Hair Straightening

Last year I purchased a deal from the online company Groupon, the deal was one I could not refuse, it was $99 for permanent hair straightening plus a trim and wash and blow-dry normally $460.

My hair, as pictured below has distinct pointless waves through it, constantly frizzy ( despite if I am dark or light), is super thick, and generally looks terrible if I wear it out without doing something with it. I normally opt for a 'scrunched' beach look, however, have been yearning to have straight hair!!! 

This was take a few hours before the appointment

The system used at the Venus salon in New Farm, Brisbane, was called Bio-Ionic Retex Hair Straightening. I could not possibly be happier with the results.

I wake up each morning not having to tend to it at all, and can easily wear it out. Post washing, I blow dry, and if necessary (which isn't usually, I am just extra cautious) quickly run an iron through it to. Much easier and quicker then pre treatment. Due to the thickness of my hair, it can take 45 minutes or longer from blow drying to ironing to finish. I don't miss have the 'scrunched' look, and am loving my new straight hair.

This was taken 3 weeks post treatment

I must also give a great review of the salon I went to. I had one girl work on my hair throughout the entire procedure (which took almost 4 hours), she was absolutely delightful. If I ever go back to Brisbane, I will certainly be visiting them for my colours and cuts.... and when required, straightening.

Garnier BB Cream

Looking for an alternative to mineral powder make-up, I was wanting to try a tinted moisturiser. Why? Simply for the easier, quicker application. No sooner had I decided this, Garnier began advertising their new BB Cream.

What can I say? They certainly made some big promises! From radiant skins to covering imperfections, I knew I wanted to try this right away.

Considering the girl in the ad already had clear, perfectly toned skin, I was sceptical. I was right, to be sceptical. This cream did NOTHING! The coverage was non-existant and I found my skin to be oily and shiny when I wore it. This is certainly one product, I will not be going back for. This price is relatively cheap, but certainly not even worth it.

My search for a tinted moisturiser will continue.... another day.

Search for a moisturiser in a very cold climate!

I’m so sorry for neglecting this blog and not posting for a few months! But so much has happened, life has been a bit crazy. For starters, I packed my bags and moved from the glorious sunburnt country to Vancouver (enjoying my first visit to Europe beforehand) on a working/holiday visa; found a job and a house to live in; and have just been getting life started in general. This change has sent my skin a little haywire…believe me, it is cold over here! Weather I am just not used to and neither is my skin! So I have been on the search for the ultimate facial moisturising cream as my skin dries out so quickly due to the cold, wet, windy weather.

I was previously using Estee Lauder, however going through duty free on my way from Europe to Canada, I made the most of the opportunity of goods at a cheaper price and picked up perfume, makeup and Dior moisturising cream (gotta love duty free!).

This time around, I purchased the Dior Hydra Life Sorbet and I’m still not one hundred percent sure what I think of this product. At night time, I feel as though I could continue applying layers of this to my face (which means I have used a lot of product in not a very long time!). On the plus side though, it definitely doesn’t leave my face feeling oily and the product really sinks into the skin rather than just sitting on the surface like some other brands I have tried (I’m talking to you L’oreal!). I wanted to compare the Sorbet to the Cream to see the difference, so also picked up the Dior Hydra Life Creme. I definitely need less of this product on my face as it gives a true moisturising affect.

Will I buy this product again? Yes, for sure.

Next question of course is will I buy the cream or the sorbet? I think I will buy the cream for evening and the sorbet for day. The sorbet feels lighter on the skin so perfect for daytime, whereas the cream is ultra moisturising which is what I need for the evening, to help repair the dryness of my skin while I sleep. 

2012 - Welcome Back!

It has been quite some time since our last post, but we have tried quite a few products since then, so have lots to review!
More blogs to come very soon!

An Education

On my search for a 'perfect' skin care regime, I have come to realise how naive I have been to ingredients in products that can be doing more than harm than good.
When at a department store scanning around for something new or improved, I can easily be swayed to purchase a product that I know little about, but am easily sold by any claims that assistants provide me!
What to do?! As I realised, I have not reached my ideal skin care routine, my research has begun.
I have purchased several books to re-begin, what feels like a life time of searching for fabulous products. 'Don't go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me', by Paula Begoun (2010), is where tonight I am hoping to find my next purchases to test out, going in with a bit more knowledge, and certainly a LOT of experience.
Will keep you all posted :)

Botox!

I'm very conscious of my eye area, and the fine lines that surround it, so today I took the plunge and got...botox! I know some people have very strong opinions and will tell me why I shouldn't get it done, however it's my choice, my face and my money that I'm spending. 


I had three needle pricks either side of my face. I'm not too concerned about the lines between the eyes that occur when you frown, so I decided not to have any injections there. 


It did hurt, quite a lot in fact, but as soon as the injection has finished, the pain is gone. 


I'm told that I should see results in about a week, so I will definitely update on the progress! 


Ps for those who would like to know the finer details - I'm 24 years old and it cost $240 in total.

Part 2 - Lush

So our sister Rhiannon, has found that Lush products work very well for her lifestyle and ethical considerations when purchasing products. These are her thoughts on Lush hair products.

I Love Juicy:
Palm Oil seems to weasel its way into heaps of everyday products, especially hair products. For me it’s important to choose the products that I can free of palm oil. All of the Lush products are palm oil free so I am instantly drawn to them. I Love Juicy is a delicious smelling shampoo which really made my head feel all clean and fresh. It’s a fruity shampoo with mango, pineapple, kiwi and papaya oils in it to make your hair smell so yummy!


Trichomania:
This shampoo is a little different; instead of being in a bottle it’s in a block. How this delicious baby works is just like soap, while you’re in the shower, wet your hair as normal and then with this block of shampoo in your hands, lather your hands up in this and then just work it into your hair like normal shampoo. I was a bit sceptical using this because it reminded me of just using soap in my hair, but it smells so incredible and it does feel like a normal shampoo anyway. I’m obsessed with products that smell like coconuts, and this shampoo reminds me of being on a beach with pina colidas , coconuts and lots of sun. Perfect.

Coolaulin:

This conditioner, I LOVE! It probably has something to do with the coconut smell to it, but I am a big fan of this conditioner. People may be put off by this conditioner because unlike your everyday conditioners you may buy from Coles, Woolworths or another supermarket, when you work it into your hair, your hair is not going to start to have that instant softness and smoothness you feel with regular conditioners. This is because this conditioner doesn’t contain the silicones that other conditioners contain like Pantene. So although you are not getting the immediate satisfaction in this conditioner, once your hair dries, it has a natural softness to it and you’re not damaging your hair. A big thumbs up to Coolanlin.

Veganese:
This conditioner I did not like. It didn’t make my hair feel amazing and it didn’t feel like it was going to do anything for my hair.