Review | Tangle Teezer

As my hair has got longer, its become more of a nightmarish tangle, so I thought I'd try out the Tangle Teezer well known for its kick arse knot fighting abilities.

The Tangle Teezer has fast become an iconic hair tool, with its bright colours and funky design.

I picked my teezer up from Boots for £10.99 and is the original design. It has 2 different lengths of soft, bendy plastic bristles, long and short in an alternating pattern and fits comfortably in the palm of my hand.

I have to say I was skeptical about whether this would work well, and after using it for a few months I can safely say its pretty good!

I wanted to do a comparison test to show how good the teezer really is. I don't normally brush my hair from root to tip when its wet but it was the best way to show how it works.

Before

Using a wide tooth comb I brush from the top of my head and immediately get stuck, so gently start again, then get stuck again and then again. Not so groovy.

After (just the right side)

 The tangle teezer is so smooth and took me 2 seconds to go through the left side of my hair

One of the down sides I must admit is is that fluff gets stuck in the bristles very easily. I took this picture a few hours later after my hair had dried and all the fluff from my jumper ended up in my brush! Its also not as smooth when I brush my hair dry, it can get stuck in some of the stubborn knots and take a few tries to work through. But all in all its a good brush and I would definitely would recommend it :)

Jeni xo

Review | John Freida Beach Blonde

Hi Guys!

I know its been rather a long time since my last post. Truth is I've had a lack of blogging motivation and haven't come across anything that has got me excited in a while.

But fear not! Today I come back with a review of John Freida's returning classic Beach Blonde.

I'm always chopping and changing hair products trying to find THE ULTIMATE products for my hair type but alas its still a searching struggle. I've tried it all from all natural shampoo bars (a dark time in my hair history) to a little more pricey-er chemical laden bottles of promise. I try to pick budget friendly products and if I can pick things on offer I will! This funky fresh little collection caught my eye and it was on offer so I went ahead and picked up the Cool Dip Purifying Shampoo and the Kelp Help Deep Conditioning Masque. In addition to the collection there is a Smooth Seas Detangling Conditioner and a Sea Waves Sea Salt spray to bring out your inner mermaid.

Information |

Brand | John Freida

Product | Cool Dip Purifying Shampoo & Kelp Help Deep Conditioning Masque

Size | 250ml (shampoo) 150ml (masque)

Price | £5.89 each (I bought each for £4.00)

Made in | the E.U

Would I re-purchase | yes! 

Shampoo Ingredients |

Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside Sodium Chloride, Betaine, Parfum, Cocamide Mea, Benzyl Alcohol Polyquaternium-7, Dipropylene Glycol, Malic Acid, Menthyl Lactate, Menthol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate Benzophenone-4, Glycine, PPG-9 Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylisothiazolinone Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, CI 15985, CI 42090, Limonene, Linalool.

Masque Ingredients |

Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Glycerin, Parfum, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Isopropyl Palmitate, Benzoic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Lactic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Menthol Menthyl Lactate, Polyquaternium-28, Glycine, Malic Acid, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Cetearyl Glucoside, Methylisothiazolinone, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, CI 15985, CI 42090, Limonene, Linalool

At the time I bought these I was messing around with my hair care routine and washing my hair too frequently so my natural shampoo was leaving a residue. I bought the shampoo to deep clean my hair and the masque just damn tempted me! I use these maybe once a week to clear away any product build up. Lets start with the scent. OMG this stuff smells beyond amazing! Its fresh, its minty, it smells clean and by golly the sent stay in your hair for days! 

The shampoo does a great job of stripping away dirt and grime and leaves hair feeling fresh and clean, I always use it in conjunction with the hair masque; which in turn leaves hair feeling wonderfully soft. I leave it in for about 3 minutes, longer if I'm enjoying a bath and wash it out well. I suspect that this (the masque) is what really leaves its sent behind.

Pricing wise I don't think its too bad a price for the shampoo as it lasts ages. Its quite a thick clear shampoo and you can't squeeze too much out of the bottle so you won't over use the product, but the masque is such a tiny amount for the money, you want to use it sparingly, a little does go a long way but its too costly in my eyes, even if it does smell like heaven!

All in all I have enjoyed using these products and will continue to do so till they are all used up and I move on to my next search!

