WIN a GHD Gloss IV Styler

Posted by Lipglossiping On July - 9 - 2012

Happy Monday morning to you!

Well, when I say “happy”… I’ve actually got my sympathetic face on.  You see, when I wake up in the morning, I’m blessed with more time to get ready than most – thems the benefits of working from home.  It’s not as luxurious as it sounds, half the time it just means that I end the day looking the same as I did when I rolled out of bed that morning.

None of you glamourous lot would ever dream of being so slattern would you?

Oh, you would?

Well in that case, keep reading because I have an early-morning hair saviour up for grabs that might just encourage you to change your ways.

The ghd Gloss IV Styler not only promises your hair the glossy finish it’s been craving but creates its own style tribe with a high-shine, patent finish in addition to all the usual features you’d expect from the best-selling brand.

When you’re as bleary-eyed as a panda, you’ll be grateful for the long, swivel cord that won’t leave you contorting your upper torso into impossible angles and the safety-conscious sleep mode will ensure that the only burnt aromas you’ll return home to are from the remains of your morning toast.

Wanna win a pair?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

T&C
1. Entry open to UK residents only.
2. One winner will be picked at random from ALL entrants and this winner will receive a limited edition ghd Gloss IV Styler.
3. Email details are only required to enter the competition, no details will be kept once this competition is closed and personal information will only be used to contact the winner.
4. Competition closes on 16th July 2012.
5. Winner will be notified within 5 days of the competition’s closing date.
6. Lipglossiping.com is the sole promoter of this competition.


Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream SPF30

Posted by Lipglossiping On June - 25 - 2012

I first came acros the Ginvera brand about 5 years ago after they’d released their Marvel Gel onto the UK scene and were exhibiting at The Vitality Show, I remember being so thoroughly intrigued by the idea of Asian beauty products, and I supposed it contributed to the interest that led me (a couple of years later) to discovering beauty blogs such as A Touch of Blusher and Cosmetic Candy.

Following on from their blackhead-busting Marvel Gel is this, the Singaporean brand’s BB Cream.  It comes in a single shade, designed to suit all skintones <insert raised eyebrow here. and leave it there>.  It promises a fine-textured finish with SPF30 PA++ sun protection, good concealing strength and all day hydration from ingredients including: green tea, ginseng, chinese angelica and hyaluronic acid.

It’s priced at around £20 for 25ml, making it ml for ml, one of the more expensive BB Creams that I’ve tried to date.  The packaging is simple and unfussy, it doesn’t present more luxury than the other BB Creams that I’ve owned in the past.  Whilst I’m on the subject of the packaging, mine does that horribly frustrating thing of continuing to dispense product long after you’ve stopped squeezing, I need to hurry to pop the lid back on to avoid wastage which isn’t always easy when you’ve got a blob of newly-squeezed BB Cream on your fingertips/back of hand.

Packaging issue aside, the texture is really quite sublime.  True to its word, it feels lightweight and finely-textured.  Many Asian BB Creams are quite thick and take considerable rubbing-in to even out the finish, this one glides on and blends effortlessly.

The shade is about 1 shade darker than my summer skintone, I’d say that it’s a NW20/25 as a rough estimate… this is obviously NOT suitable for all skintones, if you’re darker than an NW30, you’ll struggle.  I’m currently inbetween an NW15/20 and you’ll be able to see a little later how well it fared once blended on my pale skin.  As for the tone, it has the signature grey-ish cast that I personally love in a BB Cream for disguising my redness but I felt that although this faded somewhat after warming up on my skin, those with warmer skintones probably won’t appreciate the ashiness.

As an all-in-one solution, it didn’t fully work for me.  I still needed to prime my skin with additional moisturiser to keep any dry bits feeling comfortable, though it certainly didn’t contribute to any additional dryness.  I also felt that the Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream lasted well on the more oily areas of my skin with minimal migration and good longevity.  Coverage was also impressive, though any spots would still need additional concealing.

