A Random Wishlist ...!

So this is my random wishlist ... it's a bit of a mixture of bits as you can see. Once I started I could have just kept going and going (as you do!) ... it's the old snowball effect isn't it ...?

A Random Wishlist! by beautyandthebiryani featuring 80s t shirts

First up a couple of products for my poor old hair (I want them both!) ... the Aveda Thickening Tonic is expensive at around £19/100ml but is apparently meant to 'thicken hair instantly with just one use' ... need I say more?  By contrast the OGX Hydrating Macadamia Oil Intensive Moisture Mask is only £6.99 and I loved the shampoo and conditioner from this range, review here - so definitely want to try the mask.

I'll be after a new under-eye concealer quite soon and can't decide whether to spend up or save between Clarins Creamy Concealer or Rimmel Wake Me Up (can I just get them both?) and anyone who's into nude lippies wants to get their hands (or lips) on MAC Velvet Teddy .... right?

I need a Casio Retro Digital Watch ... don't ask me why I just do ... I've been dithering over the exact size and style but am swaying towards 'the bigger the better' vibe (not huge but big!) so may end up with a 'mansize' version (need to try a few on I think!).

Brown Leather Tote Bag ... it doesn't have to be/cannot be as expensive at this one, gorgeous though it is at £180 (if I win the lottery then yes!) but it has to be brown and leather - you know the sort that will go with everything?

Now for my 'randoms' Frankie Says Relax T-Shirt (apparently the original version said 'Frankie Say Relax') ...  my love for logo t-shirts is not diminishing with age (unlike my hair) and as a first time round Frankie Goes to Hollywood Fan (I have the 12" singles on vinyl) I'm amazed I haven't plumped for this one years ago - better late than never!  And last but not least ... whilst pinning to my Pinterest 'throwback' board (it gets so addictive once you start doesn't it?) I realised my need to revisit some of my old TV favourites - I was a little obsessed with Jaime Sommers so may start off with The Bionic Woman - although I've just realised I should begin with The Six Million Dollar Man after all he went through it all first right?  'Steve Austin, astronaut. A man barely alive. Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world's first bionic man.' -  I reckon many young people have now no idea what I'm talking about here!

OMG (I never say OMG!) that has taken me all the way back, my brother wanted 'to be' The Six Million Dollar Man  pretty sure he had the doll and everything!

Fingers crossed I can tick some of these off soon! What's on your 'random wishlist'?


Jen x

2014 Favourites!

Bonjour!

So ... 2014 favourites here - been trying to get this post out for most of last week and didn't even do overtime one day so I could finish it off but then got embroiled in that thing called 'housework'.  Did four loads of washing, various cleaning tasks and the food shop ... you know when you're on a roll, forget that you're no spring chicken and just keep going ... then wonder why you ache to the bone like a 'mother' in the evening?  Think I'd have been better off sat on my backside at work!   Anyway ... 2014 favourites ... I did intend splitting into different categories but ended up lumping the whole lot together ... I've sneaked in one or two products in that could be classed as 'December Favourites' if we're splitting hairs ... nobody minds ... right?   Some I have reviewed but some I've not got round to yet ... but I will (famous last words)!  Best get started then ...

Mandara Spa 'Amber Heaven' Nourishing Miracle Oil  -  I bought this ages ago as part of a set and decided I need to make a dent in my stash so cracked it open last month - I guess this is classed as a December favourite then!  It's a multi-purpose oil which can be used to moisturise, massage or as a hair treatment.  I've only used as a moisturiser after bath/shower and oh my goodness, the scent ... I'm in love ... it's so warm and musky, perfect for this time of year and it lingers on the skin for hours afterwards ... like I said ... it's love!

No 7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation in Deeply Beige - great natural looking foundation which I've been using for the past few months.  I have to say I've become quite attached to it and there will be a full review up shortly!

