My top blemish busters

Ok. A little fore-warning about this post - it's a gross subject!

So my skin is combination-oily. I have normal cheeks, oily t-zone with regular breakouts. The pores on my t-zone are visible, large and often clogged. I have a lot of redness naturally especially in my cheeks.

I reluctantly accept the size of my pores, as there is not a lot I can do about them. However, the blemishes I get throughout the month (usually on my t-zone) are another story.

This is a picture of when my skin has been at its very worst and mascara free! D: this was probably about a year and a half ago, and my main problem was whiteheads. I absolutely hate the sight of whiteheads so I do pop them as they will scar whether I do or don't and are actually very tender and sore if left un-popped. Ew, I know...Gross.

So these duo of products are my absolutely tried and tested spot fighting SWAT team who I call in when I need the big guns.

Up first, is the Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturiser. It's oil free and contains salicylic acid at a concentration of 1%. My skin responds well to salicylic acid, but I try not to use this too much or often because I want it to keep being effective and my skin not stop reacting so well to it. I first heard of this through Miss Budget Beauty, who recommends using it as a treatment when a breakout occurs and slathering it on the affected area to do its work. I love this method, and it also works well as an everyday moisturiser which you can feel tingling and feels like it's really working due to the active ingredient. Also provides enough moisture to my cheeks, which are normal. Light and non greasy, perfect.

Next we have the Origins Super Spot Remover. I cannot praise this enough. Works the best on a spot you can feel on its way which hasn't made an appearance yet. Can stop it in its tracks. It also works well on reducing redness and swelling and makes them so much less painful. You need the tiniest amount, not even the size of a pinhead. I apply with a clean finger as I don't like the thought of a cotton bud sucking it all up! It works best applied over the top of make up if you are using it during the day as I find it creates a bit of a shiny film over the top of the skin which when make up goes over it looks obvious you have used something. That may just be the make up I was using though, find out what works best for you. Use it only on top of the spot, not the skin around as it is very drying, and can cause skin to peel.

As you can see - my skin has really improved in the past year. Though I still get spots on my t zone, mainly on my chin. In this photo I have Origins VitaZing on and a little concealer above my lip on the right, I thought I had taken it all off for the picture but apparently I didn't! I am not saying that these products will work for everybody but they have really helped over the past few months for me. A big factor will also be your diet and lifestyle that you have, do not underestimate the effects of food, it's fuel for your body so of course it's going to affect these things. Hormones also play a big part for us girlies so bear that in mind too. And don't lose hope either! If this post helps one person then I will be a happy bunny!

Cocktail bar evening!

So I went out for a lovely few drinks out with my chummies to a cocktail bar a few nights ago, and I had one of those nights, where you feel like your entire outfit, hair and makeup wise has gone really well! So I thought I would do a quick post on everything I wore that evening that made me feel so special, I will definitely be trying to recreate this make up for another night because it lasted all night and photographed really well.

Face:

ThisWorks Perfect Look Skin Miracle as a moisturiser/base. Gives a gorgeous glow to the skin and makes you look a little perkier than you may be feeling!

Benefit The Porefessional as a primer on my t-zone to help prevent make up meltdown.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum for my foundation in shades 51 and 52 (lighter shade 51 around the centre of my face to help highlight and add shape). Gives a gorgeous glow and has no SPF so no scary flashback ghost face in photos (one of my pals is extremely camera happy on evenings out!). Applied using the Real Techniques buffing brush.

Chanel Bronze Universal as a bronzer, also applied with the buffing brush to give an all over bronzed effect, as opposed to contouring and shaping the face.

Piling on more bronzer with the ELF Blush/Bronze duo - my all time favourite bronzer. Used a EcoTools blush brush.

Sleek Rose Gold Blush onto the cheekbones to add some colour and sheen as it also acts as quite the highlighter!

Concealer was Aldi's Lacura Highlighting Brush Concealer, called something along those lines! Lovee it!

