REVIEW: LIZ EARLE BOTANICAL SHINE SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

I was recently sent some products from the new Liz Earle hair care range which I am very excited to tell you about :)

My experiences with natural shampoos and conditioners have been pretty hit and miss with conditioners always coming up trumps, whilst natural shampoos have left me reaching for the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate & Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate. My hair just never felt CLEAN with them.

The Liz Earle haircare range has been six years in the making, producing a "suit all" shampoo and three conditioners each catering to specific hair needs. In my case this would be "dry or damaged".

I admit, I approached the shampoo with caution. Can a shampoo that contains 89% naturally derived ingredients with no SLS or SLES really work? 

YES IT FRIKKING WELL CAN!

I can happily say that I was pleasantly surprised and super impressed with this shampoo having worked a treat on my long hair, washing out with no problem and leaving it wonderfully clean. Despite not having any SLS or SLES it lathers incredibly well with the natural cleansing agent derived from coconuts combined with natural vitamin E, aloe vera and shea butter. Apple and orange extracts restore natural shine, while 8 essential oils leave your hair smelling clean and fresh. Mmmmm...

The Botanical Shine conditioner for dry or damaged hair was also a fantastic product. Upon first squeeze of the tube I did ponder as to whether it would be too rich for my hair given the ultra thick shea butter formula. However, the conditioner is just perfect for my severely dyed locks leaving them soft and tangle free and it's 95% natural ingredients! 

The only thing that slightly disappointed and that's a very teeny tiny slight, was the fact that the scent of both products wasn't what I was expecting. In my mind I thought they would evoke that delicious essential oil fragrance, the ones you typically associate with spas and treatment rooms...I was hoping they would smell like Liz Earle's energising body gel. Alas they don't, but it's not really a bad thing as the scent of both is delicate and fresh.

I have always been a big fan of Liz Earle products and the passion which is evident behind the brand. Having tried many natural hair care products in the past (Dr Organic, Jason, Lush, Nutrideep, 100% Naked to name a few) I would definitely be recommending the Liz Earle range. What I love the most about them is that they actually clean the hair, rinse out properly and leave my hair soft and manageable. 

Whats more is that they are fantastic value for money with each 200ml product retailing for £7.50 each. For the results you get from these products they are well worth the money and products I will definitely be purchasing in the future :)

Click here for more info and to visit the Liz Earle website. 

NOTD: CHANEL VINTAGE GREEN NAIL POLISH!

Everyone is familar with Chanel's Jade and more recently Khaki Vert, but I thought I would share with you another Chanel green polish which I've had in my collection for a few years now.

Let me introduce you to Chanel "Vert Sacrilege".

 The last picture is probably the closest to the actual shade.
I'm not entirely sure when it came out but I've owned it for a good few years. Despite being this old the formula is still perfect with no separation and I've not kept it in the fridge either :P
I'm not the biggest fan of metallic shades but this green is wonderfully seductive and perfect for Autumn!

I'll be digging out some of my older Chanel polishes for a few more vintage swatches ;)

WEIRD HISTORICAL BEAUTY FACTS

How was everyones weekend?

I spent mine in the historical city of Bath celebrating the boy's birthday.

Bath is absolutely beautiful & we stayed at the Royal Crescent Hotel which is the perfect weekend getaway for rest & relaxation. It even had it's own spa which we indulged in for a good few hours of Saturday night, blissfully all to ourselves :)Photo taken from the hotel's website.

Bath is most famous for it's Roman Thermal Baths which we had a good wander around:

It still has hot water feeding into it!

Anyway...so you are probably wondering what the weird beauty facts are.

Well...whilst touring an old Georgian house on crescent row I was told by one of the guides that mouse skin was used for eyebrows! EWWW! I asked her how they would stick the eyebrow shaped skins on but she unfortunately did not know.

