Wednesday, November 16, 2011

♡ Macadamia Review ♡

♡ Macadamia Review ♡

Hi Lovelies!
Hope your all doing really well :) - I was so happy to introduce my first guest writer Jessica whose post you can see below. I hope you will check it out and show your support as Jess is a lovely girl, and her blog is really lovely. I have also been secretly working on a few blogger related projects, which include maybe getting some bloggers involved in a new TV Series. However, I'm trying to work things out with the company to check out what it's really about. I'm super happy to have a new review written for you and I hope you enjoy this post lovelies. I have been trying out these lovely project for absolutely ages to really get a good feel for them and to see how they left my hair over a period of time. I have always admired the brand Macadamia from afar, but was slightly scared to purchase the products because of the *oil* factor. Basically, I get really oily roots and I'm terrified of making my hair oily. However, I get extremely dry ends... which means I also need a lot of moisture. I recently went to my hairdresser who was professionally trained in central London and she said that my hair was in its best condition ever and she had no idea what I had been using. I was lucky enough to be able to review some products from the Macadamia range*, so I hope you enjoy my review beauties and feel free to ask me any questions in the comments section below.
Macadamia Shampoo (£15.75)
I have been using the Macadamia Shampoo for quite a while now and at first I was slightly worried about my hair getting oily. However, I was genuinely shocked at the fact that it didn't make my hair oily any quicker than usual. The scent is absolutely gorgeous and makes hair washing a total luxury experience. The shampoo also creates a lovely lather that makes you feel like your hair is getting a really good clean, but at the same time you can feel that it really is doing your hair good. 
Moisturising Rinse (£17.99)
The Macadamia Moisturising Rinse is an everyday conditioner which you can just run through your hair and wash it out quickly. I really like this product, as its great for when I don't have an extra 10-15 minutes to use the mask in the shower or bath. However, it still manages to leave your hair really smooth and manageable even after just a quick rinse. 
Deep Repair Masque (£12.50)
The Deep Repair Masque is a cult favourite in the beauty world and I must admit it is a lovely product. However, I don't find myself reaching for it like I do the other two products. I feel that I get a similar result from using the shampoo/rinse combo, which makes me not use the masque as much. However, I still think this is a fantastic product and it smells divine. The best part about Macadamia is a brand is the fact that their products don't just leave your hair nice after one wash... but they actually genuinely do improve the condition of your hair for days after. 
Control Spray (£17.45)
I remember back in the day when I used to HATE hair spray, as I couldn't stand the crunchy state it left my hair in. However, this is honestly the complete opposite!! - I love how it actually nourishes my hair, but helps to keep away any frizz, as well as holding my bun in all day. I also spray it on my hair when I want a little extra shine, as it gives your hair a really radiant and healthy appearance. 

Overall ?
I think that over the years I have become so scared of oily roots that I have probably been starving my hair of valuable oils, as I use so many clarifying shampoo's. However, Macadamia has genuinely made me see the importance of nourishing your hair and keeping it healthy from root to tip. Using a clarifying shampoo is fine, but not for every single hair wash (oops). I can tell that using Macadamia has really improved my hair, especially when my hairdresser mentioned that my hair was in its best ever condition. The main negative is the price, but saying that it is definitely worth it if your hair is in despair! - I would definitey re-purchase the shampoo/conditioner combination and those two products would be my main recommendation. However, if you are more into styling your hair.. but don't want to leave your hair feeling crunchy and unhealthy, then you should definitely try the Control Spray.

Hope you have enjoyed this post lovelies :) and I would love to know if you have used any of these products ? - I really do love and appreciate every comment, and would love to hear if any of you would maybe like to guest post in the future :) ?

Monday, November 14, 2011

Lifestyle Post - Health Kick

Lifestyle Post - Health Kick

Hi Lovelies!
So, every now and then I have a little panic about not being fit enough and not eating the right foods. In my early teens I was very active and played for the under 18's Hockey team, and I was also selected to go on a sports tour to Barbados. I also used to do some modelling and pageants back in the day haha. However, when I finished school I started becoming a little less active and my eating was all over the place. I'm still a size 6/8 but that doesn't mean I'm fit and healthy, so I really want to get back into excercising and making an effort to eat the right food. I do have a gym membership and last year I got my fitness back, but then I got ill and I totally lost my motivation to get back into my routine. The last six months my exercise and diet have been rubbish and I have totally been feeling it in myself. I thought I would do a post showing you my plans to get back to a more healthy lifestyle, and I really would appreciate some advice.
(Weheartit)
Maxitone Sculptress Diet
Shake diets are quite controversial but they are helpful if you have trouble sticking to a diet. It is an expensive way to loose weight and tone up, but I do find that it works and helps me to get going in the right direction. I customise the way I use shake diets so they last me a lot longer than what it recommends on the tub. The main thing is that it really eases my snacking which stops me from eating just for the sake of it. Maxitone is definitely one of the most popular and highly rated shake diets, as well as having a really informative website. I had a really good discount (TYPSCULPTRESS) on the website so click HERE if you are interested in saving over £8.00 on either Maxitone Sculptress or Definity. 
Simple 25 Minute Work Out 
If you haven't been active for a while then its never a good idea to just go crazy, but instead starting off with interval training can really help make a difference. Slow cardio isn't half as effective as interval training, so I think this work out is great for at home and the gym.

My Body Issues
I have always been quite slim with long limbs despite being only 5 foot 4. My legs are toned, but my real problem area is my stomach. It's really hard for me to get the look I want and it always feels like an uphill struggle. If I could change something It would definitely be my stomach, as it would help to improve my confidence loads.
What Food I'm Loving
I love the sound of all these fancy healthy idea's but honestly its just too much for me to take in! - So I have come up with some really simple healthy snack and meal idea's

Stir fry's 
You can use whatever you like! I love Salmon, Chicken and Beef Stir Fry's and its an amazing way to get plenty of vegetables into your diet.

