Summer Holidays: KMS California Off Duty Style Kits review

Need some new haircare minis for your summer holiday, but don't want to compromise on quality or style? Treat yourself to one of these Off-Duty Style Kits from KMS California and you (and your hair) will be good to go in no time at all.

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The DIY Blow-Dry Duo: KMS California TameFrizz Smoothing Reconstructor & Freeshape Shaping Blow Dry review

Want big, bouncy hair on a regular basis, but don't want to pay for the expense of getting a blow-dry done at the hair salon every week or simply don't have the extra time on your hands to do so? Check out these two styling newbies from KMS California who are soon to become your hair's BFFs.

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Haircare Review: Hydration & Styling Products for Dry Hair from KMS California

Although we're now in March, this cold snap is still wreaking some serious havoc with my hair. If you're having the same (first world) problem, check out these dry hair saviours from KMS California.

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Summer Hair Styling: KMS California HairPlay Dry Wax, AddVolume Body Build Detangler & HairStay Styling Gel review

Summer is the perfect time to try out some new hairstyles, so if you're feeling like you're stuck in a hair do' rut and fancy a temporary change, take a look at these three KMS California helpers.

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My Hair Products / Styling Stash

My hair is naturally dry and has a slight wave to it which can either look good (like once or twice a year), or it can look plain awful (i.e most of the time).  It's also a frizzy nightmare to boot, which has forced me to keep an arsenal of products on hand at all times in order to make myself look marginally presentable.  Now, I'm not saying that messy hair isn't cool, on the contrary, but let's face it - getting that 'just got out of bed look' is the same as that 'no make-up look' that requires at least five products isn't it?!  So here's a rundown of what's in my hair products/styling stash.

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What's in my toiletries travel bag?

As some of you may know, I am going on holiday to Prague tomorrow evening, so I thought I'd do a 'What's in my travel bag?' post for the toiletries I'm taking with me.  My travel bag was bought in Japan earlier this year, can't remember the name of the shop, but I've seen similar designs for sale over here.  I'm a sucker for anything cute with owls on!

Haircare

Burts Bees Super Shiny Shampoo and Conditioner

These were from my grab bag ages ago.  Have seen a few mixed reviews of these, so I'll try them 

out tonight and see what they're like.

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment

I love this hair oil more than Morrocan Oil these days.  

Perfect for keeping my hair in great condition.

KMS California Free Shape Hot Flex Spray

Love this, just a simple heat protection spray with the added benefit of acting a bit

like a hairspray too!

Skincare

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

I always take one of these with me when I'm travelling.  

Doubles up as a fantastic make-up remover too.

Essential Care Organic Rose Petal Tonic*

This is so lovely to use, great for refreshing yourself with when you're on the go.

Dr Nick Lowe Oil Control Anti-Blemish Day Cream

Featured in my favourites last month, I'm on my second travel size tube of this 

and it works so well for my oily/combination skin.

balance Me Radiance Face Mask*

Also featured this in my favourites last month, it's a fab 3 in 1 mask 

that helps to perk up dull skin.

Figs & Rouge Sweet Geranium Balm

Multi-purpose balm, always travel with one of these products 

in my bag because they come in so handy.

Clinique All About Eyes

One of my favourite eye creams, simple and effective.

 

Bath & Body

Steamcream

Recently reviewed this here.  Love it!  The tin is also a great size for

travelling with.

NEOM Tranquility Bath Oil

Received this in the Utter Relaxation gift set for my birthday and can't wait

to use it.

Mitchell and Peach English Growers Shower Wash

I think this was from a Joliebox from around xmas time?!  

I really should use up seeing as it's July now, so it's coming with me!

Sunscreen / Misc

JĀSÖN Facial Natural Sunblock SPF 20*

JĀSÖN Mineral Natural Sunblock SPF 30*

No summer travel bag is complete without sunscreen and these ones 

from JĀSÖN are light and non-greasy.  Reviewed here.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Care with SPF 15

Great for wearing under lipsticks and is very moisturising too.

Essential Care Organic First Aid Lotion*

For all those 'just in case' times that happen on holiday!

From their Holiday Essentials kit.

I'll post a make-up bag tomorrow as that's always the last thing I pack.

 Have you been or are you going on holiday this summer?

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*PR samples

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June Empties

It's that time again!  Here are my empties for June and whether I would repurchase them:-