La Roche Posay Lipikar Xerand Hand Repair Cream - the Lipikar range works to replenish dry, excema prone skin which is just what I need.  I use most nights as an overnight treatment cream - some hand creams can sting when my hands are having a 'sore phase' but this is completely soothing and hydrating and seems to have kept my hands in check over the last few months and changing seasons ... I took it away on holiday in the summer and then got myself another when that ran out. At £5/50ml (mine were both cheaper though as they were on offer on the Escentual website) it's something I'll continue to repurchase. Definitely give it a go if you're prone to sore,chapped hands!

Dove Youthful Vitality Thickening Essence - I've been using this for a good few months over the top of my Charles Worthington Strength and Repair Milk. Just spray -  mostly around the crown area, smoosh into the hair with your fingers and blow dry.  Should really have done a full review but basically it does what it says on the can. Leaves hair with body and bounce with no sticky/greasy feeling. I'll be repurchasing as it's become a favourite - although I may not need to for a while as this bottle seems to be lasting forever!

Charles Worthington Strength and Repair Pro-Heat Milk - love this and have repurchased - my go-to hair protector.  I'm not going to waffle as there's a full review here.
   

OGX Hydrating Macadamia Oil Shampoo and Conditioner - I always reach for this when my hair feels in need of some TLC and it never disappoints.  Full review here.

Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette - this has a pleasant scent, clean and fresh and floral all in one go. It's not the strongest or even most long lasting spray that I own but there's something about it that I just can't resist.

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top and Base Coat - I've just repurchased this duo.  It's been the best base/topcoat I've tried so far - dries in a jiffy with a good glossy finish and whilst we're not talking a whole week or anything, it definitely gives me an extra day's worth of longevity (always welcome) and tends to chip off at the ends with most polishes rather than peel off in one go - which is good because if I know it can peel then I will peel - such a bad habit!

Cloud Nine Original Iron - I bought this a few months ago after some a lot of deliberation and I'm so glad I did!  I straighten the ends and fringe of my barnet most days and really feel that these beauties have played an integral part in minimising damage.  They have a variable temperature control and literally glide through the hair with no dragging or friction. Not sure whether to do a full review on these so if you want one let me know!

Make-Up Revolution Ultra Blush Palette in Hot Spice - ok so I've swatched this quite a while ago and use it most days - a mixture of warm peachy tones - it's love! . Full review on it's way!

Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade - my favourite brow product of the year! Practise definitely makes perfect with this one but I've nailed it and never looked back! Full review here. 

Mally Perfect Prep Under Eye Brightener - love this product!  I use every morning to counteract dark circles - it's so hydrating and does a great job with my dark circles.  Full review to follow

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - a proper cult classic - can't believe I've only just discovered how good this is! It's a sample from an old beauty box,  I dug it out last month and stuck in my work make-up bag. It's an all round skin protectant that can be used for dry, chapped bits and cuticles etc. I love it as a lip balm - it feels so hydrating and soothing and sticks around without being sticky (sorry!). I need a full size sharpish!

Phew ... maybe I should have split into categories ... sorry I've gone on so long and congratulations if you made it this far!

What have been your favourites from 2014?

Jen x

The Smallest Haul ...!

Bonjour!

Did anyone witness any actual daylight today because it seems like twilight has descended upon us - hate this grey, murky, damp weather - my hair hates it too!  Unfortunately, according to the long term weather forecast things don't look much better over the next few days, not one 'sunshine' symbol to be seen (in these parts anyway!), only pesky black cloud - pants!

Anyway - just a few bits and pieces I've picked up over the last few weeks here ... been trying to restrain myself but you know when an 'offer' hits you in the face - sometimes one has to do that thang ...!

OGX Anti-Breakage Keratin Oil Shampoo/Conditioner & Biotin & Collagen Thick and Full Oil Treatment - I've been wanting to try more from OGX after using their Hydrating Macadamia Oil range in the Summer - review here. When Boots had one of their 3 for 2 offers on I dithered around over which to choose (there are so many!) but finally went for anti-breakage and thick and full!  I've already dipped into the oil - call me a bad blogger for doing so before taking the photograph but I couldn't wait!

Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-Up Remover - a firm favourite,  as you will know if you read my blog!  I spotted this kit on offer at £18 from John Lewis this weekend and jumped straight to it - no P+P either as I had it delivered to my local Waitrose to collect! A 400ml bottle plus 50ml travel size plus a make-up bag was a complete no-brainer - as the 400 ml usually comes in at around £22-24.  I was so tempted to order two sets but held back - this supersize will last for months so I can relax for a while!
 

Tell me ... if you were to pop into Boots for just the one item of make-up ie the Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Gel Eyeshadow in Permanent Taupe and realise the 3 for 2 is across all make-up brands - would you a) just stick to the original item and walk away ... or b) grab another two products of similar value ie Sleek Make-Up Eau La La Liners in Cocoa and Molasses and come home with the three?  No prizes for guessing which path I followed ...!

Last but not least I finally got to H&M last week to take advantage of my 20% discount card with Glamour magazine.  Red mohair mix sweater - may end up being my Christmas Day jumper - just love the colour!  Fitted denim shirt - need to get my thinking cap on and style this with something other than my usual/perpetual jeans - is double denim acceptable these days?  I don't want to resemble a member of Status Quo!  Suggestions from you lovely fashion bloggers welcome! Orange woolly hat - to brighten my barnet up on a dull day! Thanks again Glamour!

What have you picked up recently? Did you get hold of the 20% H&M Discount card? Double denim - yes or no?

Jen x

OGX Hydrating Macadamia Oil Shampoo, Conditioner and Dry Styling Oil - Review

Bonjour!

I tried for ages to shorten the title of this post but it was not to be so you have the full shebang!   Picked up this trio from the OGX/Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil range (on offer of course!) specifically to take away.  Think it must have been the 'drench your strands' and 'hydrate and smooth parched, dry hair' bits that made me think it would be ideal for holiday. I went down the non-sulphate route as my daughter would be using it too so reckoned I do both our hairs' and scalps' a favour.  There was no problem with taking full sizes this year as we were driving, so everything got chucked in the boot of the car ... luckily it's a fairly big boot!

Both the shampoo and conditioner have quite a creamy but not heavy texture, the shampoo lathers well and both rinse out easily.  Your barnet is left with a silken feeling as you rinse - it feels mighty good I have to say!!  Must be quite a concentrated formula because you don't need to use too much of either the shampoo or conditioner - even on my daughter's giant mane of hair! Hence we still have a good amount left after using on holiday and on and off since returning approx a month ago!

The Dry Styling Oil can be used as a styling aid and also as a finishing product.  The oil itself is quite heavy so the trick is to find the correct amount for your own barnet.  I only need to use the smallest amount (tiny ... actually for my pathetic head of hair!), make sure you rub between your palms so you're only left with a thin film and then apply to mid-lengths and ends and dry as usual - or apply as above after styling (I use a mere droplet in this case!).  I still need to use a volumising product on the top half of my barnet but used correctly it does leave hair smooth and shiny and doesn't weigh it down - unless of course you do use too much (which I have done) and then you'll know about it!

And the aroma! ... Honestly they smell absolutely wonderful ... like ripe, sweet, watermelons - not sickly but really clean, juicy fresh watermelons! Pop into Boots and have a sniff and see what you think! Of course if you don't like watermelons you may have an issue!

So ... yes ... myself and my daughter are impressed with the OGX Hydrating Macadamia Oil Shampoo, Conditioner and Dry Styling Oil - lovely products to use at home or abroad to keep hair soft, shiny and silky.  I would repurchase ... but then I also want to try another range - just look at all this lot on the OGX site here - it's total hair product heaven! Of course if you're a 'normal' person this won't excite you ... but I'm not normal!

Have you tried any products from the OGX/Organix range? Which ones would you recommend?

Jen x