REVIEW: A'kin Jojoba & Lavender Conditioner

This is the second of the products sent to me for review by Mypure, it is billed as providing light conditioning and natural lustre to fine or oily hair’. Now my hair is quite fine, but oily it ain’t. In fact its very, very dry so I wasn’t really expecting too much from this product!

All in all I was pleasantly surprised, the conditioner was definitely very light but it did put enough moisture back into my hair for it to feel more like hair than straw (which is its usual texture), but not quite enough for it to feel as soft as I’m used to. I really liked the lavender scent too (which again surprised me) especially when I applied the product and left it to work its magic while I read a book in the bath as it was wonderfully relaxing.

The main gripe I have about this product is the packaging, the bottle was extremely difficult to squeeze one handed, due to the narrow oblong shape of it.

I wouldn’t buy this product again, as it wasn’t really right for my hair and I can think of lots of other products that I could buy for £7.49 which are more suitable for me, though I’m sure that for those with oilier (is that a word?!) hair it would be a great buy.

xxx

Lovea's Tahitian Monoi Moisturising Body Lotion (pics to follow)

This was another product sent to me for review purposes by MyPure. This retails on the MyPure site at £6.99 for 200ml. 

My first impressions of the product were that the packaging is great - I'm a big fan of pump-action dispensers, as they're much cleaner, more hygenic and its easier to regulate how much product you are getting than it would be with a squeezy bottle. Also the smell is lovely - very similar to the scent of the Moroccan L'Argan Brilliance Shine Shampoo, which is no bad thing! I'd be interested to know whether this is a scent which occurs throughout the Lovea range, or whether it's a coincidence that the two products I've reviewed smell very similar? 

Consistency-wise, I found the moisturiser to be light and great for throwing in my gym bag, however I do have quite dry skin, and I found that it wasn't really rich enough for me to use on its own and I needed to top up my moisture levels with a body butter every couple of days. It soaks in very quickly (so ideal for use in the morning) and doesn't feel at all greasy.

 I'd recommend this as a light moisturiser for people with normal skin, but for my slightly drier than average skin it wasn't quite moisturising enough.

xxx
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Too little, too late? MAC/Rodarte - an update

Following on from yesterdays post, things have moved on somewhat. After the furore caused by the naming of the products in the Rodarte collection and the countless blog posts/articles which ensued, MAC and Rodart have issued further statements on the subject:

MAC:

"We understand that product names in the M·A·C Rodarte collection have offended our consumers and fans. This was never our intent and we are very sorry. We continue to listen carefully to the comments we have received and have the following plans to address concerns:

·         We are committed to donating $100,000 to a non-profit organization that has a proven, successful track-record helping women in need and that can directly improve the lives of women in Juarez in a meaningful way.

·         We are changing the product names in the M·A·C Rodarte collection.

As we have done in the past, please be assured that we will communicate details regarding our progress in this matter."

Rodarte:

"We recognize that the violence against women taking place in Juarez needs to be met with proactive action. We never intended to make light of this serious issue and we are truly sorry.

Helping to improve the conditions for women in Juarez is a priority for us and we are thankful for all the comments calling attention to the urgency of addressing this situation."

As I said in my previous post, the cynical part of me feels that a donation to the people of Juarez was never even considered until the inspiration behind the collection was called into question, and I can't help feeling that all MAC is doing is papering over the cracks by throwing money at a situation and hoping that it will go away.  I am very happy to see that MAC have acknowledged the fact that the names of some of the items in the collection are controversial to say the least and that they will be changing the names of the products, and I hope that a lesson will be learnt from this debacle and put a bit more thought into the naming of and inspiration behind future collections.

 

On the other hand, I'm  shocked by the statement from Rodarte, which to me suggests that they were well aware of the controversy/publicity that this collection would cause and seem to suggest that the collection was intended to help the women of Juarez. Funny then that there was absolutely no mention of any proceeds going to help the town or its people until the blog posts started to be published……..

 

 

 

 

All Publicity is Good Publicity……..or is it?

