The Nail Files: Orly Color Care®

If you’ve got dry, flaky nails then look no further.  These two gems have been absolute lifesavers for my brittle nails over the past couple of months and they’re super easy to find, not to mention affordable.
For some reason my fingernails turn to crap over the Christmas season and no, it’s not because I wear more glittery nail polish over that time...
When you get down to it, it’s probably because of a, shall we say, ‘festive diet’?

The first to fix me up is the Orly Color Care® Grow Aid, which is a nail strengthener.  This beauty contains collagen, wheat protein, keratin and bamboo extract, which Orly say is particularly good for rebuilding nails after acrylics.  While I’ve never had acrylics, gels or anything of the likes, I figured this was worth a shot, as my nails were looking pretty damn rough at the time.  It’s recommended to paint this onto your nails every day for one week, remove it, then paint every day for a second week before removing.

So that’s two weeks of treatment, and for me personally I was shocked at how strong my nails were even after the first week.  The ‘aid’ is pink with a pearl to it, so you will be able to tell that you have something on your nails over those weeks, but it is reasonably natural, and only a few people noticed it on mine.  Since finishing up the two-week intensive process, I’ve been using this treatment underneath my normal nail polish.  I figure it will help to protect my nails from any future ‘moments’ they may decide to have.

The second treat that has helped me on my road to recovery is the Orly Color Care® Argan Cuticle Oil.  I love this so much, and actually carry it around with me in my bag!  It comes their usual nail polish bottle, which you paint straight onto the cuticles.  It contains a rich blend of argan oil, jojoba and vitamin e, designed to nourish and hydrate cuticles and nails.  This can be used in conjunction with any nail polish or alongside the Grow Aid, and has really helped me out in my time of need.

I use this daily now, and find it works really well if I put it on before bed so that the ‘juices’ get to really soak in overnight.  But it hangs out in my bag, just in case I feel the need to swipe some on throughout the day because, basically, I’m obsessed.  Both of these nail Gods are readily available at Farmers stores around the country, and are only $14.99NZD each - an absolute bargain!  Quite often Farmers have promotions on the Orly range where you can get free gifts - I got the Orly Color Care® Snap Dry Topcoat for free when I made this purchase!

What are your go-to nail products in your time of need? 

What’s Inside: Mecca Cosmetica Beauty Loop Box

Like most makeup and skincare lovers, I get so excited when I hear the words Gift With Purchase, but when I got an email the other week saying that I had a Beauty Loop Box waiting for me at Mecca Cosmetica, I couldn’t contain myself.

Off I went to pick it up along with a delightful purchase from Hourglass Cosmetics...My very first Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light!  I’m still getting used to using that beauty, so will keep you updated on that one.  Anyway, we’re not here to talk about that, we’re here to see what was inside of this round’s Beauty Loop Level One Box.

It included:
1x Ciaté Mini Paint Pot 5ml: Mine came in Confetti, but after snooping through other people’s Instagram posts, I see that there were a number of shades that went out.  I’m really happy with this one though!  How did they know I love me a bit of sparkle?!

1x Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer 5ml: This I’ve already got in the slightly larger 10ml bottle and it seems to last forever, so it’s cool to have a wee backup ready for when it runs out.  I also noticed that some peeps got the NARS Primer that I would have liked to try, but maybe next time I’m in store I can do that...

1x Verso Super Eye Serum 2ml: Very excited to try this one out, as I’m always on the hunt for a good eye cream.  At the moment I’m trying out a sample of Dr. Dennis Gross’ Ferulic Retinol Eye Cream, so we shall see how that goes.  Both are a similar price - not the cheapest, but if they work, I’m sold.

1x Kate Somerville Kateceuticals Restor8 Serum 2ml: This sounds so good, but after checking it out on Mecca’s site, it’s something that I can’t really justify spending, so I think I’ll just have to savour this sample and wait for a week where I’m looking drab and in need of some serious help.

So, what’s my verdict?

This box contained some real decent sized samples compared to the last round, so already this is a bit of a winner in my eyes!  I’d love to make it up to Level Three to see what you get, but my wallet has other ideas...watch this space.

