Bumble & Bumble review - Thickening solutions for fine hair!

Bumble & Bumble thickening shampoo, conditioner and hairspray, £18.50 to £21.50

I am not normally one to be drawn in by all the hype about a product and will only try something new if it's been recommended by someone who's actually used it. I have to be honest, I probably wouldn't even have considered the Bumble and Bumble products due to their price but then my lovely daughter Lisa bought a couple of their items in a recent sale to review on her blog Topaz & May (see full review here) one of these items being the BB thickening hairspray. Lisa already has really thick hair which she must have inherited from her dad because mine is really fine, so she gave this to me to try, I haven't looked back since!

Having been totally impressed by the hairspray, I wanted to try out the shampoo and conditioner but considered them too expensive until I came across the travel sized versions on a recent trip to my local Boots. Although still fairly expensive at £5.50 for the shampoo, £6.50 for conditioner and £7.50 for a travel size hairspray this was still way less costly than the full sized products and a great way to try them all before an expensive splurge.

BB thickening shampoo - Firstly, I can't describe just how lovely and fresh this shampoo smells, it's amazing. The results were equally as good, my hair not only felt fresh and clean but also thicker and stronger even before styling and drying.

BB thickening conditioner - This smelt just as lovely, it's almost like fresh cut flowers and I didn't use as much per application so it would probably last twice as long as the shampoo. The combination of both this and the shampoo left my hair feeling clean, fresh, in better condition and definitely fuller. It also looked so much healthier and shiny, result!

BB thickening hairspray - I have been using the hairspray that Lisa gave me for over a month now and have really noticed positive results, hence the urge to try the shampoo and conditioner. I usually spray this into the roots of my hair whilst still damp and give it another quick spray when combed and ready for drying. It's great for styling and holds the hair for longer than other sprays I've tried. When dried, curled or straightened, I finish off the look with another quick spray to keep it in place. You don't get the stiff hold of some hairsprays and when brushed out there doesn't seem to be any product. residue, it still feels very natural.

Now that I've tried these products for myself I will definitely be restocking, maybe even trying the Bumble and Bumble (really) thickening serum next. However I may have to do a little research to find a good deal first. So far I've spotted them slightly cheaper on the Amazon website, I will let you know if I find any cheaper stockists.

Have you tried any of the Bumble & Bumble products? Are there any other products you might recommend for thickening treatments?

Deborah

xxx

Chanel Le Vernis 167 Ballerina - Re-release of a little gem!

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour 167 Ballerina, £18

Recently Chanel have been re-releasing some old favourites in their nail colour collection which is great news  if you're an avid collector like me. One I'd always wanted to get my hands on was this beautifully delicate pink Ballerina, reminiscent of my youth spent in ballet classes, the pink of ballet shoes and wrap around cardigans, happy times!!!

Anyway, while I was never destined to be a prima-ballerina, the words 'fairy elephant' spring to mind, I can still indulge my love of nail colours and this one is no exception. It is so delicate and pretty, giving the look of a french manicure with just the slightest hint of pink, perfect for a classy daytime look although your nails should probably be in better condition than mine to really show it off to full effect. I found it needed three good coats for an even coverage and to prevent streaking. It did start chipping 24 hours after application but I hadn't used a topcoat so that should prolong it's look.

Although this colour is far less dramatic than some recent polish releases, with Spring appearing to be finally on the way (fingers crossed) this is the perfect colour to complement some of those pastel buys hiding in your wardrobe just waiting to be unleashed with the event of the warmer weather. This would also make a great varnish for a bride on her big day, just enough to offset that beautiful shiny new wedding ring. Whatever your needs, this would be the perfect addition to any nail addicts hoard.

Thank you so much for all your recent comments on my blog, they are really appreciated, making my day. I will always leave a reply so check back for a quick peek sometime.

Have you been tempted by any of Chanel's recent re-releases?

Deborah
xxx

Cargo 'Colourworks' heart cookie cutters - Lemon Shortbread biscuits, my first baking post!!!

Cargo Colourworks heart cookie cutters, £4

I was really lucky to be asked to review these heart shaped cookie cutters from Cargo recently and decided it would be a very good opportunity to do my first baking post. Firstly, the cutters are part of Cargo's Colourworks baking collection. The set consists of five brightly coloured shaped cutters varying in sizes 9cm to 5cm in this handy container, ideal for storage. They are dishwasher safe, guaranteed for 5 years and have no sharp dangerous edges, so ideal for children to use. There are four other shape options available in the range including flowers and stars, check out the full collection here.

