John Freida Luxurious Volume Collection

I know what you're thinking...'Someone must have hacked into her blog because she never posts!'. But shock, horror it's me!

I have so many good intentions with blogging. I write lists, take photos and get excited about sharing new products that I've discovered with you - but then life happens, trains become my new home and spending my free time looking at a computer is the last thing on my to-do list after a long week in the office. Excuses, excuses I know!

But when I was offered the chance to review the new and improved Luxurious Volume Collection from John Freida I thought it would give me the kick I need to blog again, and treat my limp, lifeless hair to a rare dose of much-needed oomfph!

I was kindly sent the Touchably Full Shampoo and Conditioner, as well as the Blow-Dry Lotion Root Booster. We all know my battle with injecting bounce and volume into my reluctant roots. As the girl with the world's most defiant hair (it doesn't back-comb, hold volume...basically do anything other than hang limp and lifelessly!) I'm willing to give any 'Volume' promising product my best shot!

The shampoo is a clear gel that lathers beautiful (minimal effort required!) and left my hair feeling thoroughly cleansed, soft and smelling delicious. The conditioner was also a treat to use and the thick, creamy texture felt luxurious on my ends. Both products are described for use on 'Fine hair'. Although I struggle to reshape my hair out of its poker-straight ways, I have quite thick hair and this (combined with my lack of styling skills) contributed to little noticable difference in the voluminous quality of my locks.

However spraying the Root Booster directly on my roots before blow-drying seemed to make more difference (I tried blow-drying using just the shampoo and conditioner, and then with using the root booster too). There was definitely more spring, bounce and movement, but volume? Hmmm not so much.

I've tried every 'Volume' haircare product going and I truly think my hair does not respond well to any of them...perhaps if a professional hairdresser was to work their magic, they could no doubt convert me to a volume-believer. As for now I will continue to use the John Freida Collection as it really does make my hair touchably soft, shiny and I love how a little amount goes a looooong way. But I think as far as Volume Shampoos and Conditioners go, I'm sadly an exception to the rule.

Bouncy, big, voluminous hair...a girl can dream *sigh*

Have you tried this new collection yet? Has your hair responded well to it?

New Beauty Loves

Working in London has been keeping me busier than ever. If I'm not commuting, refuelling in Starbucks or attending after-work events, then I'm sleeeeeping, running (yes, I know...me?!) or trying to stay awake during catch ups with friends. Oh and freelancing when I can! So sadly blogging has taken a back-seat in life. But I really miss my little space on the internet for head-thoughts, notes and all things beauty, so even if it means sacrificing Sunday sofa time I WILL blog more...

Starting with the products that have made their way into my beauty drawers at home and are now part of my daily routine - here are my new favourites:
#1 No7 Fanomenal Lash Serum - After eight weeks of applying nightly, this lash serum promises longer, thicker and darker lashes - just what I'm after! I haven't used this religiously every night I must say, but I have definitely noticed a difference in length. Albeit more so on one eye?! Isn't it so annoying that one set of lashes behaves oh so well and the other has a mind of it's own. Oh for lashes that did as they're told!
#2 Shu Uemura Lash Curlers - After hearing amazing things about these curlers, and tiring of having defiant lashes that refuse to form any curved shape whatsoever, I thought I'd give these a whirl! I'm still getting used to them but they are now part of my daily make-up routine and I think I'm on the way to perfecting my technique!
#3 Fudge Texture Styling Dust - My new hair saviour! If you struggle to achieve a voluminous look and no amount of hairspray, rollers or back-combing makes the slightest difference, then this is for you (if you don't mind a slightly sticky feel to your roots and a matte finish). Enough said!
#4 Revlon Lip Butter in Candy Apple - These little cocoa buttery, glossy, delicious sticks of colour are simply marvellous! I've tried several shades but Candy Apple is my newest discovery! A deep red-orange, this nourishing lip colorburst is the perfect pop of colour to cheer up these ever-lasting miserable winter days.
#5 St.Tropez Dark Bronzing Mousse - I've always been a gradual-tan lover. Perhaps I was a little scared to try a tan formula with guide-colour and no professional to apply it for me. But I've since broken that bad habit and braved a stronger tanning product. I even jumped straight in at the deep end and opted for St.Tropez's Dark range! With mousse and mitt in hand I began applying and found a new love! The end result was a gorgeous golden glow that made me feel fabulous. Sun-kissed skin has the power to make you feel so much better, right?
#6 Revlon Gold Glitter Polish - You all know I can't resist adding a touch of sparkle to my nails and this glittery beauty was at the bottom of my stocking - how did Santa know?! The varnish has a mixture of fine and chunky glitter bits, and is really dense in application. Just one coat achieves a gorgeous sparkling effect that will rival any diamond! (It's just a buggar to get off!).

What products have you discovered lately, whether they are new releases or just new to you?