Review: Garnier Ultimate Blends The Sleek Perfector Hair Oil

I'm terrible at looking after my hair. I don't know why I'm just not as interested in hair products as I am skincare or make up. I think it may be because I consider doing my hair a bore. Washing it takes forever and a day and because it's so thick it's hard to style and work with. However there has been a product that I've been thoroughly enjoying and it's perfect for girls like me who are lazy with their hair.

The Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Oil is the fourth product in the The Sleek Restorer range. It's multi use hair oil that is lightweight in formula which makes it perfect to use on both wet and dry hair. It contains Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter to help ease frizz and flyaways whilst simultaneously nourishing dry or damaged hair. And it also contains a heat protectant so if you forget to use a separate heat defense spray you'll still be protected.

Depending on how long/short or thin/thick your hair is depends on how many pumps you need to use of this. I have long extremely thick hair so two pumps works wonders on my hair. On dry hair it smooths away any flyaways and helps me create sleeker hair styles. Whilst on wet hair it nourishes my lengths and ends and helps them dry softer and smoother than with any other product. Plus it smells absolutely divine and even when my hair has completely dried I can still smell it.

Overall I absolutely adore this product and can't understand why it took me so long to find it. It's not a product that can be used everyday as it will make hair greasy but every other day or with every wash is fine. If you struggle to keep your hair looking smooth, sleek and soft then definitely give this a go. It's lightweight enough to not weigh down thin hair but not lightweight enough to be useless on thick hair. If you're already a fan of the Sleek Restorer Range from Garnier then I highly recommend checking this out.

Haul: New Releases and More

First off I would like to apologise for the lack of posts this week. A mixture of not feeling a hundred percent and some family issues meant that I lacked the drive to post. However I'm feeling better now and normal posting will resume on Monday. But as I was putting away some purchases I made today I realised that my New In Box was brimming with bits I'd picked up over the last few weeks. So I thought I'd bung them all into one giant haul for you today, not only so you can see what new releases there are but also to make up for the lack of posts last week.

Let's start with skincare. Loreal has released a new range called Fine Flowers. It contains Rose and Jasmine extracts and is designed for dry to sensitive skin. There are two cleansers, a toner and face wipes in the range. I picked up one of the cleansers. This isn't like most cleansers, instead of washing it off over a sink with a flannel you use a cotton pad to rub it into and remove from the skin. I'm not usually a big fan of these types of cleansers but this one sounded a lot different to others on the market so I picked one up to try.

Recently I've been trying out different cleansing balms to see which work best. High Street Beauty Brands don't offer as many choices as higher end brands so I was pleased to see Sanctuary offering their own version of a balm. This supposed to warm as you rub it into the skin and help purify the skin whilst removing make up and daily dirt and grime. This is a very hard balm that takes some working into the skin but it does remove all signs of make up in one use.

I'm a big fan of facial mists so when I saw that Garnier was releasing one I knew I had to pick one up. It's a part of their Moisture Bomb range and contains Hyaluronic Acid and Pomegranate Extract to hydrate the skin whilst simultaneously protecting the skin. So far I'm on the fence about this product but definitely need to use it more to get a real feel for it.

A repurchase that I had to make comes in the form of my holy grail eye cream. I received a sample of the Skyn Iceland Icelandic Eye Cream. This is one of the best eye creams I've ever tried. It's significantly reduced the look of my dark circles, any puffiness and any signs of ageing that there was. No other eye cream has wowed me as much as this one has and even though it's price tag makes me cry ever so slightly it's so well worth it. Plus I received a sample pack of their Cooling Gels with any purchase which itself was worth £10.

Some face mask repurchases I've made are the Boots Ingredients Sheet Masks. These are very lightweight sheet masks that stay in place and work wonders for the skin. I picked up another of the Super Hyaluronic mask and the Rooibos mask. And then I picked up another of the Garnier Repairing Honey Mask. I tried this for the first time this week and absolutely loved it. It left my skin feeling super soft and nourished, plus I didn't have to fanny about with washing it off.

Another repurchase comes in the form of the Maybelline SuperStay Primer. I brought this when it first came out and instantly fell in love with it. It's very liquidy in consistency, easy to apply, leaves skin feeling velvety soft and tacky to grab onto any base product you put on over top. I've used this everyday since I brought it and am not surprised that I've run out of it.

A lot of brands are bringing out their own versions of Colour Corrector products but none of them have caught my eye like the Barry M Colour Correcting Wands. There are three in the collection but I only picked up the two that my skin need. The yellow shade helps eradicate dark circles, something I occasionally need help with and the green helps reduce the appearance of redness, something I need most days. They're very thin in consistency and blend out nicely so I'm assuming they will sit nicely under base products. And because I spent over £8 on Barry M I received the Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit for free. I've never contoured before but now I have this kit I may give it a go.

