In love with the Louis Vuitton 6 Key Holder

I recently had to make a trip up to Selfridges in London to pick up some watches that I had previously taken in to be serviced so I roped my dad into going with and while we were there we decided to have a little browse around the department store. 

We eventually happened upon Louis Vuitton giving me the perfect opportunity to show Pops the Neverfull handbag that I have been lusting over for years but haven’t been able to justify purchasing.

The great thing about shopping with pops is he always rights my wrongs when I want to make extravagant purchases, in fact, he is actually a bad influence lol.

Between us, we decided that I would wait until my birthday to make the purchase and in the meantime, I would make some amendments to my budget to avoid the dreaded buyer's remorse. 

But of course, something else caught my eye... 

The Louis Vuitton 6 Key Holder 

I would be lying if I said that I was not already aware of this item,  watching youtube of women showing off their Neverfull handbags had slowly become the new obsession I was slowly getting into SLG's (Small Leather Goods if you didn’t know)  

There’s no harm in having a little look is there?

Well …

I bit the bullet and purchased my 1st SLG  

Sorry, not sorry.

I should probably mention that I had earlier put down a deposit on a new car that I was anxiously anticipating picking up so I couldn’t be too surprised at what I did next.

With my cheerleader egging me on, Yeah you Andy (to be fair he didn’t need to do much)

I was absolutely ecstatic with my purchase and still am but it is shaping up to be a bit of a controversial purchase.

I have found people love it or they would love to tar and feather me for spending so much money on what they feel is an insignificant item lol!

To be fair at £160 it is a lot to spend on a “glorified keyring” but at the same time I could easily spend over £160 on a night out an still have nowhere to keep my keys.

 I’m defiantly not going to bankrupt myself for an SLG but hey I work hard so why not treat myself.

This little beauty Holds 6 keys (Hence the name duh!) and not only does keeps my keys all in one place, it can also function card holder! 

On the day that I do not want to bring out my purse, I can simply slide my driving licence and 2-3 other cards into the slot comfortably and then I’m good to go.

The 6 Key Holder will also ensure that the keys won’t scratch the interior of my bag or damage the other contents inside (Note: The my car key does have to dangle on the outside because it is quite thick as is the remote for my electric gate and with both inside the 6 Key Holder wouldn’t be able to close. but that doesn’t really bother me as I have it attached it to my fluffy keyring.

I personally think this was a very practical purchase and I would defiantly recommend it (I, in fact, I have been trying to bully friends and colleagues into getting one also lol) 

Next step Neverfull 

NATURIGIN Permanent Hair Dye Review

I have been on my natural hair journey for a few years now however my neutral hair colour is an off black brown colour that can only be described with one word blah!

I used to religiously dye my hair jet black but that along with having a relaxer, daily heat styling and the medication it take for Lupus my hair was in awful condition and now that I am rocking a healthy head of hair I am reluctant to use any chemicals.

A few months ago attended Bloggers Fashion week hosted by Bloggers Hangout where I was introduced to the guys from NATURIGIN and introduced to the NATURIGIN Permanent Hair Dye

The NATURIGIN hair dyes are non-permanent doesn’t contain PPD(P-phenylenediamine), Ammonia, Resorcinol or Peroxide so I thought why not give it a try.

I opted for Black 2.0

http://www.naturigin.com/natural-colours/black20/

The Process was simple enough, the kit contained the following:

Colour Cream (A)

Activator (B)

After Colour Treatment (C)

Safety Gloves (D)

I simply added the contents of the Colour Cream (A) into the Activator squeezy bottle (B) shock the bottle to mix it up.

I then applied all the mixture from the Activator bottle to my hair starting on the hair roots and working towards the ends.

When my hair was coated in the mixture I then massaged it into my hair and the scalp, before covering it with a shower cap to let it work in

The instructions said to leave in for 30 mins but I gave it an extra 10 minutes as my hair doesn’t take dye very well.

After this I washed the dye out of my hair I applied the content of the After Colour Treatment (C) to my hair and massaged gently for 2 minutes and then rinsed it out.

I then followed with my fave conditioner.

Before

After 

The result was a very natural dark colour, I wouldn’t necessarily describe to as jet black bit I was totally happy with the results

Have you tried any NATURIGIN products before?

They sell Shea Moisture in Boots??

I’m so sorry that this post is late especially since I had such a lovely time at the event and the product is amazing!

Thursday 8^th October 2015 Shea Moisture the go to brands for naturalists finally launched in the UK partnership with high street beauty retailer Boots yes Boots!!

I was invited to their launch event which turned in to a full blown rave up lol until 9pm that is lol.

