Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Relaxing Balm

I have used Paul Mitchell products in the past so was already familiar with the range. I was introduced to the range by my hairdresser. I love ranges that are designed to be used by all hair types and ethnicity's. I had seen the full size super skinny relaxing balm but was dubious as to how well it would work so was very happy to see it in my March Glossybox. My thoughts? This stuff is gooooood!!!!

The low down (according to PM)

Basics:

Smoothes and controls hair.

Benefits:

Helps hair dry faster, fights frizz and delivers incredible memory.

Bonus:

Leaves even the most rebellious locks shiny and manageable.

Details:

• Our exclusive Super Skinny® Complex displaces water and constricts hair to speed up drying and styling.
• Wheat and vegetable proteins combined with conditioning ingredients moisturise hair from within.
• A unique, humidity-resistant ingredient provides memory that lasts in any weather.

The Balm

Swatched

 

 I straightened my hair as normal and then applied a penny sized amount as I have quite a bit of hair. It was..well...smooth there was no stickiness that you typically get with these sorts of products. It tamed my hair and even added a hint of a shine - not enough to make it look unnatural. It comes with a pump  which is great as you can control the amount you use. A little goes a long way so even this trial size is likely to last me for a while.

The texture is clear, slightly watery. I want to say it has the typical PM smell (terrible with smells) basically its not offensive or noticeable once you've used it. 

I normally shy away from products such as these because I hate the mess but this was mess free and didn't really add any extra time or effort onto my styling time. I'll definitely buy the full size version once this finishes. The recommended retail price for this is £16.75. I do think this is a bit on pricey side but would be willingly to pay this as I do think this works. Thank God for the interwebz and a bit of price comparison. To wrap it up if you have frizzy, fly away hair cop this & your hair will thank you!

You can .purchase this from the following places

RRP: £16.75 (150ml)

Supercuts ( I am not sure of how much they're selling it for - am guessing RRP. Tend to get my PM from here)

Look fantastic - £13.40 (150ml)

Amazon £15.95 (150ml)

NOTD - polka dots

My first attempt at dotting. Didn't have a dotting tool so just used a broken biro as a sustitute. Didn't take me very long next time I'm going to try this with black & white or red & black a la ladybird. I am also thinking of trying out watecolour nails..anyway here's what I used:

BASE: BF Nail lacquer in 52 99p from Paks (any neon pink will do - this was a fab bargain!)

DOTS: Rimmel lasting finish in 080 Black cab - I love these varnishes ..the brushes are perfect and they are surprisingly resilient. I did buy this well over a year ago but think these are about 3.99 in Boots

TOP COAT: Seche Vite

What do you think of nail art? What colour combinations would you use?

My first proper beauty buy

I've trying to think where my obsession started and I would have to thank my mum not because she had an interest in make up or skincare..my mum has had the same beauty regime for as long as I can remember simple facewash and moisturiser followed by black kohl. We did have one beauty day out where I convinced her to get a MAC foundation and some YSL products but her regime never really took off and with the exception of the foundation (too dark) I became the beneficiary of her first and last beauty haul. I remember my mum would religiously buy cosmo and Marie Claire (for the articles! What am I adopted?) which I would then devour and make into my own magazines or collages..they sure loved to waste make up in those shoots loads of smashed up eyeshadow and crushed lipsticks (the idea!). I couldn't wait until I could get my own make up which at the time was whatever freebies cane with Mizz, Shout! J17 or Go Girl or my Barbies ..so lots of blue eyeshadow and frosty pink lipsticks..not exactly groundbreaking.

My first product was was a 13th birthday present and was L'oreal Le Grand Curl mascara. I was delighted and whilst this is now discontinued and I really can't remember if it was any good I like that after 13 years my HG mascara is also by L'oreal (Telescopic). On a side note I also got my first fragrance which was CKone I have since discovered that I prefer floral & fruity scents but I did get a CKShock for my 25th birthday which bought back memories.

What was your first beauty product?

Fragrance free Elizabeth Arden

Just a quick one. 

I love this product and whilst popping into my local Boots (not buying as still on March make up ban) merely just oogling the forbidden fruit. I came across fragrance free Elizabeth Arden. Eh? Now this stuff is pretty strong smelling - a sort of menthol smell that takes some getting used to. I can't understand after all this time? Maybe I'm missing a trick??

