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Monday 25 February 2013

Rimmel London Kate 03: Quick Swatch Series


Quick swatch of the pink / nude from Rimmel London Kate Moss collection.

You may recall that I previously posted swatches of the three Rimmel London lipsticks I had purchased in October. I thought I'd post a quick swatch of this gorgeous pink /nude on my lips. It is softer in colour than NYX's Thalia so is easier to wear for a paired down, everyday look.

Sunday 24 February 2013

Kera Pro Restorative Intense Treatment


Often cited as an affordable dupe for Kerastase's Nutri-Thermique product, I have heard a lot about Kera Pro Restorative Intense Treatment for dry to very dry hair. However, like many beauty / hair enthusiasts I have been frustrated by the lack of availability of yet another  cult product (Kera Pro) in the UK. Imagine my surprise when I came across a  tub whilst rummaging the shelves of my local TK Maxx for £7.99. 

What does the company say?
A complete line of keratin-rich products designed to deeply nourish, restore and provide optimum balance for soft, shiny and healthy hair that lasts all day!  Compare to L’Oreal Kerastase and save! KeraPRO Restorative Treatment is an intense nourishing treatment that saturates hair from roots to ends for the ultimate restorative therapy for extra dry or stressed hair. Contains scientifically advanced glucose, lipid and keratin protein actives. It locks nutrients deep inside the hair fiber  [sic] leaving hair soft, shiny and healthy. 
How I used the product

I decided to use it as a deep conditioner after shampooing; slopping it on with my trusty Tesco's carrier bag and sitting for 40 minutes with a heating cap on. The results were moderate, soft hair and I was a bit nonplussed. It was on my second use of the product that I fell in love. I had been 9 weeks post and had some serious regrowth issues (broken comb anyone?). 
Using a tinting brush I made sure to part my hair into sections and concentrated on placing the product directly on my scalp/ new growth, adding some of my trusty hemp oil to mix and sitting for 40 minutes with a heating cap (Waitrose carrier bag this time). The results were amazing! The new growth was so soft and manageable, the older hair felt equally moisturised and there wasn't a clear difference between the two textures. The added oil had provide the slip I felt was missing from my hair following my attempt. Due to the lightness of the product my fine hair wasn't left feeling heavy after the treatment, with the results lasting for well over a week. 

Verdict

The only negative for me is the lack of avalilblity in the UK. The tub allows for easy and effective usage with a tinting brush. As a migraine sufferer I found the smell non offensive and quite pleasant. The lightweight product didn't overwhelm my hair but I would strongly advise the addition of an oil of your choice to help with styling after washing. 

Overall- a welcome addition to my hair regime. 

Sunday 17 February 2013

Dior's Hypnotic Poison Perfume



Never underestimate the power of a good perfume.

I love a Strong, sweet scent. For years I have searched for perfume that didn't trigger a migraine and most importantly, smelt good enough for me to want to wear it alone, with just a smile for a special someone ;).

Dior perfumes have been a staple in my life; I have many memories of watching my mum get ready for a special occasion and recall the scent of Midnight Poison being sprayed. As a little child I would risk a beating to spray some on and whilst working abroad, I would always counter my homesickness by seeking out a bottle if I couldn't speak to my mum. It was during my first trip to Stratford Westfield that I popped into a perfume shop and decided to reminisce, eventually spraying the two red Poison's on each wrist. Initially I opted for Poison, but I found myself drawn to the wrist where I had sprayed Hypnotic Poison. I could not believe that is was the same perfume I had discounted for smelling like like root beer. It passed the Hubby test - he made clear his appreciation and I promptly went back made a purchase. 

The smell
A good perfume is one that adapts to the natural chemicals of it's host and still retains structure throughout the day. In my opinion Hypnotic Poison has three stages: root beer - flat oriental vanilla / almond - deliciously seductive rich and sweet scent.


Dior's Blurb:
The mystery of Dior’s legendary forbidden fruit lives on in a magical, modern philter that blends femininity with boldness. Four contrasting facets – intoxicating bitter almond and carvi, opulent Sambac jasmine, mysterious Jacarandra and sensuous vanilla and musk– make for a compelling, bewitching  fragrance fusion. Intoxicating and extravagant.
Due to the price I have to rotate other perfumes and may post in the future, scents that I wear when I'm not fussed. I have already repurchaased this bottle and bug anyone I know going abroad to pick me up the larger size in duty free. a few sprays of this baby and I am ready to roll.

What scent do you love?

Sunday 10 February 2013

On the Box: Scandal

I have been loving some of the TV programmes hitting UK shores over the last few months, none more so than ABC's Scandal.





Initially I was slightly sceptical but set my TiVo to record the series for those off days where I wanted to chill out at home. After two weeks I managed to sit still for an hour and promptly found myself hooked.  The fast-paced political drama depicting the inner workings of the US White House / power players, coupled with strong characters left me in awe. I loved the way the show's creator Shonda Rhimes had developed the episodes, allowing various storylines to run alongside the overt sexual tension between the main characters. 



Kerry Washington's been rocking the hell out of the colour white and putting the 'Power' in a suit. 




I adore the character Huck


 

Are you a fan, which of the characters are your favourite?


All images borrowed from google