L'Oreal Expertise Ever range...

Last month I was invited to L'Oreal's launch of their innovative Hair Expertise range of hair care at the Mayfair hotel.

I  was greeted by the lovely press girls and led through to the temporary salon, mojito in hand.

The 'Ever' range claims to: "Treat hair like cashmere and gently bath it in luxurious high foaming creamy shampoos and rich conditioners concentrated in caring ingredients which envelop the hair. Aromatic oils energise the senses for a true at home hair experience"

There are three hair programmes to choose from- EverPure for coloured hair, EverSleek for frizzy hair, and EverStrong for brittle hair. I tried out the EverSleek shampoo and conditioner for frizzy hair. I have battled with Jackson 5-like frizz all my life, so anything that claimes to reduce my afro gets the thumbs up from me!The shampoo smelled fresh and fruity and left my hair squeaky clean. The conditioner was not too thick and had a contrasting aromatic scent. It felt like I was having a real head massage.

All the products are sulphate free - sulphates being the foamy lather inducing chemicals which aren't too good for your hair. Non-sulphate is big news at the moment but it often means compromising the bubbly lather - which I'm sure you'll aggree is the best part of a shampoo!

However, the clever sciencey peeps in the L'Oreal labs have got around this and EverPure all foam nicely for that extra clean feeling, without the nasty sulphates.

Now for the real, test, what would it look like dry?

I usually rough dry my hair then reach for the GHDs, but my sytlist assured me she could make my hair sleek and shiny with a hairdryer alone. She wasn't lying! My hair was perfectly styled and glossy before she even switched on the straightners. I have had hundreds of blow drys in my time and this was certainly up there with one of the best!

It usually takes a vat of shine spray and serious straightening to get that a-list gleam, but my locks looked lucious without any extra help.

I was genuinely impressed and was looking forward to trying it out at home - the real test without the professional stylists! Not wanting to wash out my beautiful blow-dry, I waited three days to try it out and I am happy to report that my hair is still looking shiny and sleek after my DIY job!

The range is very reasonably priced. Some of you may remember L'Oreal's old Expertise products which ranged between £10-£15 and came in small bottles, only available in salons.

This new range is between £5-£7 and even better it is available in Boots from February 1, so you can pick up those points when you purchase!

H

xoxo

TRI-ENZYME FACIAL at Spa Intercontinental

I’m desperate to keep the wrinkles at bay and cling onto my youth and if like me, you fancy peeling away the years, then the Tri-Enzyme facial is just for you.  The Elemis Tri-Enzyme facial is a resurfacing treatment.  This treatment helps to leave the skin brighter, smoother and more radiant after just one treatment.  It helps the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, stimulates cell regeneration, reduces pigmentation and acne scarring and it is deeply cleansing.  My therapist told me this treatment is especially popular for people after their holidays looking to undo the damage the sun has done to their skin whilst away.

THE TREATMENT

During the Tri-Enzyme facial your therapist will cleanse your skin with the Tri-Enzyme Facial Wash, a daily treatment that speeds up the natural cell renewal cycle of your skin. This product leaves a newly cleansed complexion and allows maximum benefit from the rest of the resurfacing products. Your therapist will exfoliate your skin with the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, using fruit enzymes to exfoliate away the dead skin cells. Your therapist will then give you a wonderfully relaxing hand and arm massage while this product does its work.

Three different serums are used along with the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Lotion throughout the treatment. Your therapist will apply the three serums at different times throughout the treatment.

The first serum is for underneath the Tri-Enzyme peel-off mask. This quick-setting mask provides the skin with a deep cleanse and gentle exfoliation, and helps restore moisture levels.

The second serum is then applied by your therapist, before a soothing cream mask. While both masks are on you will relax with a neck and shoulder massage and scalp massage.

Your therapist will then apply the third serum and leave it on your skin. This is left on as it reduces the likelihood of any aggression to the skin. To finish the treatment, your therapist will choose the moisturiser most suited to your skin, and then apply it along with Liquid Layer, which is an SPF cream to protect the skin.

THE VERDICT

After the treatment my skin felt deeply cleansed, extremely soft, radiant and smooth with any imperfections appearing diminished. You will see the clinically proven results after just one treatment. There is up to 75% resurfacing and up to 32% increased skin smoothness. Great if you want to relax but also see instant results. Not only was this facial relaxing but the products used didn’t leave my skin red or irritated, just fresh and soft. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

THE INFO -  Elemis Tri- Enzyme lasts 60 minutes and costs £90. For bookings, please contact Spa Intercontinental on 020 7318 8691 or visit their website at spaintercontinental.com

Aylin Akin - special guest writer

Where have I been?!

Well... if you follow me on twitter you will know i am training to be a hairdresser! In between studying & my beauty clients, there isnt much time for anything else... hence the lack of blogging!!

But I am on the road to being back on track! I've missed lots of launch events recently due to being so busy but hopefully going to cram some in, in the new year for you!

Hope you havent missed me too much! ha!

xoxo

John Carne Hairdressing - Knightsbridge

When it comes to pampering, this place does it best.

A stones thow from the famous Harrods store, hidden seconds from the hustle & bustle is John Carne Hairdressing. Greeted with a smile and the offer of a drink, this hairdressers is a slice of luxury, at an affordable price.

The salon itself is kitted out with the latest equipment and services meaning you feel at home and in safe hands with the stylists.

I visited John Carne for a Holiday Hair Rehab treatment which is a seasonal treatment they offer to put your hair through rehab to boost hydration. I was taken to a a seperate treatment room away from the main salon space, complete with mood lighting and locked away from the noise of the salon. The treatment itself was fantastic, my hair went from dryed out bleach, to shiny & healthy in 30 minutes. Even Alex from Illamasqua asked me how I managed to get blonde hair shiny... my little secret, which now everyone knows!