She also told me that the reason behind those stick on beauty moles was actually to disguise small pox...double gross. Apparently women never left home without a supply of sticky beauty moles as they would often come off when they went into the thermal baths.

So yes! Those are the beauty facts I learnt this weekend. If you have any historically gross beauty facts you'd like to share, please leave a comment :)

- Posted from my iPhone

NOTD: CHANEL KHAKI VERT

I thought I was sooo good when I decided against purchasing anything from the Chanel Khaki range...I was by chance in Selfridges on the exact morningthe polishes came out and whilst my work colleague was set to purchase Khaki Vert I umed and ahhed over which one to get...Khaki Vert or Khaki Brun. I really wanted both but decided against all as I was trying to be good.

GUTTED! They are all sold out now and I can't stop thinking about Khaki Brun. 
Am hoping the Eyeko Military polish will satisfy my desire for dirty green swamp colours *nods*

Anyway so today's NOTD is actually my work colleagues hands :)

FREE MAKEOVER, MANICURE & THREADING - Maybelline pop-up store!

Whilst on a Saturday amble around London's Covent Garden, I stumbled by chance upon the Maybelline pop-up store.

The store is only around for London Fashion Week and you can purchase and view the latest products including the gel eyeliner and mineral eyeshadow.

However, it wasn't the make-up I was interested in...it was the free treatments, in particular the threading that really got my attention.

 I've never indulged in it before and I happily bounced into the customer chair and subjected my brows to a good shape and tidy from the beauty therapist (she has 10 years of threading under her belt).

Some people have said that it hurts, but for me it really wasn't a big deal. It actually felt more like tiny pricks to the skin and even then it didn't hurt, well for me anyway...

So yes, for threading this usually costs in London on average around 12 quid, I am delighted with the results and the shape she created. 

I'll take a photo when I am back home (writing this on my lunch break) but for now here are the store details:

Address:

8 Shorts Gardens, (just off Neal Street) Seven Dials, Covent Garden, WC2H 9LD

 The store also offers free make-overs and mini manicures although I was told you might have to book them. The threading is done then and there so just turn up! I went around 5ish and there was no wait time and the whole thing was done in around 8 minutes :)

INS & OUTS - part 3 I think?

Hello!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend :)

Tonight I though I'd share with you my latest INS & OUTS...here we go!

IN

MEETING BLOGGERS
I don't really get the chance to meet fellow bloggers so whenever I do get the chance I love to have a good chat! Have met some lovely bloggers this month :)

BOOTS No7 SMOKY EYELINER
SO difficult to find but love at first swatch! Review to follow very shortly.

CLARISONIC
Been trialling one for a month now & love it. Again review to follow very shortly.

CHANEL NO5
I've finally matured into this scent! One of my mum's favourite perfumes; I've always wanted to like it as much as she does but it's never happened. Until now...

TOKYO!
I had a fantastic time in Tokyo! So awe inspiring & full of energy. My favourite place still has to be Harajuku!

BOOTS!
I have to admit, I do love the start or Autumn. I love being reunited with my favourite old jumpers & most especially my boots! I have a pair of black cowboy boots which I have just slipped back into & I recently bought a pair of vintage brown boots which are super cute!

THREADING
OMGosh I am converted! I love the results & it will definitely be something I do again.

OUTS

QUALITY OF CLOTHING
I don't really indulge in high st fashion as it really annoys me! The quality of the material used, the stitching, the way the buttons fall of...the PLEATHER & SUEDETTE! ARGH! Instead I tend to favour more & more vintage clothing or Japanese fashion. The dress in my Illamasqua party pics is my mum's from the 60s.

BENEFIT POSIETINT
I'm going to write a review about this soon but the metallic flecks that shed from the bottle drive me INSANE.

TRUE BLOOD FINALE
Really disappointed with the way it ended & didn't like the stereotypical "faerie".

VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Delays, bad staff & a terrible guide to Tokyo were things our holiday could have done without.