Overall, I was happy with how it performed but for the (slightly higher than average) price tag, I’d prefer additional refinement and for it to be more compatible with my personal skin needs.  If you’re a normal/combination, mid-toned girl who wants something with medium coverage and no-fuss application, I highly recommend that you check it out.  The broad spectrum SPF30 may well make this a fabulous choice for your Summer holidays this year.

The Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream is available to purchase online from Janiro.co.uk and instore at Harvey Nichols, priced at £20.00

* press sample

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire eau de parfum

Posted by Lipglossiping On June - 8 - 2012

Life is full of essentials, and fashion’s most faithful of all ensembles is the inimitable little black dress.  Lauded as the holy grail wardrobe-dweller, the perfect LBD should be à la mode whilst appearing simultaneously timeless – a classic to accompany every occasion.  Ultimately, it should bestow the wearer with the confidence of a thousand catwalk models whilst proffering simplicity – the very essence of elegance.

Guerlain’s newest fragrance creation: La Petite Robe Noire*, is a nod to the ideals behind finding that ultimate pièce de résistance.  The concept of finding the fragrance equivalent of fashion’s most essential item isn’t all that unusual when you consider how fragrance is used to both bolster and uplift the spirit, polish one’s appearance, and suitably reflect our sensibilities.  Just like fashion, it can leave a lasting impression – so how does La Petite Robe Noire leave me feeling?

The bottle is indeed both simultaneously timeless and “of the now”, reminiscent of the Guerlain greats reflected in its silhouette – the bottle is a replica of those that house both Mitsouko and L’Heure Bleue.  The pretty illustration of the artists’ (Kuntzel+Deygas) interpretation of the perfect LBD (and let’s face it, it’s not far off!) grounds the flirtiness and sets the scene for what awaits inside.

A succulent cherry and frangipane tart immediately springs to mind, whetting the taste buds nicely with the almond notes arriving as a little surprise, flanking the reasonably well-anticipated fruitiness.  These give way to a classic heart of florals taking shape in the most feminine of forms, rose.  Bulgarian rose essence and candied Turkish rose absolute to be exact.  These middle notes reject the initial fruitiness, clinging instead to the almond and giving the perfume an edible but-not-quite gourmand appeal.  It feels strangely as though the notes (written down) should be offering something headier than my nose is experiencing and although this is absolutely a scent for evenings, it’s certainly not too boudoir.  The close is a little disappointing to me – touted to deliver shadowy temptations of liquorice and smoky black tea, I sense more of the classic Guerlinade accord of tonka bean and vanilla, and beautiful though it is – I’m longing for more of those promised shadowy temptations!

La Petite Robe Noire displays all the hallmarks of a best-selling fragrance.  It’s beautifully crafted, with a carefully-defined story to be found within.  From the moment you slip playfully into the attire, to the moment that the LBD is slipped from your shoulders and onto the bedroom floor, you are led through an evening of flirtation and romance, culminating in the classic Guerlain finale.

Don’t be fooled by the illustrations, which in my opinion, make this seem like a choice for a younger generation – there’s is plenty in here to appeal to all ages.  I recommend seeking this one out for a sniff when it sees a nationwide release from the 24th July.

La Petite Robe Noire EdP is available now at Selfridges, priced from £42.00

* press sample

Glitter Gal Light As A Feather NOTD

Posted by Lipglossiping On April - 23 - 2012

When I heard that Glitter Gal polishes had made it across to the UK last month, I immediately skipped over to the UK stockist and placed an order for the two polishes that I’d been wanting for a while.  I first tried a Glitter Gal polish a couple of years back, and very pretty it was too – since then, the line has expanded greatly and my heart was going pitter-patter for their holographic RED… but more on that one another time (i.e. when I’ve done the photos).

Light As A Feather is a subdued holo which compliments the soft, ethereal shade beautifully.  It looks plumpity and squishy on the nails with a little visible nail line peeping through despite three coats.  I think it actually suits the calm demeanor of this shade to be a little sheerer.  Sure, it’s not a wham-bam in your face holo but it feels like a demure, more grown up version of the trend – ideal for those of us looking for a work-appropriate bit of sparkle.

