Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts

Friday, 20 January 2012

Dry Shampoo Review ~ Batiste Special

After I posted "Dry Shampoo, The Stand Off" the lovely people at Batiste said I could choose some of their dry shampoos to try out and talk about, which was really exciting since they have several different kinds that I've never tried before and I don't know many people who have either. I wouldn't have been so interested if it was just a matter of different scents, because we all know they work equally well and the smells are just a matter of preference but of no real consequence. I feel that trying these other kinds out and telling you about my (and my friends') experience of them might actually be quite insightful, especially if you're like me and are afraid to try something new once you've found something that works for you.
The dry shampoos I picked were: Gold Shimmer, Light & Blonde, Medium & Brunette and XXL Volume. I will also be reviewing Dark & Deep Brown which I didn't get sent but thought I'd include for completion's sake.


(took this photo from the website because I forgot to take photos of my actual ones before giving them to my friends)
Because I don't have a natural hair colour (this is my current colour) these products are wasted on me so I asked the people around me whose opinions I value to try them out for me instead. All in all, I have an opinion from every sort of person; a long time user of Batiste (Hannah), a long time user of the coloured kind (Nic) and a complete novice (my mum) who's opinion would be fresh perspective since she's never used anything like this before.
 





This I gave to Hannah, who has long, bleached blonde hair. She's doing an English degree so I trusted her to word her thoughts eloquently, which she did:


"Shampoo - Good, as in still as wonderful as the ordinary stuff (so great at de-greasing and generally giving flat hair a bit of a boost). The colour element was good because it didn't make my hair white/grey like excessive use of the ordinary one (i.e. my usual amount of use) can do. However the colour was a bit too yellow for my hair which is a more platinum blonde. Even for darker blondes it seemed the colour was a bit superficial. All around a good product though, I would buy again if the colour was altered, but if not then (because mine's too platinum) I'd stick to the normal stuff. A good idea though to have the different colours."

 




This one I gave to my mum. I decided to ask my mum because she is such a busy person and always complaining that her hair needs a wash but she has no time during the day that it was a no-brainer to make her try it. Her hair is dark brown and very thick.

She said she thought it worked well at making her hair feel clean but that because she has naturally frizzy hair, using it made the frizz come out in a big way. This probably isn't too much of an issue if you straighen your hair, but my mum doesn't so she found it to be a problem. As for the colour side of things she said that even though her hair is more reddy-brown it blended well and wasn't obviously sprayed on colour.






This is one I didn't get sent but since my dear friend Nic already uses it on a regular basis I thought I might as well include it. Nic has short, dark chestnut brown hair and very acomplished in the art of words, so here's what she thought:

"I find the coloured dry shampoo preferable to the normal stuff because you're always bound to miss a bit when you brush it out and the dark brown colour was just right for my hair, eliminating that problem. However, I would advise making sure none of it is on your forehead as the brown tint really shows up against the skin. Also, coloured dry shampoo with more choice of scents would be welcome. All in all, I think it does what it says on the tin and is worth it's higher price tag."

And now to the things that I actually reviewed myself. Looks like I barely did any work for this post, don't believe it! (Also, don't you love the floating cans in the photos! That's the boyfriend getting creative, you can find more of his stuff on his tumblr!)

BEFORE USE: I was interested to try this out because I had found that normal Batiste already had a certain volumising quality to it but I was also dubious considering hairspray (which is what usually gives you volume) generally does the opposite of what a dry shampoo is supposed to do, in that it makes it stiff and afterwards it generally needs a wash.

AFTER USE: Having used it I found that it did indeed make my hair look cleaner and definitely added volume as well as some hold, but this came at a price in that my hair felt quite matted and clumped together as if it was covered in hairspray. This is fine unless you intend to replace using this with washing your hair. So, I'd recommend this product if your hair is looking a little limp (or, like me, your fringe is always awkward and needs putting in place a bit). I'd only use XXL Volume during the day but wouldn't replace it with washing your hair in the evening.


BEFORE USE: This is the one I was most excited to try out, I had a feeling even before I tried it it might be perfect for adding a little bit of razzle-dazzle in a more stylish way than just glitter. I even entertained the idea that it might be fine for every day use, if subtle enough. On the other hand I was a bit afraid it might be completely over the top.

AFTER USE: My worries about it being over the top were put top rest the moment I sprayed in onto my hair, the glitter is so small and fine and the effect on my head was really subtle. I really like this stuff, it does the usual job on top of adding a slight golden shimmer - the name is exactly right for the product. I would absolutely recommend this if you're going out and you want to add a bit of glamour without looking like a toddler's art project, in fact I'm even tempted to wear it during the day.
As you can see below is literally the best result of my trying to show you what the glitter looks like, the fact that it's hard to see is pretty much a good thing, it stresses just how subtle the sparkle is.


