JML Simply Straight Straightening Brush Review

I had seen a few adverts for straightening brushes and was curious to know whether they really worked... so when JML got in touch and asked me to review their brush, I had to say yes!

JML say 

• Combines the power of a straightener with the gentle styling of a brush
• Ceramic coated bristles
• Set the temperature to suit your hair type
• LCD display
• Auto shut-off safety feature
• Straighten and style anywhere
• No heat damage, no chemicals
• Compact and great for travel
• Temperature control from 150°C to 185°C

My thoughts 

To give you a bit of background... my hair is long, thick and naturally wavy.

I have to be honest I wasn't expecting much from the straightening brush. I thought it would work best on naturally straight hair and I wasn't convinced it would work using a sub 200 degrees heat, but I was actually really impressed with how my hair turned out. I was hooked from the first use and haven't used my straighteners since.

Being a busy mum of two boys, one of which was just 5 months old when I started trialling this brush, my time is really precious. I don't have much time to get myself ready and when you have porous hair that takes ages to dry,  the styling section takes a bit of a back seat. Using straighteners takes time, time I just don't have.... However, using the Simply Straight Straightening Brush my hair is smoothed and styled beautifully. Frizz is eradicated and my hair looks good.

To use - Make sure you hair is dry and brushed through and then section and glide the brush along while holding hair taut. Simple! I find it much easier to use than my usual straightener, particularly working on the back of my hair.

I find it really easy to use and in just 10 minutes my hair, although not poker straight, is good to go. I really like it, no actually I love it.

See the results for yourself with my pics below.

My only niggle is that I wish the cord length was longer but other than that, it is a big thumbs up from me.

JML Simply Straight Straightening Brush costs £39.99 from the JML Direct website and other high street outlets. 

*PR Sample

L'Oreal Extraordinary Clay Review - Shampoo & Conditioner

I do love to try before I buy so I was happy that last month's Red Magazine had sample sachets of L'Oreal's newest hair care range - Extraordinary Clay - both shampoo and conditioner to try.

I managed to get two uses out of the sachets and have to say I was pleasantly surprised, I had envisaged a clay like texture to the products but actually they were just like a regular shampoo and conditioner.

L'Oreal say 

Introducing our breakthrough innovation from Elvive, Extraordinary Clay. For the first time we have combined 3 refined clays into a hair care range to break the vicious cycle of oily roots & dry ends.

Clays have been celebrated in beauty rituals for thousands of years due to their unrivalled ability to cleanse, purify and energise. In terms of hair care, Clays combat the excessive oil production at the roots but also any dehydration throughout the lengths and ends.

THE SECRET OF CLAY FOR 72 HOURS OF PURE ROOTS AND HYDRATED ENDS

• Scalp feels deeply purified for 72 hours with freshness and light, lifted roots.
• Dry hair feels hydrated right to the ends for fluid, free-flowing lengths.
• Revitalises the hair with softness, shine and bounce.

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Clay Re-balancing Shampoo - 

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Clay Re-balancing Conditioner - 

Deeply purified roots, hydrated feeling ends. For perfectly balanced hair.

My thoughts 

The products smell fresh and gorgeous, the shampoo lathers well and the conditioner leaves hair soft and silky. Hair smells lovely once dried and feels super clean. I was actually really surprised that this did what it promises. My ends have really looked dead and dry and I wasn't expecting much but the result once dried and styled was that my ends looked healthy and smooth. Hair looked glossy and bright, so bright in fact that my mother in law asked if I had just had my hair highlighted!

I have thick, coarse highlighted hair and Extraordinary Clay rejuvenated my hair and worked a treat. My only reservation which would stop me buying the shampoo is the fact that it contains SLS. As I have scalp psoriasis, continued use of this shampoo would start irritating it. I would definitely consider buying the conditioner however. 

Have you tried this new range? 

