Travel Toiletries Essentials

                         

                        

As I'm packing away my carry-on essentials, I thought I'd make a note of what I chose to pack on my week trip to Amsterdam!

The Body Shop: Travel Rainforest Shine Shampoo and Conditioner

Yesto: Cucumber Soothing Facial Wipes

Maybelline: Lash Sensational Mascara

Maybelline: Cover Stick Concealer in Vanilla

Benefit: Posietint & High Beam

Mirenesse: Glossy Kiss in Angel Kiss

Sanex: Dermo Invisible Deodorant

MONU: Hydrating Moisturiser

Maybelline: Brow Pencil in Blonde

Accessorize: Floral Hair Scrunchie

Lovemilliecrafts: Elastic Hair Ties

- Tash.

Argan Hair Oils

Oiling hair is wonderfully beneficial, as it can form a protective layer, whilst nourishing your hair! I've found adding a hair oil to your hair care routine, can be worthwhile, especially during summer.

I had not before considered using a hair oil until I received two samples through my door! Both are based with Argan Oil and both state to apply to damp hair and massage in. By trying these after I had washed my hair, it gave me the opportunity to compare the two, to see their fab benefits. 

Argan Dew: Miraculous Argan Oil- daily hair treatment*

Similar to their hair mask, their Miraculous Oil rehydrates, repairs and nourishing all of your hair. As it contains nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants it helps to improve hair strength, prevent frizz and creates a lasting healthy glossy shine on hair for the rest of the day.
 It also pleases me to know that this product is SLS, paraben and alcohol free, and is cruelty-free. Seriously, a great hair oil to help your hair get in great condition.

This product is available from their website, but specifically can be found here for roughly £25 for 100ml glass bottle.

Beauty Protector: Protect & Oil

As stated when receiving this in my Birchbox, this hair oil has a sweet vanilla scent, and somewhat gloopy texture. As well as leaving your hair glossy, this oil focuses on protecting against UV rays and heat damage, as well as strengthening hair strands. Alike Argan Dew, this hair oil is also a paraben-free formula and cruelty-free!

Available for purchase through Birchbox, this product comes in 118ml plastic bottle at £16, the more price-friendly product out of the two.

Both of these products have helped to make my hair really soft and glossy continuously! If I'm going to use heat, I'll grab Beauty Protector, but if not then every few days I will stick to Argan Dew!

These two hair oils have been wonderful additions to my hair care routine. I look forward to continuing to use these, to get the best out of my hair. 

Bring on summer with my healthy and shiny hair! 

- Tash.

Birchbox Review- June 2015

June 2015's Birchbox is a collaboration with French Sole and the theme revolves around 'Stepping Outside' in preparation for this summer!

For £10 (+ P&P) you can receive and try out 5 chosen samples that you receive in your monthly subscription box. This month I had the choice of choosing the design of the box and shoe bag that I would receive, further relating to this months partnership. The products that received are...

Yes to: Cucumbers Facial Wipes (buy here) 

A small compact size version of their cooling yet rejuvenating cleansing wipes which are a the perfect size to fit into a handbag this summer, whether it is during the day when out or to use at home to remove makeup.

English Laundry: No. 7 For Her (buy here)

My first perfume sample that I have received in a Birchbox, and I think it is a great way to trial perfumes a few times before commiting to a large bottle! No. 7 for Her has scents of that are bright and fruity with a hint of Musk; personally I'm not a major fan of this perfume, but I will certainly take advantage of the small handy size!

Mirenesse: Glossy Kiss in Angel Kiss (buy here)

A cross between a lip stain and a balm; this lip stick pencil is great for every day use. I received the colour Angel Kiss which I wasn't sure at first, however after wearing it many times I love and I probably wouldn't have ever tried this colour if it hadn't been in my box! The lipstick came with tips of how to wear it for a glossy or matte look, or to even use on your cheeks. A great versatile product!

Cowshed: Body Lotion in Knackered Cow (buy here)

Knackered Cow has essential oils of lavender and eucalyptus which are great to use to pamper and nourish my skin. I don't usually like lavender, however the scent of this is not overwhelming and perfectly soothing.

Beauty Protector: Protect & Oil (buy here) 

This vanilla scented hair oil smells amazing for starters, and not to mention that I received 2 small sample sizes of this product. This aims to give you glossy hair and also protects against UV rays and heat damage. I thoroughly look forward to using this regularly!