Jeni xo

D I Y | Distressed Cut Offs

It came to my attention the other day that I lacked a pair of black jean shorts, and I really wanted a pair, but as I'm currently 'economising' I decided to ransack my wardrobe for an old pair of black jeans I don't really wear. I've hacked up quite a few pairs of jeans in my time, creating total cock ups along the way. Most of the time they would end up with one leg longer than the other or just looked like totally lame cut offs that I did myself (which...duh? I did!). But as times gone on and about 10 pairs of jeans have met a scissory end at my hand I have finally devised a fool proof cut of plan!

1 | Select your jeans

2 | Turn them inside out and fold them over

3 | Place a pair of shorts on top as a guide line reference

4 | Using a white eye liner draw dashes along your jeans to guide your scissor happy hands

5 | Cut along your dotted line

6 | Re-fold your jeans so you now have a new guideline

7 | Using your white eyeliner again create your second set of lines

8 | Cut along the dotted line again

At this point I usually try on my shorts to see how the fit and how long they are once folded. I had to cut about another inch off to reach the length I was after.

9 | I've found the best way to fray the raw edge of your jeans is to use the inner most part of blunt scissors and scrape backwards and forwards to achieve a frayed edge

10 | Once your happy with your fray, fold up the edges and sew the very inner parts to keep the fold in place and the very outer part

11 | To create your holes pinch together the fabric

12 | ...and cut!

Use the same fraying techniques on your holes

One of the holes I made was over a pocket so a decided to sew in a patch from an old shirt to give the shorts a little character.

And your all done! Each time you wear them and wash them the will become a little more frayed and distressed looking.

D I Y | Apple Cider Vinegar & Tea Tree Toner

I've experimented with a lot of DIY beauty treatments over the years and this toner is one of my faves!
Its very easy to make and if you already have the ingredients it doesn't cost a penny!

Here's what you will need:

+ a bottle to keep your toner in, I like this one by KILNER
+ Apple Cider Vinegar (aka cider vinegar) you can get this from any supermarket
+ Tea Tree Oil I used this ONE
additionally
+ Rosemary Oil
+ Argan Oil

This was originally inspired by an old BUBZBEAUTY video. Each time I've made it I have changed and adapted it for what works best for me. I 100% recommend getting one of these kilner bottles it keeps the toner fresh till the last drop!
What I love about it is that its 100% natural and works so well. Since I've settled on this formulation my skin has been getting better and better. I still get the occasional mini break out that consists if maybe 4 or 5 tiny spots and I've been going out more and more with only a sweep of blusher or bronzer on my cheeks for colour (no foundation!!!).

Now I'll quickly share why I've picked each ingredient.

Apple Cider Vinegar | helps to prevent acne, stimulates circulation and if your unlucky to get a little sun burnt, helps with that too!

Tea Tree Oil | like acv it helps to treat acne and has natural antibacterial properties

Argan Oil | its liquid gold! Adds a kick of hydration to the formula and helps to soften the skin

Rosemary Oil | contains a wide variety of nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamins and antioxidants and is also a natural astringent (smells amaze too!)


Jeni xo

D I Y | Gentle Exfoliator

I've found so many physical exfoliator's to be incredibly harsh and scratchy. Some are even having a detrimental effect on the environment especially any that contain "micro beads" which are actually made of polyethylene. Tiny plastic beads that get washed down your drain and end up in the ocean where they are being ingested by sea life.
So in a bid to find a gentle exfoliator that does more good than harm I rediscovered an old beauty favourite: Rolled Oats.

Exfoliator Ingredients |

Rolled Oats
Chamomile Teabag

Method |

Empty one teabag in to your grinder with a handful of oats, and grind in to a fine powder. Transfer to a tub of your choice and your done!
Easy as pie!
To use simply take a couple of pinches of the powder and wet it a little, then massage on to skin. Rinse with warm water. You may need to use a face cloth to remove all traces of oats. You can this once a week, twice a week or its gentle enough to use every day.
I'm sure I don't need to say that if you have an intolerance to oats, not to use this, bur you know if you do, don't.

The exfoliator has a soft milky texture that smells all oaty and delicious. A few great benefits to know  about is that this is a great skin softener and natural moisturiser. It has anti-inflammatory properties, great at dealing with dry, itchy skin and wonderful and speeding the process of small cuts and abrasions. Perfect for anyone with acne prone or sensitive skin.

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Jeni xo

Review | Boots Botanics 81% Organic Hydrating Day Cream

As you may know I've started to incorporate more natural products in to my life. I had been using argon oil as a daily facial moisturiser but decided I wanted to try something different for a little while and when I found this in Boots and it didn't cost the earth I grabbed up a tub to try.

