Stil Salon: Upgrading My Balayage

My blonde balayage has finally had an upgrade and I'm so excited to say it was at the beautiful STIL Salon in Notting Hill. 

I am very low maintenance when it comes to my hair. My hair is long and I love having bit of colour through it to give it some texture. I have never dyed my whole head of hair, because I'm not sure I could deal with the upkeep but an ombre or balayage gives me that something something I need. If you've followed my blog for a while you might just know a bit about my hair history. I used to dye my hair at home with that classic L'Oreal Wild Ombre box dye that everyone used to use, then I finally ventured out to a salon to upgrade the ombre into something a little more natural - the balayage. 

I have kept this up for a few years now, but I have to say my experience at STIL Salon has blown my mind. From the super friendly team, to the interior of the salon and the serious skill to get the finished look and of course not forgetting the cute pup Bertie - I think I may have just found a new favourite salon as they seriously hit the nail on the head with the colour and cut I was going for this time around as everything is personalised. 

Trying something (and somewhere!) new with your hair can be a little daunting, but if you come along to STIL, I promise you you'll be in safe hands. 

The Consultation 

I first visited the salon a few weeks ago to meet Craig Clark, my colourist (the INCREDIBLE Colour Director at STIL Salon) to talk through what I wanted and get a patch test. 

I arrived and was greeted by the Front of House Manager, Andrew - who I have to say makes the experience SO much better. Every salon should have an Andrew. He is so attentive, so kind and genuinely cares for everyone. 

Craig then talked me through the current trends and the type of blonde he recommended for my balayage, matching the colour and tone to my skin and eye colour. This is so clever and makes so much sense to me - and as the customer it's so nice understanding the thought process behind this and really trust that the colour is going to suit you personally which makes the whole experience so much more relaxing. 

We decided on their Lumiere Lights service (similar to balayage but it's a freehand, grading colouring technique designed by STIL to lighten the hair effortlessly and naturally) with some Contouring to enhance my facial features. 

After the patch test, I headed home excited to return in a few days to get my colour on. 

The Colour

I actually ended up getting my cut and colour done separately due to terrible time management on my side (but Andrew helped to organise this with no problem). Craig talked me through our thoughts on the colour again to ensure I was comfortable with the tone and to confirm what we were going for today. 

The experience was super comfortable and oh boy, the finished look was even better than I could have imagined. Craig used the TIGI Copyright Custom Care Repair range to wash out all of the dye and toner while repairing and hydrating my hair at the same time ensuring it's condition is still great post-colour. 

The blend was perfect, as was the tone, it matches my skin tone perfectly and I am so happy with the results. Forget dreaming about how much you're going to like it when it 'grows out a bit', I was just so incredibly happy with it from the get go. 

Craig seriously knows what he's talking about with colour and if you go to visit him at STIL, I 100% recommend that you put your hair faith in his hands. I took his opinion and I am so pleased with the results. Hair colour genius! I'm even tempted to go a little lighter and maybe a bit higher like he suggested next time... 

The Cut

A few days later, I headed back into STIL to finish the look and have my hair cut by Federico Bufanio, one of their Senior Stylists. I have been loving my long locks of late so I wanted to keep the length as much as possible while still giving my hair the refresh it needs. I mean, it had been a year or so since my last trim, oopsie... 

I had a chat with Federico about what I was after and he suggested the best way to get there and how to make it suit me and I'm so pleased I went with what he suggested. I had a little bit of shape put in at the front while still keeping a lot of the length. We got rid of all of the split ends and gave my locks the refresh it needed. In fact, my hair feels so soft I've been stroking it since. 

The Review

Okay, okay - you've kind of got the gist of how much I loved my cut and colour at STIL Salon but I really wanted to let you know why it was so great. They ensure that each cut and colour is tailored to you - and that you know about it - meaning you come out with a new look that truly suits you. It's such a clever technique and seriously ensures you're happy with your look day after day. In fact, I think I'm a little bit hooked on STIL and I just know where I'll be returning when my hair needs it's next upgrade - and of course, I'll make sure to tell you about it. 

