When The Body Shop Brings You Argan Oil

Aloha!

Most of us have grown accustomed to the large array of so called 'miracle oils' that have flooded our beauty counters and there is one for every skin type, occasion and purpose. We have oils such as coconut, almond, hemp seed, jojoba, moringa, tea tree and even olive oil; all on a mission to to deliver the promise of having beautiful skin (and hair). Although, I have no doubt that these oils are beneficial, I do think it's easy to become swept up in the latest oil trend and have high expectations. So, argan oil. Is it just another fad? Or are they onto something... 

Argan oil was primitively, a tribal ingredient, found in Morroco before it exploded onto our shelves with numerous articles and adverts singing it's praises. But why argan oil? Why not coconut oil... or jojoba oil? I needed to find out and we all know the best way of doing so is to try it. Now, I know you can get the little tubes of argan oil at the til in Primark (for about £1!) but I felt like splashing out on this so I headed to The Body Shop, where I purchased the shower gel, body lotion, body scrub and not to my surprise they were on offer (The Body Shop always seem to have offers on). 

Wild Argan Oil Shower Gel

This soap-free shower gel gives you loadsa bubbles (v. important) and surprisingly a little goes a long way. After using it I felt very clean and it didn't dry out my skin or cause any irritation. I don't know how I would describe what argan oil smells like but it's unusual, not too sweet and almost edible. Basically, it's lush. 

Wild Argan Oil Body Lotion

I think when people hear 'oil' in a body lotion it can sometimes put them off as they feel it could be greasy or leave a residue or not absorb very well. This body lotion absorbs almost instantly, it leaves my skin feeling super soft, supple and even gives it a slight glow. It doesn't cause my clothes to cling and my skin feels hydrated and smooth. 

Wild Argan Oil Body Scrub

I've always been obsessed with The Body Shops body scrubs and this one was no exception. It's vigorous without being too harsh and easily lifts dead skin cells, whilst replenishing my skin; leaving it feeling revitalised. For some reason this didn't feel like I was using a regular body scrub, it felt like more of a treat and although it left a slight residue, it wasn't greasy at all. 

After using these products for a while I can definitely see what all the hype is about. The high vitamin E content and fatty acids are the science behind why this oil has immense hydration powers and the anti oxidants found in this oil also promote healing so this would be ideal for someone with very dry, irritated skin or even Eczema suffers. Furthermore, I tend to get odd blemishes on my shoulders but since using this soothing formula, it's barley noticeable. I've also noticed my legs are less irritated after a shave them which is great as it's something I've always battled with. My skin feels more supple and as argan oil increases skin elasticity, there's no reason why this couldn't benefit those with stretch marks or even promote anti aging. My verdict? Not a fad but a fabulous find.

Neeks ☯

The Hair Chronicle #1- My Current Hair Care Routine

Aloha! 

So it wasn’t until recently that I realised I hardly ever write about hair, which is surprising considering I do take great pride in caring for my hair and have acquired a fair amount of knowledge over the past 6 years or so- prior to that I wasn’t very ‘hair savvy’ (or make-up savvy for that matter). In essence I have fine, v.long, naturally light ginger hair that lacks volume but never the less is in good condition, despite its length and how fine it is. So I thought I’d share with you my current hair care routine and products that I find work for my hair type.

So without beating around the bush I probably wash my hair 3-4 times a week, depending on what I’m doing but the aim is to see how long I can go without washing it! Sounds gross? Oh no! Over washing can be really drying on our locks and can give a dull appearance. If you find your hair gets greasy really easy then try out some dry shampoo. I use Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo because it absorbs all the oil without drying out my hair, adds volume (brownie points for that one) and is an instant life saver when I’ve over slept and realise I have 20 minutes to get out the door! (Plus it’s super cheap in Savers) There are other brands but this seems to work the best for me as it doesn’t leave a white residue like some of the other brands do and it smells like I’m on holiday.

 When it comes to shampoo I chop and change between a selected few brands I trust, just to avoid product build up, I used to use the John Freida Root Awakening Range but haven’t been able to get hold of it in a while so typically, I now go for Aussie or TRESemme. Aussie is probably my fav brand at the moment, and not just because it smells divine but also because I genuinely feel that it does hydrate my hair and consequently it’s softer and stronger, unlike other brands that are all talk and silicone. So when it comes to washing my hair I actually shampoo my roots twice with Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo. The first wash is to cleanse my hair of any products like dry shampoo or hairspray and the second is to really cleanse my scalp. I like to massage my scalp quite well to stimulate the blood circulation thus promoting hair growth. I don’t directly shampoo the ends of my hair because they don’t need it, plus when I rinse the shampoo runs down and cleans the ends anyway.

Next it’s time to condition, just before hand I gently squeeze any excess water out of my hair so I don’t dilute the conditioner.  Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner is my chosen product and I’m generous with it, concentrating it on the ends is best as these are the oldest and dryest hairs that need a little more TLC. I try to leave it on as long as possible so there is time for it to be absorbed and yes I do put a tiny amount on the roots, to help with shine, but also to prevent dryness as it grows. I don't see the point in waiting for your hair to grow and become dry before you condition it? I understand that some people find it can make their hair greasy but personally that only happens to me if I use the wrong products. Or maybe the problem isn’t the products you’re using but maybe the over washing, the excess oil production is happening because your scalp is trying to replace all the natural essential oils that you keep rinsing away. Ladies if your hair has the tendency to get greasy fast then next time you have a weekend at home, shove it in a bun and resist the urge to wash! Trust me your hair will thank you for it.

