Christmas Gift Ideas: Natio Scented Candles (under $25.00)

Wednesday, 29 October 2014



In my last collective haul here, I mentioned that I think that Natio do some of the best candles around. 

They're soy based candles that are not only inexpensive ($25 for up to 60 hours burn time) but they have amazing scents that will fill up a room without overpowering it. 

They recently released 5 new scents in time for Christmas.


I picked up 2 of the new fragrances from Myer recently, Cottage Garden and Spring Orchid.

Cottage Garden has notes of rose, orange and lily of the valley while Spring Orchid has notes of lavender, lime, rose and sandlewood. 

Spring Orchid is a classic floral scent while Cottage Garden is floral with a fruity twist. They're both wonderful scents for spring/summer. 

The packaging is beautiful with colourful outer packaging. The candle is housed in glass with a lid. It looks much more luxe than it's $25 price tag. 

Both Priceline Pharmacy and selected Chemists have a Natio GWP currently (see here for details) so now is the perfect time to pick up something for someone else... and yourself! 

Are you a fan of either giving or receiving candles as presents?
Amy, XO

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Beauty On A Budget: Australis AC/ME Eyeshadow in "Plum Diddy" And "Bronzonce"

Saturday, 25 October 2014



If you're from Australia or read a lot of Australian beauty blogs then you would have heard about some of the great new products from Australis. A lot of beauties are hyping up the AC On Tour Contour & Highlighting Kit (seen here) as it's the drugstore/budget alternative to the Anastasia Contour Kit. There are 3 powder highlight colours and 3 powder contour colours. 

But for me the unsung hero has to be the AC/ME metallic foil finish eyeshadows. They're a cream shadow that has a similar texture to the Maybelline Bouncy Blush.

I bought these at the Priceline near my parents house when I was visiting. I was in a HUGE hurry and didn't get to swatch them so I picked up two of the colours based on the colour I could see in the packaging. 


"Plum Diddy" (top swatch) is a gorgeous plum with brown undertones. It has glitter in it, but it's not overpowering. 

I've found when I use this on my eyes, it becomes more chocolatey black the more layers that I do. 

"Bronzonce" is a stunning rose gold shadow that really lives up to the "foil" claim. 


The first day I wore them, I applied it with my Rae Morris Creme Shadow Shader (brush 8.5) instead of my fingers. I've found that the "Bronzonce" has more of a impact and I don't need to build it up as much as "Plum Diddy."

Because it's a "wet" formula, I ended up having my mascara smudge around my eyes. 

The next day that I used "Bronzonce," I set it with a powder eyeshadow. I used "Chopper" from the Naked 2 palette as they are very similar colours. I have also used "Half Baked" from the Naked 2 palette to set it too. This worked so much better and I didn't feel like my eyes were greasy or wet since the powder helped set it. If you have oily eyelids I would suggest setting these with either a eye primer or powder shadow. 

I haven't used a powder to set "Plum Diddy" as I need to go through my eyeshadows and find a similar colour to set it.

The final colour available is called "Jay Zed" which looks like a golden shade with a khaki undertone. I tried to buy it from Priceline yesterday, but the store near my work had 3 of them... which were all testers!! I'll try again on Monday to pick it up. 

At only $7.95 each, they're inexpensive enough to get all 3 colours!

Also available in the AC/ME range are 3 nail polishes (see here) and 3 Velourlips (see here). 

Have you been able to pick up any of the AC/ME products? I'm hoping to pick up the contour kit for a Christmas giveaway but am struggling to find it :(
Amy, XO

PS Both Priceline and Big W currently have a free clutch GWP when you spend $15 or more on Australis products. 

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Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion "Cocoa Indulging" and "Honey Indulging" Review

Wednesday, 22 October 2014




I've mentioned countless times on the blog the Nivea In-Shower Body Lotions. I first reviewed it here and have bought so many of them in the last year that I actually can't remember how many bottles that I've bought. Whenever I see Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Coles or Woolworths have them on special, I always stock up. 

They have recently added 2 new additions to the family and I have to say that these are even better than the original versions!!

They have released a cocoa version and a honey version.

