A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

So, I finally got that fringe cut in just before Christmas and I’m not bored of it yet.  Honestly, I thought it would last around 10 days before I started pinning it out of the way but I’m pretty lucky that it doesn’t take too much styling in the morning.  I was talking to a lady who had to straighten hers every morning, is that normal?  Thankfully, mine behaves with a blast from the hairdryer.  So with my renewed interest in all things hair, I present this month’s Cutting Room Floor, filled with bits and bobs that have interested me from the hair world.

1. Charles Worthington Big Bounce Spray *(£5.10) – From the Limited Edition BAFTA and Anniversary Collection, Big Bounce Spray is a lightweight volumiser that works well on my fine hair.  I’m pretty low maintenance and have been spraying this on damp roots before blow drying for a little lift where I need it most (does it work on boobs?).  The BAFTA and Anniversary Collection launches instore on the 22nd January.

2. Louise Galvin Colour Removal System available at Daniel Galvin (£150) – Containing no ammonia or peroxide, the Louise Galvin Colour Removal System promises to be the gentlest method of restoring your natural hair colour after your latest disaster dye-job.  After years of over-processing my locks with permanent colours, I’m left with the tell-tale ‘ends darker than roots’ syndrome.  Overdyers anonymous anyone?  Available exclusively at Daniel Galvin’s Marylebone salon.

3. The Brocato Swell Volume Collection (£34.95) – If you’re looking for a one-stop solution to flat hair, this collection of va-va-vooming goodies from Brocato promises to give you the BIG styles you’ve always desired.  The collection, complete with animal-print bag contains Swell Volume Leave-In Volumizing Conditioner, Swell Volume Full Body Gel Mousse, Swell Volume Full Body Serum and Swell Volume Full Body Clay.  Have you tried anything by Brocato?

4. Label.M Brunette Dry Shampoo (£10.50) – If you’re too posh for Batiste, you’ll be pleased to hear that professional brand Label.M have released a new dry shampoo targeted for us lovely brunettes.  No more dusty residues from traditional dry shampoos, this new offering promises to match all shades from chestnut through to rich mahogany.  Available exclusively at Toni & Guy, Essensuals, and some Label.m salons.

5. Naturtint Reflex Non-Permanent Colour Rinse (£9.99) – If you’re looking for a healthier way to experiment with colour, Naturtint Reflex is a new ‘chemically-light’ alternative to semi-permanent home colourants.  Free from PPD (the most common cause of dye reactions), peroxide, ammonia, resorcinol, parabens and natural oil-stripping sulphates – it works by coating the hair rather than opening the cuticles, resulting in a far healthier mane!  Available in six shades from honey-blonde to black.

6. Davines The Energizing Shampoo (£14.35) – I only got a C in GCSE Science, so don’t look to me for an explanation of how caffeine phytoceuticals effectively stimulate the cellular metabolism of the scalp but I think I need some cellular metabolism to stimulate my bum into gear… so, by process of logical thinking, I can have another coffee before lunchtime right?  The Davines Natural Tech range includes this Energizing Shampoo which has been specifically designed to treat fragile hair and scalps that are prone to hair loss.  The wider range also includes targeted treatments for dry and brittle hair; sensitized, itchy scalps; environmentally stressed hair; dandruff; and oil control.  More superficially, the apothecary-style packaging is squee cute.  Call 0203 301 5449 for stockists.

7. Bettie Page Fringes at The Chapel – I’ve been stalking the hair-gurus at The Chapel recently (on their blog, not literally!) and came across this great tip from Ezara for styling a mock-short fringe. “…It best works on a full one length fringe that comes to the eyebrows.  I keep my blunt fringe just above my eyebrows, so this gives me a little bit to work with to create the “bump”.  I use my GHD’s to flick it under (careful not to burn the forehead!).  Then plenty of hairspray and walking head down into the wind!”  I’m gonna give it a go!  Could you rock a Bettie Page-esque fringe?  Do you?!

Finally a quick shout-out to reader Anna who won the Touch of Silver competition I posted about in last month’s hair roundup – she’s off to London for an amazing makeover at Taylor Taylor London with a night at the swanky Bloomsbury Hotel thrown in – jealous much?  Enjoy yourself Anna!

* press sample

This month’s Cutting Room Floor is a real mish-mash of things that have caught my eye over the last 4 weeks, from salon style to at-home solutions, if you’re into hair… read on…

1. Trevor Sorbie launches “The New Wave”

The New Wave takes the long-lasting abilities of a perm but instead of tight curls, offers a natural-looking wave that will last wash-after-wash, until it grows out.  It’s on my wishlist!