What are your INS & OUTS? Share them by leaving a comment!


- Posted from my iPhone

ILLAMASQUA LAUNCH PARTY PHOTOS

On Thursday night Illamsqua held a fantastically glamorous launch party at their flagship store in London's Beak St.
The guest list was packed with the most incredible folk. Amazing outfits, perfect hair and of course the most experiemental and sparkly make-up out there.

As I rolled up to the store a big double decker bus emblazoned with the Illamasqua logo was parked outside, with the front door to the store complete with carpet, rope and security. Very glam!

After the initial store drinks, an after party was held at the Tiki Bar in Kingly Court where the atmosphere was fab. 


I had a great night, met some fantastic bloggers Peonies & Lillies,  Moonbeamstarlight, Sam & Nic from Pixiwoo, David Horne (illamasqua'sDirector of NPD) and the super talented Alex Box!

Here are a few snapshots taken from the night...

Bloggers Peonies & Lillies and Moonbeamstarlight

David Horne Illamasqua's Director of NPD

 Sam & Nic of Pixiwoo

Alex Box (!!!!!)

By this time I was tres merry and got a bit silly with Boy George:

Lastly, check out the amazing fashion and make-up on display:

 

 

Gutted I didn't see Vivienne Westwood but it was definitely the most memorable night in make-up that I have had. Illamasqua sure know how to throw a party!

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THE WORST AD CAMPAIGN EVER! - version 3

Because I have been suffering from a a hangover all day I really can't string together enough words to form a post about last night's Illamasqua party...but it was AMAZING!

Photos to go up tomorrow, but in the meantime I thought I would post the latest addition to the Clairol Nice N Easy adverts that I despise so much...

CHARLES FOX...FOR ALL YOUR HALLOWEEN NEEDS

I recently walked past the Charles Fox store in Covent Garden and thought you might like to see some photos of their new window display...it's all ready for Halloween!

Halloween is slowly but surely becoming a more celebrated thing here in the UK (about time!) and Charles Fox are offering Halloween tutorials to help you get your blood and guts special FX just right.

Check out the photos:

You can visit the store at the following address:

Charles H. Fox Ltd.
22, Tavistock Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 7PY
www.charlesfox.co.uk

ILLAMASQUA ART OF DARKNESS OUT NOW!

Just to let you know that you can now purchase products from the new Illamasqua A/W 2010 collection now! 

Click here to visit the official website.

ANDDDD...slightly later than promised, here are my favourite promo shots from the collection, I particularly love the fairy look. Illamasqua should have given the wardrobe & make-up team for True Blood a lesson...not impressed with the stereotyped fairy image they have got going!


Top to bottom: Androgyny, Faerie, Wanton woman

ILLAMASQUA "ART OF DARKNESS" COLLECTION! swatches!

I was super excited when I got the invitation to attend the Illamasqua "Art of Darkness" blog event over the weekend.

Illamasqua has been a brand that has caught my attention from the get go. With their bold and confident approach to make-up and the art of self expression very much appealing to me, I couldn't wait to see what the new collection had in store...

The event was held at the Illamasqua flagship store in London's Beak St which we got a sneaky peek at (it's not offically open yet!).

Here are a few snapshots from the collection:

Swatches of the products:

Liquid metals, Stoic, Resolute, Superior

Intense lipgloss, Hermetic

lipstick,Diciple

pure pigments, Alluvium & Ore

liquid liners, Alchemy & Abyss

Nail polishes, Scarab & Viridian

Stand out products for me definitely include the Alchemy eyeliner...looks AMAZING in the inner corners!

I am also loving the pure pigments...so incredibly smooth with super fine glitter.

One of the best things about attending this event was getting to see Alex Box in action. She is definitely one make-up artist I really admire for her originality and creative flair.

I also got to meet some very cool bloggers including the lovely Lucy , Sparklzandshine and GetLippie (at last!). 

