Lush Retread Conditioner Review

Making my hair go through so many colours and bleach really has weighed it’s toll and this is why I am trying to rescue it. Searching for so many nourishing conditioners etc etc and not finding anything has made me doubt that I will ever rescue my hair..until I went into Lush in Cork and was recommended the Retread conditioner.

She also recommended the shampoo but because my funds were too low I didn’t get it as well. However I will get it as well as the conditioner this Wednesday when I travel up to Dublin for the Warehouse AW14 Press Preview (look out for that blog post soon!).

You might have guessed my thoughts on it from that sentence but I will tell you anyway. The conditioner smells delicious and it’s got mostly natural ingredients.

Ingredients:

Agar Infusion (Gelidium cartilagineum) , Propylene Glycol , Soya Milk (Glycine soja) , Cetearyl Alcohol and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate , Fresh Cantaloupe Melon (Cucumis Cantalupensis) , Olive Oil (Olea europaea) ,Perfume , Natural Yoghurt , Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima) , Lanolin , Cetearyl Alcohol , Cetrimonium Bromide , Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis) ,Synthetic Musk , Violet Leaf Absolute (Viola odorata) ,Orange Blossom Absolute (Citrus dulcis) , Neroli Oil (Citrus amara) , *Benzyl Benzoate , Methylparaben ,Propylparaben

Here is what the Lush website says about it.

Retread is our super-smoothing conditioning cream that gives sad hair its shine and bounce back. Use it when your hair is feeling absolutely wrecked. This rich conditioner makes your hair look better, but more importantly, it moisturizes and feeds your hair the nutrients it needs. We use a blend of softening and hydrating ingredients, including seaweed, lanolin, fresh canteloupe and protein-rich yoghurt and soya milk to strengthen locks. Then we blend in olive, jojoba and avocado oils to give a truly deep condition. Together all these ingredients add up to a nutritious heavy weight conditioner. Put a plentiful helping on your hair and let it go to work.

I have to say that it basically does what it says and what it is..I have been using it since the day after I bought it and all I can say is, is that it has made my hair so much better. Before my hair was so brittle and dry and you could definitely see it in the ends. My hair felt like straw. I use it every time I get into the shower and what I do is; I first wash my hair and then get a big handful in my hand and apply it through the middle and ends of my hair because it needs it basically. I then leave it there and continue with my shower..at the very end I then rinse it off. The good thing about the conditioner is that it didn’t make my hair greasy and it didn’t weigh it down like others I have tried. After my hair has air dried it always feels so soft and healthy. Even my boyfriend has noticed the difference.

I am at the very end of the pot and have been using it for 2 months now so you can judge how long it will last you. I am going to repurchase it as I have mentioned above (It cost me €15 and worth every cent) and I will be getting the shampoo as well because the shampoo I bought myself to try and nourish my hair is not worth a cent, in my opinion. It dries out my hair even more and hasn’t nourished it at all…it has done nothing basically.

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Just bought this and I am wondering if any of you #bbloggers #irishbbloggers have any opinions on it. I'm hoping I made a good choice #instadaily

A post shared by Ana Elizabeth Aguila (@redlipsbluejeansblog) on Jul 11, 2014 at 12:50pm PDT

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has dry brittle hair and has dyed it a million times. Let me know if you have used it also and what your thoughts are on it.

ST Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse | Review

I am in love with this tan. It’s a mousse and is soooo easy to apply. I applied it with my hands as I have yet to buy a mitt. It’s so easy to apply and streak free! I had moisturized just before applying the tan and it just glided on smoothly. Since I am part of their beauty panel I was sent this product to  review and I am so glad I got to try it! You can purchase it online as of today and it is £33

Before applying  tan

After applying the tan

I left it on for 2 hours as I wanted more than a glow and I felt it dried in around 10mins. I rinsed it off with warm water as directed in the instructions and was so happy that when I towel dried none of it came off onto it. I was left with a golden glow and since the back did say it would continue to develop during 8 hours I noticed that it slowly continued to get darker.

