Aveda, Tigi and Ojon - A Tale of Three Hair Products ...

Bonjour!

Yes ... well ... thick hair and myself do not go hand in hand and it's getting worse as I get older (and believe me I'm getting older!) ... my hair has always been fine but as well as generally thinning with age there's a patch around my crown (apparently I have a double crown!) which is getting more and more sparse - my hubby swears he can't even tell (he is a man though!) but you know when you're conscious of something?  Anyway, I'm willing to try almost anything out there - if it promises thickness or volume so ... enter these three which I've been using in rotation over the last few months ... all are applied to damp hair before blow drying ...

Aveda Thickening Tonic - I've wanted to try it for a while but it's expensive at £19-£20/100ml so I held out for a 20% off deal at House of Fraser and then jumped in. It claims to thicken hair in one use by expanding strands, using botanical extracts, from roots to ends.   The pump delivers a fine spray which has a sweet clove-like smell, I apply approx. 8-10 pumps all over from roots through the lengths. After blow drying my hair looks noticeably thicker (to me), the thinning patch on my scalp looks much more healthy and I can't glimpse so many gaps between the lengths of hair.  There is oomph and texture and it  kind of 'bouffes' the hair out, if that makes sense, but not in a non-shiny, frizzy way.  More good news - the thickness lasts until the next wash - it's a good one and definitely works!

Tigi Bedhead Superstar Queen for a Day Thickening Spray - this one seems good value (I think) - it can vary from £8 - £15/300ml. It's meant to contain ingredients that create thickness and add strength, elasticity and smoothness and has a 'great style memory with a low tack and a natural feel'. I spray mainly around roots and through mid lengths and then dry.  It has a fresh citrus scent and the spray is fine but very wet.   I didn't find this added masses of thickness, especially on the 'bald bit' (and too much product leaves my hair a bit gunked up, stringy and weighs it down) but the right amount gives good root lift and leaves hair super soft and shiny and it definitely holds the style into the next day.  It can also be used to add texture on a second day style by spraying in and blasting with hairdryer, I've tried this a couple of times and again have to use sparingly but it leaves hair with a much 'piecier' look to it, although this doesn't seem to last very long.  It's not a bad product but not one I'd use for loads of thickness or texture - shame!  

Ojon Volume Advance Animated Volumising Cream - this is the latest of the three purchases and again I've wanted to try for a while but been put off by the price of £20.50/125ml tube.  It's a 'light, whipped cream fortified with pure Ojon Oil' meant to leave hair full with texture , shine and grip. Easy enough to apply to damp hair, a little goes a long way and I only need to use a small squeeze of cream (too much leaves hair sticky) so this tube will last for ages.  It has a delicate sweet scent and once hair is dried it's left soft, shiny (again) and with light hold, a bit of texture and a bit of bounce. Not loads of va va voom or volume for me but just enough to disguise my 'patch'  - a good 'everyday hair' product for natural looking (and feeling) hair.

So  ... when it comes to thickness the Aveda Thickening Tonic seems to win ... the problem is the bottle doesn't last as long as I feel it should for the price, I wash my hair every other day so it soon goes down.  It's something I'd repurchase but much as I'd want to, I'd end up saving for special occasions - such a dilemma! 

For the moment I'll just be awkward and continue my quest for the perfect hair thickening product at the perfect price. Am I being a skinflint?  Would you pay out?  Have you tried any decent hair thickeners recently?

Jen x

Holiday Barnet...!

Bonjour!

It's that time again ... having to decide what bits and bobs to take on holiday so first up is haircare. We're driving through to France this year so I don't have to stick to stringent baggage allowances etc ... the world's my hair product oyster! (Er don't tell the hubby - he wants me to pack as if we were flying - yeah right!!). I am trying to control myself but my hair is so wayward on holiday that I feel I have to take a little bit of everything. So...this is what I've narrowed it down to...