What’s the best Gift With Purchase, or free goodies you’ve ever received from your favourite beauty counter / store?

Top Products: A Few of my Favourite Things

Woohoo!  It’s the first week in Autumn, and I’m back!  It’s been a couple of months since my last post, so what better way to get back into the swing of things than a post all about some of the top products I’ve been using while I was away.  
Enjoy, and I'll see you again on Friday!

Skincare:

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
I picked up a couple of samples after purchasing the Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream, and I’ve gotta’ say I’m in love!  I’ve been dreaming about it ever since using up the last few drops, so if I’m really good, I may just have to treat myself to the full 30ml size.  It’s definitely not cheap, but for the results, I think it’s worth the $98NZD price tag.  A little goes a long way, and the smell is divine!  Kiehl’s are really great with providing their customers with samples, so I definitely recommend popping into your nearest counter to pick one up.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense® Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 50

A fave of mine for probably the past year, so of course it has been a staple - especially over the summer time here in New Zealand.  I’ve found that this moisturiser really does do a great job of, well, moisturising my facial skin while keeping it protected from UVA and UVB rays.  Prior to this I was forking out over $100NZD for the Dermalogica Ultracalming Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30, but found it wasn’t quite giving me all the moisture I needed.  Healthy Defense® can be picked up at your local Pak n’ Save or Countdown for under $20NZD.

Makeup:
The Body Shop Colour Crush Shine Lipstick
While The Body Shop is very well known for their amazing array of Body Butters, people tend to either forget or have no idea about the makeup!  There are a number of TBS makeup items I put onto my face daily, but one of my everyday favourites is the Colour Crush Shine Lipsticks.  The one I’ve been wearing this summer has been #15 - Fushia Flirt, and it’s just so gorgeous!  The colour is quite shear to begin with, but can be built up to a pretty full colour.  They leave your lips über moisturised, and there’s none of that weird wearing-off thing that often happens with the more matte colours.

The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara
My eyes are sensitive wee things, and I find that mascara can really be a tough one to get right.  If it’s too chemical packed, I end up with painful watery eyes for the day, followed by really dry eyes the next.  Ouch!  If this sounds like something you go through every time you reach for the wand, I’d definitely suggest trying out TBS mascara range.  I’ve been using the Super Volume mascara for over a year now without any issues AND have also noticed that my lashes have become longer over that time.  I think this is down to some of the hydrating and conditioning ingredients in it, which is pretty awesome.

Hair care:

LUSH Big Shampoo
I’ve written about this beauty in the past, but thought it needed another mention seeing as it has been in use for the longest time...
My hair is fine and thin, so it seriously needs all the help it can get – especially in the summer time when grease is added in the mix.  BIG manages to sort it out in a flash leaving my hair fresh, clean and volumised as much as it can be from a shampoo.  I’ve had my eye on a few other ones of late – just to try out, but haven’t made the leap yet.  I’m keen to try out Joico Body Luxe and either Bumble & Bumble Surf Foam Wash or the Bumble & Bumble Thickening range.
Will keep you updated!

Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Conditioner
Another beauty I’ve written about in the past...I guess it takes a while to get through hair care products, right?  But - this one has definitely been a winner since purchasing it as it keeps my hair soft, shiny and also brings out the natural highlights, which I love.  It has no nasty chemicals in it, which is a bonus, and I find it keeps my hair in good condition between cuts.  I’ve recently had my hair cut just below the shoulders, and have found that this conditioner is a little too moisturising for my locks though, so may have to move on to something a bit lighter for everyday use, and keep the dregs of this conditioner for days off!  Maybe it’s time to try out this sweet little pack from Bumble & Bumble...I'm telling you, I can sell myself anything...

Nails:

The Body Shop Sweet Almond Oil Nail Varnish Remover
Why put all that effort into getting nice strong nails only to ruin them with a harsh nail polish remover?  This remover is one of the best that I’ve put on my nails...It’s so conditioning and leaves your nails nicely nourished with Sweet Almond Oil.  An added bonus is that it smells delightful once you’ve removed all of the polish.  There are tester bottles set up in store, so I would definitely recommend checking this one out so you can see just how good it actually is...
Your nails will thank you for this one.