The biggest change with these is the added scent. The original ones had a slight scent, but it had more of a bland moisturiser scent. These reflect the cocoa or honey scent. 

Just like the original versions, you apply them while your skin is wet and then rinse off. They're so moisturising that you can skip moisturiser afterwards. 



My skin has been so dry lately so I still actually apply a moisturiser afterwards for added hydration. I was using the Garnier Intensive 7 Days Rich Repairing Lotion (as seen here in my dry skin post) but finished it and am now using the Nivea Pure & Natural Body Lotion.* Both the Nivea and Garnier body lotions layer well with the in-shower lotion. 

The only drawback from this is the fact that it's only available in a 250ml bottle, unlike the original version which are 400ml. I would love for them to be released in a larger bottle.

They retail for $6.50, but are regularly on sale so buy up when you see them on special.

I'll be sticking to the new formulas from now on, especially the honey one. While I like the cocoa version, the honey one was love at first use. 

Are you obsessed with the in-shower body lotions like I am? 
Amy, XO

PS Chemist Warehouse currently has them on special for $5.39 until Sunday 2nd of November.      

*I was kindly sent these for consideration. All thoughts and views are completely my own, and are always 100% honest. See my disclosure policy here.

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Pro's In The Know: Interview With PureTAN's Co-Founder Danielle Newton

Tuesday, 21 October 2014



Hi Lovelies,

I have a wonderful interview for you today that will give you tips and tricks to perfecting (and keeping) a great looking fake tan.

As someone who grew up in the late 90s - early 2000s, having sunkissed bronze skin was the in thing. Gisele Bundchen was the inspiration for a lot of my friends and she had gorgeous brown/bronze skin.

As someone who is deathly pale, I bought so many fake tanning products in the hope that I too would look like a gorgeous tanned beauty. Sadly back then the only tanning options were orange or dark orange. Also a lot of the formulas weren't what they are today and 99% of girls walked around with orange, patchy skin. 

Eventually I gave up and embraced my paleness. I do fake tan once or twice a year, but am still yet to find a tanner that looks natural on my pale skin. 


I was really excited to be able to e-interview Danielle, who's the co-founder of PureTAN. PureTAN is Australian made, free of mineral oil and is not tested on animals. 

...

What are your tips for perfecting a fake tan?
Preparation is the key
Exfoliate prior to tanning for a super smooth base to work from. Take your time and apply with a mitt for an even streak free finish. I always start with the legs and work my way up, finishing with my face , hands, feet last- to avoid over tanning and a beautifully natural sunkissed glow.

Now that you have the perfect tan, how do you keep it looking great?

Moisturise daily, morning and night, using a hydrating product like Pure Moisture Coconut Body crème for intense hydration and to prolong the life of your tan.

Should you do hair removal before or after tanning?

Always shave or wax 24 hours prior to tanning to avoid clogged pores or irritation.


How do you fake tan those hard places, like hands and knees, without them being patchy?
Always use an application mitt, such as our PureTAN Pro self tan application mitt. It gives flawless results and smooths product over evenly. When applying tan to hands and knees always use less product. A great tip is to apply to the rest of the body first and apply to knees , hands and feet last with remaining product on mitt, to avoid "over tanning". Also wipe inside of palms with a baby wipe or damp cloth.

Do you prefer to use wash off bronzers or developers? What are the benefits to either of them?
Using a product that develops gives you lasting colour - usually 5-7 days, which is perfect if you're on holidays or time poor and don’t want to keep reapplying a product.  Wash off bronzers are a girls best friend for last minute tanning emergencies, touch ups, or when you’ve  had no time to tan. A perfect last minute party fix!

What are the best ways of removing a tan?
Use a body exfoliator and a buffing mitt or loofah in the shower. Using a body scrub such as Pure Moisture Coconut Body scrub on dry skin with a loofah or buffer removes excess tan. For super stubborn stains, lemon juice or bathroom cream cleanser secretly works!


Which is your favourite Pure Tan product?
The NEW One Hour Rapid tan is amazing‼ I'm a big fan of a one hour tan- it saves my sheets‼ My second favourite is our Pure moisture Body crème. Its creamy texture is enriched with Organic Coconut oil and smells divine‼ I'm coconut mad which is why I developed the range‼


...