Percy & Reed Colour & Shine Shampoo - remember the old Glamour offer back in March - well I managed to save these two for holiday - a great size to take away - you can see my full review here.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment - this little pot of the original (rather than clear) hair treatment had fallen to the back of a cupboard and been forgotten about (bad isn't it!). I love pre-shampoo treatments - especially on holiday - ideal to slap on late afternoon and let sink in until you shower in the evening.

Ojon wide tooth comb - came in a kit years ago.   Philip Kingsley vented hairbrush - I may throw caution to the wind and let my hair dry naturally (perspiring at the thought!) but if I do decide on a makeshift holiday blow-dry then this will come in useful - it's a good brush for getting hair a bit smoother.

Redken Smooth Lock Shampoo and Conditioner - from a beauty box - may as well use it up.   Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo and Super Rich Conditioner - given to me to try by the kindly assistant at the Bumble and Bumble counter!

Batiste Original Dry Shampoo - found this at the bottom of my haircare stash so it's coming away - can't do without a blast of the stuff now and again and I do find Batiste works well for me - especially if we get up early to travel and no time to faff about washing my hair!

Percy & Reed Volumising No Oil Oil (for fine hair) - another March Glamour freebie - a real dinky size for travel to help smooth ends.

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray - my tiny sample of joyfulness! Er... yes this is my current go to product - full review here. I'll use to help with styling as also as a finishing spray.

Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence - yes I caved in and bought this when it was on offer during QVC's latest beauty day - consisted of a full and a travel size. Will be really interested to see if this helps with my usual sun-frazzled lock situation!

And which one of these to take ...

They're both old favourites - the Ojon Damage Reverse Serum is obviously smaller and is super-concentrated but the L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil has a UV Filter and my daughter will use it too.

How many hair products do you take away? Are you a complete junkie like me or able to throw caution to the wind and let it all hang loose with just a couple of products?

Jen x

Ojon Damage Reverse Shampoo and Conditioner - Review

Bonjour!

The Ojon Damage Reverse Shampoo and Conditioner was part of a  kit from  - yep you guessed - good old QVC (just for a change!) ...

If you're familiar with the Ojon range you'll know that Ojon Oil is known as 'nature's golden elixir'...

"Found only in the rainforests of Central America and harvested and extracted by hand from the nuts of the fragrant Ojon tree, this amazing beauty secret has been used for centuries to restore perfect health and vitality to "hair broken by the blazing sun"  (source )   

As well as Ojon Oil (of course), the shampoo contains wheat proteins and coconut derived cleansers which are said to help smooth, de-tangle and hydrate and the conditioner contains Brazilian Buriti Oil - rich in anti-oxidants and Murumuru Butter to help seal in moisture and protect against daily damage. 

Both the shampoo and conditioner have a light creamy texture but are concentrated so you only need a small amount.  The shampoo lathers well and rinses easily. The conditioner is nourishing but not heavy. The instructions advise to apply from root to tip and massage into the scalp, even the conditioner, which I've done with no greasy residue.  If you weren't a fan of the original Ojon Restorative hair treatment due to the aroma then I imagine you'd be pleasantly surprised as these both smell nothing like it and have a sweet/delicate, creamy/fresh smell (if that makes any sense!).

I do tend to leave the conditioner on for a bit longer (say 10/15 minutes?). It works well when rinsed off after the standard couple of mins but I want to give my hair all the help it can get so this feels more beneficial - especially when I have loads of colour in my hair. I look on this as more of a 'treatment' rather than everyday kit, but basically - I really like this shampoo and conditioner. I feel they nourish and strengthen and I notice less hair going down the plughole with a burst of continued use. My hair is difficult but these two leave it softer, shiny and more manageable.

I'd be interested to see what the long term effect would be on my ageing hair if I used 'Damage Reverse' as my 'everyday' shampoo and conditioner but unfortunately at full price they're too expensive to buy alone - between £21-£23each/250ml, although there are offers usually on at QVC (I love QVC!).

