NEW Cocoa Brown Kind Shampoo & Conditioner

When Cocoa Brown annouced their new haircare range my first thoughts were.... what? wait? tan for your hair?! But I'm blonde!
Of course... I was having a total mad moment - obviously they have just branched out and added haircare to their already fabulous range!

So... Kind shampoo and conditioner, hello new friends! This duo is specially formulated for sensitive skin and scalps, which is perfect for me and my new bleached head hair!

Free from parabens (yay) and pH neutral (double yay) - which means not only are these fine to use daily but it also means this stuff won't interfere your fake tan, helping your glow last that bit longer! 
Since I've been back to my gym classes I've been washing my hair a lot more so I'm pleased these are suitable for that!

I've used these a few times now and have been so, so pleasantly surprised.
The products smell lovely (and no smell of biscuits anywhere!) with cleansing agents such as coconut oil and fruit sugars they have a lovely fruity, fresh scent.

The part I am most impressed with is the pricing - I pictured these being around £6.99 each.... but online they are just £2.65!
Cheaper than Herbal Essences and Garnier half the time - these are a total bargain and I hope they are going out to all Superdrug's to make it easy for everyone to get their hands on them.

High Five Cocoa Brown - another fabulous product!

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Mark Hill Kerasatin Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner

Happy New Year everyone! 

First and foremost I must apologise about December, I was very slack on the blogging front due to the fact it was Christmas, I was finishing up at my old job whilst trying to start on my new one and generally just a little bit too busy to be able to sit down, take photos and write.
But.... it's a new year and I'm determined to get back on track and make A Yellow Brick Blog better than it has ever been. (starting with a well deserved revamp and new look in the not too distant future) 

So lets crack on and get talking .... I've missed sharing my thoughts, beauty news and general ramblings....

Mark Hill Kerasatin Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner*

Over the last few weeks I have been using these - Mark Hill's KERAsatin shampoo and conditioner. They are part of the new look Mark Hill range (ooo snazzy) and are the pair to get if you are after a smooth and frizz-free barnet.

 I'm not sure whether it's all hair dryer avoidance, messy buns and quick up-dos thrust upon my hair over the last month or two or the horrible weather but my hair had been going through a real frizzy/dry/'oh dear' stage... which when you have a bob just isn't fantastic.

 I mean it's bad at any hair length but a frizzy bob makes me look like a 12 year old boy.... something which, funnily enough, doesn't suit me!

So when I had the chance to try these two out I thought a hair rescue was upon me.... and it was. 

The kerasatin range contains pure keratin which creates a moisture-rich formula for both the shampoo and the conditioner, this helps to calm your hair down and let it drink up the moisture it needs - something which my locks definitely wanted.

I've noticed such a different with these, even to the point that when I wet my hair to wash it I can still feel how much smoother and softer it feels from the last time it was washed! 

My short hair is alot more managable and smooth - which has been great for the festive period as I've been out and about alot more!

A great duo and seriously affordable - you can find them here and here.

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Lee Stafford Coco Loco Shampoo & Conditioner

Yes - once again I'm harping on about a new Lee Stafford product.... but I couldn't walk past these in Boots and NOT buy them.

I am a huge Lee Stafford fan, so seeing something completely new out of the shelf 1. took me by surprise as I like to think I'm on the ball with new releases (obviously not!) and 2. had me reaching for my purse.

Coconut oil is one of the greatest beauty secrets going really.... I mean it's not even a secret anymore is it?!

Recently my hair has just not been very kind to me, it's felt frizzy, dry and a hell of a lot of it is falling out (*cries*) so the Coco Loco range seemed to turn up at just the right time! (Plus it was 2 for £10 on offer which made it even better!)

I needed something to inject some moisture into my locks and this has really done the job. 

The scent is gorgeous and really long-lasting, fan of coconut? - you're obviously going to love these as much as me.

The shampoo leaves my hair feeling so squeaky clean that at first I was worried it was maybe a little dry but with the conditioner being so thick and rich once I've finished my hair routine it's feeling brand new, soft and hydrated.

I've noticed a real difference with the shine of my hair and the colour has been seriously rejuvenated aswell. My hair is bleached and I use toning shampoos weekly but this has giving me that little boost without having to pop anything purple onto my head, which wasn't what I was expecting!

Overall I'm really pleased with these (as I thought I would be!), I'm just worried that I'll use them up too quick... sometimes I get a little over excited with squeezy bottles!