•  The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub - Although I adore anything coconut scented (and this does smell good), I thought this scrub wasn't very effective at all.  It's more like a shower smoothie and has these tiny bits in it that just don't exfoliate anything.  Repurchase? No.
• Lush The Olive Branch Shower Gel - I always seem to have a small bottle of this in my bathroom and like to use it every now and again for a change.  Repurchase? Yes.
• KMS California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry Spray - Love this, it does what it says it'll do and is lightweight on the hair.  Repurchase? Yes, definitely will get a full size.
• The Body Shop Vitamin E Tinted Moisture Lotion - I do like this because it moisturises well and gives pretty good coverage for a tinted product, but I feel it's better suited to dry skin types because it can feel a bit too greasy on my oily/combination skin, especially in summer.  Repurchase? Maybe in Winter.
• Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in 09 Currant - Nice sheer gloss, a little sticky though.  Repurchase? I wouldn't buy a full size, but I would pick up another sample.
• Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream - Lovely to use at night as it's very rich and super hydrating.  Repurchase? Already have another sample.
• LJ's Natural Solutions Balancing Organic Moisturiser* - This was too heavy for my skin so I used it up as a night cream and it was great for that.  I imagine it would work really well for dry skin.  Repurchase? No.
• Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Cleanser - Loved this sample, my skin did look brighter after just one use.  Repurchase? Yes, I think I would buy a full size.
• Montagne Jeunesse Sauna Masque - One of the best budget beauty buys out there, this is simply amazing for only 99p!  Has a warming effect which draws out any impurities clogged in your pores and always makes my skin look really clean afterwards.  Ideal if you're prone to breakouts.  Repurchase? Yes!

• Percy Reed Spendidly Silky Moisturising Conditioner - Didn't hydrate my hair, it made it even drier, hated it!  Used it up as shaving cream instead.  Repurchase? No!
•  Witch Anti-Blemish Skin Clearing Primer - I like this a lot as I find it really works well for oily skin and creates a barrier that prevents make-up from breaking you out.  Repurchase? Yes, but not for a while as I'm using Benefit's The POREfessional at the moment.
• Dead Sea Spa Magik Silky Smooth Body Lotion - Lovely formula that sinks into the skin straight away, but it doesn't really have a scent.  Repurchase? No.
• Bodhi Ylang Ylang Incensa Sensual Body Moisturiser* - The scent of this is absolutely divine but I prefer the formula of other body moisturisers more.  Repurchase? Probably not.  I'd rather splash out on the shower gel with the same scent instead.
• Lavera Basis Sensitive Hand Cream - Great summer hand cream because it's quite light, really like this.  Repurchase? Yes.
• Weleda Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash - This has a wonderful uplifting citrus scent and was quite moisturising too.  Repurchase? Yes, would buy a full size at some point.
• Iroisie Ultimate BB Cream SPF 25 - Tried this today and wasn't that keen on it.  Smells quite strongly and was very thick which made it difficult to blend.  Repurchase? No.

Have you used up any beauty products this month?  Link me to your empties posts below!

*PR samples

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Joliebox - April

The little black beauty box known as Joliebox arrived on my doorstep today and I couldn't wait to open it up. Inside were the following products:-

[1] 15ml tube of Balance Me Daily Essentials Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm: this is 100% natural and sounds like a balm version of Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish.

[2] 10ml jar of Tropic Skincare Skin Revive: a firming and nourishing moisturiser which has a subtle citrusy scent that I'm not sure I'm keen at just yet, as I generally prefer unscented skincare. I'm sure I'll give it a go at some point.

[3] Sample bottle of Pure Fiji Exotic Bath and Body Oil: love, love, LOVE coconut oil as an intensive moisturising treat, so naturally was very pleased to see this included! This one is blended with 'exotic nut extracts' and is a wonderful multi-purpose product that can be used in the bath, on the body and on the hair. Going to be trying this out tonight I think.

[4] Full size Bellapierre Lash Building Mascara in Black: I'm something of a mascara fiend, so always like receiving these in beauty boxes. Have seen Bellapierre products on the Naturismo site and always wanted to try something by them as they're a mostly natural/chemical free brand, but their make-up is a little on the pricey side! I'll certainly look forward to trying out this mascara.

[5] 30ml KMS California Freeshape Hot Flex Spray: Have spoken before of how much I loved the KMS California Quick Blow Spray sample that was in another beauty box, so I'm excited to try out this one. It's a protective heat spray that provides a flexible hold, which they claim will last until your next wash. Will be putting this to the test soon.

Summary: Another great box from Joliebox, again all products that I'm interested to try out and that appeal to me personally. A happy camper!

Did you receive a Joliebox? What did you think?

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What's in my toiletries travel bag?

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen me mention that I'm heading to Tokyo on Sunday. It's a place that I've always wanted to visit and I'm so excited to finally be able to go! I've had a few requests to do a 'what's in my travel bag?' type of post detailing what beauty products I'll be taking with me, so here's my toiletries one to start things off.

[Haircare]: Macadamia Deep Repair Masque - When I saw this in last month's Joliebox, I knew that I'd have to refrain from trying it out straight away, and popped into my travel bag instead. Can't wait to use this. KMS California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry Spray does what it says on the bottle and will be perfect for using in the mornings, along with John Frieda Frizz Ease 3 Day Straight for quick and easy sleek hair. I'm also taking this trusty little bottle of Morrocan Oil for last minute touch ups. I'll be decanting a little of my usual Eucerin shampoo to keep my scalp happy and will be pairing that with The Body Shop Nettle Oil Balance Conditioner, which I believe is now discontinued but was from a gift set I received at xmas.