Have you tried any products from the Ojon Damage Reverse range?

Jen x

April Favourites and Empties ...

Bonjour!

Better late than never... some empties, some favourites ...

Ojon Damage Reverse Shampoo and Conditioner - a duo I've been using on and off for a while (nicked it from my mum!). Tend to save it as a treat for my poor old hair - full review to follow.

Marks & Spencer Essential Extracts Coconut Hand and Body Lotion and Shower Gel - £1 each for pity's sake - you just can't go wrong - brilliant every-day shower gel. Body lotion sinks in really easily - both do their job and smell great - will re-purchase without a doubt. Did I mention that they're only £1 each?!

Impulse Loving Words Body Fragrance - I usually pick up a couple of cans of Impulse whenever they're on offer at £1 and always carry one in my handbag for a quick spritz! I'd like to say it's an ideal fragrance now that Spring has arrived as it fresh and fruity - but of course we've had our 2-3 days of sun and warmth ... (not that I'm bitter or anything!)

Revlon 'Just Bitten Kissable' Balm Stain in Honey - been a favourite for a while and is always in my handbag, so much so that the writing has worn off the tube. Really want to try out another lip stain - you can see my full review of this particular shade here.

17 Va Va Voom Mascara - great volumising mascara - full review here. Unfortunately it's been used for a while and dried up so will have to chuck. Would re-purchase as it's really well priced at £6.29 only I don't need any more un-opened mascaras just yet! Am I getting sensible in my old age?

Avon Glimmerstick Eyeliner in Cosmic Brown - this is a re-purchase and is coming to an end. It gets used most days if I'm honest for definition on the upper lid whether on it's own or mixed with another colour. It glides on dead easy, doesn't drag the skin and stays put all day. Had this in 'Blackest Black' as well (and seem to have lost it - very mysterious!).  Great price at around £6 (but usually on offer for less) so will re-purchase again.

Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream - kept this at work in my desk drawer to use as a hand-cream. Smells good, hydrates and softens. Will re-purchase but only when I've used up some of the other myriads of hand creams dotted around our house!

This is a favourite with me and the kids (and the girls at work too!) - hot bubbly chocolate - what more could you want?

So that's this month's lot - do you reckon by next month's Favourites/Empties we may have actually have had some decent weather for more than a few days?

Jen x

October Empties & Favourites

Bonjour!

So - I was going to open up with - 'Here we are at the end of another month again - mostly empties here (trying to get stuff used up) and a few favourites thrown in for good measure ....' but by the time I got round to finishing the post with occupying the kids over half term and everything it's now the start of November!

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Lighter Lotion and Rejuvenating Night Cream - a couple of products from the QVC TSV (today's special value) back in May which also included a full size of the Emma Hardie Moringa Balm.  The Lighter Lotion is exactly as the name suggests, a non-greasy milky liquid which keeps my skin hydrated all day - sinks in so easily, ideal for busy mornings (still a little left to use up). The pot of Rejuvenating Night Cream is (sadly) now empty. A lovely night cream - which helps replenish and plump overnight. Both these products are packed with fantastic ingredients and smell fab (the aromas may not be everyone's cup of tea but I found myself becoming addicted!). Sadly I can't afford to re-purchase as both are expensive to buy alone - the Lighter Lotion is around £35 (ish) and the Re-juvenating Cream over £50.  Please can we have another Emma Hardie TSV?

Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner - just finished these two off. I'm ashamed to say I'd forgotten I had these and recently found them at the back of my (bulging) bathroom cabinet. The shampoo has a weird texture - a bit glupey, almost as if you can see the whipped egg white consistency but cleanses well and rinses easily.  The conditioner is light and creamy.  Both smell lovely and coconutty (as you would expect). Not sure I would re-purchase though as it isn't the best at thickening my ever- thinning locks but then again it isn't the worst. Fence job!