Eyes:

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Pink Gold as a base for my eyeshadow to cling to.

Urban Decay Midnight Cowgirl all over lid and browbone, is super glittery and beautiful! Applied before Colour Tattoo had set.

Urban Decay COLOUR slightly above the crease to give the illusion of wider eyes! I have very little eyes for my face so I like to open them up! Dark colours do not suit me, nor does black eyeliner! :( So I go for light shades and a very slightly smokier colour in the crease and along the lashline to make my lashes look a slight bit thicker!

Loreal Beauty Tubes Mascara, several layers of the primer applied one after the other to get some va va voom lashes. 

Lips:

I don't "do" lipstick! Am yet to find one to suit me, and if I did it would be a my lips but better shade, so for the moment, "my lips" are making do! Moisturised with the Nuxe Reve de Miel which I like because it is matte and tastes orangey, and lasts allll night so I don't have to take it out with me and risk losing it!

Outfit:

Dress from Primark

Rose Gold watch from River Island

Brown Leather double wrap Pandora with a few charms on.

A cheap ebay leather wrap bracelet because I wanted something to contrast with my brown leather whilst in the same sort of style and I didn't have enough to buy another Pandora!

Miscellaneous:

Tanned my legs arms and chest with the Rimmel Sun Shimmer in Medium Matte.

Wore Zara Woman Gold perfume (a Lady Million dupe!)

Toes were painted in Nails Inc Tate

Hair was in a side part with a fringe twist to just above my ear. Backcombed slightly for some volume, and a little dry shampoo for volumising purposes! I used Lush No Drought.

River Island Rose Gold Watch - My Michael Kors substitute!

I was in a River Island accessories shop a few days ago, and this little gem caught my eye. I've always been hopeful of one day owning the Michael Kors Rose Gold Chronograph watch but for me at the moment, it's a bit of a stretch! After getting home and doing a spot of googling it turns out that this is quite a well known dupe for the MK version. The three middle dials have different placing, but is along the same style and they are both very similar.

It's absolutely gorgeous, costs £25, and looks a lot more expensive than it actually was. Here's hoping the metallic finish lasts well, but to be honest...if I get even a couple of years out of it I think I will be a happy bunny! It could also do with having a couple of links removed - as it is rather on the large side!

It feels a lot more grown up than the Roxy Jam watch I have been sporting for the past 3 ish years! Like I can wear this one out to a nice restaurant and not feel quite "obvious". As much as I love my Roxy watch, I feel that it does have its place, and it will be nice to add a little variation to my arm accessories!

This has definitely satisfied my craving for rose gold, but I will not give up hope on the real deal! Ahem, Graduation present? ;)

Autumn nude nails

One of my favourites things about Autumn/Fall is that nude nails slowly start being favoured over the bright and colourful nails of summer, which are reluctantly left behind for us to pick up and enjoy next year, along with teeny bikinis and the warmth of the sunshine. I know nudes are popular throughout the year but when the weather takes a turn and the leaves start falling I get a real ache to paint them a browny nudey colour, which seems to mirror what's going on with nature outside! (oh yes!)
A few of my favourites are Nails Inc Old Church Street and Basil Street, Ciaté Bon Bon, Boots 17 Forever, and my ultimate favourite, at a bit of a steal is MUA shade 19. It is more of a 'greige' nude than those listed above, but for me it fits the bill perfectly! It has a hint of lavendery purple in there also and I think the mix of grey, mushroom and lavender makes this a pretty universal colour which I can't see looking offensive against any skin types. It is the perfect blend!

