Paul Mitchell strength & clarifying cruelty free duo

Posted in Beauty, hair by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

paul_mitchell_cruelty_free_duo_review - 1 On a daily basis we put all sorts of products in your hairs: smoothing, styling, conditioning, heat protecting… And the list goes on.

I’ve been a massive fan of clarifying shampoos for a while. They deep clean the hair, removing the build up.

Paul Mitchell’s Clarifying Shampoo Two does just that: the cleanses hair leaving it squeaky clean. It deep cleanses hair and oily scalp, and help minimise oil production.

paul_mitchell_cruelty_free_duo_review - 3 It’s clear in colour and has a slight lemon smell. It’s gentle on the scalp and hair and hair feels super clean and fresh, with more body, afterwards.

I use it once or twice a week, or when I had some heavy styling.

At the moment you can buy it in the special strength & clarifying duo pack, which is part of the special cruelty free duos, with great savings.

paul_mitchell_cruelty_free_duo_review - 2 It one comes with the Super Strong Liquid Treatment, a product that repairs hair from inside out, helping sela split ends and contains marine extracts and vegetable proteins, and is also a joy to use.

Although I haven’t noticed strengthening per se, after use on the ends hair feels soft and supple, styling well.
Always worth remembering that Paul Mitchell never has and never will test on animals, since the 80s they have been very strong on the ethics front!

Usually worth £29.75, you get get this duo for £24 from various retailers, including lookfantastic. Duos are also available in Color Care (£20) and Forever Blonde (£26).

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

3Mar2016

Power claws with Elegant Touch Hall of Mirrors

Posted in Beauty, nails by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

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Confession: as a natural long nail wearer, I always looked a bit down on falsies.

Then came Elegant Touch to blow me away with their amazing Hall of Mirrors set.

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Image taken by Derek Bremner at The Apartment, with Comb

Application was a breeze. It took me a while to get used to them, but very soon they felt like my own at that length.

They feel very secure and comfortable, I can do everything – wash hair, type… I do not feel they are glued on.

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Now, let’s take a minute to admire the beauty of this colour: a holographic white technicolor dreams are made of.

I am totally, madly, deeply in love.

I had it on for a whole week, no hiccups. Only thing is that you notice the growth of your natural nails and it starts looking less neat, but only noticeable on very close inspection.

Now I just want to wear them all the time. There are so many amazing designs and finishes, from your super classic mani to the out there fab fashion designs (House of Holland, I’m looking at you).

Taking them off really requires some patience. Dripping nail polish remover, poking them out… the excess glue is a pain.

As I my natural nails are destroyed from carrying boxes moving houses, I am cool with that. Otherwise, I would be quite upset.

Next time, strong base coat. If you never tried, do it now. There will be no regrets!

This fabulous shade will be in the shops very soon. Elegant Touch nails come in a variety of colours and shapes and are super practical.

The sets of 24 nails cost between £6.95 and £12.50

They were applied by the lovely Jessica at the more-than-fabulous The Apartment at LFW. Thank you so much for having me.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

8Feb2016

A lipstick shade a day: the Sleek Lip VIP

Posted in Beauty, Make Up by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

sleek_lip_vip_lipstick_review - 3 Not too long ago I mentioned Sleek was the very first red lipstick I ever owned, and that started a love affair that spanned years.

Guess how happy I was to get a LOAD of amazing Sleek MakeUp lip colours, but this time it came in the shape of their fabulous new Lip VIP lipsticks, which are somewhat different: they have a semi-matte finish.

sleek_lip_vip_lipstick_review - 1 Apart from the more luxurious packaging with the colour at the bottom, this £5.49 gem packs a punch. It’s super pigmented and hydrating, with Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, at the same time, while offering a very decent durability!

This Very Important Pout collection has six new shades to take you straight into spring/summer and more.

sleek_lip_vip_lipstick_review - 4 My favourite, Flaunt It, is a vibrant orange; Night Spot is a rich pinkier red (and I love a red lipstick!); Guest List is a bright coral; Backstage, a warm coral pink; Reserved, a candy pink and Private Booth a great nude with some pink in it, and not grey and dull as most, so suitable for my skin tone!

L-R: Night Spot, Flaunt it, Guest List, Backstage, Reserved and Private Booth

This fabulous collection will update your wardrobe for the coming season. In fact, I’ve already started injecting it in my life now!

And at £5.49 each, you can certainly afford a few, if not all!