Extracts Fairtrade Mango Body Butter - got this as part of a set with shower gel and sugar scrub and finished the body butter earlier in the month. Really easy to apply (can't stand having to rub in for ages) and smells lovely and zingy (I love mangoes anyway). I would re-purchase but probably only when on offer as it's £7.95 a pot (more than I usually spend on body products) or as part of a kit.

Bionsen Roll-On Deodorant -  love this deodorant, it's gentle, effective, has a great fresh fragrance - which is good because it lingers and you can smell it as you 'waft' your arms around throughout the day! Yes I would re-purchase but think I'll try the dry stick next time because - like most liquid roll-ons -  it does take time to dry.

Ojon Restorative Pre-Cleansing Treatment - got this as part of a kit from QVC ages ago - another from the back of the cupboard I'm afraid - seem to remember this being a quick alternative to the original Restorative Treatment. You apply to dry or damp hair and leave up to 5 minutes then wash and condition as usual. Not sure whether it's been discontinued or replaced with a similar product as I can't see this tube on the Ojon Website or QVC. I wouldn't have re-purchased though as I seem to remember it was expensive (as most Ojon products are) and yes it works ok to restore condition but not to the extent that I couldn't live without it.

Marks & Spencer Essential Extracts Aloe Vera Shower Gel - love this range from good old M & S - only £1 each so complete bargain. Smells fresh and invigorating - a summertime favourite but thought I'd try and use up. Will definitely re-purchase. I want to try the other fragrances in this range and have just noticed that M & S have a 'buy one get one half price' on bath and shower products at the moment so a good time to re-stock.

The Body Shop Neroli Jasmin Eau de Toilette - I love this fragrance, smells of vanilla, sweet and warming, it's a perfect Autumn scent. I got this bottle last year I think and have noticed it appears to have been re-named as Indian Night Jasmine? (not had chance of a sniff yet but hope it hasn't changed much as this was one of my faves).

Benefit Dallas Powder - Is it a blusher? - Is it a bronzer? - It's actually described as 'the perfect combination of bronzer and blush' and for me this really is. I love this blush/bronze whatever! It's perfect for adding a bit of colour and depth, especially at this time of year when I tend to retire my baby pinks and peaches for a while. I've had this box for ages and it's only just finishing - will be putting it on my Xmas list as it's pricey but if there are any dupes out there that any of you lovely gals are aware of please let me know!

17 Peep Show Mascara - love love loving this at the moment. You can see my full review here but it's grown on me even more since then. Some mascaras sometimes need to 'thicken up' a bit after having been opened (do you find?) and this is now at it's perfect level of thickness - it's in it's prime! Just so easy to apply and lasts all day - I've been reaching for this constantly of late - will definitely re-purchase - a gem at only £6.29. Could end up being one of my all time favourite mascaras.


A couple of other favourites.... I'm really into scarves at the moment...

Got this one from our Sainsburys at the end of September when they had 25% off, love it and it's hardly been off my neck since - really versatile as it goes mostly everything.

My H & M scarf here - also from around the end of September - silky and a bit more dressy. Love the colours, tend to wear with black and navy and mostly when I don't wear my specs - I can't do 'fuss near my face' and specs too - I'm weird like that!

And - what the hell - may as well chuck in one of my all time favourites for good measure...!

Just look at the size of this beauty! It's positively HUGE - the height of my kettle! I know it's sad to get exited over washing up liquid but in my book you just can't beat a bit of Fairy. A little goes a long long way  - this should last well into next year! (maybe expect to see it on one of my empties posts in spring/summer?).

What products have you been trying to use up last month? Have you got any all time favourites?


Jen x

August Favourites!

Bonjour!

I didn't do my July favourites because I was on holiday so here a few of my fave products during July/August and a couple I've managed to (almost) use up!

Original Source Daily Scrub Cranberry and Honey - there's something about Original Source products that's truly mouthwatering and this is no exception! Smells like something you could spread on your toast/crumpet/pikelet/bagel! It's moisturising and provides a gentle yet effective exfoliation experience!