From the instagram-able Scandi design, to the skilled handiwork of the stylists and colourists, to the friendly welcome with Andrew and the cutie dog, Bertie. Salon Founder and Creative Director, Christel Lundqvist has really hit the nail on the head with this salon space. If you're looking for a hair upgrade, I seriously can't recommend STIL enough. I am blown away by it all. 

Book your appointment/consultation here now. 

Lorna x

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Introducing These Hair Hydrators From Maui Moisture

When you've got to go and grab the products out of the shower before writing a post, you know you're onto a winner. This Maui Moisture range arrived on my doorstep a couple of weeks ago and I just knew I would be into them. 

Created by the same people as OGX (you'll already know my love of them if you've been here before), Maui Moisture was inspired by handpicked ingredients from islands like Maui. Whereas most shampoo & conditioner ranges start with a chemically treated water, Maui Moisture uses a unique blend of aloe vera juice and pure coconut water. 

The Maui Moisture Revive & Hydrate range is right up my street. I'm all about keeping my hair hydrated because I love the texture of my hair when it's soft and this range does just that. The Maui Moisture Revive & Hydrate Shea Butter Shampoo and Shea Butter Conditioner, £8.99 each are the perfect duo for when your hair needs a hydration boost. Shea Butter is whipped into this range with rich coconut oil and macadamia oil to leave hair nourished and softened for a healthy look. 

If you need an extra boost, the Maui Moisture Revive & Hydrate Shea Butter Hair Mask, £8.99 is a total treat. I love popping this on my hair when I'm in the bath for an extra boost. 

I adore the packaging of this range - the pink of this is so stunning and I happily have it on show in my shower. I'm obsessed and I'm already eyeing up the other ranges from the brand. 

Lorna x

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The Long Hair Saviour: Saving Knotty Locks On A Budget

Knotty haired girls, this one's for you...

Since working within the beauty world, I have been extremely lucky to get to try beauty products on the reg (and I'm talking budget friendly ranges straight up to super luxury ones that I could only ever dream of purchasing) but there has to be something really special about it, past the sparkly packaging and big claims to get me to keep using that product, because my drawers are full and your girl gets excited about trying something new. 

The product I'm talking about in today's post is something I use ALL the time. In fact, I now can't imagine my beauty routine without it. It slipped into my beauty regime so seamlessly, that I didn't actually realise quite how much I do actually love it. It's only when I hear the excitement in my voice when telling other people about it that I actually realise (I can only apologise if you have been that person, I really do go on... It's so blooming great I can't help myself). 

I was always that person with long hair that is so unmanageable that brushing it would be my least favourite chore. If you feel the same, if you've ever had to get someone else to brush your hair for you, if you've got 'scarf hair' from the freeeeezing cold weather (you know when your hair all clumps at the back of your neck from wearing a scarf all day? Yep, that), or if you just want to speed up your hair routine, you need to read on. 

The Mane 'n Tail Detangler,  £7.99 is just that product. Every time I wash my hair, I use this. If my hair is dry and extra knotty, I use this. In fact, most times I brush my hair I use this. It speeds up the hair brushing process and makes my hair feel super sleek and soft. 

I hadn't actually thought about using a detangler until this one came into my life. I had used one when I was a child, but I didn't actually think about it being something that I would use now. But oh my god, you need to. 

How do you use it? It can be used on either wet or dry hair, though I would say only use it on dry hair if you really need it. Just spritz it a few times through your hair, and if you have really bad parts, I concentrate it on there a little, though don't be too heavy handed as you don't wan't it to weigh your hair down and then just do your hair as normal. 

This product has changed my haircare routine and the fact that it is so good, for this insanely budget friendly price gets me every time. You get 355ml in the bottle which lasts for ages- I've been using mine now for around 6 months, maybe more and it's still going strong. All I need in my life is a mini one for travelling! 

Spritz, brush, blow dry and go! 

Lorna x

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Introducing Amargan Hair Therapy

Amargan Hair Therapy Oil 30ml* - £10.64,  Amargan Advanced Styler* - £14.40,   Amargan Ultimate Curl* - £10.20

I have been in need of a decent hair oil for a while, I do love the Vo5 one that I do use sometimes but I just wanted one that does that bit more so when Amargan contacted me to try out some of their products I jumped at the chance. It was a new brand for me but their products seemed lovely, people had been comparing them to the illusive Morrocan Oil and for that I was down to try it!

