Something a little different

If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen a photo of my hair already. I decided to have some subtle highlights put in. I'd never had them before and was a little worried I might turn out looking like a skunk but my hairdresser assured me I'd be fine. After 2 hours i came out with this...
What do you think?

Holli x

L'Oreal Lumi Magique foundation and new hair colour!

As I promised in my previous post, here is my thoughts on L'Oreals' Lumi Magique Foundation. I only had one sample of this but it was enough for two face applications.

Image from Boots.com

Loreal say (taken from Boots website): "With age skin can become dull and tired. L'Oreal Lumi Magique foundation helps give instant skin radiance. You will be glowing inside and out."

Click to enlarge

I have gone for a "natural" make up look today and this foundation suits it so well.

Shade- Pure Beige.

I am in love with this product! It was so lovely to apply, really smooth and creamy. It didn't cling to any dry patches and it left my skin looking radiant. I lightly dusted over with some bronzer and that was all I needed. It doesn't feel heavy or cakey, it is lovely and light and my skin feels super soft without feeling greasy. It has covered any blemishes well, with no need for concealer (yay!).

I'd say I prefer this to my usual Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation, which has surprised me as I didn't think I could find anything that even came close to it!

I am so glad I requested a sample and shall definitely be purchasing a full size bottle.  

Request your free sample here

Full size bottle available to buy here, £10.99

P.S... I have dyed my hair again. A more intense red this time! I went for Live XXL in Real Red and am really happy with the results. I love love love red hair!

You may have also noticed the new blog design. I got bored of the previous one but I'm un-decided whether I like the new one or not. I wanted to add some images of things I love to make it more interesting, but then again I do like plain, simple designs too. What do you think?

Toni & Guy Dark Brunette conditioner

I picked this conditioner up in Home Bargains (for those of you that don't know, its a store like B&M that sells just about everything for less) for about £1.50. It retails at about £4.99 so it was definitely a bargain.

When I got home I looked for it online but could only find it on ebay so I'm guessing it is dis-continued. However, whilst browsing I did find a red brunette conditioner by Toni & Guy. I think this would be more suited to me as I have a lot of red tones to my hair, although Home Bargains didn't have this one.

The bottle says: Toni & Guy's colour enhancing range is designed to positively charge (+) your colour with tone intensifying, shade specific care. Promotes radiance and shine and targets dryness with selective conditioning. With Olive Oil, UV filter and heat protection complex."

I've been using this for nearly 2 weeks now so the writing has rubbed off.

I was so suprised when I first squeezed some product into my hands. I've never seen a conditioner with gold sparkles in it before. They are only subtle, but very pretty. 

I'm 50/50 on the smell, it reminds me of something but I can't think what exactly. It's quite strong and a little bit "perfumey" (is that even a word?!). I don't dislike it but I don't love it either.

I left the conditioner on my hair for a good 5 minutes before washing out. My hair felt quite squeaky while it was still wet but after blow drying it became more pleasant. It didn't have a great smoothing effect, infact my hair was quite wild and took quite a bit of smoothing serum to tame it. However, my hair feels very moisturized and soft right now and certainly nice and shiny :-)

I can't really say my colour has intensified, but that could be because my hair is more red brown than dark brunette.

Have you tried anything from the Toni & Guy colour enhancing range?

Free hair product- Glamour magazine

I don't usually buy any magazines other than Look or More unless there's a fab freebie. Whilst browsing in Sainsburys yesterday I spotted Glamour magazine offering a free hair product by Percy & Reed. I'd never heard of the brand before but was drawn in by the fact it stated all 4 products are worth £42. You only get one item per magazine but the mag is only £2 so it's well worth buying 4. Their was the choice of a shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and finishing polish. I opted for the Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing Polish...

What it does (according to website): Flawless is a big word, but this bottle delivers. This gentle styler containing horse chesnut extract gives you a soft, flexible hold while sunflower wax gentle moisturizes. Knock 'em dead.

How to use: Use a pea sized amount on hair to smooth, control or groom unruly hair. Use a little more to add definition and control.