Shea Moisture has been around since 1912, and the Shea butter, African black soap and other cosmetics are hand made by Grandmother Sofi Tucker in her local village of Sierra Leone.

All of Shea Moisture products contain certified organic ingredients which are also all fair trade, using shea butter sourced from women’s co-ops in Ghana. They are also cruelty free, with not a single product tested on animals.

And the packaging is also all made from recycled materials too

After my first use (yes I’m a newbie) I felt that the quality really to be amazing!  Super creamy and left my hair feeling soft and manage able. 

Packed with all kinds of amazing products such as anti-oxidant super fruits to every day diet staples found in the West Africa region (Plantain and Yucca), Shea Moisture has a range for every hair type to feed nourishment into your hair and scalp!

Shea Moisture also misses a lot of the “junk” that’s added to other product lines, such as silicones, mineral oil and parabens.

Due to the natural organic ingredients and lack of harsh preservatives, Shea Moisture is perfect for colour treated, chemically processed, naturally dry, damaged or frizzy hair and even those with sensitive scalps.

Shea Moisture gifted m some products at the Boots launch which I used for the first time when I took my hair out of braids however as I was working against the clock I didn’t get to do a proper review or take photos, however when the girl came to braid my hair she did notice that my hair felt softerJ. 

I promise to do a proper review when I get back from holiday and take my braids out again.

Have you tried Shea Moisture before?

What are your thoughts?

What do you think about Shea Moisture being available in Boots?

Magnitone BareFaced Review

I had previously tried the No5 facial brush which at first seemed to work really well for me however after awhile I found it dried out my skin so I stopped using it.

I had considered purchasing a more high-end facial brush but there were so many different choices out there I didn’t know where to turn. Recently I got talking to one of the Magnitone at the Bloggers Hangout Bloggers Fashion Week event I was introduced to and gifted my very own BareFaced (In pink of course) the rep explained to me that the rotating brush probably why my skin dried out and I could have been using it for two long (I admitted I used it every day) however I shouldn’t have that problem with the Bareface because the brush doesn’t rotate it actually deep-cleanses the skin through the vibrations of the brush head which empties out your pores, tones the skin and evens the surface.

I do try to look after my kin but sometimes I’m too tired to give it the love and car it deserves my main problem is my skin is super oily which leaves me prone to the odd break out. I have tried a number of products of roily skin which have helped but I am very aware that the only way to great skin is to have a good routine in which the skin is properly cleansed and moisturised.

I was really excited to see how the BareFaced brush worked on my skin, so that night I gave it a go the great thing about this product is that is not only has two different settings Daily Cleanse and PulseLift Toning is also The brush has a built-in timer with beeps every 20 seconds and It stops after one minute so you don’t overdo any sections of your face.

To use I simply moistened the brush with water and added a few drops of my usual face was and gently used the brush on my skin in circular motions and after a minute I was done.

Another great thing about the brush is it is water proof so I could use it in the shower.

Afterward my face felt super soft and I found that after I dried my face and used a moisturiser it moisturiser it absorbed really quickly

The Magnitone BareFaced comes with a wireless travel USB charger (which is so handy!), a travel bag and a 12 month warranty.

I am looking forward to seeing the long term effects of using this product because so far I am very satisfied

The Magnitone BareFaced can be purchased here

Motions Hair Pre-wash Detangling Butter and Giveaway

During my visit to The Natural Hair Week a few weeks ago I happened upon the Motions stand a while having a natter with the staff.

I have been aware of motions for some time but I had never really tried any of their products, however the company has re-branded and launched a Natural textural textures range, which contains a heat styling range and a Natural textures range.

During our convo I mentioned to one of the consultants that I would be taking down my box braids, washing and deep conditioning my hair and how I was not looking forward to it. One of the consultants then introduced me to this little gem:

Pre-wash Detangling Butter 

which is one of the newest products in the Motions Natural Textures range.

I was instructed to  me to gently finger comb my hair then apply the product to the hair wait 15 minutes then comb out.

I think I can handle that.

As Motions were selling four products for £10 I decided to treat my hair to the following:

Natural Textures Moisturizing Cleanser

Natural Textures Deep Conditioning Masque

Natural Textures Smoothing Conditioner

Instead of going straight home after the event to rake out my braids and properly sort out my hair I ended up going out for dinner and drinks and rolled into my house around 10pm leaving me little time for me to take out my braids, wash and deep condition my hair as I had an appointment with a hairdresser to get my hair Crochet braided at 12pm the following day.

Once I took out the braids it was dumb late so unfortunately I wasn’t in a place to vogue and take pictures :(

As instructed I finger detangled my hair then I added the Pre-wash Detangling Butter massaging it into my hair then I left it for 15 mins then combed in sections with a wide tooth comb starting from the ends and working my up to the roots.