The Hair Therapy Oil is my favourite of the bunch and will definitely be the one that I use the most. It is the original product from the Amargan range which the others are then based on. It sorts out frizz, adds shine, detangles and strengthens hair. You can actually use this in place of a conditioner, but as my hair needs as much moisture as it can get I would use this after. I would then either let my hair dry naturally (which is usually the case) or go on to blow drying. The Amargan Advanced Styler can also be used at this stage. It is heat activated and works to condition, eliminate static and keep your hair styled. I like this product as it adds to the conditioning of my hair while keeping it styled and although I do rarely use it, I do use it when I want to give my hair a bit of a boost and treat it a bit better - I'm prone to using this before a night out! The Amargan Ultimate Curl again isn't a product that I'd usually use as my hair is straight. It gives a slight wave to my hair which is nice and I would then curl my hair over the top. I usually use my straighteners so that the process is quick and this speeds it up even more. It also helps to combat any frizz so that is great too - I can only imagine what a godsend this product would be for those with curly hair.

I love this range and I really want to try out the Deep Penetrating Hair Mask next!

Lorna x

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Macadamia Flawless Cleansing Conditioner

Macadamia Flawless Cleansing Conditioner* 250ml - £25.75 

Holy Grail product alert! I want to thank the lovely ladies at Baobella for having me try this out and review this for them. You can read my post on Baobella here. 

The Macadamia Flawless Cleansing Conditioner is a foam based hair product you use instead of your usual shampoo and conditioner. I was totally unsure of how this would work at first as I usually don't like 2-in-1 hair products, but all I can say is how wrong was I! This product works miracles, you apply it in the shower and leave it on for a few minutes and wash of like any other shampoo or conditioner product. It feels amazing when your applying it and even more so, the condition your hair is left in afterwards is unbelievable. I remember the first time after using this product I kept touching my hair and so did everyone else, it has literally never been that soft! Not only that, but it cuts down the time it takes to blow dry your hair. I am so lazy when it comes to hair and opt for the quickest way to do anything so this is perfect. 

As the price is a little more than I would usually pay I save this for when I'm going out, special occasions and when my hair really needs that boost. I really don't want to waste this, this is one of those products you're scared to run out of! I really do love it that much. This has got to be the best product I have ever used for my hair, and honestly, I would recommend this to anyone! I'm sure I'll be adding this to Birthday/Christmas lists as I'm not sure I can quite justify spending that much on it, although I'm sure I would if I did run out. I can't wait to try out some more products from Macadamia, I am totally sold after this!

What are your favourite Macadamia products? 

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OOTD: Field Day Festival

All from Topshop - Skirt £35

Thank you to the lovely Miyelle from Me-Elle-You for this picture, she style snapped me!

I love festival fashion and when my friends agreed to come to Field Day with me, I couldn't wait to decide what to wear. Field Day is a one day festival held in Victoria Park; with a number of stages and tonnes of different music it's such a great affordable day. I actually managed to win a pair of VIP tickets the day before the event through a competition Desperados were running through their Facebook page. This was so exciting as it meant we could sell our tickets on and make a little money out of it and also still get to attend the festival experiencing being a 'VIP'! We weren't quite sure what this would actually get us, but were excited none the less. Turns out there was a VIP area that we were allowed in, pretty sure no one too special was given VIP and we're assuming there was another area but the toilets were nicer and there was a smaller queue. It was nice in there but as all of our group didn't have the wristbands we didn't spend long in there. 

My top picks from this year were Daughter even though her set was cut short and King Krule, we actually managed to get through and watch some of his set from the stage which was amazing! We weren't meant to be but the security let us through with our wristbands and we had the best time! 

Hair chalk! - VIP - Callum taking a picture of King Krule!

Group Photo! - Watching King Krule from the stage, Animal Collective

Fashion wise, I opted for the signature festival floral headband, one I had bought in the Topshop sale a while ago for a costume. I found this skirt in Topshop and instantly fell in love with it! I knew it would be perfect, as the slits make it a bit more interesting than my usual skirts. 

