American English Haircare

When it comes to hair care there are many things I don't really want in my Shampoo and Conditioners because I have got to that stage where I know what my hair likes, I know what irritates my scalp and having combination hair - oily roots and dry ends, I need to be using products which don't excaebate the problems.  This is where American English comes in.

American English is one of those brands you might have seen in your Social Media feed, it is a vegan hair brand whose products are full of natural ingredients such as seaberry, baobab and quinoa and to ensure they tick all of the boxes, each product is formulated without parabens, phthalates, or sodium lauryl sulfate and the ingredients are ethically sourced.

Giving props to nature, the experts behind American English use sustainably-sourced ingredients to create a revolutionary range of vegan haircare. Free from parabens and sulphates, the brand’s dry oil and sea-salt sprays are packed with vitamins that heart your hair, while its shampoos and conditioners breathe new life into washed-out locks.

I have been using four products from the range, all of which are availble here at John Lewis and here at ASOS.

As far as I am concerned you can never own too many bottles of shampoo, especially if you find a product you absolutely love. The American English Youth Repair Shampoo (£23) is designed to gently cleanse hair and not only aims to hydrate, restore elasticity and prevent breakage but also to repair damage, strength and add shine.

Enriched with Vitamin A, C, E and Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 as well as rosemary which helps to balance the pH. What I love about this shampoo, other than how incredible it smells, is that it is lightweight and doesn't weigh my hair down. It also doesn't take an age to rinse out of my hair and because of the ingredients it is enriched with, ive found my hair an absolute breeze to style. 

When it comes to using a Conditioner, I don't use one everytime I wash my hair, instead it is something I use every other to every two washes. The American English Youth Repair Shampoo (£25) compliments the shampoo in that it aims to hydrate, restore elasticity and prevent breakage but also to repair damage, strength and add shine.

Again it is enriched with Vitamin A, C, E and Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 as well as rosemary which helps to balance the pH.  With this Conditioner it is one of the lightest I have ever used, almost weightless when on the hair, I apply it to my mid-length and ends and then any that is left over on my hairs, I sometimes run through my hair with my fingers.  This is a shampoo which really does help with the frizz, I will always have flyaway bits of hair, but the frizz can be tamed and this Conditoner helps with that.

Having greasy roots, the last thing I ever expected to use on my hair is an Oil, fearing those greasy locks would turn greasier, lank and dull.  Not so with this American English Seaberry Dry Oil (£25).  If ever there was a product I wish had been turned into a bath soak, this is it because it smells just divine.

Designed to eliminate frizz and static from hair as well as add shine, strength and rejuvenate the scalp, this multi-tasking spray is a lightweight formula rich in Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 as well as seaberry, amino acids, olive oil, jojoba oil and avocado oil. This oil isn't greasy, it doesn't weigh the hair down and it can be used as a shine spray, style finisher or as a heat protector with a recommendation that it works its best as a second day re-styling spray.

The final product I have been using is the American English 24 Karat Thickening Lotion (£25). This is quite different to any other product I have used on my hair and what makes it different is that it is described as being a revolutionary lightweight water based formulation which is not only designed to add volume while protecting the hair but to also provide flexible hold when used with heat styling tools..

Non-sticky or tacky when used, I love ths shine it adds to my hair and I love how smooth my hair feels when it is used. I apply this spray to my hair whilst it is still damp and then, once I have blow dried it, I find my hair straighteners run glide through my hair. As with the rest of this range, this lotion is enriched with vitamin A, C, and E and Omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 as well as seaberry which works to lock in hydration and prevent breakage.

As I have mentioned already, American English hair care products are formulated without parabens, phthalates, or sodium lauryl sulfate. I have noticed a difference in how my hair shines when I use these products and anything that doesn't make my roots greasier, irritate my scalp but manages to control my frizz and static will always get a huge thumbs up from me, especially when it smells as good as this collection.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Getting Your Home Ready for Summer

I think it is fair to say that we are all sick of the horrendous weather we have seen so far this year and even if we haven’t seen many hours of sunshine yet, there are other things that we can do to get into the mood for summer and to start feeling a bit more cheerful and bright. Whilst we are waiting for the lighter evenings to come along, it is the perfect time to start preparing the home and changing things around in readiness for a bit of nicer weather. Here are some of the things you should have on your checklist:

New candles – Some nice new candles with fruity, zesty scents will soon get you in the mood for summer. Put your winter theme scented candles away and fill your rooms with summer aromas.

Seasonal flowers – In spring and summer, we get to see all kinds of beautiful flowers growing in the garden and with lovely yellows and bright colours surrounding you, you will soon feel all summery. If you don’t have the luxury of a garden bursting with flowers then treat your home to a nice bouquet such as ones at this florist in Edinburgh, Scotland. Flowers can create a beautiful summer ambience for you to enjoy.

Garden ready – Schedule some time to get out into the garden and take care of any work that needs doing before you are able to enjoy sitting outside with a book and evenings sat under the stars. Make sure that your garden furniture is ready for you to relax on and give it a clean or a coat of paint if it needs it. If you have a BBQ then check whether it is okay to use or whether it needs any parts replaced, so that you don’t ruin your spontaneous BBQ on the first warm day of the summer!