Application with this little beauty is a dream, I've never had a self leveling polish like it! Some polishes can drag and leave bald patches, or not cover the nail properly and streak like mad ending up looking uneven, but apart from the poor quality brush (what do you expect for £1) I can't fault MUA and can only praise them for their good work!! The polish is on the thicker side, and if you can have a sneaky peek at the brush in the shop before you buy it to make sure it isn't splayed and deformed you'll be onto a winner! You can apply the most messy and uneven coat, and it just seems to sort itself out and end up looking normal! The brush is quite stiff but I don't find this to be a problem. It's a little bottle, I've worn it 4 times I think, with 2/3 coats dependent on how it goes and I have just under half left, so not bad going.
I paired this with Models Own Champagne on my ring finger, and it has successfully satisfied my urge for nude nails...for the time being! I have my eye on the new Chanel Frenzy, très beau, non? What do you think? Have any of you been deviating from your usual polish preferences recently?

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser - A Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish dupe?!

If you like beauty products, you will more than likely have heard of or tried Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. And if you live in the UK you might be aware that Superdrug created a Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser which caused a bit of a stir within the blogging world. However.. Superdrug have now upped their game even MORE, and released a "Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser". Here is the marketing blurb.

"Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser is formulated with a unique energising complex and infused with Kiwi Fruit and Mulberry extracts to help revive skin's radiance and even out skin tone. Enriched with nourishing Cocoa butter, this rich and creamy formulation melts into the skin and cleanses away make-up and impurities whilst also providing gentle exfoliation leaving skin feeling renewed, soft and ultra clean.

Infused with plant extracts:

Kiwi Fruit extract is a rich source of Vitamin C which is renowned for its remarkable ability to help brighten and even out skin tone, while also providing antioxidant protection against free radicals.

Mulberry Fruit Extract has naturally strong brightening properties, which can help reduce discolouration and even out skin tone.

Cocoa Butter is a rich emollient with excellent skin softening and conditioning properties."

Liz Earle - £12.75 for 100ml, with the polish and no cloths. Superdrug - £2.99 for 150ml and 1 cloth included.

 It's definitely meant to be a dupe for the Liz Earle. The pale green packaging resembling the natural elements the products..the silver detail and green writing, the constant reminder that it's naturally radiant. Liz Earle markets her line as "naturally active skincare". It "cleanses and gently exfoliates for smoother, clearer skin" gives "fresh radiant skin". Superdrug have even edged the muslin cloth it comes with with green thread - sound familiar?! There are so many similarities between the two, and I am excited to see whether Superdrug's own brand can live up to the quality it is so obviously aspiring to reach.

Consistency wise - Liz Earle is slightly thicker, more opaque and ever so slightly grainy. You can see what I mean by grainy in the pictures! Superdrug's is still very thick, but more like a thick lotion/body butter. It feels a lot smoother going onto the skin. (ie. my hand, I literally ran home and jumped on my computer to write this after I bought it. A dedicated blogger!)

Left - Liz Earle

Right - Superdrug Naturally Radiant

Scent wise - Liz Earle has very prominent notes of eucalyptus. I personally love that about it, although I have read reviews where people don't like it and found it off putting. As I say - I like herbal minty scents, I love the smell of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. (Mmm, minty!) The Superdrug Vitamin E Cleanser was knocked for smelling like suncream. The Naturally Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser is more more of a natural scent, very herbal. The only scent I can place in it though is lavender, which is odd as I can't see it on the ingredients list! I couldn't tell you what it smells of otherwise, just nice and herbally!

Here are the ingredients list for both products! Hope that you can read them!

I have a little confession..in that I haven't YET tried the new Superdrug one as I only bought it today.. I will update this post when I have tried it and let you know what I think of them as dupes. I have scoured the internet for some posts or info on this as it was by pure chance that I saw in on the shelf on Superdrug with a "new" sticker plonked on the corner. Does anyone know how long this has been out? The fact I can seem to find anything about it leads me to think it is a very new release, i.e the past few days? I wonder why there hasn't been much marketing/hype about it - unless I have missed the bandwagon on this one?! Please let me know in the comments below!

Grey sultry slightly smoky eye...

Some tongue twisting alliteration in the title there for you!

