REN GRAB & GO KIT

Ren is one of my favourite Skincare brands, along with Origins. The Ren Grab & Go Set has been on my wish list for a while now as I think it's such a great idea. I always try and take minis away with me on holidays or weekends away, so this set is perfect for that in mind or you could even pop this in your gym bag! This set contains all the basic skincare you could need and it's pointless travelling with bigger sized products that you just won't use. The set includes; Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel 50ml, Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream 15ml, a full-size Vita Mineral Lip Balm 15ml, Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel 3ml, Oat & Bay Conditioning Shampoo 50ml, Pro-Vitamin Conditioner 50ml, Neroli & Grapefruit Body Wash 50ml and Neroli & Grapefruit Body Cream 50ml. The kit also contains an airport security recommended bag, so you could chuck this set into your hand luggage and be good to go as everything in the kit is under 100ml. Some of my favourite products include the cleansing gel and the eye gel, which I have used before. I like the convenience of this kit, it means I can use up the Ren products currently in the set and replace what I use with extra minis. I haven’t tried the shampoo, conditioner, body wash or body lotion before from Ren, so I’m looking forward to giving them a go. I know my face likes the skincare, so I know I will get along with those products just fine. The set includes their most popular products for the face and body and it is also a great kit to try the products before you commit to buying the full-size. The Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel removes make-up, oils, dirt and pollution without the stripping effects of sulfates. The Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream is a multi-active day cream that replenishes the skin with moisture and vital nutrients. The Vita Mineral Lip Balm is a rich balm formulated to replenish dry and chapped lips. The Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel is light and cooling to treat, revive and brighten the delicate eye area. 
I ended up purchasing this set from Look Fantastic which is currently selling this kit at £20.00. The value of the set is £38.00, so that is a massive saving and saves me purchasing all my minis separately. I managed to purchase it for £17.00 as you can always find some sort of discount code online. There is also another variation of the set, which is called the Grab and Fly Kit. This set includes, Evercalm Cleansing Milk 25ml, Evercalm Day Cream 15ml, a full-size Lip Balm 15ml, Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel, Shampoo 50ml, Conditioner 50ml, Revivo Tonic Body Wash 50ml and Revivio Tonic Body Cream 50ml. The Ren Grab and Go Kit is the perfect lazy girls travel companion and I will definitely be taking mine with me the next time I go away!

What are your favourite Ren products? 

you can also find me on twitter, instagram, bloglovin or pinterest

REDKEN DIAMOND OIL CHRISTMAS SET

Redken is a brand I go back to again and again, as I know their shampoo and conditioner works for me. I have tried the All Soft, Extreme and Blonde Idol ranges in the past, but have always wanted to try the Diamond Oil variety. This Christmas Set is one of my Black Friday purchases, Look Fantastic were offering an extra 25% off this set so I thought it was a great chance to try it for myself. The set comes with a full-size shampoo and conditioner and a sample size Pillow Proof Primer, which I also haven’t tried before. I always like to have a more expensive duo on the go as well as a high-street shampoo and conditioner, so my hair doesn’t get too used to the formula and stops working so well. The Diamond Oil range is a hair care line focused for dull and damaged hair. The shampoo is really cleansing and foams up nicely, which helps to strengthen the hair to prevent breakage. It also boosts shine and makes my hair feel super smooth and I find my hair can go longer without washing it again when using this formulation. The formula contains coriander oil to seal, coat and smooth the hair cuticle for shine, camelina oil to penetrate deeper layers of the hair, and apricot oils to penetrate the hair and condition deeply. The formula is really moisturising and smells great in the shower and I can still smell it after styling my hair.