Information |

Brand | Botanics
Product | Hydrating Day Cream (81% organic)
Price | £8.99
Size | 50ml
Purchased from | Boots
Made in |
Would I re-purchase | yes

Ingredients |

Aqua (Water), Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil*, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter*, Glycerin*, Rosa canina seed oil*, Cetearyl glucoside, Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) seed butter*, Cera alba (Beeswax)*, Glyceryl stearate, Alcohol denat.*, Cetearyl alcohol, Xanthan gum, Sodium benzoate, Limonene, Potassium sorbate, Citric acid, Citronellol, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract*, Linalool, Citrus aurantium bergamia (Bergamot) fruit oil, Citrus medica limonum (Lemon) peel oil, Geraniol, **Parfum (Fragrance), Citral

* Ingredients certified as organic by the Soil Association for use in cosmetic products

** Ingredients certified as organic by the Ecocert Association for use in cosmetic products

Product Description |

This hydrating organic moisturiser glides onto the skin to soften and help improve texture.

Rosehip is combined with Jojoba Oil and Cocoa Butter to instantly nourish and leave skin looking fresh and radiant.

Rosehip is nature's nourishing gem. The seeds are a rich source essential Omega oils, which help to improve suppleness and keep all skin types beautifully soft and healthy looking.

Our beauty scientists use active plant extracts approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to bring you beautiful skincare that's proven to work.

• We've taken steps to reduce our impact on the planet at every stage in this product's journey.
• Formulated without parabens.

I love how plain and simple the packaging is. Its not loud and shouty just simple white with a little colour, nice and clean looking.

I've been using this for over a month maybe even 2 months now. The scent is rosehip and its really lovely and fresh but quite strong which I personally don't mind but others might.

The cream itself is very thick but once your rub it between your fingers it melts and smooths in well enough. 

On application it feels wonderful and soothing and leaves my skin looking matte. Its a bit hit and miss under different foundations though due to the mattifying effect. If you have a foundation that's more on the thicker side eg/ Revlon Colour Stay it can be a bit difficult to get an even coverage, in my personal experience that is. If the foundation is lighter its not too bad, but I have found my self reaching for a little coconut oil to add after to make my face more slippery for foundation application.

Its a brilliant formulation with so many organic, natural ingredients and because its so thick a little goes a long way so it lasts a really long time. I know I have at least another months worth of product in the tub so makes it good value for money. I'd love to try more from the line, not all of the Botanics range is as organic and natural as this one, but the ingredients are much nicer than your run of the mill.

Hope you've enjoyed this review,

Till next time

Jeni xo

I Had a Reaction

Hi guys!

Long time, no post!

Sorry about that, my life's been a bit crazy of late and I've been uber distracted and its likely to continue on off, but when the time comes I'll do a 'Life Update'...maybe to explain all the craziness!

Anyhoo...you may of read at the beginning of last month I had started using a natural, homemade deodorant that I loved, super, super much. Well I had a reaction to it, so I've had to stop using for the time being. I think/know its due to the amount of Baking Soda I used in the formula. I hadn't realised how bad it could be, the amount of baking soda + daily usage left my poor pitty's looking rather sorrowful and sore.

***WARNING GRAPHIC ARMPIT PHOTO PROCEED WITH CAUTION***

Each one of these spotty bumps was so painful. I wasn't sure what was happening so continued to use my deodorant for a bit longer, then when they didn't get better, hit up google to find out what was wrong. When I did, I immediately stopped using my DIY deodorant and forwent all deodorant until the inflammation went down which took about 1-2 weeks. Since then I've gone back to using my Dr.Organic Manuka Honey deodorant. And you know what, it sucks! I've been getting uber sweaty and sometimes a bit smelly, que sad face :(

So I have decided to try and re-formulate this DIY deodorant using much less baking soda and more types of oil. I haven't fully figured out what yet but I'm willing to give it another shot.

Cross fingers it works better this time and once I'm 100% sure its good and proper I'll post a Natural DIY Deodorant 2.0!

Jeni xo

*****UPDATE 31st MAY*****

10 days ago I made my new natural deodorant and started using it, and 8 days ago my armpits got sore so I quit my deodorant, today I had 2 big painful spots, one in each arm pit :( Needless to say I have 100% given up with making my deodorant. I used the Dr Organic Manuka 'Honey deodorant again today but decided to apply 2 coats, and it actually worked 1000 times better this way. So I think I'll continue with it and hope for the best!

Jeni xo