These days are fast.: Haircare

Showing posts with label Haircare. Show all posts

Thursday, 20 March 2014

Wella Alchemy Treatment at Reading College

Once a month, I like to treat myself.

I make sure I have a late shift at work so that I can relax at Reading College's Graduate Salon and have an alchemy treatment.

After a drink and a consultation, my hair is washed, then the treatments are applied...

After sitting under the steamer for 10 minutes, I was walked to the sinks for a gorgeous head massage. This is where I don't talk much...I become dozy and sleepy! This bit is vital for me as I suffer from psoriasis so this bit really helps to soften my scalp and ease the itchiness. (BLEURGHH)

From there, the products are rinsed from my hair. The alchemy treatment comes with a rough dry as standard but I like to pay extra for a blow dry to get extra sleek locks!

I always look forward to having my treatment once a month. My hair feels nourished and soft for days after the treatment. I have noticed that due to having the treatment regularly, I do not have as many split ends which is fab! For £6, the treatment is a BARGAIN.

I would highly recommend checking out your local college to see if they have a beauty and hair salon. I've now found part of my regular routine now and I love it!

(Photos taken from The Graduate Salon's Facebook Page)

Wednesday, 4 September 2013

50 Follower Giveaway!

What a milestone! For some it is nothing, but it's amazing to think that so many people have subscribed to MY little blog!

My mini celebration should be for everyone of course so I figured a giveaway would be fun!

Not only that, since I started buying a few bits for the giveaway, my followers increased to 61...crazy!

Recently I also faced something that scared me and I have overcome it. I don't want to go into too much detail but I feel much better for it.

So to celebrate, one lucky winner will receive all of these goodies...they are all of my favourite things or are by my favourite brands.

ArtDeco Eye Brow Color Pen in shade 3

Aussie 1 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner sachet (here's my review of a similar one)

Montagne Jeunesse Shine Control Face Mask

MUA Shimmer Kisses Blusher

St Ives Apricot Scrub (my review!)

No.7 Stay Perfect Metallic Eyes Pencil in Blackest

Body Shop Born Lippy lipbalm in Satsuma Shimmer

I am most excited about the No7 eye pencil...the colour is a shimmery dark grey/black and is fab for an instant defined line. My holy grail eyeliner!

The Shimmer Kisses blush is my lazy day blush. It's difficult to overload your cheeks with it and it saves putting on a highlight too.

I also ADORE hair masques so naturally I had to include one!

So to enter, fill in as many of the boxes as you like below! This giveaway is UK only. There may also be a few bonus goodies in the prize too. ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

She is electric, can I be electric too?

Wednesday, 21 August 2013

Me time

Words are currently failing me.

Night shifts, with a lack of sleep have sent my body into a state of confusion.

To at least soothe my poor sore body, here are the products that I am treating myself with today.

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two - My favourite shampoo. It deeps cleans and yes, I do use it every day. I NEED TO! ;)

Paul Mitchell Super Strong Daily Conditioner - Aaaaand this is where I replace any lost moisture from my shampoo.

Epsom Salts - We buy in 5kg amounts as these are fab for all our injuries in this house! They relax muscles and soothe aches. A mug's worth in a bath does the trick for achy backs. Half a mug in a bucket for sore feet...

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish sample - Giving this a go to save my Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser for a bit longer

Champneys Spa Indulgence Bubble Heaven - Oh my this smells good. Very relaxing.

Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream - Not sure how good this is compared to other brands actually.

No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Day Cream - Think this will aid my tired face. A lack of sleep and long work shifts are making my skin look awful.

Soap & Glory Righteous Butter - The ultimate treat for me, as I can only use this when my Mum is out! She HATES the smell of S&G products.

All this whilst watching The Great British Bake Off...lovely!

What are your pamper products?

Say a prayer for me now,

Save it til the morning after...

Wednesday, 7 August 2013

July Empties

Oh it feels so good seeing all those full sizes empty.

Haircare

Avon Naturals Superfruit Soufflé Hair Masque

Nyahhh...eghhhh.....Review HERE

Would I repurchase? No

Herbal Essences Seductively Straight Sleekening Intensive Mask

Oh I miss this already.