 

The day after I applied the tan

The day after applying the tan

The day after I applied the tan

I felt like it definitely developed during the night and right now I am left with a gorgeous, natural, streak free golden colour. It’s super natural, it looks like you’ve been tanning without actually tanning, obviously.

I definitely recommend this. The applicator dispenses the mousse very well and I didn’t get any of it anywhere so it’s easy and it’s fast.

Definitely would buy this product again! You can get it on the St Tropez website

White It Out

I am in love with white…white trousers, white tops, shoes with white soles…. I guess I have Tumblr to blame for that. I was inspired to come up with this outfit. It’s a 90’s meets Gothic angel type thing that I concocted. If that makes sense.

I fell in love with the white trousers when I tried them on in Mango and I am so glad I got them (like I always am when I get things) because they’re not as see through as many I’ve tried on (H&M, ZARA etc) They’re €40 and are well worth it. The material is thicker than others and you can feel the quality of it. I guess it’s more of an off white but it’s perfect with white.  You can get similar here

The top I got in River Island for €13 (you can get similar here) which is a lot but it’s still good to have and looks great with anything high waisted. The shoes are also from River Island which you can get here

For jewellery I went with my trusty watch by Michael Kors, my Zara bracelets and my gorgeous Alex and Ani birthstone bracelet.

For my make up I’m wearing MAC Film Noir Lipstick

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Desert Beige

YSL shocking liquid liner

 

Let me know what you think of the outfit. Would you wear it or something like it? Oh! and don’t forget! you can get 20% off Motel Rocks (motel rocks items only) with code elizabethsbeauty There are great new items in there and they stock Quay Australia sunglasses! I’m in love with them especially their kitty sunglasses!

 

Flower Power | OOTD

Hey guys,

Hope you are all good and enjoying your week. I seem to be coming down with a cold unfortunately but I blame the weather…it’s been warm for a bit and now it’s cold again. Boo!

But anyways I wanted to bring a little sunshine with this outfit. The yellow in these two pieces is lush. I am in love with the trousers and shirt. You probably have seen this shirt as well as the trousers on my Instagram but I couldn’t not feature them on my blog.

The pieces are from O’Donnell Boutique and you can get these pieces online or in store if you’re around 11 Catherine Street in Limerick.

I pair these two pieces with my gorgeous Lily jacket from O’Donnell Boutique which you have seen in a previous post which you can see here. If you get this jacket you will love it and not take it off like I haven’t until yesterday. Had to put it in the washing basket as it needs to be cleaned. It is sooo soft though! The trousers are gorgeous and so comfortable. They are a perfect length as well, so if you are 162.5cm tall they will be your perfect pair of trousers. However, I am not dissing ye lucky tall chics out there because they will be equally perfect for ye as when they’re ankle length they are super chic too. They’re gorgeous with ankle boots, heels and coltranes.

Shirt here, Trousers here (all from O’Donnell Boutique)

The shirt is amazing and it’s not static-y which is something I hate about shirts. I am in love that it has those accents with the black and it really is a great shirt to introduce colour into your wardrobe as well as the trousers.

Let me know what you think about this outfit and of course follow O’Donnell Boutique on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram and Youtube (They have something exciting coming up soon!)

On My Savings List | Toga Pulla

Hey guys,

I have been lusting after these boots since I had seen them last year in Brown Thomas and I think that they are MY shoe (if you know what I mean). I think every one has the shoe that they consider theirs and only theirs. (I hope I’m making sense). But am…yea these are my shoes.

I am so in love with them and I went into Brown Thomas here by me and my gosh I kinda wish I hadn’t tried them on in a way because leaving them behind was so hard! I wish they took deposits! Anyways…what it has done is made me want to save and get them. I neeed them in my life and on my feet. They felt soo good on my feet.