The gorgeous Sleek MakeUP Lip VIP collection is now available from Superdrug, Boots and at sleekmakeup.com.

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

13Jan2016

Amped up lashes: I discovered the Benefit They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer

Posted in Beauty, Make Up by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

There is something about Benefit I canto quite gauge. I love their packaging, adore the name and the concept behind their products, see thousands of people who swear by them but nothing I tried seemed to quite work for me.

Until now. To my surprise, at the uber generous QVC SS16 press preview bag, there was a Benefit They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer.

Let’s start with the brush. It’s a plastic, with super thin and flexible bristles in varied lengths that will get right in there, on to every little lash. It also has a spiky end, which is fabulous for lower lashes.

benefit_theyreal_lash_primer_review - 1 (1)

The formula is gel, in a watery brown colour, which is great and can be used on its own for a lighter, feathery and super defined look.

But as a primer it truly shines. It separates and defines, conditions and gives a little bit of lift and volume.

Mascara application (admittedly, my new found love from Charlotte Tilbury), is somehow smoother, lashes go that extra mile in terms of length and separation.

Am I about to start a love affair with Benefit?! Not yet, but I am not dismissing it. At all.

The Benefit They’re Real! Tinted Primer costs a brilliant £14.55, plus £2.95 p&p from QVC. You can also get it in shops nationwide, as well as online.

Beauty at QVC is something I have rediscovered recently. Apart from having an extensive range of amazing big known and boutique brands and great prices, they will also carry exclusives and special packs which usually carry a very special price tag too. Well worth checking for all you beauty needs!

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

9Jan2016

Truly stunning Full Fat Lashes from Charlotte Tilbury

Posted in Beauty, Make Up by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

charlottetilbury_fullfatlashesmascara_review - 2 Here I am again going on about how amazing Charlotte Tilbury makeup is.

Honestly, the Full Fat Lashes Mascara is possibly the best mascara I’ve ever had. And trust me, I’ve been though quite a few.

A great mascara for me works mainly on separation and definition. This baby does it and more: there is fabulous lengthening and some volume, for those feathery, fluttery lashes.

charlottetilbury_fullfatlashesmascara_review - 3 The formula is a great glossy black and is not too wet, which is great for application control.

The bristles seem the usual drill, but on closer inspection you’ll notice a plethora of different lengths, which will catch all lashes.

charlotte tilbury full fat lashes mascara review I am totally sold. Of course, it carries a premium-ish price tag, but worth every penny.

The Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Mascara in Glossy Black is available online from the brands website, as well as their lovely Covent Garden shop and retailers like John Lewis.

And while you’re at it, you can also see my Charlotte Tilbury Rebel look and the Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil review.

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7Jan2016

Fighting adult acne and ageing signs with SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense solution

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

skinceauticals_belmish_antiage_defense_review - 1

Wow, 2016 sees really to be about skincare! Acne, as most of you know, has been the bane of my life for a very longtime. So long that at this point my main concern should be ageing signs and not spots.

Caught between preventing ageing signs and fighting blemishes, there is very little on the market that will cover both aspects of my skincare needs, furthermore, one usually aggravates the other, as anti-acne products are extremely drying and aggressive, and anti-ageing products are usually quite rich.

Imagine my happiness when I came across the SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Potent Treatment solution at Dermacare Direct. Sounded perfect!

This product is a clear solution, very slightly viscous, which is oil-free and contains salicylic (1.5%) and salicylic capryloyl (0.3%), dioic (2%), glycolic (3.5%) and citric (0.5%) acids. It’s the first to market to have dioic plus alpha and beta hydroxy acids in its formulation, to fight blemishes and fine lines and uneven skin tone and texture.

It applies and absorbs very well. The feeling is slightly tingly when you apply, but only for a few seconds.

There was no redness, no irritation and better still, no dryness, of any sort. Prolonged use did cause my lips to chap more than usual this winter, as I apply on the chin, where my blemishes are, twice a day, but that is expected with any acid products.

I’ve been using at night on the whole face and day on the problem areas only (mainly chin) and noticed an improvement, not only in blemishes but skin in general, mainly tone and radiance.

Using now over a few weeks, I can now notice an overall improvement. I feel it does target all the promised areas.

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I’ve been using this product in conjunction with the SkinCeauticals B5 solution for extra moisturisation, as my skin suffers at this time of the year, plus other serums and moisturisers in my skincare routine.