All in all I wasn't surprised at all about the fact that Batiste continues to be my top choice for dry shampoo and these variations are great and effective for the specific needs that their catering too. Batiste dry shampoo can be found in most Boots and Superdrug stores. I would seriously recommend you try it out, even it's just the normal range.


Disclaimer: I really must stress that I was not paid to do this. I would hate for anyone who visits this blog to think that, all I want to do is provide you this honest insight.

Thursday, 5 January 2012

2011, a photo summary.

This is my living room (we haven't taken our decorations down so it's still much the same).
2011 was a hard and challenging year for me but it was also the year I started this blog (in October) which has bought me a lot of joy letting me express myself creatively again. These are just some photos I didn't have to space to put in previous posts that I thought I'd share with you all now.

 I started my first year at university and bought my boyfriend that bonsai tree at a plant sale there. I also got a rose plant which subsequently died very soon after purchase.

 This year I started to give my nails more attention (I still have a lot to learn, including neatness, as you can see).

 I had an awesome Guy Fawkes' weekend that also involved a vintage fair.

Me and my boyfriend spent a lot of time in Brighton this year, including during this oddly sunny November day for an Outfit of the Day shoot. As you can see, because he lacks fringe (or bangs for you American folk) he also lacked the ability to look into the sun and smile.

We also ate a lot of Krispy Kremes (this a customised box I presented to him one day), especially during Halloween.

 We introduced two more members into our (slightly cat obsessed) family.
And I did have, despite everything, a merry Christmas. 
I hope you did too.
(I love how that photo shows the reflection of all the lights in my living room, which me and my boyfriend decorated together. He always makes Christmas that bit better.)

 As always, all photos are taken by aforementioned boyfriend, find him here and on his tumblr.


Tuesday, 20 December 2011

Things Made For Loved Ones.

Every year I always try and make Christmas cards for family and friends, here is just a selection of some of them;

I'm not completely happy with all of them but at least I got them all done in time!
Do you make cards or presents for loved ones? I used to make presents but they'd never get finished on time (or ever).

Saturday, 3 December 2011

London in Christmas Spirits ~ a haul post!

Last Wednesday I took a break from revision and took a trip up to London with the boyfriend (who will  onwardly be referred to as he). It turned out to be a very long but very wonderful 8 hours of travelling around various parts of Christmasy London so I'm glad I opted for comfort instead style that day. Everywhere was so beautiful and full of lights, especially the Southbank Christmas market which was just amazing. The photos are a bit all over the place today but it was hard to keep continuity.

Summary of What I Bought
Kurt Geiger, Primark, various stalls at the Southbank Christmas market. (doesn't the blouse look so creepy just lying there?)

Oxford & Regent Street - Things Purchased
Our first stop was Oxford/Regent street. Oh goodness, as always, the ultimate high street. I had made a list the night before so as to limit how many shops I visited (and therefore limit how much waiting he had to do, bless him). Also, on a side note I can't believe how many of some shops there were, I spotted at least four Accessorizes and H&Ms! Four! It seems just a little excessive.

My first purchase was from Kurt Geiger which is definitely not somewhere I'd normally go into, ever, but as an Elle subscriber I got a £25 gift card so I went to spend that baby up (with minimal spending on my behalf). It took a bit of browsing their sale section (because most of their full price stuff is way beyond my budget) until we spotted the faux fur (you can just about see it in the above summary photo in the bottom left hand corner) originally £60 down to £30 and it was a done deal, even though he would have preferred the red one I thought navy was a bit more versatile. It is so soft and luxurious and I love it.


(this is technically from Southbank but it's pretty so it doesn't matter)
 
My other purchases came from Primark. And HOLY MOTHER. It is untrue how busy it was in there. Like, genuinely scary. I think my local one is better e.g., more clothes, less people, win win. I don't think I'll be going back in there in a hurry, there should be a warning outside: Primark, Oxford Street - only for the most hardcore of bargain hunter. I am afraid to say I am not that hardcore.
First are my amazing glittery deer! I've been looking for a perfect pair, I found some in Next, Paperchase and BHS but these ones are far superior in size and price (£4 each)!

Then I got this lovely cream blouse for a tenner. Again, I'd been looking for the perfect floaty blouse but most of the dip-hem ones are too extreme, this one was just right and I loooove the tie, massive fan of pussy-bows is me. I also got a snood (which you can see in that top summary photo) which is so soft and thick, I was torn between that burgundy or a mustard one, but burgundy won.