TRESemme Heat Defence Styling Spray Review

Hair dryers, straighteners and curling tools all use heat to style the hair and can have a detrimental effect on your hair. I have used a few heat protection sprays over the years but I fancied trying something new and spotted TRESemme Heat Defence Styling Spray on the shelf and picked it .

TRESemme say 

UV Filter
Heat Defence - Up to 230°C protection against heat damage
Styling Spray - Protects and seals in shine

Prevents hair becoming brittle and dull, reduces breakage with continued use.

My thoughts 

This is a great heat protection spray, it smells salon gorgeous, the spray releases product evenly and feels weightless on the hair with no sticky residue.

I would repurchase this.

TRESemme Heat Defence Styling Spray 300ml costs £5.25 from Boots 

Schwarzkopf Essence Ultime Omega Repair Intensive Mask Review

Schwarzkopf say 

Developed with Claudia Schiffer, the Schwarzkopf Essence Ultime Omega Repair Intensive Mask combines her beauty insights from catwalk shows and fashion shoots, with the hair expertise of Schwarzkopf to become the reference for truly beautiful hair.

The divine, extra rich mask for intense nourishment in 1 minute repairs inside damaged hair cells & reduces split ends. No more waiting around in the shower!

Essence Ultime contains a precious Ultime-4-Complex:

A unique combination of pearl essence, panthenol, refined protein & keratin. Indulge your hair with luxurious care: Experience Claudia Schiffer’s beauty secret.
My thoughts 

I am a huge fan of intensive hair masks that only need one minute of my time to work. Let's face it, as a busy mum I don't have the luxury of many long pampering sessions but I still want to look my best with minimal effort... I have loved Claudia Schiffer since I was a teenager and the idea that I too could have her luscious hair using this product appealed!

So does it work?

The answer is yes. This lovely rich, thick and creamy mask smells utterly amazing. You just apply it to wet hair after shampooing, wait one minute and rinse off.

I could see and feel the difference in my hair immediately after drying - softer, smoother, sleeker and altogether healthier looking hair. I will definitely be using up the entire pot.

A fabulous and indulgent hair mask at a great price.

Schwarzkopf Essence Ultime Omega Repair Intensive Mask 200ml £5.49

*PR Sample

Ojon Rare Blend Tamer Review

I have put up with pesky flyaway/broken hair strands on the top of my hair for a few years now, funnily enough I didn't really notice them until I had my son. He loves to play with my hair but not the bottom but the top and in the process has been breaking my hair. I find it really noticable but I didn't think there was much that could be done about it...until Ojon presented me with there Ojon Rare Blend Tamer Wand. It works in much the same way as (for those of us who are old enough to remember) the hair wands that we used in the 1990's that enabled you to have brush in highlights or colour into the hair.

Just remove brush from the tube and apply where you need to sort out frizz, flyaways and breakages.

Ojon say 

Invisibly smoothes stubborn frizz and flyaways.Our invisible, weightless wonder with a rare blend of restorative oils including Ojon™ Oil smoothes frizz, flyaways, broken and baby strands instantly and on the go. Won't leave strands sticky, stiff or greasy.The perfect touch up tool to toss in your bag.

My thoughts 

The Rare Blend Tamer is wonder stuff for my hair. It instantly solves the problem of flyaway hairs after styling and those pesky broken strands of hair that I have. It is really easy to use and the wand is good at applying the product onto the hair to smooth everything down. Best of all your hair feels just like your own hair, soft to touch with no sticky residue so there is no hint of product used.

I really like it and carry it with me everywhere.

Ojon Rare Blend Tamer costs £12.50

*PR Sample

OGX Lemon Highlights Shampoo & Conditioner Review

Last year I reviewed OGX Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist with positive results and so I was eager to try some Shampoo & Conditioners from the brand.

At the end of last year I was given the opportunity to try some new products from OGX - Sunkissed Blonde - Lemon Highlights Shampoo and Conditioner. However, I have to say that OGX have a huge amount of choice when it comes to haircare products and is well worth a look, plus they smell gorgeous!