The treatment itself involves a wrapping the hair in a
SEAH Hairspa’s Black Pearl treatment which detoxifies hair to leave it radiant and glossy. Add in a head massage while the treatment is working its magic and you're nearly in heaven! Oh, and did I mention the masssage chairs?! Yep, I was nearly asleep! After, moisture is locked in with a sparkling water rinse which refreshes you as well as your hair.

Wahanda Launches Feel Gorgeous Week 10th-16th October

Today is the start of Feel Gorgeous Week launched by Wahanda.

All week you'vll be able to find brilliant offers, events and expert tips on the site.

Click here to go to their website to check it out.

xoxo

Bio Oil - My Skin Story

I recently took on a challenge from Bio Oil to test out their product and report back on the results I found.

You've seen, some of you have heard, me moan about my skin for ages now. I have a condition called Beauty Blogger skin. Testing out product after product, make up, masks, everything. You name it, I've tried it. And all to report back to you on whether you should spend your hard earned pennies on the product. So most of the time I look like a pizza face, just for you lot... aren't I nice?!!

So because of stress, hormonal, or reaction breakouts, I am left with scarring. Normally concealer is my friend!

I started applying a couple of drops of Bio Oil to my face at night. At first, there wasn't much difference but on their instructions, I kept going. Now, 3-4 weeks on, my skin has improved!! My scars are lessened and skin tone is evened out, which means concealer is now used for breakouts only, not just to cover up my scarred skin.

As you probably know, Bio Oil has many uses including stretch marks and hydrating dry skin so a perfect little multi purpose product to add to your bathroom shelf. A little goes a long way, I can see the 60ml bottle I have lasting a good 6 months.

I am going to keep going with this in a bid that soon I will be able to wear very little or no make up and be happy! Good Luck Bio Oil, you've done me proud so far!

xoxo

PR Sample

Pedicures... at home!

Home pedi is one of the ways I like to pamper myself at home. No need to leave the house and make time for an appointment.

Some of my fave produts to use are-

Emjoi Micro Pedi

This buffs away dead skin on your heels. A bit like a pumice stone, but you need way less elbow grease for this! This works really quickly and leaves your feet smooth. Get yours for £39.95 from

Liz Earle Foot Scrub

Smells lovely and minty, scrubs well and leaves your feet feeling (and smelling!) fresh. As with all Liz Earle products, you know it will does what it says on the tin!

The Sanctuary Foot Butter

Smother your feet in this, put on socks and leave overnight. Your feet will feel amazing the next day. Ready for emergency heat waves!

What are your fave pedi products??

xoxo
PR Sampleshttp://www.lifes2good.co.uk/

Charles Worthington Salon At Home: Straight & Smooth For Coloured Hair Review

Adele Reviews-

So I'm sure nearly everyone has heard of Charles Worthington products and most of you probably have some of their products in your bathroom and even not realise.

Before I get on to the fun stuff and pictures I'll tell you a little bit about this new range of theirs. It's a straightening treatment without having to go to a salon and paying big £'s, hence the name Salon At Home. It contains a ingredient called cysteamine. Don't worry my face was exactly the same as i'm imagining some of yours are right now. I had no clue what this was so I read it up on their site.

"Cysteamine is a straightening active which works by re-programming your hair memory so your hair will stay straighter and not want to frizz, even in humid conditions. Our patent - pending technology is blended with proteins and argan oil to leave your hair looking smoother and healthier for longer."

So onto the products in the kit... It comes as an easy to follow 3 step course, It's easy peasy no mixing required. You don't even have to be a hair expert to do this. The process if literally the same as if you were to dye your hair.

Step 1 You slap on the first product which is the straightening treatment (make sure you wear the gloves provided) and completely cover root to tip. Best way to do this is section your hair and use the comb provided to keep your hair straight and tangle free through out the process, wait 20 minutes.

Then whilst still wearing the gloves wash the treatment out and follow with the second product which is the Conditioner Neutraliser. You then have to leave this on for 5 minutes before rinsing out. The Blowdry! Simples. They do recommend straightening your hair as it helps lock in the treatment.

You also cannot wash or tie your hair up for 48 hours to allow the style to set. And when you do first wash it after the treatment you are treated with a little bottle of Nourishing After Care Conditioner to help keep your hair straight and smooth for longer.

The Trial. After discovering you can not use this treatment if you bleach your hair which i just so happened had done the day before I received this product to try. But luckily my sister suffers from the same condition as me....The Frizzy Curly Fro! So she was my little guinea pig!

The process was simple and easy to follow. The products themselves were so easy to work with. The only negative that I have about this entire product is the smell of the straightening treatment. I can't even describe the smell..just very acidic and strong.

Overall I would give this product 8/10 only because of the smell put me off it.

Prices at £19.99 and seeing the difference in my sisters hair I'm borderline whether it is worth it. Only because after the first wash her hair went slightly wavey again. Nowhere as wavey as before though. But I am giving it time and am going to do a follow up post in a week and a bit so we shall see then.

Before treatment

After treatment

Straightened

The Salon at Home range is available in Boots now.

xoxo

Illamasqua- Freak

Just when you thought covering your face in Illamasqua was enough, they came up with their first fragrance.

The unisex scent is out to pre order on their site from Monday 3rd October (today), or in store/on counter from Thurs 20th Oct.

Definitely one to check out, promo vid below!

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xoxo

Steam Cream in Boots now!

Never tried the cult product, Steam Cream?

Now is your chance! Launching in Boots this weekend, this will be perfect for unexpected heatwave overexposure!

Add the beautiful tins to your bathroom shelf. In Boots now priced at £10.50

xoxo