The product was creamy and had a lovely smell to it and I found it worked really well to detangle my tresses.

All I can say is wow! Combing out my hair after taking out my braids has never been this simple.

I then rinsed my hair and washed it with the Moisturizing Cleanser. It lathered up well and also smelled nice.

As I had my hair in the braided for around 4 weeks previously I was eager to give it a good deep condition.

I found the masque to be quite thin in consistency and I was concerned that I would end up using the whole tub on my hair but I found that a little went quite a long way.

When I applied the masque to my damp hair in sections before combing with a wide tooth comb and platting into a loose braid.

I then covered my hair with a shower cap I then had a hot bath to compensate for not sitting under the dryer.

After getting out of the bath, and putting on my PJ I decided to leave the conditioner in a little bit longer and ended up falling asleep with it in my hair. Not great for my pillows but not the worst thing that could happen.

The following morning when I rinsed out the conditioner my hair felt lovely an my hair soft (moisturised) oh and let me mention that when I applied the masque my curls suddenly popped into cutest tiny ringlets I wish a took a picture.

 Before 

After 

Again apologies for the lack of photos it was dumb o’clock in the morning.

While my hair was still slightly damp I moisturize and sealed with Creamy Hair Lotion by Cantu and Coconut oil and braid in sections and braided into chunky braids.

Have you tried Motions new range?

What are your thoughts?

Want to try out the  Pre-wash Detangling Butter?

Well I have on up for grabs!!

All you have to do is leave a comment below with your wash day tips and I will pick a winner on 25/06/2015

Easy right?

Good Luck

Homedic Elle Macpherson Wet & Dry Face and Body Brush Review & Giveaway

 Last year I tested the Elle Macpherson Rotating Dry Body Brush which was ok but I had a few minor criticism about it like  I found the handle awkward to hold especially when trying to get areas like your back,nothing major but I was happy to see a new model released called the Homedic Elle Macpherson Wet &; Dry Face and Body Brush. 

Product Description

Product description / spec Providing an all over body deep cleansing and exfoliation, this Elle Macpherson wet and dry brush can be used both in and out of the shower. It features a comfort grip handle for ease of use and a rotating head with four attachments; a cactus dry brush, loofah, pumice stone and facial brush. •Includes a 100% natural bristle dry body brush to exfoliate and revitalise your skin, a pumice stone attachment for the perfect pedicure, a deep cleansing facial brush for use in or out of the shower and a natural loofah to cleanse and exfoliate.

The Homedic Elle Macpherson Wet & Dry Face and Body Brush  comes with the following removable attachments 

 loofah attachment
pumice stone 

facial brush

 so it is not just restricted to a dry brush. 

It now has a handle thingy which makes it easier to hold and control when trying to get hard to reach areas like your back. 

 Unfortunately the diameter is smaller on the Wet & Dry Face and Body Brush than the Rotating Dry Body Brush which is a little disappointing but not the worst thing in the world.

 I feel like the rotation is slower on the Wet &Dry Face and Body Brush but I no longer have the Rotating Dry Body Brush to compare it with so I could be wrong. 

 My main gripe about the Wet & Dry Face and Body Brush is that it takes batteries instead of a charger because I never remember to replace batteries but at the same time you can get it wet to use the loofah and the facial brush attachment which wouldn't be possible if it used a mains charger. 

 I think this item is great for travel as you have all your bits and pieces together however  I will probably lose one of the attachments and I can bet it will be the a pumice stone one (But that’s just me).

  In all I am pleased with this product. I have been dry brushing for over a year now using both a manual and a rotating brush and defiantly believe it’s worth trying. 

Homedic Elle Macpherson Wet & Dry Face and Body Brush

Benefits of Dry Body Brushing The benefits of dry skin brushing include: 

 Increasing the circulation to the skin could possibly reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is toxic material accumulated in your body’s fat cells. So, rather than take drastic measures like liposuction, how about utilizing the dry skin brushing techniques to help break down unwanted toxins? 

 Dry body brushing helps shed dead skin cells (and encourages new cell renewal), which results in smoother and brighter skin. 

It can also help with any pesky ingrown hairs. 

 It assists in improving vascular blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. By releasing toxins, it encourages the body’s discharge of metabolic wastes so the body is able to run more effectively.

Dry skin brushing rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin (and it feels pretty great, too!). 

 It helps with muscle tone and gives you a more even distribution of fat deposits. 

 Dry skin brushing helps your skin to absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores.

 If you would like to find out for yourself why not enter my prize draw to win one of your own Have you tried Dry Body Brushing? What are your thoughts?