STYLondon: Temporary Metallic Tattoos (buy here)

These new trend accessories are super cute, I almost don't want to use them they look so pretty. I can see these adding a stylish metallic look to an outfit this summer. A fab beauty bonus on behalf of Birchbox! 

This months box is filled with sample products to get me ready for summer, and not to mention have encouraged me to try new things that otherwise I wouldn't have considered. Bring on next month's Birchbox! 

- Tash.

Spring Pastel Nail Polishes

Pastel colours are fabulous to wear all year around, but look even cuter in spring time! I've started wearing pastels a lot more on their own as well as adding nail art on top of these pastel nail polish colours. 

 (Right to left)

Barry M: Blueberry Icecream (buy here)

Models Own: Concrete Mixer (buy here)

Models Own: Lilac Dream (buy here)

Models Own: Jade Stone (buy here)

Nails Inc London: Notting Hill Carnival(buy here)

Nails Inc London: Upper Cheyne Row(buy here)

These pastel colours are great to be worn alone or in combination with each other, or even with nail art on top!

What are your spring nail polish favourites?

- Tash.

Hair Care Routine

In the past year, since having my hair cut shorter, I have begun to truly look after my hair which has resulted in it being in very good condition. My hair is naturally wavy, more so at the back, as well as being thick and grows at a decent pace, which means that it can be a hassle, but more recently doesn't take too much maintenance. 

Consequently I've sculpted my current hair care routine with products and tips to meet my hair needs and maintain my locks!

The Body Shop Rainforest Shine Shampoo (buy here) 

I was apprehensive about using a SLS free shampoo, but I persevered through despite the occasional greasy day and difficultly in lather, to have healthier hair. At first I used Rainforest Moisture, but it didn't seem to be making a difference. I then tried out Rainforest Shine, which proved to be a lot better for my hair as it made it softer and shinier!

Elvive Nutri-Gloss Light Conditioner (buy here) 

Leaves my hair soft, shiny and smells fab, what more could you want? A recent purchase that perfectly matches my hair needs, as it is specialised towards mid-long and dull hair. 
I apply this from the middle to ends of my hair, and leave for a minute or so before rinsing.

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Hair Mask (buy here)

When it comes to a deep hair treatment, I always look forward to grabbing this intense conditioner. I love how soft and light this product makes my hair feel, not to mention the lovely smell. Herbal Essences have a range of hair masks, depending on your hair type, but if you are looking to hydrate your locks, Hello Hydration shall truly help after leaving it on for a mere 5 minutes! 

PARLOR Moisturising Sea Salt Spray (buy here) 

I am so grateful for received this in my May Birchbox! This sea salt spray adds texture and adds emphasis on my current natural waves. Surprisingly I adore the scent of peaches and freshly cut grass that this bottle holds. I apply this to damp hair after a shower, and even in a morning before leaving the house.

Paddle Brush(buy here)

After washing my hair, patting it dry, and applying sea salt spray, if it is the evening I will go on to brush out my hair with a paddle brush, as this is best due to the thickness of my hair. However it is during the day I don't bother brushing to allow my natural waves to stay in place.

Hair Ties & Bobbles(buy here)

Most evenings I plait my hair, and so using hair ties allows me to keep these in place, but not add any kinks into it either. Plaits give my hair a stronger wave, so that they look more natural after a night to dry in them.

I always let my hair dry naturally, which means I usually let it dry over night so that I am not bothered by wet hair during the day. Not to mention how adding no heat allows my hair to be in a lot better condition.

What are your hair care essentials?

- Tash.

Birchbox Review- May 2015

May 2015's Birchbox is themed around 'Free Your Mind' encouraging you to be creative and even to colour in your own box. 

For £10 (+ P&P) you can receive and try out 5 chosen samples that you receive in your monthly subscription box. Also this month I was guaranteed a free full size nail art pen from Wah London! The products that received are...

Colouring Pencils! 

'Another little something extra'. Birchbox kindly included some colouring pencils to use to help get creative and personalise the design of the box. I plan to colour mine in soon, so follow my instagram to soon see my finished box!