In big, bright packaging this is a cheery way to start the morning and certainly livens up the bathroom and pleasingly the product inside does exactly what it promises too.

OGX say 

A tropical blend of brightening lemon citrus oil to enhance shimmery, sunlit highlights all year long, with rich coconut oil to smooth and add shine while exotic key lime extract takes you away to a sensual paradise.

My thoughts 

I have highlights in my hair and they were beginning to look a bit lacklustre and dull, using the OGX Lemon Highlights Shampoo and Conditioner has really helped transform my hair. From the first use I could see that my highlights appeared brighter, blonder (although this is not a lightening treatment) and my hair shinier. I liked it so much I have continued to use these products and will undoubtedly finish the bottles, although it will take some time as they are so big!

A big thumbs up from me.

* SLS free and paraben free.

OGX Lemon Highlights Collection - Shampoo & Conditioner are on sale exclusively at Waitrose stores nationwide for £6.99 each. 

*PR Samples

Schwarzkopf got2b Mind Blowing Xpress Dry Styling Spray Review

I have mentioned before on these pages that my hair is thick and porous and takes an age to dry whether naturally or by hair dryer so of course I am always looking for products that can speed up this process.

Back in mid December I was sent the new Schwarzkopf got2b Mind Blowing xpress dry styling spray to try out and have been using it every time I wash my hair.

Schwarzkopf say 

NEW got2b Mind Blowing xpress dry styling spray speeds up your blow-dry, detangles and conditions the hair and provides heat protection against hair dryers for perfectly styled hair in a fraction of the time.

My thoughts 

The spray has a lovely fresh and fruity scent and the one thing I learnt from using it is that you should use it with a bit of restraint. The first time I used it was I was a bit too happy to over apply and I ended with with hair that looked lank and was full of product. The second time I used it I applied far less (I didn't saturate my towel dried hair) and it worked a treat.

I particularly love that it detangles the hair, I have a section of my hair that is always knotted and a real mess and this spray made light work of it. It speeds up blow-drying time to under 10 minutes and it provides heat protection. Hair is left feeling soft and smooth and used correctly leaves no trace of product.

Schwarzkopf got2b Mind Blowing xpress dry styling spray 200ml costs £3.99 

*PR Sample

The Gift Of Perfect Hair From Paul Mitchell This Christmas

Everyone loves to have good hair and these Fashionable Trios Christmas Gift Sets from Paul Mitchell costing £27 are simply the best. The generously sized products come in a delightful reusable gift bag each with a gorgeous hand drawn fashion print decorated by Australian fashion illustrator Sarah Hankinson, I have to say I adore the packaging and think these would make a fabulous gift that will last for ages. (I am already using my wipe clean bag to home my makeup brushes!)

The Art of Blonde

Contains

Forever Blonde Shampoo 250ml
Forever Blonde Conditioner 200ml
Forever Blonde Dramatic Repair 25ml

The Art of Volume 

Contains

Extra-Body Daily Shampoo 300ml
Extra-Body Daily Rinse 300ml
Extra-Body Daily Boost 250ml

The Art of Curls 

Contains

Spring Loaded Frizz-Fighting Shampoo 250ml
Full Circle Leave-In Treatment 200ml
Ultimate Wave 150ml

Also available are 'Classic and Style' gift sets. 

The Art of Sleek

I have been using 'The Art of Sleek' set and have been really impressed with the super sleek, frizz free hair that it gives me. The products also cut down drying time which is an absolute godsend for me.

Contains

Super Skinny Daily Shampoo 300ml
Super Skinny Daily Treatment 300ml
Super Skinny Serum 150ml

Art of Style Gift Sets are available to purchase from Salons stocking Paul Mitchell products.

L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverPure Reinforcing Intense Mask

I recently had my hair highlighted and felt it needed some TLC, it seems to have lost its way after styling and heat damage so I thought a treatment was in order.