This is a great gift for a friend who loves hair care, it’s packaged up really nicely and you get good sized products for the price. It’s even a great set to buy for yourself if you want to try out the range and it’s a lot cheaper than buying the products separately. Look Fantastic also has a set which comes with a Maybelline Mascara instead of the Pillow Proof Primer. I managed to get my set for £16.57 which was a real bargain, but Redken is currently 25% off at Look Fantastic. I have also wanted to try the Pillow Proof Primer since it first came out as well, so it’s nice to have a sample size to try. This product is designed to reduce the time it takes to dry your hair, provides 24 hour lasting volume, helps protect against heat up to 23o degrees, leaves hair up to 3X stronger and helps protect against hair breakage.

The Diamond Oil range also has a Deep Facets Intensive Treatment, a Shatterproof Shine Hair Oil, An Intense version, A High Shine version of the Shampoo and Condtioner and a High Shine Airy Mist. I’m most excited about the Shatterproof Shine Hair Oil and will be definitely adding this to my wish list. I would definitely recommend Redken products if you want to try something more upmarket to add to your hair care routine. These are also great sets to look out for in the boxing day sales as they get reduced, I will definitely be picking up a couple! 

Have you tried Redken Haircare?

REDKEN BLONDE IDOL SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

I mentioned in my everyday hair care post back in July that I was using the new Blonde Idol range from Redken. Now that I have nearly used up these hair care products, I thought I would review them properly in their own post. I have enjoyed using Redken products in the past, especially the All Soft and Extreme range, so when I saw this range for blonde hair was being released I knew I had to give it a go.

Redken knows that no two blondes are the same that’s why they have brought out two conditioners in the range, one for cool blondes and one for warmer tones. The new formula has the exclusive Kera-bright system which balances and brightens to guarantee no brassiness. The shampoo has to be my favourite out of the two, like other Redken shampoo’s their really moisturising and gentle. This daily cleansing shampoo is sulphate free and I tend to use this every other time I wash my hair. It leaves my hair super soft and brings my highlights out more than before use. I have read reviews saying the formula is not as good as Redken’s discontinued line Blonde Glam but my hair has preserved it’s colour between trips to the hairdressers. It lathers up nicely for a sulphate free shampoo and contains violet leaf extract and lactic acid which helps to strengthen and boost shine.

I chose the custom tone conditioner for cool blondes. The clever convention allows you to choose how strong or weak you want it by changing the dial weekly to adjust colour deposit. The dual chamber releases conditioner from one side and violet pigment from the other, to condition, strengthen and help preserve tone. I find the product itself lovely and I really like that you can adjust it yourself. But the packaging lets the conditioner down, the bottle doesn’t dispense enough product, so you have to press down quite a few times to release enough product for my long hair. It would also be nice to know how much product I have left, as I’m sure one side will run out before the other. I would buy this again for the product, but I hope they improve the packaging. The packaging also means you get far less conditioner (196ml) than shampoo (300ml).

They also have some other products in the Blonde Idol range which I haven’t tried, like the BBB spray which is a lightweight, leave in or rinse out conditioning spray, which helps to balance, beautify and brighten blondes. They also have a hair mask in the range which is a nourishing rinse out treatment. I will definitely have to give these a go after really enjoying the shampoo and conditioner, but they seem to be hard to get hold of in the UK. I ordered these haircare products online at HQHair, you can buy the duo for £21.35 here.

Have you tried Redken haircare?

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE - HAIRDRESSER'S INVISIBLE OIL TRIO TRAVEL SET

I have tried a few Bumble and Bumble Shampoo's and Conditioner's in the past and Crème De Coco has to be my favourite I’ve used. I normally have a high street and a more expensive shampoo on the go and swap and change between the two, so my hair doesn’t get used to one sort of shampoo and to keep costs down as I wash my hair quite often but still want to treat my hair. The latest hair range from Bumble & Bumble is the Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Range which is suitable for all hair ranges and has been on my wish list for a while now. I haven’t tried the Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil from the range, but have always heard good things. In the set you get, the Hairdresser's Invisible Oil shampoo, conditioner and primer. The formula is infused with six feather weight oils soften, detangle, de-frizz, tame flyways, ease styling, protect against breakage, heat styling and UV damage. The range is lovely for dry, brittle hair as they help to increase softness and shine for more manageable hair. It’s key ingredients are coconut oil, argan oil, macadamia nut oil, sweet almond oil, safflower seed oil and grapeseed oil. The products are ideal to protect my coloured hair and I would definitely take them away on holiday with me as they're a great size. The set of minis is perfect for travelling or just trying before you buy the full-size versions. It comes in a cute plastic resealable case which is also handy for travelling. Bumble and Bumble do mini's in most of their haircare lines, so it's a great way to test them out first to see if you like them. All of the products smell amazing!