Once the light hits it (please excuse my dry hands and nails), the holographic particles spring forth and dance a little jig on your fingertips.  They’re linear in placement and sparkle rather than dazzle with their prettiness.  Jenni has a great swatch of it here.

Glitter Gal Light As A Feather is priced at £8.75 and available to buy online in the UK at Sjmwell Nail’s & Beauty

FOTD: Look, A green-eyed… mons…

Posted by Lipglossiping On April - 19 - 2012

Well, not entirely monstrous, but green is not a colour that I can pull off with much success.  Mr. L, who never comments on my makeup (other than to tell me I look lovely when I drop enough hints that he ought to be saying something), readily agrees that green is not a colour I should allow into my makeup-playing repertoire too often.  About halfway through the day I asked him, “Have you noticed that I’m wearing green on my eyes today?”.

“Yes. *pause* It doesn’t look too bad does it?”

And that ladies, clearly means that it looks amazing.  Or not.  I’ll go with the former.

Do you ever get the feeling that you’re getting a bit old to wear bright colours on your eyes?  I do.  I mean, when I was 27…. I thought I was getting too old, but now that I’m 30 and I’m looking at the photo thinking, “I think it doesn’t look too weird” but, I surround myself (online) with beautiful women who love to have fun and enjoy a passion for makeup.  What must women who don’t share our creativity when it comes to slap think?

Of course, one totally shouldn’t care what other women think and I’m neither fishing nor asking for validation here, it’s just that being on the cusp of the wrong side of 30 makes me hesitate.  Nothing more and nothing less, I guess it comes down to the fact that you can’t really pull off the “cute” thing once you reach your thirties, and so there’s no room for error in the same way as when you were younger.

“Should know better”.  I’d like that on my headstone… along with “One Day”, a long-held shot at faith.

I usually only have time in the morning for the basics when it comes to makeup but Mr. L has been super-generous with his time in the run-up to releasing his next game, so you can expect a few more FOTDs than normal simply because it feels lovely to walk out of the house in a proper made-up face once a week you know?  The type where you’ve played and pontificated over choosing what to apply rather than reached for the quickest, most fool-proof things you own.

Anyway, I’m really rambling.  I’ll do a quick product breakdown.

Face

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation in Ivory
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage SC-1
Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder in 00

Eyes

GOSH Velvet Touch Eyeliner in Green Grass on the upper lashline
Purple Eyeshadow from the Smashbox Muse Artist Eye Palette on lower lashline
Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara*
Illamasqua Eye Brow Cake in Gaze

Lips

Bourjois Sweet Kiss Natural in 09 Sienne Kiss*

What’s your colour nemesis?  Do you hesitate when it comes to colour?

* press sample

A new blog to follow and a LFW montage from ghd!

Posted by Lipglossiping On March - 14 - 2012

I don’t talk enough about hair on here, mostly because I’m pretty rubbish at taming my locks.  Not only rubbish but also a little bit intimidated by hair looks, styles, accessories… the whole kit and kaboodle.  Anyone else feel like this?

Anyway, I wanted to share with you my new favourite blog; Hair Romance, because if anyone can inspire me to reach for my kirby grips, Sydneysider Christina can.

And on another hair-related note, I thought you might be interested in seeing some of the hair-madness that goes on backstage during London Fashion Week.  I already experienced first-hand just how crazy it gets behind the scenes… but throw in a bunch of styling tools and I bet it gets even hotter in the hair corner!

You can see some more Fashion Week videos from ghd including some great how-tos from their creative director Kenna on the ghd youtube channel.

Did you have a bad hair day today?

Video Review: Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One B.B. Cream

Posted by Lipglossiping On October - 18 - 2011

Please forgive the weary expression, it’s late at night – I wanted to film this during the day but I just don’t get 10 minutes to myself at the moment.  I thought it might be fun to record my thoughts on the new (ish) Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One B.B. Cream…

Click play to see what I thought of it.