 A foundation that I instantly fell in love with is this Loreal Infallible Total Cover Foundation. It's lightweight in feel, high in coverage and matte in finish. It claims to be able to cover tattoos and extreme cases of redness. And most of it's claims are true. I'm seriously in love with this foundation. It covers my redness, doesn't look cakey on the skin, doesn't feel pore clogging and lasts all day long. And the best bit it's the third of the price of my once favourite Dior Star Foundation.

I picked up another of my Collection Pressed Powders. I go through this quicker than any other product but I don't mind as it only cost £2. But don't think it's bad quality because of it's price tag. It's lightweight, natural on the skin and doesn't oxidise on the skin like some pressed powders do.
I also brought a MUA Transparent Pressed Setting Powder to try. I'm not sure if I'm going to enjoy it because it's even whiter than my Collection Powder. However I will get back to you once I've given it a fair trial.

All that is left is lip products and as usual with me there is a lot of them. To start I brought these two liquid lipsticks from Barry M. They've recently released three limited edition Lip Kits, each very similar to the Kylie Lip Kits, containing a lip liner and coinciding liquid lipstick. And then they've released five liquid lipsticks which are permanent. I of course picked up the red shade and from swatching them on the back of my hand, I'm impressed. Very liquidy and lightweight, these dry down but don't feel dry or uncomfortable on the lips.

I took a trip to London this week and popped into a little beauty shop that caught my attention. I'm very glad I went in as they stocked Milani as well as other American brands. They had the Amore Matte Lip Creams and of course I had to buy one. I brought the shade Precious which is a stunning pink nude shade. I could have gone for the red but it swatched slightly patchy on the back of my hand. I'm looking forward to wearing this as I'm really having a nude lip moment.

Even though I haven't been wearing a lot of red lipsticks I've still picked some up. This gorgeous off red shade from Loreal is not only perfect for now but also perfect for the upcoming warmer months. It's a part of the new matte lipstick collection from Loreal and swatches beautifully. I'm not to keen on the Loreal lipstick scent but it's something I can easily overlook that when it looks so good on the lips.

And finally I've picked up quite a few new bits from the new Rosie For Autograph releases. She's released three new lipstick shades (pictured) and five lip liner shades. I only picked up on lip liner as it was the only one that swatched nicely out of them all. It's in the shade Silk which works well with quite a few of her existing lipstick shades. I've thoroughly enjoyed wearing this under her shade Silk Rose for a stunning nude lip.
The three new lipstick shades are stunning. From left to right you have Sour Grapes, Rosie Lips and Vintage Rouge. Rosie Lips is the shade I'm most excited to wear as it has an interesting mauve tone to it and I think it'll look stunning on a multitude of skintones.

Review: Garnier Micellar Gel Wash

 

For the longest time people have been raving about the Garnier Micellar Water but it was a product I just couldn't get along with. So to say I was a bit dubious about trying the Gel Wash was an understatement. However I've been pleasantly surprised by Garnier's new release.

It comes in two formulas. One for Normal/Sensitive skin and the other for Combination/Oily skin. This is a thin consistency gel wash that contains Micellar particles that grab onto make up and dirt as you rub this into your face. It washes away with a flannel or muslin cloth to reveal smooth, soft skin that doesn't feel tight or irritated. Whilst it does foam up on the skin, it's not the kind of foam that would cause skin to breakout or feel aggravated so if you have sensitive skin and are worried about it harming skin then you should be fine but of course everyone's skin is different so what may work for me might not work for everyone else.

As I said I was dubious about trying this. I'd not had good results with the Micellar Water and expected to get the same results from this. However I've been using this for a while now and haven't had any breakouts on my face. This doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry after each use and it removes all of my make up in one go. You can even go in and use this again as a second cleanse and it won't cause any issues with your skin. I'd advise against using this on your eyes as I'm not sure if it would irritate them but it does state on the bottle it can be used to remove eye make up.

Overall I really like this product. I like the fact it comes in a pump as it means you're less likely to waste product and it's easier to dispense with each use. Whilst it's a nice cleanser that removes make up and works well on bare skin it's not a product I think I'd rush to use every night or repurchase when it runs out. I have other cleansers and face washes that I much prefer even it means spending a bit more on them.

Review: Loreal Pure Clay Face Washes

Last year Loreal released a new line of face masks in a new range they called Pure Clay. The masks are brilliant and have recieved nothing but rave reviews from everyone who's used them. So they've released a range of Pure Clay face washes to coincide with their masks. And of course when I saw them in Boots I just had to pick up all three.

There is the Detox Wash which contains Charcoal and helps to deep clean and clarify skin.