I absolutely love the L'Oreal Ever Sleek range and fancied trying something else from within the Ever range - I opted for the EverPure Reinforcing Intense Mask for coloured and dry hair. It is designed for colour weakened hair.

This range is sulphate free and features botanical oils of Rosemary and Mint. It claims to respect the hair fibre and protect coloured hair, just what I am looking for!

Instructions for use - A generous walnut sized blob of the mask on the hair, distribute evenly and leave for 3-5 mins.

My thoughts

The mask has a lovely and rich minty scent and the texture is relatively thick. As soon as it is rinsed out hair feels instantly smoother. Having blow-dried my hair and then straightened it I noticed a real difference to the finish, smoother, sleeker and more defined hair. It looked and felt so healthy.

I will be using this once a week to keep my hair healthy and manageable.

Top marks for this as my hair loves it.

L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverPure Reinforcing Intense Mask costs £7.30

Ojon Super Sleek Restorative Blowout Protector

Ojon say 

Now turn on the heat - and the secret to a perfectly smooth blowout.

This thermal-activated formula with pure Ojon™ Oil, nature's golden elixir, Azurite, Plant Keratin and a complex of exotic oils helps restore smoothness, high-gloss shine and minimise the halo of frizz and flyaways.

Plus it makes hair feel super soft and manageable so you can style without struggle

My thoughts 

This is a thick cream textured heat protection and prep product. A little goes a long way so although it is pricey it lasts. I find if I apply too much it makes my hair lank the next day but with just the right amount it lasts for 3 days. The results are impressive. I have thick, coarse, highlighted porous hair and this smooths it right down and defrizzes, making styling a lot easier.

Now if only it could magically straighten my hair as well, now that would be my perfect product.


Ojon Super Sleek Restorative Blowout Protector 125ml £23

*PR Sample

Inside The August Glossybox 2014 - Glossybox is 3!

It is hard to believe that globally Glossybox has turned 3, the concept of having beauty products delivered to your door monthly is hugely popular and it seems, certainly for now, that this enthusiasm shows no sign of abating.

I get very excited when my postman knocks with this monthly box and this month it was no different.. The outer carton this month was black and glossy with a pink bow as shown in the pics above. The actual box has had a little redesign and is not glossy and more box shaped. As ever the items were wrapped up with a bow, this time it was a smart black colour. Very pretty.

However, what is really important is the contents and this month, I personally was not disappointed. Every single item will be used.

A closer look at the contents

So the highlight for me is the Kryolan for Glossybox Highlighter in Cashmere FULL SIZE £12.95

Readers of BeautySwot.com will know I pretty much wear a highlighter every day so I cannot wait to wear this one. No glitter, just a beautiful natural shade cream highlighter for a velvety gleam.

Comfort Zone Essentials Cleansing Milk FULL SIZE 250ml £20

I have just finished my cleanser and although I have a few others to work through I don't have a cleansing milk so will be interested in giving this a go and discovering a new brand at the same time.

Figs & Rouge Mini Hand Cream 20ml (full size 80ml £6.95)

I can always do with a new hand cream and this one from Figs & Rouge is a fruity affair, now I am not a major fruit scent fan but this Mango and Mandarin one isn't bad at all, not overpowering and quite refreshing. The 20ml size is ideal to pop in my handbag.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 40ml (full size 250ml £38)

I was pretty sure that this has already appeared in a previous Glossybox so I checked back to find that yes my memory was correct, this appeared in November 2011. OK it was ages ago but it seems I hadn't forgotten ;-) Philip Kingsley is also celebrating this year, 40 years of Elasticizer so the tie in is rather nice.

Anyway, my hair is in need of a good condition so this will be used up..just need to find a spare 20mins!