Ingredient List

Aqua/Water, Isononyl Isononanoate, Isohexadecane, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sequistearate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methyl Glucose Sequistearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Nylon-12, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Stearyl Alcohol, Argilla/Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum/Fragrance, Caprylyl Glycol, Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Caffeine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Geraniol, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Polyphosphorylcholine Glycol Acrylate, Citral, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide / Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, [+/- May Contain CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI77499 / Iron Oxides]

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Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One B.B. Cream is priced at £9.99 for 50ml and available to buy online and instore at Boots in shades Light or Medium.

Guerlain Météorites Perles in 01 Teint Rosé

Posted by Lipglossiping On August - 5 - 2011

I was sure I’d already blogged about my Guerlain Météorites Perles?  I mean, there aren’t many items I use so frequently but this is one of the ones I reach for almost every morning.

And for one, it’s a pure joy just to reach for… look…

I bought the shade 01 Teint Rosé back in March when I had a coupon code for StrawberryNet.  I’d been lusting after them forever but money-off was the final push I needed to take the plunge!

The metal tin houses 100s? (I’m not counting them) of little powder balls in a variety of lilac, green, pink, yellow and white shades that promise to colour-correct and impart a healthy glow.  It also smells like a giant parma violet.

I use this in conjunction with my Trish McEvoy powder brush #5 to swirl before lightly buffing over my face.  My personal preference is to use this when I’ve finished applying my makeup… it gives a very light covering so I consider it my ‘finishing’ powder.  To my eye, it adds luminosity and a slight soft-focus finish.  You might be interested to hear that the other product I use (when I’m not using this) is ELF’s HD Powder.  Eclectic.

Guerlain Météorites occasionally comes under accusations of being a bit “Emperors New Clothes” but all I can say about it is that it’s one of my very few Holy Grail items and will last me for (literally) many years, making its hefty price tag seem a little more justifiable.

Do you use Guerlain Météorites?  Love it?  Think it’s massively over-rated?

Product Love: 25th July 2011

Posted by Lipglossiping On July - 25 - 2011

I’m not letting the end of the month sneak up on me again like usual.  Infact, I’m gonna do my “product love” post right now in a rebellious “up yours” to the Gregorian calendar.  Screw you end of month!

 

Veet Hair Minimising Body Moisturiser*(£4.99) – The difference in hair growth since I’ve been using this has been minimal BUT I’ve just repurchased a bottle regardless because it smells amazing and has become my go-to body moisturiser this month.  Light, easily absorbed and keeps my skin soft and supple during the warmer weather.  If it is slowing down my hair re-growth, good… but I’m not completely convinced on this (though do keep in mind that I has weird hair issues!)

Goody Tortoiseshell Slide Combs (under £2 a pack) – I get annoyed with Goody because they seem to discontinue my favourite hair accessories at such a rate of knots that it sometimes feels like a conspiracy *looks around*.  I’m not sure if these have been discontinued but I haven’t been able to find a backup pack when I looked this month.  These side combs are brilliant because they grip my fine hair like no other.  Brilliantly well made and discreet enough to make it look like you’re creating awesome hair styles with the help of magic pixies.

Kings & Queens Sultan of Grenada Lemon Flower Roll-On Deodorant (£3.50) – My best friend at Uni came from Grenada so this always reminds me of her.  I’m not sure she’d be keen to know that our friendship lives on in my bottle of roll-on mind you.  Without compromising on efficacy, this is simply a lovely (and slightly different) choice for deodorant scenting.  If you haven’t tried Kings & Queens yet, you should.  Keep your eyes peeled in T.K. Maxx too because I’ve seen some mini sets in there recently.

ASDA Little Angels Liquid Talc (£1.47) – If you’re well-endowed in the chest department, you may be familliar with the overuse of talc on particularly warm days.  This liquid talc is Leila’s but I stole it this month and plan to steal it again.  Talcum powder that applies like a lotion?  Clever!  No more mess, no risk of talc on dark clothing but with the same effectiveness as the powder alternative.  For less than £1.50… gerroff Leila, it’s Mummy’s now.

