Throw Away Your Plastic Comb and Brush! Here's Why....

Olivia Garden Bamboo Massage Paddle Brush, Size HH-4

According to experts, synthetic (plastic) combs and brushes pull and tug at the hair causing the hair to break, therefore using combs and brushes made from natural resources like wood glide through the hair more easily without causing damage. Wooden tools are more durable and also help distribute the natural oils produced by your hair evenly and more gently than synthetic combs and brushes.

I know it's been a long time since I last posted, but I promise you guys that I've come back with some amazing products to show you, and one of them is Olivia Garden's Bamboo Massage Paddle brush. After another long hunt, this time through wide toothed combs and tangle teezers, I decided to try my luck with paddle brushes. This type of brush is recommended for people with natural, thick hair as the surface of the brush is much wider and the the bristles further apart thus allowing the brush to glide through thick hair much easier. I personally found with wide toothed combs that it took longer to comb my hair and pulled out more hair. The Tangle Teezer took less time to comb however because of it's synthetic tiny bristles it was pulling at my hair, causing breakage and was more hassle to detangle as I had to part my hair multiple times. SO! Get your notepad out because you're definitely going to want to make a note of this one!

Let's get straight to the facts on what this brush is and provides: 

• Eco-friendly bamboo brush-body - Bamboo is 100% natural so if you was to throw this brush away it won't take years to decompose and can actually preserve hardwood forests. 
• Stimulating scalp massage - The whole bristle is made of wood which reduces static and the ballpoints on this brush stimulate the hair follicles in your scalp to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss.
• Ionic soft cushion - Reduces pressure when brushing the hair, reduces static and is anti-bacterial.
• Ergonomic handle - Comfortable and ease when gripping the brush.
• Lightweight - Extremely light weight for a big brush! Bamboo is also lighter and more durable than wood.
  
  

First Impressions

I bought the size HH-4 (12x10cm) and I won't deny I was expecting I big hefty wooden brush but to my surprise it was extremely light weight. It's intricate caramel and chocolate striped design seemed as if this product was made personally for me with the HH initial inscribed on the back of the brush in an elegant, italic font. The brush was smooth right from it's wooden ballpoints to the grip on the handle. Just an all round beautiful looking and feeling brush! 

First Use

I carried out my normal hair care routine, conditioning and separating my hair into two sections. Initially I told myself I would brush one section and the other section I would split into two more sections to trial different techniques. To my delight I didn't need to do this as the brush glided through one half of my hair so easily I couldn't believe it! ''This brush was made by angels!'', I said to myself, all wide eyed as I brushed my hair from the ends and working my way upwards. I would say it took around 5-8 minutes to brush all of my hair, probably the quickest time I've ever done it in. My only concern is the slight awkwardness in brushing the more harder to reach areas like the back of the head as the brush is so big, but other than that you cannot fault this brush! 

Results

With very few hairs left in the brush (same amount as the Tangle Teezer) I tried to clean out the hairs with my hands but it wasn't possible. I imagine you would need a little hairbrush rake to clean it so it's an issue that can easily be resolved. I did notice that the brush was able to define my curls much better than a Tangle Teezer would, probably because the bristles are wider apart and left my hair feeling soft because the brush didn't pull on the hair so much.

To give you an idea on the size

Using a wooden brush, let alone a paddle brush was alien to me and there is definitely a technique to using this brush considering the size as well. This brush is all round amazing in every shape and form but I would probably just invest in a smaller version to make it easier to brush the harder to reach places. If you're looking for a generally healthier tool for your hair then this brush is for you, especially if you have long, voluminous hair.

Buy Olivia Garden's Bamboo Paddle Brush here

Mizani True Textures: This Conditioner Does More Than Just Condition

Moisture Replenish Conditioner 

Mizani is a professional haircare line made for various hair types from natural curly hair to highly textured or relaxed hair. Most of their products are rich in anti-oxidants, natural ingredients like essential fatty acids to produce healthy moisturised hair.

As mentioned in previous posts, I've been looking for more natural products to use on my face and hair. I came across Mizani on someone's Instagram who praised the product to do exactly what she needed for someone with dry curly hair. I checked out their website making a note on some of their products and put in an order for their 1000ml conditioner for around £20, which is equivalent to buying 5 bottles of Elvive conditioner, at £4 per bottle. So I was spending the same amount of money, hoping it would be a better quality product and it was!

