PRODUCT REVIEW: LANCOME GRANDIOSE MASCARA

A little while ago I went to an amazing product launch with Lancôme where a new and improved Visionnaire [LR 2412 4%] Advanced Skin Correcter, and a new mascara Grandiôse were introduced. I am still in the process of trialling the Visionnaire, so let me start by telling you a little about the new Lancôme Grandiôse Mascara;

What They Say:

The 1st swan-neck™ mascara bent to work with the shape of your face for unprecedented access to all lashes. Corner-to-corner, root-to-tip giving the ultimate in length, lift and volume.


RRP: $54 – Available from Lancôme Counters, and from Lancôme Online
What I Say:

I have been using mascara for decades, it was one of the first makeup items I started using as a young teenager, and I have to say that they new Grandiôse Mascara from Lancôme is by far the most unique looking mascara that I have ever come across. It starts at the lid of the mascara where the Lancôme rose is visible in the transparent handle.


The actual mascara tube is a little larger than most, so not the most convenient for the handbag, but seriously, who applies mascara on the go! I know that I certainly don’t!

The mascara contains among others rose-cell extract, which claims to leave the lashes soft and supple, as well as it also contains less waxes than most other mascaras for a more intense colour with no smudging or flaking through the day.


But what is the most unique feature about the Grandiôse mascara is the brush, which is moulded from elastomer, and shaped in a “swan neck” shape to allow maximum and even deposit of the mascara formula, coating even the smallest of lashes.

The brush is a little smaller than most other Lancôme mascara brushes, which is why those smaller and hard-to-reach lashes in the corners of your eyes are more easily covered. But more importantly, the “swan neck” wand helps adapt to the shape of your eyes too, making it so much easier to apply. In addition, the shape of the want means that when you pull it out of the container, it means that it not only scrapes off excess mascara leaving behind just the right amount of mascara so you avoid clumpy lashes, but it also means that as you twist it to open and close it, it automatically churns and mixes the mascara contents and scrapes the inside of the container, so you can use up the full contents without it drying out.


It take me a little while to work out how to apply the mascara, but it is also very different to how I have been doing it, and the shape of the wands I’ve been using over the years – and to make things easier Lancôme has consequently inserted a instruction sheet into the little box the mascara comes in, which is very helpful. But once you have mastered it, you will love the results. Just one coat will give you the mist beautiful fanned out and defined lashes with great volume and curl, yet while still looking very natural. And it stays put all day without flaking, which is great when you like me have very sensitive eyes that easily water.

 

The mascara is only available in Ultra Black at this stage, and it is really is ultra black and applies glossy, and has a very quick drying formula.


Overall, I love the Lancôme Grandiôse Mascara. The design of the wand and formula of the mascara is nothing short of amazing, and it gives my lashes such a nice lifted, fanned out look. I am not a big fan of false lashes (mainly because I am hopeless at applying them), and with a toddler rarely have a lot of time to do my makeup, so using a lash curler rarely happens, but with the Grandiose, there is simply no need for either! I will definitely be repurchasing this mascara again.

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.



What do you think of this new mascara from Lancôme? What is your favourite mascara?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: ROSEHIP PLUS DAY AND NIGHT CREAM

Many months ago I tried the Rosehip Oil (review here) and Rosehip Oil Roll-On from Rosehip Plus (review here), and have really enjoyed using the products, so when I was asked if I wanted to trial the newly launched *Rosehip Plus Day and Night Creams as well, I happily accepted. Here are my thoughts; 

What They Say:

RosehipPLUS Hydrating Day Cream and RosehipPLUS Nourishing Night Cream is a 100% pure and natural Australian Certified Organic skincare product. Containing extract of the seeds of the Rosehip fruit (Rosa Canina), it supports and encourages a healthier looking skin.

RRP: Day Cream (75ml): $19.95, Night Cream (50ml): $29.95 – Available from select pharmacies 


What I Say:

What I really like about the RosehipPLUS range of products is that the products are Australian Certified Organic and they are cruelty free. And of course, very importantly, they are made without nasty chemicals including no parabens, no sulphates and no artificial colours, no preservatives and no petro chemicals.