Would I repurchase? No, because it costs like, a tenner! Silly discontinued lines. Review HERE

Facial Skincare

Bobbi Brown Concealer

This was the only concealer for me. Then I met the Collection one...

Would I repurchase? Maybe

Barry M Lash Modelling Mascara

I opened it, I hated it. I persvered, I love it!

Would I repurchase? Yes, I stopped myself buying this today!

Facial Skincare

Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets

Addicted to these! Leaves make-up intact and makes me look less...damp. Winner! Review HERE

Would I repurchase? Already have done, found them in 99p Store!

Ginvera Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel

Nyahhh...eghhhh.....Review HERE

Would I repurchase? Yes, why is this not in my life again?!

Avon Clinical Eye Lift Pro sample

I think this works.

Would I repurchase? Very tempted.

Moisturiser

Garnier Intensive 7 Days Moisturiser

To be honest, nothing compares to this line of moisturisers.

Would I repurchase? Probably.

Champneys Vitamiracle Rejuvenating Hand & Nail Cream

Such a lovely hand cream. Smells like orange yoghurt (in a good way.)

Would I repurchase? Maybe, I have others that I would buy over this though.

Perfume

Lady Million sample

OH GOD I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.

Would I repurchase? Very tempted, every time I see this in the stock room...

Miscellaneous

Boots Cotton Pads

Not as good as other brands to be honest.

Would I repurchase? Nah

2 x Dove Invisible Dry Compressed Deodorant

I don't think these suit me anymore.

Would I repurchase? Maybe. Review HERE

Sure for Men Invisible Ice

Okay, let me explain. Jamie left this behind and I hate wasting things. Especially when cans are half full.

Would I repurchase? I already have and it's working pretty well!

Elmo shower gel

A present from Mum. got to say, I really enjoyed it. Lil watermelon-y smelling monster! ;)

Would I repurchase? I might do!

Have you tried any of these products?

Anybody here love Elmo too?!

In the day we sweat it out on the streets of a runaway American dream,
At night we ride through the mansions of glory in suicide machines

Wednesday, 10 July 2013

Avon Naturals Superfruit Souffle

(Yep, this really does sound good enough to eat!)

I was given this by a friend; she had so many products, that she threw some in my direction.

At first, I really liked it. It smells like a fruity conditioner which is always good.

It leaves my hair soft which is good.

There's something about it though. It just doesn't meet my standards for a hair masque...I just don't LOVE it. Not good.

I like the idea of the acai berry and shea oil, but surely that would make it all the more nourishing? When I wash it out, it feels like I have washed it all out, like I haven't even conditioned.

Obviously when my hair is dry, it is shinier, detangled and smells good. It's just not all there, you know?

Maybe it is because I know that I can get better results from leaving my daily conditioner on for a few minutes longer? I don't know.

For me, this product felt alright. Just...alright.

You can probably guess that I won't be getting this again!

It's not old,

Just older

Wednesday, 3 July 2013

Aussie Three Minute Miracle Shine

Aussie products...I never understood what the craic was with them.

It felt like every blogger out there had their products and raved about them all the time...enough to make me NOT want to use their products.

Then in typical Ashleigh fashion...converted.

Seriously, what is in this treatment?!

Two days later, my hair STILL smells like the conditioner! Still soft and shiney! AMAZING.

I don't care how much this costs, I need this as my weekly hair masque.

I dare anybody to find me a masque/treatment that is better than this...

What'll you do when you get lonely
And nobody's waiting by your side?

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

May Empties

I must be in a permanent state of confusion! I thought I did not write last months empties post, so I DOUBLED up this month's post...turns out I did. OH GAHHHD TIME WASTED. Ooops.

So, here we go!

Facial Skincare

B Pure Micellar Water

This stings your eyes like...I dunno, something painful. Probably not as good as higher-end brands, but I like it as a pre-cleanse.

Would I repurchase? Already bought one!

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips.

They're alright. On Andy they worked RIDICULOUSLY well. For me, not so much. Were good for stripping the oils off my nose though.

