Monday, 30 June 2014

JUNE FAVOURITES 2014

✎ Monday, 30 June 2014
19 Comments
Even though I believe there are no rules when it comes to wearing fragrances according to seasons, I have been enjoying the warmer notes of Lady Gaga Fame. It has strong vanilla notes which is a nice break my usual formal notes. The only downside is I can't smell it on myself after about an hour of wear although I have been given compliments throughout the day. The compact size makes it perfect to chuck in the handbag anyway so generally I carry it around and top it up during the day. The colder weather makes me totally neglect my body in terms of moisture and tanning. I made a real effort to do some self-tanning this month as a bit of a pick me up and this combination was amazing. The Palmer's Cocoa Body Scrub is super affordable and perfect to use pre-tan. The crushed cocoa beans  linger on the skin allowing you to have a really good exfoliation and for under $10 it's an amazing bargain buy. A new tan I've been trying is the JBronze Medium Tanning Mousse* which is the gorgeous Jennifer Hawkins brand. I wasn't sure it would be as good as my Bondi Sands but it's actually a really lovely tan. It's not as dark as the Bondi Sands products but given the cooler months and my pale complexion it's the perfect substitute for a subtle glow. 
The Balm's En Root Keep My Color Shampoo & Conditioner* has fast become my favourite duo I've ever used purely based on the fruity scent. I've literally been pushing friends who stay with me to use my shampoo and conditioner when they shower so they can experience the yummy scent for themselves. It's kind of appley and it lingers in the hair just enough that it won't over power your perfume - it's perfect! Scent aside the actual products are fantastic quality and leave my hair feeling super soft. 

I know I keep talking about the Clarins Be Long Mascara* but it really is fantastic for dramatic lashes without applying falsies. The small plastic bristle brush allows for you to get right into the root of the lash and apply a thick coat root to tip. The formulation is a winner and as it dries out it's getting better and better. My Shanghai Suzy in Miss Kitty is the perfect shade for this season. It's dark, vampy and matte which is my favourite combination. My last make up favourite is the Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact* that completely surpassed all expectations I had for the compact. It's a gorgeous light coverage that evens out your skin tone blurring imperfections. I'm not sure how this would withstand warm weather but it's perfect for the cooler months especially if you have dry patches. 

What are your favourite products from this month?

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Don't forget to enter my current International Giveaway you could win a Mac lipstick & blush of your choice! 

*products provided for consideration - honesty as always! 

Sunday, 29 June 2014

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED #2

✎ Sunday, 29 June 2014
22 Comments
Another questions and answer post because you all seemed to enjoy getting to know me a little bit more last time and I enjoyed answering some of the common questions I get on MTA or social media. If you don't see your question answered - don't stress! It just means I'm turning your question into a blog post in the future :)

What's your favourite affordable foundation and mascara?
Affordable products can generally be so hit and miss can't they? I think I have to be completely boring but honest and say the Revlon Colorstay range for foundation. It was the first I ever wore after stealing it from my Mum but even now it's the best long-wear foundation for my combination skin. The longevity is just outstanding. Affordable mascaras is something I'm straying from after trying some absolute gems from Clarins and Laura Mercier however Maxfactor seem to lead the way for me when it comes to affordable ones. I love the Clump Defy at the moment I don't think I've tried a bad mascara from them though.

What are you favourite accessory/jewellery pieces? How do you style them?
A bit of confession is that until recently I didn't really enjoy jewellery pieces! My style has completely changed over the past year and now I'm more basic with my clothing pieces so I love adding a statement necklace piece from some added interest. I also adore fine jewellery layered, there is something just so feminine and dainty about that I really love.

Do you have a method for coming up with ideas for posts or do they come up random?
I get this question alot especially since moving to daily postings here on More Than Adored. If I'm completely honest there is no method I go through for coming up with ideas because I never ever find myself running out of content to produce. I wish there was some kind of formula so I could give it to anyone who struggles with that. I find I'm constantly inspired by questions, new releases, seasons and even older products in my collection I've rediscovered. The only 'method' I have is as soon as I have an idea for any sort of post I write it down before I forget.