I know from just general wonderment and research that when buying beauty products - to look for ones without parabens, sulfates and silicones, which is exactly what Mizani is. Moisture Replenish Conditioner is paraben and silicone free, infused with coconut, olive and marula oil, all with moisture and softening benefits. These oils produce stronger, shinier and softer looking hair and that is exactly what I got after just one wash. I've been using the product for over a month now and I have noticed a significant difference to now than to what my hair was like when I was using Elvive conditioner. It's always important to bear in mind that I do use other moisturising regimes like the coconut oil mask every week or fortnight to give my hair that extra boost, and in addition using The Body Shop's Grapeseed Oil which I wrote about here. I always stress to readers that you can't do one thing without the other and expect instant results. It takes time and you have to be consistent with additional regimes on top of your general ones like shampooing and conditioning. 

THE BENEFITS:

• Moisture is maintained within the hair - again even after one or two days my hair would swallow up mass branded conditioners as if it were dying, but because Mizani uses natural moisture replenishing ingredients that benefit your hair, not only instantly but in the long run as well because they're not just being applied to the hair, they are penetrating your scalp and hair follicles to encourage new hair growth, that is stronger and healthier. Mass branded products are predominantly made of chemicals that are slightly infused with natural products making you believe you're getting the same instant results but not the long lasting effects and you will notice your hair isn't feeling or looking healthier as you will notice as soon as you wash the product out. Where as Mizani maintains the health and strength as well as making your hair look and feel softer. MY HAIR HAS NEVER FELT THIS SOFT!
• Mizani's conditioner has a lot of slip within in it, a creamy, milk like texture that allows you to comb/brush through the hair with ease leaving no strain on the hair. My hair doesn't tangle as easily any more because my hair is softer, less brittle and dry. I noticed that other conditioners provide the same thickness and slip but these are obviously chemically made. I noticed this when I would rinse my Elvive conditioner out and it would take ages to rid that slippery feel on my body and even when applying the conditioner after it would feel greasy and gooey, where as Mizani easily washes off and almost feels like natural body butter for the skin.

This amazing and btw beautifully smelling product is definitely worth to add to your wish list to the perfect hair regime and I would highly encourage anyone with hassle hair to try out their other products from a wide range of enticing selection!

Leave a comment below if you have any questions or if you have any suggestions on products I should try!

PEACE & LOVE

Buy Mizani Moisture Replenish Conditioner here as well as other products

Grapeseed Oil: Improve Hair Growth and Healthier Looking Hair

3 Steps - Water, Cream, Oil!

I previously made a step-by-step hair routine some time ago and I thought this would be a great time to update it. A lot has changed since then as I have attempted a lot of trial and errors, and just constantly researching products and ingredients. This was another one of my purchases from the Body Shop and as I mentioned in a previous post, I was on a detox for my hair and skin, researching natural products and elements that benefits the hair and skin in a hydrating, repairing way. My hair can become very thirsty, lacking in moisture, becoming very dry, so when I apply water and conditioner my hair it soaks it up in an instant. From my research I discovered that I needed a 3 step routine to help seal moisture into dry, thirsty hair, which also included a weekly mask consisting of coconut oil which I will also be writing a post on in the future. 

Body Shop's Grapeseed Glossing Serum is affordable, smells amazing, leaving the hair soft and frizz free. It's not just a temporary remedy that once it's washed out it loses it's properties. Grapeseed oil conditions hair, restores natural moisture, leaving the hair shiny without weighing it down or looking oily. I've been using the serum for the past 3 months now and in the beginning I hadn't started using the coconut oil mask yet and I could already see the benefits.

Step 1: After washing or co-washing my hair I would always leave some conditioner in my hair after a rinse. Ringing out any excess water, I would then part my hair in half, down the middle and finger feed apply more conditioner (2 pence size piece) on each side from root to ends. (Depending on how much hair you have and how thick it is, would depend on how much conditioner you would use)

Step 2: I would then wrap my hair in a towel and leave for half an hour, so that any excess water can be absorbed. After that, I would then wrap my hair loosely in a t-shirt and leave for an hour or so, untying and shaking the hair to then wrap it again every so often to encourage the drying process. Ideally this routine is great for the night before because you have more time, you can just wrap your hair overnight for it to dry, but if you do decide to do this in the morning, I would definitely recommend giving yourself plenty of time to get ready (my friends already know how long it takes me!).  