Health & Beauty Benefits of Epsom Salts

I was turned on to Epson salts by Newby Hands the Health and Beauty Editor of Harpers Bazaar Q&A session she gave at BE:fit London during which she mentioned that it was good to sooth aching muscles celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow  I have not looked back since then.

I now find that I am buying 3kg bag of Epsom salts  bags on a weekly basis

As I suffer with Lupus I regularly get swollen joints and muscle inflammation and soaking in Epsom salts defiantly helps with the pain and the swelling and relaxes me.

I love the fact that it softens the water and  leaves my skin feeling super silky every now and then I will add a pinch to my facial wash or body wash for a bit of exfoliation action. I have also found that if I have any bites rashers or cuts it speeds up the healing process. 

I have recently started to use a  body brush to stimulate the skin and open the pores prior to having a soak which gives me an all over tingly and leaves me feeling super soft

Of course there will always be people who dispute the health claims of bathing in Epsom salts, but I personally notice real results from using it.

Benefits of Epsom Salts

Relax Your Body

Epsom salts dissolved in warm water are easily absorbed through the skin where they immediately go to work inside our bodies promoting the production of serotonin and reducing the effects of adrenaline which helps to relieve stress. Magnesium also plays a critical role in the production of energy in cells, which can help us to us to feel invigorated without causing feelings of restlessness or anxiety.

Relieve Pain and Cramping

Epsom salts absorbed through the skin also work to relieve muscle tension, pain, and inflammation in joints. Soaking in a a warm Epsom salt bath does wonders to alleviate tension headaches or soothe abdominal cramps.

Battle Water Retention

Epson salts can help to , helps to regulate fluid retention in cells, and facilitates the body’s use of calcium to transmit chemical signals throughout the nervous system.

Relieves Constipation

One of Epsom salts more popular uses is as a saline laxative. Dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salts into a cup of warm water and drink. Note, this remedy should not be used more than once per day. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, it is always recommended to consult with a physician.

Remove Splinters

To dislodge a stubborn splinter, simply soak the affected body part in warm water and Epsom salts for a few minutes. Magnesium sulfate will reduce the inflammation around the wound and soften up the splinter, making it much easier to remove.

Soothe Sprains and Bruises

Anti-inflammatory Epsom salts can be used to alleviate the soreness from sprains and bruises. Just add two cups of salts to your warm bath water and soak away the ache.

Keep Feet Healthy

It’s pretty common knowledge that soaking your feet in Epsom salts is good for soothing away aches and pains. But did you know that it can also help to treat athlete’s foot and toe nail fungal infections? Simply add a half cup of Epsom salts to warm water and soak your feet for as long as you want (or until the water gets cold) to alleviate the itching and burning and help heal feet faster. You can also use as a scrub to keep your tootsies super soft

Hangover Cure

Epsom salts bath are an excellent pick me up after a night of over-indulgence as hangovers are caused by the toxicity of the alcohol breaking down in the body this + dehyratation can trigger a throbbing headache, fatigue and nausea. The sulphates in Epsoms salt ar hreat at helping to help flush out toxins and ease muscle pain.

Jet-Lag Remedy

Soaking in an Epsom salts bath after a long-haul flight has a sedative effect on the body.

The minerals help muscles and joints to relax and this leads to a more restful sleep, giving the body a chance to re-energiseBeat the Bloat

Bathing in Epsom salts helps to reduce water retention and tummy bloating drawing out toxins.

Boots

Westlab Pure Mineral Bathing Epsom Salt 4.99 for 1 Kg

http://www.boots.com/en/Westlab-Pure-Mineral-Bathing-Epsom-Salt-1-Kg_1546590/

Holland and Barrett

The Eco Bath Epsom Salt Bath Soak for Muscle & Joint Pain £8.49 for 1kg

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/the-eco-bath-epsom-salt-bath-soak-for-muscle-joint-pain-60084004

You should also be able to purchase Epsom salts from your local pharmacy however they tend to keep it under the counter so you will have to ask for it.

Have you tried Epsom salts?

What are your thoughts?

Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil By NARS Review

I have no idea when or where I got this lip pencil but I figured it was about time I tried it out.

The colour is a very nice  deep based red which I matte without being drying on the lips and highly pigmented.

pencil with white background

Pencil with black background

I couldn’t really get my head around the idea of a lip pencil as opposed to a lip stick but the thin tip made for a neater application as I was able to line my lips before filling them in.

Swatch without flash

Swatch with flash

However I am not in love with having to sharpen the lip pencil

I will defiantly be wearing this colour more often

What is your favorite red lipstick?