August Birchbox

August Birchbox is all about summer getaways so all this months products came packed in a holiday travel bag which will come in useful for your go to make up and skin care products.  Not only did this months Birchbox come packed with summer essentials, but it also came packed with tips for your summer getaway so you will confident you will be leaving packed with all you need.

Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect £20
A leave in conditioning spray to detangle and protect against heat and sun damage.

Chella Highlighter Pencil £15.95
Highlight the brow bone, cheekbones and inner corners of eye with this chunky pencil.

Nude Progenius Omega Treatment Oil £58
This nourishing oil is rich in omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 for hydrated, smooth skin.

Vasanti Brightenup! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator £26
A multi-action exfoliator to ensure a renewed, refreshed complexion.

Supergoop! Daily Correct SPF 35 CC Cream £32
A natural shade-adjusting CC cream with SPF to smooth fine lines and even out skin tone.

The Proposal by Tasmina Perry £7.99
Chapter one of this spellbinding and romantic novel, which spans 1950s London and present day NYC.

This summer essential travel pack couldn't of come at a better time. I am going away for a few days soon and Birchbox has started my packing for me! I am super excited to try out all these new products as I have never tried any of them. I am a huge lover of everything included and hope chapter one of The Proposal gives me my start on the book ladder!

See what I got in my July Birchbox here.

Want to wake up to a box full of excitement samples? Find your perfect monthly subscription here.

VO5 Cherish My Colour Full Bodied Spray Heat Defence

Taking care of my hair is just as important as taking care of my skin. I like to give my hair a rest from heat, dye and unnecessary products on regular basis.  I always wear my hair up unless its a bad hair day where nothing is going right!
When I do wear my hair down I like to straighten it to get rid of the morning hair crinkles. To protect my hair, recently I have been using this VO5 Cherish My Colour Heat Defence.

Not only does it protect the hair from heat, but it also protects your hair colour from fading. It also states to add a natural bounce and thickness to your hair whilst leaving it shining and smelling lovely.

When I used this, I applied it to my damp hair before blow drying. Fist thing I noticed was the incredible smell of floral. I brushed it through and dried it in my normal way to be left with a full head of thickness. It was incredibly smooth and shiny!
With the heat constantly on your hair, your colour can fade but this states to protect the colour which for me needing to dye my hair again, can't really comment.  I didn't notice any colour fading, in fact with the shine this product left, it made my colour look brighter and healthier.

It is priced at £3.89 which is amazing for the amount of product included - (200ML) which depending how often you use it, it really could last you ages!

For me, I only purchased this for the HEAT DEFENCE statement on the bottle as I want to protect my hair from all heat. The bounce, thickness and colour grip technology, colour protection is just a bonus for me! So if its doing the trick of heat protection then I will carry on purchasing.

What's your favourite heat protection?

April Favorites.

Sleek Lip Balm*
I was going to purchase this (Bare Minimum -beautiful nude colour) after seeing Gabby from velvetghost on YouTube included it in one of her get ready with me videos but then I noticed I already had it in the Oxford meet goody bag. I fell in love with this as soon as it touched my lips! It gives out plenty of moisture and really glosses and lightly colours the lips.
£4.49

Barry M Brow Kit
To be quiet honest with you I wasn't to sure on this at first as its quite a heavy brown and me having my hair coloured dark blonde I was a bit on the edge. After giving it a fair chance I have come to love it! I don't spend to much time on my browns so don't want to spend a lot of money so this is perfect. It has everything you need for the perfect brow!  Read more about it here. 
£5.99

Garnier Shampoo ultimate Blends and Garnier 1 Minute Hair Treatment
I brought these as they was in a really good deal at wilkinsons so jumped at the chance to try out new products for my hair. With me trying to grow my hair and not using any heat on my hair i can't really do much with my hair so it leaves me shoving it up in a messy bun ALL the time so my hair has become quiet dull and dry. I fell in love with these as its does exactly what its meant to, leaving my hair feeling light, clean and shiny and giving it all the goodness that is impact in the bottle. CURRENTLY ON OFFER. Buy here.

St Ives Scrub* 
I have recently wrote a blog post about this which you can read about here. 100% love this product!

