Monday 30 July 2012

Sheeny Shiny Hair

Wow I found this half finished post in my drafts from about a year ago and thought it might be worth a proper edited post. I don't profess to be some sort of hair care whizz but I thought some of the little things I try to do in my haircare routine might be of interest to some of you.

Since removing dye from my with the Scott Cornwall Colour B4 some time ago I have cut away back on how regularly I dye my hair (I still use Casting dye - semi perm). I have been conscious of losing the shine that I found a semi permenant dye gave me so I think I'd share some products and tips that I've found good.

1. Use a good shampoo if possible - I wash my hair every day as it gets greasy quickly and being honest I don't always use high end shampoos as I try to use up whatever we have in the house at the time. I'm a big fan of L'Oreal Elvive Shampoo for every day use and for nights out I try to use a colour boosting shampoo.  I also have a Frederic Fekkai and Bumble and Bumble shampoo I use the odd time for a treat but they are pretty expensive so not an every day user of them.  I have used everything from baby shampoo too for something gentle to Fairy Liquid and anti dandruff shampoos to help strip out dyes and redness too in my time.  Where possible though a mid range shampoo seems to work best for my hair and my budget.

2. Wash twice - I was once told that the first wash of your hair starts to break down any dirt and grime on it so you should wash and rinse then wash and rinse again to get super shiny hair.  This probably isn't great for the overall condition of your hair though as I would imagine it can strip out the natural oils so as I wash it every day I try to do this only a couple of times a week or when I want very clean hair.

3. Condition regularly - I try to condition my hair every other wash but at least twice a week. Again I'm not massively into super expensive conditioners.  Sometimes budget is very restrictive and I use what I can afford.  

4. Rinse with cold water - the colder the better in my experience.  Again maybe rubbish but I think it's similar to cold water on the skin closing pores and this helps smooth the hair cuticle.

5. Use a treatment - I've tried a few different treatments and at the minute I'm still using Argan oil (yep that bottle is still on the go almost two years later and I still have loads left!). I use this as a treatment for my hair over night by applying some to the ends and tying my hair lightly in a band while I sleep. I also sometimes use a little bit of newly straightened hair to keep the ends smooth.  

6. Protect - I don't know how well they work to be honest but I feel better knowing I've used a heat protecter spray on my hair before blowdrying or using straighteners on it.  I currently use a Tresemme spray which I've had for ages.  It's like bottomless pit of protector shizz in there as it still feels half full!

7.  Don't use heat products all the time - as tempting as it can be I have tried to cut down on using my straighteners and hairdryer every day.  If I want my hair straightened I try to let it dry naturally at least and vice versa.

8. Go for regular trims - even if you're trying to grow your hair longer regular trims will help keep the ends looking fresher and help banish split and fine ends. It might take you a bit longer getting to the length you want but your hair will look better for it.

9. Drink water - again I'm no nutritional expert or anything but again I find when I'm feeling hydrated.

I think that's about all the things I try to keep up with in my hair care routine.  It's not rocket science and it's probably not for everyone and I'm always open to new hints and tricks to try so feel free to add yours below.

LoubouLush x


Tuesday 24 July 2012

Birthday presents - Cake & Primark Playsuit

Well I'm supposedly a year older since my last post (sob) and after a few days of mayhem I am back with a quick blog post.  Mr L whisked me away a couple of weeks ago for a few days in Mayo as a Birthday treat but I'll do a separate post of that later.  He also bought me a yummy Choccywoccydoodah cake which was DELICIOUS.  IT came in the post all bubble wrapped and intact - so yes they DO deliver to Northern Ireland.  Result!!!

This is the Marshmallow Pyramid Cake in Chocolate with White Chocolate Truffle...


My little sister bought me a playsuit as part of my present and while I've only got one H&M one which I'd only wear on holidays I actually really like this.  The pattern and shape are really lovely and the fabric feels really nice.  I'm not sure I have the figure to pull it off or if I'll be brave enough to wear it anywhere other than about the house but still if you're braver than me it might be worth a buy!


LoubouLush x

Monday 9 July 2012

NOTD Rainbow Nails

A very quick pre Birthday break blog post on my rainbow nails. There's no trick to this. It is what it is.

My colours of choice:
Models Own - lilac dream
Bourjois - bleu fabuleux
Barry M - shocking pink
Bourjois - vert chlorophyll
Barry M - yellow

I'm not sure it's the classiest look ever but it's a bit of fun for the summer and obviously you can have whatever combination and order you like. Simples.

What's your summer nail look?

Off on hols tomorrow so see you on Twitter/Instagram/my return!

LoubouLush xx

Wednesday 4 July 2012

NOTD Bourjois So Laque Ultra Shine Nail Enamel - Abricot Ouate

This is a bit out of date now as I had meant to post it last week but better late than never (I hope!). I treated myself to 3 Bourjois polishes last week on the 3 for 2 offer in Superdrug (£5.99 each or well, 3 for 2). Some are available online though not sure this colour is one of them.

Anyhow, here's some photos about 5 days into me wearing the Abricot Ouate. Overall it's a pretty colour and not unlike Barry M 318 Peach Melba which I already own. I felt that I needed almost three full coats to get a got solid opaqueness. I found the consistency very thick which I later put down to the vinyl effect and perhaps if I'd have been more conscious of this I would have got a better finish. I topped it with Seche Vite and while it sealed OK, I was a bit disappointed that it marked a bit more easily than I'd be used to. There's also a bit of chipping and wearing to the edges but I suppose it's a few days in. In hindsight I think the thickness didn't helped and I should have been more mindful.  It does give quite a cool vinyl plastic effect which is nice on the summer shades. It is pretty shiny too but as I add Seche Vite now, it gives a good shine anyway but it would be good shinewise (new word?) if you don't bother with a top coat.


I don't think I'd repurchase this shade again at full price as for me the Barry M is a good cheaper alternative but on a 3 for 2 I'm pretty happy with it. Perhaps it's my own fault for buying one so similar to something I already have...

I'll do a post in the next few weeks showing the other two shades (you might have seen them already if you follow me on Twitter) which I hope will be goodies for the summer. What Bourjois So Laque shades would you recommend?

LoubouLush x