I hair chalked my hair using 3 different shades of blue/turquoise and green, making a gradient each time. I applied it wet so that the colour was more intense and I was so happy with the outcome! It washed out easily, the only thing I was a little worried about as I wondered whether it could stain my re-ombred hair! I borrowed some of my friends but I'll definitely be getting a set of my own, so much fun and so easy to apply! 

For my makeup I did what I do most days, but made sure I opted for a foundation with an SPF in it, just to make sure. We were very lucky with the weather and the sun came out for us so I was glad I did! I also added some glitter to my eyes once we were there, who doesn't love a bit of glitter? 

I had such a good day and would really recommend it to anyone! This was my second time going and I know already it won't be my last! I'm almost 100% sure I'll be going next year! 

Have you been to Field Day? What do you wear to a festival? 

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Christmas Sales: Beauty Wishlist

1. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette £18, 2. Nuxe Rêve de Miel Honey Lip Balm £7.60, 3. L'oreal Paris Preference Wild Ombre Hair Dye £5.58, 

4. Philip Kingsly Exfoliating Scalp Mask 20ml £3.93, 5. Caudalie Beauty Elixir 30ml £9.90, 6. YSL Touche Eclat £21.25

1. I am such a big fan of the original Urban Decay Naked Palette that as soon as I saw this one I knew I'd need it. My favourite and most used shades in the original are the matte ones and so this palette is perfect for me. I almost jumped at buying it at the price drop! but then I started thinking whether I actually need it. I am still so tempted to buy it, but as a student I can't quite afford all of these lavish purchases, so I will probably only be buying one or two things off of this list, and at the moment it doesn't quite look as though it'll be coming home with me. The shades look perfect, the palette looks beautiful but I'm just not quite sure whether it is actually worth the money. 

2. I have read so much about this lip balm and usually that means I need to have it. The product sounds beautiful, the honey 'flavour' sounds lovely, as I am usually not a fan of some of the types of lip balms. I know it's expensive for a lip balm, and as I'm not really an obsessive lip balm user, I don't really know whether it would be a waste of my money, but it just sounds so perfect! The postage costs from this website do put me off a little. Any idea where you could get it with free delivery at a discounted price? Currently feeling as though I need it in my life... 

3. This was the hair dye I used most recently to re-ombre my shorter hair! I will hopefully write a more in depth post about this later as I have not formally told you all about my new hair (only in Instagram form - yes, I did cut my long hair off!) I bought this originally at an introductory price for only a few pounds and the product definitely did live up to expectations. Currently kicking myself that I didn't buy more... Thinking about stocking up with another one while the prices are down though! 

4. While browsing the Feel Unique sale section, I came across this. At such a small price I'm so tempted to get this just to give the brand a go. I have never used Philip Kingsley before but have only heard good things (especially about their Elasticizer!) If I do bite the bullet and make a Feel Unique order, this will definitely be coming home with me. 

5. I have been wanting to try this product for so long. After reading the endless reviews (both good and bad) I have it imprinted in my brain that I need to try this out! I have put it in my basket numerous times before but quite quickly changed my mind and crossed off the webpage but at the discounted price I am so tempted in finally getting it!

6. This is a cult beauty product, and I have always wanted to give it a go. I had a sample of this, that I got out of Vogue and I completely loved it but I just haven't been sure whether to go ahead and make the purchase in case I change my mind (which I am quite prone to doing, I might add). I asked around on the #bbloggers chat last night on twitter what everyone thought of it and got an overwhelming negative response back from it. Although this has turned me off it slightly, I still feel as though I need it and as it's discounted it's even more tempting... 

What are your views on each of these products? What would you pick? What do you want from the sales?

Lorna

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Hair Care Review #3: Schwarzkopf got2b Powder'ful Volumizing Styling Powder

got2b Volumizing Styling Powder 10g - £4.07 (Currently £2.71 at Boots!)

Schwarzkopf's got2b volumizing styling powder is used to give hair an instant boost of volume through boosting the roots and giving the hair texture and hold. The product is a fine sticky powder that you can either put into your hands, rub them together and then apply to the hair or apply straight into the hair for an even larger boost. 