Lalique L'Amour EDP 2ml (full size 50ml £67)

Now I know that perfume samples of this size are not always appreciated but this is a really gorgeous scent and it does come with a hefty price tag...so in this case I think it was worth popping in the box. L'Amour is a truly sensational soft floral perfume with a hint of tea about it with the inclusion of Bergamot. It also features top notes of rosebuds, floral white heart notes and a musk base. Addictive.

Finally, a little birthday bonus

Yves Rocher Pink Nail Polish 3ml FULL SIZE £3.60

This dinky bottle contains a pretty creamy pink shade called Rose, it is very similar to a tea rose lipstick shade. I love it as a nudey easy to wear shade, you can see me wearing it in the top pic. I needed two coats to achieve opacity and smooth application. The brush is tiny but on my small nails it was ideal.

Final thoughts

This month my box was really rather good, excellent value with 3 full sized products and ALL the products will be used.

The August Birthday GLOSSYBOX is £10 (+P&P) and will be available throughout August 2014 from www.glossybox.co.uk while stocks last.

*PR Sample

Charles Worthington Shine Booster All Over Gloss Spray Review

Charles Worthington say 

Even the healthiest hair can sometimes use an extra shot of shine to create the sort of mirror finish that paparazzi flashes bounce off. The Shine Booster collection of products uses the unique Luminoil Complex which penetrates deep inside the hair cuticle, nourishing hair from within and smoothing the surface to give serious, shimmering shine. Green fruits and white florals – including jasmine blossom and lily – give a fresh, revitalising fragrance to the range.

This mirror-shine formula, with added Crystal extract, smoothes away flyaways and split ends. Hair is left sleek, gleaming and super-gloss shiny.

My thoughts 

This is super easy to use, simply spritz all over your finished style. This All Over Gloss Spray doesn't leave hair feeling sticky or weighed down with product, in fact you won't even know that you have used an extra product. It doesn't leave hair greasy looking either, instead you are left with beautiful mirror like shine and hair that looks really, really healthy and wonderfully sleek. Scent wise this is gorgeous and hair smells sublime!

I love using this just before I am about to head out. Brilliant product and at just £5.99 a bargain.

Charles Worthington Shine Booster All Over Gloss Spray 100ml £5.99

*PR Sample

OGX Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist - My Hair Loves

I have been trying out a rather delicious coconut scented hair oil - OGX Nourishing Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist does exactly what it promises to do.

OGX say 

An exotic and enticing blend of lightweight coconut oil to nourish strands along with hydrating bamboo extract for hair that is soft, touchable and healthier looking with each use.

Instructions for use 

Apply Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist to clean, towel dried hair and style as desired. Can also be applied to dry hair to tame fly-a-ways and add shine throughout the day.

My thoughts

Shine in a bottle, the Oil Mist smells wonderful. After the first use my son immediately noted and commented that my hair smelt nice! The lovely coconut scent reminds me of holidays and Summer.

Many years ago I used to use a coconut shine shampoo so I was convinced this was going to provide fabulous shine to my hair and I wasn't disappointed. It leaves hair beautifully soft, sleek and healthy looking. However, I am most impressed with how I can spritz away to my hearts content to add shine whenever, and yet my hair never looks weighed down with product or lank and oily.

Super hair product.

OGX Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist costs £6.99 and is available from Tesco 

*PR Sample

Dove Intensive Repair Express Treatment Conditioner - My Hair Loves

I don't know about you but I rarely have the luxury of time to apply a twenty minute conditioning hair treatment so I am all for fast working products and so I was super keen to try the one minute intensive repair treatment for hair from Dove.

I have been impressed by the previous hair care products I am tried from the brand and so last week instead of my usual conditioner I applied the one minute Dove Intensive Repair Express Treatment, waited just 60 seconds and rinsed it off.

Dove say

Introducing the next generation of daily conditioner with the added benefits of a treatment. Dove Intensive Repair Express Treatment Conditioner works in just one minute. Our dual action formula contains Fibre Actives™ technology which penetrate deep inside the hair to help reinforce damaged proteins without weighing hair down as well as helping to repair and sealing lifted cuticles to help protect against future damage. Prevents split ends and breakage.