The Day and Night Cream both contain RosehipPLUS Rosehip Oil, while the day cream also contains Chamomile, Avocado Oil and Rose Geranium, and the night cream contains Cocoa Seed Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil and Shea Butter, making it extra moisturising. They are both made from 95% organic ingredients.


Thanks to being rich in naturally occurring Vitamins A, C, E plus Omega 3, 6 & 9, the products claim to help keep the skin hydrated and soft, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while improving the appearance of dry skin and promoting skin elasticity and texture. And of course, the mere inclusion of the Rosehip Oil also means that the products help repair sun damage, reduce skin pigmentation, and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

Now I have combination skin prone to breakout, and especially when I use skincare products that are too heavy and rich, so I was a little concerned using the RosehipPLUS products. But as with the pure RosehipPLUS oil, I didn’t need to worry, as my skin has been grateful for the extra moisture, and without making it break out of feel congested.

The Day Cream comes in a large 75ml tube and has a typical consistency for a day cream. It absorbs fairly quickly so you can get on with applying your makeup.

The Night Cream on the other hand comes in a pump bottle containing 50ml –and I so love pump bottles and which the Day Cream also came in one. It is simply so much easier and more convenient!


Most Night Creams are usually quite thick and heavy, but that is not the case with the RosehipPLUS Night Cream, as it more or less has the same light consistency as the Day Cream, which also means that it absorbs quickly into the skin.

Also often with Night Creams I wake the next morning and my skin is feeling greasy, but that is also not the case with this cream.


So how have they performed after using the products for about a month? Well again, the products have not made my skin feel congested or make it break out, which is a major plus for me.

I am not sure if my very old acne scars or the large clusters of pigmentation have changed significantly in appearance, but I can tell that my skin feels deeply quenched and moisturised, and consequently fine lines do appear to have been plumbed out. And my skin not only feels soft and smooth to touch, it also has a nice healthy glow.

And best of all is that the products are very concentrated so I haven’t even used half of them, so they are exceptional value too!

So if you too are keen on using ‘cleaner’ products free from all the chemical nasties, then this Day and Night Cream from RosehipPLUS are good contenders. I can easily see myself repurchasing again, and I hope that they soon will extend their product range to also include other products such as lip balms, hand and body creams!
 

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

Ever heard of RosehipPlus? Do you use Rosehip Oil?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: VIOLET BOX OCTOBER 2014

Yesterday afternoon the October Violet Box arrived on my door step, I know it isn’t early, but it feels like it as I have only just posted about last month’s box, which I know I did rather late due to being in Europe for a month. Anyway, thought that I’d try to get back on track by posting about this month’s box immediately, so here are my thoughts on the *October edition of the Violet Box;

What They Say:

Violet Box brands promises to every month include 4-6 premium beauty and lifestyle samples from well-known and trusted Australian beauty brands as well as exciting new International brands, one in particular is a revolutionary product currently trending in New York and has been featured in Vogue and on the Today Show!

RRP: You can subscribe to Violet Box for:

1 month – $22.95
3 months - $66.00
6 months - $130
12 months - $250

- Available from Violet Box



What I Say:

As last month, this month’s box arrived in a the new box design with the lose slide lid, and this is what was included in this month’s box:



Wotnot Facial Wipes for Oily/Sensitive Skin – Travel Pack (RRP $1.95/5 wipes)

Let me start by saying that I do like these facial wipes from Wotnot, but at the same time that it is very rare for me to use facial wipes. I simply prefer to use a facial cleanser and splash water in my face, so I only use them when I am travelling, or to remove makeup from my hand when I am swatching products for the blog. So that said, I am naturally not that excited about receiving these. Also because I feel that it is a repeat product. They have been included in countless boxes previously, so no surprise there either.