What is your number 1 make up and skincare product you can't live without?
For skincare it's easy and I'd choose a cleanser because even when I'm not wearing much make up I still feel gross if I don't cleanse both in the morning and at night. Make up is a little harder however I'd probably go for some sort of coverage like a foundation or tinted moisturiser. I'm most self-conscious with my uneven skin tone so just evening it out gives me an instant confidence boost.

What is your morning and before bed face care routine?
I had numerous questions like this. It's coming - blog post soon!

Considering making a trip up to Brisbane? What make up brush brand can you recommend?
My brother actually lives in Brisbane so hopefully one day soon girl ;)
Make up brushes is something I still haven't found some where I think 'this is it I'll never buy anything else ever again' but at the same time I'm not excited to try different make up brush brands like I am other beauty products. I do really enjoy Furless brushes and I've purchase two sets from them in the past. I have never ever had a problem with any of their brushes and find the quality fantastic. I'm a bit sceptical about trying Sigma brushes just because I've heard so many mixed reviews despite the hype. If anyone has any recommendations leave them down below.

How often/where should we wash our make up brushes?
There were a few questions about make up brushes and how to take good care of them. I recommend washing your brushes every two-three weeks but more often if you have active break outs, a cold, coldsores or anything that could containment them. I know alot of people are all about weekly cleans however it don't think that's realistic for the every lady. As for where I generally do it in a big bowl of warm water and just change the water every-so often rather then under running water.

How do you apply your foundation? Fingers, sponge, brush?
I always apply my foundation with a flat top kabuki style brush. Sometimes I go over the top with my Beauty Blender if the foundation is particularly thick or cakey or generally that's only on special occasions where I'm taking 1-2 hours to do my make up... Does anyone else always leave themselves that long just for make up? :P

Fave Australia Bloggers?
I have my Blogroll where all my fave bloggers are listed however I'm going to do a blog post soon because I've found some gems over the past few weeks!

If you started your blog today, knowing everything you know, would you do anything differently?
I would have signed up to Wordpress.org instead of Blogger so I could change more around with my blog theme and have more control over the overall look but that's not something you think about when you're first getting started. I also would have not worried about other people's blogs or networking at all to begin with. I'm not a patient person so I went into blogging thinking I needed to have an amazing blog straight away. I was really really hard on myself for the first 6 months which was silly because I was just learning and finding my way. Definietly slow down and lower my expectations for growth/quality of my content and just focus on learning about how to improve my content.

What are your favourite type of posts to write?
I really enjoy the chatty, laid-back feel of blogging. I think that's what sets it apart from magazines - the fact that we're all just normal girls talking about things we love. I love every post I put up because if I didn't there wouldn't be any point hitting publish. That sounds all a bit cliche doesn't it? But it is honestly the truth. Overtime I've made it a goal to only produce posts that I'm 100% happy with otherwise there is no point for me to share it.

I'm having a little trouble with organisation for my blog. Any tips on organising weekly posts?
I actually have a post already on organisation here so have a look at that and see if it's helpful.

How do you promote your blog and keep readers coming back?
Have a peep here where I've done my latest blogging related post and included links to others I've done in the past - I think that information will answer the first part of that question. In the future I'm going to do 'My Blogging Routine' where I'll take you through exactly what I do for each post on More Than Adored from production to promotion. I hope that'll be an interesting post for those of you who are struggling to find a routine. I don't really know about how I 'keep readers coming back' but I think overtime you create a community not just a blog so people come to your page to chat with you not just read an article. It also really helps being consistent so people know when it expect new content coming out.

Top 10 products ever that you can't live without?
1. The Body Shop Seaweed Cleanser
2. Clarins Anti-Pollution Cream Cleanser
3. Dermalogica Active Moist
4. Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation
5. Maxfactor Clump Defy Mascara
6. Lanolips 101 Ointment
7. Mac Ruby Woo
8. Origins Plantscription Concealer
9. The Balm Frat Boy Blush
10. Kosmea Rose Hip Oil

How old were you when you first got into make up and do you still use the products now that you did back then?
As I mentioned before Revlon Colorstay was the first foundation I ever used and I do still use it occasionally now. As for other make up I only really wore foundation and mascara when I first started wearing make up and I can't really remember the mascara I used to wear. I know that my first concealer I ever bought was the Maybelline Dream Mousse in the pot. Who remembers it? God it was awful and orange on my skin *cringe*

Have a beautiful Sunday everyone! 
Don't forget to enter my current International Giveaway you could win a Mac lipstick & blush of your choice! 

