Hey everyone -
So apart from my introduction to you all, this is my first official post. Eek!
I stopped by Boots last night after dinner at Nando's and picked up a few beauty bargains - it's impossible to come out of there with just the thing you came in for...
I haven't tried (or even opened) any of the products yet, so what you'll get is a total first impressions blog. Once I've used the products a couple of times, I might do a comparison to similar products I've used and let you all know how I think they match up. Here goes -
The first thing I picked up was the VO5 High Volume Ultimate Hold Weather Resistant Hairspray (that's a mouthful). It was £1.49 for a 400ml bottle - so cheap that I got one for for Mumma too! The new spray claims '5 Vital Benefits':
• "All Day Hold that brushes out easily, leaving hair soft to touch"
• "Weather Protection provides a shield against humidity for 24 hours, preventing frizz"
• "Ultrafine Fast-drying Spray, with no sticky residue"
• "Healthy Shine to finish your style"
• "UV Filter to help protect against environmental damage"
I gave the can a quick spritz and it seems to produce a good mist - steady but not heavy enough that you'd think it would clump. It smells alright; it definitely smells like a hairspray. It's a little bit clinical, but the good thing is that I don't think it's strong enough to interfere with other scents you might wear. I'll have to see how it pans out. The great thing is that the bottle's so big and I use so little spray that I don;t have to worry about wastage - a great trick is to lightly mist your face with hairspray (close your eyes!) after you've finished your makeup. It helps hold everything in place and helps prevent shine, plus you save on products like Urban Decay All Nighter Long Makeup Setting Spray. Just be careful what hairspray you use - SLS's and parabens have a tendency to cause breakouts!
Next up was Phil Smith Xtreme Style Xrated Shine Serum. I've been using Phil Smith Moisture Rich Shampoo and Conditioner since the summer started after my hair was completely ruined by Mane'n'Tail Shampoo and Pantene (more on those later) and I quite like it. It's put some shine and health back into what was fine, stripped hair. Let me know if you guys want a full review :) Anyway, I'd had by bottle of Salon Chic's So Smooth Shine Serum for at least two years (yes, that is how often I heat style my hair) and I decided we needed a new kid on the block. At £3.99 for 50ml, it doesn't come cheaaaap, but then neither to most shine serums (but you're only using max two pumps per application). They were on a 2 for £4 offer - which is practically buy one get one free - so I popped in an extra for Mum. The Phil Smith Serum lists wheat germ oil as its fourth ingredient. Wheat germ oil is high in Vitamin E and fatty acids, which are as essential for general health as they are for pretty hair and nails! To the touch, the Salon Chic is much more gel-like and scentless, where the Phil Smith has a softer consistency and smells like coconuts! Proper review to come.
The third product was V05 Frizz Relief Elixir Miracle Mist, which is a heat protectant and detangler. I'm not the biggest fan of detanglers as they tend to make hair brittle and weigh it down over time, but I bought this in place of the Charles Worthington Results Protect Heat Defence Spray I've been using (which smells a little like hospitals and is stickier than I'd like). I'll let you know how it goes.
Last but not least, Phil Smith Xtreme Style Xpert Sea Salt Wave Spray (retails at £3.99 for 125ml). I decided to bite the bullet and get this as a trial - I've been eyeing up Bumble and Bumble South Surf Spray for a while, but it's a tad expensive for a style I might not wear that often. I want to recreate Mary-Kate Olsen's look here, but after I tried to make my own salt spray (just sea salt and water - big time dry-out!!), I've been a bit cautious of the products. The one I bought claims to have conditioning properties and lists castor oil (great for hair growth) as an ingredient. I'll keep you posted.
Are there any products you guys have tried recently? I'd love to know! Do any of you fancy trying some of these with me?
As always, feel free to comment with any requests,
'Cause in the end, it's all for you guys.
PS: I hope to set myself up on a YouTube channel as soon as I've finished redecorating. That way I can get to know you all better and you'll get to look at a newly-painted bedroom instead of one halfway through being revamped.