Then there is the Glow Scrub. This contains Red Algae Extract to help exfoliate and brighten the skin.

And finally there is Purity Wash. This contains Eucalyptus and is perfect for combination/oily skin types.

All three of these masks are advised to be used before their masks counterparts as they're supposed to make the masks use more effectively. These washes are aimed at all skin types, even sensitive skin types. They contain no soap so they don't foam on the skin which means once you've washed this away skin isn't left feeling tight or dry in the slightest. The Glow Scrub is the one that you feel working the most as it leaves skin feeling ultra smooth and soft to the touch after just one use. The Detox Wash isn't as potent as it's mask counterpart but it does help draw impurities closer to the surface and purifies the skin all in one. The Purity Wash would be a good one to use before applying make up if you have combo/oily skin as it'll mattify the skin and keep oil and shine at bay.

Overall all three of washes can be used by a multitude of skin types but if you know that a particular mask from the original range works for you skin then you may just want to pick up the face wash to match. They're perfect for people with sensitive skin as they aren't as potent as the masks and soap free so they're less likely to cause any irritation or breakouts. My personal favourite is the Glow Wash as it actually feels like it's doing something on the skin when you use it but the Detox Wash is also a good wash for those who like to deep cleanse their skin reguarly.

Revlon Does Matte Lips

For the last year I've been doing a series of posts on high street brands and their matte lip products. I've already tried Loreal, Rimmel and Maybelline and today is the turn of Revlon. Revlon sometimes gets forgotten when it comes to lip products but they do actually have one of my favourite lip products on their stand.

Now Revlon don't have a lot to offer matte lip wise but there is some which is a lot more than some brands. The first offering they have is, comes in the form of their Colorburst Matte Balms. These are some of my favourite lip products on the high street and I'm always recommending them when people ask me for a matte lipstick. They were some of the first high street chubby stick lip products after Clinique originally released their Chubby Sticks. There is a huge shade range of these and are well worth their £8.99 price tag. Highly pigmented, opaque in one swipe and long lasting but not uncomfortable these were some of the first decent matte lip products on the high street. There is a shade in the range that will suit everyone including personal favourites Sultry and Fiery. They do have peppermint smell to them but it doesn't translate to the lips or cause any irritation to lip while you're wearing them. I personally wear them with a bit of lip balm underneath and a light outline of lip liner to give a statment lip without being too over the top.

A recent release from Revlon to add to their matte lip collection comes in the form of their Ultra HD Matte Lipsticks. This was Revlon's addition to the ever growing trend of liquid lipsticks but these turned out to be a bit of a fail. Sure they're a liquid, they're a highly saturated dose of colour but they are not matte. They don't even dry down to a demi matte or satin finish. Sure with a lot of work and a dry finish lip liner you might be able to get it to stay in place but if you're a lot like me and can't be bothered with that much faff then these are ones I'd give a miss. It's a shame as well as they've just released four new beautiful shades, a couple of which are screaming my name.

The only other matte lip products Revlon have to offer are they're Super Lustrous Lipsticks. I don't own any of these in the matte finish as the colours aren't colours I'd personally wear. From swatching them on the back of my hand they're drier in texture than the Colorburst Matte Balms but not that dry you can't wear them at all. I think a lot of prep would be necessary before wearing these as they would show any imperfections on the lips.

Overall Revlon is one of the better brands on the high street for matte lip products. They have a small range but they are all good quality products that are worth their price tags. My personal favourites are the Colorburst Balms but that doesn't mean the other matte lip products aren't any good. You may love them but I personally think they just don't work for me. Alongside Maybelline I'd have to say that Revlon is one of my favourite brands for lip products on the high street.

Review: Liz Earle Face Masks

Since early last year I've been using Liz Earle products. I'm a massive fan of both the Cleanse and Polish and the Instant Skin Boost Spritzer. But I wanted to try more and around the time of Christmas gifts arriving on shelves I spotted the Liz Earle Face Masks Gift Boxes. I put these both on my list and was lucky to recieve both. Now I'm a big fan of face masks and try a lot reguarly so I had high hopes for these and luckily for me they didn't disappoint.

There are two main face masks in Liz Earle's range. One is brightening and the other is nourishing. The first one I tried was the Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask. This has Apricot Kernel, Geranium Oil and Comfrey. It's designed to cleanse deep into pores and help purify skin whilst keeping skin feeling hydrated and soft. A little bit of this goes a long way which works well as you only need a thin layer of this to work it's magic. Leave it on for fifteen minutes and then wash it off with a warm wet muslin cloth or flannel. This is a nice mask and it leaves skin feeling soft, supple and clean but other than that it didn't really wow me. When I think of nourishing masks I think of thicker consistencies that are left to sink in rather being washed away. Maybe I need to use this more to make it work for my skin but if you have sensitive skin that works well with Liz Earle products then this would definitely suit you.