Would I repurchase? Maybe.

Dermalogica Ultracalming cleanser

I say this every month, a great cleanser, you can even use it on your eyes.

Would I repurchase? Nope, I pinch Mum's.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

I say this every month. Not my favourite.

Would I repurchase? No.

Haircare

Avon Naturals Almond Oil and Avocado Conditioner

Yeeeeah was pretty good.

Would I repurchase? Probably not. Review HERE

Make-up

Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in

Shade 1 - Pale Yellow

Shade 5 - Soft Sand

These are my go to powders, love them! I have two shades, one for Winter and one for Summer.

Would I repurchase? I always have these.

Bath products

Bayliss & Harding Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit Luxury Shower Creme

It's the last one! FINALLY.

Would I repurchase? It's nice, but it's more of a gift thing?

Miscellaneous

2 x Dove Invisible Dry Compressed Deodorant

My staple deodorants.

Would I repurchase? I have loads! Review HERE

Avon Clinical Eye Lift Pro sample

I think this could be working

Would I repurchase? Gotta get through the samples first!

Oral B 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste sample

It tasted alright, I think it did brighten my teeth...and it was purple!

Would I repurchase? Maybe, it's kinda expensive.

Benefit It's Potent sample

Another eye cream, not sure if it really did much for me...it might have been open too long?!

Would I repurchase? Probably not

Soap and Glory Hand Maid

I hate grapefruit but I love this?!

Would I repurchase? Just purchased it!

Oral B Pro-Expert Toothpaste sample

This tastes JANK. Not minty at all. But you get used to it and it genuinely does leave your teeth shiney, even til when you wake up.

Would I repurchase? Undecided

Got there eventually! My confusion lasted for weeks apparently!

Have you tried any of these products?

Happiness.

More or less.

Sunday, 19 May 2013

Avon Naturals Almond Oil & Avocado Conditioner

For the next few weeks I am house sitting.

Stupid me packed my shampoo, but left my conditioner behind. I cannot tell you what goes through my head somedays.

Luckily I had this sample sachet in my overnight bag.

This is the Avon Naturals Almond Oil & Avocado conditioner. It's meant to be for dry/damaged hair, but you know me, if it's conditioner, I'm happy.

After using this, I am happy! It smells lovely and my hair feels nourished, without being weighed down, which can be a worry for me. It washed out nicely leaving soft hair, not coated hair!

Not only that, the full size bottle is only £2! Very impressive.

You can buy this conditioner from Avon HERE.

(I have gone home and picked up my conditioner since!)

Only hate the road when you're missing home.

Only know you love her when you let her go.

Friday, 10 May 2013

April Empties

Late again! Only six days late...not that bad?! (I do my empties on the 4th for some reason. Can't remember why.)

Hair Products

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two

HOLY GRAIL SHAMPOO. I adore this shampoo.
Would I repurchase? Yes, already have it.

Facial Skincare

Montagne Jeunesse T-Zone Peel Off Masque

A two part masque thingie...read my review HERE if you wanna.

Would I repurchase? Ah, no. Still paying for it.

Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier sachets x2

I ADORE this product. Grease = gone. Spots = gone. Make up = still on face!

Would I repurchase? If I have £40 to spare...

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser sachet

My favourite cleanser, used when I stayed away from home

Would I repurchase? I have a full sized anyway

Avon Clinical Eye Lift Pro sample

Eye stuff. No idea if it did anything.

Would I repurchase? I have a bunch of these, will try them first

Make Up

No7 Natural Blush - Coral Flush

It shattered! T'was around the edges. My favourite blush!

Would I repurchase? I did immediately. Gutted.

17 Perfect Definition Eyeliner - Royal Mink

Now I got this eyeliner when I was at secondary school. Time to chuck? I think so! Nice pale brown though.

Would I repurchase? Maybe a similar colour.

Rimmel Soft Kohl Eye Pencil - Stormy Grey

Another school eyeliner. A well pigmented dirty grey.
Would I repurchase? A similar colour, yes.

