Review: Colour B4 (before and after photos)

I've been meaning to write this post for a while. I'm sure a few of you have died your hair and then regretted. I know I have a few times. I have naturally blonde hair and regularly alternate between blonde, brown and red. The First time I died my hair my mum told me I would never get it back blonde.

I'd heard of Colour B4 but never thought of trying it as it costs £9.99 in boots and I thought it can't really work that well. 

The first time I used it was last year after dying it red and getting fed up with the maintenance it needed and how quickly it faded. I knew I couldn't dye over the red so thought I might as well try it. 

When you read the information inside it says it works by shrinking the colour molecules on your hair so they can be washed out. It doesn't contain ammonia which is a good thing. It returns your hair colour to your lightest natural stage when the colour applied is darker than than your natural hair colour. It doesn't work on removing hair colour that is lighter than the natural hair as when hair is lightened the natural pigment in the hair is chemically altered.

Here is my hair pre colour B4

Do not believe online where it says it takes 20 minutes!! There are buffing stages and in total it takes over an hour. You start by mixing two part together and apply to the hair similar to an all over dye.

Ignore the silly poses. The Colour B4 applied all over.

You can already see it lightening and is more back to the colour of my eyebrows.

Now comes the time consuming stage. You rinse the solution out like you would hair dye, rinse till you can't feel it in the hair any more. Your hair probably won't feel nice right now. I recommend a stopwatch and having a shower at this stage as you now need to use the buffer on the hair. You apply the buffer leave it for two minutes then you need to stand under the shower rinsing for at least 5 minutes but best to do for 10. Once this is done you need to repeat this stage again. After the second buffer and rinsing you can leave it at this stage. I would thoroughly recommend a good condition and leaving the conditioner in for a while.

After this I decided to try the Lee Stafford hot shots to help brighten it more. I can't say they did a great job. Colour B4 removes the colour really well especially red from blonde hair but don't think your hair will be back to it's normal colour. As the Colour B4 process can't slightly lighten your natural colour. I tend to leave mine at this stage but you can put on another hair dye to make it your natural colour.

So what did my hair colour look like after?

 From Red to Blonde. What do you think? Pretty Impressive but slightly brassy. I find the process can be a little drying on the hair so I don't put another dye on it for a few weeks and deeply condition.

Colour B4 is a great product available from Boots and Superdrug. I will continue to use it after I think it's a good idea to dye my blonde hair red. It's also available in extra strength for colour build up.

Have you tried Colour B4? Would you? What do you think of the Results?

Love M

xxx

London Haul

On Saturday I went up to London for a day of shopping (even though I'm skint, bad me) and to catch up with a very old friend. I've not seen this friend for 5 years now. Circumstances like university separeted us and although we are in regular contact I haven't seen her in person for some time.

I actually got nervous waiting for her. Stupid considering I've know her for 23 years (all my life) I did worry things would change. I shouldn't have panicked we spent the whole day nattering away and gossiping as well as being a bad influence on each other. Cocktails of course were consumed too!! Yum

Here's all the bits I picked up. I did get some gorgeous neon lilac skinny jeans from Next which I loved but returned today as I was worried I wouldn't wear them.

Firstly we visited Topshop where I really needed to pick up some new sunglasses. I recently found a lot of pairs of aviators are wonky that I try on. The lenses don't seem evenly bent it's really odd. I've found some like this in Topshop and H and M.

In the end I went with some lovely bug eye ones that had cute bow detail on the sides of them. They can be purchased for £16.

The cute bow detail on these sucked me straight in as well as the tortoiseshell print. They are a little more than I normally spend on sunglasses (cheap and cheerful for me as I break or lose them within a year) but it was a hot day and I needed some. I just need a sunglasses case now if you know of cute ones let me now!!

Next up was River Island. My friend had given me a £20 voucher for River Island which I hadn't spent yet as I was planning on picking up a new handbag! Bags appeared in my August Wishlist. I loved the dogtooth one I posted on my wishlist but decided to go for a classic black bag in the end. This one was £35 found.

The bag looks a nicer leather in person. I love the shape on this bag and the fact it has a short handle so it can be held in the crock of the elbow and a long strap which can be put over the shoulder. I love the detail on the front pocket and the fact the clasp can be looked in. I choose this one over others in the end as it has silver detail and I wear silver more.