Step 3: Unwrap your hair and leave to air dry for another half hour. At this point your hair should be damp in some places to near dry. This is the ideal point to apply the Grapeseed Serum. I usually apply 5-6 pumps in my palms, rub my hands together and smooth the serum over all sections of my hair concentrating on the ends and roots because I tend to have a lot of fly away hair on the crown of my head. You can then either wrap your hair again or leave to air dry, either way hair comes out smelling amazing, feeling super soft, lightweight and shiny.

As well as the benefits I've just mentioned, having a care routine for your hair not only improves the quality of your hair but maintains that quality, protecting your hair from harsh weather conditions and styling techniques. Of course there are also other steps you can take to maintain that protection, for example sleeping with your hair wrapped in a silk scarf and using a weekly mask to give your hair an extra hydration boost. Grapeseed oil has also been known to help the growth of hair but don't expect results over night. Being patient and consistent in your routines will allow you to see the benefits but they are all worth it!

I always stress to my readers that everyone has a different hair and skin type and this is what works for me atm, so everything that I've mentioned in this post won't work for everyone. I have thick, long, curly hair, so my hair takes longer to dry, whereas someone with thinner hair won't take as long. Everyone's beauty regime is personal to them, so it's important to find out what signs you have to determine what type of hair you have, go from there to find out which products you require and how to apply them, and finally organise your OWN personal regime.

Be sure to let me know what you think if this post has helped you in any way!

PEACE & LOVE!

Body Shop Lip Conditioner Review

Miracle Worker for the Lips!

I first came across Body Shop's Lip Conditioner whilst scrolling through Instagram, as you do. The person had claimed that this product was amazing and great for protection during those cold winter months and swears that it keeps the lips hydrated! It wasn't your average lip balm, with a 4.8/5 average customer rating on their website, and the January and February month's weather becoming more bitter, I had to add it to my wishlist. At the time I was also going through a hair and skin detox and was in dire need for natural products/ingredients to use. 

Growing up, I always knew Body Shop had a fine reputation, known for their natural ingredients in their products and of course their big tubs of gorgeous smelling creams! Pay day had come round and I decided I would head to my nearest store and treat myself to a few bits. Browsing the store I was typically looking for products that appealed to me i.e. eye creams, serums, conditioners etc, and so I found the lip conditioner as well as a vitamin E eye cream, hair serum and body mist, which I will be making reviews on at some point.

I've had the product for over 2 months now and can officially give a fair judgement. I've always used some form of moisturiser for my lips, whether it be Vaseline or Carmex, and for years it has preferably been Vaseline for it's healing qualities in the Aloe Vera and Cocoa Butter varieties. But as we all know Vaseline is made of petrolium jelly which actually encourages the skin to peel, therefore encouraging you to use more. I did come across at some point in my local Tesco express a limited edition Sugar Coated Vaseline with a pink and white glittery tin case (so not me!), but foolish me, the name caught my eye and I assumed there would be grains of sugar inside because I know that sugar is a great exfoliator for the lips. Oh, how wrong I was when I got home and opened the case. It did have a wonderful smell and gave my lips a subtle pink tint but after using it for about 4 weeks it could not provide me with any more hydration. 

I found that Body Shop's Lip Conditioner instantly provided hydration and protection for my lips in the bitter dry cold at that time. Since then I have noticed that my lips feel significantly more softer and prepared for colder weather. Bearing in mind this product isn't like Vaseline where you get that shine to your lips and I know how much people like to use Vaseline to make their lips look plump, we're all guilty of it, however, you don't need to apply a lot to get that smoothness, therefore it lasts longer. What I tend to do is dab a little bit every now and then on my lips and if you want, I guess you could apply your favourite Vaseline (whichever look you are going for) on top of the conditioner.

Rating: 5 / 5

Price: £4

Over all, a brilliant product that I highly recommend to anyone!
If you do happen to purchase it let me know what you think.

PEACE & LOVE!

Once/Twice a Week Skincare Regime for Combination Skin

Create your own regime!

I've always known what type of skin I have, but never really sat down to take the time out of my day to really pamper it. I did a bit of research and have come up with my own regime ideal for those with combination skin. By combination, I mean your skin goes through a bit of everything: Oily t-zone, dryness here and there, porous skin, breakouts, you name it, you've been through it all. This regime will help balance out each section and is something you can do once or twice a week. However, I wouldn't recommend this regime if you tend to have bad reactions to face masks, maybe DIY masks would be more ideal for you. Not only is this a step by step guide but also I hope to provide a little bit of information as to why these products are good for you and how they help. 