Moisturiser

Jergens Daily Moisture for Dry Skin

Smells great, takes a bit longer to sink in, but does feel really good.

Would I repurchase? Yeah probably.

Soap & Glory Hand Food

Just the most awesome hand cream.

Would I repurchase? Yes, regardless of my Mother's opinion of the smell!

Miscellaneous

Dove Invisible Dry Compressed Deodorant

This is my favourite deodorant now. I honestly have 4 in stock.

Would I repurchase? I have loads! Review HERE

St Ives Apricot Scrub

Not pictured for some reason. Ooops! Yeah I don't mind it.

Would I repurchase? Unsure. Review HERE

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of them?

Please send me your empties links, they're my favourite to read!

Have heart, my dear,

We're bound to be afraid

Wednesday, 24 April 2013

Poundland Finds: Herbal Essences Seductively Straight Sleekening Intensive Mask

Welcome to my new series of posts! The plan is to find something in Poundland or 99p shop every week and review it. It could be something popular, something silly, anything that I can find, or that whoever I am shopping with influences me to buy! Basically, it needs to be a genuine bargain.

This week is the Herbal Essences Seductively Straight Sleekening Intensive Mask.

Containing Pear & Silk extracts, this is a gorgeous hair mask that leaves hair nourished and soft. I leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse it off; it practically detangles my hair! It contains pear juice as well, so just knowing that makes me think that I am putting good things onto my hair. The smell! OH MY. We are talking typical Herbal Essences here...soapy but fruity. Love it. When I apply the mask, I do not put it on my roots, only the main length of my hair, but that's purely because my hair does get awfully greasy.

You might be shouting, "But Ashleigh! You have super straight hair! Surely this is pointless?"

Well yes, but I LOVE a hair mask and it will be replenishing the moisture and if it helps detangle, then I am happy.

This tub appears to have Italian and Greek writing on it. It says, "lisci da accarezzare" which translates in Italian to "smooth to caress." However it has been made in the EU and has the contact details for Procter & Gamble so I know that it will be safe to use.

Now, here's the nitty gritty and the annoying thing about the mask being from Poundland. If I could buy it again, then YES! I would scream from the rooftops to get everyone to buy it.

BUT.

There is no more in stock aaaand I think this line has been discontinued. You can buy it from Amazon HERE, but you're looking at £11.97 for the same 200ml tub. Gutted.

See...I'm messing with your minds here. Getting you all fired up, just to knock ye back down.

Sorry about that! Maybe the next post in the Poundland Finds series will be a bit kinder!

Til next week honeys...

Sometimes love comes around,

And it knocks you down.

Just get back up,

When it knocks you down

Saturday, 6 April 2013

March Empties

Another month gone! Can't believe we are in April already.

Hair Products

Frederic Fekkai Salon Glaze

So not bothered by this. Read the review HERE if ya wanna.
Would I repurchase? No

Pantene Pro-V Repair & Protect Shampoo and Conditioner

Not much to say, it's pretty standard Pantene. Used when I stayed away from home.

Would I repurchase? No

Facial Skincare

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

A great cleanser if you have acne! This was the cleanser I first went to when I set up a proper skincare routine. I tried some other stuff, then came back to this. However, I don't like it anymore weirdly! I think I don't like how it foams.

Would I repurchase? No, but I would if I had to

Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion Sample

My go to moisturiser before I switched to Active Moist

Would I repurchase? No, but once again, if I had to...

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser Sample

The cleanser I have welcomed back with open arms! I much prefer this cleanser.

Would I repurchase? Yes! Already have done, in full size

Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier Sample

Oooft. This has to be my new holy grail product.

Would I repurchase? If I can afford it, full size here I come!

Miscellaneous

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream Sample

Oh my I love this. Review to come.

Would I repurchase? Once again, if the pennies are there, yes!

Dove Invisible Dry Compressed Deodorant
I gave Mum my Sure deodorant the other day. These are the way forward.

Would I repurchase? Already bought one! Review HERE

Lynx Attract for Her shower gel

Surprisingly, I miss this. From first use, I thought I wouldn't be bothered...

