Sara's Blog: I Raided Boots!

Well Pay Day came on Friday and I got my last month's sick pay with my wage so I'm very happy! Although I could of done with it last month!

A trip to Boots was in order and these are my current and new discoveries:

Toni and Guy Straight and Protect Shampoo and Conditioner

This product was bought because the whole 3 for 2 offer at Boots; and I'm definately a bargin girl. These leave my hair soft, shiny and managable. Expensive at £5 each, but they last a long time and are definately worth the money.

Toni and Guy Iron-It Heat Defence Spray

Ok this was a 2 month ago haircare find. It doesn't smell too bad and does what it says on the pack. And it lasts forever!! It also works as a type of conditioner to help your hair retain it's moisture.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor

Everyone knows of the joy which is Aussie 3 Minute Miracle products. My hair was left soooo soft it was great!

Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner
Another one that everyone knows. I use it for de-tangling after a shower.

Umberto Giannini Overnight Beauty Moisture Balm

Leaves hair glorious! Kate introduced me to this a few months ago and it is really good.

And not forgetting these little diamonds:

Dry Shampoo - it doesn't matter which brand; it's great for sprucing up oily roots!

John Freida Frizz-Ease Hair Serum - using a little bit goes a long way

John Freida Frizz-Ease Serum Finishing Spray - helps ward off the weather which can end up making your hair look like an afro

Shine Spray - for when you want to sparkle!

Hairspray - to keep it all in place

So basically to get the full softness of hair I put the Umberto Giannini Overnight Beauty Moisture Balm on in the evening and leave it on overnight. I then shampoo my hair with the Toni and Guy Straight and Protect Shampoo, twice. If my hair is in need of more therapy, after the shampoo, the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor is left on for about 5 minutes. It's then rinsed out and followed by the Toni and Guy Straight and Protect Conditioner which is applied only 3/4 up head to stop any greasiness from the root and I leave it on for 5 minutes as well and rinse thoroughly. Followed by a cold rinse in the shower as this enhances shine. I blot my hair dry and spray the Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner to the ends of my hair only then liberally spray the Toni and Guy Iron-It Heat Defence Spray which also conditioners my hair as well as protects it from the hairdryer and the straightners. After blowdrying hair, finish with a cold blast from the hairdryer as this also enhances shine. Dispense a small amount of John Freida Frizz-Ease Hair Serum onto your hand; rub it over the back and front of your fingers and then slightly catch the hair at the ends so that it doesn't get greasy at the roots. This gives it a good texture. Spraying John Freida Frizz-Ease Serum Finishing Spray from about 20cm away means your whole head is covered with some Frizz-Ease for ease of style. Finishing off with hairspray keeps the everything in tact.

My beauty finds are as follows:

Nivea Soft Intensive Moisturising Cream

I first received a sample of this moisturiser through the post (I test loads of products) and was slightly wary. The original blue Nivea Moisturiser just didn't work for my skin. I tested the sample and after applying it and leaving it to soak in; 15 minutes later my skin was so soft. I couldn't believe it. I liked it so much I went and bought it to replace my Simple moisturiser (which I thought was good anyway).

Olay Daily Facials Express

Bought from a recommendation from Kate. These wipes remove make up and (stubbingly) mascara. They leave your skin really soft, clean and refreshed.

Rimmel Natural Bronzer

This bronzer used sparingly gives a nice sun kissed glow without going over the top and looking like you're caked in make up!

No7 Hydro Quench Pore-Refining Serum

My skin is fairly flawless, but I don't like the enlarged pores I had on my face. I spoke to the make up advisor and there was a 3 for 2 on the No7 Products so I thought I'd give something new a go. I explained I'd like something that tights the pores. She recommended this and from the first application my face looked noticeably more flawless and my pores have tightened. This is so good it's possible that you don't need anything like foundation on top of it.

No7 Instant Radiance Concealer

I was looking for a decent concealer for my unfortunate dark circles under my eyes and saw this recommendation in a magazine. For £11.95 it sounds pricey but it works wonder. After applying the concealer the dark under my eyes couldn't be seen. It lightens and brightens the eye area and combined with the pore-refining serum; your face ends up looking flawless.

No7 Extreme Length Mascara

I wasn't on the look out for a new mascara as my No7 Dream Lash worked great but talking to the make up advisor (same one) she convinced me to get this mascara, telling me, if you don't like it, you can bring it back. Well obviously I liked it or it wouldn't be on the list. Amazing mascara, defines the lashes well with the revolutionary wand. And I got a free smoky eye palette!

And not forgetting these tried, tested and loved products: