Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger® Hydrasoft Shampoo 250ml RRP £29.70

 

I’ve been using Paul Mitchell for over 30 years now. It’s a brand that I always come back to as I’ve found their shampoos to be gentle on my very porous and dehydrated hair. 

I also like to switch up my shampoo/conditioners depending on the elements of the season, e.g. now we are starting to have some sunny weather, it’s all about hydration and protection. 

The Awapuhi Wild Ginger® Hydrasoft Shampoo has been developed for hair that is exactly my type, porous, dry and in need of some TLC. It contains a patented complex Hydratriplex™ that gives hair an injection of ingredients (mainly amino acids) that not only hydrate the hair, but also protect it from environmental aggressors (sun, pollution etc). 

The shampoo itself is very gentle and ideal for all hair types, and gently cleanses getting rid of dirt, grime and product but without stripping the hair from it’s natural oils.

Ingredients have been designed to work harmoniously together and include:-

• Hedychium Coronarium (White Ginger) Root Extract - rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, White Ginger is ideal for warding off dandruff. It also helps stimulate the hair follicles encouraging hair growth. 
• Laminaria Digitata Extract - a brown seaweed harvested from the North Atlantic, this strengthens hair fibres and moisturises hair. 
• Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil - helps nourish hair that is heat or chemically damaged, adds shine to dull, dehydrated hair. 
• Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil - ideal for frizzy dry hair, helps promote hair growth, contains vitamins B, C and E so protects the hair from environmental aggressors such as the sun. 
• Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil - contains polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that really nourish dry hair. 
• Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract - contains protein and vitamin A that helps rid hair of dandruff. It also encourages healthy hair growth. 
• Aloe Barbandensis Extract - soothes an itchy, dry scalp.
• Threonine - an amino acid that helps give the hair elasticity and therefore preventages breakage. Also strengthens hair follicles. 
• Histidine - another amino acid that absorbs copper from the hair. By doing so gives natural protection from the suns UVA/UVB rays. 
• Arginine - increases blood circulation to the scalp, to encourages hair growth. 
• Hyaluronic Acid - improves blood flow to the scalp, so again promotes healthy hair growth. 

As you can see my hair is dry, porous and very highlighted. This is the before shot, for the sake of like to like I’m not going to blow dry it or apply other products so you can see the difference. 

You literally need less than a 10p amount to get a full, light lather for long hair. With this product a little goes a long way. It’s incredibly emulsifying yet does not have any sulphates or chemical nasties. Reviews from other websites all give it 5 stars and I can see why! The scent is tropical, refreshing with notes of ginger, lemon and jasmine.

Just one use has eradicated my frizz and left my hair feeling soft, note I have not used any serums or conditioner to get an honest review of this product. 

You can purchase at Sally Beauty online or by clicking the link HERE

So…? Body Mist Candied Berries / Cherry Blossom 100ml RRP £3.99

 

So…? The wonderful juicy, bright and budget friendly brand have recently launched their summer range of Body Mists. I was sent 2 to test out Candied Berries and Cherry Blossom.

The Candied Berries, is a burst of juicy, sweet berries with a soft caramel base. At first spray the top notes are like a mix of summer fruits from raspberry to cherry. Base notes include marshmallow and icing sugar and so as you can imagine this is most definitely for those who love their sweet fragrances. It’s bubbly, refreshing and ideal for your gym bag. 

Cherry Blossom is most definitely a bit more for me. It’s a mixture of floral and berries, still sweet but more country garden than sugary. Top notes include peach and blackcurrant giving it a vivacious start however, this then lends to more warming and comforting base notes of cedarwood and vanilla. 

Both make great travel companions and at only £3.99 each are a bargain too! Check out the reviews from customers on the Boots website or by clicking the link HERE

O.P. Nail Envy® Bubble Bath / Pink To Envy Nail Strengthener Review RRP £21.90

When it comes to strengthening dry, brittle and weak nails, there isn’t any brand that gives results like O.P.I. The original Nail Envy is a cult product that I have personally used since the 90s when discovering the brand on QVC. Now a world-wide leading quality brand on nail colour and specifically treatments, it’s my number one go to when my nails are rigid and brittle. 

