Shu Uemura Art of Hair Kye Collaboration

The Shu Uemura Art of Hair conditioners have been given a colourful makeover as the brand collaborates with creative talent, Kathleen Kye, who is one of Asia's most talked about designers. Kye is a stylish icon amongst the youth generation who takes her inspiration from street style to create her original unisex look. She could best be described as fun, fresh, innovative, ultra vivid and full of energy.

Kye has teamed up with Shu Uemura to transform the bottles of their iconic Art of Hair conditioners (Ultimate Remedy, Moisture Velvet and Colour Lustre) to really capture her unique style. Kye's crafted design is inspired by today's Korean youth movement, accented with iconic playful graphics to highlight Asian beauty style in the world.

I love these playful, fun bottles and they make a real statement in my bathroom cabinets. The conditioners are pretty incredible too and I have been using them non-stop over the past few weeks and my hair has been feeling super soft and well-loved. The Ultimate Remedy Conditioner provides extreme restoration for ultra-damaged hair. The Moisture Velvet Conditioner is nourishing for dry hair providing suppleness and a velvety touch. Finally, my favourite, is the Colour Lustre which is an illuminating treatment for colour-treated hair. It is nourishing, detangling and leaves hair feeling polished with a gorgeous shine!

These limited edition conditioners (£32) are available online and from selected premium salons nationwide.

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

*this post contains samples gifted for review purposes

View Post

Kerastase Resistance Therapiste Haircare Range

I like to think I am quite kind to my hair and make a real conscious effort to put down the straighteners every day and again, up the weekly hair masques and stretch out that highlights appointment for one extra week. Despite our best efforts though there will always be times during the year that our hair starts to feel washed out, defeated and just a little lifeless. I know mine does! It is times like these that I find myself upping the anti and reaching for some seriously hardcore haircare to bring my locks back to life!

This is where the new Kerastase Resistance Therapiste range comes into play - the absolute dream team when it comes to combating damaged, over-processed, dry or particularly fine hair. The range consists of four super products - a shampoo, conditioner, hair masque and leave-in serum to ensure hair is left looking renewed and serious luscious. The Soin Premier Therapiste is the starting point of Kerastase's reverse haircare routine - a conditioner that can be applied before the shampoo. Sounds weird but trust me, it works! The idea is that it is a smart starter, acting like a caring gauze working upstream infusing the fibre with softness so that it feels protected during washing. Following that you can go ahead and apply the Bain Therapiste which is a balm-in-shampoo with a unique gel texture. The formula has been developed to smooth hair, reduce friction and protect hair from further damage.

Stepping out the shower with freshly washed hair it is time for the Serum Therapiste which is a dual treatment with a combination of an oil based care agent, which nourishes the hair fibre, and a denser cream-textured top coat to help treat and seal hair cuticles and ends. It is formulated for extremely dry and damaged hair as well as helping protect against heat up to 230c. I love this stuff and it always makes my hair feel so super-soft after blow-drying it or using my straighteners. This range is seriously impressive and an absolute must if you suffer from fine or very damaged, lacklustre hair - after a few uses it will have a whole new lease of life!

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

View Post

Shu Uemura meets Maison Kitsuné

This holiday season, two of Shu Uemura Art of Hair bestselling products have been given a striking new look thanks to a limited edition collaboration with Maison Kitsune, the French/Japanese fashion duo. The unique, bespoke designs have been crafted by the creative duo, Maison Kitsune, to reflect both brands synergies of 'East meets West' using a series of cute motifs depicting cultural items from both worlds...think sweet croissants and Japanese kimonos. This collision of East and West brings us a daring vision of colours, prints and designs for one of the chicest holiday collection this year for your hair and for your bathroom cabinet!

