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My Top Five Cleansers
If you read my last post on Why double cleanse? (Click here) you will know that using a oil or milk cleanser is the next step in taking your makeup off at the end of the day. Personally when I double cleanse I like to think of it like this. My balm cleanser needs to be cheaper than my second cleanser as I am putting on the balm cleanser first which needs to be good enough to break down makeup nothing more. The second cleanser is what I spend more money on as this one will be nourishing clean skin and you will reap more skin benefits with this one.
These are the 5 cleansers that I have tried and my thoughts on them.
Kiehls Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil £16
This all-in-one, non-comedogenic (wont block pores) cleansing formula emulsifies with water to become a cleansing milk. This does claim to help dissolve difficult-to-remove makeup but I cannot confirm that as I would not waste this gorgeous product on taking my makeup off. Saying that it doe gently remove any last trace of makeup and impurities – without over-drying. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Cleansing Oil not only leaves skin fresh and clean, but also balanced and soothed.
This cleanser leaves your skin feeling prepared for optimal night-time replenishment as this cleanser is made from an aromatic blend of pure botanical oils: Squalane, a planted-derived lipid with a natural affinity for skin; evening primrose oil, rich in Omega-6 Fatty Acids; and lavender essential oil. I was very impressed and also the price point is good on this product. Definitely give it a go.
Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser £66
This one is PRICEY! It is a multi-vitamin cleansing oil that claims to breaks down buildup and dissolves makeup. Now I would never dare disrespect this product and use it that way as its a waste of money. I would much rather slap this product and all its goodness on ma face to reap the benefits of this one pricey product. It is lovely. It smells and without stripping the skin leaves it soft and supple feeling. I would not though purchase again as it is smashing product but is not worth the price tag.
Liz Earle Cleanse and polish, Sarah Chapman Ultimate Cleanse, Kiehls Midnight Recovery cleansing Oil, Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser, and Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel.
Sarah Chapman London Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse £44
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel £31
Now this one is GOOD! Its the only gel formulation which did put me off slightly as I prefer oils but as soon as it emulsify’s it turns into oil. Oskia really worked hard on this formulation to give you that real ILLUMINATING VITAMIN MELTING CLEANSER! This product is great for all skin types, particularly combination, normal, dull, dry, Acne scars, pigmentation, and blemished skin. It melts beautifully into skin to quickly and gently remove impurities and makeup while actively illuminating and nourishing to reveal balanced, clean, fresh, radiant skin that feels soft and smooth.
If your budget can stretch to this price then give it a go, its worth it.
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish £16.50
This cleanser I have used sporadically since I was I was 16 years old. It was released back in 1995 and has proved time and time again that it is a real contender for getting your skin super clean, packing a punch with all the essential oils and vitamins. Enriched with cocoa butter to soften, smooth and moisturise, and rosemary, chamomile and eucalyptus to tone, soothe and purify – this rich, indulgent cream deeply cleanses to instantly remove daily grime, pollutants and make up, even stubborn mascara, to leave skin feeling comfortable, balanced and exceptionally clean.
Used with the pure cotton cloth it gently exfoliates, lifting away dead skin cells to reveal smoother, clearer and brighter-looking skin. I cannot recommend this enough. The fact that I have been using it on and off for the last 22 years says a lot! I use it for a while then get I lured into something else and I always go back to it because for the price you get real value for money.
That was my round up of cleansers that I have used over the last year. I hope you found it helpful and informative. See next week will probably be a video Im not sure yet as I am struggling to get into a routine at the moment.
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Why Should You Double Cleanse? Balm Cleansers Try and Tested
Balm Cleansers – I introduced this step into my night time routine about 3 years ago. I cannot stress enough how my skin has benefited from using a Balm cleanser, and that if you wear makeup day to day then doing a double cleanse at night is a MUST.