Currently exclusive to the Covent Garden Salon, priced at £180

2. High Gloss Watercolour Treatment

Hair Organics in Notting Hill is one of the few hair salons to maintain a completely organic policy and in support of this, they’ve introduced the new High Gloss Watercolour Treatment, a semi-permanent watercolour that contains absolutely no dye or colour pigments.

Dull hair is transformed with a glossy shine that lasts 6 – 8 weeks and both natural and existing highlights are lifted and enhanced without the damaging effects of dyes and chemicals.

The High Gloss Water Colour Treatment is exclusive to Hair Organics, Notting Hill Salon. Price from £71.00

3. Touch of Silver Ultimate Makeover competition

Touch of Silver, famous for their clever violet-toned brightening shampoos are offering the chance to win the ultimate makeover by one of England’s most sought-after hair stylists Taylor Taylor London and overnight accommodation at the 4* Bloomsbury Hotel London.

Whether you’re grey, white or blonde on top, check out the facebook page for more information and how to enter.

4. Operation Glam Hair Care Range

Songstress, Lulu’s haircare range is targeted at thinning or ultra-fine hair.  I have fine hair thanks to my PCOS and have been putting a few pieces from the lineup to the test*.  My pick is the High Profile Thicken and Lift Spray which has a really light texture but when sprayed into my roots before blow drying, helps give an illusion of both volume and thickness.

Available from Lulus Place with prices starting from £5.75

* press samples

5. The Most Expensive Blow Dry in the World

The skin of white truffle, pure diamond dust and meteorite extracts… not your usual ‘poo and conditioner ingredients.  In celebration of Dutch haircare brand Fuente’s ridiculously decadent collection, Urban Retreat have created The World’s Most Expensive Blowdry.

The treatment utilises the transformative power of Truffle Shampoo and Reconditioner at our relaxing hairwash spa. Clients will enjoy a heavenly hot stone cranial massage, which will work to maximise the ingredients’ efficacy and can also help to promote hair growth. To ensure guests leave the salon looking fabulously groomed and feeling their absolute best, the treatment will be completed with a glossy blowdry by Urban Retreat’s Creative Director Flavian Abbas.  Clients will be gifted with a full sized bottle of Truffle Shampoo and Reconditioner so that the luxury will endure long after they leave the salon.

Available exclusively at Urban Retreat at Harrods (naturally dahling).

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Have you been rocking any new hair news?  I’ve mastered the art of wearing a hair doughnut — I’m so pleased!

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

I’m introducing a new segment to the blog called The Cutting Room Floor which will include various hair-related releases, snippets and bits and bobs that have caught my eye.

I’m definitely no hair expert and am forever throwing various products at my barnet in an attempt to undo the damage that regular colouring wreaks upon it but like most, I dream of soft, silky locks that reflect mirror shine *wistful sigh*.

This month I’ve been thinking about…

1. The John Frieda Live Hair Academy is the brand’s first online ‘show’ and will be streamed on May 27th at 1pm.  The hour long segment will be showing you how to achieve the hottest summer hair styles, how to best use the John Frieda products and sharing the techniques you need to know so you can achieve salon results at home.

They’re looking for participants including models and contributors who have specific hair-related questions they can answer live on the show! Want to get involved? All the details are on the John Frieda facebook page.

2. Stone Bridge Hair Accessories have caught my eye with this beautiful handmade Poppies Silk Scarf Headband.  The bold print screams Summer and I love the idea of “cheating” the silk scarf look with an easy-to-wear headband alternative.  A quick browse around their site leaves me wanting to play with a hundred different updos!

3. The eye-catching Macadamia Natural Oil range contains a blend of sought-after Argan and Macadamia Oils and is available in a ‘healing’ treatment, shampoo, conditioner and repair masque.  My dry hair loves treatment oils and visibly improves with regular use so I’m tempted to give this natural range a whirl.  Have you tried it yet?

4. Brocato’s CurlInterrupted Keratin Smoothing System is the the first non-toxic hair smoothing system, completely free from Formaldehyde, Thio and Sodium Hydroxide and with the added benefit of only a 24hr wait before you can wash and style your hair as normal (compared to the usual 72hrs).

I was put off keratin straightening treatments last year when reports of health concerns surrounding the possible release of unsafe levels of formaldehyde went into overload but it’s good to see there are healthier options available!  For further details call 08705 561 929.

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How’s your hair today?  Mine is in desperate need of a bucket hat!