PHR Professional Haircare Recovery Leave-in Moisturiser – Sample, 15ml (RRP $39.95/125ml)

With long hair I use a lot of leave in moisturisers to keep my hair healthy, so I am excited about trialling a new one, and even more so from a brand that I have never heard of before. It contains a blend of natural ingredients including jojoba seed oil and keratin designed to seal in hydration in the hair. Sounds pretty good to me. Having said that, I am over sachet samples. You only get sufficient product for one or two goes, so hardly enough to form an opinion, and besides I find them so messy. So not really impressed.



Haughty Cosmetics Perfect Finish Lipgloss – Full Size (RRP $23/2.3g)

 

Another brand that I have never heard of before so that is exciting. I got the colour Pull it Together, which is a dark red shade. It is a quite lovely and it does feel nice on the lips. I also like that it is paraben free, and that 50% of the proceeds from the purchase goes towards preventing domestic violence (in the US, I assume, as that is where the lipstick is made!), so that is a nice touch too.



Designer Brands Eternal Colour Lipstick – Full Size (RRP $9.99)

I have previously heard of Designer Brands but not had the opportunity to trial the products. They are a budget friendly brand available from Priceline. I got the shade Rose Brown, which as the name suggests is a brownish rose shade which is very wearable, and actually the sort of colour that I often reach for..



Designer Brands Lip Pencil – Full Size (RRP $4.99)

 

I got the lip pencil in the shade Fuchsia Rose, which in itself is a good shade too, only problem is that I am very rarely using lip liners (I know, I should!), so I don’t really know what to do with this one!



Eslor Introductory Collection – Samples x 4 at 5ml each

I have heard of Eslor before but never tried any of their products, so I am excited to be able to. The four samples include Soothing Refiner & Cleanser, Botanical Peeling Gel, Chlorophyll Lifting Mask and Firming Collagen Day Cream.
The full sized products retail at between $36.95 and $85 so it is not a cheap brand, but still I have to say that I would much have preferred one product in a decent sized sample than all these smaller samples, as again, as mentioned above, I am over sachet samples.


So there you have it, the contents in this month’s Violet Box. So what is my verdict…. Blah!! Yeah, sadly I am not really impressed with the contents in this month’s box. Yes, it contains three full sized products, the lip gloss, lip stick and lip liner, but with two of these being from a budget brand, sadly it doesn’t blow me away. While most of the things won’t go astray, it is really only the Haughty Lipgloss that I am excited about, and the cost of that really only just covers the cost of the box, so not a huge bonus for me this month. Violet Box have delivered some amazing boxes in the past, and I have my fingers crossed that next month’s will be back on track again..

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


What do you think of the products of this month’s Violet Box? Did you get this months’ box too? What did you think? And if not, would you consider subscribing? Or unsubscribing…?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: L'OREAL MEN EXPERT VITA LIFT GIFT SET

It has been quite a while since I have had my dear hubby guest posting on my blog, and he has had his review due for me for quite some time. Way too long actually, but between moving house and him starting a new job too, I guess he has had a pretty good excuse! Anyway, here are his thoughts; 

What They Say:

 Men Expert Vita Lift Revitalising Foam: Loss of firmness? Help fight the signs of ageing with Men Expert Vita Lift. With age, skin becomes dry. Using soap to cleanse daily can make your skin feel tight and uncomfortable... take action with Vita Lift. RRP: $8.50 (150ml)

Men Expert Shaving Hydra Sensitive Shaving Gel: The L'Oréal laboratories put all their skincare expertise in this anti-irritation skin caring shaving foam, to make shaving less of a challenge and more of a pleasure. RRP: $6.95 (200ml)

Men Expert Vita Lift 5 Daily Moisturiser: With time and excess fatigue, your skin loses its vitality; signs of ageing start to appear...Take action! This complete anti-ageing Daily Moisturiser is enriched with Pro-Retinol to help fight the signs of ageing with 5 actions in 1 step. RRP: $19.45 (50ml)

 - Available from Priceline

 
What He Says:

I was asked by my lovely wife if I would try another couple of products for her, I again thought here we go I am a guinea pig for something. The best part was she gave me the L’Oreal Men Expert products which I am more than familiar with.


