MY HAIR CARE SECRET - L'OREAL PROFESSIONAL SÉRIE EXPERT’S NEW LISS UNLIMITED RANGE

I've been so lucky with my hair, I'm surprised I still have any left to be honest. I've bleached it myself far too many times to admit. Dyed it every colour under the sun. I also use hair straighteners to style my hair on nights out and since as far back as I can remember I have been washing my hair every single day. Last year took it's toll after I bleached it (for the last time I promise) and a few months later tried the ombre hair style which involved a hair dresser ruining my hair with more bleach.

My hair felt dry and brittle and looked positively awful after each blow dry. I tried an array of shampoos and conditioners to eliminate the option of just getting all my hair chopped off. A lot of them were good for my hair but didn't necessarily give my hair the WOW factor.  Until I tried the New Liss Unlimited products from the L'oreal Professional Serie Experts range which was formulated for dry, unmanageable hair prone to frizz.

Serie Expert's is a complete haircare system that can be used at home to receive results just as good as any in-salon results. L'oreal says the Serie Expert's range features innovative molecular precision technology that allows formulas to target specific parts of the hair to help deliver long lasting results.

Those specific areas include:

The Surface (External part of the hair) which can become damaged from too much styling and brushing. I hold my hand up. I want my hair to look it's best and this mean lot's of styling and brushing, I'm sure I'm not alone on this one! Serie Expert works on the surface to give your hair enhanced shine and smoothness.

The Cuticle (Inter-cellular cement that holds the scales of hair the hair strand together) can become weakened and damaged from heat and external forces out of out control such as pollution. Serie Expert's targets the cuticle to help strengthen hair and increase resistance to everyday forces out of our control.

The Cortex is at the heart of your hair and makes up 80% of the hair fiber. When this is damaged you are looking at hair breakage...ek! I had a few of those moments after each bleaching episode! Serie Experts targets the cortex and helps fortify the hair fiber.

From the Liss Unlimited range I tried the Smoothing Shampoo, Smoothing Masque and the SOS Smoothing Double Serum. Those three products from the Liss Unlimited range claimed to nourish and smooth unmanageable frizzy hair (shampoo) while protecting the hair fiber (Masque) and also provide and anti-frizz effect for up to four days (serum).  I was so delighted with the first few uses that I thought it was too good to be true. I made a promise to try the products until they were all gone before evening mentioning the range on my blog and I doing just that now.

I first started using the three products five months ago and have just finished the shampoo and smoothing masque. I did not have the opportunity to use up all of the smoothing double serum because a few weeks in the pumping action failed to work and only one side of the leave in serum was being dispensed. Both sides are suppose to mix and combine to create the anti-frizz serum. Because of this I will not be reviewing that product.

The Liss Unlimited Smoothing Shampoo 250ml costs €12.05 from L'oreal Professional salons nationwide and £8.25 from feelunique.com. It has a really creamy consistency and smells lovely. I've only ever had to do one wash with this shampoo and a little goes a long way. I've used other shampoos before were I felt my hair wasn't clean enough and had to do a second wash. The formula contains pro-keratin to repair the hairs internal structure and makes it feel stronger.

The Liss Unlimited Smoothing Masque 200ml costs €16.80 also from L'oreal Professional Salons and £11.25 from feelunique.com. The Serie Expert's range doesn't contain a conditioner because the Smoothing Masque is all you will need to give your hair the surge of moisture that your hair needs. I might go so far as to say that this product is the best thing I have ever put in my hair. I might even go so far as to share with you that every time I got into the shower and twisted the lid on this baby I let out a little excited giggle! It contains evening primrose oil to smooth and nourish and Kukui nut oil that acts as a barrier for your hair to fight a war against frizzy mad lady hair! Simply leave on clean damp hair for a few minutes before rinsing off. My hair loves the stuff and can't get enough.