This product does exactly what it says it does, it boosts the hair giving it as much volume as desired (depending on the amount of product used). I always apply this to my roots first, usually putting it into my hands and then rubbing the product in but if I am going on a big night out (new years eve, for example) then I will apply the product straight into the hair as I really want it to last! 

The only downside to this product would be the way it leaves your hair feeling. It is definitely not a nice feeling and almost feels dirty as though it needs a wash. It doesn't look this way though so if this wouldn't bother you that much then I would definitely recommend giving it a go. I always use this product when it doesn't matter what the state of my hair is in the morning. If I know I'll be needing to get up and go pretty quickly then I know that this is not the product to use for that night but otherwise I'm always using it for nights out!

I would definitely recommend picking up this product if you are looking for a quick fix to volumizing your hair (quicker than back combing too - and much better for your hair!) and for £2.71 you can't really go wrong!

What do you think of this product? Have you tried any other volumizing powders? 

Lorna

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Hair Care Review #2: Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditoner

Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner 250ml - £4.49 

Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner is by far one of my favourite hair care products and is a firm favourite in my hair care routine. It is described to "make weak hair big and strong" that "conditions and nourishes hair so it's tangle-free and protected from everyday wear and tear". I completely agree that it conditions and nourishes hair so that it is tangle free as actually this is what I use the product for. 

As my hair is so long I find it very troublesome to brush daily after washing. I find it gets very knotty especially around the nape of the neck which is a right pain to get through and make tangle-free and this is where this product comes in for me. I spray it all over my hair, even more so on the extremely knotty areas and then brush with my tangle teaser (review to come soon!). It makes it so much easier to get through and not only that but it makes my hair smell at the same time. I'm really not great at describing scents so I won't try to but it's beautiful!

I wouldn't say that my hair is weak and distressed and so can't comment on how it holds up against making it stronger but would definitely recommend giving it a go as I haven't actually tried an Aussie product that I haven't liked and that hasn't lived up to expectations. This is definitely my favourite product in their range as I have repurchased it so many times (and it is very rare that I actually do repurchase a product, the beauty blogger in me always thinks there's something better out there - but with this I don't actually feel the need to try anything else) 

Have you tried this? Any other Aussie favourites out there? Have you tried anything better than this? 

Lorna

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Hair Care Review #1: VO5 Miracle Concentrate

VO5 Miracle Concentrate Elixir with Argan Oil 50ml - £5.19

I'm going to start off by saying I completely love this product! I decided to purchase this after reading so much about the Moroccan Oil and wanted to find a cheaper alternative to try. I'm not sure how similar this is to the Moroccan Oil since I haven't tried it and all I can go on is my views of this product. 

I usually use this product before I blow dry my hair - which actually isn't that often. I much prefer to let my hair dry naturally to keep it away from as much heat damage as possible. Or sometimes I just put it on the ends before leaving my hair to dry if I feel it needs that little boost.

The product is an "intensive leave-in treatment" oil. I put a bit of it on the back of my hand for you to see what the product looks like out of the bottle. The product comes with a pipette applicator making it very easy to get the product out. I put a few drops in the palm of my hand and rub my hands together and then apply the product through the ends. 

It makes my hair soft and since I've bleached the ends this is a much harder task than it was previously. Obviously it's not as soft as I used to be able to get it but I really think that this does help with maintaining the condition of my hair as I would say that my hair really isn't in as bad condition as it could be. I got my hair cut last week and I'm really not the biggest fan of this, but it has to be done. I'm planning to re-ombre my hair after it has grown back slightly and I start to like it more!

Another point to make is that this smells amazing! I think that even if it didn't work as well I'd still use it because it smells amazing. It reminds me of parma violets, but I'm not sure whether I'm way off and am the only one that thinks that. Whatever the description of the smell is, it is amazing and I would definitely recommend it for that. 

I'm not sure whether I paid £5.19 for my bottle or not but I do know that it is quite often on offer. It's included in the 3 for 2 offer in Boots at the moment and so if your looking for another product to pick up, I would definitely recommend this one, it does everything it says it does. 

Lorna

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