You can buy them online from Farfetch

Sooon my loves….soooon!

Alex and Ani | Perfection for Valentine’s Day

Hey guys,

Alex and Ani have brought out gorgeous few pieces that are perfect for Valentine’s Day and ye all know how much I love Alex and Ani pieces. I got my birthstone bracelet for Christmas and am so happy with it!

Their Valentine’s Collection features Lovebirds and Swan symbols that encompass love perfectly, they come in silver and gold. I love how Alex and Ani always make beautiful bracelets that have a message of positivity and unity and these are no exception. I always love to try and send out good positive vibes out there and have been trying to think positive more often and it’s good that the brand Alex and Ani encourage positivity. Something that every brand should do.

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I opened my Christmas presents early. My handsome boyfriend surprised me with #HAIM tickets #TomFord Black Orchid perfume and my bracelet from @alexandani #alexandani #birthstone #fbloggers #bbloggers #instadaily #irishbbloggers

A post shared by Ana Elizabeth Aguila (@redlipsbluejeansblog) on Dec 24, 2013 at 8:27am PST

The Lovebirds symbolise devotion, happiness and adoration, they are the ultimate in soul mates. Happy and devoted, these creatures grow together creating a life they can share.

While the Swans symbolise loyalty, destiny and eternity. Swans are graceful birds of strength and devotion. An endearing species, swans mate for life and journey forward together.

You can get them nationwide and online at Arnotts or on their own website. The prices start at €30.

Let me know what you think. Will you be asking for one of these gorgeous bracelets for Valentine’s?

You are Beautiful!

Ana

Quickmax Eyelash Growth Enhancer Review

Hey guys,

it’s been 8 days since I first put on the Quickmax Eyelash Growth Enhancer and I can finally let ye know what I think and if it works. Here’s the initial post

A few days ago…probably 4, I started to notice that my eyelashes were different. I noticed that somehow they seemed fuller and I especially noticed it after applying the mascara. I used the same mascara as always but even before putting it on I noticed that they were a lot fuller. I examined them in the mirror and had seen that I had little eyelashes growing…I was excited.

I have always been sceptical about these growth enhancer thingies and I was definitely convinced that this one was the real deal. I feel like some of them are still growing, and also I can see little eyelashes, because I can feel them poke my eyes when I close them. I showed them to my boyfriend when he came that same day and he also was amazed. He even said can I try haha.

I have more lashes now at the outer corners and this is where, I find, that it grew the most. My eyelashes kinda connect to the bottom ones at the outer corners.

I tried to take a few photos to show but it’s hard to go in really close when I’m the one taking the photos. But hopefully you can see the difference. The eyelash growth enhancer retails at £24.95 which is a bit pricey but you will be able to use it again and again as you only need a tiny amount.

“Among the scientists who developed QuickMax, there is a doctor whose specialty is developing non-prescription skin products that are not only remarkably effective but also completely safe. As a result, QuickMax is made with natural ingredients that are good for your skin. It nourishes your skin and hair follicles while it works. And it’s manufactured in an FDA-approved laboratory.” -from StyleLux website

I can safely say that you will also be happy with this. It says you can use it for your eyebrows on the website so for any of you ladies or guys who want to grow fuller eyebrows definitely try this. My mum wants to try it out because she also saw the difference. It’s on offer right now at that price so I would definitely recommend it. Let me know if you’ve tried it already or what is your opinion on it.

You are Beautiful!

Ana

Two Collections

Hey guys

Ye may know that this November there are two collections that are hitting our stores and online which we are all excited about (maybe it’s just me).

The two collections that I am very excited about are Rihanna’s last collection for River Island (7th Nov) and Isabel Marant’s collection for H&M.(14th Nov) Sadly I don’t think it is going to be in stores here in Limerick but I hope I can get some pieces online.