As a fair skinned girly, I really struggle to get smoky eyes without it looking stark and out of place on me. This morning I had a day off work and thought I could have a bit of a play around with my make up instead of the old slap-it-on-and-go approach. As black is almost always too harsh on my freckled face I opted for the grey/brown colour of Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Permanent Taupe (I use this as a brow colour most days as it cancels out the warm tones! I realise in the first photo my brows look kind of orangey but I promise this was just the camera flash! The below photo in natural light is definitely more accurate and true to colour!!)

Using an angled brush I applied it as a liner on both lower and upper lash lines. Then using a fluffy brush (I used a fab blending brush from the Claire's accessories bamboo brush kit - love it) and blended it out to create an ashy toned subtle smokey eye. Completed with a single coat of mascara and voila, subtle, sultry and sexy. I didn't go too overboard with it as this is a daytime look for me - but it would definitely work amped up a bit more, with a few lashings of mascara for a sexy night time look.

September 2012 Empties

So we're approaching October and I these are the products I have finished, and there aren't any others that I will have finished by the end of the month so here they are! I'm on the use up, but I keep buying new things, which sort of defeats the object. Oh well. I'm happy :)

Naked Blonder Lightening Conditioner
One of my favourite conditioners! Lovely and thick texture, and it doesn't leave a gloss on the hair..just makes it feel like it has taken what nutrients it needs from it and then it completely rinses out :) Smells lovely and summery. Keeps my highlights fresh and bright whilst nourishing the hair. No sulphates, petrochemicals or parabens. Contains camomile, lemon, cassia and sunflower oil. I already have a back up bottle of this, and when that runs out I will definitely be purchasing another. Often on 2 for £6 at Boots, but usually £4.09.

Naked Rescue Repairing Hair Treatment
Like an amped up version of the above conditioner. Smells delish, I leave it on as an overnight treatment. Again, doesn't leave any residue! Has argan oil, meadowfoam extract and sunflower seed extract. Also smells yummy! Can't remember how much it was, around £1.50 - £2.00 for this sachet.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
Cult product - don't need to say much about it really! But sadly we don't get along. I have a full sized one also but whenever I use it I get large red bumps of spots which never "surface" (eww!) and are just very sore and painful! I would like to think my skin is purging it but I don't really know what that means haha!! Perhaps is a better suited product to Winter when the weather is harsh and my skin needs TLC.

Naked Blonder Lightening Shampoo
Contains camomile and lemon, and again - smells absolutely lush! Cleans very well for a sulfate free shampoo, and also have another replacement bottle already in my shower! Keeps my colour looking shiny and fresh, never dull. I am not sure about it's lightening properties but I do believe anything with citrus in is going to lighten hair at some level if left in for long enough and used frequently enough, as citric acid will lighten hair/skin. Also available on offer and is usually £4.09 at Boots,

Little Me Organics hair and body wash
Used this as a body wash, it smells divine. I am loving lavender at the moment and this dill and organic lavender has a really herbal lavender scent and not an artificially sweet one. Doesn't foam very much, feels more like a cleansing milk and leaves skin really soft and nourished. Got this from Sainsbury's and was about £4.50 I think!

Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Recovery
I work as a cleaner so the cleaning products really dry my hands out and this leaves them amazingly soft and supple. Smells herbally and fresh. You work this into dry hands and rinse off with hand-hot water and pat dry, not using any soap afterwards. Leaves your hands nice and soft but isn't at all greasy. Love it! Have also tried the La Source version of this in full sized and is just as good but just has a different fragrance. Lovely :)

Tresemme Heat Defence Spray
I love this heat protection. Just replaced it with the Got2Be Guardian Angel and definitely prefer this one, pretty sure it's alcohol free and leaves hair just feeling silky soft and shiny. When I have finished the Got2Be I will go back to this one. Smells clean. Also love the mist action spray, as opposed to a squirt, lol.

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed! xx

My first Essie polish! Essie Sugar Daddy review.