The two iconic products from Shu Uemura Art of Hair that have been given this fun makeover are the Cleansing Oil Shampoo and the much-loved Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil which are both such treats for your hair. The Cleansing Oil Shampoo is specifically developed for normal hair types and transforms from an oil to a rich foam which effortlessly eliminates dirt and impurities whilst gently cleansing the scalp. For centuries onset hot mineral water baths have been the ultimate location for relaxation and serenity in Japan which has been a key inspiration in this product. The purifying action of the 'oil removes oil' philosophy gently cleansing and rebalances whilst the onset inspired ferment provides ultimate lightness and radiance to the hair.

The Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil is a great hair oil to deeply nourish and replenish moisture from root to tip. It is specifically formulated to treat the needs of dry hair that has lost moisture and sleekness through colour treatment, heat styling or exposure to the sun. Concentrated camellia essence restores life, lustre and suppleness for instantly shinier, healthier looking hair whilst the uplifting notes of sparkling grapefruit and sensuous musk give you some seriously sweet-smelling tresses!

Do you love to the look of this limited edition range from Shu Uemura x Maison Kitsune?

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

View Post

My Aveda Favourites for Hands and Hair

Ah Aveda, how I love you and your fine-smelling products! I have been a huge fan of Aveda for years now, mainly because my hairdressers always uses their range and love creating that pampering sensation at home with all their lovely aromas and amazing products that leave my hair feeling so well nourished, soft and smooth. Two of the latest products I have been loving from the new Aveda ranges are the Stress-Fix Hand Creme* and the Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Creme* - they literally make me feel like I have a personal hand masseur and hairdresser in my very own home!

The Stress Fix Hand Creme is a gorgeous product to have close at hand, not only because it is incredibly moisturising and soothes any rough or chapped skin (lifesaver during the winter weather) but it also reduces feelings of stress with a proven aroma of organic lavender, lavandin and clary sage. If you love the scent of lavender then you will adore this product - it smells incredible and really does give you a feeling of calm as you massage it onto your hands. The formula isn't too thick or heavy so quickly sinks in which is ideal when you are busy typing on your laptop or using it as your final skincare step before heading to bed.

The Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Creme is another superb product from the Aveda Smooth Infusion collection. This whole range is ideal for hair like mine - unruly manes that are prone to frizz and dehydration. The Styling Creme is the perfect step to take your just-washed hair to soft, styled perfection with simply a few pumps of this nourishing creme. Yes it smells incredible of botanicals and bergamot, but it also does an amazing job of calming and smoothing frizz and dry ends to leave you with a sleek, soft style - whether blow-dried or left to dry naturally. It seals in moisture and definitely gives my hair an added bounce, natural movement and little oomph without feeling heavy or weighing it down. Such a treat for your tresses if you suffer from the dreaded frizz!

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

View Post

Sweet-Smelling Hair thanks to Fudge Urban

The fun Fudge Urban Hair Range available from Superdrug and Boots

When it comes to beauty products, first and foremost we want them to perform. We want great colour payoff, a flawless base, lashes that tickle our eyebrows and hair products that really do give us that just-walked-out-the-salon finish. But let's face it, a spot of pretty packaging and some seriously irresistible scents does help sway the old decision-making process whilst cruising the aisles of Boots. "To buy or not to buy...?"

Fudge Urban hair range has always been that fun, affordable brand you instantly spot in your local Superdrug with the colourful packaging that begs to be picked up and investigated more. Hair spray and dry shampoo are probably too products that everyone has in their haircare stash at home  - a must-have to keep locks in place or when they are in need of a quick refresh between washes. Maybe once regarded as quite a rudimentary product, hair spray and dry shampoo doesn't usually get me very excited but Fudge Urban have spiced things up and given these staples a sweet-smelling makeover. Their Iced Coconut Cocktail hair spray is like a tropical dream whereas the Crisp Pear & Vanilla dry shampoo is fruity and smooth and really freshens up those limp locks. The fragrance is quite strong and could be a little overwhelming if used to excess in a confined space but a little spritz here and there is a simple way to get some sweet-smelling hair in an instant.

Are you a fan of the fun Fudge Urban hair range?