Saturday, 28 June 2014

THIS WEEKS MORE THAN ADORED

✎ Saturday, 28 June 2014
23 Comments

See what I did there? This series is going to showcase a few of the products I've been using over the past week and really loving. I find that every month I'm having trouble cramming everything into my monthly favourites or I forget the products I've enjoyed at the beginning of the month. This way I'm able to talk through more products and not leave anything out at the end of the month,

I've completely rediscovered my OCC Lip Tars and I cannot believe that they've been untouched in my draw for the past six months. These can be a pain to apply but once on the lips these bad boys look and wear amazing. The lighter peach shade is 'Trollop' which I have been favouring over 'Queen' but even mixed together they're stunning! For those wondering I purchase my Lip Tars from Lipstick Republic. After straying from my all-time favourite concealer I'm happy to say that the Origins Plantscription Concealer has reclaimed it's rightful place in my everyday routine. If you haven't tried this one you need too! It's the perfect concealer that does everything without looking cakey at all. I'm finding my Nars Laguna is way to orange toned for my pale complexion at the moment so I've been reaching for the Clarins Bronzing Duo in Light* and focusing on the lighter side for perking up the skin. I can't remind this one enough for pale skinned gals and what's even better it's on sale here. 

I was kindly given the opportunity to choose a product from the brand Eco recently. I hadn't heard of the brand and was a little unsure as to what to choose out. After much deliberation I went for the Eco Pigmentation Serum* which is designed to help skin discolouration. It's pretty much a blend of neroli and vitamin E, both are amazing for the skin especially for treating those dark spots after a nasty break out. I've been using this every second night and I'm noticing a real reduction in those pesky dark spots so I would recommend trying it out, it's available here

You all will know by now I'm a little obsessed with haircare and especially products that are going to detangle or moisturise my hair. I spoke about the Evo Happy Campers* in my recent Winter Haircare Routine but the more I use it the more I fall in love with it. It's one of those products you apply to your hair and it's undetectable throughout your locks but it still adds so much moisture! One of my favourite haircare lines of all time in the Matrix Biolage and the newest edition to the line is the Hydrasource Leave In Tonic*. Can we all just take a second to appreciate how big this bottle is? It's a whopping 400mL! I was excited to see a detangler in such a large size because I use it so frequently and usually need alot throughout my hair. This does a fantastic job at detangling any knots and smells amazing! 

What products have you been enjoying this week?

Don't forget to enter my current International Giveaway you could win a Mac lipstick & blush of your choice! 

Friday, 27 June 2014

NEW IN JUNE 2014

✎ Friday, 27 June 2014
14 Comments
Today I'm starting a brand new series here on More Than Adored that will occur once a month and give you all the details on some of the newest products to hit our shelves.  I asked on Facebook and alot of you were keen to see this series come to life so I'm excited to bring you the low down every month. Obviously I can't include all the newest releases but I'll try my best to always include a vast variety and if you're curious about a particular product you've just seen launch let me know and I'll try to get my hands on it. Before we get started make sure to grab yourself a cup of tea because it's going to be a long chatty one :) 
There has been some amazing launches for hair this month! Toni & Guy have released a few new styling products and if you seen my Low Down on Texturising Sprays you'll know that the Rough Texturiser is a winner. It gives your hair instant texture and volume suitable for those who have fine locks. Similarly the 3D Volumiser is amazing for adding volume throughout the roots of your hair. The instructions say to apply on dry hair but I prefer to spray it throughout damp hair before blow-drying for a bit of a lift. If you're a fan of the beachy waves the Wave Memoriser is a must, I don't think I've ever used a product that is so good at defining my natural waves without needing any fussing around after application. It's as simples as applying to damp air and air-drying but be wary - it does provide some hold so if you're not a fan of feeling like there is produce in your hair this may not be for you. 