Boots was next on the list. How could I not go in there and I wanted L'Oreal Mythic Oil (which I've now learnt isn't available in Boots or Superdrug) I've run out of my Lee Stafford oil and my hair is feeling so dry. It needs something drastic. I picked up the VO5 Miracle Concentrate Elixir with Argan Oil. It was only £5.19 so I thought it was worth a try. 

It seems very liquidy so I'm not sure how I'll get on. I also spied an amazing looking Bourjois Mascara but none of the ones in boots were sealed so I decided to wait and see if Superdrug has better ones.

I couldn't resist picking up some accessories in Dorothy Perkins. I love their jewellery ranges and I love getting new rings to wear. I'm lacking gold costume jewellery so couldn't resist some rings when I saw they were buy one get one half price on all non sale jewellery.

I loved the big multi ring and it looks so nice on. This one was £6.50  and the bow was so simple and cute I couldn't not have it. It was £4.00 full price but I go it for £2 

I also picked up a belt. I'd previously spotted this earlier on in the day in New Look but the ones in there were already missing studs on them so when I saw it again in Dorothy Perkins I couldn't resist it. It was £7. I can't find it online but there were lots in store. It's also my first studded item. I know shocking right. I need some dolly shoes next.

Superdrug them tempted me to more make up. I just have no will power.

At the till these were on offer on 2 for £5 I couldn't resist as I love the other two I have. I didn't have much time to pick so quickly grabbed too. I love navy nails and this shade looks pretty not sure the name cloudy blue is really appropriate though. More of a midnight blue in my opinion. Sunny pink is a gorgeous monochrome shade with hints of gold through the pink.

They are £2.99 each (currently a £1 off) or 2 for £5. Found here and here. I love the Max Effect polishes. 

Then I saw the mascaras shrink wrapped, so much more hygenic. So quickly grabbed one up. The Bourjois Mascaras are currently £2 in Boots and Superdrug making then a pretty bargain at £7.99. 

I haven't used it yet so can't comment. The brush is a big bristle brush which I love so it seems promising already. Though I have now noticed I accidentally picked up the waterproof version, luckily I'm off on holiday soon so it won't go to waste. I will pick up the normal one to try soon.

Lastly in Superdrug I picked up a Me Me Me liquid highlighter. A copy of the Benefit ones. I've wanted to try the liquid highlighters for a while as I love my MAC MSF in soft and gentle but with some foundations it seems to cling. I'm hoping the liquid one will be better. Plus it was £2 off so I couldn't resist. Bargain for £3.25 (here)

I went with the shade Sunbeam. It's the golden version. I couldn't decide between the two so might go back for Moonbeam while it's still cheap. I'm hoping it's good. I really want the cheek tints they do as well as a blushed I've been recommended. A lot of there products are similar to Benefit with a more affordable price tag so I can't wait to explore this brand more.

Lastly I went into H and M to return my wonky sunglasses. They were new and when I tried them on noticed the lenses were different shapes. I picked up a second pair of shorts I bought a few months back in a size smaller as I've lost a bit of weight and they are the comfiest shorts I didn't want to not have them.

These are boyfriend cut and loose and comfy but a really nice shape on. They are £19.99 and worth it. They don't have them online but they did have plenty in my local store still too.

I love them and I'm hoping they'll last a while. They seem a thick good denim. I loving H and M this summer for clothes and I've bought a lot from there. I just found these cute lace shorts I know really want.

So that's the end of my rather large shopping spree. What do you think of these items? Do you have any of them?

Love M 

xxx

Review: Revlon ColorStay Foundation

We'd both heard quite a lot about this foundation.

It has pretty good reviews across the board from bloggers who love the fact that it really does stay on your face like a high end foundation but not with the price tag.

Whilst I was in America I picked up one for each of us and we've both been using it for the past few weeks:

The packaging is pretty average looking but this isn't something that I'm bothered about as the more simple it is the better in my opinion.

I also love glass bottles and high street brands seem to be doing this nowadays! Awesome!

It says on the back of the bottle that it wears for up to 24 hours and is lightweight giving a flawless look.

I would have to agree with it there! It's definitely pretty long lasting and although its for oily skin it doesn't give a matte finish. 