I’ve got another absolute love for nail care, but I am going to write a post dedicated to these babies because they so deserve it...
That one will come in a couple of weeks time, so if you’ve got dry, crappy nails that are in need of some serious love, be sure to pop back to see what worked wonders for me!

I was going to get into body treats, but realised (like the hair care) that the things I’ve been using haven’t changed...

Must be good, huh?  If there are any products listed that you'd like me to write a full review on, comment below!  
What have your go-to top products been over the past few months?

My #1 Product of 2014: The Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum

Wowzers this year has gone by fast - especially the past couple of weeks!!!  I was thinking about doing a 2014 favourites post, but decided instead I’d just focus on the one product that I’ve had on repeat (purchase) for more than a year now.
I’m pretty sure that it will be no surprise to you guys that I’m a fan of The Body Shop’s body products, but what you may not know is that I’m quite fond of their skincare too!

I’ve tried out most of their skincare ranges over the years, and for the past three I’ve always gone back to the Aloe Vera range.  In particular - the Aloe Protective Serum.  This beauty may not look and smell the most exciting, but it has got me through many difficult times - think anywhere from breakouts to flaky, dry and dehydrated skin. 

Anyone who has had flaky skin over the wintertime will probably know just how hard it is to get rid of, but I’m telling you, this serum helps big time!  It’s the same when it comes to healing any spots...it takes the redness and inflammation right down, so healing time is cut short.  That means less chance of scarring, which is a biggie for me...

So what does The Body Shop have to say about this wonderful product?

Taken straight from The Body Shop NZ:
A fast-drying lightweight pre-moisturiser treatment, which sinks into the skin to form a blanket of soothing protection, reinforcing the skin’s natural defence system and helping to protect against irritants.  Soothes the discomfort associated with sensitive skin and leaves the skin feeling soft, silky and completely cushioned.

Provides extra hydration
Fragrance, colour and alcohol-free
No added preservatives

As ViviannaDoesMakeup would say, I reckon this product does what it says on the tin.  I use this morning and night, and have noticed a huge change in the condition of my skin.  It is less blotchy in the mornings, and feels protected during the day.  I have no flaky patches when I’m using it, but sadly they come back when I stop...so...I am definitely hooked, and will always repurchase it!

A 30ml pump bottle lasts me about 1 and ½ to 2 months, which is pretty good for the price, until you start adding up how much that costs over a year: $220.50 for six...and that’s only a small part of my (rather obsessive) skincare regime! But the results are amazing, and I know this has really helped my skin big time over the past three years that I’ve been using it.

If you have sensitive skin, I would definitely add this lovely to your regime, but I do think this works wonders on all skin types. 
Especially if you need a little extra hydration, or help with healing pimples or scarring.  Just a word of warning though, it’s pretty much like a pot of Pringles - once you (start) you can’t stop!

Full Ingredients:
Aloe barbadensis, Aqua, Pentylene Glycol, Glycine soja, Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lanolin, Polysilicone-11, Sodium Hydroxide, Bisabolol, Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Avena sativa.

What has been your #1 Product to get you through the year?

Latest ♡: Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Conditioner

Lately I’ve noticed that the ends of my hair have been needing a little extra love, so I got a decent cut, and switched up my conditioner.  So far I’ve not been able to stray away from LUSH’s Big Shampoo, but I like to change my conditioners each time they run out to keep things a little more exciting in the hair-washing department...that was until I found Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Conditioner...

This baby is just what the doctor ordered, providing my fine / thin hair with just the right amount of moisture without weighing it down.  You really don’t need a lot - think about a 20-cent piece for the mid-lengths to ends, and it makes a difference that I notice from the moment I rinse it out.  Instead of being left with ends that feel like they’re going to break when I squeeze the excess water out, I find that overall it feels more elastic and manageable.

The shine is also incredibly beautiful, and I’ve noticed that the sun brings out the gloss and my natural highlights beautifully.  Since switching to this conditioner, I’ve had a lot more comments on the look of my hair, and have also been enjoying a good hair day almost every day!  I would definitely recommend trying this out, and at a very affordable price at Farmers of $11.99 NZD for a whopping 355ml, why the hell not?!