My thoughts 

Can a product be so nourishing and leave hair soft, smooth and silky really in just one minute? The answer is a resounding yes. The treatment smells like the other products in the Dove range, fresh and fruity. Once I had rinsed it off I it left my hair more manageable and gorgeous after blow drying and straightening and actually, although it is suitable for daily use I found that my hair stayed looking beautiful for longer, without looking greasy and weighed down. My hair instantly looks healthier and more vibrant.

A big thumbs up from me.

Dove Intensive Repair Express Treatment For Hair costs £3.99 for 180ml

*PR Sample

Ojon Rare Blend Infusion Shampoo and Rare Blend Deep Conditioner - Review

My mum is a big fan of Ojon products, swearing by the products that are best suited for her hair type she has already repurchased.. Her hair always looks healthy and luscious so she must be on to something there. I recently spent an evening with a few of the Ojon team and was really looking forward to trying out a few products from the Ojon range suitable for my hair type. Today I am focusing on the Shampoo and Conditioner designed for my hair... (dry and coloured)

Ojon Rare Blend Infusion Shampoo

Ojon say 

Deeply nourishing shampoo to restore as it cleanses.
Fortified with a rare blend of legendary "healing" oils including pure Ojon™ Oil, this moisturizing shampoo nourishes to restore every time you wash your hair. Beads of antioxidant-rich Rouge Oleifera release on contact to revive and bring vibrant life to parched, damaged hair. Hair is visibly rejuvenated. And coconut cleansers formulated without sulfates help protect hair's vital natural oils.

My thoughts

The infusion shampoo has a really pleasant subtle vanilla scent and I like the fact that the bottle is clear so I can see the amount of product inside. I wish all products were like this to be honest as I hate not knowing how much I have left! The shampoo is clear with these hard micro beads inside suspended within it which burst open when you massage the product into the hair. The shampoo foams in abundance.

I found it to be gentle on my scalp and appreciate the lack of sulfates (being a scalp psoriasis sufferer)

Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner 

Ojon say 

A dual-phase, multitasking, conditioning treatment that deeply nourishes to repair, detangles, hydrates, smoothes and restores high-gloss shine.

This deep conditioner contains two potent phases:
The amber is a restorative blend of 7 rare oils including pure hair-repairing Ojon™ Oil plus African Shea, Brazilian Muru Muru, and Indian Kokum butters.
Tthe ivory is a moisture-rich cream infused with deeply nourishing plant-derived conditioners.
Just a dollop softens, hydrates and helps restore high-gloss shine and healthy look to even the most dry, damaged hair.

My thoughts 

Just like the Shampoo, the Conditioner bottle is see through so I can see how much product is left. It has a really nice creamy lemon scent and I love the novelty of the dual phase that means that two colours come out of the tube. I think it looks just like the inside of a Cadbury's creme egg.. tempted to lick it!

After shampooing and rinsing, you apply this blended together onto your scalp, leave for 2 minutes and rinse out.

Rinsing it out, hair feels so silky smooth.

The results 

I am really pleased with the results I have to say. Immediately, I noticed my hair was tangle free, brushing it after washing with ease. The condition of my hair was much improved, healthier looking, smoother, sleeker after styling and the all important shine was there! Oh the shine, how I love thee...

For me I can really see the difference swapping to these products from what I was currently using. Hair is super soft, shiny and healthy looking, easier and more manageable to style and my ends rather than looking frazzled and tired have perked right up.

Ojon Rare Blend Infusion Shampoo 240ml £25
Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner 150ml £29

*PR Samples

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil UV Filter For Coloured Hair - Review

L'Oreal Elvive's Extradordinary Oil UV Filter for Coloured Hair was one of the first hair oils I tried. I bought this quite a while ago and after the first use I wasn't totally convinced that it was as amazing as the reports I was hearing as I didn't really notice much difference from before when I wasn't using a hair oil...