Hold the phone...my FIRST Essie polish?! Yes, I have only just caved and bought my first Essie!
I am rocking the natural look on my nails at the moment, it goes with all outfits and looks classy and put together. I have enjoyed using OPI Nail Envy on them, but it my nails are naturally slightly yellow so I have been on the lookout for something sheer and pink to balance them out and look effortless yet put together - if you know what I mean! I had a job interview last week which is what sparked off this search.

I dutifully did my research set my heart set on Essie's Sugar Daddy, a natural sheer pink. I found it on eBay for around £6 but I also had in mind that I would prefer the Boots and Superdrug diffusion line wider brush, so ended up popping to Boots instead and paid £7.99.

And let me tell you, I am a happy bunny! It is exactly what I am looking for, this phrase is so overused but definitely for a reason - it's one of those "my nails but better" colours. Perfect. Think it would look stunning as a French manicure, can't wait to try that one out!

 Looks more opaque in artificial light. Would be this colour if built up with more coats - I am wearing 2 here.

Looks more sheeny and healthy in natural light! As you can see the weather has taken a turn for the worst! Looks like summer is already over!

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream Review

The Neutrogena Norwegian Formula concentrated hand cream...A Norwegian miracle?

This little baby is, hands down the best hand cream I have ever used. (get it??)

It's like nothing I have ever used before! The texture is reminiscent of Vaseline which may lead you to think that it will turn your hands into grease balls, however this is far from true! You need the smallest amount, less than a pea!

It has a velvet texture to it, and I find when I use it it doesn't leave any kind of residue on your hands, just a velvet primer-like feel. I really dislike greasy films that are left by some hand creams, but this seems to have all the benefits of moisturisation without leaving any residue.

I work as a cleaner so my hands are dry, cracked and dehydrated a lot of the time, this really helps them feel softer and stops them catching on things. If you have ever had cracked hands I'm sure you will know what I mean! It's the best, most unique handcream I have ever used.

Small make up/skincare/clothing Haul!

 Been for a shopping spree up to Manchester with my girlfriends before we all go back to our different Universities. That's where I bought the majority of these things!

 Oversized green jumper - Topshop - £18

 Cream knitted jumper - Topshop - £26

Origins VitaZing - John Lewis - £24.30 (currently 10% off at John Lewis Origins counters and online - don't know how long this will last for)

Been wanting to try this for a while since Fleur de Force raved about it. Used it this morning as a primer type product and really like it - gives a lovely glow to the skin! Definitely only suitable for when I am a bronzed goddess though! To dark for when I am at my palest.

 Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer oil free version - Selfridges - £33

Had a tester of this a few months ago and been meaning to purchase it ever since! Love it! Wanted it for quite a while. Anna from ViviannaDoesMakeup loves this so it was the push I needed to go out and get a tube for myself! Have the shade "nude".

Lacura Beauty concealer pen - Aldi - £3.59 (I think!!)

Heard this is meant to be better than the YSL Touche Eclat. Have the palest shade "cashmere". Adore the super luxury packaging, reminds me of Burberry! Feels much more expensive than it actually cost! Better packaging than the high end stuff! Fab!

Thisworks perfect look skin miracle - Boots - £28

Been wanting to get my hands on this ever since I saw Lisa Eldridge use it in a video on Meve Zunderdorp. She is very pale like me, and this gave her a gorgeous, radiant glow. Not really seen any reviews or other people who have used it so excited to see what this product can do, however when I was on the train coming home reading some blogs on my iPhone, I saw that Anna (ViviannaDoesMakeup) has also purchased this in the last few days as well! Will be interested to see her thoughts on it!

**This is currently on offer at Beauty Bay for £22.12 with free delivery here, and the entire thisworks range is discounted at the moment - am seriously considering splurging on they thisworks perfect legs skin miracle!**

Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish treatment gel - John Lewis - £11.70 (also 10% off Origins at the moment)

 Also bought this on the recommendation of Anna! I have some really angry spots at the moment and am not expecting miracles from this little bottle, but hoping it will lessen the pain from really angry spots and maybe shrink them quicker and take some of the redness out of them. I will let you know how I get on with it!

