On Cloud Nine

I rarely talk about hair on my blog, mainly because I'm very fickle with hair products. I tend to buy whatever is on offer, and therefore rarely repurchase. My thick hair tends to be able to withstand more mistreatment than thinner hair types, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't need some TLC sometimes! I was sent these goodies by Cloud Nine and they have fitted into my routine perfectly:

I was kindly send the Cloud Nine Magical Duet* which includes 50ml versions of the Magical Potion and Magical Remedy. I adore the Magical Potion, which has completely transformation my haircare routine. A few spritzes of this over wet hair promises to reduce drying time by half. It seems like a huge claim, and I was surprised to discover that it really is true. As I've mentioned, my hair is extremely thick and it therefore takes an age to dry, which is a particular pain in the colder months when I don't want to leave the house with wet hair. This cuts down my hair-drying time to only about 5 minutes; it really is miraculous!

Not only does the Magical Potion work wonders on hair-drying time, it also works as a great detangler on my damp hair. I adore the packaging, with the 'don't forget to shake me' message on the bottle, which reminds you to shake the ombre mixture into a turquoise blue like you see above. It also smells fresh, slightly salty and doesn't leave any unwanted texture or residue on my hair. Overall, it's a complete wonder product which I am sure to repurchase when it eventually runs out.

For days when my hair is feeling slightly dry and damaged, Magical Remedy is a thick and luxurious cream, which can be used as both a hair mask and a conditioner. I've been simply using it as a conditioner, and even after a few minutes smothered over my ends, I can really feel the difference. If I've been using my GHDs on a more frequent basis than usual, using this instead of normal conditioner in the shower is guaranteed to give my hair a nourishing boost. My hairdresser just told me today that my hair is in wonderful condition, so it must be working!

Have you tried any Cloud Nine products? I must say that I'm a convert to their accessory range and now eyeing up their range of stylers!

My first MAC lipstick!

After visiting London for my first London based blogger meet, I visited Selfridges with two of my favourite bloggers, Katie and Simone. Unsurprisingly, they enabled me into buying my first MAC lipstick, which I wanted to share with you today:

After swatching what seemed like the every lipstick in Selfridges, I finally settled for Impassioned. It's an Amplified finish, which is bright, strong and matte - just how I like it! The colour applies to my lips just how it appears on the bullet, and I like the vibrant colour it adds to my look. The application is smooth and doesn't feel drying - although it would probably benefit from the use of a lip liner too, but I'm just lazy!

I would never have previously paid £15.50 for a lipstick before I started blogging, and I still feel like this is a huge splurge for me. I have justified this luxury by comparing it to how much I spend on clothes - if I can spend £20 on a top, why not pay £15 for a lipstick which I will wear many more times? It's a shift in logic towards beauty which is new to me, but I'm really enjoying starting to discover more high-end makeup. I'm now extremely tempted by something from Charlotte Tilbury - I love the look of Coachella Coral or Amazing Grace for a more matte look, but at £23 my tastes are getting more and more expensive!

Are you yet to launch into MAC? Or, if you are fan, what was your first MAC lipstick?

The One British Blended Whisky

It seems particularly apt after the recent referendum to be reviewing a new British Isles blended whisky, The One, that still correctly includes Scotland! This unique blend of whiskies from across the British Isles combines a range of distinctive characteristics - does it make a drink which is truly better together?

The Lakes Distillery is a new distillery unsurprisingly in the Lake District. The whisky itself is very pale and therefore quite different and perhaps not strong enough for regular whisky drinkers. However for me, I like the more subtle flavours, which include hints of spice, nuttiness and smokiness. As the weather gets colder, it would definitely be perfect in a hot toddy on a cold evening!

The Lakes Distillery's next venture is the release of a gin and I am very excited! I am a huge gin fan and I'm excited by the sound of a unique gin distilled in the Lake District, using local ingredients from the surrounding area. I do love a gin and tonic!

Have you tried this new blended whisky?