 John Freida's new Nourishing Oil Elixir is a great affordable alternative to more pricey hair oils. It's light, the pump makes it easy to distribute throughout the hair evenly and it works a treat on dry or damp hair. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Treatment is another light weight serum that you apply to damp hair before using heat and it's meant to protect the hair when using heat whilst helping smooth down the hair. I don't use too much heat on my hair but I did in order to test this out, it definitely helps smooth down the hair. It would be perfect if you use hot tools alot but struggle with frizz or forget to apply a heat defence spray. Last of all Redken have bought out this incredible Blonde Idol range that I cannot speak highly enough for all you blonde babes. The conditioner is my favourite purely based on the nifty top that allows you to control the amount of toner you put in your conditioner but the whole line is amazing and actually moisturisers your hair whilst helping eliminate brassy tones - a pretty big deal for blondies!  
There wasn't too many new editions for body or fragrances this month but the new line from Loccitane really made up for that. The new Roses et Reienes is heavenly! The body wash lathers well, the lotion absorbs into the skin like a dream and the Eau de Toilette is the perfect rose scent. Sometimes I find rose scents to be really overpowering but the scent in this line is perfectly balanced and subtle. A perfect line to give as a gift or treat yourself with! 
Now onto the best stuff - the make up! For base there is a couple of real gems which have got me excited about lighter coverage products again. Clinique's new Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact surpassed all expectations I had. I thought this would be very slippy and not last on the skin but it's the perfect winter base. It's a light coverage that blurs all imperfections and set with powder it lasts a good 4-5 hours which is amazing on my skin. Highly recommend! Another light base is from Phsyicians Formula with their own take on CC Creams. This provides more coverage then the Clinique but it is that it is a little dark for a light shade. Again, it lasts well on the skin which is a pretty big deal for me. Nutrimetics have bought out a new Instant Under-Eye Corrector. The Brightening shade is light, peach based and covers dark circles well and I didn't experience any creasing at all. 

Physicians Formula have also bought out some exciting cheek products. The Shimmer Strips is a multi-purpose product that they say you can even contour with.. What? I don't think anyone could get away contouring with this but it's a gorgeous highlighting shade for cheeks or eyes. The new line of Nude Wear Powders are amazing for pale skin providing a lovely bronzer/blush definition to the cheeks without being overly shimmery. Another cheek product release is the new The Balm 'How 'Bout Them Apples' palette which is a gorgeous cream cheek & lip palette. It's a bit cheeky I've included this one because it launches July 2nd but I love the shades range and formula - full review with swatches will be going up next week so keep your eyes peeled for that! 

Onto eyes and lips. I don't have much to say about the latest edition to the Lanolips line - the Banana Balm is incredible and just adds to the beautiful line of lip nourishing products. Innoxa Lush Lashes in Navy has introduced me to a whole new world of coloured mascara. It's subtle however a lovely break from black which I never thought I'd enjoy. The Essence Maximum Volume Mascara is the only Essence mascara I've tried and liked - it's great and defining the lashes for everyday. The last make up release is from Ardell and comes in the form of this nifty Lash Applicator that has changed my false-lash application life. The design makes it super easy to apply and move the fakies right close to your natural lash line without any awkward angles - perfect.
Now with every bunch of new releases there are going to be some that just don't make the cut or don't impress me. Please keep in mind these are just my thoughts - you might actually love these products! Nutrimetics Fibre Lash Enhancer is a take on a fibre base you apply before mascara to give your lashes some added length. Although I do think the formula worked really well, I found that the fibres constantly fell into my eye making it a rather painful experience. Now with the Instant Under-Eye Corrector in Correct I found the colour so dark it never blended into my skin properly, if you can find a colour to match I think it'd be fantastic because as I said earlier the formula is really great and I do love the Brightening shade. The Physicians Bronze Booster looks gorgeous in the packaging however the product is just far too shimmery for me to use as a bronzer without looking like a disco ball. Perhaps on darker skin tones it would be more forgiving and more of a bronzed sheen. 

