gailhenderson

I am going through a transitional stage with my hair at the moment.  Allowing the grey to grown out and to stop dyeing it is a slow process.  One thing I do notice, the new growth of grey hair is in a much better condition and more shiny than the dried, dull ends.

Before I wash my hair, I use Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer.  This is a pre-wash conditioning treatment.  Work it into the hair in sections and leave it on for about 20 minutes.  I use this once a week.

Because of the grey, I am using a brightening shampoo from Pro.Voke, Touch of Silver.  This is a deep violet colour and brightens the hair and neutralises any brassy tones.  I use this twice a week.

At the moment, the conditioner I am using is from Kiehl’s.  It is the Amino Acid Conditioner and it contains JoJoba and Coconut oils.  It is quite a lightweight formula and doesn’t weigh the hair down at all.

My hair has a tendency to frizz, so I apply Frizz Ease Forever Smooth Anti-Frizz Primer from John Frieda.  Apply this to wet hair, just one pump and then blow dry or leave to dry naturally.

I don’t often use hairspray, but on the odd occasion I want my hair to stay in style, I use Percy & Reid’s Session Hold Hairspray.  Generally, I am not fan of hairspray, but this spray is very fine and is good if there is high humidity – there’s that frizz again!

If any of you lovely people have any recommendation for hair products, please put them in the comments.  I would love to hear them.

Have a great week everyone.

 

xoxoxo

URBAN DECAY NAKED HEAT PALETTE

This was the week that Urban Decay launched their new Naked palette – Heat.  A very aptly named palette with all the colours in the warm shades of orange and rust.  I was hesitant about buying this, having seen it on many social media platforms and I thought it looked a bit too orange for me.  However, everyone is saying how great it is, and a succumbed.

It is a lovely mix of shimmer and matte shades, ranging from base shades Ounce and Chaser, both neutral creams, right through to the darker En Fuego and Ashes.  In particular, I love the shades He Devil and Ember.  I think this palette will be amazing for the Autumn/winter.

This is me wearing Ounce, Low Blow, He Devil and Ember.

 

URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION

Technically, I didn’t buy this as it was a free gift with the eyeshadow palette.  I normally don’t use an eyeshadow primer but was curious to give it a go.  I am completely convinced by this product, my shadow didn’t budge all day.  This is something I will definitely purchase in the future.

URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER LONG LASTING MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY

This is turning into an Urban Decay haul!  I have heard great reviews about this setting spray, so thought I would get some.  Useful if you need to keep makeup looking fresh and in place for a whole day.

AVEENO DAILY MOISTURISING LOTION

If its good enough for Jennifer Aniston, then it’s good enough for me!  Just kidding, this is a body moisturiser I have been using for quite a while and it is definitely a favourite.  Sinks into the skin beautifully and you can still put your jeans on afterwards without your legs feeling all sticky.

RAPID LASH EYELASH ENHANCING SERUM

This is the second Rapid Lash that I’ve bought, and I haven’t finished the first one yet.  It’s quite pricey (£40) but so far it has lasted four months and is still going strong.  I don’t like lash extensions so this, in my opinion, is a far better option.  My lashes are so much longer.  I love it.

BENEFIT GOOF PROOF BROW PENCIL – 02

This is also a repurchase, having finally got to the end of my first brow pencil.  This shade I have found to be just right for me.  I find a lot of brow products tend to be too orange/warm toned for me.  Even though my hair is grey, my lashes are still quite dark.

So all in all, a bit of a spendy week!  Hey, I need something to blog about, don’t I?

Have a great week guys.

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I have a lot of brushes! Too many! But these are the brushes I am using daily when I apply my make-up.

BLANK CANVAS F20

I have a few foundation brushes, and I like all of them, but I am currently using  the F20 from Blank Cosmetics.  It is super smooth, not as densely packed as some foundation brushes, but it blends really well.

SO ECO

For blending concealer, I use this double-ended brush from SO ECO.  The larger end is very soft and blends under eye concealer perfectly.

TED BAKER 

This large powder brush from Ted Baker is brilliant for applying loose powder.  It came in a gift set, and it is just a great brush.