(This was out of stock for the longest time, and now it has come back has jumped from £11 to £13! Cheeky Origins!)

Loreal Double Extension Beauty Tubes Mascara - eBay - £6.75

Love my Clinique high impact curling mascara, but also like this one. Would say they are on a par! This one definitely takes longer to apply!! Have used it before and love it - can really build volume and length with this!

Am actually hiding my head in shame that I managed to persuade myself that buying 3 very very similar tinted moisturiser products is acceptable because it's the only thing I use on my face everyday. I daren't tell my Mum. I blame my friends.

Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara Review

My favourite mascara of all time has to be Clinique high impact curling mascara.

I first tried it perhaps 4 years ago when my Mum had a tube and I (as daughters do) pinched it one morning. I took it off in the shower and expected to come out with panda eyes as usual but this mascara is a completely different kettle of fish altogether. It is not like the traditional oil based mascaras which will smudge and wear off during the day. It is a plastic-type formula which once it has set on the lashes cannot go back to being a liquid formula - thus no smudging! To remove you use warm water and gentle pressure.

Here is what Clinique says "Helps coax lashes to a long, bold, upturned look, without a pinch, pull or tug. Smudge, flake, smear-resistant formula holds for up to 24 hours eye-opening hours. Orthalmologist tested. Appropriate for contact lenses wearers, too."

I completely agree with all of the claims made here. It will stay put until you want it to come off!

Formula wise - I find that when I get a new bottle it is very wet and I have to wipe the tip of the brush off as you can get a blob on the end which will be awkward to not get all over your eyelid whilst applying. After a week or so it dries out slightly and is easier to work with. Make sure you shut the lid tightly (as with all mascaras!) as it can dry out easily if you don't. When it does start to dry out (more than normal/usual) it becomes harder to work with in my opinion. I like to use it when it is slightly more on the wet side of things.

It dries very quickly, and if you are going to build layers with this mascara do not wait until it dries, as it dries very hard and it is difficult to run the brush through the lashes and it ends up clumpy. So I find it works best if you apply a coat, let it "set" but not dry, dip your brush again and start to add more layers. Repeat the process until you have desired effect. I also find as I am getting to the end of a tube it helps to have a lash comb to hand as clumping increases as the formula continues to dry out.

I love how easy the shape of the wand makes application. It fits to the shape of your lashes and you can also turn it around and use the outer end to flick out your outer lashes.

As the mascara dries quite quickly it can hold curl well - so lives up to its name! I always curl my lashes before applying mascara. These pictures were all taken about 7 hours after application with no touch ups or wiping. I have combination-oily which means that most mascaras don't tend to last on me -  but this one does.

I realise that the black does look harsh against my pale skin - I usually go for the brown/black colour but I decided to try this colour out to see what kind of difference it makes. It looks less harsh when I am a bit fake  tanned or have some colour, and the camera is making my freckles look very orange which emphasises my pale skin! Oh well. Sometimes I do like the more intense black look, but brown/black is definitely more natural on paler skinned people.

The removal isn't really a problem for me as I wash my face with a soap style wash over the sink every night anyway, it just takes a couple of minutes extra to take my mascara off first, and there is no panda eyes, no tugging or sore eyes from rubbing. It makes me wonder why people would ever want to use a normal mascara! I pinched Mum's Dior Show Blackout the other day and it was a nightmare to get off after this luxury!! In conclusion - I will never go back to wearing traditional mascaras. They just don't cut it any more.

With no mascara on.

After splashing my face for 30 seconds or so until the mascara has "melted".

The "tubes" once removed from the lashes.

Happy Hair Days Rosemary and Mint - An Ojon full detox dupe?

So a couple of days ago I bought some "Happy Hair Days" shampoo and conditioner from Sainsbury's as they were on offer for £2 for 300ml and I have been eyeing them up for quite a while now! (Haven't really found any online presence of "Happy Hair Days" - don't seem to have a website.)