Hopefully you've learnt something like I have and will be rocking a perfect fake tan in no time!

What's your favourite brand of fake tanner? Have you used Pure Tan before?
Amy, XO

PS If you purchase off the PureTAN website (here), you can save 20% off your online order. A pop up will come up and you just enter your email address and they'll send you a coupon code. The 20% off offer has nothing to do with me or Bottled Beauty. I just saw it on their website and wanted to share it with you. 

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Christmas Gift Ideas: Batiste Christmas Pack (Under $10)

Friday, 17 October 2014




Can you believe that it's already nearly Christmas!!!

To stop you freaking out, I've got a Christmas gift pack that's under $10. It's perfect for those that are on a tight budget or need an inexpensive Kris Kringle. 


I picked up one of the new Batiste Christmas packs yesterday that I found in Priceline. 

This particular pack contained a Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo (200ml) and a hair towel. The hair towel is a bit different than I was expecting. I was expecting a square microfibre towel. Instead it reminds me of a swimmers cap with a tail!!

There are four other packs available.

Mamba Dry Shampoo (200ml) and a hair towel

Mamba Dry Shampoo (200ml) with a shower cap
Cherry Dry Shampoo (200ml) with a shower cap

Wild Dry Shampoo (200ml) with a shower cap


 All of the packs retail for $9.95 and are so affordable that you should pick one up yourself too!! ;)

Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?
Amy, XO 

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"Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me" Review + How Do My Beauty Products Rate??

Wednesday, 15 October 2014



Unless you've been living under a rock for the last decade, you would have heard about Paula Begoun (affectionately referred to as the Cosmetics Cop) and her own brand of skincare "Paula's Choice."

Paula started her cosmetics journey as a sales person behind a counter and hated the politics behind selling cosmetics. If a customer came to her and nothing in the brand she was supposed to sell would be useful, she would recommend another brand. She was told not to do this and it started her crusade of being a "Cosmetics Cop."

Over the years she has uncovered the lies and marketing BS that brands try to sell consumers. She's released dozens of books that explain simply and easily if a product works and if it matches up to what a brand is claiming. 

I first heard about her when I saw her book in the library back when I was a teen. I devoured the book and learnt so much about how sneaky some brands can be with the truth. As a teen that was working a few hours a week and spending my pay on beauty products, it really opened my eyes. 

Recently I've used her website in helping to decide if I should buy The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost as I was out of a vitamin C serum and had heard a lot of hype about The Body Shop Serum. In a matter of minutes I knew that it wasn't worth it. From using Beautypedia, I found out that it contains more fragrance than it does vitamin C!!! 

I was sent her latest edition of "Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me" (her 9th Edition), which she has written with Byran Barron and the Paula's Choice Research Team.



I've been enjoying reading it as it's simple and easy to read, even though it's heavy and there's a LOT of reviews in it.

At the start of the book there's basic information on what every skintype needs, targeted solutions for particular skin types (eg acne, blackheads, dry, skin lightening) as well as creating a skin care routine for you. There's also information on how they do their skincare reviews and commonly asked questions.

The way that the reviews are structured, is that the brands are in alphabetical order and their products are grouped into categories (eg powders, mascaras, sun care, toners, etc). So it makes it easy if you are quickly wanting to find out about a brand or a particular product. 




The reviews are quick and straight to the point. They have 4 categories in which they rate a product. Best, good, average and poor. They also have 3 dollar signs next to the overall rating to let you know if something is expensive. 

And finally at the end of the book, there's a list of "The Best Products" that have been rated the best skincare and make up. It's still advised to read the review to make sure it's the right product for you and your skin. 

One thing that some people don't like about the book is that they review the Paula's Choice line. Personally, I don't mind. The PC range is rated highly and that's because someone who calls out brands on poor products isn't going to release their own brand and make sub-par products. Their products go through the same testing routine that any brand would.

I've used 3 PC products before and have loved them. I've even reviewed 2 products on the blog before (here and here). I've been meaning to buy some more of her products (a repurchase of the Resist C15 Super Booster and the Resist Youth Extending Daily Mattifying Fluid SPF50) but I really need to use up what I already have first. 