Would I repurchase? I may do! Review HERE

There we are! I am actually pretty good at finishing up products, now I am actually trying. I never used to finish anything.

Have you tried any of these products? What have you finished up this month?

Try to hold me down,
You can't stop me now.
I paid my dues.

Friday, 5 April 2013

Frederic Fekkai Salon Glaze

So once again, the empties post didn't go up on time. To be fair though, I worked an 8 hour shift today, then the internet went down. It is finally back, but I can at least do photos in the daylight tomorrow.

Once again, I digress.

A few weeks ago, Mum gave me a sample that she found in her drawer. This is the Frederic Fekkai Salon Glaze.

Now I got confused and thought this was a conditioning treatment, but as I was in the shower, I realised that I was wrong! After I shampooed and conditioned, I applied this treatment for 5 minutes and rinsed.

The theory is that my hair should have a silky shine and colour should be boosted.

Yeah...not really.

The product smelt not to dissimilar to something I would use on a building site. Although I didn't find it offensive, it wasn't the greatest smell for hair! It looked pretty though; pearly and glittery.

I was only really impressed with the appearance. Sadly I didn't notice any difference in terms of how shiney my hair was. If anything, I think I have had more compliments on the days that I just wash my hair normally!

I am also very confused about the instructions. "Can be used everyday or 2-3 times per week."

Hold up...WHA?! So I can use it how many times per week?

Might as well say; do whatever you want.

I hate writing negative posts but I was really disappointed actually. Nothing wowed me about it. However if you fancy trying this, it is £12.95 on Amazon HERE.

Have you tried a treatment like this before?

All we hear is Radio Gaga...

Tuesday, 12 March 2013

Dove Nourishing Oil ExprEssential Treatment Conditioner

Would you believe that this was a sample product?! How generous!

This is the Dove Nourishing Oil ExprEssential Treatment Conditioner. It's a beaut.

After your usual shampooing, just use this instead of your normal conditioner. Just leave for a minute then rinse out.

The yellow streak running through the product is the treatment...the magic bit!

I genuinely love this. It smells so good that I end up leaving it on for ages! My hair instantly detangles, feels soft and oh so sleek. After drying my hair, it feels fantastic, genuinely nourished. The smell is amazing! I even felt like I could smell it the next day.

This conditioner can be used every day, but I tended to use it once a week as my hair can get quite greasy and built up, so I don't like to use treatments too often.

Dove Nourishing Oil ExprEssential Treatment Conditioner is available at Superdrug for £3.35 HERE

Have you tried this conditioner?

Can you recommend any treatment conditioners?

You wanna start a personal revolution.

What else you gotta do tonight?

Monday, 28 January 2013

Freebies of the Week! #19

Hi everyone! Hope you have all managed to get through such a BLAHH week! I know the snow affected lots of people, then we had Blue Monday as well...time to start again eh?!

This week's freebies have been mostly aimed toward Jamie. Which I think is a bit poo.

This is the Redken for Men Clean Brew Shampoo. It has Anti Grit technology apparently. It is an extra cleansing shampoo with malt, brewer's yeast and orange zest, to result in extra clean hair and a balanced scalp. Sounds manly.

I wonder if he will help me write a post about it...hmmm...

Now I am in AWE of these goodies. The Tropical Sun website were giving away food products and I figured it would be a sachet of seasoning...turned out it was a whole jar! I picked some jerk seasoning as I figured that Jamie's spice cupboard would appreciate it. They also sent a friendship bracelet which is such a nice touch...I'll keep that!

Have you tried any of these products? Any ideas on a Jamaican dinner?!

If I could be,

Who you wanted,

All the time...

Saturday, 19 January 2013

Freebies of the week! #18

Only one freebie this week, but it's a goodun'!

This is a sample of Pureology Versatile Caring Oil. I'm very excited to try this. I am also very surprised as to how much product has come in this sample! A 5ml sample should last me quite some time!

Have you tried any hair oils? I'm thinking of trying some to compare!

I don't want the world to see me,

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand.

Sunday, 6 January 2013

November and December Empties

So once again, two months shoot past! I am getting better at using up all my products, so maybe I might start a once a month empties post? Else these posts are HUGE!