Well here it is, my two'penneth on the whole MAC/Rodarte debacle.....

I held off posting this at 8 pm last night when the bulk of the posts on the subject went up because, firstly, I hadn't read up on the subject to put together an informed post and, secondly, because I was conscious that other bloggers would put together a much more eloquent post than I could. Having given more thought to the collaboration I decided that I would write a post on it, not because I want to jump onto some bandwagon, but because I’m genuinely shocked by what I have seen and read so far on this subject. I’m sure most of you have read countless posts on the subject, and if you don’t want to read another one I fully understand that, however I felt that I had to acknowledge what was going on, and put forwards my views on the subject.

When I initially read about the collaboration between MAC and Rodarte I thought "oh great, just what the world needs - another MAC collection". I'm not a massive MAC addict as my massive 3 purchases in the last 7 months is a testament to, so generally the collections just wash over me. However after hearing about the 'inspiration' behind the collection from various bloggers on Twitter, my curiosity got the better of me and I decided to investigate.

First things first, we all know who MAC are, but for those of you who aren't 100% sure who Rodarte are, let me fill you in. Rodarte are a clothing and accessories label who have been around since 2005. According to Wikipedia: "Their style includes gothic and distressed designs, and layered gowns".

I first heard about the hoo-ha surrounding this collection when I spotted one of Mizzworthy's tweets. Being the nosy parker that I am I decided to investigate a bit further, and went straight to every-internet user's best friend: Google. Basically, the bottom line is this: though the collection was supposedly inspired by the Mexican landscape (which to me would scream warm, earthy tones), the chalky, deathly palette and the names of the products in the collection suggest that it was inspired by something altogether more sinister - the infamous Mexican border town Juarez and its recent history.

Juarez, as you may or may not know, is an industrial city in the Chihuahua region of Mexico which is famous for both its 'maquiladoras' and its staggering number of 'femicides'. A maquiladora is essentially an export assembly plant/factory set up by foreign companies to secure cheap labour. These are mainly located along the US/Mexico border. The average maquiladora worker will earn around $3.40 per day, which is approximately 33% lower than the American HOURLY minimum wage. The majority of maquiladora workers are female and though the legal working age is 16, it is not uncommon for 12, 13 and 14 year olds with false documents to be put to work.

The 'femicides' is the name given to the shocking number of violent deaths of young female students and factory workers aged between 12 and 22 in Juarez. Many of the bodies found showed evidence of rape and torture. There is some inconsistency between the 'official' figures of 400 deaths since 1993 and local estimations of more than 5,000, but whichever way you look at it the numbers are overwhelming. If the numbers weren’t shocking enough, the local attitudes to the killings is even more stomach churning. The police have become so blasé about the situation in Juarez, it is estimated that they only actually file one report for every eight missing women reported. Further, it has become a common belief, not only among law enforcement but also locals that the women who go missing (and worse) have brought it on themselves. One quote which particularly sticks in my throat is this: "Unfortunately, there are women who are in danger because of their lifestyles. After all, it's very hard to go out on the street when it's raining and not get wet." It is very hard to believe that these abhorrent words came from the mouth of the then attorney general of the state of Chihuahua, Arturo González Rascón. These shocking comments, along with a rapidly rise in the rate of murders and disappearances, led to the formation of Nuestras Hijas de Regreso a Casa A.C. ("May our Daughters Return Home, Civil Association") in 2001; a group of family members of the victims of femicides who have tirelessly been campaigning to raise awareness and lobby the Mexican government to recognise the extent of the problem in Juarez.

Taking all of this into account, it seems in unbelievably bad taste that MAC and Rodarte should see fit to release a collection where the products are given names such as “Factory”, “Ghost Town”, “Juarez” and “Sleepless”.

The official line:

MAC:
"We understand that product names in the MAC Rodarte collection have offended some of our consumers and fans. This was never our intent and we are very sorry. We are listening carefully to the comments posted and are grateful to those of you who have brought your concerns to the forefront of our attention. MAC will give a portion of the proceeds from the MAC Rodarte collection to help those in need in Juarez. We are diligently investigating the best way to do this. Please be assured that we will keep you posted on the details regarding our efforts."