What you will need:

1. Peel off skin mask - an exfoliator to rid of dead skins cells
2. Clay mask - ideal to draw out excess oil and impurities 
3. Muslin/wash cloth
4. Your everyday toner and moisturiser

STEP 1.

It's extremely important to keep your face moisturised throughout the process because face masks can dry out the skin, so wetting or dampening the face in-between steps will help keep your face moisturised throughout. First you want to soak the face with a warm moist cloth and blot dry then apply a thin layer of your peel off mask and leave for 15 mins. Peel of masks are a chemical exfoliator and work deeper into your skin than face scrubs and places like my forehead react badly to scrubs so automatically win-win for the peel mask! Remove the mask starting from cheek towards the centre of the face, then rinse with a cool damp cloth. How is the next step with the clay mask going to draw out impurities if it can't get through the dead layer of skin, well that's what the peel off mask has just done for you as well as leaving your skin baby bottom smooth!

STEP 2. (OPTIONAL)

This step is optional. If there are any blackheads or spots you wish to rid of, you could do so at this point in the process. What you will need is some tissue to wrap each finger with, place each finger half an inch away on either side of the blemish and squeeze only slightly each time. Don't pressure the area too much because that's how redness and scarring occurs. Once you're done, swab the areas with some witch hazel or even toner to rid any bacteria and encourage the pore to close up.

STEP 3.

Dampen your face again with a warm wash cloth and add a thin layer of your clay mask and leave to dry for 15mins. Clay masks are used ideally for oily skin to draw out oil and bacteria and because you have taken that layer of dead skin off before hand it's now easier for the clay mask to work it's magic. Use a warm wet wash cloth to remove the mask and then tone your face to remove any residue, I use Liz Earle's Instand Boost Skin Tonic. Any clay mask will do, atm I'm using a honey one simply because I like the smell and I know honey is good for the skin, giving you that extra glow.

STEP 4.

Use your everyday moisturiser, I use Liz Earle's Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/Combination skin. You want to work your moisturiser in upward strokes, by doing this your working the muscles in your face to make your skin plumper and more alive, to get that blood flow going! Remember to also drink plenty of water (I must remember to listen to my own advice).

Discovering your skin type is the first step to combating any problems you have with your skin, do that and you could easily make your own personal skin regime like I did and fix those problems.

PEACE AND LOVE!

'Keep the Kamera Rolling', A New Empire, A New Beginning

Delve into the lives of 3 ordinary young adults trying to become the first of their empire...'Keep the Kamera Rolling' #KTKR, a small teaser trailer of what to expect from future content produced by myself and a small team which we cannot wait to share with you guys. Unfortunately I cannot reveal much but please take a look at the video and let me know what you think! 

 

Credits: @ShangoSnaps

          @SarahNoire

           @RRLChance

Last of Us 2! Rumours & Speculation!

It's a pretty huge likelihood!

The smallest of comments can send fans on the internet rocketing into a frenzy of speculation in any given situation, whether it's a film sequel, prequel or gaming remake, however this time around we're talking about the multiple award winning title the Last of Us. 

Speaking at MetroCon in Florida, North who voices Nathan Drake in Naughty Dog's other blockbuster series Uncharted gave fans a glimpse of hope that there may be a Last of Us 2 in the making. 

He Said: 

''I know they're doing Last of Us 2 but my character in the Last of Us kind of met an untimely demise...''

I don't know about anyone else but I'm pretty happy with that comment alone - it's official!! No, but to make things even more exciting, in December a former lead character artist at Naughty Dog, Michael Knowland reportedly changed part of his LinkedIn profile to say that he had been working on head sculpts for Last of Us 2. 

I know right?! Get excited with me please! 

Why wouldn't Naughty Dog even consider making a sequel to one of it's highest grossing games of 2013?! Speculate all you want but the fans demand it! 

Troy baker, who voiced protagonist Joel has denied any involvement or knowledge of a sequel (probably because he knows so much and has trouble resisting, ha!). He recently stated that:

''I know nothing. I don't know if we're gonna do another one or not. If we do, then I trust Neil (Druckmann, creative director) and Bruce (Straley, game director) and everyone at Naughty Dog to tell a story that needs to be told.'' 

Definitely a defensive response, don't you think? There has been speculation surrounding this response that Naughty Dog may be open to a whole new storyline that won't feature Joel but I think we empathised with the characters so much in Last of Us they would be stupid to get rid of them!

I know all of you Last of Us fans are jumping off your seats! Leave a comment, let me know what you expect from the sequel or send me a tweet!

Peace & Love