Once I received the cutters I started a search in my cookbook collection and found the perfect recipe for shortbread biscuits in my always useful 'Delia Smith's Complete Cookery Course'. 

Essential baking equipment including scales, rolling pin, mixing bowl & spoon 

Ingredients

Lemon shortbread biscuits

4oz/110g butter of margarine, at room temperature

2oz/50g caster sugar

Lemon essence

6oz/175g plain flour, sifted

extra caster sugar for dusting

Pre-heat oven at 150C/300F or gas mark 2

1. Weigh out the required ingredients.

2. Cream together the butter and caster sugar, then add a few drops of lemon essence and mix in thoroughly.

3. Sift the plain flour into the mixture and stir with a wooden or plastic spoon finally bringing it all together with your hands, (see below).

4. Transfer onto a board or clean worktop that's been lightly dusted with caster sugar, you can also dust the rolling pin if required to prevent sticking.

5. Lightly roll to a 3mm thickness.

6. Now the fun bit! Use the heart shape cutters to cut your biscuits, I varied the cookies by using different sized cutters.

7. Arrange the cookies on a lightly greased baking tray then place on a highish shelf in your oven for 30 mins.

8. When baked, take out oven, dust with caster sugar and allow to cool on a wire rack.

9. When completely cool, store in an airtight container to keep them crisp and crunchy.

These heart shape cutters can be used for so many things including Christmas and Valentine's biscuits that I'm sure kids would love to bake and decorate. You could also create a lovely strawberry shortbread dessert with double cream and strawberries layered on top of a pretty heart shaped shortbread.

I also thought it would be a great idea to make my mum some of these cookies as a Mother's Day treat, adding some really pretty decorations (see below). The larger cutter could be used to create some heart shaped toast for your Mum's Mother's Day breakfast too! 

An ideal Mother's Day gift made with love!

I would love your comments on my first baking post, how useful did you find the pictures and instructions?

Deborah

xxx

What's hiding inside my make up bag - A sneaky peek into my world!

  The inside of my make-up bag AFTER I'd taken out my favourites!

 These are the most regular part of my daily make-up routine

I've recently seen several post by fellow beauty bloggers about the contents of their make up bag and found it interesting to see what others use in there daily beauty regime, I'm really nosey!!! So I thought it was about time I repaid the favour and let you see what's hiding in the depth of my bag. I realised that this was just the tip of the iceberg, having also got a make up box and special bag for lipsticks, I know you are all the same, so I decided to stick to the products that I use most on a daily basis.

  Clinique moisture surge CC cream in light medium & Estee Lauder Ideal Light brush-on illuminator in light

After cleansing, moisurising and lots of general faffing about I finally get to the make up bit. I always apply a small amount of illuminator under my eyes and just below the brow line to hide dark circles and highlight. Next the Clinique CC cream (see previous post here for a full review). I'm not a lover of 'full on' foundation and this gives just enough coverage leaving my freckles still visible, I may use a proper foundation for an evening out but this suits me fine for day to day use.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess powder blusher in medium & Estee Lauder Pure Colour Blush in Peach Passion

Next I apply a light layer of bronzer followed by a touch of blusher on the cheeks, this hopefully gives me a bit of colour with a healthy glow, provided I haven't been too heavy handed, NOT a good look!

From left to right Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Variation, Estee Lauder Metallics in Artic Zinc, Chanel Ombre Essentielle in Gri-Gri & Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Epatant

These are my most used eye-shadows at the moment, I've previously reviewed the Chanel Les 4 Ombres (here) and Estee Lauder Metallics (here) and they are still a firm favourite. I probably use Gri-Gri the most but am upset that I won't be able to replace it as it was a limited edition shadow. The Epatant is a creme shadow that's easy to apply with either finger or the brush provided and looks really good in the evening as it has a lovely shimmer effect and lasts ages with no creasing.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in black & Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening mascara, also in black

With shadow firmly in place and suitably blended it's time for my trusty eye pencil. I love this one as it's easy to apply and can be blended in if required with the smudge end. I always try and go for Estee Lauders Double Wear products as they stay in place all day and the mascara is no exception. I don't bother with a waterproof one anymore, they never work really anyway, this one stays in place even when swimming and has to be removed with eye make up remover at the end of the day, it really is ZERO SMUDGE!