Why use Balm Cleansers? If you wear makeup and just washed your face once, nine times out of ten your skin will still have makeup residue left on the skin. Reason being is that makeup now is super long wearing. You have your 24 hour foundations, and primers that could last for a lot longer. With this in mind it would be a good idea to maybe introduce a balm cleanser into your night time routine, as you will really see a difference in your skins texture and overall radiance. These are the five that I have been using over the last few years and two in particular I have used over and over again.
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm £47
This by far is a Superior product with a hefty price tag to match! There is nothing that this balm cant shift with a cocktail of essential oils, removes makeup effortlessly and smells very restful. I felt instantly relaxed and that my skin was getting a real treat, but this is taking off my makeup, do you really want to spend that much on a product that is just going down the plug hole? I wouldn’t purchase this again only because of the price tag. Save your money.
Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm £18
This balm cleanser for me is a nice middle of the road. This is a balm to oil. Its creamy in texture, rich in Almond oil, shea butter, and vitamin E and is really giving the skin all it needs. It takes off stubborn waterproof mascara with ease and I found my heavy coverage foundation broke down well. Its a nice one to start with in my opinion, and is at a good price point too.You wont be disappointed.
Clinique Take the day off £24
This Balm Cleanser transforms from a solid Balm to a oil, so waterproof mascara better be afraid as it cuts through, no problem. I have bought this 3 times but to be honest I have used my Boots points the last two times to purchase it. Had I been paying full price maybe I wouldn’t of got it again, but it does do exactly what it says on the tin and is a really nice product.
Ponds Cold Cream £3.25
I have it on good authority and by saying that I mean my mum! that Kylie Minogue uses this product. This by far the cheapest of them all but by no means cheap in standards on how the cream performs. It has a thick consistency, feels very cold on the skin and removes makeup well, although tackling waterproof mascara did not come off as easily as others. If you don’t wear waterproof mascara then it would be ideal cheaper alternative.
I have bought this one multiple times, which I think speaks volumes. To be fair if its good enough for Kylie then its good enough me!
Pixi and Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse £24
When I first received this product I was excited to use it as I had used previously Pixi Nourishing Balm cleanser and found it to be amazing. I had high hopes. Unfortunately for me this product fell flat on its face for me. It has two parts, one luxurious cream cleanser and the other a solid balm which turns to oil. The solid balm removes eye makeup and does break down heavy makeup. Its the cream cleanser that bugs me as it doesn’t feel that luxurious. The packaging is annoying when you take it travelling. The cream cleanser migrates over to the solid balm and becomes a mess. I believe that this has been rectified in the latest models but I am not aware to what effect. In my opinion this is not a product I would purchase again.
Finial Thoughts
If you can introduce a balm cleanser into your routine then the winners for me is the Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm if you wear waterproof mascara or Ponds cold cream for those who do not. I hope that gave you an insight on why you should double cleanse and what product would be best for you.
Look out for next week on my review on Cleansers.
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How To Create Fuller Bigger Volume Blow Dry Using The NEW Bumble and bumble Thickening Go Big Treatment.
Why You Need Theses Two New Products
If you have fine, flattish hair or you just love having mahoosive full hair then these two New products- Bumble and bumble Go Big Treatment and Great Body Blow Dry Creme will add serious value to the way your hair looks and feel.
Bumble and bumble Go Big Treatment
You would be mistaken to think that Bumble and bumble Go Big Treatment is a treatment. It is a treatment in the sense that it will condition your hair but it does so much more. I would use this like you would a primer and styler. It is a superb de-tangler,but while its conditioning this work horse of a product is also swelling every strand of hair with Emblica.
What is Emblica? Let me give you the low down. Emblica is a the indian gooseberry. A natural Fruit Extract which instantly thickens and plumps the hair. Also you would normally find this in Mascara! which would normally build fine lashes and add serious volume, Who Knew! This product does the same for your hair infusing each strand that you can literally feel your hair getting bouncier. It does not weigh the hair down at all, which is great if you have fine hair. It also does not dry the hair out and leaves it touchable softness.