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer* 
I don't wear eye shadow a lot but this primer is also used for a base for your concealer so I was excitement to try this when I received it as my concealer is my most used product from my make up bag. I does exactly what its meant to do and I have no worries during the day that my dark circles are popping through my make up! I will definitely purchase the original size!
£20.50

Ralph Lauren Big Pony Pink N.O 2
Non beauty, but I can not walk out the house without it! Smells so fruity making the day feel better instantly.
£36.99

Topshop Nail Varnish* Flash (Not on the website)
This silver is such a beautiful colour and full of glitter, a little certainly goes a long way with this. Goes with so many outfits, I just love it. It gives your nails such a wow but I don't think I need to tell you how good Topshop products are.

Batiste Dry Shampoo 
Again I don't think I need to tell you how good this is but its reappeared in my favorites as its simply been a life saver recently when you just haven't got the time to wash your hair in the morning.

What's your current favorites? 

*
Although I was gifted some of these items, all my views are 100% my own. 

Dandruff Problems?

Having trouble with dandruff? Say no more! I suffered with dandruff a hell of a lot whilst I was pregnant,  it was embarrassing walking around with huge flakes popping out the up do. No matter what hair style I would do, the flakes would make an appearance. Recently I've notice that its came back and this time I no what product will help! Say hello to your new hero...
SELSUN (selenium sulphide)

Selenium sulphide specifically destroys a certain type of fungus called dermatophyte. It also causes a decrease in the production of cells in the top layer of skin, as well as the amount of natural oil (sebum) produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is an inflammatory scaling skin condition, which can affect the scalp. Inflammation is caused by the body's reaction to the presence of a particular type of fungus, and to products that break down oil.Selenium suphide therefore kills the fungi responsible for causing this inflammation, as well as controls the itching and scaling associated with dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp.

I no it doesn't look the prettiest and sure doesn't smell the nicest but it certainly does the trick!
I will show you before and after shot's below and you will be amazed! I wouldn't lie to you! Selsun is only retailed around £4-6 depending where you go.
You use this for twice weekly for 2 weeks then once weekly for the next 2 weeks and you will be amazed.

It is hard to show you this before shot but I'm so happy with the results and 100% recommend it!

Excuse the roots.

As you can see in the first picture I was left with a lot of flakes after I washed my hair leaving me determined to get the problem sorted.

Picture 2 is after the 3rd application using Selsun, the dandruff has reduced quite a lot but still making an appearance.  Below is after 4/5 applications of Selsun and I am completely happy with the results leaving little or no embarrassing flakes.

I hope this post has helped you out!

GLOSSYBOX

I received this along with the BIRCHBOX on the Oxford meet and wanted to share with you what was inside.
It is the March Glossybox so a bit late on the post but it might tempt you into a cheeky purchase.

It comes well packed in a cardboard box, open to reveal a lovely pink one which is wrapped in tissue paper and a pretty ribbon bow, packed with: all information below is from GLOSSYBOX.

MITCHELL AND PEACH - Body Cream £36
With English honey, organic, cocoa, vitamin B5 and shea butter, this Mitchell and Peach body cream is perfect to leave you feeling as though you've taken a walk in the Englsih countryside.
Apply liberally after showering to leave your skin feeling soft and smelling beautiful.

SLEEK MAKE UP - Pout Polish £4.49
Strike a stunning selfie with Pout Polish by Sleek. This tinted balm is full of nourishment, and with SPF15, almond oil, shea butter & vitamin E, it will leave your pout looking perfect.
A little goes a long way, so use a small amount on the edge of your finger or lip brush for the best results.

BELLAPIERRE COSMETICS LTD - Shimmer Powders £12.00
This 100% pure Mica shimmering eye shadow will provide you with a long lasting vibrant colour without smearing, creasing or fading.
This powder is the ultimate multi-use product. As well as an eye shadow, it can be mixed into blusher, nail polish or lip gloss to create your own custom make up!

VITE LIBERATA - pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion £37.50
Not booked your summer holiday yet? Cheat with pHenomenal 2-3 week tan lotion which promises a longer lasting and most hydrating tan.
After exfoliating, applky to your skin in circular motions. For the best results, shower after 6-12 hours then repeat twice for a longer lasting tan!