On the subject of shimmer the new Essence All About Nudes palette is a palette full of shimmer. I initially did enjoy this until I started to dip my brush into some of lighter shades without apply without any pigmentation at all so you're left with a super glittery eye without any definition from different shades. The Essence All About Matt primer was the other Essence product from the new loot that just didn't work for me. I didn't notice any difference in my make up application or wear and I don't see the point in a primer if there isn't a noticeable difference. Lastly Burts Bees' have released a couple of new shades to their lip shimmer line which I'm actually a huge fan of but these shades Apricot and Grapefruit just don't work well with my already pigmented lip colour. 

What have been your favourite/not-so favourite releases this month? 

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Don't forget to enter my current International Giveaway you could win a Mac lipstick & blush of your choice! 

*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)



Thursday, 26 June 2014

TOP 5 SKIN PICKS WITH NOTES BY NICOLA

✎ Thursday, 26 June 2014
8 Comments
Today I've got a special collaboration with the gorgeous Nicola from Notes By Nicola. We decided to share our favourite skin products of the moment on each others blogs. Make sure you head over and check of Nicola's blog because her posts are fantastic. 

I’m so excited to be here on Sarah’s amazing blog, and sharing with you guys my Top Five skincare products of the moment! My skin type best fits into two categories: dry and sensitive. I’m constantly looking for products that can nourish my complexion without causing it to breakout! Here are five products that I’ve found myself constantly reaching for: 

Estee Lauder Day Wear Moisturiser
I’ve re-purchased this product several times now and still love it just as much as the first time I used it. The formula is extremely hydrating (just what my dry skin requires) without being too thick and heavy. It also contains an SPF, which is a must when I’m picking a moisturiser for during the day.  The gorgeous aqua coloured packing also makes it a pretty fixture on my vanity.

Clinique Even Better Eyes Cream
This eye cream will definitely remain in my top five for a while! The super creamy, moisturising formula is super hydrating for the delicate skin around the eye area. It seems to plump the fine lines under my eyes instantly, and has helped lighten the darkness of my under-eye circles - Clinique scores major brownie points for this one!

The Jojoba Company Facial Exfoliant
Dubbed the industries first ‘EE’ cream, this product is great for buffing away dead skin without being too harsh. I’ve been using it for around a month now and am noticing a difference in my skin. I’ve got quite an uneven skin tone, which is something I’ve seen improved since committing to this product every second night. 

People for Plants Facial Oil
I’ve only been using this product for a little while, but can just tell it’s a keeper! Coming into winter, my skin freaks out about the climate change and goes super dry. This is why I find it crucial to add a serum underneath my moisturiser at night. After using this oil for a few nights my dry patches had completely transformed and my skin looked soft and dewy. It also smells a lot better than the Rose Hip Oil I used before!

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask
Possibly the most luxurious product I’ve ever used, and it’s worth every cent! My sensitive skin can often react to face masks, but it seems to love this one. It so hydrating and nourishing, my skin always feels silky smooth after I use it. The packet also contains a heap of the serum goodness, so I make sure to squeeze it all out into a jar of some sort before throwing away the packaging. I then use the excess as a serum at night, it works a treat and that way I’m not wasting any!

A big thanks to Sarah for having me on her stunning blog today! It was so fun to share with you my top five-skincare products of the moment. You can read Sarah’s top five here! And be sure to let us know what products make your top five in the comments below!

You can follow Nicola on:

Instagram 

Don't forget to enter my current International Giveaway you could win a Mac lipstick & blush of your choice! 

Wednesday, 25 June 2014

WOMF #11 NATURAL HUES

✎ Wednesday, 25 June 2014
24 Comments


The past week has been freezing so my make up has been super basic due to laziness. I was considering not posting this weeks WOMF because it is so basic but I always said it wasn't going to be about the look but more about the products I've been using in the past week so here it is. 

I thought I'd pull out an old favourite being the Australis Primer this week but it's left me a little underwhelmed which was surprising because I used to really enjoy it. The texture is a little chunky and it doesn't really do anything for prepping my skin. I've been back into a lighter base and the Rimmel BB Cream Matte* has well and truly stolen my heart. It's light, long-lasting and is a fantastic colour on me. I do find it oxidises a little but more on that next week. I team it with my all time favourite concealer, Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Concealer and it's the perfect light coverage duo that hides all my imperfections. 