Oh, and this post is VERY photo heavy!

Another note: As these are mostly samples, would I repurchase can also be, would I purchase?

Body Moisturisers

Bottle of Garnier Intensive 7 Days Body Lotion Cocoa Butter - Dry/Rough Skin

I wasn't sure about this because it smells so chocolatey - almost like cake mixture. But obviously it works so well that I don't mind.

Would I repurchase? Yes, if it is on offer, I'm such a tightwad! REVIEW HERE.

FCUK Whipped Bodycream

I have had this so long! It sinks in nicely smells lovely! Orange blossom, shea butter, pomegrante and sweet almond oil.

Would I repurchase? Undecided. It came in a gift set, but if I could find it on its own, then maybe.

Bath Products

Bayliss & Harding Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit Luxury Shower Creme

Another one of these. Smells good, everyday luxury.
Would I repurchase? Still have more of these to use!

Face Cleansing Products

Montagne Jeunesse Break Out Mask

It was alright. Didn't blow my mind as such. Smelt good, felt good.

Would I repurchase? Maybe. REVIEW HERE.

Montagne Jeunesse De Clog Pores Strips

I had such high hopes for these but they didn't do anything to my pores. Not happy.

Would I repurchase? No.

Superdrug Energising Peel Off Mask

I bought this randomly and I have mixed views about it. Must do a review.

Would I repurchase? Maybe, I want to try it again I think.

2x Sachets Dermalogica Special Cleansing gel

My normal Dermalogica cleanser. An anti-bacterial cleanser for acne.

Would I repurchase? I have this in a large bottle, it lasts ages!

2x Sachets Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque

Recommened for breakout prone skin. Absorbs bad stuff and prevents breakouts. Yeah I'd say so.

Would I repurchase? Maybe not in full sized, but if I could get a small tube, I might.

2x Sachets Dermalogica Precleanse

Love this. So much.

Would I repurchase? If I have any spare cash at the end of the month, I would like to!

REVIEW HERE.

2x Sachets Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque

Removes impurities and reduces breakouts. Sounds very similar to the Sebum Clearing Masque. I think these sachets are old!

Would I repurchase? See Sebum Masque!

Sachet Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair

Felt nice, just like an eye cream does.Would need a full size to try it properly, samples just don't give enough away.

Would I repurchase? Maybe

Sachet Nivea Pure & Natural Regenerating Night Cream - All skin types

This smells fantastic and my face feels great the next day.

Would I repurchase? Yes, or a similar product

Sachet Nivea Pure & Natural Moisturising Day Cream - Normal to Combination Skin
A thicker day cream, was ideal for any dry patches.
Would I repurchase? Probably not, I am happy with my current moisturiser.

Boots Deep Cleansing Wipes
Not much to say really, face wipes are face wipes!
Would I repurchase? Probably not, I'm not really sure why I bought them. Makes me lazy!

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser
Now that I have finished this cleanser, I really miss it! I think my skin prefers it to the Special Cleansing Gel. It foams up less than SCG, which makes face washing less stressful for me.
Would I repurchase? I think I will return to this after I finish my SCG cleanser.

Make Up

Ginvera BB Cream
Not the best colour for a BB cream, nice coverage but I was a bit disappointed. REVIEW HERE.
Would I repurchase? No, it's a bit over my kind of price tag too.

Rimmel London BB Cream
Don't even get me started on this. Just read my thoughts on it. REVIEW HERE.
Would I repurchase? No. Just no.

Sachet of Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream
Good coverage, best shade accuracy I have found so far. REVIEW HERE.
Would I repurchase? Possibly

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Ivy
My favourite eyeliner, love the colour and longevity.
Would I repurchase? Always. Already have a spare anyway.

Hair Products

Salon Size Paul Mitchell Super Strong Daily Conditioner

My favourite conditioner! Takes a while to get through these bottles but are worth it economically, especially considering how particular I am about my hair. Read about my haircare routine HERE if you want to.

Would I repurchase? Received a new bottle for Christmas!

Perfume