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NEW Garnier Ultimate Blends Honey Treasures Collection

That's right ladies - Garnier have bought out a NEW collection in their ever so popular Ultimate Blends range!

I have been a fan of the Ultimate Blends products since they came out last year - another affordable haircare brand that's good on both my hair and my bank balance, yes please!

Seeing the new Honey Treasures collection named "The Strength Restorer" whilst being in the process of changing my hair (involving alot of bleach) seemed like a god send!

There are 4 products in the Honey Treasures range - a shampoo, a conditioner, a 1 minute treatment and a serum. The products were on offer so, of course, I picked up all 4, which actually only came to about £10 - bargain right?

It is said to be for fragile hair, prone to breakage - which is me down to a tee at the moment, healthier and happier hair is my aim! 

I have used the Herbal Essences honey based range (Bee Strong) a lot and love the affect it has on my locks so trying out another hair range with honey in it made me super excited!

The shampoo and conditioner smell great! I have used them around 3 or 4 times now and have been pleased with the results.

 I'd say the conditioner is quite thin compared to others out there which makes me use alot more of it to feel like I'm covering my hair well - so I can't see it lasting that long, but for the half price price being £1.94, who can complain?

The 1 minute treatment also smells great, I've used it 3 times now and it is more or less gone. I have fairly long hair and when using a hair mask or treatment I like to thoroughly cover my hair root to tip!

 This is great for a little pick me up once or twice a week, it leaves my hair soft and shiny and doesn't break the bank balance either!

Lastly the serum. I'm not going to lie I haven't used a hair serum in forever, it's all been about oils for me over the last year or so! I decided to give this a go on it's own - no other products alongside it, to see how it worked in my hair! 

I have to say unfortunately the ends of my hair didn't feel half as soft as when I use the sleek perfector oil from Ultimate Blends (which I'm obsessed with.... I love the scent), so I will be using this serum with that instead of on it's own as it DID make really shiny!

Overall I do really like the range, they smell great and make my hair really shiny and mangeable - BUT I think I do still prefer 'The Sleek Restorer' collection! 

Check out the range at Boots - here.

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The Lottery Wishlist

Ever sit and dream what you would buy for yourself if you won the lottery? 

Don't worry, it's not selfish or silly - it's totes normal! So.....what would you buy if money was no object?

I thought it would be super fun to do a totally unaffordable wishlist, yup.... I really would love these beautiful things but... right now - it's not going to happen!

Ugg Classic Short Boots

I owned these until last week and I miss them already! The pair I had lasted for 7 years (amazing right?) but it was about time I said goodbye to them but I am already desperate for a new pair to replace them - if only I had £150 spare eh?

Zoeva Rose Gold Luxery Brush Set

I have the original set from Zoeva but these are just so so pretty - I think they are every bloggers dream!

ghd V Rose Gold Styler

I've had my ghd's for 10 years.... literally 10 years - I got them for Christmas 2004, so it's probably about time I invested in some new ones! These are again rose gold.... jeez I'm so cliche, but they are so pretty!

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

I have been using the oil from this brand for over a year now and I love it... the only problem is the price! With my hair getting longer and using more and more each time I wash my hair it becomes expensive! Knowing how much I love the oil I would LOVE to try out the shampoo and conditioner versions!

Urban Decay Naked Vault

Could I be anymore cliche and blogger obvious? Yes it's sold out, and yes none of us could afford it but ..... I need it.

Mulberry Daria Wallet

With my Ted Baker purse slowly wearing away, a new pretty holder for my money and cards would be high up on my list after a lottery win! This wallet from Mulberry is a beaut!

Olivia Burton Powder Blue Watch

I've been staring at Olivia Burton watches online for months now - I love the pretty, dainty desgins!

A French Bulldog

I think you all know now that owning a French Bulldog is pretty much a lifelong dream of mine - top of the bucket list!

Charlotte Tilbury The Dolce Vita Look Gift Box

I am still yet to try anything from the infamous Charlotte Tilbury... and it's killing me! Everything I've seen on other blogs and youtube looks amazing so I would definitely have to invest in some!

If you won the lottery what would be some of your first things you'd treat yourself too?

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Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment Review

If you're a hair dye offender like myself (especially us blondes) you know as well I as I do how important it is to keep your hair in good condition! Dying, styling and general girly life tends to put such a strain on my hair and can leave it feeling dry, brittle and looking a bit pants!

I'm forever trying out new masks, oils and treatments for my locks and I've recently fallen in love with this intensive conditioner from Aveda!