Whenever I think of winter make up I'm instantly all about rosy cheeks and The Balm Frat Boy has been my go-to for natural make up. It's the perfect pick me up shade without being too much. My skin has lost any trace of warmth so I've been sweeping the Clarins Bronzer in Light* all over and the colour is perfect. 

I don't think my eye make up could be anymore basic but I just haven't been excited about eyeshadow lately. All I've been doing is sweeping the Covergirl Flamed out Shadow 350 all over the lid, adding some of the Rimmel Scandaleyes eyeliner in Brown on the outer corners and calling it a day. A recent discovery for mascara is the Laura Mercier Long Lash Mascara*. The wand may look super basic but it's so good at separating and defining the lashes. The brush is very stiff so it allows you to get right in at the roots. It's not going to give you false lash looking lashes but it's beautiful for everyday. 

Onto lips and this lip combination has me obsessed. I apply the OCC Lip Tar in 'Trollop' and blend it well into my lips and add some Nyx Lipgloss in Beige. I love the soft pink lip the combination gives without it being 'too much'. 

What's your I-can't-be-bothered make up routine?
Don't forget to enter my current International Giveaway you could win a Mac lipstick & blush of your choice! 

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS EVERY BLOGGER SHOULD TRY

✎ Tuesday, 24 June 2014
16 Comments
This weeks' blogging post is about all the different tools you can utilise to help make social media that little bit easier. I know that with working, studying and blogging it can be a little hard to find the time to promote your posts over social media as often as you like so these tools will help to make it a little less overwhelming. These are all related to social media but keep an eye out for another similar post about general programs that can make you life even easier coming next week.

Other blogging relating posts that you may have missed:


HOOTSUITE or BUFFER 
Both of these are apps to automate selected social media. With Buffer you can automate tweets, Facebook posts and Linked In whereas Hootsuite is for with Twitter, Facebook and Google+. The tricky thing with these apps is not to over use them. I only ever use these programs to tweet different times during the day about new content being live. I never use it for posts that will spark interaction because there wouldn't be any point (in my opinion). Both  of the programs are super easy to use but I generally only use Hootsuite because it's the one I first came across. I have it on my phone so I can schedule tweets whenever I have a free moment.
Price: both are free

REMINDAGRAM 
This was developed by the gorgeous Kate from DDG and her brother which I think is flipping amazing. It is designed to remind you to post on Instagram rather then automat a post (Instagram doesn't legally allow for automative tools yet) and it's really fantastic. All you do is upload a photo, set the time, caption and then you're alerted/redirected whenever you've set the time too. Essentially then all you need to do is hit publish! It's great if you have particular times you like to post but are busy throughout the day.
Price: Free

PINTEREST and VIRALTAG
Pinterest is another platform every blogger should try because it's fantastic for driving a few extra readers to your site. Although I'm only new too it - I've noticed a difference in my statistics. The program I use for Pinterest is 'Viraltag' which is great if you're time poor. You essentially bulk pin and then having it ticking over with your content. I'm still getting the hang of it but I think once I'm organised it'll be really valuable to supplement More Than Adored. Even if you don't want to use Viraltag having Pinterest is a start because you can pin all your photos and it opens another platform for people to find you on.
Price: Pinterest = free Viraltag = starting at $30 per month and goes upwards 

TWEETDECK
This program is great to use if you're having multiple conversations on Twitter or you're super active because it allows you to view your feed, direct messages, notifications and other people's activity all on one screen. I love using it during chats because it's all on one screen and you don't have to click around everywhere. You can also use it to schedule posts however I don't use it for that.
Price: Free

WORDSWAG
I'm going to talk more about photo editing (and ways to do it for free) in my second part of this post which will be live next week but I get a few questions about photos that have text over them or just basic typography. I use Wordswag which is a fantastic app to have for all those sorts of things. It's really easy to use and provides you will so many different font and backgrounds. I highly recommend it especially if you're addicted to Instagram like me ;)
Price: $3.79

What are your favourite social media tools?
Don't forget to enter my current International Giveaway you could win a Mac lipstick & blush of your choice! 

