Molton Brown Shower Gels and Body Lotion

A few Christmasses ago, I was lucky enough to be given the gift of a Molton Brown Ginger Lily Body Wash and Body Moisturiser set. I remember how exquisite the smell was and it left me wanting more, but I never got around to buying anymore from the range.
Being a Birchbox Subscriber, I got the Molton Brown Ylang Ylang Body Wash and moisturiser sample sizes and fell in love with it all over again! This certainly is a sophisticated and uplifting scent, which lingers long after application.
I decided to make up for the lost years of MB deprivation by purchasing the Pink Pepperpod Shower Gel (which I had not smelt before) online. Since it arrived I cannot get enough, the smell is stronger and spicier than the previously mentioned scents, but it's a lovely warming fragrance for the oncoming colder winter months. And because it's less floral than the other two, you could easily use this as a unisex shower product. In fact, I can guarantee there will be a few fights over this!

You can purchase Molton Brown here

Hair Products for Blondes/Coloured Hair

[HUGE purses]
Bumble & Bumble Color Minded Sulfate Free Shampoo & Conditioner

I got this as present and have been using it on the odd day as it is extremely expensive, in fact I would not spend this normally on a shampoo and conditioner. It doesn't have the amazing ocean inspired scent of the Surf Foam Wash shampoo, but the smell is sweet, floral and pleasant enough.
You can buy it here

[Medium purses]
Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde

My absolute favourite out of the three, the smell is amazing, I also love the smaller set so you can try them out without full commitment and the fresh smell lasts. I'm hankering after the new set for Christmas though!
You can buy it here

[Smaller purses]
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Shampoo & Conditioner

I feel that these are just as good as the other products, fresh fruity smell, slightly heavier in application and consistency, very good value for money as tubes are quite large so will last.
You can buy it here

Conclusion
Out of the three brands, if I had to choose my favourite, it would be the Paul Mitchell range. I think the Bumble & Bumble is way too expensive for what it is, also I expected the packaging to be a bit more robust, after a couple of applications the shampoo bottle has half collapsed! Shame these couldn't be packaged in glass bottles.

What's your favourite hair product? 

New video - Christmas Shopping Tips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFpaWtQCyjU&feature=c4-overview&list=UUs_K-rmlnSNFPolxDkPWWuw

Topshop Make-up Review including The Damned Collection

Highlighter Powder in Crescent Moon

A lower budget item was the Highlighter powder in Moonshine. Very pretty but use sparingly as tricky to apply especially with fingers. Just a little applied on top of cheekbones after applying blush and powder.

Eyeshadow duo in Harlow Sunset

Lighter shade which is a pretty shimmer is used on the eyelid and darker shade applied in the eyelid crease and outer corners of the eye. Can also be used as a soft eyeliner using an eyeliner brush.

Lipstick in Called Up

I loved the dark berry of this shade, it looks darker in the tube but is a lovely rich colour when applied. You need to be a but more careful when using darker lip shades - I tend to use a darker lip liner first and then 'fill in' my lips using a lip brush, this gives more control over colour application and stops lips from bleeding out or looking wonky. Also, always place your finger and pull it out to avoid embarrassing lipstick on teeth! A final blot with a tissue is good to finish.

The Damned Collection

Finishing Powder in White Lies

At £14 I felt that this was a tad overpriced and while the staying power and smell of this product is lovely, there is no mirror or puff to help with application. The packaging could have also more sophisticated.

Velvet Lips in Plush 
I didn't like this as much as the lipstick, it's a brave colour to try but I thought I would give it a go! The stain lasted until I drank something, then the colour started to vanish from the centre of my lips. Also, it's not the most flattering of shades and can make teeth look a little discoloured. I did, however, like the matte velvety texture on application.

*Please note all products are purchased by me and not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned.

My first time... Nail extensions

I was lucky enough to have nail extensions done for the latest issue of glean magazine by Anycia - a very talented, fully qualified and friendly Nail Technician, who also practices HD Brows. Having never had nail extensions before, I was a little nervous but Anycia put me at ease. Surprisingly, it's quite a long process but Anycia puts her heart and soul into work, nails are first buffed, extensions are chosen to fit the the nail, clipped, filed down and then trimmed, then a nail varnish and UV light are used to 'set' the nails, the latter of which stings a little but it's bearable! I chose a nice more natural and classic French Manicure with pretty butterfly detail transfers. The nails lasted for a fortnight and put up with a lot of abuse from me, including playing with my pup. I have now had them removed to give my nails time to recover, but boy do I miss them! Did I have a lot of compliments? Yes! Would I have them done again by Anycia? Definitely!

(c) Image by Neil Hunt

glean magazine - out now!

Read for free, here:
http://gleanmm.wix.com/glean-magazine

Isabelle L'Amour (c) Clayton Bastiani