Visit the official website for further product info and release date
I'll post some of the promo shots tomorrow :)

THE PRICE OF A BAD HAIRCUT (guest blog post by the boy)

 Thank you HellCandy for inviting me to write a second guest post. This one is about my horror story of a really bad haircut that I had recently and still am recovering from. For my first guest post click here.

The price of a bad haircut

I few months ago I decided to change my hairdresser because I was finding her expensive for providing what in my mind I thought to be a simple haircut for a guy. With straightish hair I usually grow it in similar style to say Johnny Depp (maybe not as long) or Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible (again probably not as long). My hairdresser was slowly increasing her prices to the point where she was charging me almost £40 (US$60; €48) for a trim. She would give a good service which included massaging my head and the salon had a nice atmosphere so it was really relaxing. But her haircuts always had something that wasn’t quite right so I decided that it wasn’t worth paying so much for a haircut that isn’t amazing. On top of that many hairdressers outside of London have given me a better haircut for much less money (I use to live in Australia and have travelled a fair bit so I have used a lot of different hairdressers over the years). 

The new salon I went to ended up charging me only £17 (US$26; €20) and the first haircut I received was from the Russian girl who owned this small salon. She gave me a hair cut that was just as good if not a little better than my previous hair dresser with less of the fancy service (eg massaging my head) so I thought I made a good choice. But then came my second haircut! The next time I went back to the salon it was for an urgent appointment made at the last minute for a job interview. As a result the Russian girl wasn’t available but instead a new gay guy was available to cut my hair. At first I thought well he is gay and he looks stylish so this haircut is going to be amazing. I asked for a trim and he seemed confident but then starting being really rough to the point where instead of holding my hair to cut it he was pulling it. He also starting arguing with me about the natural place where my hair should part (which in his mind was not where I had it). To cut a long story short he ended up giving me the worst haircut I have ever had in my life – EVER! He was rude, didn’t trim my hair the way I wanted but instead changed the style completely and also almost scratched my eye out with his scissors. Instead of hair like Johhny Depp or Tom Cruise I had hair like Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber but with a mullet. I was mortified. I had a job interview the next day and thought I looked ridiculous.

The next day I used hair products to try and make my hair look respectable. I managed to get the job but still hated my hair. The next few days I was starting to feel worse and worse about myself. I would have ups and downs thinking its just hair, it will grow back and telling myself to not be vain – its just hair. However, I kept feeling embarrassed and not wanting to go out so nobody would see me. After four days I decided to go back to the salon and ask for another haircut from the Russian girl. I went passed the salon first to see if the guy was there. I didn’t want to confront him and was hoping I could get another haircut without him knowing. The salon was empty and I heard a female’s voice so I thought the Russian hairdresser was downstairs. I entered and called her name but instead the gay guy entered the salon from behind me. He was outside talking to someone. He looked confused when he saw me asking himself why am I back. Not sure what to do I told him that I wanted to book another appointment. He then started to look through the diary and I realised he was looking to book me in with him so I quickly said I’d like an appointment with my previous hairdresser because she cut my hair the first time and I’d like to have continuity with only one hairdresser as it is easier that way. He then asked me if I didn’t like his haircut. Not wanting to insult him I said that I might not have been clear with my instructions to him so I’d like to cut it again. He then looked annoyed and said that he could book me in with the Russian girl in a week but to bear in mind that he is the new manager at the salon now and she will begin to stop seeing clients so I couldn’t really have continuity with her. At that point the only thing I could think was I AM NOT WALKING AROUND LIKE THIS FOR ANOTHER WEEK AND YOU ARE NOT GOING TO CUT MY HAIR AGAIN! I said I really would like my hair cut today if possible. He then asked me what didn’t I like about his haircut. I tried to avoid answering the question but we clearly couldn’t book an appointment for that day at which point he slammed shut the diary and said, “I’m sorry you had such a terrible haircut!” and stormed out of the salon. I was so confused. I’m standing in the middle of the salon alone with a terrible haircut thinking that not only did I pay to be butchered like this, but on top of that I have emotional guilt to deal with.