Monday, 23 June 2014

THE LOWDOWN ON TEXTURISING SPRAYS

✎ Monday, 23 June 2014
10 Comments


Texturising sprays are the new kid on the block when it comes to hair styling and they've well and truly blown up in the beauty community but for good reason. In the past products associated with added texture come in the forms of sea salt spray or a mousse applied before drying the hair. Mousses can be hard to work with, also require to thinking ahead which I'm no good at, and sea salt sprays can be drying. Texturising sprays give you the ability to added instant texture and volume throughout either your roots or lengths without causing too much stress or dryness. 

The cheapest offering on the market is from V05 with their Give Me Texture Dry Texturising Spray available in most supermarkets. The price reflects the quality as this is my least favourite of the three. I found that it didn't give my hair any real texture unless I used alot and then it become crunchy, almost wet looking very easily. It is nice if you have patience with applying throughout your hair. Next up is from Toni & Guy with the Rough Texturiser* being added to their already impressive line of styling products. This one is fantastic if you're wanting to apply both to your roots and lengths without too much hold. It gives you added volume and texture instantly! The best bit is that you don't feel as though you have anything in your hair because it's so light however it does mean you don't get long-lasting results. It is perfect for giving freshly washed hair a little less fluffy appearance. Lastly, and my personal favourite, is the Fudge Big Hair Think Big Texture Spray*. This one I have spoken about before on More Than Adored so I don't need to sing it's praises anymore. This one offers extra texture, volume and unlike the T&G one it'll hold that all day but it can easily be brushed out and restyled if you wish. A great option if you don't mind feeling product in your locks and want long-lasting results. 

Have you tried a texturising spray yet? What did you think?

Toni & Guy Rough Texturiser  $15.99 here
V05 Give Me Texture Dry Texturising Spray $7.99 here
Fudge Big Hair Think Big Texture Spray $17.99 here


Don't forget to enter my current International Giveaway you could win a Mac lipstick & blush of your choice! 


Friday, 20 June 2014

WINTER HAIRCARE ROUTINE

✎ Friday, 20 June 2014
12 Comments
Since my hair has grown alot over the past year I've changed up my haircare routine quite dramatically. My hair is blonde, dry and extremely knotty so I use products that are going to help hydrate, keep my colour looking fresh and detangle. 
In shower I use these two sets on rotation. The Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo & Conditioner* are long time favourites despite receiving these are a press sample. Biolage have revamped the look of their range and added a few new products. Personally I love the new packaging and the actually products themselves are still amazing. The Hydrasource line is fantastic for injecting some serious moisture into your hair without worrying about your hair being weighed down. These smell great and I never have a problem with build up when using these. 

The other set I use is the Redken Blonde Idol range* this is a new range release by Redken that I've been using for the past two weeks. I find blonde shampoos and conditioners can be so drying, cause more knots and sometimes don't even do anything for toning but this duo is actually incredible. When I first used the blonde shampoo I was blown away by how creamy in texture it was and delighted when it didn't leave my hair feeling limp or dehydrated. As for the conditioner this is an unique conditioner that allows you to control the amount of the toning element you add to your conditioner. I just use it on five all the time because I only use this set once a week but it's great if you're using this set exclusively. 
Once a week I try to pop in a moisturising mask of some kind and the Goldwell Kerasilk Daily Intensive Mask* is a really lovely one to leave on for an extended amount of time for extra soft locks. Another one I enjoy is the Sachajuan Hair Repair*. This offers a super light cream texture that I use in the shower in place of a regular conditioner. It gives your hair a real moisture boost without weighing it down at all and leaves you with detangled, smooth hair.

Now out of the shower I like to use a few different products to keep my hair in tip-top condition. The first is a leave-in treatment and sadly this is something I can't go without because my hair is so incredibly knotty. theBalm Conditioning Spray* is the one I'm using at the moment but I'm unsure on how well it detangles so more on that soon. Last step I make a little cocktail of leave-in products in my hand. I mix together the Evo Happy Campers* and the Macadamia Oil Treatment for another moisturising element but I also find applying these two products makes my hair dry quicker when teamed together. 

What are your go-to hair products?