A few extra information snippets taken straight from Hask’s website:

Free of: Sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol, and artificial colors Give damaged, over-processed hair a miracle makeover with Hask® Keratin Protein Smoothing Conditioner. Infused with Hydrolyzed Keratin to reduce frizz and block humidity, this conditioner gently smoothes and detangles leaving even the most unruly hair soft and revitalized with incredible shine. Ideal for frizzy, dry or color-treated hair, this conditioner’s delicious scent will also invigorate your senses.

Have you tried Hask haircare before, and if so, what are your favourites?

Summer Lovin’: Body Scrubbin'

Recently I’ve been getting way more into body care, and while I’ve enjoyed using Body Butters for the past couple of years, I’ve found that throwing in a scrub each week is heaven!  I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to get so much more into it, but I’m really glad I have, and am pretty sure there’s no going back!  The feeling of ultra smooth skin is bliss - especially in the summer time with so much more skin on show.  But I already knew that, I was just being lazy...

Over the past year, I’ve worked my way through a couple of The Body Shop’s Chocomania Body Scrubs, which to my horror was discontinued at the beginning of 2014.  I’m pretty glad to have saved a couple more back ups, because so far, it’s my absolute favourite scrub - especially when I follow up with a leg shaving session.  Similar to this is the Mango Body Scrub, which I’ve added to the collection so that I can make Chocomania last a bit longer.

Both of these scrubs leave a beautiful oil behind, which is moisturising and smoothing on the skin.  It also gives you a really close shave, and means that the razor can just glide over without the worry of nicking yourself...phew.  If this sounds like a bit of you, but you’re not one for the stronger fragrances, they also have a similar texture scrub in Shea - a nut that doesn’t have too much of a smell to it, but just enough to know that you’re treating yourself.

I’ve also been using LUSH’s Buffy Body Butter, which is suuuch a delight!  This solid bar is designed to be used in the shower to give you a scrub, and moisture at the same time.  This is perfect for the days where you might not have as much time to do the whole routine, and I can imagine will become a must have for me come winter.  The fragrance is quite light and I can smell a bit of lavender oil in there, which I personally love...perfect for evening showerers like myself!

It’s also nice to see that there are mainly natural ingredients in LUSH’s solid bar, because sometimes it can all just be a bit too much.  Compared with The Body Shop scrubs, there are definitely a lot less ingredients in general, which makes this one a little more appealing to me on the whole.  While we’re on the subject of ingredients, I’ll just add that The Body Shop now has an NZ website which you can find all of the product details, including the ingredients listings - woohoo!

If you’re keen to check out these delicious products for yourselves, here’s a couple of links for your Friday afternoon:
The Body Shop’s Mango Sugar Body Scrub
The Body Shop’s Shea Sugar Body Scrub
LUSH’s Buffy Body Butter

Others that I’m quite interested in trying out in the future are:
The Body Shop’s Spa Wisdom Africa Ximenia & Salt Scrub
The Body Shop’s Honeymania Body Scrub

What are your favourite body scrubs?

I’d love to add some more to my list that I’d like to try out!
And they don't have to be from The Body Shop or LUSH, by the way...just turns out that those are the stores that I usually shop at for my body care treats!

❄ #VLOGMAS Is Here!!! ❄

You have no idea how long it feels like I’ve been waiting for #VLOGMAS to arrive, and now that it’s here, I thought why not share my favourite Youtuber channels with you!

I’d have to say my number one leading lady has been, and always will be Miss Essiebutton.  That girl is such a delight, and I love checking in on her channel (on a daily basis coz’ I’m a stalker), to see if there are any new uploads!

Other ladies who I really love to watch, and do on a regular basis are:
ViviannaDoesMakeup
Lily Pebbles
The Sammi Maria Show
Amelia Liana
The Grid Monster
I Covet Thee

And while I was writing this list up, and getting my links together, I noticed that the lovely Ingrid – The Grid Monster has a new vlog up, so that’s where I’m headed!

Happy #VLOGMAS! x