Rodarte:
"Our makeup collaboration with MAC developed from inspirations on a road trip that we took in Texas last year, from El Paso to Marfa. The ethereal nature of this landscape influenced the creative development and desert palette of the collection. We are truly saddened about injustice in Juarez and it is a very important issue to us. The MAC collaboration was intended as a celebration of the beauty of the landscape and people in the areas that we traveled."

I appreciate that Rodarte are a brand which appear to take inspiration from the macabre, and also that MAC is a brand which has a huge focus on artistry and expressing yourself through make-up but I strongly believe that there is a line which has been crossed by this collection. I don’t see anything artistic about  glamourising this type of tragic situation, and it is to me ghoulish (for want of a better word) to attempt to justify the collection and its inspiration as art. I am shocked and saddened that such a huge brand as MAC would wish to produce a collection which is in my eyes in such bad taste, especially after all the good work that has been done by the Viva Glam line. I understand that an argument could be made that this collection has raised awareness of the atrocities in Juarez, but I firmly believe that this could have been done in other, less offensive ways, and I feel that MAC have made a token gesture by offering a percentage of the profits to the people of Juarez. Call me cynical, but I can't help but feel that this would never have entered their conscience without the outcry from bloggers.

For more information on Juarez and the femicides, please click here.

To see some other bloggers' take on the collection please click on the links below:

www.beautymouth.com
www.mizzworthy.com
www.britishbeautyblogger.com
www.bangsandabun.com
www.ladyofthelane.com
www.big-fashionista.blogspot.com/
www.vexinthecity.com
www.sofarsochic.co.uk
www.londonmakeupgirl.com
www.lesalondebeaute.com
www.getlippie.com
www.londonbeautyqueen.blogspot.com
www.kraseybeauty.com
www.makeuploveer.blogspot.com
www.sparklesandbows.blogspot.com
www.healingbeauty.co.uk
www.reallyree.blogspot.com
www.just-nice-things.co.uk
www.musicalhouses.blogspot.com
www.liloo.blogspot.com
www.ditzymake-up.blogspot.com
www.perfectly-polished-nails.com
www.makeupsavvy.co.uk
www.sparkleandshade.blogspot.com
www.makeupadviceforum.com

REVIEW: Paul Mitchell Instant Moisture Daily Treatment

As you have probably noticed I absolutely LOVE Paul Mitchell products – so much so that I should probably be on commission! The reason I’m so enamoured by them is that I’ve yet to come across a bad one. I’ve tried about 15 products from the range and I can safely say that I would repurchase each and every one of them.

The product that I’ve chosen to review today is one of the bargains I picked up in Debenhams a few weeks ago when the in-store hairdressers was closing. I believe that this product would usually set you back around £11, but I managed to snaffle two for the princely sum of four English pounds, much to my delight.

As my hair is bleached I do struggle with dryness – often my hair bears more resemblance to a haystack than golden tresses, but I persevere in the never-ending quest for silky locks (usually with more than a little help from Aussie’s wonderful 3 minute miracle).

The product is billed as a daily treatment, which seems like a bit of a contradiction –I mean who uses a conditioning treatment on their hair daily?! Surely you’d end up with a head like an oil slick?! I think that the product is sort of a halfway house between a treatment and a conditioner – its light enough so that I find I can use it 3/4 times a week without ending up with a greasy mop, or alternatively I can slather it on, and leave it to do its magic for 5 -10 min minutes and be left with gorgeous silky hair.

I don’t really know how to describe the scent other than clean – it doesn't have a stand-out scent like some of the other PM products, so it would probably be a good product for someone with a sensitive scalp too.

Its not going to replace my beloved 3 minute miracle as my go-to treatment, but I love it all the same (especially for 2 quid!)

xxx

Cutest. Thing. Ever.