However, as with all things that I review on BeautySwot.com I gave it the benefit of doubt and carried on using it, trying it in different ways to see which best suited my hair and gave the desired results and of course to give it a proper testing.

L'Oreal Elvive say 

A precious blend of 6 flower extracts with nourishing properties

Sublime Hair Enhancer

Versatile Use
Luminous Colour
Sumptuous Softness
Weightless Touch

To use - Rub 2 drops between the palms of your hands. Apply evenly through the lengths and ends of wet or dry hair. Before shampoo for extra colour protection; before styling to protect and transform your hair; as a finishing touch for sumptuous softness and luminous colour.

My thoughts 

As the oil comes out it has quite a chemical scent to it but as you warm it in the palms it transforms to a really rather pleasant fragrance. The oil is really light, not greasy and it doesn't weigh down the hair . After experimenting I found the best way to use it on my hair was to apply after towel drying and allowing to dry a little before blow-drying and straightening and then one pump as a finishing touch when hair is dry (if required) for extra sleekness. This way I get soft, silky hair with decent, light reflective shine.

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil costs £9.99 for 100ml

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil For Hair - Review

If you are looking for fuss free hair care then you should look no further than at the Dove Pure Care Dry Oil..Wash and condition hair, apply 4-5 drops of the oil before blow drying (I have thick, long hair) and personally I like to add a couple more drops before using hair straighteners. Nothing more complicated than that to achieve Salon beautiful hair. Suitable for all hair types.

Dove say 

A precious treat infused with African Macadamia OIl for beautifully supple hair. The lightweight, non greasy formula with intensive nourishing properties, instantly helps replenish lipids, softens and adds shine.

For best results, rub 3-4 drops between the palms of your hands and apply to clean, damp hair evenly from mid-length to ends. Blow dry or leave to dry naturally. Also use pre-shampoo as a nourishing treatment, or before styling to protect your hair and control frizz.

My thoughts 

A weightless oil that smells wonderful and is easy to use. Leaves hair super soft, smooth, sleek and shiny. A one product treatment that works miracles. I absolutely love it!

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Nourishing Treatment For Hair costs £9.99 for 100ml

*PR Sample

Dove Style+Care Range - New!

I am very excited about the new Dove Style + Care range. I was recently invited to try out the products with a styling session with Celebrity Stylist and Dove Hair Ambassador Christian Wood. Christian decided to give me a Jennifer Aniston straight sleek do which I was delighted with because if you know me you will know that Jennifer is my hair icon...

On my already dried hair that he was going to be restyling he used the Heat Protect Spray, the Frizz Free Shine Cream Serum in preparation for the blowdry. He finished my style by applying the Nourishing Dry Ends Serum to the ends of my hair for that ultra smooth and sleek finish. I was incredibly impressed.. I thought my hair WAS sleek and smooth when I arrived but Christian took it to a whole other level! When I picked up my son from school the other mums loved my new do and actually thought I had had it cut and coloured!!

Before I wrote about the products however (as always) I wanted to try out the products for myself, were they easy to use and could I achieve sleek smooth perfection at home.. and the answer? A big fat yes!

Dove are well known for their body care range but I have a feeling this hair collection is going to be very popular indeed. There are four products in this affordable collection and each product costs less than £5 - They all smell so nice, slightly fresh but sweetie like.

Dove Refresh+Care Dry Shampoo £4.59

Can be used on clean hair to add extra oomph and volume to the roots. I have been using it to revive and refresh my hair when I have been needing to go out but not had any time to wash and style my hair. It smells amazing and has none of the white powder effect that comes from other dry shampoos. It is made with aluminium starch and absorbs dirt and oil brilliantly. A fabulous time saving product.