[Bodycare]: I have so many body lotion travel sizes from various beauty boxes that it was difficult to just pick one, but eventually I decided to take Neom Organic Real Luxury Body Lotion because it just smells incredible. Hands and feet will by taken care of with Balance Me Super Moisturising Hand Cream and Burts Bees Coconut Foot Creme, with a mini tin of Lush Lemony Flutter to rub into cuticles before bed and for any extra dry areas that need it. My new favourite Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant will also accompany my travels and keep me smelling fresh throughout the busy days of sightseeing. As I'm likely to be completely jetlagged when I arrive, I thought that the Bodhi Mint The Shower Therapy* would be absolutely perfect for waking me up with its potent mint scent, and I'm going to decant a bit of Bamford Geranium Botanic Bath Oil to take with me for a soothing bath. Just in case I have any problems sleeping, I always carry a small bottle of Lavender Oil to help me relax and send me off to the land of nod.





[Skincare]: The only cleanser I am using at the moment is Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish which gives a lovely deep clean and doubles up as an amazing make-up remover too. After this, I'll use my old faithful Lush Tea Tree Water to tone with, and apply a little of Clinique All About Eyes to my undereye dark circles which helps to de-puff them, as well as hydrating the eye area. For mornings, I'll follow with Korres Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturiser which has SPF 6, and before bed, I'll use Institut Esthederm Time Technology Cream. Twice a week I'll use Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream to get rid of any dull dead skin cells, and I have a mini bottle of Tea Tree Oil just in case any blemishes decide to show up. For lips, I'll be taking my Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm.

So that's everything. I am one of those people who usually leaves everything to the last minute, but doing this blogpost has helped me strike at least one thing off my enormous to-do list, hooray! I will post a make-up one at some point this evening too.

*PR Sample

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December Favourites

I hope everyone had a great New Years! I'm a bit late doing this post due to the festivities, so here are my beauty favourites from last month:-



Barry M Translucent Powder in Medium - One of the best budget friendly (I think this was under £6) powders I've tried so far. It's finely milled and absorbs excess oil from the face to leave your make-up set and matte. Plus it's packaged in a generous size compact with a huge mirror. Elf Studio Line Cream Eyeliner in Black (swatch) - My new go-to eyeliner! Easy to use, with good pigmentation and staying power. Unbelievable that this is just £3.50! Japonesque Travel Size Smudger Brush - The perfect shape and size for doing a quick smokey eye with soft bristles. Barry M Lipgloss Wand in Toffee (swatch) - My new favourite nude lipgloss, so pretty for wearing everyday and non-sticky. Cargo Cosmetics Classic Lip Gloss in Tokyo - Another non-sticky, everyday colour that I've been wearing a lot since receiving in last month's Glossybox.



Zoya Nail Polish in Zeeka (NOTD) and Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Razzle Dazzle (NOTD) have been my recent favs for my nails. Elf Studio Line Complexion Brush - Another budget favourite, this brush really is perfect for applying any kind of loose powder and has the absolute bargain price tag of £3.50! Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask - I've been raving recently about this face mask and would recommend it to anyone with troublesome oily/combination skin. KMS California Freeshape Quick Blow Dry Spray - I wasn't all that excited to try this when I first saw it in my Carmine box, but I popped it into my travel bag and tested it out over the holidays. WOW! It really does cut your blowdrying time in half and left my hair wonderfully frizz free and soft without any product residue. Amazing stuff!

What were your beauty favs for December?

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Carmine Box - December

Beauty boxes seem to be like buses this week, you wait ages for one and then they all arrive at the same time! Here's December's Carmine box:-





(1) Japonesque Smudger Brush, travel size - I was surprised that none of the beauty boxes I've received before now have had make-up brushes in them so this was a much welcomed addition that will be going straight into my make-up bag. The dinky Japonesque smudger brush is very similar in design and shape to Ruby & Millie brushes, and the bristles on this are incredibly soft.



(2) Weleda Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash, full size 200ml - SO happy to receive this! I love, love, love Weleda's pomegranate body oil already and have no doubts that this will be equally luxurious to use.



(3) KMS California Freeshape Quick Blow Dry Spray, travel size 30ml - this little spray apparently reduces blowdrying time by up to 50%. I don't blow dry my hair that often but can imagine this coming in handy when travelling.



(4) Institut Esthederm Time Technology Cream, 10ml sample - I did inwardly groan a little when I saw this because I feel that there are constantly anti-aging creams in these boxes, but the description does say it can be used for skin of all ages so I will give it a go. Plus I like the sound of its 'light-reflecting' properties.





(5) MyFace Cosmetics Blingtone in Silver Screen - A majorly sparkly/glittery silver eyeshadow. I have a lot of silver eyeshadows in palettes that I never use so my sister has nabbed this one. Before she did, I swatched a little on my hand (above) and it seems quite difficult to work with because it has some serious fallout. Might be something that is better when used wet perhaps?

There was also a voucher for eyebrow threading from Benito Brow Bar that I promptly spilt camomile tea all over (oops!) but I don't think there's one of those near me anyway. Still a nice little extra though if you can get to one.

Summary: All in all, a good box. Certainly not as 'Wow!' as the other December beauty boxes seem to have been, but a generally good box nonetheless with a great variety of products to try out.

P.S Have a great Christmas everyone! I will be back after the bank holiday, have fun! :)

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