Some Thoughts on Other Shops Visited:
New Look - same old, but still awesome, they have so many coats going so cheap at the moment, I almost felt an obligation to buy one.
Muji - never heard of it before but it's SUCH a cute shop! Simple, affordable, quirky, I just love it. I saw a really darling little snowflake stamp set but I didn't buy it...feel like maybe I should have.
Forever 21 - it was the first time I stepped into a Forever 21 store and I really liked the general feel, it was quite chill actually, considering it's on Oxford Street. There wasn't anything I particularly loved but I feel like their next seasons will probably pull me in.
Pull&Bear - never heard of these guys as well but really liked their stuff, it was like an edgy H&M. Also, nice prices.
Hamleys - we always visit Hamleys when we're in the area, it brings out the kids in us. My favourite level is the ground floor with all the adorable stuffed toys (and secretly I sort of love the girl's level too).

Southbank ~ the Christmas Market
Once we were done there it had gotten dark. I wish we'd taken more photos of the some of the shops, Selfridges, Debanhams and Boots all looked amazing and lit up, but we were in need of a break so we hopped on the tube to Embankment, crossed the bridge and went up to the terrace to chill, have a drink and stare in awe/anticipation at the Christmas market (that last bit might have been just me).
The market was just so perfect, like a series of little workshops from the North Pole selling all manner of lovely things. We wandered up and down and I found a lot of presents for people.

First this little leather notebook for a friend (it's lying on a fur scarf I got from Primark but returned, I wasn't crazy about it so it wasn't worth keeping). I love how authentic and real it feels.

Then this locket which is actually a clock when you open it. It came from a hut that was all £10 and £15 fob watches and watch necklaces, there were so many different kinds but this one is my favourite. Perfect gift for another friend, I think she's going to love it (I know I do).

Aren't these guys so cute!? The top I'm keeping for myself because it is just too cute and it makes me think of Christmas pudding with holly or misltoe on top. The others are perfect little presents and isn't the bag they came in so sweet?

Once we were done we grabbed a delicious Angus beef burger from one of the stalls and then some marshmallows dipped in chocolate from a  fountain but we wolfed it down too quickly to even think about taking a photo of it. All in all a wonderful day, even if I did wake up the next day with genuine muscle ache.

What are your favourite shops to visit in London?
As always all photos are taken by this guy.

Thursday, 1 December 2011

Oh, My Deer. ~ Etsy Special

I know, hilarious and over used pun, I am so at the cutting edge of digital media.
So, last month was a feature on all things owl, and this month another animal feature; deer! They have been slowly making themselves known to me and I'm starting to love them like I love owls. To be honest most of these items are things I desperately want, I won't lie. And I think you'll feel the same way when see them.

Etsy shop: Kokofox Studio
Figurine, £16.62
There are a lot of kitsch deer figurines around on Etsy but these are by far the cutest, plus the most versatile. I know if I had one I'd be painting it right up.

Etsy shop: Sarahkdesigns
Christmas cards, £7.94
When I first saw these I didn't even realise there were deer on them, but take a closer look and sure enough, there they are. These cards are so imaginative and a nice alternative to your usual christmas card.

Etsy shop: Bugga
Reindeer necklace, £10.59
Christmas themed, simple and quirky. What more could you want? I am loving that little bell as well!

Etsy shop: Tiny Owl's Magic Attic
Hat knitting pattern, £3.64
I wish I could crochet/knit! If that were the case then I would proudly be sporting one of these absolutely endearing (see that! Another pun!) hats. Maybe I should get this for my gran and hint heavily as to who she might make one for, hm...

 Etsy shop: Sugarsnap,
Tote, £13.20
I just love this print so much. Deers + damask, what more could you want?

 Etsy shop: The Door Stop
Antler wall hook, £18.61
Along with a deer obsession comes an antler obsession. This guy is just perfect for a log cabin. Practical and awesome, they come in a few different colours as well.

Etsy shop: jDUCT
Stag wallet, £14.56
Here's something for that hipster man in your life. It's just so funny! Everything looks cooler with a pair of fake glasses on, right? (to be honest, I myself have two pairs...guilty!)

Etsy shop: Maria Handmade
Small antler hairband, £13.32
Need. Just need. SO bad.

 Etsy shop: Cranberry Lover
Little deer purse, £3.31
It's so simple but so sweet, somehow I'm drawn to it. Perfect for carrying a lipstick and a mirror around without loosing them in the depths of your bag.

So, which one's your favourite? Found anything deer related recently? Let me know, leave a comment, I want to see! I need to get my Christmas shop on! I've got about a million people who needs presents and I have bought about 3 so far. Ah!
(update: expect a Christmas haul at some point soon! I went crazy in London!)
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