The primer has to be my favourite out of the three, I would definitely repurchase this. The primer left my hair in a lush condition and it’s convenient to use after swimming or showering at the gym for detangling. It’s the perfect pre-styler, it can be used on dry or wet hair, I’m really going to have to try the oil next. The primer protects hair against the sun and I find my hair so much easier to style using these products. I like to finish using the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray, my hair is left silkier without the frizz. You'd think because it's an oil it would weigh your hair down, but this isn't the case at all. I love that the conditioner comes in a squeeze out tube instead of Bumble's original packaging. If you’re looking for a more upmarket hair care duo, I would definitely give this shampoo and conditioner a go, your hair will thank you for it. I bought the trio for £19.50 from Escentual.com

Have you tried Bumble and Bumble's haircare?

NEW HAIR RANGE - GARNIER ULTIMATE BLENDS THE SLEEK RESTORER

Garnier have introduced six signature blends to their Ultimate Blends range; The Silky Smoother, The Marvellous Transformer, The Shine Revitaliser, The Sleek Restorer, The Colour Illuminator and The Nourishing Repairer. Garnier have spent seven years creating this new range of haircare products with the help of 25,000 British women. The design of the bottles has a very strong 70’s influence, which I wan’t sure of at first, but now I really like the look of them in my bathroom. I always pick up new shampoos and conditioners from the high-street as there is always new offers to be had and they are so affordable for everyday use. 

The Sleek Restorer is formulated for dry, frizzy hair. The range contains pure coconut oil and cocoa butter to give you nourished and super sleek hair. From this range I decided to try the Shampoo, Conditioner and the One Minute Treatment. There is also a Sleek Perfector Oil in the same scent, which claims to leave your hair looking sleek for 72 hours and protects your hair from heat. The shampoo has a gorgeous subtle coconut scent, it lathers up well, my hair is left shinier and it helps reduce frizz and flyaways  It’s a great average, everyday shampoo that does the job and doesn’t weigh my hair down. I found it lovely for my thick hair, as it gave my hair lots of moisture and shine. The formulas contain no parabens and have natural ingredients, which is nice to see from a high street hair product. The conditioner is a little less thick than normal conditioners, but it does do a good job at making my hair feel sleek. I even notice this when my hair is still wet. The pair were on special offer in Boots, 2 for £3 but I wish I had picked up the bigger 400ml sizes.
I like to use the deep conditioner twice a week, it's a little thicker than the normal conditioner, it helps my dry ends and leaves my hair feeling nourished. I also picked up the Dry Shampoo from the Silky Smoother range. The Dry Shampoo is for mid to long hair and it’s a 7 in 1 product. It claims to instantly cleanse hair, absorbs grease at the roots, it has a light weight feel, leaves hair soft to the touch, hair is easy to detangle, it has a blissful fragrance and there is no visible residue. The dry shampoo can be used in other ways than just refreshing the hair, it can also be used to create volume and lift, see video below for styling tips. I love the sweet vanilla milk scent, not like your normal overpowering dry shampoo scent, it's a great product to use inbetween washes. I have read some mixed reviews online, saying it left hair feeling greasier, but I think it does a fair job at refreshing second day hair and it does give my hair some bounce.

One product which has caught my eye from the range is the One Minute Polisher Scrub, which looks like a great, new innovative product (see video below), I think I will have to give that one a try next. Ultimate Blends is definitely a range to try as there is something for every hair type at such an affordable price point. I'd be interested to try the Marvellous Transformer range next as I've heard only good things.

