FAVES | August 2016

Hello September, it's so good to finally see you! I'm not usually one to wish time away, but I've been waiting for this month for a lifetime. Dramatic or what? I DON'T CARE, IT'S HOLIDAY TIME! I honestly feel like I haven't stopped talking about this trip. Oops! Anyway, before I go, we have to get through these favourites. Let's jump in!

First up is the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moisture. I've actually been trialing the Miracle Moist range all summer, in the hopes of livening up my hair. Because my hair is so long and thick, I find it gets dehydrated very easily. I've tried masks and treatments, but nothing lasts longer than a wash or two. Since I started using the Miracle Moist range, I've really noticed a difference! My hair's not nearly as dry as it once was. I feel like a new woman. With the promise to hydrate in 3 minute, it's not difficult to work this miracle worker into your routine. Plus, the smell of these products is out of this world! Boots is currently running a 3 for 2 offer on all Aussie products. What more could you ask for?

Next is the Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Amazing Makeup Fixing Spray. I didn't buy into fixing spray hype for a very long time. But after trying this one, I'm converted! The spray promises to protect your makeup from all weather conditions, and a lasting time of up to 8 hours. I did find all this to be true! It does smell a little funky, but I can get over that! The Pro Fix Amazing Makeup Fixing Spray retails for around the €7 mark on the Makeup Revolution website, and can also be found at Castle Pharmacy in Waterford.

The Inglot 854 Full Metal Lip Liner is a new love of mine. With the fear that my beloved Beurre Cremestick Liner by MAC has been discontinued, Inglot has come to my rescue. 854 is the closet shade I've found to Beurre, and I've never been more excited by a dupe! It's a red-toned brown. The formula contains shea butter, so it's comfortable on the lips. This also makes it wearable by itself. It's super long-wearing too! YAY! The lip brush on the other end makes for easy application. The Full Metal lip liners retail at €15.00 and can be found here.

I was intrigued by Primark's new skincare range, so I picked up the Face The Day Moisturizer to try out. I ended up really liking it!The name suggests that it's a day cream, but with no clear indication, it can be used anytime. It absorbs quick enough, and doesn't leave the skin sticky like some moisturizers do. The smell isn't too overbearing either, which is great. The Face The Day Moisturiser retails at €2.50 (a bargain!), and can be found in Penneys stores!

Lastly, this favourite is actually a gift from one of my best friends, Kate. She just came home from a J1 summer in Montauk, and I'm obsessed with the pressies she brought us home! A Victoria's Secret makeup bag, and body mist in Love Addict. The makeup bag itself is very spacious, with two compartments, and the purple colour is just fab! I love these body mists too. They're so handy to throw in your bag, and spritz throughout the day. Plus, the fragrance range is vast, so there's something to suit everybody! While we have to wait until 2017 for our own Vicky's in Dublin, there are stores in Dublin Airport. If you're in Waterford, the body mists can be found in the Waterford Health Park Pharmacy, and Shaws Department Store!

Don't forget you guys can follow me on Snapchat (elleblgr_blog) to keep up to date with everything. Plus, tutorials and hauls sometimes make an appearance!

What have you been loving this month?!

Until next time, 

Elle x 

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BEAUTY | How I Care for My Hair

While blonde is not the most high maintenance colour I've ever been, quite a bit of care needs to be taken! I'm ashamed to admit that while I've been blonde for 9 months now, it wasn't until a recent foray into the world of bleaching that I learned how to properly take care of my colour/hair. This routine is relatively new to me, and I've been getting people asking what I've been doing differently, so this post feels very apropos. 

L-R: Bleach London's Sliver Shampoo & Conditioner, Primark's Own Brand Tangle Teaser, Aussie's Miracle Insurance Leave-In Conditioner, Carino Miracle Oil, Batiste Dry Shampoo in Cherry & Tropical. 

I begin by washing my hair in lukewarm water. If the water is too cold, you'll only lock in the shampoo and dirt, and if it's too hot, you'll scald and dry out your hair. No bueno! I then use Bleach London's Silver Shampoo & Conditioner, available from Boots.ie for around €6.69. These tone any brassiness and brighten the colour up. Try limit your use of shampoo to once or twice weekly, and use a hair mask once a week to keep your hair healthy (I swear by the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle). Avoid roughly towel drying your hair once you've finished washing, this is where frizziness and split ends are born. Gently pat and squeeze the hair from root to tip with a towel.

Before brushing, I go in with Aussie's Miracle Insurance Leave-In Conditioner (€5.79; Boots Pharmacy are currently doing a 3 for €13 on Aussie hair care), spritzing it all over my hair. This nourishes hair, makes it free from tangles, and protects against daily wear and tear. Ace! I brush through my hair using Primark's own brand Tangle Teezer (€1.50). While the shape is a little awkward to hold, I find it glides through my hair, with little to no fallout. I then slather some Carino Miracle Oil (Aldi's answer to Moroccan Oil; €3.99) from root to tip. This helps tackle frizz and softens the hair!

I have quite a lot of hair, and I find blow drying just makes it 10 times more unmanageable, not to mention frizzy. After years of experimenting with different drying methods, I've finally found one that works best for me, and leaves me with nice, subtle waves. I part my hair, then section each side in to 2 or 3 pieces, depending how thick I want the waves, then twirl the pieces around my index finger and leave to air dry. To avoid any mishaps during the night, I braid my hair in two and wake up looking like I've just stepped off the beach in California. I wish! I keep my hair looking fresh between washes by using Batiste's Dry Shampoo.

There you have it, how I care for my hair. What are some of your favourite hair care methods/products? Let me know, I'm always interested in trying new things!

Until next time,
Elle.

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