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

View Post

invisibobble. The Traceless Hair Ring

invisibobble: the traceless hair ring (£3.75 per pack) | available from Boots, Topshop & Urban Outfitters

Hair bands, ties and bobbles. Granted they are probably not the most exciting of beauty products to discuss but let's face it, pretty much every girl will use them and they are always a must-have to keep in your makeup bag, on your vanity table or buried deep at the bottom of your gym bag. When I first saw the craze of the invisibobble burst onto the hair-trend scene I definitely did not get it. Colourful bands slightly reminiscent of phone cord wire baffled me and I fiercely clung onto my old school elastic hair ties.

Fast forward a month or so and having actually tried out these magic little hair rings I can hold my hands up and say "I am converted"! The invisibobble isn't the most glamorous of looking hair tools but functionality-wise they are just awesome! So what makes them so good? The list of positives is almost as long as Rapunzel's locks but I will try and summarise why I am reaching for an invisibobble every morning, after the shower and on my way to my favourite exercise class.

You know that age old hair problem - your hairband is just too loose when wrapped round twice but too tight after three twists?! Cue endlessly having to re-tie your hair up or having to suffer from those hairband headaches! Due to the invisibobble's unique design it wraps evenly and securely around the hair, never feeling too tight or too loose, and can be used for simple ponytails, chignons or top knots - whatever takes your fancy. The other major plus with the invisibobble is that it doesn't rub, ruin, snag or kink your hair as your wear it which is perfect for when you want to shake down your ponytail after a long day to head out for a fancy night out. The flexible, soft and smooth plastic coil sits gently in your hair and is removed leaving absolutely no trace. Another reason why these hair tools work so well for me is the fact you can sleep in them without fearing any snags or tangles. I try not to ever tie my hair up when it is wet, as a soggy hairband can damage and kink my hair and I always end up regretting it in the morning, but with the invisibobble I feel less guilty bundling my hair up after a shower. It also has swiftly become my new workout buddy as it keeps my hair in place when pounding on the treadmill and doesn't get soggy after that swimming session.

Whether you opt for natural and inconspicuous with the clear, brown or black bobbles or go bright and festival-fun with a more daring shade, the invisibobble is the ultimate hair accessory of the moment and is ideal for all hair types and lengths. Are you a fan of this latest hair craze?

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

View Post

New Hair: Warm Auburn with Caramel Highlights

For those long and faithful followers of Pearls and Poodles will know that I like to mix up and change my hair colour quite a bit and I think I have debuted pretty much every hair shade on here over the past five years! Back in November I took my long blonde locks in for a makeover and went for a shorter, blunter, dark do (see here). Since then I have gone a little bit shorter and dabbled with a few new colours - most recently this medley of golden, honey and caramel highlights on a warm auburn base. I wanted to keep a really warm, and still relatively light, over all look but add dimension, texture and contrast with the apricot-blonde highlights running through. I always enjoy a reddish tone to my hair as I feel it warms up my complexion and complements the type of makeup I tend to go for so was really happy with how this latest transformation turned out. By the way I am wearing MAC's Brave lipstick above which is my current number one favourite lip shade - it really is as gorgeous as everyone says it is!

What do you think of my new do?

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

View Post

My Blunt Bob

So after I took the plunge a month or so ago and gave my long, blonde hair a shorter, darker makeover, I decided that today would be the day to go even shorter! Inspired somewhat by Lauren Conrad's recent daring chop from flowing locks to a short, chic bob, I gave into the temptation of Pinterest and headed to the hairdressers this morning. I completely love the finished result - shoulder-skimming, blunt and slightly choppy with hardly any layers which suits my naturally curly hair. My hairdresser styled the finished look with a curling wand to give my hair a relaxed, rippled effect which is my favourite way of styling a bob to keep it from looking too polished and perfect. My hair feels so much healthier, thicker and more manageable already and cannot wait to whip out my waving tongs and having a little play about with my new do myself.

What do you think of my new, shorter do?