Have you tried the Ultimate Blends range?

AUGUST HAIRCARE BEAUTY PRODUCT EMPTIES

I have a fair few haircare empties which I have been collecting since my last haircare empties back in March. Most of them are my favourite products which I have repurchased over and over.
Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray, 150ml £6.99 - This is a great styling product for divining layers and giving texture to the hair. Bloggers have said it's a great dupe for the Oribe Dry Texturising Spray (which I haven't used) but this is an affordable alternative, that smells great and really works if you like big hair. Would I repurchase? Yes, I need it back in my stash.
L'Oreal Ever Riche Nourishing Intense Mask, 200ml £6.99 - I used up the Shampoo and Conditioner to this range in my last hair empties, see review here. This mask is for dry and very dry hair, it contains no sulphates and the scent is lovely - Camelina and Apricot Seed. I liked to use this on the mid lengths and ends of my hair and leave it on for 10 minutes, the product is super thick - it left my hair smelling great and so soft. Would I repurchase? Yes, I'm a big fan of the range.
It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin, 120ml £19.99 - Another product that featured in my last empties, but this version is the Keratin one. I equally enjoyed this, great to use with my tangle teezer, it helped straighten hair, replace lost protein, protect against heat, detangles and add shine. It also smells lovely too. Only problem is, it's hard to get hold of in the UK. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would also love to try the hair mask in the range.
L'Oreal Professionnel Silver Shampoo, 250ml £7.58 - This is a product I always pick up from the Hairdressers and don't like being without it. I use it once a week, to help get any brassy tones out of my hair and leaves me with clean blonde shades. I get my hair highlighted, so this violet formula also helps keep my colour for longer. Would I repurchase? Yes, I always do.
V05 Refresh Me Quick Dry Shampoo, 200ml £3.59 - This has got to be my all time favourite dry shampoo. It smells lush, is really affordable and leaves me with no white marks. Great for second day hair, my hair is left feeling fresh without the oily roots. Would I repurchase? Yes, always.
Pro:Voke Touch Of Silver Twice A Week Brightening Shampoo, 200ml £3.09 - Another violet shampoo for blonde hair, a cheaper version of the L'Oreal one. For me, it does the same job but the scent isn't as nice. If you're looking for a more affordable purchase, this one is for you. Would I repurchase? I wouldn't run out and buy it no, but if I was in the supermarket I'd pick it up.
Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo, 50ml £4.76* - I have a few of these 50ml versions I received from various places, I won one in a feelunique competition a while back and got one free with an M&S order. I really enjoyed using this, it refreshes, soothes and gives my hair another day of live. It's suitable for coloured hair, adds texture, it's a little pricey for a dry shampoo, but the scent is nice. Would I repurchase? Yes, maybe more likely if it was on offer.

Aussie Miracle Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, 300ml & 400ml £5.99 each - I have always been a big fan of the Aussie Miracle Moist range, it's probably my most repurchased drugstore shampoo and conditioner. The scent is lovely and sweet and the bottles now come in even bigger sizes, so you get more product for your money. The Miracle Shine version leaves my hair shiny and glossy and you can really tell when I've used this perfect duo. Would I repurchase? Yes.
Aussie Beach Mate Shampoo, 300ml £4.69 - This was a random purchase that I picked up in the reduced section in Boots, I had spotted it before so I thought why not give it a go. It's a limited edition design and it's suppose to be a post beach cleanse and revive shampoo but I just used it most days. It's great for summer as it helps to restore the moisture back into the hair, with the same great scent as the other formulas. Would I repurchase? I would probably go back to my normal Aussie range.
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Shine Deep Treatment, 250ml £4.99 - Another product I go back to again and again. The deep conditioner is great to use a couple of times a week and really helps to boost tired and dull hair. Would I repurchase? Yes, I can always rely on Aussie.