DOVE HAIR THERAPY - Intensive Repair 60 Second Treatment Shot £1.49
Now you don't have to choose between beauty and hair care with this intensive treatment! It's the perfect pick-me-up for haircare in a hurry and you can even take it on holiday to revive damaged hair from the sun.
Use after shampooing for 60 seconds, avoiding the roots and rinse out for beautifully soft, strong hair with a keratin boost!

To purchase the GLOSSYBOX click here where you can select the subscription which suits you best. 

This was not sponsored in any way.

I cannot wait to try out all these products and will give you all reviews when I can :)

BIRCHBOX

Hi! 

Just a quick one for all those who haven't yet heard of Birchbox or on the fence of purchasing!

I received this Birchbox in my goody bag when I went to the Oxford meet and couldn't wait to open it! I have heard of Birchbox but never really thought about purchasing it due to other things going out my bank right now, but once I had one in my hands I am truly won over and will defiantly be looking into the subscriptions.

Join Birchbox and you'll receive a selection of beauty and lifestyle products to try every month, so you can find the products that really fit your needs.

Firstly, the packaging is just beautiful (pictured above) and then you open it where the goodies are hidden in a little drawstring bag and helpful little leaflets telling you what you got and how you apply it.

This is what was inside the March BIRCHBOX, all information below is from Birchbox.

BENEFIT - Stay Don't Stray | £20.50
An eye primer you can count on! Ensure eyeshadow and concealerstays put from AM to PM
Dot above and below the eye, gently blending in with your fingertip.

DR, BRANDT - Pores No More Pore Refiner | £39
A favourite of photo-ready celebs, this sheer formula minimises pores and aborbs excess oil.
Apply a thin layer to your face before make-up and after moisturiser.

URBAN VEDA - Radiance Daily Facial Wash or Exfoliating Facial Polish | from £7.99
A vegan-friendly formula that cleanses and brightens skin and helps protect from environmental damage.
Massage into damp skin. Use wash daily and polish 2-3 times a week.

KORRES - Citrus Body Milk | £9.50
This hydrating lotion not only smells delish, it does your skin good too, thanks to almond oil and shea butter.
Massage into dry skin after bathing or showering.

ENGLISH LAUNDRY - No. 7 For Her | £47
Top notes of pear and jasmine blend with gardenia, vanilla and sandalwood in this delightful scent.
Sprits onto pulse points and enjoy the fresh fragrance.

CANDY ROCK
This stripy candy represents the traditional sweet shops that inspired Lulu Guinness' fabulous Spring/Summer 2014 collection.
Unwrap and enjoy!

You can join BIRCHBOX on a subscription of your choice here. 

This was not sponsored in any way, I was just so impressed I wanted to share it with you. 

I cannot wait to try out all these products and will give you all reviews when I can :)

Growing your hair.

Are you trying to grow your hair but seems like it is taking forever?

About a year ago I had a bob haircut but I just grew to not like it as I like volume so I had to backcomb it so much to make my hair stand up! It was to much effort to maintain so I decided from that day I wanted to grow it! Now, I'm not saying it will be long in a few months, because it wont! You will need to be patient, but I don't believe in all these mothers tales by putting all these different products in your hair, or its just to much hassle to make the magic spell. It will feel like there is little or no progress but trust me! There is, just hang in there :)

I went from this...

To this...

Yes, it did take a year but give it double that and I will have the long hair I've been waiting for.
So how did I do it?

There is NO method or products needed!
My secret is literally NO heat.

- I haven't used straighteners once since then - Give your hair a break of heat and reduce the split ends.
- I haven't used a hair dryer since then. Simply towel dry or use the low heat on your hair dryier instead.
- I hate wearing my hair down right now as its at the annoying length but if you can wear it down then do so to give it a bit of freedom.
- Use the same products on your hair so your hair gets use to the same ingredients.
- Regular hair cuts, everyone knows a little trim helps you out :)
- No more hair dying (or reduce the amount of times you do dye your hair) Harsh ingredients will damage the hair and cause more split ends.

And that is it! I no its not fast but its the most natural way of doing it instead of forking out for these so called 'claimed' hair growth products. I love my hair now and can really see the progress!

Share your methods with me.

Take care xo

RachelMarie