Overall impressed. I had never tried SkinCeauticals before, but heard great things. This certainly lived up to the reputation of the brand and more.

I am already panicking when it gets to the end, but I have to say it is worth the price tag.

Dermacare Direct is an online cosmeceuticals company that stocks the best brands on the market. They also have the lovely Andrea, a cosmetic nurse, who is qualified to give the best, honest advice when picking your skincare to best suit your needs. Plus, she is super lovely!

You can get the SkinCeauticals Blemish + Age Defense for £64 for 30ml from Dermacare Direct.

They so stock other SkinCeauticals lines and various other cosmeceautical brands at great prices!

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

5Jan2016

Scrubbing it off: the Alpha H Micro Cleanse Exfoliator

Posted in Beauty by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

alpha_h_micro_cleanse_exfoliator_review - 1 This time of the year is tough on my skin. I usually keep a small arsenal of gentle exfoliating products, from peels and exfoliating toners to microdermabrasion devices but the extra dryness of my skin in the winter rules most of them out.

When I got my hands on the Alpha H Micro Cleanse Exfoliator scrub I was excited and worried in equal measures.

Would it be too strong?! It is a scrub and acid after all.

On the other hand, all the flakiness and dryness left my skin begging for a good exfoliation. I noticed my complexion was duller and makeup wasn’t performing.

The scrub has a medium grittiness to it, not being to harsh on the skin. I applied with soft circular moves, paying special attention to forehead, chin and nose.

I left it a minute after massaging in so the acid could get some extra action in the skin. There was a very mild tingling, like peppermint oil, and no redness.

alpha_h_micro_cleanse_exfoliator_review - 2 I applied the soothing Dr. Jackson face oil immediately afterwards, followed by a serum.

I don’t think my face has ever felt that soft after a scrub. After only one application, the softness lasted and when I woke up in the morning, it was even better.

Skin looked clearer, more radiant and overall with better texture. Makeup sits well and the radiance seeps through.

I am now using it weekly, sometimes more often and I love it.

This scrub contains 12% glycolic acid, jojoba beads (which are eco-friendly), caffeine extract, cucumber extract and peppermint oil.

Acid scrub in the winter for this problem skin?! Yes. I can have my cake and eat it.

The Alpha H Micro Cleanse Exfoliator cost £26.50 and can be purchased from QVC.

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

2Jan2016

Well oiled: the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour All-Over Miracle Oil

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

elizabeth_arden_eight_hour_all_over_miracle_oil_review - 1 A couple years ago I developed a serious love of facial oils. The effect oils made for my skin is quite amazing.

The Eight Hour Cream is a must have classic and lives in my makeup bag – it’s great for everything.

When I found out about the Eight Hour Miracle Oil, I had a little silent squee and just needed to try. I was intrigued by the multi functionality of this product, as I can be used on face, body and hair.

When it arrived, I was going away for the weekend, had packed and boyfriend was picking me up from the office and bringing my bag. He mention a parcel had arrived, and there it was! I immediately told him to throw it in the suitcase.

It was a god send as I forgot my body moisturiser and hair conditioner!

Used it after washing my hair with shampoo only and my hair immediately felt soft and manageable. Plus it dried shiny and it didn’t weigh hair down.

elizabeth_arden_eight_hour_all_over_miracle_oil_review - 2 Feels great on the body too. It is super light in consistency, spreads and absorbs very well.

Where it shines, however, for me, is on the face. It’s supple but light enough to use during the day under makeup, just beware it does compromise durability a bit, just like any oil.

I’ve been massaging it deeply on face a neck. It delivers superior hydration throughout the day, something very welcome as my skin is suffering a lot with the weather at the moment.

At night, can be combined with a thin layer of the traditional Eight Hour Cream; I woke up to replenished, hydrated, soothed, soft and radiant skin.

It contains tsubaki oil (extracted from camellia flowers), omega 6 and 9, grapeseed, avocado, sunflower seed oils, ginger root extract, boswellia resin and vitamin E.

Overall, a superb product. And the price is quite something too: £29 for 100ml.

It’s available at Elizabeth Arden online, concessions and retailers nationwide.

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

31Dec2015

So Many Lovely Things beauty retrospective 2015: hair and body

Posted in Beauty by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

Today we get to the final instalment of the So Many Lovely Things retrospective 2015. What a fantastic year it has been!

And to finish it off, see my favourite which products rocked my hair and body in 2015.

