Cherry Pick of the Week: L'Oreal Elnett Strong Hold Volume Crème De Mousse!

I figured if Cherry Picks of the Weeks were to have real value I should show you a cracker of a product that, although started out as a Press sample, has since been repurchased several times over because it's feckin' marvellous. L'Oreal's Elnett Strong Hold Volume Crème De Mousse is unlike any hair care product I've used and, much like Elnett hairspray is a staple hair product that really should be in your arsenal. 

We all know I'm a lover of product but Elnett Satin mousse is one of those every day work horses, a given, regardless of fads, phases or press drops because it works beautifully, reliably and effortlessly every time. I apply it to damp, towel dried hair and it soaks in immediately. It's weightless, non sticky & gives my hair lift & hold like products five times its price. 

Unlike the Elnett lacquer, this mousse doesn't brush out, it doubles its efforts ~ exactly what you need if you, like me, turn into a greasy swamp rat if you wash your hair every day. For regular use, this mousse has actually replaced my use of lacquer entirely. Good news for the earth, my bank balance and my boys not having to leave through a fug of hairspray in the morning (We do our hair by the front door, I have no idea why). 

Just Elnett Stong Hold Volume Mousse blow dried - that's it. (same for me!)

There's 4 iterations of Crème De Mousse available, Stong Curl, Extra Stong, Glam Waves Supreme Hold & this Volume and Stong Hold. if truth be told I haven't tried the others yet as I shared the love with my original press pack and gifted my Mam the others. I may need to rectify that now my hair is shorter and curls are back on my radar. 

You'll pick each of the above up in Boots for €6.99 (there's usually an offer available), though it's sold out online, pretty much always or you can order online from Superdrug for £5.99 (2 for £9) HERE. Your grúaig will thank you for it. 

I wrote about other unsung beauty heroes many moons ago, funnily enough Elnett featured THERE too! 

Tell me, have you tried L'Oreal Elnett Strong Hold Volume Crème De Mousse? What's your go to, everyday Joe hair care product that you use almost without thinking about? 

L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Powder & BB Concealer

The L'Oréal Nude Magique range has been a little hit and miss for me. While the BB Blush, with its likeness to Smashbox's O blush was perfectly serviceable, the CC Creams were far too highly pigmented in the orange direction. The Eau de Teint foundation (AKA the closest dupe you'll ever find to Armani's Maestro) however blew my socks off and still does. The next two additions to the line up are the 5 in 1 Nude Magique BB Powder and the Nude Magique BB Concealer. 

Firstly the BB Powder housed in a sturdy little throw in your mála style compact is surprisingly light to the touch. The hidden sponge and mirror underneath adds a little wieght but makes it ideal for travel. I had concerns about there only being two colours available and had I skin on either end of the tone spectrum I still would be. 

Light Skin Tone suits me perfectly though and the buildable, lightweight coverage can easily just be applied to the areas needed. I've worn this both over my own BB cream (Origins) to eliminate shine but also on its own and I'm pretty darn impressed. The matte texture is not averse to several layers and does appear to minimise pores so a couple of swipes of this and your no make up make up look is good to go. L'Oréal are claiming 8 hours wear but I haven't fully tested that yet. 

With their first roll on applicator the Nude Magique BB Concealer gave me flashbacks to the CC cream grimace with its slightly orange tinged formulation. I was full sure that this one wouldn't be for me as I'm all for lighter than light under eye concealers. Containing mineral pigments, I was pretty taken aback when applied under my eyes that it blended in beautifully and matched my skin tone regardless. 

The metal ball means it's cooling on the eye area so will combat puffiness but for the size of my under eye suitcases I'll be using this as a top up over my own concealer (Estée Lauder's Double Wear) to add some cooling brightness.  

The RRP on these are €9.99 & €12.99 respectively but you'll pick them up for a decent amount of sheckles cheaper on Superdrug here. 

L’Oreal Paris launch Elvive Fibrology: Great News for Fine Haired Fillies Everywhere!

I am ALL about the big hair, L'Oreal's #TXT Supersizing spray before Christmas was a godsend to my limp locks and it has to be said that this L’Oreal Paris Elvive Fibrology is about as hair raising, literally, as we can get. Best bit? We're talking years of research, new technology and new patents, all at budget prices. 

The Filloxane molecule is the sciencey bit we need to pay attention to here, which harnesses “Sol-Gel” chemistry (apparently). Fine and limp hair can get lasting thickness instead of just volume, as it intertwines with your hair strand’s own protein and keratin inside the shafts, doubling their size and creating volume and bounce JLaw a la American Hustle would be proud to shake at a Mafioso. 

We've all learned to invest in a hair care line that promises us close proximity to the moon with our bouffant but the interesting part about Fibrology is their claim at lasting thickness. The Filloxane is designed to continue to thicken the hair wash after wash and even claims that once you discontinue use that your results will last for up to ten washes with normal shampoo. That has to be a good thing, right? 

Intrigued by these claims and having spotted Hayley AKA London Beauty Queen  send out the shout out to #bbloggers to keep eyes peeled for this stuff, I was chuffed to see it on special in Dunnes Stores (that's two coups in a week, Dunnes, you sly dogs) and promptly picked some up. Fancy a look at what just one wash has done? 

Day after wash with zero other products used

It looks pretty good, doesn't it? Yes, this was only my first wash and my first impression but so far I'm impressed and while you can get the entire range here in Boots for full price, I'd be remiss not to tell you to check out Dunnes for an 'even better than half price' deal. What's to lose, right? 

I'll keep you updated on how I get on over the next couple of weeks using Fibrology but I'd love to hear if you've given a go aswell? 