 

 

For those of you unfamiliar with this product it is a multi purpose balm. This stuff is amazing. I use it on lips (just melts into dry lips, perfect after LUSH lip scrub), dry patches - especially nose, any cuts or grazes...probably loads more uses but those are my main ones.

 

Maybe its just me but if it ain't broke don't fix it....

Fragrance Free Elizabeth Arden 8 hour skin protectant (50ml) is available at Boots for £25.00 (really!!!!!)

 

 

 

 

NOTD (Sort of)

Just a quick NOTD...kinda my nails were painted like this but ended up picking it off so have patchy, sad nails .

The picture doesn't really do it justice.

I used Barry M 317 Blue Moon, Rimmel Lasting Finish 500 Disco Ball and Seche Vite top coat.

Beauty Flash (Dermalogica)

Dermalogica is my go to for skincare, though I am known to dabble with other brands. Whilst I do find Dermalogica products to work very well I find them to be quite pricey at times. I have managed to find a site that stocks the range for what I believe to be good prices. I sometimes find that another site may do one product £1 cheaper but all the other products on that site will be so expensive.

I always trawl Ebay as you get some one off deals but thats exactly what they are..one offs. The site I use is Beauty flash. They seem to every everything in a variety of sizes. Delivery is fast and they offer gift vouchers. For those delivery savy of you they use Royal Mail & DPD they also send you free samples which you can choose when you are in check out mode.

I am not being sponsered to post this, I have recommended thos to all my friends that use Dermalogica so am sharing the love with you guys

Whilst I am on the subject & incase any of you were wondering I use the following Dermalogica products on my skin (Combination - Dry w/oily t-zone, prone to blackheads & blocked pores)

• Special Cleansing Gel
• Active Moist
• Multi active toner
• Skin hydrating booster
• Skin hydrating masque
• Skin refining masque

I will blog about these very soon.

I have my eye on a few other things but am having a frugal March so am not allowed to buy any products (sob sob) 4 days in and already have a list of stuff I want as long as my arm :(

Have you used Beauty Flash? Have you used Dermalogica?

Vichy Skincare

I have previously raved about the Eucerin problem skin range and I stand by my views but ever the addict I came across the Vichy range in Boots. I had previously seen the range advertised in a few magazines but wasn't swayed. I would describe the brand as similar to Dermalogica in their approach to skincare & range. I went in to Boots in the midst of a buying coma and picked up the Vichy Normaderm purifying cleansing gel (200ML) £10.50, & Vichy Normaderm Active Anti-Imperfection Concentrate (15ML) £10.21, Vichy Normaderm Micellar Water For Imperfection Prone and Sensitive Skin (200ml) 10.50.

 Vichy Normaderm purifying cleansing gel 

This is a pretty good cleanser. For a start it has a push top which is much more hygienic and economical. The packaging isn't cheap looking, I think it looks slightly high end. It has a slight, fresh smell that goes once it is washed up. This foams up very well, so much so that if I breathe out of my nose bubbles fly out lol..the one thing keeping me going when I have to get up at 6am. Its very effective for getting off make up and grime & its not drying which is a big plus. With this a little goes a long way so it is very economical.

Vichy Normaderm Active Anti-Imperfection Concentrate

This again is green, looks like a cross between a cream and a gel.with a similar smell to the wash. It is 4% salycic acid which is quite rare. I would say this works best for general break outs. It definitely reduces the spot size but doesn't dry it out and make it look even worse like some products do.

Vichy Normaderm Micellar Water For Imperfection Prone and Sensitive Skin

I got this because I was seriously considering buying some Biodermabut was still a bit on the fence. This is similar in that its is basically like a cleansing water. It feels just like water & at first I was pretty sure I'd been taken for a ride but low and behold it takes off everything! I can use this on my sensitive eyes without irritation. Its not drying nor does it leave any sort of residue. I also find it very gentle so would imagine its good for those prone to redness or irritation. The only downside is the smell (its lasts for seconds) its pretty earthy. It doesn't bother me but I know some noses are much more sensitive.

This range is well worth a try. At the mo Boots are doing a 3 for 2 deal so the time is now!!!

I purchased my Vichy from Boots but having done a quick search on t'inernet have seen the range stocked at the following places:
Escentual (Free 1st class delivery on orders over £30)
Chemist Direct (Free delivery over £40)
Amazon UK (Free super saver)

I have used Amazon & Chemist direct before so can vouch for their good service)

Have you tried Vichy? Do you use Vichy?