Envy Dual Fix 12 Hair Treatment Review

As the warmer months (it’s deceptive to refer to it as Summer in freezing London at the moment) have progressed I have noticed the condition of my hair deteriorate. Prior to my wedding I tried to keep it healthy by reducing heat styling and the frequency with which I was colouring it. I have to say that since then I haven’t really gone back to my hair destroying ways, and other than a little rough blow dry and the odd tong I have mostly left it to its own devices. Sadly, this hasn’t helped as my hair has become really dry and even more unruly and I have noticed a lot more split ends than usual!

Prior to taking the scissors to it in a more drastic approach I thought I would try out the Envy Dual Fix 12 treatment that promises to improve the condition of your hair and help blow dry and styling results. It delivers a high impact paraben-free blend of hydrolysed silk proteins and keratin amino acids with 12 incredible benefits for smoother, glossier hair that’s easier to manage. It aims to target damaged areas and attract moisture to give you instant and long lasting results.

This treatment can be used in two ways. I went for the intensive option which involves application of the mousse from roots to ends onto dry unwashed hair. I then rough dried my hair with a hairdryer. Following this I rinsed, shampooed (twice) and conditioned as normal. Alternatively for regular use you can shampoo your hair, rinse, apply the foam generously to wet hair, leave for 1 minute, rinse and condition as normal.

The foam texture makes the treatment very easy to apply as it doesn’t drip or leave your hair soaking wet. I did find this took a little bit of time for my long hair and I felt like I was using a lot of product, but as usual foams tend to be a little deceptive in that afterwards a quick shake of the bottle revealed plenty of product left.

Overall, I am really pleased with the results of this treatment. Unlike many oil based deep conditioning treatments I have used in the past the Envy DualFix 12 hasn’t left my hair feeling lank and heavy and instead it feels bouncy and light with a little more gloss and life. The split ends are obviously still present, but as the overall texture of my hair has improved they are definitely less noticeable and my hair feels and looks much less brittle. I usually blow dry just the front section and while my hair had not been participating very well in this with frizz and flyaways all around this morning’s efforts were rewarded with groomed and shiny locks. Success!

I wouldn’t say this treatment is too intensive and being light I could see it working really well on thinner hair that can be prone to product build up. I sometimes prefer a richer deep conditioning mask as my hair is pretty dry, but I liked the fact that this one was so easy to use and didn’t require endless shampooing to remove product. I plan to continue to use it regularly alongside my normal shampoo and conditioner and look forward to seeing how the condition of my hair improves with further applications!

Have you ever tried Envy Dual Fix 12 Treatment? What did you think of it? Do you have any hair treatments you love and could recommend?

Leonor Greyl

With humble beginnings in a single Paris salon and with more than 45 years in the business of haircare Leonor Greyl is definitely a brand that has stood the test of time! Specialising in hair treatments using only high-quality, environmentally-safe, natural ingredients like honey, bamboo, sunflower, and chamomile with blends of delicate aromas and plant extracts, Leonor Greyl products give hair brilliance, glamour, beauty…and most importantly health!

In fact it was the first brand to incorporate essential vitamins like A and E in their shampoos. Their signature, vitamin-rich Wheat Germ Oil was the first oil developed that foams on contact with water to revitalize limp hair, purify oily scalps, and fight the effects of environmental factors on hair health. Where a harsh, chemical treatment for dandruff was the norm, Leonor Greyl was the first to formulate a coal tar-free dandruff shampoo, gentle enough for everyday use. The main ingredient used was propolis - a powerful, natural antibiotic, that is a resin gathered by bees from tree bark and leaves.

Leonor Greyl is popular with hair stylists and celebs alike, so much so that it was recently used in a number of gorgeous red carpet looks, such as Samantha Barks' chic updo and Jennifer Lawrence's Bafta style. To help create these styles Johnnie Sapong, coiffure extraordinaire, has put together a how to guide that's super easy to follow:

Leonor Greyl products used to create the look above:

E'CLAT NATUREL, LAIT LUMINESCENCE, GEL A LA KERATINE, HUILE SECRET DE BEAUTE, SERUM DE SOIE, LAQUE SOUPLE.

1) Apply Lait Luminescence to dry hair layering on Serum de Soie for an extra soft, nourished feel. Using a paddle brush, dry in the product into hair using a hairdryer with a nozzle attachment.

2) Once product is fully absorbed, use a tooth brush and gently brush hair back sleek and smooth. Pull hair into a ponytail and fast with elastic. Smooth over Huile Secret de Beaute over the tail.

3) To create the bun(chignon) split the ponytail in two and create a rope braid to wrap around the base to create the bun(chignon).

4) Twist the ponytail, then pin into a bun. Finish the look using Laque Souple, lock down any fly-
away using Gel a la Keratine mixed with Ecat Naturel which can be applied using a tint brush for an accurate application.


When asked what his celeb clients think of LG products Johnnie told us that they 'love the feeling of lg products! They feel like its giving good nourishment for the hair at the same time as not over loading with silicones, the fragrance and how it works on hair, they have a love for the Leonor Greyl products.'

Have you ever tried any Leonor Greyl products? I was recently sent the hair oil (Huile de Palme) and have loved using it as a deep conditioning product prior to shampooing. It provides great hydration for my over processed hair and smells great too!

*This is a sponsored post*

1 Minute Hair Tutorial using 1 Minute Wonder Ampoules

So with the weather being its usual horrendous self I thought that the second instalment of the 1 minute hair tutorials should be completely rain and wind proof!

As before I prepped my hair with the Pantene 1 Minute Wonder Ampoules to ensure my coloured hair looked super healthy and had some added gloss. I tied the hair up into a tight ponytail, using a soft bristle brush to give it a sleek look. I then put a generic brown hair doughnut on the ponytail and twisted the hair around it in one direction covering the entire thing.