It's quite easy to build although you have to work fast and I had some dry areas after some serious spot remover and this clung to them as I hadn't applied enough moisturiser, but as long as you know this it's not too much of a problem.

You still need some concealer and primer with this but that's what I would expect from any foundation really.

I prefer it that way as it means I'm in control more of what's going on my face!

I found this lasted most of the day and although it doesn't have a pump which is QUITE annoying, I'm going to see if i can find one online somewhere as the foundation is worth the hassle.

I'm hoping M will pick me up some more when she's away too....pretty please? :)

L xxx

I was so pleased when L text me to say how much cheaper it was in America as I'd been looking at this foundation for a while and wanting it. I loved that a drug store brand had created the same foundation for different skin types. We've both got combination to oily.

I'd heard this was a lot like the legendary estee lauder double wear, this made me want to try it even more. It is annoying to open it and find no pump or squeeze bottle option. I don't personally like to pour out foundations as I find I always tip it too much then I have to try and scrape it back in.

Other than that I love the packaging. I'm a fan of glass bottle foundations. I think they feel more expensive, I don't carry foundation with me so worrying about it breaking in my bag isn't an issue for me. 

I'd read reviews on this that stated it can be hard to blend and it's best to start and do a section of the face at a time. Knowing this I apply my foundation with my fingers to a cheek first and blend and work my way around my face. It does need to be worked into the skin reasonably quickly. I'd say the coverage is medium but buildable and much more flawless when using a brush like a stippling brush you'll get a heavier finish.

As someone with freckles I can say it's definitely not full coverage and doesn't leave you looking caked in make up as some reviews say as I can still see my freckles through this. I love that even though it's a foundation for more oily skin types it doesn't leave you matt which I find a lot of foundations for oily skin do.

This foundation really does last. How did I test this? I put it on in the morning, went for a run in the afternoon and then when I washed my face in the evening it was still there on my make up remover wipes!! Impressive!!

This foundation will definitely be a repurchase for me. I think it's a great easy to use everyday foundation that I can rely on last through the day. It gives a natural skin like finish to the skin and evens skin tone without completely masking my freckles (which although I dislike them I don't like them fully covered). I do find I still need concealer on my spots. I can't wait to pick up the Revlon primer and try the two together!

Have you tried this foundation? I love it!

Love M

xxx

Beauty Rehab

I've been frantically using products up like no tomorrow....my collection isn't going down anywhere near as fast as I previously hoped so I'm really going to have to stop spending and really power through it all!

Here's what I've been using up recently, there's quite a few products but also as I was away for 7 weeks it was hard to use stuff then.

Soap and Glory's Sugar Crush body scrub is divine, I absolutely loved it and would buy it again in a heart beat.

It smells like limes and brown sugar (reminding me of a mojito cocktail) and works great without leaving an oily residue on the the skin which is a massive pet hate of mine.

Would definitely buy this!

Nick Lowe Cell Renew Microdermabrasion Scrub - this was a nice scrub as the particles were very fine which was a lot nicer to use on the face. I might have considered buying it but last time I checked they didn't have it in full size as this only came with the mini travel type kit that they have available.

Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation - in two colours (Ivory and Cameo) I had to buy 2 colours as my skin seems to change colour daily and I ended up mixing the colours together to get a better colour match.

The foundation was pretty good, it covered enough, blended easily and had a really nice finish but for me it doesn't last long enough on the face.

However I didn't have a very good primer at the time of using, so I'd possibly repurchase this again to give it a go but if I did I'd have to buy both colours again!

L'oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara - I previously did a full review here on this product and I did like it, but felt it was expensive for the effect when I could get a cheaper mascara such as a Rimmel one that gave me a similar effect and anything extra wasn't worth the extra money. Would definitely repurchase if it was on offer though!

Nick Lowe Hydrating Foaming Cleanser - this was another anti-aging product I got in the travel type kit sold in boots stores. It was great to try out the products in miniature without having to buy the full size ones.

This foaming cleanser felt quite thick when you used it and really nice to use but I don't think it did my spotty oily teenage-like skin any favours so I'm sticking with Liz Earle for now.

I wouldn't repurchase this due to my skin type.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - Love this stuff and will probably never stop repurchasing it! I do like occasionally trying out a different smell but original is best as I wear so many other smelly products it's best for me.