If you follow me on Twitter you’ll be more than aware of my teeny-tiny crush on Iker Casillas, the Span/Real Madrid goalkeeper, also, unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ll know Spain won the World Cup on Sunday.

What you may not know, is that Iker’s current squeeze is a Spanish sports journalist called Sara Carbonero (a.k.a Pastasauce – think about it). I thought I’d share with you all a little clip of the interview between Sara and Iker after the match as it makes me go all wibbly everytime I watch it! All together now……….AWWWWWWWWW!

xxx

Buy of the Week

I couldn’t resist this super cute sequinned cushion from the Colin & Justin Influence range at Matalan, at £12 it was an absolute bargain!

xxx

Versatile Blog Award

THE RULES:

♥ Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award

♥ Share seven things about yourself

♥ Pass this award to ten bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason!

♥ Contact the bloggers you picked and let them know about the award.

First of all, a huge thank you to ShannenLove for giving me this award :).

Seven things about me:

♥ I am petrified about turning 25. I know its more than a little bit irrational but there is something about being closer to 30 than 20 that fills me with dread.

♥ My mum is my best friend in the whole world. When I was growing up we didn’t exactly see eye to eye, but since i moved out to go to uni 7 long years ago we’ve grown closer and closer, and now we have the best relationship I could wish for

♥ I desperately want a beagle puppy. I know I can’t have one right now as I don’t think its fair to go out to work and leave a dog home alone all day but I still spend hours trawling the internet looking at cute pictures of puppies! Example:

♥ There’s nothing I love more than curling up on the sofa with the Mr watching trashy American crime shows – yet another possible indicator that I’m getting old!

♥ I would love to learn to speak Spanish. I go to Spain quite often as the Mr part-owns a villa out there with his family (everyone loves a cheap holiday) and I find it really frustrating that I can’t speak the lingo. One day, when I have time its definitely something I’d like to do.

♥ I’m a clean freak and I have an unhealthy obsession with bleach, especially in the kitchen and bathroom!

♥ I love driving, I find it really relaxing. Luckily, living in Sheffield I’m close to some really great drives, my absolute fave being the Snake Pass.

Sorry they aren’t very interesting but I struggled to come up with some things that you didn’t already know!

I TAG:

♥ Rosalyn

♥ Carla

♥ Sinead

♥ Liloo

♥ and anyone else who wants to take part!

xxx

The waiting is over.........

 

Tonight is the night……. full review coming tomorrow :D

 

eeeep!

 

xxx

June Favourites

This is pinched from the lovely Rosalyn, if you haven’t already go and check her out!

Haircare
Shampoo: Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde
Conditioner: Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment / Paul Mitchell Instant Moisture Daily Treatment
Styling products: Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press thermal protection spray, Mark Hill Holiday Hair serum, James Brown Scandalous Flaunt It hairspray

Skincare
Shower Gel: Soap and Glory Clean On Me
Body moisturiser: Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Moisturiser
Deodorant: Nivea Calm and Care Roll On
Fake Tan: St Moriz
Cleanser: No7 Soft Soothed Cleanser
Exfoliator: Witch Exfoliating Face Wash
Moisturiser: Dove Summer Glow face moisturiser
Spot Treatment: None

Make up
Primer: None
Foundation: None if I can get away with it, if not Bare Minerals SPF 15 foundation in Medium Beige
Concealer: Benefit Boi-ing in 02
Powder: MAC MSF Natural in Medium Plus
Blusher: Bourjois Lune D’Or / MAC Springsheen
Bronzer: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Medium
Highlighter: Benefit Moonbeam
Eyeshadow base: Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Eyeshadows: Urban Decay Half Baked / Baked
Eyeliner: Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Zero / Stash
Curler: None
Mascara: Max Factor Lash Extension Effect / Maybelline The Colossal
Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam Gaga
Lipgloss: Urban Decay Pocket Rocket in James
Lip balm: MAC TLC (whichever is in my bag)
Nail Colour: Collection 2000 Hot Looks Fruit Salad on my toes, Tutti Frutti on my fingers

xxx