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Shampoo & Conditioner, 250ml £5.59 each* - As you can probably tell I like any products that are going to help my colour last longer or leave me with a brighter shade of blonde. This shampoo and conditioner leaves my hair soft, moisturised and brighter than before use, see my full review here. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would really recommend it to people with highlighted hair.
Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo and Moisture Balancing Conditioner, 60ml £16.00 for the set - I purchased these as part of a trial set, having only tried the elasticizer and dry shampoo from the range, I was eager to try the shampoo and conditioner. I really saw a difference when using the shampoo, if you have fine hair this is great at creating volume. The conditioner is great for textured, wavy hair and was really hydrating on my ends. Would I repurchase? Yes, I'd like to try the other ranges from Philip Kingsley.
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo & Conditioner, 50ml £5.89 each full-size* - I managed to bag these samples in a Facebook competition. Having enjoyed John Frieda shampoo and conditioner in the past I was excited to try this one. I took these mini's away with me and I loved using them. They are great for fine hair, gives you natural looking volume and doesn't strip your hair. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would definitely pick up the full-sizes.
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Everlasting Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner, 50ml £5.99 each full size - I got these samples in a Glossybox, I really liked the scent of these and another good product at preserving my blonde. The safflower oil and bergamot extract keeps my hair from fading and helps my newly coloured hair stay round for longer. Would I repurchase? Yes, I'm a big fan of John Frieda's Blonde range.
Toni & Guy Cleanse Shampoo & Conditioner For Normal Hair, 250ml £6.49 each - Having tried more of Toni & Guy's styling products than Shampoo and Conditioner before I was looking forward to trying these for normal hair. I love the sleek packaging, the product smells lovely and lathers up well. It's a great everyday shampoo for cleansing and nourishing, as well as leaving my hair soft and shiny. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would try others from the brand

Have you tried any of these products?

*PR Samples Or Competition Wins

JOHN FRIEDA SHEER BLONDE HIGHLIGHT ACTIVATING ENHANCING RANGE

I am a natural blonde, but I do go to the hairdressers for various blonde highlights to brighten up my barnet. I am always looking out for products which keep my hair colour fresh and prevents my highlights from fading. John Frieda provides four different Sheer Blonde lines, which offer tailor made solutions based on the following hair needs - Lightening, Tone Correcting, Moisturising and Enhancing.

John Frieda have recently produced four hair tutorials hosted by John Frieda's Senior Stylist Giles Robinson showcasing four distinct styles that are designed to compliment blondes with their individual style and hair type. The range I have been trying out is the Highlight Activating Enhancing Shampoo and Conditioner* (£5.59) which is most suited to my hair type. This range has an enhancing formula with sunflower and white tea which gently removes darkening, dulling build-up and reveals a full spectrum of blonde tones. I don't use these everyday I alternate with a different brand, but I can really see the difference with using a brightening shampoo and conditioner. It leaves my hair feeling clean, soft and makes my colour last for longer. I also love the scent!

This is my favourite out of the four tutorials. Soft waves are a great style to transition from day to night, I have been trying this technique out for myself and it does make your curls last for longer. I like to see the hair model try it out for herself also, as it makes me feel that anyone can produce the look, not just a hairdresser.

I have also been trying out this Spun Gold Shape and Shine Balm* (£5.29). This is not a product that I would normally pick up as I don't really see it as a necessity item in my haircare routine, but I have been absolutely loving this! The balm separates, shapes and adds texture as it infuses blonde highlights with shimmer and shine. Great to use on both straight or curly hair. 

I also love this up-do tutorial by John Frieda, a simple fishtail plait look. Really great for a festival or a holiday, to keep hair out the way. The other tutorials include a hair bow and a low french roll. I would recommend these products to any Blonde girls who feel they need to brighten up their colour and want to renew a healthy texture back into the hair. Which Sheer Blonde range is for you? Are you going to try out any of the tutorials?

*PR Samples