To put the book to the test, I thought that I would grab a few items out of my own beauty closet and see if they pass the Paula Begoun test.... 



Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads

These were given an "average" rating. Aveeno claims the moisture-rich soy extracts are designed to reveal skins natural radiance, but the book reveals that there isn't enough soy to amount to a single bean.

I did like these, but I don't use cleansing wipes or micellar waters often as I prefer the feeling of washed skin and am more than happy to take the extra 3 minutes to use a cleansing oil/balm followed up by my cleanser. 

Benefit They're Real Mascara*

This was rated "good" in the book. They did mention that while the claims of looking like false eye lashes wasn't so, it does lengthen and thicken the lashes. It also mentions that the brush is larger and can be a little bit difficult to use.

I agree with their review. It does help to lengthen, thicken and give my eye lashes more "ommph." I do find that I get smudging underneath when I use this, but for most people they don't have that issue. 


Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF25

This was rated "best" in the book!! Which makes me happy as I'm currently using it. The book suggests this is for those with normal to dry skin, sensitive skin and those suffering from rosacea. 

They also say that its "slightly tinted to offset the whitening effect from the amount of mineral sunscreens it contains." I actually thought that it was tinted so it could be used by itself while also giving a very small amount of coverage for those with less than perfect skin.... you learn something new everyday!

Dermalogica PreCleanse

This was rated "poor" in the book. The book mentions that it's just "a mix of trigylceride with several non fragrant plant oils. Also included are two forms of lavender and forms of citrus that serve to fragrance the product and irritate skin. For the money, irritant-free jojoba or olive oil is preferred."

I was really surprised by this rating. I've used this and loved it! It didn't irritate my skin and left my skin feeling clean. The only reason why I never bought it is because of the price. It's $52.50 for 150ml. I would prefer to buy the Dr LeWinn's oil cleanser which is only $30 for 200ml. 

Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water

This was rated "poor" in the book. The book says this is marketing at its best. That "there is no reason to consider this toner unless you believe that Avene's thermal spring water is the answer for your skin."

Personally I LOVE this! I use it as my toner as I find it feels refreshing and calming on my skin. While I know it's pricey for "water in a can," its something that I'll continue to use and love. 

Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector Clinical (not pictured)

This was rated "poor" in the book. While it contains pure vitamin C, it was concerned over the amount of potassium hydroxide, which can cause dryness and irritation. 

I know quite a lot of bloggers loved this when it was first released but I had a reaction to it. After reading about it in the book, it's made me now look out for products that also contain potassium hydroxide as it can be an irritant for me. 

Paula's Choice also has an online beauty review on their website here. It's a useful tool, even if you have any of her books, as it has reviews of newer products. 

I would love for Paula and her team to do an Australian version, with only Australian and New Zealand brands featured. There are some incredible brands available here that I would love to get her opinion on. 

To sum up, this book (and her online Beautypedia) is a great resource tool. It won't make me not use/buy all the products that she deems poor or average, but it does give me the knowledge of knowing if a product does live up to its hype. 

I've found I use this more to check up skincare rather than make up. Skincare claims seem to be more "out there" so it's great having someones opinion on if the ingredients work or if there is enough of "x" ingredient to live up to the marketing. Make up seems to be a lot harder to review since it's such an individual feeling. One person may love a mascara, while it might not work for another. 

I'm now wanting to buy her other book "The Original Beauty Bible" to learn more about the science of beauty.

The PC team also has an AMAZING youtube channel that I've been subscribed to for a while. They have a mixture of talks on ingredients, reviews on products and how to's. I love to listen to the videos when I'm cooking dinner as I ALWAYS learn something new. If you only follow one youtube page, make it THIS!!!!

Have you ever used the online Beautypedia or read any of her books? Have they made you rethink a beauty purchase. 
Amy, XO

*I was kindly sent this for consideration. All thoughts and views are completely my own, and are always 100% honest. See my disclosure policy here.

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September Collective Haul

Tuesday, 14 October 2014



Hi lovelies,

I hope that everyone is going well. Life has been VERY busy lately and sadly it meant that I had to neglect the blog. I hope to update you very soon on what's been going on and how it will impact Bottled Beauty over the next few months. I'm still trying to work it all out!