NO 7 POWDER BRUSH

 

I use this brush for applying my bronzer, currently Hourglass, and it is the perfect shape and size for this job.  A great brush.

REAL TECHNIQUES BLUSHER BRUSH

This brush came with PixiWoos book, Face, and it was the first brush from this brand that I’ve used.  It is the only brush I use for blusher.  Fabulously soft and a great shape.

SPECTRUM

I think I got this brush in a beauty box and it is a great brush for applying highlighter.

EYELURE

For my brows, I use this double-ended angled brush and spoolie.

REAL TECHNIQUES 

To apply my eye make-up, I use three brushes from Real Techniques.  These are the Base Shadow Brush, Deluxe Crease Brush and to blend under the eye, the Accent Brush.  All three brushes are great, they blend really well and wash well too.

These are my favourite at the moment, I have other brushes I use intermittently, and am always up for purchasing more!  Obviously, it depends on budget as to which brushes you buy, and I think sometimes it is better to spend a little more to get a better brush.  One thing I cannot stand is a brush that sheds bristles, none of the brushes I use do that, so that is a huge plus for me.

Have an awesome week everybody.

xoxoxoxo

As usual, it is a difficult decision to know what to put in to my monthly favourites.  These products I have been repeatedly using throughout July.

MEDIK8 VITAMIN C SERUM

I have been trying a variety of Vitamin C products recently, and I have liked all of them, but this serum is the favourite.  It sinks in to the skin, is not grainy like The Ordinary Vitamin C, and is in a dark bottle (to protect it from sunlight) unlike the Body Shop Vitamin C.

ESSENCE I ♥ EXTREME VOLUME MASCARA (WATERPROOF)

If you have been following me recently on Instagram/Twitter, you will know how I have been praising the Essence brand.  It is drugstore affordable and so, so good.  I have tried several of their mascaras (all good), but have favoured this one as it is waterproof.  It is very black, doesn’t flake or smudge and costs £2.80!

111 SKIN Y LIFT NECK AND DECOLLETE SERUM

I got this serum as part of a giveaway at SpaceNK when I visited Bath in early May.  It is really a beautiful serum and leaves my wrinkly neck feeling super smooth and soft.

CLARINS INSTANT LIGHT NATURAL LIP PERFECTOR IN 07 TOFFEE PINK SHIMMER

If you are a fan of a natural lip, then I would highly recommend this lip gloss.  It smells of toffee and has a very subtle hint of pink, and leaves lips feeling very mositurised.  I like to keep it in my bag for when I’m out and about.

NARS SHEER GLOW FOUNDATION IN FIJI

My favourite foundation at the moment is the Nars Sheer Glow in Fiji.  The perfect shade and cover for me and I finally got my hands on a bottle after months of trying to get hold of it.  It had been sold out everywhere.  A great foundation.

ESSENCE LIGHT UP YOUR FACE LUMINIZER PALETTE 10 READY, SET, GLOW

Another product from the Essence range – the Light up your Face Luminizer Palette, is totally gorgeous and all three shades are good, my favourite is the one on the left.  It leaves a beautiful glow on the cheekbones.

I can’t believe we will soon be heading in to August!  Still, the summer isn’t over yet – hope you all enjoy lots of sunny days ahead.

xoxoxoxo

 

Gosh! the month’s seem to come around so quickly.

BELLAPIERRE COSMETICS – BANANA SETTING POWDER

I am looking forward to trying this setting powder.  This powder should be allowed to sit on the skin for five to ten minutes before being dusted off.  This allows the heat from the skin to “bake” the powder.  This yellow hued powder is suitable for all skin types.

SPECTRUM COLLECTION – SMALL FAN BRUSH

I already have several brushes from Spectrum and this is the ideal brush for using with a highlighter or powder.  It is super soft and everyone needs a fan brush!

MONUSPA SOOTHING AFTER SUN LOTION

This is a really moisturising after sun lotion that contains Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera.  Great for calming sun kissed skin and it smells gorgeous too.