Hair

Multitasking

The Schwarzkopf Got2B All Star tends to 10 hair concerns. Although the volumising and texturising properties on this are my favourites, it delivers in all fronts.

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With the coconut bonus, the Revlon Uniq One spray also delivers on its promises. Hair is soft, hydrated, easy to brush.

Serum/oil

The Schwarzkopf Got2b Oil-licious styling oil is a little delight. Smells great, tames, gives shine and leaves hair feeling fantastic.

The Wella System Professional Luxe Oil is another little gem, with a great smell, leaving hair smooth and silky.

The Garnier Ultimate Blends Honey Treasures Strength Restorer serum is great. De-frizzes, smooths and has the most amazing smell of honey.

Shampoo and conditioner

A great duo: Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner. Smell fresh and leaves hair super clean.

I am in love with the whole Garnier Ultimate Blends Honey Treasure range. It smells divine and leaves hair feeling soft and nourished. Plus, it is great value for money.

Swell is still part of my routine. It has been since before 2015, but it’s just too good to leave out!

Mask

The Taya Inner Core Hair Strong Anti-breakage mask is great. Feels supple and extra moisturising on the hair and smells delicious.

Dry shampoo

This is undisputed: The Swell Ultimate Volume Dry Shampoo is the king of my tresses. All natural and with a powder spray, it is a must have. Last forever!

Styling tools

revlon_perfectionist_2in1_dryer_review - 1

My styling tool discovery was the Revlon Perfectionist 2 in 1 Dryer. A hot air hair brush that works and delivers great blow dry results at home.

The Babyliss Diamond Waves Curling Wand was also well used this year. With the easy guide to creat lovely curls.

Also, a mention to my faithful GHDs, which never, ever let me down way pre 2015 to straighten, curl and wave.

Styling

Been totally in love with Got2b Mind Blowing Express Styling range. All products are great and speedy.

Talking about Got2b, their Rise ‘n Shine hairspray is also amazing. Styles without stiffness and smells amazing, like all other Got2b products!

Vitamins

Definitely Hairfinity for me. Made a massive difference to my hair, I am still using it; have it on auto-order.

Extensions

irresistible_me_hair_extensions_review - 3 Of course, the fabulous Irresistible Me. Just wow. Great quality, fabulous colours, friendly service. Never been so happy and intend to purchase more.

Body

Moisturiser

A tough call between a few favourites…

The Dove DermaSpa range is just fantastic and the DermaSpa Goodness³ Body Lotion and cream are just great!

I am a fan of Bath & Body Works; Velvet Sugar is one of my favourites scents. Sweet Pea comes a close second. Rich and yum.

The Yes to Coconut Ultra Light Spray Body Lotion was also a fave this year. I love it is a spray lotion; it feels light and nourishing. And yes, it is coconutty!

Oil

This Works Energy Bank Body Makeover oil is fabulous. Great on the skin, an awakening smell and integral part of my gym bag.

The Spa Technologies Hydrating Laminaria Oil is one I’ve been using all year and is almost over.

Scrub

I love a good scrub, especially pre-tan. The Fake Bake Dolce Dreams Coconut Macaroon Body Scrub works a treat and smell divine.

Tan

Hands down my favourite tan, the HeShi Rapid One Hour Liquid Tan. not only delivers a great tan, but doesn’t smell and works as fast as one hour. Sold!

Hands

There is no competition: the Crabtree & Evelyn 60 Second Fix for Hands. The scrub is amazing and their hand moisturiser is just the best. Take note.

Deodorant

The Dove Soft Feel is the deodorant of the year on my books. It has all the quality of a Dove deodorante and the fragrance is absolutely stunning. Love.

I am going to include the Halo deodorant wipes here. Just too handy!

Body wash

Again, it’s a Dove item. I love their Gentle Exfoliating Nourishing Body Wash. it is very gentle, but effective. Skin is left clean and moisturised after use.

Bath Oil

aromatherapy_associates_for_liberty_clear_mind_oil_review - 1

How in love am I with the Aromatherapy Associates for Liberty Clear Mind Bath & Shower Oil?

An awful lot. Too much. It is soothing for the body and the mind. A true moment of calm, so needed in everyday life.

Intimate wash

Sass was a great discovery this year. Their Refreshing Mist and Intimate Wash are just amazing. They are very mild; gentle and effective.

What worked for you in 2015? What are your favourite hair and body products this year?

This post mentions some press samples.