I would recommend these products to anyone with dry, unmanageable hair especially if it's been damaged from over colouring and you find it hard to brush when wet. The masque will leave your hair feeling soft, luxurious and brushing it will be like a dream. If you have fine hair I would be hesitant to use them as they might leave your hair looking greasy if you use too much.

I've been looking forward to sharing this post with you because a few people have asked me how I get my hair looking so shiny and healthy looking and these two products have played a big part in achieving those results. I use to say good genes but after everything I've done to my hair I now know I need to give it a break and this range is really giving my hair a real treat.

Love,

Sarah

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Nad's Hair Removal cream FAIL & Nad's Ingrown Solution Review

The other day I went into Boots to top up on my essential everyday beauty and skin care products. I came across the Nad's moisturising hair removal creme which was reduced to €6.47 from €13.49 and the Nad's Ingrown solution which was also at a reduced price for €3.99 from €7.99.
 

The Nads Moisturising Hair Removal Creme is a gentle formula with nourishing and rejuvenating avocado and olive oil. You get 100ml of product in a squeeze tube and inside the packaging you will find a dual action in-shower hair removal mitt. The mitt helps to remove unwanted hair and exfoliates your skin at the same time. I've spoken about hair removal creams by Veet and Nair before which you can watch HERE and I was expecting big things from Nads because of their reputation over in the states. The brand has been around for twenty one years and was set up by a mother who turned to the ingredients in her kitchen to create a no neat hair removal formula for her daughters. 

How to use:

1. Apply the creme generously on the area to be treated. Completely cover hair with a thick layer. Do not rub in.

2. Leave the cream on for four minutes. Using your mitt test an area for hair removal. If the hair is not removed easily leave the creme on for a few more minutes. Do not exceed more than ten minutes.

3. Using mitt, wipe creme and hair away. Rinse area with water and gently dry. 

How I got on:

On the packaging it states that the hair removal cream is designed for legs, arms and underarms. I used the hair removal creme on my arms and underarm. After I applied the cream to both arms and my underarms with a thick layer as suggested on the packaging all of the product was nearly gone so I wouldn't have been able to use it on my legs. I left it on for four minutes and tested an area and found that none of the hair was being removed so I left it on for another six minutes. I didn't want to leave it on for more than ten minutes because it warns on the instructions not too. Using the mitt I removed all the creme and while in the shower applied the mitt to both areas in circular motions. On my arms about 80% of the hair was removed with the rest of the hairs left looking like they had been singed. On my underarms the creme removed only about 30% of the hair and also left the remaining hair looking singed. It also left my underarm feeling very rough afterwards. I did not like the smell but could get over something like that if I had better luck with the product. The one thing I liked about this product was the in-shower mitt it came with. It was just big enough to fit over my fingers and gave me a gentle exfoliation. 

Break down:

Not enough product for more than two uses.

Did not remove all hair in the time which was stated in the instructions.

Hairs left over looked horrible.

Still had to shave my underarms which defeated the purpose of the product.

Hairs grew back quickly. 

I understand that everyone is different and a product that works for me might not work for someone else and vice versa. This product did not work for me and I will not repurchase it. It could be down to my hair type. I have course hair which might have been why this product did not preform to the claims on the packaging. 

Nads Ingrow Solution contains aloe vera and chamomile to soothe and protect skin. It claims to be ideal for legs, arms and your bikini line to minimise ingrown hairs, waxing irritations, razor bumps and rash caused by shaving, waxing, hair removing cremes and electrolysis.

How to use:
1. Gently rub into the affected area.
2.Apply daily until unsightly irritations and bumps are clear.
NOTE: Do not apply directly after hair removal.

How I got on:
I am still using this product and waiting to see results so I am not yet prepared to make any comments on how effective it is. I did however want to mention how it smells, as you do! I couldn't quite pick up on what the smell reminded me of until I ask the youngest brother to have a sniff and he said "It smalls like fairy liquid". On further investigation which involved heading to the kitchen sink we did infact agree that it smells like fairy liquid but you can still get the scent of aloe vera. I will also mention that you get 124ml of product and the times that I have used it so far I have only used small amounts and a little goes a long way.