Admittedly, I probably have an unnecessary attachment to my hair, which I know is ridiculous, but hey there could be worst things to be attached to and on the upside it means that I actually love to pamper it with luscious moisturising treatments. 2-3 times a week I either use Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor (nuff said) or Inecto Pure Coconut Oil Repair Treatment. If I am just chilling around the house, in the evening, or if I'm not going anywhere then I will apply these to dry hair and leave it on for as long as I can (sometimes hours or overnight) before I rinse it. The reason I apply it to dry hair is because a hair stylist told me that the hair can absorb it better. I'm not sure if this is a 'fact' or not but I definitely noticed a difference and also it's more convenient because I can go about my daily chores i.e the laundry and don't have to be uncomfortable with wet hair. With my hair type, it’s prone to drying out so using these deep conditioning treatments are an essential part of my hair care routine.

So after I’ve washed my hair I actually keep my hair wrapped up in a towel whilst I do my make-up. That way by the time I'm finished my hair is about 50% dry and the towel also keeps it out of my face. After that I apply Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance from the middle to the ends because it is the only product I have found (and I’ve tried a lot!) that detangles my hair without weighing it down or leaving a residue. I then use a wide-tooth comb to gently de-tangle the ends and work my way up, in doing so, avoiding combing damage. I then part my hair and begin to dry it with a normal hair dryer, on a low-medium heat. I also ensure that when I’m drying the nozzle is pointing downwards, in the direction of my natural hair growth, this helps to smooth the cuticles and leaves a soft and shiny finish. When it's about 80% dry I comb it through again, using a normal brush this time, and add a small amount of LO'real Elvive Extraordinary Oil to my ends. This stuff is quite pricey but it lasts forever as you only need a tiny amount and it really helps with the shine factor. Lastly, I complete my blow dry, shake it out, and add a light spritz of my trusty LO'real Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray (Diamond Hold) just to add a little texture and volume.

Typically on a day to day I don’t ‘style’ my hair. I don’t straighten it as it’s naturally straight. The only time I use heated tools is if I’m going out for drinks or for a special occasion so probably only 1-2 times a week and when I do I use TRESemme Heat Defence Styling Spray (apologies for missing this out in the photo) this lightweight formula protects my hair from heat and doesn't interfere with my other leave-in products. I also haven’t dyed my hair and I think all these factors really help with preventing my hair from damage and dryness. Don’t get me wrong I have friends that have been bleaching their hair for years and considering this it’s still in amazing condition but my hair just can’t handle it so this hair care routine is essential for me; knowing your hair type and knowing your hairs resilience plays an important part in caring for it. Remember what might work for someone else might have a different effect on your so 'get to know' your hair and it will thank you for it.

What's your current hair care routine? 

Neeks x

Nivea Express Hydration Primer REVIEW

Aloha!

Ahh primers, we seem to be in a love/hate relationship don't we? On 10 hour work days I am relying on you! I'm not asking for much, just that you do your job! The ONLY thing you were put on this planet for was to keep my make-up in place but a lot of the time you let me down. 

Having given up with primers and realising that touching up throughout the day isn't so bad, I then received a message from my friend Nicole, raving about how she'd bought the Nivea Express Hydration Primer in Savers and it's worked wonders. Of course the next day I went out and bought it. 

Savers- 50ml £2.99

Nivea says their cosmo reader recommended primer will 'moisturise & provide a smooth base for effective make-up application and helps your make-up stay in put'. It also claims to provide 'long lasting moisturisation'. And at £2.99 it's definitely worth a try.

I bought the primer suitable for dry and sensitive skin purely because they didn't have any others in stock and I'm impatient. I don't think it made much of a difference, apart from the first time I tried it. After using my usual moisturiser I applied the primer over the top, which left my skin very oily. So the next day I tried it without my usual moisturiser and it worked really well, no shine at all! And my skin still felt hydrated.  

It smells very clean and fresh. The texture is similar to a gel or serum, you only need a tiny bit and it glides over the skin with ease. It definitely made applying my foundation easier and more effective. The best part is it actually kept my make-up on all day *very happy* and it also prevented oily-ness and left a healthy dewy finish. 

I can't really fault this product. The only thing is I'm not able to use it with my regular moisturiser and it doesn't work underneath eye make-up but overall a really really good primer for the price and it now has a permanent place in my foundation routine.

Thankyou Nicole! 

Anymore magical beauty products you've stumbled across?

Neeks x

Favorite Cleansers & Toners

Aloha!

Firstly I would like to apologize for not writing on here in a while, I have just started university and have been extremely busy (forgive me!) but here is a short post on my favorite cleansers and toners. I will also be putting up some Halloween tutorials soon to make up for neglecting you all! 

Looking after your skin is incredibly important, not only for your own well-being, but also because your skin is the foundation of your make-up. It's your canvas (excuse the cheese) and you wouldn't paint on an old, grubby canvas, therefore cleansing, toning and moistursing is essential. 

When it comes to moisturisers it all depends on your skin type. Is it dry, oily or combination? Today I'm just focusing on my favorite cleansers and toners, but I will do a post on skin types and moisturisers in the near future.

Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser & Hydrating Toner (£8 each- 200ml)