I will admit I do try to look after my skin but with the demands of the morning rush I do not always do everything that I probably should, I will shave and for me washing my face is normally something that happens in the shower not a morning ritual like some, I try to catch up on these duties on the weekend.

So this morning I went about giving my face a good wash using the Revitalising Foam, this was a new product for me and I was pleased with how it felt on the skin, it was refreshing and being a man that unfortunately has a few blackheads and other blemishes on my face I feel long term use of this would help eliminate these for me, so maybe I will have to find myself the extra couple of minutes in the morning and change my ritual. The foam goes on easily and rubs in well without any real fragrance to irritate a sensitive nose. I felt it washed off easily and my face did feel clean with no greasy after effects.

The Shaving Gel is great and I really like using it. I have to admit I prefer a gel over cream and this one spreads well and lathers up nicely and I definitely feel it helps the razor blades glide over the face. I tend to like a shaving gel that spreads easily and has enough hold to stay on my face and fall either on me or into the sink. It has a light fragrance which I find a fresh smell and one that does not want to fight against any aftershave I use.

The third part of the pack was the Vita Lift 5 which is an Anti-Ageing Action and is supposedly to assist with Wrinkles, Dryness, Sagging, Puffiness and Dullness. I have used this for the past three or so years now off and on and I love it, I really like the bottle it comes in as the does you get from a simple push on the top seems to be just right per application.


I have also tried to cut one of these open at one stage (with great difficulty) when empty thinking there will be plenty left over and to my surprise there was nothing, the bottle is so well designed it empties completely. Seeing I am nearing the large round birthday I have quite a few wrinkles and I would have to say they have not gone from using the Vita Lift, maybe they have slowed along with the sagging, puffiness and dullness, I honestly cannot say I feel this has been a huge benefit, but when we talk dryness I would have to say this is the best cream I have ever used. It covers well, it is non greasy and certainly leaves my face feeling refreshed and with no sign of a dry bit of skin. The Vita Lift is certainly a moisturizer I always keep in the shaving cabinet and especially when I travel for work and have to put up with the air-conditioned environments that suck the moisture from my face. 

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

 
So there you go, my hubby’s unedited words on the L’Oreal Men Expert Vita Lift range.

Does your hubby care for his skin? Does he use his own products? Or maybe pinch yours..?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: THE BODY SHOP LIMITED EDITION VINEYARD PEACH COLLECTION

It has been years since I last tried any of the products from The Body Shop. Actually more like a decade. I have really no idea why, as when I was living in London in the early 90s, I didn’t use anything but The Body Shop. So naturally when I was asked to trial *The Body Shop Limited Edition Vineyard Peach Collection, consisting of Shower Gel, Body Scrub, Body Lotion, Body Butter and Body Mist, I happily accepted. Here are my thoughts;

What They Say:

Shower Gel: Transform your shower into an intensely fragrant experience, evocative of a Mediterranean vineyard escape. RRP: $9.95 (250ml)

Body Scrub: Containing ground peach seeds, our Vineyard Peach Body Scrub gentle exfoliates, leaving your skin velvety smooth, soft and fragrant. RRP: $23.95 (200ml)

Body Lotion: This light and divine smelling body lotion is perfect for daily moisturisation. RRP: $16.95 (250ml)

Body Butter: Our Vineyard Peach Body Butter is our pick of the season for skin that’s peachy soft, deeply moisturised and smells as good as it feels. RRP: $23.95 (200ml)

Body Mist: A light burst of this fresh peachy scent will have your skin smelling like a warm summer’s day. RRP: $16.95 (100ml)

Available from The Body Shop for a limited time

 

What I Say:

As soon as I opened and smelled these Vineyard Peach products from the body shop, I was, as promised transformed to a peach vineyard. The smell is that intense and incredible, and in spite of the products no doubt contain some artificial fragrances, The Body Shop has really managed to bottle a very natural scent.

