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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Paul Mitchell Smoothing Super Skinny Collection

Since having my hair cut off into a lob I have been spending alot more time, pampering, styling and heat-abusing my locks! Short hair may be easier but I still seem to be using just as many, if not more, products.

I was recently asked by the amazing HQ Hair if I wanted to try out some products from the haircare giant Paul Mitchell.

 Knowing the positive and professional reputation that surrounds the brand and after using some cheap drugstore products over the past few months I was all in for a trying out something new and a bit snazzy.

Super Skinny Daily Shampoo* | Super Skinny Daily Treatment* | Super Skinny Serum*

After being given some options I decided to go with the 'Smoothing' collection.
 Since getting my hair cut and coloured I have been wearing it down alot. It's so nice to wear my hair down and not have it feel straggly or ratty, although I still suffer from those annoying fly-aways and slight frizzyness.
A collection aimed at cleansing, smoothing and softening the hair seemed right up my blonde street and I couldn't wait to try them out.

They came in a cute little bag which I've forgotten to photo because I'm an idiot and are all full sized products.

Products included :

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Shampoo 300ml 

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment 300ml

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum 150ml

First up lets talk about the scent - super yummy apples and lemons! Well I'm sure it's apples and lemons.... that's what my nose is telling me anywho! Really sweet, which I love, and really fresh - perfect for when you need a bit of zest to wake you up!

The shampoo leaves my hair feel deeply cleansed and rid of any products I may have lurking in there.

The skinny daily treatment is basically a posh name for a conditioner. A nice creamy consistency that I've been using from the mids to the ends of my hair. 

I have been using less and less each time I use this as I did have a couple of times where I used a little too much and my hair felt a bit over-done with treatment! (It felt like I hadn't washed it out properly... eww!)

Both these products are said to reduce drying time, which I actually hadn't realised at first but I did notice that I was having alot less time with my hairdryer.... although it could just be the fact I have half the amount of hair than I used too that makes me feel this way!

Before I dry my hair I have been using the super skinny serum. Serums are something that have taken a backseat for me over the last 2 years as hair oils have strongly taken over. This serum has had rave reviews from around the globe and won countless awards - which had me really excited to try it out.
It smoothes, conditions and seals hair strands helping to keep the hair silky, shiny and frizz-free in any weather.... thank the lord!
Again, I have been using less and less of this each time - I think the first time I tried it I kind of forgot that I had had my hair cut and didn't need as much as was left with wayyyy too much soaking into my locks!
This serum is currently my favourite haircare product - I've noticed a big difference in the frizzyness of my hair, plus it's looking alot shinier -  so it is definitley working wonders.

Bought individually the products are priced as : Shampoo £11.75, Daily Treatment £14.75 & Serum £18.95.

I've nearly used the shampoo and conditioner up now but I think the serum will probably last me about a year - no joke, it's huge and with my short hair a little goes a long way!

A fabulous treat for my hair, I'm really looking forward to browsing the rest of HQ Hair's website, the amount of amazing brands they have on there it's going to make my wishlist extra long, I can just tell.

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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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Aussie Mega Instant Miracle Dry Shampoo

NEW product alert! 

I'm not normally one for dry shampoos (I know I know, stare at me in confusion!), I've just never been overly bothered by them! Saying this, I recently saw that Aussie had just released some newbies into their collection and being a huge fan of theirs I thought it was time I gave dry shampoo another go!

Now Aussie have released 3 different versions of this dry shampoo, mega instant, colour mate and a volume version and all in great large sizes.

 But... where I have never been that excited by the likes of these products I thought I would just stick to the handy miniature size to start off with - and then I could always buy the regular size if I fell in love! (Also saving me money if it turned out to be pants!)

The only 65ml size available was the mega instant - which was fine with me!

 This dry shampoo is made with the classic Aussie Australian Jojoba Seed Extract ingredient and like all dry shampoo's promises to revive your dull, greasy hair into fresh, foxy locks that look and smell as clean as the day before!

This fast acting high-speed clean has been working brilliantly for me as both a nice refresher and great aid in giving my hair a bit of oopmh and texture! Definitely helpful for those "messy" up-do's!

 The smell is so much nicer than other dry shampoo's I've used previously.... although it's an Aussie product so what did I expect?

So... maybe I am converted, we'll see how it goes but so far I am surprisingly chuffed with it!
This small can was £2.29 and the full size shampoo's are £4.99 each.

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Argania Desert Defence & Cashmere Hair Reviews

IF you have a good memory you will recall that a few weeks back I posted about a couple of little hair oils I had picked up  for just £1 on my travels around Boots! 

These were from the company called Argania and since seeing that little post by little old me the lovely people at Argania HQ have contacted me and kindly asked if I wanted to give anything else from their range a go. 

After having so much success with the oils and loving the results I jumped at the chance (umm... who wouldn't?) and was super excited to receive the Desert Defence Moisture Repair Shampoo and the Cashmere Hair Leave-In Conditioner to try out on my blonde locks!

I've been really trying to look after my hair for the last couple of years as I have been growing it out from a bob and really want to keep it in the best condition possible!

 I have been through countless bottles of different shampoos and conditioners in this time and have been through most of the brands on the drugstore market - I'm always looking out for new ones to try out!

The packaging for Argania has recently had a make-over so you may not recognise these but you most likely will recognise the old stuff - you can see everything here.

Argania Desert Defence Moisture Repair Shampoo* & Cashmere Hair Leave-in Conditioner*

 I couldn't wait to start using these once I had got them so the day they arrived that evening I hopped in the shower and treated my hair to some Argania love. 
I was slightly nervous that just a leave-in conditioner wouldn't be enough for my dry barnet so I have been using a bit of my usual conditioner alongside the shampoo to make sure. Anyway here's what I thought about both!

 The words moisture and repair always have me excited when in relation to hair products! I'd say 99% of the time I am always looking for hair products which are specially for dry and damage hair, even if my hair is feeling okay - I just love the way they work!

This Desert Defence shampoo has the lovely vanilla scent the same as the hair oils I reviewed before! It is very sweet so this may put a few of you and your noses off - but for me this is a bonus - I'm a sucker for anything that smells yummy!
This lathers up lovely and feels great on the hair, you don't need alot of product aswell which is always good!
Like I said before I have been using a little of my usual conditioner along side this ... I just don't feel right getting out the shower without it!
I've found this shampoo online at Boots for only £7.50 - like I said before this is the new packaging so will look different to the things you see online at the moment.  

Out of the shower and I've been grabbing the Cashmere Hair Leave-In Conditioner and spraying it from the mid-ends of my hair and combing through!

I love this stuff, again ti smells lovely like the others and feel so light - unlike other thick, heavy products!

I'm not sure whether I could just use this on it's own as I think my hair is a bit thick. But it is perfect for using as an after wash treatment - it leaves my hair easy to comb through, smelling great and really smooth and shiny!

If you have quick thin/fine hair and find conditioner leaves your hair limb, heavy and builds up then this alternative product would be perfect for you!

Again this is available in the UK through Boots and is £9.99.

Another 2 great products from Argania - I think it's time I invested in one of their conditioners to complete my set! Not only does this brand have an amazing scent but their gorgeous argan oil ingredient really does leave my hair softer and shinier!

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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 #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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