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

View Post

ghd Bird of Paradise V Coral Styler

Every since I discovered the beauty of hair straighteners many many moons ago, at the tender age of 13 or 14, I have never been far away from a trusted pair of ghds. Whilst at secondary school they were the hair tool to have and I distinctly remember receiving my first pair one Christmas time and feeling like I, and my hair, could now conquer the world! Having suffered from untameable frizz for so long these were now the answer to all my hair woes. Over ten years old and I still have a couple of pairs of ghds knocking about in my hair tool collection, having upgraded my very first pair for the wide plated version to cope with my increasingly long, curly mane!

Back then we only had but a few blacker than black options to choose from but now we are spoilt for choice when shopping for a new pair of ghd straighteners, with hair tools available in every size, colour and style imaginable! Most recently ghd have launched their limited edition Bird of Paradise range with three vibrant stylers available in a rainbow of bright, tropically-inspired colours, an uber-glossy finish and a matching, exotically-coloured heat resistant mat. This new range features the classic V gold styler in a trio of of graduated hues with advanced ceramic heat technology for enhanced glossiness and versatile styling. The rounded barrel design is perfect for creating all kinds of quick and easy hairstyles, from waves, curls, kinks and flicks as well as, of course, poker straight locks with enviable shine. The straighteners have a easy, swivel lead which means you won't get in a pickle or tied up whilst curling and twisting the straighteners and they even come with a very handy 30 minute sleep mode which kicks in after half an hour of not being used.

The limited edition V Coral professional straighteners* (£129) are extremely striking with a vibrant contrast of tropical coral hues toned with plumage pink, delivered in an equally eye-catching box. In conjunction with the launch of these new stylers, ghd have joined together with Breakthrough Breast Cancer and will be donating £10 to this brilliant charity from every pair of coral stylers sold which is a great excuse if you are looking for a new pair of straighteners. These stylers really are great, feeling light yet sturdy, and quickly heating up in just a few seconds. I found that straightening my hair took a lot less time than it does usually with some of my older hair straighteners and adding waves and curls was fast and simple with their smooth, rounded barrel design. These new straighteners definitely make hair styling a whole lot quicker, easier and more fun with the gorgeous, limited edition colour and packaging. Do you reach for a pair of ghds when you need to straighten or wave your hair?

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'



View Post

From Blonde to Brown

For someone who has experimented a lot with their hair colour since being a teenager, I have been various shades of blonde for a long time, rarely venturing away from the bleach for a good couple of years. Before then I have been every colour under the sun - pink, Rihanna red, jet black, chocolate brown, caramel, auburn...the list goes on. I have faithfully hung onto my highlighted locks for a few years now and knew when I got engaged last year that I wanted to be a blonde bride for our wedding earlier this Summer. I was blonde when I first met Rob and with it being an outside, Summer time wedding with light florals and vintage lace, I knew my blonde barnet would suit the theme perfectly and go with my peachy-gold toned makeup that I had already meticulously planned.

Now happily married, it was time to make the change and kiss goodbye to my blonde locks, for now! I love love blonde hair and there is no doubt I will be blonde again but over time it does really take its toll on your tresses. My hair was feeling parched and lacked shine and body. The ends were ratty and the upkeep of freshly bleached roots was getting a bit tiresome. As I sat in the hairdressers chair yesterday I took the plunge and asked for a new look. When I was darker one of my favourite looks was this golden-brown styles I sported with caramel and honey-toned highlights, so I asked for a warm, slightly coppery auburn base with warm honey and caramel highlights running through it. Because my hair is extremely porous and was so white blonde before it sucked up the colour so initially it is a little darker than I wanted but after a few washes it will fade to a more golden tone and the next time I go I think I will have a few more caramel and honey shades put in to make it multi-tonal and interesting. I don't want to venture too dark so this happy medium is perfect for me as I still have the option of going light again next year if I so desire, but for now I am enjoying being a brunette and embracing the darker look this Autumn Winter. :)

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

View Post

Kérastase Discipline Hair Range

If you excuse the shocking root growth which urgently needs some attention and the ratty ends that need a good chop, my hair is actually feeling in really good condition at the moment and I have a few key products to thank for this. I have recently been using a new range from Kérastase - the Discipline collection which promises to create fluidity and shine, protect the hair from humidity whilst also strengthening and nourishing your locks from root to tip. For my hair which is always prone to a Monica-in-Barbados frizz reaction whenever faced with the tiniest bit of humidity, this range sounded absolutely perfect and I was excited to give it a go.