The other face mask is the Brightening Treatment Mask. This contains Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera and White Clay. This is a very quick mask, it's only supposed to stay on the skin for two minutes maximum. It's a little thicker in consistency than the nourishing mask but you still only need a little bit as it's so effective on the skin. This will tingle on the skin but that just means it's working. Thirty seconds to two minutes is the time you're supposed to leave this on for and then with a wet muslin cloth or flannel wash it away. This will leave your skin feeling revitalised, smooth, soft and radiant looking. It'll help the appearence and feel of any texture you may have and brightens skin in an instant. If you have sensitive skin though it's advised you don't use this mask because of it's quick tingle fix but if you're face can handle the GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment then using this should be fine.

Overall I really like these masks, they work nicely with my skin type and leave my skin feeling refreshed and ready for anything. The Brightening Treatment Mask is probably my favourite of the two as you can really feel it working on your face. If you have sensitive skin then the Nourishing Mask will be more up your street. They are a pricier face mask but seeing the results almost instantaneously makes the price worth it. And if you're into your natural skincare products that really love the skin I'd definitely recommend trying them out.

Homeware Wishlist

If there is one thing I love more than make up, it's homeware. I could spend hours online and in stores wandering around their homeware sections and seeing what pieces I can pick up for my house. And lately there have been a few pieces that have caught my eye and made it onto my wishlist.

Feather Shaped Metal Plate £12.99
The first thing that caught my eye was this gold feather shaped trinket plate. I love little trinket plates to pop my jewellery or loose change on. They just add something extra to a shelf or unit that can just pull a room together. Primark have one that is very similar in style and it's only £4 so it you're working to a budget I'd definitely check it out.

Dusky Green Patterned Plate £3.99
Another cute piece that would work well as a loose change, hair pin or jewellery holder is this plate. It comes in various colours but this dusky green one really grabbed my attention when I saw it online. I don't know where I'd put it in my room but I think it would make a nice addition to the colour scheme I've got going on in there.

Bird Patterned Print Cushion Cover £8.99
H&M do some of the best cushion covers on the high street. They only see the cover so you can recycle your old cushions and spruce up your home without having to worry about storing older pieces. This bird patterned is a little more out there for me but it has all the colours I'm enjoying in my bedroom at the moment. It's a little pricey for a cushion cover but it look good quality and I'd only buy one to make a statement with it.

Pineapple Print Cushion £6.99
Another pretty cushion cover from H&M is this gold foil pineapple cover. I think this would be perfect for bedrooms or living rooms during the warmer months as it brings a bit of brightness to what can be a dull background. I may not actually purchase this but I'll be keeping it on my wishlist in case I change my mind.

Large Metal Wire Basket £17.99
This may just be a basket but it's a nice basket. There aren't many baskets on the high street especially that'll sit nicely in a room and actually be functional. I'm hoping to get this soon as I need somewhere to keep my Lush bathbombs and the basket I'm using at the moment isn't big enough. This comes in three finishes, gold, copper and silver. All three are nice but the copper is the one that's really caught my eye.

Leaf Patterned Cushion Cover £8.99
Another bold patterned cushion cover I'm liking is this leaf patterned number. It has the same colours I've got going on in my room and I think this will make a nice statement cushion on my bed. I've actually seen this in store and it's gorgeous and feels very high quality. Definitely on my to buy list.

Metal Magazine Rack £17.99
I'm a avid magazine reader and love picking up all the monthlies when they come out. Most magazines I recycle one the latest issue has come out but there are some whose covers I adore that I keep. Right now they're in a pile by the side of my bed but I've been looking for a nice magazine rack to keep them in even better condition. This is from the same range as the basket earlier and also comes in three finishes. I'm again loving the copper even if it is super cliche and blogger like of me.

Metal Trivet £9.99
A cute decoration I spotted on the H&M website is this gold metal trivet. It's essentially a list of cities but they're all cities I'd like to visit at some point so I thought it was cute. It wouldn't necessarily fit in with my room but that's what makes this appeal to me more.

4-pack Leaf Print Coasters £2.99
I'm terrible at using coasters and can never find any I actually like but these ones not only fit my colour scheme but also the cushion cover I featured earlier. If I got these I'd actually bother to use them and save my poor desk from all my tea spillages.

 

Metal Bookend £9.99
I have a ton of books that I have stored away that would look nice set up properly somewhere. The only problem is that they have a tendency to fall. So when I saw this bookend I knew it had to go on this wishlist. It's not exactly copper but it's not a bright yellow gold either so it'll fit nicely into my asthetic and it's not bank breaking either. I'm looking forward to expanding my book collection once I get this end.