How to use it? Shake well, spray throughout damp hair, follow with your fave Bb.Thickening Great Body Blow Dry Creme and blow-dry.
If you would like to see this product in action, scroll down to the bottom and click on our video.
Bumble and bumble Great Body Blow Dry Creme
The Bumble and bumble Great Body Blow Dry Creme is the other new product which is laced with Emblica too. This heat protective cream will give you the volume leaving your hair touchable and soft with no stickiness. When used with Go big treatment you really have a matched made in heaven. Be prepared for sky high volume!
How to use it? Just work the product evenly through damp hair and blow dry. You can also just apply small amount to the ends to give your hair shine and that more lived in look.
If you fancy having a try why not go to our website to see the full Bb Thickening range www.richardhallstyling.co.uk
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How To Revive Your Hair After Sun Damage
In England we have just come out of the hottest Summers since 1975! Needless to say many of us were not prepared or used to being so hot. Apllying sun cream everyday and sometimes even 2-3 times in a day. When it comes to our hair I will be the first to admit that I am not as vigillant. If you find your hair is more on the dry side then it may have sun damage. What can you do? There are many products to help prevent but what if the damage is done? Never fear we have your back and steer you in the right direction on what products to use o revive and repair damaged hair.
Repair Damage Hair
Contents
- Olaplex 3
- Bumble and bumble Quenching Shampoo and conditioner
- Bumble and bumble Mending Shampoo and Conditioner
- Bumble and bumble Save The Day Daytime Fluid
- Bumble and bumble While You Sleep Overnight Treatment
- Bumble and bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil balm to oil pre shampoo masque
Olaplex 3
Lets start with Olaplex 3. If you havent heard of Olaplex where have you been? It is a top drawer product in repairing damage hair. It works at the molecular level by repairing the damage hair bonds from the inside. Helping to also repair the broken disulphide bonds by linking them back together, because it works within the core of the hair strands its building a better foundation. After using regularly you will see dramatic results to your hair. Use if the following applys to you.
- What Hair Type: Dry, Damaged hair.
- When: once a week if damaged. If severely damaged 2-3 times.
- How: 1-3 teaspoons evenly combed through hair.
- Why: To repair the hair strand from the inside building a good foundation for fabulous looking hair.
Bumble and bumble Mending Shampoo and Conditioner
Bumble and bumble Mending Shampoo is a ultra mild cleanser treats colored, permed and chemically treated hair. It contains Pro-Vitamin B5 which maintains moisture balance and promotes healthy hair, Pantethine Strengthening, repair, moisture and protection.
- What Hair type: The truly damaged (who regularly colour, straighten or perm).
- When: Whenever you wash, followed by Mending Conditioner or Masque.
- How: Wet hair, lather. Rinse.
- Why: To repair damage hair and balance moisture level.
Mending Conditioner is a nourishing, moisture-rich conditioner helps restore and revive damaged hair. Using the Mending shampoo with the conditioner is a great partnership.
Bumble and bumble Quenching Shampoo and Conditioner
Bumble and bumble Quenching Shampoo is a mild hydrating cleanser helps replenish and hydrate heat styled hair.
- What Hair Type: fine to medium, especially those with chronically dry or color treated.
- When: Whenever you wash, followed by Quenching Conditioner
- How: Wet hair, lather. Rinse.
- Why: The super-saturated formula gently cleanses and helps replenish moisture lost to over-heated, or chronically dry hair.
Quenching Conditioner is a mild, hydrating conditioner helps replenish, revive and hydrate heat-styled hair. Using the Quenching Shampoo with the conditioner will see you hair looking amazing in no time.
Bumble and bumble Save The Day Protective Repair Fluid
Bumble and bumble Save The Day Protective Repair Fluid is one of Bumbles (in my opinion) most fantastic products! I did a more in depth review on my love for this product read here .