Neals Yard Power Berry Daily Moisture (£22.50) – This was in a try-me kit that I bought a couple of months ago and I’ve been using it on and off since then.  Whenever my skin feels like it’s ‘playing up’ I return to this… it’s like the nurturing, inoffensive aunty of the skincare world that safeguards your delicate state until you feel ready to take on the big boys again.  Make sense?  Well… it did in my head.  It also has anti-inflammatory properties, something I lurve to find in my skincare.  Big thumbs up!

Bare Minerals Purifying Facial Cleanser* (£15.00) – This has been a staple on my bathroom sink since I was given it a few months ago (and it’s still got a 1/4 left!) – I use this after oil cleansing as my second cleanser and it cleanses away any residues and leftover grime without leaving my face feeling stripped.  To be fair, that’s all it does… but it does it just as well as Cetaphil but with less product.  Basically, it’s my Cetaphil replacement.  I take issue at the product’s claims to remove eye makeup (it doesn’t) but I’m going to forgive it just because everything else is spot on.  Definite repurchase when it eventually runs out.

Trevor Sorbie Beautiful Curl Beach Hair (£5.10) – Currently a massive bargain at Boots because of a 2for£6 offer across the range, this salt spray gives my natural waves some good definition without the crunch you’d get from mousse!  I spray this on to almost dry hair and comb through with my fingers.  If I’m near the hairdryer, I give it a blast to finish.  It’s a quick fix for lazy hair days!  Also very excited that Trevor Sorbie have brought their original curl cream back recently, it was discontinued for a while, hoorah for consumer pressure!

Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Girl EDC (£9.00) – Still only £9.00 makes for an incredible bargain Summer fragrance.  I won’t go on about it because you can read my review here but more than one of you have fallen under its spell at ASDA’s bargain price since I mentioned it last.  I’ve been reaching for this one more than any other this month.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant* (£27.99) – This has become my morning cleanser/exfoliator in one… non-stripping and effective at ridding my complexion of dead skin it’s hugely convenient when I’m time-pressed.  I love the exfoliating action which makes use of Papain and Salicylic Acid to help dissolve excess surface cells in a more gentle way.  Who doesn’t like results-driven skincare?  Mr. L has also discovered its delights, something I’m not so keen on, it won’t be cheap to replace!

Floris London Florissa EDT (£22.50) – Another one that’s already been mentioned recently but deserves another shout out as my 2nd favourite fragrance of the month.  I’m particularly appreciating the complexity in this one which is (to me) a real outdoorsy, traditional scent and one that I’ve been complimented on more than once this month!

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Phew!  That’s quite a few products… what have you been loving this month?

* press sample

The Cutting Room Floor #2

Posted by Lipglossiping On July - 20 - 2011

It’s true, we don’t have much need (where did I put my umbrella?) for protecting our locks against sun damage on these drizzly shores at the moment but if you’re planning a Summer holiday to warmer climes don’t forget to pack more protection than just your SPF30!

Our hair can suffer the effects of the sun just as much as our skin and if you’re constantly dipping in and out of the sea or chlorinated pools whilst on your hols, your barnet will return home drier than a sun-dried twiglet.

Welcome to the second installment of The Cutting Room Floor, the segment devoted to Summer hair bits and bobs that have caught my eye over recent weeks!

1.  Aveda Sun Care 2011 (from £14.00)

Aveda Sun Care 2011 lineup comprises of a three-step defence and recovery system:

Aveda Cun Care Protective Hair Veil (£17.50):  A lightweight, water-resistant UV defense mist that forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours, to minimise colour fading, damage and dryness.

After Sun Hair & Body Cleanser (£14.00):  Aveda Sun Care Hair & Body Cleanser features a colour-safe formula with corn-derived chelator that gently removes chlorine, salt and product residue.