 

I start the experience with the Body Scrub which has a lovely creamy texture, and with just enough ground peach seeds to make it very effective, whilst not making it feel too harsh on the skin. It rinses off easily, leaving the skin feel soft and smooth and with a nice glow. Perfect for shedding that old winter skin, and preparing for a self-tan! My only negative on the scrub is the fact that it comes in a tub, as I always find that it gets a little watered down in the shower (naughty me for letting the water run while I use it!!), so I would much prefer if it came in a tube!

 

The Shower Gel Has a lovely peachy-pink shade and it lathers up easily, and especially if you use a loofah or sponge. It gently cleanses the skin, yet without drying it out of stripping it of essential moisture.

 

Depending on how my skin feels and if I am in a hurry, I use either the Body Lotion or the Body Butter. The body lotion is light and naturally absorbs quicker into the skin than the Body Butter, but regardless it does generally deliver sufficient moisture to my normal skin. The Body Butter, on the other hand, is thick and creamy so it does take a little longer to absorb and if offers intense moisture so perfect for those with drier skin types.

 

Common for both the body Scrub, Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Body Butter, is that they leave a lovely fresh and fruity scent lingering on the skin for hours. And again, it seems quite natural and is not too overbearing.

 

Still, I cannot help but also add a squirt of the Body Mist in much the same way as I would normally apply perfume. I generally prefer fresh and zesty citrus scents, and must admit that I at first, once  smelt it in the bottle, thought that this Peach Body Mist would be too over the top sweet for me. But after trying it on, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was actually not. It does naturally have a fruity sweetness to it, but at the same time, it also has an almost vanilla warmth lingering in the background, which makes it a lovely day time spring fragrance.

 

Overall, this is a lovely fruity range from the Body Shop, and I have thoroughly enjoyed being reacquainted with their products again, and will enjoy using these throughout spring and summer. I know it is a limited edition range, but I can easily see it becoming quite popular!

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
 

What you do think of these Vineyard Peach products from the Body Shop? Fan of the Body Shop? Which of their products would you recommend.

 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: DR. HAUSCHKA LEMON LEMONGRASS VITALISING BODY WASH

A little while ago I was contacted by Dr. Hauschka asking if I would like to trial one of their Body Washes, and after looking through the range, I had just had to pick the *Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Body Wash as I absolutely adore lemon scented products. Here are my thoughts;

 

 

What They Say:

Dr.Hauschka Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Body Wash is a light, creamy foam with quince seed extract and plant surfactants that is gentle on the skin. The premium plant oils add an extra layer of care, while the exotic fragrance of fresh root ginger and lemongrass ensures a fresh scent. Apply to damp skin, lather, and then rinse.

RRP: $26 (200ml) – Available from Dr. Hauschka

What I Say:

I have previously come across Dr. Hauschka, in particular when I was growing up in Denmark, but guess it is no wonder seeing the products are made in neighbouring Germany. The brand has been around since 1920, but for some reason I have just never tried any of the products.

What I really love about the product range is the philosophy of making products without alcohol or preservatives but rather make use of medical plants, which were possible are certified organic. And of course none of the products contain any chemical or synthetic fragrances, dyes or preservatives.

This Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Body Wash comes in a simple white round bottle with a flip lid that is simple and easy to use.

The actual Body Wash has a creamy consistency and it lathers up to the softest light and creamy foam that gently cleanses the skin. And thanks to the added plant oils the wash also cares for the skin at the same time.

And then there’s the amazingly refreshing scent of lemon and lemongrass. The body wash also contains root ginger, and I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of the scent, but luckily you can hardly detect it as the zesty citrus scent is so strong. Unfortunately the citrus scent doesn’t linger too long on the skin, which I would have loved, but I am sure many others prefer it not to.

Overall I really love this body wash and it is the perfect product to use in the morning when you need a burst of energy. At $24 for 200ml it is not a cheap body wash, but it does feel very luxurious to use. I will be very sad when it is all used up, but can already see myself repurchasing, as well as I am pretty keen on exploring the rest of the Dr. Hauschka product range.