Aveda are a brand I've heard so so many about now for a good couple of years. Their high quality products and services are famous in the haircare world and I've always wanted to get my poor little hands on some of their stuff!

I was lucky enough to be given this treatment from a lovely friend who wanted me to be able try it out for myself (and help save my hair!)!

The Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment is a weekly mask part of a 3-step system aimed to strengthen damaged and chemically processed hair.

This thick creamy butter uses the power of pure plant oils teamed with some other magical ingredients to help restore health, shine and gorgeous silkiness.

My hair, like many others, is a bit pants. As hard as I try to keep it healthy it always seems to be a bit weak and dry plus I'm sure new spilt-ends pop up weekly! So this product was always going to be welcomed with open arms into my collection!

I have been using this every 7-10 days for the past month or so and have been loving the results.

The texture is thick and creamy, slightly like the hair butter from Lee Stafford and I cover my hair root to tip in it after shampooing. After around 15 minutes I wash the treatment out and reveal it's work!

This conditioner penetrates the hair shaft with it's quinoa protein, working from the inside out it helps to strengthen and repair alongside the phellodendron and barley which seal in moisture.

I like to leave my hair to air dry after using this, kind of defeats the object to blast it with heat doesn't it!

My hair is left feeling light and airy, smooth and alot less frizzy! It reduces the dryness alot which is the main reason why I lurveeee it!

The only problem is that it's not cheap, it's around £29.50 for this 150ml bottle BUT saying this where the product is so thick you don't need alot each time you use it and where it is so intensive you do only need to use it maybe once every 10 days - meaning 1 bottle will last you a good while!

Aveda salon's are pretty exclusive - try and google where the closest one to you is and maybe you can go in and give this fab treatment a go before you splash out and purchase it for yourself!

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Lee Stafford Oily Roots Dry Ends Shampoo & Conditioner Review

I'm a huge Lee Stafford fan and have been for years - so when there are new products released into the collection I am always itching to give them a go!

This is one of the newest shampoo and conditioners from LS and it is the Oily Roots, Dry Ends duo.

Now the name says it all and I bet there's a huge, huge group of you out there that this sounds familiar too.

Oily, greasy roots and dry, limp ends? 

Yup, I'm one of the poor suffers too! More of the second than the first to be completely honest - dry ends are the devil in my life and oily roots although they do have a place in my life it's not a daily problem! (more like a 36hours after washing problem, which I know is nothing compared to some people!)

I was so excited to try these out! Lee Stafford products I haven't yet tried - it's a miracle!

First up the shampoo. On the packaging the first thing I noticed was that it tells you to shampoo your hair twice, so of course being a total sensible Sally I followed the instructions down to a T and did exactly that!

Lee says that the first wash helps get rid of stubborn build up caused by products and pollution and round two is too get it super squeaky clean!

The other thing I noticed was the 'Miracle Tree' ingredient - Moringa Seed Extract. This is a multi-tasking ingredient which fights oils and helps hair stay squeaky clean.

This shampoo seems to do exactly what it says it does - breathes life back into lank, lifeless, oily hair whilst also helping to detoxify it!

My hair has definitely felt cleaner, at the roots especially, for longer - which is fab as I like not having to over-wash my hair! (but yes I shower daily!!) 

Now the Oily Roots, Dry Ends conditioner. Everytime I see the words 'shea butter' my eyes light up - I bloomin' love that stuff!

Obviously this is JUST for the mid-lengths to ends - we want moisture in those ends not the top half and roots!

Using both of these together has reminded me of how much I've missed using Lee Stafford products in the shower! (I've been on a spending ban so have sadly been buying slightly cheaper products)

My hair has felt so so soft and smooth (even when using heat on it) and SO much thicker! I don't know weather these are meant to have that effect but I popped my hair up in a pony tail after using it of the first time and it had literally doubled in size.... thankfully not in a frizzy way! 

So... cleaner hair for longer, softer ends, thicker hair and I haven't even mentioned that amazing familiar Lee Stafford scent yet! 

These are £8.99 each for 250ml bottles - which you may think is a little expensive but there doesn't seem to be any other products out like this, especially in drugstores!

Boots are always having deals on Lee Stafford products aswell, weather it be 3 for 2 or 3 for £12, it's a rare occasion that you have the whole full price for a few products!

Have any of you tried these out yet? I'm really impressed!