Aveda Sun Care After-Sun Hair Treatment Masque (£16.50):  An intensive cream masque that replenishes hair’s protein balance, moisturises and defends against free radicals and the damaging effects of sunlight.

2.  Dr. Hauschka Neem Hair Oil (£22.95) *

Described as a ‘hero product’ for the Dr. Hauschka line, the Neem Hair Oil contains a rich, replenishing formula that promises to soften and restore hair that has been damaged by treatments, hair tools and the strains of holiday living!

It also lays claim to being able calm itchy, flaky conditions, encourage hair growth and even normalise sebaceous activity on hair that is prone to greasiness!  Best used as a weekly pre-shampoo treatment on most hair types but also recommended as a styling product for those with extra-dry, frazzled locks.  I have a sample here that I’m ITCHING (no pun intended) to put to good use… watch this space!

3.  Vidal Sassoon Contemporary Collection (from £17.99)

From August, Vidal Sassoon is getting a new look.  Clearly fed up with us lot buying up the high street stores in an attempt to reinvent our Summer wardrobe, the iconic hair brand is upping their game to join us!

The purple accents and redesigned packaging give a nod to the hairdresser’s love of geometric lines and asymmetric styling.  The new budget-friendly range in its eye-catching new packaging will be on shelf from August.

4.  Gielly Green Summer GWP offer (£19.50)

If you’re more concerned about the weight of your luggage than anything else this Summer (well not *anything* else, need a life much?), you might be interested in the current offer available at Gielly Green.

My love for their Argan Oil is well documented on here and until the end of August, when you purchase a bottle, you’ll receive complimentary travel-sized Lemon & Muguet Body Wash and Lotions with every order.  Perfect for sticking two fingers up at RyanAir’s baggage restrictions and indulging in a bit of pampering at the same time!

5.  Sachajuan SPF Range (from £18.00) *

Sweden’s hottest hair stylists have hit the UK with a new range expected to delight the socks off beach lovers everywhere.  The SPF line up includes three products designed to offer maximum protection against environmental damage without adding additional weight or build-up to fine hair.

A shampoo, conditioner and UV-busting mousse ensures that your style is protected with long-lasting effects without skimping on nourishment thanks to its very own Ocean Silk Technology formula containing valuable proteins and minerals derived from sea algae.

Sachajuan is available instore at Liberty and online at MichaelJohn Boutique

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Do you have any practical Summer hair tips for holidays?

* press sample

Gina Conway Aveda Salon in Chelsea

Posted by Lipglossiping On June - 16 - 2011

A few weeks ago, I braved thunder, lightning and a healthy dose of hail to head down the Kings Road and snap some pictures of the new Gina Conway Aveda Salon in Chelsea.  By the time I arrived (sans umbrella), I closely resembled something that had been pulled out of a plughole.

To the team’s credit and my utmost appreciation, they sat me down and gave me an impromptu blow-dry to warm me up before I slunk away hiding behind my camera pretending to be a serious photographer.

Gina Conway Salons work in partnership with Aveda and currently operate out of four locations (Notting Hill, Wimbledon and Fulham) with Chelsea’s opening heralding the newest addition to the group.

Her Salons and Spas are unique in their focus on Eco-Awareness, even employing a dedicated “Eco-Angel” whose job it is to ensure that all salons are consistently upholding their promises to resource conservation, recycling and water management in their day to day activities!

The Salons and Spas offer a complete range of holistic hair and beauty services including specialist colour work, hair design, makeup and ayurvedic treatments with prices starting from a reasonable £36 for an Indian Head Massage.

The ground level is dedicated to the Salon side of things with the Beauty and Spa treatments taking place on the lower level, well away from the hustle and bustle of the hair-dryers and chatter of a busy salon.  Downstairs is tranquil and softly lit, a real haven of peace to offset the buzz of the Kings Road just outside the front door.

It was lovely to have the chance to talk to Gina herself about her empire, though the conversation rapidly turned to toddlers and babies – Gina has two more than me, and quite frankly, I don’t know how she manages to leave the house every morning let alone run four successful businesses across London!