I then used the ends to wrap around the bottom of the doughnut and secured any strays with brown bobby pins. I finished off with a good spritz of Pantene's Style & Protect hairspray to keep hair in place. This is such an easy style to wear as it stays put all day with no effort. Let the weather do its worst!

If you try this out do let me know how it goes! I would love to hear your feedback :).

*This is a sponsored post*

Nioxin

A few weeks ago I attended a Nioxin event at the Michael John salon to learn all about their line of hair care.

While thinning hair is often highlighted as a problem for men it is a condition that can affect anyone. As we have seen on many celebrities this can be a result of extensions, but in fact there are many causes to thinning hair from genetics to hormones and while Nioxin can't reverse the underlying issues the range aims to address key hair and scalp needs to keep hair healthy, while giving the appearance of thicker and fuller hair.

Nioxin has a selection of six systems, each containing a three step programme of Cleanser, Scalp Revitaliser and Scalp Treatment. I chose system 3, which is targeted for normal to thin-looking, fine, chemically treated hair.

The shampoo (cleanser) is a volumising, blue gel that left my hair feeling very clean and my scalp fresh and tingly. The conditioner (scalp revitaliser) is very lightweight to make sure hair is not weighed down and is left looking full and bouncy. As my hair is long I prefer a richer conditioner, but I did like the minty freshness it left behind and how easy it was to rinse out. The scalp treatment is a volumising spritz with antioxidants, botanicals, vitamins and purifying agents to rejuvinate the scalp. Once again it leaves the scalp feeling really fresh and clean, as well as minty cool.

The issue of thinning hair is a concern for many so I am happy to see that Nioxin have partnered with the Institute of Trichologists to run the first yearly Thinning Hair Awareness week on the 18th of February. Their aim is to raise awareness, as well as educate people accross the UK, with help from their new (and very lovely) ambassador Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Throughout the week selected Nioxin salons will be holding their own events where clients can come and speak to experts who will be offering free consultations and advice.

To purchase your own kit (£27.99), find your nearest salon/ stockist and find out more information on Thinning Hair Awareness week you can visit the Nioxin website here.

*This is a sponsored post*

24 Days of Christmas with Liz Earle

As much as I love chocolate (and I really do) I have never been so excited about an advent calendar, and without a calorie in sight! The Liz Earle advent calendar is absolutely fantastic. With a pampering treat every day in December I can't think of a better way to prepare for the holiday season!

The calendar is quite hefty as it contains a huge selection of Liz Earle products. Whether you are a seasoned LE lover or are looking to try something new the mix of skincare, body care, haircare and fragrance there really is something for everyone.

Even though I am totally unprepared for Christmas I can't wait for December to come so I can start opening all the doors and start using the products. I will never get tired of minis, especially as I rarely spend more than a week at home so am constantly packing and unpacking, which makes these even more perfect!

The Liz Earle 24 Days of Christmas Calendar is £100 here and contains the following selection of products:

• Cleanse & Polish 30ml with 1 pure muslin cloth
• Instant Boost Skin Tonic 50ml bottle
• Skin Repair moisturiser 15ml (Normal/combination)
• Superskin Moisturiser 15ml
• Superskin Concentrate 2ml rollerball
• Daily Eye Repair 5ml
•  Smoothing Line Serum 5ml
• Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion 50ml  
• Gentle Face Exfoliator 15ml
• Brightening Treatment Mask 15ml
• Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask 15ml
• Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash 30ml  
• Nourishing Botanical Body Cream 30ml
• Superbalm 5g pot
• Orange Flower Hand Wash 30ml
• Hand Repair 15ml
• Foot Scrub 15ml
• Foot Repair Moisturiser 15ml
• Energising Body Scrub 15ml
• Energising Body Wash 15ml
• Botanical Shine Shampoo 50ml  
• Botanical Shine Conditioner Normal 50ml
• Botanical Essence No. 1 2ml

  Will you be treating yourself or a loved one to a beauty calendar this Christmas? xxx

Philip B Oud Royal Shampoo and Conditioner

Philip B's latest creation is the indulgent Oud Royal range that promises to transform all hair types.

Philip B Oud Royal Forever Shine contains time-released botanical hydrators, molecules tiny enough to pass through the fiber of hair and moisturize each strand from the inside out. 

This set promises to be perfect for reviving, defining and de-frizzing curls; creating sleek, swingy blowouts and plumping up fine, limp hair for lasting volume.

 

Key features include:

• An intensive hydrating complex treated with high-vapor energy – a new, patent-pending technology that breaks botanical oils into molecules tiny enough to sink deep inside the hair shaft. 

• Time-released botanical delivery system (made with natural Safflower Oleosomes) for major volume and a lustrous shine that goes on and on. 

• L-Amino Acids revive parched strands & tame frizz without weight. 

• Sweet Blue Lupine Peptides for superior color protection. 

• Pure Oud Essence for a rich, warm, sweet-woody scent. 

• Sulfate-free shampoo cleansing base with a rich luxurious lather for gentle and effective cleaning. 

• Safe for color-treated or straightened hair.  

The Oud Royal Shampoo and Conditioner both smell amazing and work hard to ensure hair is well nourished. The recommended use is to only apply the conditioner every other time you wash your hair as the shampoo is moisturising enough to be used on its own! As it is sulphate and sodium chloride free it doesn't lather as much as most shampoos, but that can easily be fixed by adding more water and massaging the scalp. I would highly recommend this for coloured hair as it is so gentle or as an indulgent treat for those trying to get the hair into perfect condition.

As with all Philip B products the price point is set high with the shampoo retailing at £60 and the conditioner at £70.


Do you indulge in hair care? Have you ever tried any products from the Philip B line? xxx