NUDE: ProGenius Omega Treatment Oil (buy here) 

This sample is in a small purple pump bottle, a few drops of this nourishing oil and best applied after cleansing at night, to allow it to absorb into my skin, feeling it soft and healthy. This will certainly be a part of my night time routine, occasionally replacing my moisturiser.

STILA: Lip Glaze (buy here)

As soon as I saw the light peach shade for this lip gloss, I was excited to try it out. I don't usually wear lip gloss, however this lip glaze in the colour Glow will certainly add to any summer time makeup routine, plus the convenience of the click-pen packaging which I prefer. Let's not forget about that it's packed with vitamins A, C and E to keep lips hydrated and looks lovely!

LIZ EARLE BEAUTY CO: Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (buy here)
Naturally I've heard about this product so many times, but the big name and price tag put me off ever trying it. This hot cloth cleanser which is suitable for all skin types is great to gently remove my makeup, especially mascara, even though I do look like a panda during the cleansing process. A great product that if I could justify buying, may hop in to my basket on day. 
Oh and this came with a muslin cloth, so I'l practically half way there to repurchasing. Plus this muslin cloth will be great for when I use my cleansing balms too!

WAH LONDON: Nail Art Pen(buy here)

A free full sized nail art pen! Why thank you Birchbox!
I chose to receive a nail art pen, of which I received in blue (shade 08), and I love it. It was a colourful addition to my nails, and has given me that push towards creating more nail art designs in the near future, so keep an eye out.

PARLOR:Moisturing Sea Salt Spray (buy here) 

With scents of ripe peaches and freshly cut grass, this seal salt spray in a bottle as well as its scent adds texture to your hair. This product is encouraging me to focus on my hair more, as well as ensure that my hairstyles such as buns stay sturdy.

JELLY PONG PONG: Bronzer Duo (buy here)
My Caribbean Sun bronzer duo is in the shade martinique, half a tan powder for contour, and a rosy pink blush, a perfect combination palette for the cheeks, particularly those whom have pale skin.  A fab compact duo infused with argan and mango butter for a moisturising contouring choice. 

NUMBER 4: Reconstructing Masque (buy here) 

As a fellow fan on hair masques, this wonderfully moisturing product makes your hair feel fresh, strong and shiny. I love that this was an extra beauty bonus in my box, however wish that it was not in a sachet, so I didn't feel I had to use it all at once.

Considering this is my first ever Birchbox, overall I am very happy and content with my samples, and may even consider purchasing larger sizes, and look forward to future boxes!

- Tash.

Spring Skincare Haul

                         

Now that it is spring time, I decided it was time to appropriately change my skincare routine slightly. I did a little bit of on line shopping to see my current options, and after a few shopping trips I had decided to purchase these wonderful products! 

From Boots, Lush and Etsy, the following products were purchased, and all tried for the first time ever. The products that I bought are...

Lush Miranda Soap (buy here) 
Despite the fact that I already have enough soap to last me months, I wanted to try something new and upon entering the store, I was advised to try out Miranda, which I have never tried before. Its sweet but not overpowering, which lathers up well, I think it will make a good daily soap to use.

Elastic hair ties by Lovemilliecrafts (buy here)

Lately I have got into the habit of tying my hair up for bed, but then doesn't look so fab the next day with all its dents. I've heard about these frequently, so did some research for my options and came across these on Etsy. The great thing with Lovemilliescrafts is that she allowed me to choose my own coloured ties rather than buying set options like you would in a store. I chose 5 pastel colours to go in theme with spring, and I now love using these on a nightly basis!

Nivea Sensitive Night Cream (buy here) 

Due to my sensitive skin, this option seemed perfect, especially when I also needed a day cream and Nivea had a deal on. Usually I buy potted night cream, but after trying this I don't seem to be wasting as much, plus its a bit more hygienic.

Nivea Rich Moisturing Day Cream (buy here)
Alike above, I also bought the Sensitive Day Cream, but  this offers a more moisturing day cream which is great considering I don't wear foundation most of the time. Plus it has SPF 15, so I don't even need to consider sun cream when the sun suddenly appears on these spring days

Garnier Micellar Water (buy here) 
My cleanser was running out, and I was going to purchase Nivea's alternative, however Garnier offer double the size at 400ml, as well as being for sensitive skin, meant that I purchased this to use daily to remove all makeup and dirt (and so far so good).

Which of these products would you have chosen to purchase too?

- Tash.