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Thursday, 19 June 2014

TRASH TALK #16

✎ Thursday, 19 June 2014
16 Comments
SKINCARE
Ocean Essence Nourishing Cherry Face Mask
This is a moisturising mask with the most gorgeous scent. I liked using this after a clay based mask to help inject some serious moisture back into my skin. Before trying this I hadn't tried any Ocean Essence but I'm so impressed. 
Would I repurchase? Yes. 

Puretopia Facial Mist & Toner*
When I first received this I put it in my pile of 'need to try' products and didn't think anything of it but then when it came time to switch up my toner and use this I was seriously blown away. I used this in the morning as a refreshing toner and it really helped perk up the skin whilst not drying it out.
Would I repurchase? Yes.  

Ren Invisible Pores Detox Mask 
I bought a little trial pack of Ren products and this was the last one I had to finish. I would recommend this mask to anyone who doesn't like any heavy duty clay based masks that strip the skin back. This still draws out impurities, oils and blackheads but it's really gentle and doesn't leave your skin feeling stripped down. It would be perfect for sensitive skin. 
Would I repurchase? Yes.  

People for Plants Eye Cream* 
Since I finished my Benefit eye cream I've been trying to replace it with something else that is more affordable but still super hydrating. This one is a basic, hydrating cream that is good but not as good as my Benefit one. It takes a little more work to get it to absorb into the skin then I would like so it was a bit of a pain to use.  
Would I repurchase? No.  
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Cleansing Wipes*
I generally don't use make up wipes but I really did enjoy these on a recent trip away. They have a lovely scent, are nice and moist whilst removing make up effectively.
Would I repurchase? Yes.  

Lush Mask of Magnaminty
This is completely different to the Ren mask because it's more detoxifying and does take a little bit to remove. I really enjoyed this because it is a two-in-one so you can exfoliate the skin as well. My only gripe is that it dried out/expire before I got a chance to use it all
Would I repurchase? Yes.  
 HAIR
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo*
I never really spoke about the shampoo and conditioner for this new line but I really enjoyed them. This shampoo is sulfate-free but still allows for a really good lather but doesn't dry out the hair. I haven't tried a Redken shampoo and conditioner I didn't enjoy. 
Would I repurchase? Yes.  

Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo* 
I use a clarifying shampoo once a week because I use so many texturising sprays and they can build up in my hair. Generally I find clarifying shampoos stripping however this one really didn't leave that sterile matted effect in my hair. Although it did tick the boxes in that regard I did have to use alot of it throughout my hair so for that reason I wouldn't repurchase. 
Would I repurchase? No. 

Klorane Dry Shampoo
This was my favourite dry shampoo until I tried the Toni & Guy one which leaves no residue at all throughout your roots. I know alot of people don't like this because it sprays out quite light but that doesn't phase me. I do really like it and it does work well but I'm enjoy others more.
Would I repurchase? No. 

Indola Wonder Treatment* 
As some of you may know my hair is extremely knotty to the point where I have no choice but to use a leave-in treatment every time I wash my hair. It's very easy for me to tell whether or not I like a leave-in treatment because it either works at detangling or it doesn't. This is literally a game-changer! It smells amazing, detangles better then any other leave-in treatment I've used and it's super affordable. Highly, highly recommend! 
Would I repurchase? YES.

Redken Color Extend Magnetics Leave In Treatment* 
Following the Indola one this was a little underwhelming but did still work at detangling my hair. It is slightly more expensive though so I would purchase the Indola one in the future. 
Would I repurchase? No. 
BODY
Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion
When this came out there was alot of hype around how amazing it was and I did really enjoy it at first. A few months on and three bottles later I definitely think it's nowhere near as good as the Lush one so I'd recommend that one over this. 
Would I repurchase? No. 

Bliss Blood Orange + White Pepper Sugar Scrub* 
When I first received this I wasn't sure of the scent but the more I used it the more I fell in love with this product. It's a thick paste that you have to scoop out and work into the skin for it to foam up. It really allows you to have a deep exfoliation because the scrub sticks around for so long. 
Would I repurchase? Yes. 

Have you tried any of these products?

Don't forget to enter my current International Giveaway you could win a Mac lipstick & blush of your choice! 

*provided for consideration - honesty as always