Wardrobe changes – It will soon be time to put those big coats, gloves, scarves and hats away. Create some extra space by rearranging your wardrobe so that it is ready for the warmer weather. Those winter boots can go into hiding for a few months at least. If you are looking to refresh your wardrobe with some new fashions for the summer, then take a look at some of the hot fashion trends for the summer. Even just investing in a few pieces of summer themed jewellery and accessories will help you to get into the spirit of summer. You should also have a look at the more summery shades of makeup.

Repairs and paint jobs – The exterior of your home may well have been affected by the bad weather, with peeling paint and wood that needs treating. Make a list of all the little jobs that you need to do and then have a trip to B&Q to pick up everything you need to get the house into shape and ready to invite people round for garden parties. If you have decking then there is a good chance that you will need to treat it and keep it protected for another year.

Summer toys – If the kids will be spending more time in the garden then at least the house will be a bit clearer. Now is a good time to sort through any older toys and maybe a trip to the charity shop could be on the cards to make way for summer toys and games. You also want to clear some storage space in the garage or shed so that any new summer games have got a home to go to after being used!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Paid and Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

OMOROVICZA Ultramoor Mud Mask

Omorovicza is one of my favourite brands and one I quite possibly don't rave about as much as I should do, but it is just amazing. Pronounced Oh - more - o - veet - za the brand is inspired by tradition, guided by nature and spearheading the concept of Mineral Cosmetology. The Omorovicza skincare range has a rich, romantic heritage. It was founded by a young couple, Stephen and Margaret de Heinrich de Omorovicza, who met in Budapest. One of the cult products from the brand is The Queen of Hungry Mist and if you haven't tried it, then you need too.

The product I am raving about today is the Ultramoor Mud Mask which I got in my Beauty Expert Spa Edit bag (review here) and I have been obsessed with it ever since.  Described as being a mask which will transform the skin within minutes as it plumps fine lines and tightens collagen fibre as well as ensuring dead skin cells are eliminated for a brighter and more toned complexion. It is perfect for Oily, Combination/Normal skin types. Rich in  nourishing Hungarian moor mud, alongside calcium and magnesium compounds which are proven to accelerate healing, you will also find both calcium and magnesium carbonates, humic acid and fulvic acid, which purify and detoxify the skin. Added to that, this mask is also packed full on incredible ingredients such as:

• The essential oils of sage, chamomile, rosemary and rose geranium which have a cooling and antiseptic effect on the skin.
• Marine exopolysaccharides derived from plankton which works to plump fine lines and tighten collagen fibres, providing an immediate lifting, firming effect.
• Hectorite Clay draws out impurities and hydrates the skin.
• A complex of oligopeptides and amino acids gently resurfaces the skin, eliminating dead cells for a brighter, smoother and more even-toned complexion.

Designed to be used once a week, I love that this Mud Mask doesn't dry out my skin leaving it feeling dry and sore after using. Instead, after cleansing my skin to remove any surface dirt and grime, I apply a generous layer of the mask to my skin using the accompanying spatula and leave it for around 20 minutes, by which time it has dried onto my skin, but not so dry my face feels as though it has been set in concrete. If you have tried any other mud masks before, you will know that their aim is to suck out all the impurities within the skin, what makes this one different is that it does just that but doesn't strip the skin whilst doing it. Instead, once the masks has been removed, preferably with a clean cloth and warm water, my skin felt just as it does after a facial with how clean and bright my skin looks. 

Priced at £68 (here) for me it is worth every single penny because of how incredible well it cleans my skin, removes a lot of gunk and doesn't make my skin break out or become dry and uncomfortable.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Touch In Sol StretchX Mascara

I am still working my way through the Touch In Sol catalogue of products and honestly, I don't think I am ever going to get bored of what I am trying out. I am obsessed with Korean Beauty as it is, but throw in some makeup and I am deliriously happy. Honestly, if you haven't given the brand a try, you need too, there is a reason it keeps winning awards.

On the blog today I am bringing to you my current Mascara obsession with Stretchex. Described as being a Mascara that will boost eyelashes and enhance eyes to the extreme.

Like the rest of the products I have tried from Touch In Sol, they hail from South Korea and this mascara is not only hypoallergenic, cruelty-free it is also formulated without gluten.  Using an innovative formula which is super-light, Stretchex uses what are called high visoelasticity polymer and cellulose powder mascara liquid. The polymers wrap around each lash for fullness while extending the length of the curl and it is this which creates that false lash effect.  Using Yam Root to keep those lashes flexible, some snail slime extract and some silk proteins, this mascara also helps to protect and promote happy, healthy-looking lashes.

I am quite fussy when it comes to mascara wands. I can't stand anything oversized and faffy, I want a brush which I can comb through my lashes and with Stretchex, this skinny C-Curl Brush, as it is referred too, narrows at the tip to allow you to ensure those corner lashes get their coating too. Using the brush, you can literally zig-zag and wiggle it through your lashes from root to tip two or three times without getting those cripsy spidery lashes that everyone wants to avoid. I have fairly long lashes, so ideally I need a formula which isn't too thick and gloopy or one which is too wet because I am a blinker when applying mascara and the last thing I want to be doing is re-doing my entire face due to mascara flicks. Thankfully, this formula is really lightweight and it also easily washes off with warm water, so there is no need to rub your eyes.

Priced at £18 you can find this Mascara from Touch In Sol at Cult Beauty, Feelunique and ASOS. 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here