Having been through major open back surgery earlier in the year, been on countless medication and putting my nails through gel colour and ‘self removal’ process, my nail health has taken a toll. Brittle, dry and with more ridges than a concertina fan, they’ve been crying out for some TLC. 

Pink To Envy 15ml

I was lucky enough to receive 2 shades from O.P.I (which incidentally stands for (Odontorium Products Inc). Both designed with the Tri-Flex Technology™, which not only treats the nails with nail strengthening ingredients but also protects the nails from further damage. 

Bubble Bath 15ml

The ‘liquid shield’ is designed to work by layering daily on to the nails over a 7 day programme. The formula contains Nitrocellulose and Tribenzoin, ingredients that help protect the nails, condition them whilst allowing them to breathe. 

Other ingredients include Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin which is a polymer and when used in nail products gives strength to weak nails as well as acting as acting as an adhesive, which in turn strengthens and bonds nails, reducing flaking. The formulas are free from chemical nasties such as Formaldehyde, Parabens and other irritants often found in nail colours. 

I tested both colours on my very brittle nails. For the first application you apply 2 thin coats (allowing to dry in between), and thereafter 1 coat daily for a week. At the end of the 7 days, remove and start the process again. 

The Bubble Bath gives a beautiful neutral and very chic pale pink, ideal for every day and a lovely colour for special occasions such as a wedding day. Whilst the Pink To Envy gives a sheer, hint of pink gloss resulting in nails that immediately look healthier. 

I have only started on my journey with these 2 colours and will update in a few weeks. What I will say is that both colours immediately (as you can see from the photo), gave my nails a much needed boost of shine. I have also looked at the reviews and seen from loyal customers that the colours do not chip and do exactly what they say on the bottle!

Both colours are vegan and you can purchase them by clicking the link HERE

Anokha Oatmeal Cleansing Milk 120ml RRP £33.14

 

I’ve not heard of this brand before, it was founded in 2008 by American board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Nina Naidu. An experienced plastic surgeon who is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr Naidu turned her hand to formulating her own brand that contained natural and environmental ingredients, giving clinical results. Every product is made in small batches to ensure that the ingredients remain superior quality. 

The Oatmeal Cleansing Milk is your starter point for skin that is sensitive, acne prone and ideal for all skin types especially hormonal. 

Ingredients include at their purest form:-

• Avena Sativa (Colloidal Oatmeal) - helps lock in moisture so really hydrates dry skin types. It’s soothing qualities is ideal for itchy skin conditions such as eczema. It also acts as a gentle exfoliator removing dead skin cells to reveal a brighter skin. 
• Glycerin - hydrates the skin and relieves dryness. As an emollient it binds water to the skin. It also has antimicrobial properties to protects the skin from environmental aggressors. 
• Glyceryl Stearate - forms as barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss, keeping skin supple.
• Decyl Glucoside - this non-toxic gentle ingredient is plant derived and helps get rid of dirt, grime and makeup. 
• Hydrolyzed Milk Protein - helps firm the skin, keeping it supple and promoting a smooth complexion. 

The milky cleanser is easy to apply, simply massage into a damp skin then remove with warm water (or mitts). Skin is left feeling soft and supple. The award winning product is cruelty free and 100% natural. It’s ideal for men and women and can be used straight after shaving to soothe the skin. 

You can purchase it and see the five star reviews from loyal customers by clicking the link HERE

Sanctuary Spa Signature Sample Review

 

Right now I am feeling pretty low, everything has seemingly gone wrong the last few weeks and I am in need of some nurture, security and comfort. I had reached for my Mint Lindt Chocolate (albeit I’m at the level of Cadbury’s Giant Buttons) however, instead I’ve reached onto my desk and pulled out the Sanctuary Signature range to review. Quite simply, there is no other fragrance that gives me the comfort that the original Sanctuary fragrance does. The vanilla leaves the skin smelling creamy, whilst the jasmine and the grapefruit, is uplifting and mood boosting.

A favourite luxury product, that I have often time and time again gone back to, epitomising my 30s after my pregnancy, my 40s after my marriage split and now at 52 when uncertain changes are happening. The fragrance just wraps me in a soft blanket and cocoons me into a soulful and warm hug.