Visit www.ginaconway.co.uk for more information on the Gina Conway Aveda Salon and Spas, book your next appointment or learn more about the group’s eco-commitments and links with Aveda.

Tantalizing tresses courtesy of Gielly Green

Posted by Lipglossiping On June - 12 - 2011

Whilst in London last week, I trotted along to Gielly Green, a boutique hair and beauty salon located just off Baker Street hopeful that Shai Greenburg, co-founder and creative director would be the man to inject some life into my tired hair.

I’m finally past that awful ‘growing out’ stage and to get it there, I’d been dodging regular haircuts left, right and centre since Christmas.  I know you’re not supposed to but we all know how tempting it is to eschew the snip in favour of growing length more quickly!

It also doesn’t help that in general, I’m not the biggest fan of going to hair salons.  I’m not massively precious about my locks but I detest (in order of distaste):

1. Salon small-talk (going anywhere nice this Summer?)

2. Being made to feel like a reprobate for colouring my hair at home.

3. Having to coax recommendations out of nervous stylists about what they think I should do re: styling.  I’m paying them for their expertise right?  If a full fringe will make me look like a git, I want them to tell me!

Better tell you about Gielly Green then…

The salon is a chilled-out space with brown and cream accents, seating you could drift off in and one of the most comfortable hair-washing experiences (electric chairs sweetie!) I’ve ever had.

Prior to washing, Shai asked me to take my hair down from the bun I’d scraped it in and I momentarily panicked that he would admonish me for failing to remember to brush my hair that morning.  Passing no judgement (at least none that I could see), Shai felt my hair’s texture before recommending which products should be used for the wash.  It was a good example of the personalisation I felt was key to the salon experience.

Once seated at the workstation, I explained to Shai that I didn’t want to lose too much length because I like to wear my hair up but that my two main objectives were to restore health and incorporate some ‘kind’ of style without going too heavy on the layers.

Then came the dreaded moment as he lifted my slightly pathetic 4-stranded side fringe between his fingers.  I braced myself for the question that I still didn’t have the answer to…

“This fringe, it’s not really doing anything…” he said before continuing…

“Shall we make it a little thicker, more substantial?  I don’t want to go too thick, your hair is quite fine… but a little more depth would suit your face shape.”

“err yes, ok” I nodded.  OMG, that was easy – he *actually* considered what would suit both my hair AND face shape.  I heard birds singing and harps playing in the distance.

It made me bold… I pushed him a little on the thick fringe question.  Here stood a man, a professional who had just proven he had the cajones to TELL me, the customer what he would recommend.  I couldn’t resist…

“I do like the look of a heavy, straight fringe though…”

He smiled a little wryly but not unkindly, like he knew I was being mischievous and gently motioned how far back he felt he’d have to cut the hair for the thickness of fringe I desired, explaining that I would lose a lot of volume in the process but was happy to do so if I wanted.  I quickly dispelled the thick fringe idea and settled back into the chair like a good girl, finally confident that I had a considered answer to a question that had plagued me for months.

Shai is quick, his scissors moved over my hair in a blur… he doesn’t talk much, if at all when he’s working.  It was momentarily awkward as I wondered whether I should initiate a conversation before giving in to the silence and simply enjoying watching him work.

30 minutes later and we were done, I had beautifully feminine, soft, flippy hair that looked healthy and shiny!

The layers are perfect, I can still scrape my hair back into a ponytail without the need for hairgrips.  The ends feel lighter, less weighty and my fringe… although still not that Zooey Deschanel dream, is definitely serving more purpose than its first non-commital attempt with my last stylist.  A good, uplifting experience… and best of all, he didn’t mention my dodgy home-colouring once!

Prices start from £45 for a cut and finish with a junior stylist.  You can visit the Gielly Green website for more information, services and even book your appointment online.

* I was invited for a complimentary cut and finish as a guest of the salon

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