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


Ever tried any of the products from the Dr. Hauschka range? What's your favourite scent?
 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: L'OREAL PARIS GLAM SHINE BALMY GLOSS

Like most others I’ve really taken a liking to the crayon style lip tints that have almost swamped the market in recent times. And L’Oreal has now followed with their version, here are my thoughts on the L’Oreal Paris Glam Shine Balmy Gloss*;

What They Say:

L'Oréal Paris introduces its first glossy crayon format that looks after your lips. Balm and gloss finally combine in a playful crayon format for mirror-free application. It has been enriched with flower extracts for a lightweight, glossy feel on the lips without sticking. Lips feel moisturised, look shiny, with a sheer fresh looking colour pay off. 6 sorbet shades.

RRP: $16.95 - Available from Priceline, variety stores, department stores and select pharmacies

What I Say:

These lip crayons from L’Oreal are so creamy and they glide onto the lips so easily. They have an almost watery formula that feels so light yet so very moisturising on the lips, and while adding colour, they just feel like wearing a standard lip balm.

The lip balms come in 6 gorgeous shades; Mad for Pomegranate, Bite the Maracuja, Sin for Peach, Dare the Dragon Fruit, Fall for Watermelon and Die for Guava, and I tried the shades Die for Guava, a lolly pink shade and Dare the Dragon Fruit, a purple shade with a blue undertone.

 

Unlike most other crayon lip balms, these leave the lips with a shimmery and glossy look, and have a quite good colour payoff, while the darker shades, such as Dare the Dragon Fruit are more pigmented than the lighter colours, which just leave a stain on the lips.

While looking that the crayons, of the two shades my initial reaction was that Die for Guava was my favourite, however once on the lips, I must admit to preferring the more intense colour of Dare the Dragon Fruit.

Dare the Dragon Fruit

Die For Guava

 

The lip balms, I guess as you’d expect the colour doesn’t last long, but gradually fades, quicker for the lighter colours, while the darker ones stick around a little longer. But even after the colour worn off, your lips are left feeling soft and smooth. However, generally you get about 2+ hours wear from the colour while the glossy finish does fade faster.

 

Overall I really like these Glam Shine Balmy Glosses, and while not everyone like the shimmer, I personally find it a refreshing change from all the other matte and semi-matte lip crayons on the market. The Balmy glosses are priced quite reasonably compared to other crayons on the market, and they are perfect for a daytime casual look, so I am keen to check out the other colours in the range and pick up a few more..

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think of these Balmy Glosses from L’Oreal? Keen on trying? Fan of Lip Crayons?

 

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BRAND FOCUS: NTH DEGREE ULTRA-SMOOTH ARGAN OIL & KERATIN HAIR CARE

Today I’d like to introduce you to a brand that has recently been introduced in Australia, the Nth Degree Ultra-Smooth Argan Oil & Keratin Hair Care. Here are my thoughts on the Nth Degree Argan Oil and Keratin Shampoo, Argan Oil and Keratin Conditioner, Argan Oil and Keratin Serum and Argan Oil and Keratin Mask;

What They Say:

This professional formula unleashes the power of Moroccan Argan oil and keratin to dramatically transform your hair into the richly hydrated, super-smooth locks you deserve. Argan Oil envelops each strand, infusing rich moisture, while keratin proteins seal cuticles and smooth split ends.

Ideal for thirsty, damaged or unresponsive hair, these potent concoctions will delicately cleanse, condition, repair, shine and finish your way to radiant, resilient, silky perfection—hair to the highest power.