What I think: I loved the simple packaging of this little tube, the "drawn" style picture of the lady and the different fonts made it seem like an expensive brand. The smell was pleasant, nothing to rave on about but it wasn't offensive either. I used as directed and was pleased with the results, it tamed my fly-aways and smoothed any unruly bits of hair (I always end up with spiky bits at the back of my head, it drives me mad). It has made my hair feel soft, not greasy and I noticed after applying, my hands were pretty soft too (although obviously I had to wash them after).

As a freebie with a magazine this is a great product and it has made me want to get the shampoo, conditioner and hair mask now!

For a list of Percy and Reed stockists click here (available from £12)

Loreal Professional Mythic Oil

For awhile now there have been lots of hair "oil" products floating about, the one I've seen the most is Moroccan Oil. I have never tried it before, or any products like it, the price has put me off. It would be such a waste if I didn't like it. Alex from I'm a weapon of massive consumption blogged ages ago about getting a free sample of Loreals Mythic Oil.  I signed up in an instant, can't pass a freebie me! (Unfortunately the free sample offer is no longer running).

I'd totally forgotten about it until this arrived the other day...

I received a 3ml sample and was expecting it to be in a mini spray bottle (like some perfume samples come in.) but it wasn't, its just one of those annoying pull-off lids. 

Loreal say;

"Enriched with a precious blend of avocado and grape seed oil, this lightweight oil has been treating, pampering and transforming the look of hair across the nation, and we are proud to say that 91% of users who tried Mythic Oil would recommend it to a friend.

You can use Mythic Oil to create the perfect blow dry by applying to damp hair or after styling as a finishing touch to help control frizz and fly-aways."

I have been using the oil for a few days now and I REALLY like it. Some people love the feeling of freshly washed hair but I don't. I hate how bushy and frizzy my hair gets, I always end up trying to smooth it down with some of Mr.A's hair wax or hairspray , both of which I HATE the feeling off. This Mythic Oil however, is fab. It gives my hair such a gorgeous shine and smells beautiful. Only the tiniest amount is needed (bear in mind I have very short hair) and it banishes my fly-aways no problem. I'm still using the 3ml sample but am definitely going to buy full price when I run out. 

Loreal Professional Mythic Oil can be purchased here for £11.95 (125ml)

Bead Head- Candy Fixations range

Hello little dragons. Mr.A came home today and after lots of smooching he took me to the hairdressers for a trim (also got my eyebrows threaded and tinted). My stylist bought out this fabulous little tub in which the lid looked like a whipped ice cream (so cute). It smelt absolutely amazing, just like sweets. It was the Mega Whip from the new Candy Fixations range by Bed Head. I am always dubious about hair products as I find they often leave my hair feeling too sticky or greasy but this was neither. It was so light and made my hair really soft, not to mention how good it smelt., even my husband commented. 

Bed Head Candy Fixations hair range is available here from £8.46

Live Color XXL Foam

I have always dyed my hair, it has been many different shades of red and purple over the years. I used to swear by a colour called Chocolate Cherry by Loreal in my teens. I've tried that many different brands of hair dye I could write a book! For the past 2 years though I have always opted for Live Colour.

 I hadn't dyed my hair for a good few months up until  2 days ago. I don't know why, I guess I just couldn't be bothered. My roots weren't too noticeable as my natural colour is dark brown with a hint of red in it anyway. Whilst shopping the other day I spotted the Live Colour XXL foam hair dye I hadn't used a foam hair colourant before so decided to pick up Shade 488 Cranberry Kick

Source

It was very easy to use, you just pour the liquid into the tub, then add the powder, replace the lid and give it a good shake. You then just apply it to your hair with your hands (gloved obviously) like shampoo. I had so much product left over as my hair is only short, I literally only used a quarter of the foam. I also noticed that there was some un-mixed powder left in the bottom of the tub when I washed the remainder down the sink... I made sure I shook it vigorously for the specified time too. It was easy to apply, although when you take the lid off after shaking you have to be careful it doesn't spill out. I left it on for the recommended 30 minutes then washed it out. Before washing out, I noticed the dye had kind of "set" on my hair... it had gone very stiff and felt a little powdery. Even when washed out my hair felt quite dry but that soon went after the conditioner was added. This is my hair 2 days after application and after 1 more wash...