29Dec2015

So Many Lovely Things beauty retrospective 2015: skincare

Posted in Beauty by Dani - So Many Lovely Things

skincare_retrospective_somanylovelythings In 2015 I fell in love with skincare even more. I really drilled onto the nurturing aspect of dealing with my difficult and acneic skin, and the results, overall, are amazing.

Another very tough choice as the options are aplenty and great, but here we go:

Facial oil

Dr Jackson Facial Oil: what an oil, what an amazing brand. The product is rich and nourishing, a delight to use. My skin loves it.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Oil: what a delight. I am a fan of the Eight Hour Cream, and this oil delivers in all areas: face, body and skin. It’s light and locks moisture for the long haul.

Face cream

Day

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream: super light, a delight under makeup, steady moisturistion during the day.

Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Broad Spectrum anti-wrinkle protect cream: lovely smell and texture, great moisturisation and SPF20.

This works light time skin plumper: super light and efficient, it’s plump-tastic. Plus the smell heps you wake up.

Night

Dermalogica pure night: light, moisturising and directed to pigmentation issues.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Cream: rich with oil goodness and a fab smell.

Serum

Skinceauticals Blemish+Age Defense: the product that has it all for my skin type. It fights blemishes and ageing signs. Very fluid, easily absorbed and works a treat.

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus: a fluid moisturing serum, quickly absorbed by the skin which smells of roses.

Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum: thicker than your usual, but light on the skin. Full of goodness and perfect for night.

Bee Good Hydrate, Smooth and Prime Serum: having honey as main ingredient, this light serum is quickly absorbed to create a semi-matte finish.

Hydration booster

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster: a little pot of goodness with a fluid, water-like liquid that delivers a boost of lasting hydration to your skincare routine.

Skinceauticals Hydrating B5: also fluid and water-like, works to potentialise the effects of your other mositurisers.

Lip balm

Nivea lip butter: still a favourite, not losing its place in my favourites. This year, the coconut version is the star!

Eye cream

Ole Henriksen ultimate lift eye gel: bright blue and super light, this gel is refreshing and super light, perfect for day.

Dermalogica intensive eye repair: also very light and extra moisturising.

S5 renew eye cream: a brand close to my heart that makes the most amazing products. This eye cream is supple, light and super moisturising.

Facial wash

s5_clarity_cleanser_review - 2 S5 Clarity Cleanser: a star. Ever so gentle, cleans deeply, soothes and helps with blemishes.

a light foam that cleans deep. Skin feels purified and there’s no tightness.

Face scrub

Alpha H Micro Cleanse Exfoliator: with glycolic acid, this granulated product exfoliates and polishes skin, in a gentle manner. Skin feels renewed and radiant after use.

PMD Microdermabrasion: an amazing personal microdermabrasion device. Used weekly, I really felt a difference after a few uses.

Best all rounder

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: no praises spared on this one. Fabulous all-rounder for the face, I use on lips and occasionally on the skin when the wind gets stronger. Amazing regenerative properties, so great for scrapes.

Blemish fighting

Malin + Goetz Sulphur paste: spot zapping at its best. This weird product does work a treat, you do, however, have to put up with white patches on the face. One to use overnight.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I.: a gentle target breakout corrector. Not a killer zapper, but a gentle worker.

Face masks

Trilogy Mineral Radiance Mask: a lovely dark clay mask that is super moisturising. A great treat.

Caudalie Instant Detox Mask: a pink clay mask that purifies and tightens without drying. In fact, all Caudalie masks are ace, I also use the Glycolic Peel and the Moisturizing mask which are fab.

Toners

I love a good toner, and the Pixi Glow Tonic is just that. Slightly exfoliating, it delivers radiance within days of use. And has a great price.

The Clinique Anti-Blemish Clarifying Lotion is great for when skin is not behaving well and is breaking out.

When skin is sensitive (after microdermabrasion or exfoliation), the dermalogica multi-vitamin toner saves the day as it’s very mild and hydrating.

Pre-routine

bodyshop_oils_of_life_review - 1 I wasn’t sure how to call the Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Essence Lotion, but it’s in. It’s fresh, slightly moisturising and a delight to use.

Face mist

Can’t live without a face mist, and in the winter even more so. The Pixi Glow Mist is a firm favourite and delivers in all areas.

The Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist is fresh and an office staple, and the Liz Earle Skin Booster Tonic Spritzer is nourishing and refreshing. Long live the facial mists!

What products couldn’t your skin live without in 2015?

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