The Kérastase Discipline range* comprises of a Bain Fluidealiste (shampoo £17), Fondant Fluidealiste (conditioner £20) and a Maskeratine (luxurious hair masque £27.50) all available from Rush online and local Rush salons. After using this range for a few days I did instantly notice how much more controllable and tame my unruly mane was, making it easier to comb through after my shower and the way it lay flatter and felt softer after I had blow-dried it. The conditioner and hair masque are definitely the star products here and I love treating my hair to an overnight treatment with the masque once a week for deep down nourishment and damage repair thanks to the high concentration of nourishing lipid agents in the conditioner. The masque works superbly well on thick, unruly, chemical treated hair by texturising your hair fibres and adding a huge dose of unprecedented suppleness whilst smelling particularly lovely! Sometimes once I have blow-dried and straightened my hair it feels incredibly dry and lacks some shine or lustre but I think this range has really helped restore some of that shine and radiance that is sometimes so hard to achieve with blonde hair. I would definitely recommend the Kérastase Discipline range if your locks are after a bit of love and nourishment and in need of some help to fight the frizz!

Have you tried this new range? What haircare products are you loving at the moment?

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

View Post

Aveda Dry Remedy hair range

NEW IN! Aveda Dry Remedy moisturising range*
available online

When it comes to selecting a new haircare range to try there are certain benefits that are a must to help keep my frizzy, thick mane at bay. Intensely moisturising and deep conditioning are paramount when it comes to caring for my hair so I was really excited to try this new range from Aveda which promises to saturate dry hair with moisture, love and nourishment!

This new range consists of four key products to specifically care for dry, brittle hair that is prone to frizz and brittleness. The products are packed full of goodness such as buriti, pomegranate and olive oils which work to moisturise the hair, leaving it soft, supple and shiny. The whole range smells divine with a fresh, herbal and floral aroma thanks to the addition of organic lavender, bergamot and ginger lily and because my hairdresser uses Aveda products on my hair, every time I use this range I feel I am getting the ultimate salon experience in my own shower. The shampoo and conditioner are lovely to use and have definitely helped soften my hair and makes the whole blow-drying process a lot more manageable. Their formula is rich and decadent but doesn't feel too heavy on the hair and leaves it feel soft and supple. The masque is a great rescue product to give your hair some TLC once a week. I like to leave it on for an hour or so during an evening of pampering and it really helps to nourish and relieve any brittleness or dry ends.

However, the real winner from this new range is the Dry Remedy daily moisturising oil which drenches your hair with hydration. The Buriti Oil from the forests of Brazil is the hero ingredient in this oil treatment and targets parched, brittle hair and helps tame frizz and flyaways. This oil has been formulated without silicones and is lightweight enough to be used everyday on damp hair before drying and styling. It has no greasy residue like so serums and oils can and can also be used lightly on dry hair to smooth through the ends to add lustre and shine. Definitely my haircare hero product of the moment!

Have you tried anything from this new range? Do you enjoy using Aveda haircare?

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

View Post

Aussie Hair Twitter Party and the Three Minute Miracle Mousses

Yesterday I helped host a twitter party with Aussie Hair to celebrate the launch of their new three minute miracle lightweight treatment mousses and to give the twitter community a chance to ask their burning hair questions to Aussie ambassador, Liz Taw. The lunchtime hour flew by and I had such fun chatting with you all, answering some of your queries myself and sharing my personal hair tips and techniques from everything to achieving volume without the heavy products to creating curls and waves without reaching for your curling tongs. Thank you so much if you took part and if you wanted to have a skim through some of the answers and questions from the twitter chat then similar search the hashtag #AussiePerfectMatch.