Snacks
- Carrot sticks are a great healthy option and I love dipping them in Sour Cream & Chive Sauce!
- Coconut Chunks are also really healthy and full of goodness! plus they remind me of a tropical holiday!
Motivation
Having someone to motivate you is a great way to start a health kick - I think that Lucy Meck from The Only Way Is Essex has an insane figure like WOW - but I also think that Millie from Made In Chelsea has a gorgeous figure. I also love Kelly Brook as her curves are just beautiful and I love how she embraces her natural shape.

When it comes to fitness and goals everyone is different, so I would love you to share your fitness stories, goals and motivation below. Getting into a more healthy mentality is not just about looking good, but it can really help deal with anxiety and stress. Don't get me wrong I'm never ever going to say no to a Chinese or and Indian, but I definitely want to make healthy improvements to my life!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Elemis Tri Enzyme Range - Review

Elemis Tri Enzyme Range - Review

Hi My Lovelies!
Today's post is going to be skincare related and I decided to take full advantage of this beautiful sunshine and get some garden pictures for you. I'm a firm believer in skincare and think that investing in skin care is the best way to keep your skin healthy and looking younger for longer... plus it helps your make-up settle when your skin is looked after. Recently, I had some Elemis training for work and it was so helpful, that I wanted to share some of it in today's post with you. I actually started using Elemis in January this year and then I was super happy to get a job at an Elemis Spa a few months after, which is amazing as I can work with a brand I love and trust. 

Your skin can change up to 9 times a day which I didn't know!! - but actually it makes complete sense, as some days I think hmmm that's a bit dry, but then a few hours later my make-up has gone patchy... which makes me think how did i go from being dry to oily haha ?! - Elemis is a clinically proven brand which does not test on animals but instead chooses to pay loads more money to have it tested on human beings in very strict trials. The trials are normally a minimum of £30,000 for one product, which makes me trust Elemis even more as a brand, because they are willing to go that extra mile which other brands won't do, as testing on animals is a whole lot cheaper. 

Brands always focus on the lovely ingredients like Lavender, Chamomile and other natural ingredients. However, it is actually the base of the product which is the most important part of the skincare. If you have an alcohol or chemical base then your skin struggles to take the product in right from the very start. However, Elemis use active Protein bases which means that the skin instantly accepts the product, as the skin is a protein base also. Elemis also use fruit enzymes to naturally preserve their products instead of using the chemical SLS related ingredients. This information was completely new to me, and I thought it might be interesting for you lovelies to read about, so know I will stop rambling and get into my mini reviews of the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Range*. 

About the "Elemis Tri-Enzyme Range"
The Tri-Enzyme is a powerful clinically proven skincare range that targets dull/aging skin by exfoliating, renewing, moisturising and protecting the skin. The active protein base matches the protein base of the skin, which therefore means that the skin instant accepts the product instead of rejecting it (which normally happens with chemical bases). Ingredients include, White Truffle, Brazilian Babussu and an exfoliant Polysaccharide just to name a few ingredients.

It is very important not to sunbathe whilst using this range, as you are renewing the skin. If you do then make sure you are wearing a minimum SPF 30 as this will stop the fresh skin from burning. 
Elemis Tri Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash (Travel Size)
This cleanser is creamy and luxurious in two words! - I must admit I had reservations over the whole Tri-enzyme range because I was worried it was going to irritate my Redness, but for some reason it has made my Redness better ?!? crazy haha. Anyway, it's great for all skin-types and helps to slough away all the dead skin cells. The Enzymes are used to break away uneven skin, which helps to reveal a more radiant and plump looking complexion.

Elemis Tri Enzyme Resurfacing Serum (Travel Size)
This Serum has been clinically proven to improve the skins texture by 91% - It helps to stimulate your cell renewal cycle, which therefore helps with acne, scarring and pigmentation issues. I have been using this product and genuinely believe that it has helped to improve my recent issues with my skin texture. 

Elemis Tri Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask (Full Size)
This is honestly the star of the show for me!! - the other products are fantastic and really work amazingly together as a routine, but if I had to recommend just the one product then this would be it. If you love it when you can feel a product working then you would love this! - When you apply it there is a tingling sensation, which moves on to quite a strong cooling sensation which makes the skin feel so clean its unreal. This product is packed with all the same powerful ingredients, but its amazing for instant results, as well as balancing the skins PH level to reduce shine. 

Elemis Tri Enzyme Resurfacing Night Cream (Full Size)
This is another favourite for me and I think that this and the Gel Mask would be the easiest products to integrate into a routine. The best thing about the Night Cream is that it takes full advantage of the fact that the skin regenerates through the night... so with the addition of its powerful formula you wake up with lovely plump and radiant skin. 
Overall Thoughts ?
About a month ago I was extremely stressed and I went to take a close up picture of my skin for a post and in complete horror I couldn't believe how uneven my skin had become. However, after using the Tri-Enzyme range as part of my normal routine I have seen unbelievable results. However, the price range of these products is high and ranges from £29-£98. If I had to recommend one product it would definitely be the Gel Mask which costs £48.00 followed by the Night Cream which is £85.00. Despite the high prices Elemis are normally very generous with their gift sets, which you receive with a certain purchase. The range also appears for discounted prices on QVC, so it's definitely worth keeping an eye out if your interested. Finally, you can get 20% off Elemis orders with the code Celtic2013 which is the discount code the Spa i work for gives you. I have included a picture of my current skin texture since using the Tri-Enzyme Range.