Signature Natural Oils Salt Scrub 650g RRP £18

I have used this before, and it remains firmly a favourite. Not just for the exfoliation action and ingredients but because it has so many uses. I like to stand up in the bath, exfoliate all over and then let the  oils mix with the water, as I sink into the warm water, it really does give a tension shoulder drop and is truly an indulgent retreat. I also like to use it when my hands are feeling parched, kept next to the sink it lasts ages and there’s no need for hand cream after. It’s full of natural oils such as:-

• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - anti-inflammatory and full of linoleic acid, which helps strengthen the skin. 
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil - helps improve elasticity, so skin feels firmer, more plump and is ideal for dehydrated skin conditions. It doesn’t clog pores so ideal if you suffer from acne.
• Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil - as this is anti-microbial, it helps with wound healing. 
• Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil - antibacterial and has a high content of vitamin E, which helps soften the skin. 
• Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Oil - contains vitamin A, B and D alongside fatty acids, that really nourish dry skin and reduces the signs of aging. Again non-comedogenic so doesn’t block pores. It also helps aid in the healing of psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. 

The scrub itself is made from Maris Sal (Sea Salt) that gives a really deep exfoliation, ridding the skin of dead skin cells leaving it feeling nourished and conditioned.  I love to use it on my hands, which also means my nails get a decent dose of oils, that helps keep them moisturised and stops flaking, whilst strengthening and improving the condition.

After there is no need for hand cream or body moisturiser. Skin is left feeling supple and glowing. One word of caution, if you are using the in the bath do be careful as it can leave the bath slippery!

Signature Collection Heel Balm 75ml RRP £7

Not that we’ve had much sun however, if you want to be sandal worthy then this is the cream to use. Often we neglect the back of our heels which, in turn, can look dreadful when in mules or opened back shoes. This only takes a minute a day to get rid of those flaky, dry heels and leave your feet in tip top, flip flop (I’m a poet…), showcase condition. 

It was only yesterday I was looking at foot creams for myself. I noticed that there was a huge price difference on various brands and, so of course, I had to look at the ingredients. It seemed that the highest priced foot cream contained Glycerin, as this one does here. Glycerin is a deeply moisturising ingredient that really helps lock in moisture. The foot cream also contains:-

• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter - anti-inflammatory, helps heal cracked, dry heels. Contains several fatty acids that also help with itchiness, so ideal if you have inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema. 
• Rosa Moschata Seed Oil - helps strengthen the skin’s barrier. Has a high amount of vitamin C that helps brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. 
• Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil - anti-fungal and anti-septic, this is ideal if you suffer with skin conditions such as athletes foot. As well as treating and healing bacterial conditions, it also helps deodorise feet, leaving them feeling and smelling fresh. 
• Lavandula  Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil - again this helps with inflammatory skin conditions and is very soothing. Likewise with Tea Tree, Lavender is a natural deodorant that stops them smelling. 

You only need a small amount (shown on my hand as I have the widest feet, not blog worthy), to really eradicate dry skin. Applied before bed before putting on cotton socks will give optimum results so that you wake up with soft tootsies in the morning.

Signature Melting Pearls Body Butter 300ml RRP £16

The Melting Pearls Body Butter actually contains micro pearls of Argan Oil. The claims of ‘7 Day Moisture’ I do need to put to the test, but the ingredients look promising. 

Again filled with nourishing, hydrating ingredients such as Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, but also:-

• Argania Spinosa Kernal Oil - helps improve all types of chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Ideal for sensitive skin types as it doesn’t clog pores. It’s easily absorbed and leaves skin feeling nourished, as has a high content of essential fatty acids, as well as vitamin E. 
• Hydrogenated Castor Oil - this emollient keeps water to the skin giving plenty of hydration. Rich in vitamin E, it helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors such as sun and pollution. 
• Salicylate - helps to heal acne and blemishes by unclogging blocked pores and shedding the top layer of the skin. It also helps decrease redness and inflammation. 

You only need a small amount, and you can see that the pearls are very small, they burst upon impact and when massaging into the skin. 

All the products are vegan and cruelty free. You can pick them up from Boots in store but also online by clicking the link HERE - also it’s worth noting that at the time of writing this, they have whopping discounts on their products!