I had written up my September favourites earlier in the month, but had issues with blogger and it didn't save half my post!!! Instead of posting it so far into the month, I'm going to be combining September and October and have double the favourites at the end of the month. 

But I'm back today with a collective haul of some goodies that I bought in September.  


I ended up picking up 3 of these Palmer's Hydrating Gel Lotions... yep, they're that good!! They have a lightweight gel feel that's easy and quick to rub into the skin, but that also leaves your skin feeling so soft and hydrated. I like to layer this underneath an oil for a hit of hydration onto my body. These are also under $5, so they're my bargain of the month!

One product that I was really excited to use was the Moreish Euphoria Cream Cleanser, which is exclusive to Priceline. Sadly I had a reaction to it the very first time that I used it. Unlike the US, Australia doesn't always allow you to return a product that you're not happy with. Because it was a skin reaction and not a case of just not liking the product, I thought I'd ask if I could return it and swap it for something else. Luckily the Priceline near my work was happy to do that and I swapped it for the Antipodes Juliet Skin Brightening Gel Cleanser. I've been using the Antipodes cleanser for the last fortnight and am really impressed with it!!

Im not put off by the Moreish range as I still am interested in buying their exfoliator and argan oil. 

Tweezers are one of those products (like bobby pins and hair ties) that seem to go missing all the time. I bought this Models Prefer Slant Tweezer and Comb to replace my Manicare tweezers that went missing. 


Personally, I think that Natio do some of the best candles around... even better than Ecoya or Yankee Candle. They're soy candles that burns up to 60 hours. The scent is subtle while also being powerful enough to fill a large room like a kitchen or lounge room. The best part is that they're only $24.95, so they're perfect for anyone that loves candles but is on a budget. 

I had nearly finished my "Paradise Bouquet" candle, which is from their original candle release, and bought the Natio Aromatic Candle in "Relaxing Bouquet" from Priceline as they're selling them for $14.95. I'm kicking myself for not picking up two as my local store has sold out of this beautiful fragrance. 

Natio have just released 5 new scents this month, so pop into your nearest Myer or David Jones to smell them! You won't be able to walk away empty handed.  

I've previously reviewed them here


I had seen a few Australian beauty bloggers rave about the new Models Prefer Cream Blush Sticks and finally found them in my local store. After swatching 2 out of the four colours, I decided on "Kiss." I'm still yet to use this. 

While I was looking for the blush, I saw that there were a couple of new MP products. One that I picked up was the Models Prefer Finale Make-Up Setting Spray. I'm really impressed with this and love it just as much as my Mary Kay or NYX setting sprays.  

I've been dealing with dry lips lately and picked up two Lanolips lip balms to keep in my handbag. I bought the Lanolips Banana Balm as well as the Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid. The Banana Balm smells exactly like these banana lollies.... delicious! 

I bought the ModelCo Miracle Veil Skin Perfecting Cream along with their More Brows when Woolworths had them on sale. I'm completely and hopelessly in love with the Miracle Veil. It's a green based primer that doesn't have a silicone feeling. It helps makes my make up look better and last longer, while also helping to reduce redness. I can also use this by itself if I'm wanting to reduce redness even when I'm not using make up. 

The ModelCo More Brows is an incredible product that rivals my Benefit Gimme Brow... just at a smaller price tag ($15). It's really easy and quick to use. It leaves my eyebrows looking thicker and tidier. The formula dries quickly so I don't have to worry about it transferring on my glasses. I also saw the ModelCo Luminosity Shimmer Whip, but when I went back the next day it was gone :( I'm still waiting for them to restock it.  

When Chemist Warehouse had 50% off their cosmetics I picked up this Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Colour in "B Girl." It's a beautiful mint green that's a gorgeous spring colour. 


I've never read the Australian version of Elle, but picked this up because it came with a free Lanolips lip balm in "Peach." 


This Nude By Nature Brush With Success 12 Piece Brush Collection was something that I didn't need and didn't know about. But when I saw it I struggled to walk away from it. Well.... actually I did, but then came back after I had finished work and bought it!!

For $39.95, you get 12 brushes and a case to keep them safe. Nude By Nature already have a brush set available (here) that's $29.95 for 6 brushes, a pencil sharpener and a case, but for $10 extra dollars you should pick up this set instead!