It's not as red as I'd hoped but that could just be the shade I've chosen (I don't normally go for cranberry kick). However, I am pleased with the results and WOULD use the foam again, just in a different shade next time.

Live Color XXL foam is available here, £3.99

30 Day Challenge- Day 14, Photo of a hairstyle/haircut I'd like to have

I wasn't sure how to answer this one as I have the hairstyle I want. So instead I'm going to show you a picture of a celebrities hair who I love...

Cheryl Cole

Source

I know her hair is totally different now but I absolutely loved it when her hair was like this. I've always been a massive fan of red hair and have dyed it numerous shades of red since I was a young teen. If I was to grow my hair and go for a longer style I would definitely want this.

Who's hair do you admire?

I've been waiting for the postman to bring my Glossybox since Tuesday and it finally arrived today! I am so pleased with it, the Deborah Lippman nail varnish is so pretty and the smell of the Rituals shower gel is amazing! I received a sample size anti wrinkle cream, don't think I shall be using it so I've decided to give it my mum for Christmas (along with other presents of course, I'm not that stingey!) I'm not going to post photos of my Glossybox items as there as so many posts already flying around the blogging world and I'm sure you have seen lots already.

30 day Challenge- Day 3, My Hairstyle

Been as there are a few pictures on here of my current hairstyle I thought I would alter today's challenge a little. I'm going to show you my past hairstyles leading up to the one I have now.... 

The hairstyle i had in high school was very long with a thick, long full fringe. It was hideous but i was obsessed with brushing it every 5 minutes.

Me with Willow just a few weeks old. Age- 17.

I had the above hairstyle for ages until one day i decided to take everyone's advice and get rid of the full fringe along with some length...

Age- 18

After losing some weight and deciding the no fringe look wasn't for me, i had more length cut off, some layers put in and opted for a side fringe... much better!

Age- 19

I got bored of having longer hair quite quickly and decided (after ALOT of umming and ahhing) to go for the ever so popular inverted bob (inspired by Victoria Beckham)...

Age- 20 (pictured here with my newborn nephew Harvey)

Not longer after the above photo i got pregnant with baby number 2 and the weight piled on. I decided that the inverted bob made my face look bigger so i grew it a little and this was the result...

Age- 21

Alot of people liked my hair that way but the weight started to drop off and I took a liking to Rihannas short hair.....

So I asked the hairdresser for this...

(I had it spiked a little here to go with the edgy vampire look that i was sporting for Halloween)

Age- 22

I decided to grow my hair a little bit for my wedding in September 2010 and this style stayed up until a few months ago...

Age- 22

After my 3rd baby, losing weight and seeing Frankie Sandford from The Saturdays going for a much shorter crop, I have ended up with my current style....

Age- 23

So there's my hair stylesfrom the past few years. I definitely think short hair suits me way better, I have no plans going any longer again and this shorter crop shall be sticking around for some time :-)

New hair and Louboutins

Well I did it, i went for the chop. I showed the hairdresser the picture and told her to just go for it. Its really strange having such short hair, everyone says it looks lovely but its going to take some getting used to! Sorry for the pose... i dont know what the hell i was doing lol...

Ive come to my mums for the weekend, we got back Friday night. Mr. A has been working with his dad, floor laying for abit of extra cash. Hes hoping to get into floor laying when he leaves the army.
Only lost a pound this week :( bit poo, but better than nothing... I wasnt expecting to lose much as I havent been able to exercise much in the week, Mr.A was away with the army so I had no-one to look after the kids. Going back home tonight so shall get back to the gym and work extra hard!
Its only 6 weeks until I'll be going out for the first time since my honeymoon (which was September last year!) The husband has decided hes going to buy me a whole new outfit and Ive already chosen the shoes....

Christian Louboutin Daffodile Aurora Boreale Pumps

AARGGHHH! I loooveeee these!

Ive got a pair of Louboutins which I had for Christmas a few years ago but they arent half as spectacular as these. Just Black lace peep toes, still lovely though. Will post a pic of me wearing them once they are in my sweaty excited little hands!

Holli x

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