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(***Disclaimer : This product was kindly sent to me by the lovely people at Lee Stafford. All thoughts, opinions and ideas are always my own and I would never include an item or product on A Yellow Brick Blog that I didn't truly believe in.)

Product Of The Week #9

9 weeks of POTW already! Where on earth is this year going?!

This week it's the return of the hair products! If it's good enough for Nicole Sherzy then ummmm hello it is clearly good enough for me!
Herbal Essences Bee Strong Shampoo & Conditioner have finally made their way into my shower and my every-other-day routine!

If you've been following my blog for a while you may remember the post I did a little while ago about the Bee Strong Strenthining Mask (here) - since using that I have been itching to get my hands on the shampoo and conditioner from the same range and when it went down to half price recently I decided it was the perfect time to invest!

Yup these were only £1.99 each - a fraction of the price of what I normally pay for my hair products! These smell lovely and leave my hair feeling thick and soft!
A total bargain - can't go wrong for under £2! 

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Aussie Aussome Volume Deep Treatment Mousse Review

Hello new product from Aussie, how you doing there?

Yes it's that new product everyone has been raving about - and I know I'm on a spending ban but this was free as part of a 3 for 2 at Boots .... so really it's okay right?

This is the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Light, Aussome Volume Deep Treatment Mousse! (basically a mousse conditioning treatment)

Over the last month or so I have spotted lots of those bloggers who love beauty speaking about this stuff! So of course after reading their reviews I instantly wanted to hunt this product down and hop in the shower!

This is a mousse that you pop on after shampooing and leave on your locks for 3 minutes before rinsing it out.... hence the name!

I was excited to try this out as I haven't used anything like this before - mousse is something I normally stay clear of when styling, I've just never seemed to get on with it so I was looking forward to trying it in a different form!

The aim of the product is to give you more volume - something we are all striving for right?
 I've always been a fan of Aussie since I used to steal my mum's as a kid/teen - the smell is just divine.... why have they not made an Aussie candle yet?
Saying that.... this smell is nice but it doesn't smell exactly like the usual shampoos and conditioners from Aussie which is what I was expecting... ahh well!
Being a 'mousse' something I was worried about with this was the feel of the product. When I think of mousse I think of sticky but thankfully this stuff is anything but! Creamy and fluffy this stuff feels fab!

I definitely feel like I used a fair bit on my hair - I started with a good handful but as soon as I ran it through my hair it felt like it had disappeared so I added a little bit more and a little bit more.
It is a strange feeling for a conditioning treatment - I'm so used to feeling a thick and creamy mask type product on my hair when doing a treatment - but this felt like it dissolved and soaked right in!
I didn't let this put me off thought and after the 3 minutes I washed it out and headed to my hair dryer to see the results!

I could definitely see some volume improvement in my hair after I had given it a quick blow dry! Surprisingly I could really see it in the ends. My hair didn't seem to be it's normal 'thicker at the roots, thinner at the ends' self - the ends had alot more body which I was chuffed with!

This stuff is a nice treat to have and even though I think I used alot when I shake the bottle it doesn't feel like alot has gone, so hopefully this will last me a while!
 At only £4.99 it's alot cheaper than other treatment type products and if you've got really fine, flat hair then maybe this is the product for you!

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Product Of The Week #4

I feel like I was writing one of these just yesterday, weeks seem to be flying by at the moment - it is March tomorrow, how did that happen?!

This week I've got some hair products that I have been loving! 

Three mini products in the Curl Friends collection from Umberto Giannini!

Now if you read my Boots sale hauls back Dec/Jan you would have seen these in the Curl Define Hair Kit gift set that I got at half price for just £5 - bargain!

I'm not normally one for miniatures but this set included some great separating clips which I thought would come in handy when styling my hair!

But this week I spotted these 3 and decided to give them a go! There is the Calm Curls Shampoo, Smooth Curls Conditioner & Flirty Curls Scrunching Jelly

My hair used to be alot curlier than it is now, I think years of styling and colouring my locks has diminished it slightly but if I put enough effort into it sometimes I can get those natural curls to come out a bit!

I hoped that these 3 would help do that ..... and they did! 

The shampoo and conditioner left my hair feel great (alot better than I was expecting as I thought there would be alot of build up) and just a bit of scrunching jelly and alot of scrunching left me with some half decent curls!

(awkward same dress as profile picture.... I do change I promise!) I definitely think it's about time I invested in the full sized products (especially as it's 3 for 2 at the moment in Boots!) for those days where I don't really want to put any effort into my hair!

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