I've also seen this available in Myer, but the packaging was different. Instead of a cardboard box, it was in see through plastic packaging.  


I'll be doing a review on this coming up soon, so keep an eye out. 


I also picked up some more Rae Morris Brushes late last month when there was a 10% off code for Sydney IMATS. I've been using some of them, but am still yet to use the foundation brush and bent eyeliner. 

I've been working on my Rae Morris brush review for you, but am still not quite ready to press the publish button just yet. I want to make sure it has everything you need to know and am hoping to post it later next week. I'm also wanting to include an alternative brush option for those that don't want to pay that much for a RM brush.

So there's my September haul. It's funny how you think that you haven't bought much, but when it's all there you realise that yep..... I spent a lot on beauty!!!

Did you pick up anything interesting in September? 
Amy, XO

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Current Hair Routine: Spring 2014

Wednesday, 1 October 2014



Hi lovelies,

Sorry for the lack of posting at the moment. I've had this post in my drafts folder for the last week, but have been too busy to sit down and edit the photos. Work and a sick daughter have filled up my whole week and today has been the first time that I've been able to finish this post. 

I hope you enjoy reading about what products I use every day/week on my hair. I'll be also doing an updated skincare routine later next week.

Enjoy!

...

I don't have a lot of time to do my hair, so I rely on products that are multipurpose and can tackle more than one hair concern.

Here's what I've been using and swearing by...



Shampoo & Conditioner

bHave Rescue Intense Shampoo* & Conditioner*

If you've read my blog even a handful of time, you would have seen me rave about this duo. It's been over a year since I started using bHave products and I've never looked back.

These have become a holy grail product for me! I have dry, damaged and wavy/frizzy hair and when 
I use these, my hair is softer, stronger, healthier and frizz free.

I can use these (as well as a mask), pop in a hair oil or cream and leave my hair to airdry and I've finished. My hair looks like I've put in a lot of effort once it's dried, but in reality I haven't.

I swear by this duo that I can't imagine not using these. They're pricey, but a bottle will last me about 5-6 months with 2-3 weekly uses. 


I've previously reviewed this here

Toner

ELEVEN Australia Keep My Colour Treatment Blonde*

I have to admit, I rarely use a purple shampoo. I use one maybe twice a month. Since putting a water filter in the shower, I find that I get less brassiness and no longer get a green tinge from the chlorine in the water. It has been a lifesaver!! If you're blonde, you need to go to Bunnings (or your local hardware store) asap.

The blonde toner that I'm currently using is the Keep My Colour Treatment Blonde from ELEVEN Australia. And WOW!!! Firstly the scent is incredible. It's slightly floral and mostly fruity. If I could bottle up the scent and turn it into a perfume or candle I would!! You know I'm loyal to my bhave shampoo and conditioner, but if the ELEVEN Australia shampoos and conditioners smell this good, I may just cheat on them!!

Because I have a (grown out) ombre thing going on, I apply this to the lower half of my hair where the blonde is. I will shampoo with bhave once, wash it out then apply more on my scalp. I will then use this on the blonde ends so I don't waste time doing an individual 2nd shampoo and then a toner.

What I like about this is that I also get benefits of glossiness and moisture. 


It retails for only $19.95 and will last me about 8-10 months.




Mask


bHave Deep Intense Conditioning Masque*

This is the mask that I use when I want a deep hydrating mask. If I have the time to, I'll shampoo my hair and then step out of the shower and towel dry my hair. I apply this to my hair for about 20-30 minutes, get back into the shower to rinse it then follow up with conditioner.

While this process takes a while, I like to do it once every 2-3 weeks. It helps to recover my hair from the daily wear and tear and heat styling. 


If I'm out of this I love to use ...

O&M Seven Day Miracle Masque

This mask can either be used as a quick 5 minute mask or applied to your hair for 20-30 minutes. It smells incredible and the scent lasts for hours in your hair.

L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Deep Restorative Mask

I like to keep a inexpensive mask on hand for those days when I have dry hair but don't have time to use a 20-30 minute mask. 