NATURAL WORLD – ARGAN OIL OF MOROCCO MOISTURE RICH SHAMPOO

I love a bit of Argan Oil and this organic shampoo is paragon and phosphate free.  I have never tried this brand before, so it will be good to give it a try.

PAPANGA – SPIRAL HAIRBANDS

For those of you who have never tried these hairbands, then you definitely should.  The spiral helps prevent split ends and breakage.  I think they are great to carry in your handbag just in case you need to pop your hair up – especially at the moment as it is so warm that it feels good to get the hair up off the back of your neck.

I hope you are all having a great summer and getting some sun.

xoxoxoxo

 

It took ages to decide what to put into my monthly favourites for June, but these products I have been using almost every day.

DCL C SCAPE ENZYMATIC GEL CLEANSER

I normally prefer to use a balm or oil cleanser, but I had this as part of a free gift from SpaceNK so it would be rude not to try it.  This is an amazing cleanser, it leaves the skin feeling very fresh and soft and smells totally devine.  It contains natural enzyme and fruit acids, Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, chamomile and green tea extract.  This is the first product I have used from this brand, and will definitely be checking out more from the range.

SUNDAY RILEY – LUNA

Now, I have to admit I fell for the hype with regard to Luna sleeping night oil.  It is mega expensive at £85.  However, with this oil, a little goes a very long way.  Two drops in the palm of your hand is enough to cover the whole face.  It is such a beautiful oil and leaves the skin so soft and I have been using it every other night since I got it.

NIOD – FLAVANONE MUD

If I had to pick the ultimate favourite product this month, it would definitely be this mask.  I first experienced it when I had a recent facial and this mask was applied as part of the treatment.  It was so good, I went in the next day to purchase it.  Now, if you are someone who does not like the feeling of tingling on the skin, then you will not like this mask.  It is particular tingly after removal.  You apply a very thin layer and Niod recommends a weekly application.

HOURGLASS AMBIENT DIFFUSED BRONZE LIGHT

Since I bought this bronzer from Hourglass I have not used any other.  Quite simply, it is the perfect bronzer for me.  I love the colour and I love the texture of it.  Beautifully soft and blends perfectly.  I have been applying it with a No. & powder brush, which I also love.

ESSENCE I ♥ EXTREME VOLUME MASCARA (waterproof)

I have been exploring the Essence range recently, and I have to say, it is a fantastic make-up brand.  This is an ultra-black waterproof mascara which doesn’t clump, but separates and builds.  Totally love it and it only costs £2.80!

So, half way through 2017 and the shops are already beginning to think about the autumn and winter, but the sun is still shining so I hope you all enjoy July.

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Recently, I took a trip to Boots the Chemist to talk to the girls on the Lancôme counter.  I had their Advent Calendar at Christmas and fell in love with the Absolue moisturising cream.  However, this is a little out of my price league, so I thought I would check out some of their other moisturisers.

My second favourite, after the Absolue, is the Visionnaire Advanced Multi-Correcting Cream.  So I thought I would buy it – still expensive!  However, said wonderful ladies on the Lancôme counter informed me there was a special offer on, which for the same price I could buy the gift set.  Which, of course, I did.

Included in the set was a full size Visionnaire Advanced Multi-Correcting Cream.  This has an SPF20 and filters out UVA and UVB.  This cream feels great on the skin, and is works reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dullness.  I find my foundation applies really smoothly on top of the cream.

Included in the set was also a travel size pot of the Visionnaire Advanced Multi-Correcting Cream and a travel size of the Visionnaire Suit Beauty Sleep Perfector.

Another travel size of the Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate which is a glorious serum that suits all ages, and all skin types.  It contains hyaluronic acid can be used morning and night.  This serum will improve the skin’s radiance and texture.

Also included was a full size BiFacil eye make up remover.  This is great for removing all eye products, including waterproof mascara.  It is also suitable if you wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes.

Finally, another full size Hydra Intense Hydrating Gel Mask which I haven’t tried yet, but looking forward to giving it a go.

All of these products were presented in a white faux leather bag.

I always keep an eye out for these types of offers as you can get some excellent bargains.

Have a great week everyone.

xoxoxo