Isabel Marant’s collection is all about prints and feeling comfortable but also with style. I love the rock ‘n’ roll/gypsy feel of her collection. I styled some of the pieces that I am excited for and hope to get.

Isabel Marant pour H&M by anaelizabethaguila featuring home decor

Isabel Marant for H&M by anaelizabethaguila featuring home decor

Isabel Marant for HM by anaelizabethaguila on Polyvore

Rock ‘N’ Roll Isabel Marant for H&M by anaelizabethaguila on Polyvore

I am loving Rihanna’s choice of colour and texture for her last collection for River Island. There are so many pieces that I want and I can guarantee that they are for anyone, no matter what your style. They’re basics but gorgeous basics and something that will see you through seasons. Here are a few pieces I am excited for.

Rihanna for River Island by anaelizabethaguila featuring rihanna style

Rihanna for River Island Collection by anaelizabethaguila featuring rihanna style

You can pre order her collection already and I suggest you do. I wish I could myself but unfortunately can’t. So here’s hoping that they don’t sell out so quick and that some pieces will still be there when I go to buy them!

Let me know what you think? Are you excited for these?

You are Beautiful!

Ana

The Fall Coat Edit

THE staple this winter is the coat. Long, boyfriend, cocoon, biker, blazer. All into one. The coat has become the one investment piece for this season and it’s a good thing because we all need a good coat to keep us warm and the ones that have been featured in blogs and magazines are perfect for the colder months.

The pink coat is very popular right now and at first I wasn’t so keen on it being pink because I’m not really a fan of that colour but thinking about it though it could be made more dark and edgy with what you accessorise it with, your make up and the outfit underneath.

The Pink Coat | Darkened by anaelizabethaguila

I am loving and have always loved the boyfriend coat. I love masculine coats with feminine clothes underneath. By feminine I mean a silk blouse and some leather pants or skirt or high waisted velvet trouser. There are loads from Zara that are just amazing and I could show you 10 of them but I decided to show you three. I really want to get one because the one I have from Asos, and I love that one!, is a mohair one and I want one that isn’t fluffy. Two is better than one anyways right?

Ok I have to show ye this coat. It is super-diduper expesive but if I had the money I would get it. It’s reversible!

Of course these are my picks for this fall. There are the others that are a must and we all know what those are. The biker jacket and sophisticated leather jacket. Those two should be in our wardrobe…in everyone’s wardrobe and there cheap alternatives out there. Here’s one example from Topshop, Zara and Asos.

Topshop

ASOS

ZARA

But anyways what do ye guys think? Which one would you get?

You are Beautiful!

Ana

Alex and Ani Event

Two nights ago I was lucky to be invited to the Alex and Ani event where they were launching their new collection and it was a brilliant event. This was my first event and I loved the venue. My boyfriend and myself tried to find it and because we had never discovered the place where the event was at we were 25 mins late. Not proud.

As we entered the venue we were greeted by music coming from Vogue William’s turntable. She looked stunning like always and loved her dress. All around the room there were stands showcasing their core collection as well as the new collection called Starry Eyed.

As you can see her hubby made an appearance later on in the evening. They look gorgeous together.

The bangles are gorgeous and the lovely Courtney Smith was the host on the night. She let us know about the brand and their new collection as well as mentioning that they would be brilliant Christmas presents and I was sure to let my boyfriend know that I would want some under the Christmas tree. I love the way their bracelets give such a positive message and just generate positivity. They start at €25 which is very reasonable when starting out your Alex and Ani collection.

The refreshments were provided by Vita Coco and Kopparberg and there were sushi on the night too. Myself and the boyfriend had a few Vita Coco because well we love it!

The bracelets are stocked all over Ireland and I’m glad that they are stocked where I am because I will definitely be purchasing some of the bangles. I am in love with the feather ones and the positive message ones. They are perfect as a birthday present too. They will make an easy present for anyone.

Follow their twitter, facebook, instagram and go check out their website for stockists!