Chanel Rouge Allure in Melodieuse

Finally, I add the finishing touch with a Chanel lipstick. This one is from the Chanel's Collection Notes de Printemps and it's great for day to evening wear. My other favourite is Fougueuse seen here in a previous post last month.

This is just a small part of my collection but probably the most essential bit, I certainly take all these products with me when travelling. I hope this has given you a little insight into my make up obsession, I'm sure I will be adding to it in the future.

What essentials do you have in your make up bags?

Deborah

xxx 

Nails Inc 2-in-1 Colour & Pop Art - Nails do Modern Art!

  

Nails Inc 2 in 1 Colour and Pop Art, £14 each

Sheraton Street & Cavendish Place (blue)

Angel & Upper Street (pink)

About five years ago I passed my A-Level in Art and Design (perpetual student) and as part of my coursework I studied some of the major artists in the Pop Art movement. One of my favourites was Lichtenstein, I loved how he created cartoon like images using coloured pixels, so effective and vibrant. So you can imagine my excitement when Nails Inc announced the release of their new Modern Art Collection including Pop Art, my interest was most definitely piqued!!!

You can always rely on Nails Inc to come up with something new and exciting in the world of nails and at £14 (for a 2 in 1) I don't think it's too expensive for something a little bit different. The collection consists of three shades of varnish accompanied by a coordinating pixel like glitter, great for experimenting with different nail varnish effects, a must for all you nail addicts out there! Apply the colour first, I found I only need two coats for a good even coverage. When the base colour is dry then it's time to have fun with the 'Pop Art' end of the duo. I'm really liking the idea of an accent nail at the moment but it would look equally as good on the tips or go for the full cover on every nail, it's great when there are no hard and fast rules to follow, just release your 'inner modern artist'.

I loved these two shades Angel & Upper Street and Sheraton Street & Cavendish Place as they echo the pastel colours that are very popular at the moment. The pink is a very pretty wearable shade but I think the blue is particularly lovely especially with the combination of black, white, blue and silver pixels. To view the full range in the Modern Art Collection click on the link here, you might also want to check out Knightsbridge Place & Sloane Street, a bright pink with coordinating pixels in pinks, blue and white.

As I've already said, these varnishes are a definite MUST HAVE for any nail addicts, a valuable addition to our already bulging collections that you really don't want to miss. It will be interesting to see if Nails Inc add anymore colours to the range, maybe some primary red, yellow and blues, reminiscent of Lichtenstein's original work, I'll let you know if I hear anything on that subject.

Pop Art by Lichtenstein (picture from Google)

Have you discovered any new and interesting nail effects recently?

Deborah

xxx

Review - Vaseline 'Spray & Go'

Vaseline 'Spray & Go' body moisturiser, Aloe fresh, £4.99

The Hype - A lotion with even spray coverage, quick absorbtion after rubbing in, non-greasy, leaving skin feeling silky smooth and deeply moisturised. A quick convenient solution to body moisturising!

When I recently saw an advert for this product I knew I would be tempted to give it a go. Like most of us, I am always on the lookout for ways to speed up my regular beauty regime in the morning and this product seemed like the answer. However, I have to admit that I was more than a little disappointed with the results.

It certainly provided an even coverage of spray moisturiser, after a bit of practice, but there was a lot of wastage with much of the contents ending up on my bathroom floor and tiles and they certainly didn't require moisture! It did dry fairly quickly after rubbing in, 'result' I hear you say and definitely left no signs of greasy or sticky residue but this also meant that it wasn't as moisturising as I would have liked, it certainly didn't leave me feeling deeply moisturised as claimed. It might be that my skin is drier and requires a richer lotion, if so then of the three varieties available (view here) I don't think any of them would be suitable for my skin.

If, unlike me, you have healthy youthful skin then this would probably be a good product for you to try, the aloe fresh version certainly smelt lovely and fresh. However, for me, the moisture just wasn't intense enough to give me the sort of moisture that my skin required. I guess I will just have to go back to my usual routine telling myself that it's not much quicker to spray and rub as opposed to squirt and rub!

Have you had chance to try this product yet, if so what did you think?

Deborah
xxx