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Monday 26 March 2012

Recent Re-Purchases

Hey Dolls,
I'm a fickle being and I find that despite loving a product I always feel I might be missing out on something better (which is why my foundation drawer is full of half used products).  So, when I find myself repurchasing a product over and over again, it really must work!  This week, I've repurchased three of my all time favourite products - I've definitely spoken about all three before but I think they deserve a little seperate post all of their own.

Chloé Eau de Parfum


Without a doubt, Chloé is my favourite perfume.  I've went through countless bottles and have only recently realised that as soon as I've finished a bottle, I go straight out and buy a new one.  It's quite a hard perfume to describe - the top notes are peony, lychee and fresia but as it settles you can definitely smell rose with a hint of amber and cedarwood.  Despite having some quite heavy notes, to me, Chloé smells so fresh and clean.  It is also the longest lasting perfume I own, by the end of the day I still get whiffs of scent.

Whenever I wear Chloé, I always get asked what perfume I'm wearing.  However, it seems to be a scent that divides people - you either love it or hate it.  For some, it's a little too strong but that's the exact reason I love it, when I'm washing my clothes, as soon as you open my washing basket you can smell Chloé from days earlier.

I bought this bottle from Debenhams so I could use my beauty card balance (I love the Debenhams Beauty Card Scheme!) and just now, when you buy a bottle of Chloé you get the cutest two freebie bottles.


Maybelline Dream Matte Powder



I used to never be able to see past M.A.C MSF Natural for a powder that kept oil at bay until I had tried Maybelline's Dream Matte Powder. It's perfect for my oily skin and keeps shine away all day -Unlike when I used my MSF Natural, I rarely have to touch up my powder. It doesn't go cakey and looks almost invisible on the face which I really love.

I love the packaging of the powder with the swivel mirror and as pictured it comes with a sponge - however I buff mine into my skin using a kabuki brush. Now that it's coming into the warmer months (where did this sun come from? I love Scotland when it's sunny) Dream Matte Powder is coming to be an absolute staple in my make up routine.
Dior Bronze Original Tan in 002 Honey Tan


Are you bored of me raving about this bronzer yet? I wanted to mention it again as I have just had to  repurchase after buying my first compact last summer and using it daily.  Honey tan has completely changed how my make up looks, it's such a beautiful bronzer - it really warms my skin tone without looking muddy or orange.


As you can see, there are tiny shimmer particles in the bronzer and I originally went back to the Dior counter to try the matte version.  However, after looking at the matte and original version side by side, the original is slightly warmer and the particles, rather than looking glittery, give the appearance of beautiful, luminous skin.  I also love that Dior do a range of bronzers in various shades rather than producing just one or two so there should be one to suit everyone.

It is expensive at £29 but as my last compact lasted around 9 months I think it's a wise investment!

I'd love to hear if you've tried any of the above products or what you're most repurchased items are?

Lots of Love
Nicola
xx

Thursday 15 March 2012

Ojon Volume Advance Hair Care

Hey Dolls,

For the last couple of months, Ojon has been a brand I've been really interested in trying.  You should all know that I love big voluminous hair and so, when I was offered the chance to choose a  range of Ojon products I without thinking chose the Volume Advance range.


Ojon is a high end hair care brand that gets its name from the oil on which all Ojon products are based.  You can read exactly how the oil is hand harvested on the Ojon website - I loved reading the story of how the brand came to be and was fascinated in finding out just how much work goes into harvesting the Ojon elixir!

Volume Advance Shampoo and Conditioner


Ojon's Volume advance shampoo and Conditioner aim to seal the hair's cuticle and give fine hair the nutrients it needs for full, shiny, bouncy hair.  Both the shampoo and conditioner contain Ojon oil and Peruvian Amaranth which help make hair stronger and fuller.  The Volume Advance Shampoo is extrememly clarifying, removing any build up that weighs hair down.  The conditioner is quite thick and I was a little worried that it was too thick to be used as a daily conditioner however it doesn't seem to weigh my hair down at all.  Along with Ojon oil and Peruvian Amaranth, the conditioner also contains lemongrass extract and Wheat extract which help to moisturise your hair while also creating volume.



As I have said over and over again, volumising products are not always the best for your hair as they can be quite drying.  Even with my oily hair, on occasion after using the shampoo my hair felt a little dry, however with the conditioner being so thick and moisturising this hasn't been a problem.  Together they have left my hair feeling fuller but also healthy and shiny.  However, for people with quite dry hair the Volume Advance range may be a good option for special occasions and nights out when you want some extra lift rather than an everyday shampoo and conditioner.  Personally the one thing I would change is the packaging - it's made of quite tough plastic and at times can be quite difficult to get the product out - often in the morning I have to remove the cap to squeeze the product out however this is just a small niggle, otherwise I'm really happy!


Volume Advance Volumising Styling Spray


More than anything, volumising styling sprays are my favourite type of hair products.  The Ojon volumising styling spray for me, is everything I wanted Backcomb in a Bottle to be but wasn't.  I use this as a finishing spray after I have styled my hair and it gives serious hold and a serious amount of volume. 


The nozzle distributes a fine mist of product that doesn't weigh down my hair and doesn't feel sticky or knotted to the touch.  This has been a brilliant alternative to my beloved Dust It as it isn't as drying and there is less chance of being left with the dreaded 'candy floss' hair. Also if you find you have used a little too much product it is easily combed out. I definitely recommend it if you feel your hair needs a much needed boost!

I am now really interested in trying other Ojon products, in particular the Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment.  Have you tried any Ojon products or are you interested in trying them? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Love Nicola
xx  

Friday 2 March 2012

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Lollipop

Hey Dolls,

You may remember me saying around Christmas time I had completed a make up swap with Jessica from Getting Cheeky.  One of the items I was most excited to try was Revlon's Lip Butter in Lollipop.


I am instantly drawn to bright pinks and fuchsias, though at times,I just can't be bothered with the lip preparation that comes with wearing such a bright colour - I think this is why I love lollipop so much.  Because it's a lip butter, it glides onto the lips without settling into any lines and feels moisturising to wear.  The colour is surprisingly opaque with a blue shimmer running through which leaves a glossy shine to the lips (it reminds me of two of my favourite lipsticks M.A.C's Show Orchid and Girl About Town).  I absolutely love any lip product that contains blue shimmer (which all began when I was a teenager and was given Benefit's California Kissin' at Christmas) as it makes my teeth look much whiter. 



I absolutely love how this looks on - I've applied it straight from the tube so need to fuss with a lip brush, a lazy girls perfect bright lip! I really love the packaging of the lip butters, especially with the addition of a clear panel at the top of the lid allowing you to see the shade of the bullet. The one (slight) gripe I have with lollipop is the staying power of the formula.  I find that to maintain the brightness pictured above I do need reapply quite often.

Have you tried any of the Revlon Lip Butters? I can't wait for the full line to be released in the UK!

Love Nicola
xx