As for the new products, I have been using them on my hair for the past few weeks and am really impressed with this novel new mousse formula for ultimate nourishment. These lightweight yet deep treatment mousses are intended for those with particularly fine hair who find normal hair masques and treatments a little too heavy and greasy for their tresses. It has a fun, whipped-cream like texture and smoothes through damp hair easily to help condition and nourish the hair without weighing it down or making fine locks feel lank and greasy. It is a great new addition to the Aussie hair treatment range and now hopefully everyone can find their Perfect Match product in the hair aisle.

Have you tried this new product? Did you join in with the twitter party yesterday?

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

sponsored post

View Post

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Light Deep Treatment Mousse

Aussie three minute miracle light deep treatment mousses - Aussome Volume and Mega
£4.99, available from Boots

When I first heard about Aussie’s latest release – the 3 minute miracle light mousses, my feelings were initially…meh! Styling mousses and crunchy curls are not my things so I didn’t think I would be interested in this product range one jot. However, once I had actually read my press release and realised that these are an extension to their current 3MM range and work as a wash in, wash out lighter conditioner to condition finer locks I was on board! 

The classic 3 Minute Miracle Shine deep treatment has been a faithful addition to my hair care range for many years now. I don’t know whether it is the gorgeous, sweet scent or my post-wash luscious silky locks that I love more but it has been the perfect-match for my unruly, thick hair on numerous occasions now. The 3 Minute Miracle range from Aussie seemed to have the answer for every hair woe imaginable – a remedy for frizz? Check! Some care for coloured hair? Check! Fraught with split ends? Check! But those with a finer mane who fear the heavy conditioners and treatments may have been forgotten…until now. These two mousses, aussome volume and mega, are both lusciously lightweight, completely free of silicones and are bursting with nourishing ingredients with that same heavenly scent which fills the shower with a sweet vanilla aroma. These new mousses can be used just like any other Aussie 3MM treatment – simply apply the whipped-cream-like conditioner through your hair after shampooing and conditioning and let it work its magic for three minutes before rinsing out. Finer hair should feel completely nourished and lavished with love without being weighed down or left feeling greasy like some other treatments can. 

I think it is great that Aussie have finally added a lighter variant to their already adored 3MM range and now I feel everybody can find their perfect match, whatever their hair type. Do you have finer hair and struggle to find a great deep treatment? Would you be interested in giving these new products a whirl?

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

*sponsored post

View Post

Bumble & Bumble pret-a-powder

Bumble & Bumble Pret-a-powder £21.50
available online

Vive le great hair day! Before I begin singing the praises of this new, staying product from Bumble & Bumble, I must confess that I have never been a fan of dry shampoo. I simply don't really get the stuff and because I don't suffer from greasy or flat hair at any point between washes I never found a place for it on my beauty table. This stuff however is a whole different ball game and I am absolutely smitten with Bumble & Bumble's new Pret-a-Powder. This magical powder offers a whole host of tricks and treats for hair at any stage along the washing cycle and is a style extender, volume-giver and dry shampoo all in one. Crazily versatile!

With a little pinch of the blossom-scented fine white powder, your locks can be transformed - giving freshly-washed hair a bit more oomph without the clumpy feeling and day old locks an instant freshness and lightness with added plumpness! There are two ways I like to use this product; firstly on freshly-washed hair that is sometimes too silky and fluffy to control. By adding a sprinkle of this powder to the roots especially around the crown area, it helps give me a bit more grit and oomph to pull off my favourite up dos. I then like to take it around day two or three (if I am slyly trying to avoid the dreaded hair wash) and I simply massage it into my roots and through the ends to give my style a new lease of life! Dry shampoo? Pah! Pret-a-powder is definitely the only powder styling product you will need in your hair repertoire!

Have you tried this new styling product from Bumble & Bumble?

Twitter . Facebook . Bloglovin'

View Post