Review: TRESemme Split Remedy - Split End Shampoo

The new TRESemme claims that its Split Remedy range is 'proven to reduce split ends by up to 80% after just 3 uses'. They say that the Reconstructing Complex actually mends pesky split ends. Dubious but open minded (I have a LOT of split ends), I decided to give it a go. Here are my findings:

1st Wash
I washed my hair with the shampoo, and diligently followed with the conditioner and applied serum before drying. I still had lots of split ends but my hair seemed silkier and smoother, much less frizz than I usually have to cope with. Unfortunately, by the afternoon my hair felt lank and greasy.

2nd Wash
The same greasy feeling set in at midday, though on inspecting the ends of my hair, I felt that perhaps yes, the split ends had been reduced! Later on I peered at a different section of hair and realised they were still out in force...this is the problem, it's almost impossible to prove or dispprove the shampoos claims!

3rd Wash
By this point I abandoned the shampoo and just used the conditioner on my ends. At the event, the team pretty much admitted that the shampoo doesn't really have any impact, it is the other products that do the work. My hair is smoother, but I still have lots of split hairs spraying out in all directions. I see no evidence at all of any hair being mended.

Verdict
I think the claim that haircare can literally reconstruct hair that is physically split, is both bold and unreliable. The technology behind this is vague, they mention charged polymers act as magnets to reseal split ends...I'm no scientist but I can't see how this would permanently heal split hair. Perhaps others have had better results with this than me, but I think this product is a temporary solution to reduce the appearance of split ends, rather than actually mending them.

The collection works wonderfully to smooth hair, and my own locks do feel more healthy for it, but I think the only way that you will ever get rid of split ends, is to visit the salon for a trim.

Alex Box for Stylist Magazine

This beautiful Stylist shoot with Illamasqua's Creative Director Alex Box certainly livened up my Piccadilly line journey on Wednesday morning. You rarely see such a creative approach to beauty editorials in magazines these days. Which is your favourite? I love the above, 'Postmodernism'- not my friend in literature, but much more palatable on the face!


Romanticism



Dadaism

Baroque


So inspiring!

Review: Smashbox High Definition Healthy Fx Foundation

I am constantly on the quest for the perfect foundation, and after good results with other Smash box products, I was keen to try its High Definition Healthy Fx Foundation...

Shade: I was sent 'Fair F0', the lightest shade in the collection. It looks a little orange in the tube, but blends in beautifully. It may be a little to dark for winter (I have a slight summer 'tan' at the moment) but it is perfect now. I advise choosing a shade lighter than you usually would with this foundation.

Formula: Oil free and SPF 15, it is really lightweight and moisturising without being greasy- perfect for my dry/combination skin. It's definitely best formula I've come across in a while, the perfect balance of hydration and shine-control with a radiant glowing finish.

Coverage: The coverage is described as light to medium by Smashbox, but in reality it is very light. It is supposedly buildable, but I choose to wear it sheer, which still produces a magical airbrush-esque finish. If you like a heavy coverage, this may not be for you, but then again, you might be surprised at how little you need - this is the lightest coverage foundation I have ever owned, but it's produced the best results. Skin actually looks like skin, but flawless.

Longevity: Lasts really well, I needed to power my nose (that is the shiniest part of my face!) but apart from that, I could get away with a whole day's wear.

Verdict: I LOVE THIS. Smashbox High Definition Healthy Fx Foundation really does make skin look healthy, it doesn't settle in to lines or pores, and manages to produce an almost matte glow. Coverage is light, but I simply use a little extra concealer to spot check problem areas on bad skin days. As aforementioned, Smashbox do not test on animals, so this is a guilt-free purchase. I will definitely be replacing it when I run out. Highly recommended!!



Also enjoying Mavala nail polish in 171 Blue Curacao- a bright turquoise, though for some reason blogger always changes the colour in my photos, the colour is more vibrant than it appears! Does anyone else have this problem? I'm considering using a photo hosting site.



Smashbox High Definition Healthy Fx Foundation costs £28.50 and is available at Debenhams

The Only Way is Essex Frangrance Launch

Joe Essex once commented 'Look reem, smell reem, BE REEM', and now you actually can, with the release of the TOWIE fragrance and beauty collection!

Last week we descended upon a fancy Soho hotel to check out the Essex offerings. Fire burned in glass boxes, and Kirk, Sam and Jess took to the stage to answer questions about the fragrance. They didn't seem to know too much about it, but we learned that there are two perfumes on offer, one for women 'Dazzle' and one for men 'Be Reem'.


The fragrance is accompanied by a range of gift sets in glitzy packaging with the characters faces emblazoned on the front. It encompasses pretty much everything, including, eye palettes, eyelashes, nail wraps and lip glosses.



See my favourite makeup item below, an absolutely enormous bronzer! The perfect product for achieving that distinct Essex hue...


The Only Way Is Essex beauty and fragrance ranges can be purchased in Argos and Superdrug

Review: Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark & Deep Brown

This is the lazy girl's savior.

I have an every other day policy for hair washing, but sometimes activities throw a spanner in the works; for example, what is the point of washing my hair in the morning, if I'm only going to sweat it out in spin class that night? Such days require Batiste Dry Shampoo, and a concealing top knot!

I've used the regular version of this before, and though effective, it leaves the brunettes amongst us looking decidedly white at the temples. Batiste now offer the product in a range of coloured formulas, and I was quick to purchase the Dark & Deep Brown to test.

I expected it to blast out a deep rich brown powder, in reality it is more like ashen grey and chalky. When rubbed in and brushed through it is more subtle than the Original versions in my brunette locks, but I was a little disappointed the colour wasn't stronger. It claims that it can disguise roots between colour treatments, but I'm not convinced.

Even so, I recommend on the grounds of:

1. It is cheap and effective at refreshing and banishing grease

2. It has a pleasant if somewhat potent scent (my flatmate actually asked me what perfume I was wearing).

3. I've Googled extensively, and it doesn't appear to be tested on animals