Dove Style+Care Heat Protect Spray £4.59

Using a hairdryer and following this with a hair straightener makes a heat protection spray a must. This one protects hair from heat damage up to 230 degrees. Conditioning agents and silicone provide shine whilst protecting hair. Apply to towel dried hair.

Dove Style+Care Frizz Free Shine Cream £4.59

This is my favourite product in the collection. The cream is so light and doesn't weigh hair down meaning it won't look lank the next day. It also does a great job in preventing frizz and fluff when it is damp outside. Nourishing for the hair but providing the shine of a serum it is smoothing and softening.

Dove Style+Care Nourishing Dry Ends Serum £4.59

I like to use this serum like Christian did, just on the ends of my hair for extra sharp sleekness. It reduces flyaways and makes the ends look suitably healthy (I need a haircut!) Perfect handbag product that can be applied at anytime.

The result - Smooth, sleek, glossy and healthy looking hair. I am fan.

Dove Style+Care range is available from major supermarkets and chemists.

*PR Samples

Percy & Reed Eau My Goodness Shine and Fragrance Spray For Hair - Review

Years ago I used a shine spray for my hair and loved the effect it gave my hair so much so I am not sure why I stopped using it! I was just about to go on the hunt for one when a press release came in about Percy & Reed's Eau My Goodness Shine and Fragrance Spray.

Percy & Reed say 

This airy green, delicate fragrance evokes the smell of a rose in the early morning, sprinkled with dew. Spray it over your locks and not only will you smell glorious, you'll also have intense, dazzling, glossy shine.

To use - 

Shake well before use. Hold the can 10cm away and mist onto dry, styled hair. Wait for 15 seconds before touching your hair.

My thoughts 

First of all I LOVE the design on the can, gorgeously pretty and girly, this has the all important bathroom shelf appeal. The fragrance is a very delicate rose scent and boy does it give shine. Fabulously easy to use and gives great results. Brilliant. A wonderful product when you want to get your shine on, great for evenings out.

In this picture taken in the daytime I am not using a flash and yet there is mirror like shine on my hair and it looks blonde!!

Percy & Reed Eau My Goodness Shine and Fragrance Spray 100ml costs £22

*PR Sample

Capasal Therapeutic Shampoo - Alternative to Polytar

I have been suffering from scalp psoriasis for as long as I can remember. I have tried a few shampoos and what really worked for me in keeping my symptoms under control was tar based Polytar Shampoo. Unfortunately this product became impossible to purchase (in fact pretty nonexistent) as a key ingredient became hard to get hold off, so manufacturing seized.

On the back of promises of its return I held off looking for alternatives and as I knew that products with SLS made the condition worse I switched to a SLS free shampoo and sat and waited for it to come back onto the shelves.

As the months went on my condition was worsening. My scalp was incredibly itchy to the point of being painful, I was scratching it till it bled. It was flaky too which is embarrassing when wearing dark clothing. It also coincided with a particularly stressful time for me and this just aggravated the condition even more.

I knew I had to take action when psoriasis appeared on my body and was starting to spread. The sun undoubtedly helped during this time but I hit twitter and asked for suggestions.

A pharmacist replied and suggested Capasal Therapeutic Shampoo. This is available on prescription but I bought it in Boots with no problem having asked at the Pharmacy section.

Capasal contains Salicylic acid, Coconut Oil and Distilled Coal Tar. It is gloopy in texture like T-Gel and yes it will leave your hair smelling like a freshly laid road. I actually like this smell so it doesn't bother me at all.

Instructions for use  - wet hair, massage in/lather up a small amount, leave on for a few minutes and then remove lather. Follow by rinsing with clean water.

I noticed a relief in my symptoms from the very first use. This product has been my saviour and is keeping my psoriasis under control.

It won't be for everyone and I would always urge you to check the ingredients if you have allergies in case this isn't suitable for you and/or seek advice from the pharmacist if you are concerned in any way.

I paid around £7 for Capasal but it was completely and utterly worth it.