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment Spray (sorry I seem to have lost the cover!)- this is described as 'a leave-in finishing treatment that performs like a hairspray'. I love this product, I only use it when my hair is pretty frazzled on the ends, it's like a conditioning treatment in a can with a bit of hold. I find the trick is to use sparingly on fine hair (which is probably why this can has lasted me ages), as with all Ojon products I've used it's pretty concentrated and a little goes a long way. Think it's been re-named though as 'Ojon Damage Reverse Finishing Spray'.

John Frieda Full Repair (Full Body) Shampoo and Conditioner - took these on holiday and then brought them home to finish off (have done so now).  This was a great duo for holiday as I felt it gave my hair a bit of extra protection and moisture in a hot and humid climate.  Not the best volume I've experienced but good on the conditioning front.

Dove Summer Glow Moisturiser (normal to dark) - I've used this moisturiser for a couple of years now, it's great for a bit of extra colour and also for topping up the old tan once you return from holiday. Doesn't give off that obvious self-tan aroma and I've not found it to be too orange in tone but you do have to remember to rub in well around any dry bits!

Chanel Bronze/Revlon Balm Stain/Glossybox Lipstick

Sanctuary Spa Skin Perfecting BB Cream - my ultimate summer BB, been loving this for a while now (that could be the start of a song title!).  It's still my morning 'pick-me-up' complexion wise, seems to keep that bit of holiday colour going. There's loads left in the tube for next spring once I need to 'warm up' my face. I'll definitely be repurchasing this one. You can see my full review here should you with to do so!

Olay Essentials Complete Care Plus Multiradiance Moisturising Lotion (Normal/Oily) - this is a regular re-purchase, especially for the summer months. Absorbs very easily, keeps my skin hydrated, contains SPF 15 and also light reflecting particles which help to give skin a bit of a lift. It's also a bargain in my opinion at £7.99/75ml and has lasted for ages.

Chanel Bronze Universel Sun Illuminator - gorgeous bronzer, a sort of gel/cream texture that gives a natural glow without any shimmer.  This pot has lasted for ages and is nearly finished as you can see. I was once told I looked 'really well' by a friend I bumped into at the supermarket, I can remember being gobsmacked  because I was feeling pretty run-down (as all mums do from time to time) and so put it down to having worn this bronzer on that day!  I told my friend as much! I've not blended the bronzer in (on above swatch) but just smeared a bit on my hand, I think the colour works well on most skintones (it was my 'English Rose' friend who recommended it to me!), hence the 'Universel' vibe!

Revlon 'Just Bitten Kissable' Balm Stain (Rendezvous) - wasn't sure what to expect from this (it looks a bit like a wax crayon from my kids' younger days!),  I fancied something with an orange tone for summer but not too 'full on'.  This provides a wash of translucent colour with a slight sheen but can be built up if you want the colour to be more intense.  Tastes minty and makes my lips tingle! The only thing I would say is I've needed to use a lip balm beforehand because it does tend to cling to any dry areas on the lips (well it does on mine anyway!). Having said that, it is pretty long lasting and does live up to it's name in that it does 'stain' the lips!

Glossybox Lipstick (Glossy Pink) - absolutely love this lipstick, not had one in this tone for a good while and it's been perfect once I had a bit of a tan on my face! It's creamy and moisturising and lasts ok too. I've been a bit lipstick shy for a few years but this has made me want to experiment a bit more on the 'lippy front'!

Erm ... don't know how that got there!  Anyway, this is a childhood favourite of mine. We used to spread it thickly on a slice of bread and have for supper as a treat - very sticky and sweet! Something I like to indulge in now and again.  You'll probably know it's also fantastic when used in cake recipes ...will have to get onto that ...!

So what have been your favourites over the past month? Any childhood treats you'd like to share?

Jen x