I will have a blog post about this product by the end of the month and will have before and after photos to see if it has reduced redness and bumps caused by shaving. I'll also be able to comment on weather or not it has helped to minimising ingrown hairs.

If there is anything you would like to know about these products that I haven't mentioned in this post please message me in the comments below. You know I love my before and after photos girls but the whole point of these products are to remove hair you otherwise wouldn't want seen so I hope you understand that this didn't feature that.

I just found out about my recent nomination in the Irish Blog Awards and I'm just so happy, thanks girls. Although I'm still going to bed tonight with the thought of having to spend a fortune on new razor blades because of yet another failed hair removal cream I've still got a big smile on my mush!

Love,

Sarah

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Date Night Prep - My go to products

Whether I'm meeting someone special or going out on a girls night I like to go through a little preparation ritual that involves the products above which I will go through shortly. Firstly I would like to express my jealousy at how men and women differ when getting ready for dates and nights out. Having three brothers has given me a great insight into the male preparation ritual. It mainly consists of a trip to the barbers, and the three S's! Shirt, shower and shave. If only us women had it so easy, aye!

Step 1, Hair: Who doesn't want shiny, healthy looking hair?! I know I do, so I use the Hair Doctor, hair and scalp mask from Lush. I apply this liberally to my hair about 30 minutes before I hop into the shower. This is my favourite hair mask from Lush, I repurchase it every time I go in, I really should try something else for a change but I'm happy with this one for now. Amongst the ingredients it contains Irish moss seaweed, coconut oil and almond oil so you can bet your bottom dollar you will be left with lovely shiny locks. It also contains peppermint which certainly wakes me up as I'm applying it.

Step 2, Face: While my hair mask is in and my hair is out of the way I like to apply a deep cleansing and exfoliating face mask and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before I shower. I'm currently using the Raspberry exfoliating Mud therapy Mask from Superdrug. This was given to me in a beauty swap from the UK by my lovely friend Steph. I am in absolute love with it and I hope I can find it in the only Superdrug store that I know of in Dublin here. It contains raspberry seeds and apricot kernels which is how it delivers a gentle exfoliation. The mask is clay based and leaves my skin feeling so much softer and looking a little radiant if I do say so myself!

 Step 3, Body: After washing the hair mask out and removing my face mask it's time to Scrub a-dub-dub! Every single day our body produces waste and the build up of old skin cells can make your skin look dull. The best way to improve the look of your skin is to exfoliate regularly. I am currently using the Sugar Crush body scrub by Soap & Glory. I got this in one of Boots S&G gifts sets at Christmas from my big bro. It contains brown sugar which does all the work for you, sweet lime to invigorate the senses, almond oil and macadamia grains which leave your skin feeling softer and smoother than ever.

Step 4, Lock it in: After you have scrubbed,  buffed and treated yourself you want to lock in all your hard work. I use Human+Kind all in one body oil. I love this because it's suitable for your face, body and hair and suitable for all skin types. It gets to work the moment you apply it and locks in moisture keeping your skin hydrated and feeling so super soft.

Step 5, Hands & Nails: Final step before you can begin to worry about what to wear and make-up! You're Almost there! I like to give my hands and nails a good bit of TLC. Usually before painting my nails I will steep them in warm water for a few minutes but because I've been in the shower I don't need to do this. I love the Lemon Cuticle balm from Pixy, it smells absolutely divine and also reminds me of one of my favourite desserts, lemon drizzle cake! The packaging is so cute and can fit nicely into my every-day handbag when needed. Their Coconut Hand Cream also smells amazing and you only need smalls amounts again to get your hands looking, feeling and smelling irresistible!

There you have it, and men wonder why we take so long to get ready! If only they knew what we got up too! I would love you to share your ritual with me in the comments below. Do you enjoy pampering yourself at home? I certainly enjoy the results!

Lots of Love,

Sarah

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