- What Hair Type: Fine- thick, Straight -curly, color treated, dry or damaged.
- When: After washing, daily.
- How: Work serum evenly through damp hair (daily), and don’t rinse. Air-dry or blow-dry, and then use your usual Bb.Stylers.
- Why: The rich (but lightweight) concentrate is infused with Camelia Oil and UV filters to help repair past wear-and-tear – and fortify against future damage.
Bumble and bumble While You Sleep Damage Repair Masque
Bumble and bumble While You Sleep Damage Repair Masque is the sister product of Save The Day Protective Repair Fluid the go together hand in hand. It is an overnight treatment to help reverse the appearance of damaged hair to reveal in the morning beautiful, soft, shiny locks.
- What Hair Type: Fine- thick, Straight -curly, color treated, dry or damaged.
- When: Apply on dry hair once or twice a week
- How: For deep nourishment, leave on overnight – and then wash out with your favourite Bb.Shampoo and Conditioner. After cleansing, use Save the Day Daytime Damage Repair Fluid for around-the-clock repair.
- Why: The overnight masque is infused with Evening Primrose to help repair past wear-and-tear – and fortify against future damage.
I hope this have given some food for thought of what product would be best for you. If you have any further questions, then please feel free to leave a comment down below.
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Why You Should Be Using SPF For Your Hair This Summer
SPF for your hair? Why? Its a good question. I think is is safe to say we are all on board for using SPF on our skin. The countless horror pictures we see of people faces under UV lightening and all the sun damage that has been caused over the years. What about your hair though? Does it get damaged at the same level as our skin does? Yes, is the answer. Our hair shows its damage by becoming straw like in texture, frizzy and lacking in shine.
In the salon we see ladies who lament about how dry their hair is in summer, and how there is no shine to it. What they fail to realize, is your hair is a living thing too and needs protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Especially if you have grey hair or ‘non pigment’ if you want to get technical! When your hair is in this condition, Grey hair is more vulnerable to sun damage because it lacks melanin – a pigment that protects your hair and skin from the sun, this is also the reason why fair-skinned people burn more easily. If you have grey hair, it’s very important to use a hair product containing SPF on a daily basis, and if you’re sitting in the sun for a prolonged period of time, wear a hat for extra protection.
Richard and I have put together our survival hair guide. Products that you need to protect your mane over the summer. If you want to see some of the products in action and how they preform, then watch our youtube video. All the products that are mentioned below have UV and UVB filters in which help protect hair from sun damage.
Dont Blow It
This product is for medium to thick, course hair. For those wanting to let their hair air dry, but still want smooth manageable hair. This product will defrizz and protect the hair all at the same time.
Surf Spray is for those with Fine to medium hair type. A great product for those wanting to add structure and texture to their hair. It gives beautiful waves and can also be left to air dry too.
Hairdressers Invisible Oil is really suited to medium to thick hair. Those of us with course hair, this product will quench a thirsty mane, make it silkly smooth and defrizzes all at the same time. Add a few drops to your conditioner each week for a nourishing treatment to perk your hair right up!
Hairdressers Invisible Oil Spray is the ideal product for any hair type. It is incredibly lightweight and gives instant radiance boost to dry, dull, lifeless hair. You can apply as much as you like throughout the day, it will never weigh your hair down. It will just keep making your hair Shining, Shining, Shining bright!
Surf Infusion Oil is my FAVE! For someone with dry, course hair, all I want is smooth wavy hair. Surf Spray dries it out, so this is the next best thing to add texture and sheen. You shake well, spray all over, comb, style and then I just leave it to air dry. I am left with gorgeous, smooth waves.
Bumble and bumble Surf Foam Spray
Surf Foam Spray is a great blow drying product to add texture, root lift and grip to give you that big, beachy waves. It is part mousse, part salt spray giving you best of both worlds.
These are the styling products that Richard and I recommend giving a whirl this summer. Have you tried any of the products mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.