking photographs of everything. I figured she may as well do something useful with her time and take pictures of products I’m reviewing. Still a little bit over-zealous with the flash…

But on to the review! And today it’s Schwarzkop’sf Got2B Powder’ful Volumising Styling Powder, available absolutely everywhere from supermarkets to Boots and Superdrug, this product costs less than a fiver and is often compared to Schwarzkopf’s other product, Osis Dust It. You get 10g of finely milled white powder and comes in a container with a pepper-shaker style dispenser.

The instructions say to shake a little into your palm, rub them together until the product disappears and then dispense through your hair. Or for a better effect, sprinkle it directly onto your roots for some added va-va-voom.

The first method I tired was to rub the product in my hands and then apply to my root area. Intially I wasn’t very impressed. My hands were sticky, and all I got was some extra fluffyness around my crown area. So applied a bit more. Still only a slight root boost, which I could’ve achieved my ruffling my hair.

The I tried applying directly to my roots, and rubbed it in vigorously so that I wasn’t left with patches of white powder. Still sticky, but a definate root boost and added texture. The matte texture is perfect for styling and adding grips and clips as you hair has less ‘slip.’  It’s been described as a good alternative to dry shampoo, although not as effective as any of the dry shampoos I’ve tried, it did help absorb some oil.

Overall, it does add a little volume. Nothing like the redhead on the box, but enough of a boost at the roots to be noticable. Unfortunately I don’t like the sticky texture but the concept is lovely and hopefully I’ll be able to get my hands on some similar products to compare.

Review: John Frieda Luxurious Volume Thickening Blow Dry Lotion

I picked this up in a hurry not long after receiving my new haircut. It’s the only product I could find in those quick 2 minutes that suited my needs. Developed by the John Frieda Experts the Luxurious Volume range incorporates the latest thickening technology to help transform hair into beautiful, full bodied styles. Sounded promising enough for me, and at £5.79 from Boots, it’s a bargain.

The clear product is meant to be sprayed on damp hair before you blow dry. There no alcohol included on the ingredients list, which means this thickening lotion isn’t going to dry your hair out and instead leave it smooth and shiny. Hair feels like it has a little bit of texture to it, not soft, which increases the volume. This product really does work, and my hair feels much thicker.

I’m not fond of the smell at all, but for a product that works it’s a price I’ll have to pay.

Review: Tigi Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo

First of all let me be clear in that I’ve had no problems with my can leaking or only getting 3 or 4 uses. Alot of people seemed to have had problems with faulty cans in the past but TiGi has fixed this.

The packaging is pretty, black with a bright lime green green cap. It smells like lemons which is refreshing, however it doesn’t linger on your hair. Be careful not to apply it too close to your scalp if you have dark hair because it can leave a little whiteness. It’s a very light product, and unlike the famous Batiste dry shampoo, doesn’t blast out from the nozzle like a gale force hurricane.

I liked this product, I found no fault with it. It worked wonderfully on my greasy hair whilst adding some extra texture and oomph. However it is pricey. Even when it’s discounted. It retails at £11.25, which is a hefty price tag for a dry shampoo. However you can buy it for £6.85 from CheapSmells.com for 300ml. Batiste usually costs £4.99 for 400ml.

Review: Redken All Soft Argan 6 Oil

I’m a fan of Redken products, there’s no denying that.  I’ve really liked their All Soft range in the past, Guts volume mousse and Smooth Down Heat Glide is my heat defence of choice when it comes to straightening. So when this 90ml bottle made it’s way through my letterbox I was extremely excited and hopeful.

There are 6 different ways of using this product;

– Moisturise: Pre-shampoo treatment
– Protect: Pre blow-dry shield
– Smooth: Post blow-dry perfector
– Illuminate : Styling shine booster
– Soften: Treatment booster
– Recondition: Overnight treatment

And I’ve tried most of these, with some pretty good success, but I mainly use it to protect or smooth post blow-dry.  It makes my hair look and feel so touchably soft. The downside is that this product is a little too heavy for my hair. I find that my hair gets oilier quicker so that I need to wash a day earlier than planned or go all in guns (cans?) blazing with the dry shampoo. I’ve adjusted how much I use, barely one pump and feel that this is sufficient for my fine hair.

I still really adore this product, it blows V05’s Miracle Concentrate out of the water. It does however have a hefty price tag. £16.95 at lookfantastic.com, but retails at around £24.95, I’m glad I only need to use one pump. Now my hair is healthy, shiny, frizz-free and soft.