I went to another salon and they ended up fixing the haircut for another £25 (US$38; €30). The hairdresser was amazed when I told her the story and couldn’t understand how the guy had cut my hair. She described it as someone using a ruler to cut my hair. I’m still growing my hair now but it is looking better and better by the day. It will take around 3 – 4 months to get back to how it was. What an ordeal! In my mind I keep thinking how much does a haircut really cost especially a bad one?

 

Have you ever had any horror stories with a hairdresser?

BEAUTY BLOG LINK LOVE!

Rae ignites a bit of a lipstick craze with photos and swatches of her (current) favourite drugstore thrill -- Revlon Mauvy Night!

Eyelining rounds up all of the Sleek iDivine palettes, both limited edition!

Neutrals is her middle name! Maggie shares her favorite neutral eyeshadow palettes over at The Polka-Dotted Apple.

Jen from A Beauty Junkie in London has a sneak peak at the new range of make-up from Accessorize.

Phyrra shows you a cool tutorial on how to do a Candy Gothic Lolita Look.

Take a little look at the *NEW* Max Factor MakeUp Brushes! Sophie likes them a lot!

Jellyminx shows you how to create a subtle gold and plum look.

Musicalhouses has swatched the new NARS Pure Matte Lipsticks so you don't even have to check them out in person! Woohoo!

Glitter Geek is going on a self-imposed Chanel ban, and it's all because of this beautiful blush.

The Lip Print puckers up to Etsy and goes a little crazy for Flourish Lip Balms.

Jeweled Thumb takes a walk down memory lane and runs through the best and worst of the ULTA makeup line.

Check out Pink Diva Beauty & support Tammerly while she fundraises for Liptember and pledges to try 30 lip products in 30 days!

The Smashbox Masquerade eye shadow palette for Fall is both both and beautiful. See pictures and swatches and learn how to get the look at Prime Beauty.

Emma discovers her new favourite lipsticks for only £2 a piece at Birds Decorate Branches!

Makeup Zombie is absolutely crazy over her most recent High Voltage Haul!

Hot Beauty Health shares 7 fun and easy braided hairstyles!

Beautywoome.com thinks the term 'real women' has been hijacked!

***

Over at The Glamorous Gleam, Mz. More is celebrating her first Blogiversary with a giveaway. Enter for a chance to win MAC Viva Glam Gaga and Cyndi lipglasses!

IHeartCosmetics is holding a giveaway to win £46 worth of Purity Organic Skincare.

YATTA! I DID IT! TOKYO FISH PEDICURE!

Whilst in Tokyo we did STUPID amounts of walking and my feet definitely took a beating!

By pure chance we stumbled across a Shinjuku spa that offered the infamous "fish pedicure"...I HAD to try it! 

I decided to do a video review...makes a nice change here on Hellcandy no?You can view my first (!) YouTube video here:


THE EXPERIENCE?


It's slightly daunting when you see tons of fish swarming towards you before you've even stuck your feet in the tank. Knowing they are eager to nibble on my feet and tooties suddenly made me feet a bit nervous!

Once I submerged my feet in the tank the initial feeling of having lots of hungry fish feeding off your feet is somewhat freakish, tickly and a tad scary, but after a few minutes I gradually settled myself in for my fishy pedicure.

Check out the photos here:

 I only paid for a 15 minute treatment which cost me £8. In that time the result was really quite amazing. It wasn't enough to rid all the dead skin on my heels but my feet felt so much better for it.

WOULD I RECOMMEND?

Definitely! In fact I will be treating my mum with the pedicure for her birthday next month, booking a pedicure at London's Aqua Sheko. The 45 minute treatment includes a 15 minute foot massage and costs £45. Visit their website here