Mitchell and Peach Shower Gel - this came in a Joliebox and was the perfect size for my gym bag. However I didn't rate it as a shower gel as it barely foamed up and was hard to use, the smell wasn't great either.

I wouldn't repurchase this.

Naked Scrub Up renewing Salt Scrub - This is apparently not available any more which is a shame. I quite liked the large gritty particles that whilst looked scary actually didn't scrape your skin at all.

Would repurchase if it still existed, as it doesn't I will check out their other products!

Molton Brown Shower Gel - My aunty always buys me Molton Brown products, even back a few years ago when I didn't know they existed! The shower gels do feel of a higher quality, they foam up really well and this one smelled divine!

Would definitely repurchase if I could afford to spend this much on shower gel all the time!

Nick Lowe Purifying Foaming Cleanser - Another mini...I also purchased the travel kit for oily skin which was also pretty good. I found a product in there that I like quite a bit and would buy again, but this one wasn't one of them. Initially I liked it, but after finding something much better I have a full size product of this that I am never going to use. Free to a good home if anyone wants it??

Wouldn't repurchase this.

Ah my love for tanning products!

L'oreal Glam Bronze Instant Tan Spray - This was an impulse buy which was on offer at a time when I was frantically looking for something to give my legs a glow for a last minute night out.

It was pretty good especially as it was waterproof and did last longer on my legs (no thanks to some girls spilling their drinks on me!) but I'm just not a fan of sprays. I found lotions and mousses to be much better.

Wouldn't repurchase in spray form.

Boots Soltan Beautiful Bronze Mousse - This was great considering the price. Lots of product in the can and rubbed in pretty well though you need a few layers. However mine broke after a little while and spontaneously covered the entire drawer of products it was in so I had to clean everything....not cool!

Would definitely repurchase when I need a reliable cheap instant tanner

Botanics First Signs of Aging Serum - Loved the way this felt on my skin...not sure it had any effect whatsoever. It was great to be able to put on a serum and not have my skin react with a multitude of spots, but I didn't see any noticeable effect from using it and I'm sure there is better.

Wouldn't repurchase this.

L'oreal Perfect clean Purifying Foaming Gel Wash - Loved this when I got it, the scrublet was a really cool idea that made it a joy to wash my face with....until the scrublet became dyed orange from my make up and just wouldn't get any cleaner. To look at it made me think of bacteria and without it I felt the wash didn't work as well. Maybe a redesign is necessary??

Wouldn't repurchase this.

Virgin Vie Lip Balm - This was another Aunty special as she loves Virgin Vie! This was a pretty good lip balm but I'm perfectly happy with my Vaseline and Eos balms, so for the price I think I'd stick with those.

Wouldn't repurchase this.

Maybelline Superstay 24H Foundation - This was pretty good for lasting power but I felt it didn't always look the right colour and I just didn't think it was that great.

Wouldn't repurchase this.

No7 Lash Adapt - When this product is brand new, it works great, but after a while I feel it deteriorates rapidly and just doesn't last long enough in the tube or on your eyes.

Wouldn't repurchase this.

Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara - Another mascara....still not sure what I think about this one. I just don't think it was that great. Everybody raves over Max Factor ones so maybe I need to try another.

Wouldn't repurchase this.

Garnier Body Tonic Lotion - Great lotion that sinks in really fast. Bought this in France so not sure if they have it here? Definitely worth the few euros it cost though!

Would repurchase this in France!

Ted Baker Body Wear Spray - Love the smell of this just wished it lasted longer. Also I've only ever seen it in sets so I'm not sure it is sol separately which is a shame, otherwise I would probably repurchase this.

Yardley Royal English Daisy Shower Gel - This is another JolieBox, I never think shower gels are anything special to be in a box like JolieBox or Glossy box and this confirmed it. It's just an average shower gel and the smell wasn't great, nor did it last very long. Borrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrring!

Wouldn't repurchase this.

So there we have it! A huge list for you!

I'm powering through some more as we speak, hopefully I will get through all of my mass of products one day....

How have you been getting along with using up items? I'm more determined than ever that I do not need to buy anything else!!

I'm even considering a 100 day spending ban like Tattooed Tea Lady is currently doing, could you do it??

L xxx