Argan Oil and Keratin Shampoo: This gentle formula cleanses effectively without robbing the hair of natural oils. Moroccan Argan oil delivers serious moisture to every strand, while keratin proteins ensure smooth hair cuticles and ends. RRP: $19.95 (400ml)

Argan Oil and Keratin Conditioner: The perfect follow up to the Ultra-Smooth Argan Oil and Keratin Shampoo. This conditioner goes beyond the typical call of duty to quench thirsty locks. Moroccan Argan oil delivers serious moisture to every strand, while keratin proteins ensure smooth hair cuticles and ends. RRP: $19.95 (400ml)

Argan Oil and Keratin Serum: Our professional formula unleashes the true power of Moroccan Argan oil and keratin to rapidly restore brilliance to hair by infusing rich moisture, sealing cuticles and smoothing split ends. Lacklustre tresses don’t stand a chance with this serum, which restores brilliance to hair and helps control frizz. RRP: $29.95 (100ml)

Argan Oil and Keratin Mask: Our most comprehensive solution for hair that needs extra attention, this superior blend of Argan and grape seed oils rapidly reforms damaged hair by infusing rich moisture and restorative vitamins to deeply condition and fortify hair. Ideal for hair compromised by over-processing, excessive heat and environmental factors. RRP: $24.95 (200g)

Available from I-Glamour  

What I Say:

With very long hair that has been coloured countless times, and not to mention exposed to more frequent heat styling sessions, my hair is often feeling a little dry and lacklustre, I am always chasing products that will help maintain my hair.

And these newly launched products from Nth Degree do not disappoint. In case are wondering, - I was – Nth Degree is pronounced “enth” Degree.

When I received the products I instantly fell in love with them. They come in old style brown bottles and tubs, and have refreshing silver and turquoise labels, which funny texts such as “Your Life is about to change, so is your hair. This luxurious blend is the answer to all those bad hair days, the bitterness and frizz that took control, the jagged ends that called it ‘splits’, and every moment that you lost your shine”. Say hello to your new best friend – you’re welcome. That’s what friends are for!” Haha, brilliant!
 

And luckily my hair loves the products as much as I do. The shampoo and conditioner both come in convenient pump bottle and especially the shampoo smells absolutely amazing. It does take a little to make it froth up, but I don’t mind, as while I only wash my hair every second day, when I am just at home with my little boy, I use very limited in terms of hair styling products. And still, just one wash is more than enough for my hair to feel lovely and clean and without that dried out squeaky feeling.

Following with the conditioner which is thick and rich, to the point you could almost mistake it for a hair mask – yet it spreads easily, and you can feel it absorbing into the dry strands of hair. After just a few minutes it is quick and easy to rinse out without leaving behind the feeling of a greasy residue.

 

And here I think it is worthwhile mentioning that I love how the shampoo has a turquoise label while the conditioner has a silver label, as it makes it so easy to distinguish between them in the shower. Wearing glasses I am often frustrated with shampoos and conditioners that are more or less identical in appearance except for the tiny writing that states if it is the shampoo or conditioner, as sadly without my glasses that is very tricky for me to see!

The products leave my hair very easy to comb, even in spite of starting to need a haircut, which always makes my hair more tangled. And once dried naturally, it is soft and smooth, with a lovely and healthy shine. And still has that lovely subtle scent lingering from the products.

 

When I feel my hair needs an extra boost, I pull out the Mask, which comes in a brown heavy duty plastic tub with a silver screw lid. The yellow tinted mask is thick and creamy, and a small scoop full is more than sufficient for my hair. And left in for just 5 minutes or so, and my hair completely drinks it up, and once rinsed out, it leaves my hair incredibly soft (thanks to also containing shea butter), and without feeling heavy or weighed down, like masks often do. My dry ends seem to be restored and frizz is more or less nonexistent. My hair is simply shiny and glossy and looks incredibly healthy.

 

Finally, the Argan Oil and Keratin Serum is perfect to use in both wet and dry hair, which I really like. Used in my wet hair, It gives my hair a little extra boost of moisture and protection, and when I use it in my dry hair after styling it, it helps smooth down any remaining frizz and while adding additional moisture and making my hair look extremely healthy and shiny.

 

The oil comes in a convenient glass pump bottle and just two small pumps is all I need for my long hair as it is so concentrated. And here I think it is worth saying that you need to be careful not to add too much or your hair will end up looking a little greasy. Less is definitely more. Also, I love the heavy duty glass bottle, which makes it look and feel more luxe, but obviously you do need to be careful not to drop it on the bathroom floor.