Kevin.Murphy Angle.Masque*

I've just run out of both the L'Oreal and O&M mask and have started using this Kevin.Murphy mask. It helps to both strengthen and moisturise your hair. It works in 5-10 minutes and leaves your hair feeling soft, smooth, frizz free and knot free. 


It contains Quinoa proteins to help repair and strengthen your hair. I'll be using this in conjunction with the bhave mask and alternating them. 



Leave in conditioner

theBalm En Root Pre-Styling Conditioning Spray*

While everyone knows theBalm for their make up, they do amazing haircare too!

This is a leave in conditioning spray which I use on damp or dry hair to add in moisture and help to detangle my hair. I never skip using a leave in conditioner as it helps my hair to deal with the day to day damage it goes through.  

It's a bit heavier than other leave in conditioners that I've used, so you only need a small amount. If you have oily hair, I'd skip using this.

This has fantastic packaging (it's in a spray form so you can easily use it on the back of your hair) and it has a gorgeous scent. 





Hair oil

My.Organics The Organic Restructuring Fluid Potion

This is an amazing hair oil. It contains argan, coconut, avocado and sweet almond oil to help hydrate your hair. I like to apply this to my hair either before I wash it to protect it or after I've washed it to add a hit of moisture. 

Even though it's an oil, it doesn't feel heavy on my fine hair. 

I've previously reviewed this here

Kevin.Murphy Young.Again*

This luxe hair oil both smells beautiful and feels amazing in your hair. I use this as both a styling product (for shine and softness) as well as as treatment oil.

It's a bit pricier than some of my other hair oils (it's $49.95) but is worth every penny. To make this go further, I like to use this on the days that I'm working or have put effort into my hair.

If I'm just staying at home, I'll use a cheaper option.

John Frieda Full Repair Repairing Oil Elixir*


This is the other oil that I've been using on the days when I'm just relaxing at home and don't want to waste the Kevin.Murphy Young Again oil. 

It's a lightweight oil that helps to strengthen and repair your hair. It also protects from heat styling. It's a budget alternative to the Kevin.Murphy oil. 

I've previously reviewed this here



Brushes

Macadamia Professional No Tangle Brush

I have a few brushes that I use depending on what I'm doing to my hair. This is my detangling brush. I use it on both wet and dry hair. 

I originally bought this for my daughter. I used to love my Tangle Teezer and used it on my daughter too. But it was annoying moving one brush from the bathroom, to her room then to my purse and back everyday. So I bought this for her room. After using it on her, and then myself, I fell in love with it (and quickly gave her the Tangle Teezer so I could use this!) 

For me it's better than the Tangle Teezer. The short handle makes it easier to get the knots out of my long hair, especially the part at the back. If I was to buy a new detangling brush, I'd buy this brush again over the Tangle Teezer. 

bHave Vent Brush*

This was in the bHave Mother's Day pack (as seen here). It's a fantastic brush that I use to style my hair. It works just as well as the Macadamia brush in getting out tangles. 

I can't wait until they release a brush range as I've been obsessed with this ever since I received it. 

Cloud9 The Dressing And Styling Brush*

You know Cloud Nine for their heat styling products, but they recently released an eco-friendly, handmade, salon quality brush range which includes a paddle brush, this dressing brush, a blow dry bristle brush and a tail comb. 

Normally we scrimp on brushes, but when you think about it... it SHOULD be something we invest in (just like make up brushes). We use them multiple times a day and a bad brush can actually ruin your hair and cause breakage. 

This is a boar bristle brush that also has a blend of natural rubber. This blend makes it so much easier for me to use than other boar bristle brushes that I've owned. Some brushes have left my hair feeling fluffy, but this helps to also detangle it and leave it looking shiny. 

After using this, I now want to get the Paddle brush.

And that's my everyday/every week hair routine. I haven't included any heat styling products since I don't use them often. I've put my hair through a lot of damage over the last decade with hair dye, bleach and styling so I try to limit my use of hair driers, curlers or straighteners for special occasions.

What are your holy grail hair products?
Amy, XO


*I was kindly sent this for consideration. All thoughts and views are completely my own, and are always 100% honest. See my disclosure policy here.

Any links within a post are NOT affiliate links.

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