I chose the rosemary and mint thickening shampoo and conditioner, because it claims to add body and I have very fine hair which can end up looking really flat. I wash my hair every day because I have very oily roots which do not look presentable to the world even using dry shampoo. I envy the girls who can roll out of bed with sexy tousled bed head hair, mine just looks - well, like I forgot to shower. (As a bit of a pre empting for people saying I need to go for a few months without washing everyday to see the difference - I have. My hair is just very fine and oily which always looks lank on the second day.)

So back to the review - This claims to be free of nasties. I love the Naked haircare range, which is 97% natural and I think my good experience with the Naked range is what caught my attention with Happy Hair Days when I first saw them on the shelves. I had an obligatory sniff whilst in the haircare isle whilst watching out for shop assistants because I know you're not supposed to! The entire range smells absolutely delicious, I had a hard time picking between the rosemary and mint and the lemon and basil version which was for shine. There is also a pomegranate and ginger duo (for moisture) blueberry and pear (for smoothing) and marshmallow and coconut (for colour care).

So when I first started lathering this into my hair, my mind instantly jumped to the Ojon full detox shampoo. The Ojon is a cleansing bi-monthly shampoo you should use to remove product build up. I really enjoy using it as is (surprisingly) leaves my hair really soft. I thought it was going to be a really stripping shampoo but it isn't at all. Both shampoos smell gorgeously minty and herbal. The Happy Hair Days slightly more minty, the Ojon slightly more herbal.

Reading the ingredients list of both - I can see that the oils Ojon contains (in order from ingredients list) are macadamia, sunflower seed, jasmine, castor seed, lemon peel, nutmeg kernel, coriander fruit, spearmint leaf, bergamot fruit and clary. That's a lot of oils! The oils the rosemary and mint shampoo contains are (again in order) rosemary, peppermint, spearmint, armoise, lemon, petigrain and patchouli. The conditioner also contains sweet almond oil, which is higher up the ingredients list than the others. I think the ratio of oils explains why the Ojon smells more herbal and the rosemary and mint more minty! Mint! Get it? ;)

Aside from smells - one of the problems of sulfate free shampoos is the lack of lather, but as both use a much less harsh foaming agent - ammonium lauryl sulfate which solves the problem and gives a lovely foam. Upon rinsing neither leave my hair feeling "squeaky" clean as a really stripping shampoo would, which is what I expected from both of them! My hair definitely feels clean - but just not squeaky! Really like it. I have always gone for more moisturising conditioners, and although this is definitely a lighter formula as it is designed for fine hair I found it did a really good job. I can always tell when rinsing a conditioner off whether it's gonna be good or bad! Can anybody else?!

I styled my hair (as usual) by applying the Loreal studio heat protection cream stuff (the one in the pink bottle) as this is what I always use and I didn't want to have a biased review by not using it! I blowdry upside down to get some va va voom and then when it's pretty much dry use my Goody straighten it out plastic and boar bristle ceramic brush (try saying that 10 times fast) to smooth out any frizz and straighten whilst giving body at the same time! Hair felt lovely and smooth and shiny with lift at the roots! Yippee!

I took the dog out for a walk around Chatsworth today and it was super windy and I didn't find that my hair was totally knotted and unbrushable when I got home! Which was surprising! My hair still has a faint whiff of the herbal minty goodness left in it which I loove!

I would go as far to say that they are very, very similar products, and not just because of the smell. If I could, I would use the Ojon everyday but the hefty price tag - £20 for 250ml and the fact it's designed only to be used once every two weeks (or 24 times a year!!) certainly puts me off! But I think now I have found the perfect alternative which was completely unexpected as I hadn't even thought about the Ojon when purchasing! And it's actually affordable! I am going to keep using to see if the shampoo builds up or not and update, but I am very very impressed! I always love getting ready in the mornings and when I wake up tomorrow, as sad as it sounds, I am really really excited about washing my hair!

 You can see the shine it gives me and how there is still lift at the roots even though I took this in the evening :)