 

 

Overall I really love these products from Nth Degree. They make my long dry hair fee and look healthy and shiny in no time, thanks to the powerhouse of ingredients which include among others keratin, and argan oil. They really do seem to help restore hair and help seal dry split ends. But what is even more brilliant is that in spite of the high quality of the products, they are extremely well priced for very large bottles. These products really are your new best friend (and your purse’s too). You’re welcome!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think of these new haircare products from Nth Degree? Keen on trying? How much money do you spend on haircare products? What’s your preferred brand of haircare?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: VIOLET BOX SEPTEMBER 2014

Again another beauty box I am very late in posting about as it arrived while I was overseas. So without further ado, here are my thoughts on the *September edition of the Violet Box;

What They Say: 

Violet Box brands promises to every month include 4-6 premium beauty and lifestyle samples from well-known and trusted Australian beauty brands as well as exciting new International brands, one in particular is a revolutionary product currently trending in New York and has been featured in Vogue and on the Today Show!

RRP: You can subscribe to Violet Box for:

1 month – $22.95
3 months - $66.00
6 months - $130
12 months - $250

- Available from Violet Box

What I Say:

As last month, this month’s box arrived in a the new box design with the lose slide lid, and this is what was included in this month’s box:

 

Scandalous Fabulously Flirty Dry Shampoo – Full Size ($17.95/150ml)

This Dry Shampoo promises to give your hair that just washed look, cleansing the scalp, leaving the hair fresh and shiny. I have never heard of this brand before, and as a big user of dry shampoo (although I’ll be the first to admit that I was very late in discovering the benefits!), I am looking forward to trying this out.



Foltène Nail Treatment – Full Size ($29.95/10ml)

 

This is a Nail Treatment product that promises to repair dry, brittle dull nails that easily break, leaving the nails stronger and longer. It can also be used over nail polish as a strengthener which is a great bonus. I generally have quite strong nails, so I honestly don’t really need this right now, but a few times a year my nails suddenly start to play up, so it will be handy to have at hand.



Girlactik Eyeshadow – Full Size ($23/2.5g)

 

Another brand that I have not previously heard about, so I do look forward to trying this out. I got the shade ‘Pink Ruffle’ which is a medium pink shade with a pearlescent finish. My initial thought is that it has a very good pigmentation, so I can’t wait to put this one to the test.



Starlooks Ultra Olive Gem Pencil – Full Size ($21.50)

 

This eye liner has been created with a magnificent sparkle finish and is soft and creamy so it can be used as both eye liners as well as eye bases. I got the colour Ultra Olive, which as the name suggests, is an olive green shade, which has a glittery finish. I am not personally that keen on glittery products, but I do like both the colour, and the creamy and pigmented finish of this pencil, so I look forward to trying it out.



Polished London Nail Enamel – Full Size ($8/10ml)
 

I have previously heard Polished London , but never had the opportunity to trial any of their products, so I like the inclusion of the polish in this month’s box. The polish promises to provide a strong film that offers greater gloss, extended wear and maximum protection of the nail. I got the colour ‘Just Dusk’ which is a dusty rose shade.


So there you go, the contents in the September Violet Box. Overall I am very impressed. It contains5 products and they are all full sized. I probably wouldn’t have purchased the pink eye shadow, the green eye liner, but rather have chosen other shades, but then again, sometimes it is good to be put out of your comfort zone. The nail treatment I doubt I would have purchased either seeing my nails are in a pretty good state. But even so, I feel that this box is extremely good value for money. I love that Violet Box manages to continue to introduce new brands and products and that that is always such a great variety of products from skincare through to makeup and hair care. And of course I love that the products are full sized, as I seriously have enough of those more or less useless sachet samples floating around the house!

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


What do you think of the products of this month’s Violet Box? Did you get this months’ box too? What did you think? And if not, would you consider subscribing?

 

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