November Faves ft New Look, Smashbox, Rimmel, Lush, L’Oréal, Bourjois & Max Factor

Now that we're slightly over the trauma of November being possibly the quickest month in the history of months ever, it's time for me to share my stand outs of the past four weeks. 

Having spent the vast majority of the month holed up at home and wearing little or no slap, this month's picks are  more about what makes me feel better quickly. Let me know if you agree with any of 'em!

1. L’Oréal Hair Chalk: €18.61 here. 

Having been too chicken and not at all 'too old' as Adam says to dip dye my hair this past year these L’Oréal hair chalks got an audible 'YUSS' when I opened the package a fortnight ago. 

Available in 8 colours these vibrant tress enhancers are more a liquid polish that dries in place than a chalk and can change your look in minutes and will wash out in two shampoos. I'll have a full post up with pics v soon but as of now, in my opinion, you NEED to check these out!

2. MAX Factor Wild Shadow Pencils: €8.99 here. 

When it comes to make up simplicity Max Factor have it down. These new shadow pencils are not only available in a cracking line up of 8 metallic smudgeable shades but once they've dried they're there to stay. 

I brought 4 of these beauties to Berlin with me to save on liquid allowance and palette schlepping and I was never once stuck for quick, swipeable onnable shadow simplicity (it's a thing). Caramel Rage is by far my favourite but do yourself a favour and swatch these pencils in store. You'll be impressed!

3. Bourjois CC Cream: €13.99 (launching Jan '14) 

Now normally I don't include a favourite that has yet to launch but Bourjois have once again knocked it out of the beauty park with their 123 CC Cream. 

Boasting 3 colour correcting pigments to combat bags, pigmentation and any number of other unwelcome visage shades this CC cream glides on effortlessly and really does last all day long. While I topped it with a little powder on my forehead, this really does help my pigmentation and feels like I'm wearing nothing at all (insert vision of Sexy Flanders here)

4. L'Oreal Paris False Lash Flutter Mascara Midnight Purple: €16.79 here

There's not many mascaras that WOW me straight from the tube and the unassuming butterfly wing shaped brush on this False Lash Flutter offering didn't promise to be anything more than a lash separating tool - how wrong I was. 

Batting it's way straight to the top my go to mascaras, this Midnight Purple lifts, separates and coats every single lash to perfection - think They're Real crossed with YSL's Babydoll and you're almost there. At less than €17, I would've paid twice that had I known what this would do for my súiles and I.   

5. SmashBox Wonder Vision Mega Palette: €60 here

I waxed lyrical about this mega palette with full pictures and swatches here  but honestly, until you feel the velvety soft shadows in this beauty bounty there's no way you can truly appreciate it. 

Having not been off my eyes since I bought it (bar Berlin)(when I missed it greatly) this palette is pretty much everything you need when it comes to eye shadow - no that doesn't mean I'll relinquish my stash nor that I'll stop buying but hand on heart, I haven't reached for any other shade since this joined my kit. 

6. Rimmel Precious Stones in Diamond Dust: €5.49 here: 

This post showed exactly how perfect this sparklefest polish is for silly season and it's another 'look at it with your actual eyeballs' product. 

Densely packed holo glitters in every shape and suspended in a thick charcoal jelly means there's not a finger tip in Ireland that wouldn't be flattered by this polish. 

7. Lush Sikkim Girls Body Cream: £24.95 here. 

While seeming a little pricey to begin with this unctuous body lotion from Lush is fast becoming one of my favourites of the entire natural brand. Chock full of Darjeeling Tea, Vanilla Pod and Jasmine Flower Infusion, Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter, Cupuacu Butter, Organic Hemp Oil, Glycerine, Honey, Peach Kernel Oil, Sikkim Girls is an out and out thigh rubber when it comes to supple soft and delicately scented skin. 

This little vid shows how this pot of wonder is made but I urge you to ask the Lush ladies (or gents) for a tester of this body lotion and allow it to convert you entirely in just one use. 

8. Drink Me Chai Latte in Peppermint: €5 here. 

A new lover of spicy Chai tea and sweetened Chai lattes, I was thrilled to see this ready made tub on the market stalls in Berlin. The eldest whipped out his wallet and bought both the Sis and I a tub each, had I known he'd be drinking it religiously too I'd have bought more!

This sweet, peppermint drink puts me in mind of a pumpkin spice latte and is not only 99% caffeine free and a known killer of chocolate cravings but it's also a cinch to make. Loving it longtime!

9. New Look Wide Fit Knee High Boots: €49.99 here

These leather look boots have not only saved my skin but they've saved my legs and feet this past month too. With a little block heel that makes them some of the most comfortable boots I've owned, the elasticated backing makes them a doddle to pull on and off and to wear all day long without issue. 

Easily dressed down or up, these New Look boots came to my aid brilliantly as we walked the length and breadth of Berlin last week. Not one blister, cut or chilly knee to be seen. I'll be buying 'em in black too - you mark my words. 


And that's them, my November Faves. 

Tell me, have you had any stand outs, beauty or otherwise this past month? 

The L'Oreal Professional Steam Pod - Please Talk Me out of Buying One!

My first experience of the L'Oreal Professional Steam Pod last week was so revolutionary that it actually made my Monday's Moments this morning. For a hair styling tool, that's unheard of. 

I received a surprise appointment as a gift from my better half (surprise as in a day's notice, not hair styling ninjas surrounding me suddenly) so attended the local hairdresser with hair unwashed and ready to be wowed. I was wowed. 

I'm not normally one for selfies but, please, just look at that grúaig. I colour it myself, with Olia usually and hadn't done so in almost a month so the brightness is all down to the Steam Pod. But how does it work, you ask? Just like this: 




My entire appointment took just 25 minutes and that includes a wash with Kérastase Cristalliste shampoo and conditioner (my HG combination btw) and a keratin leave in heat treatment, that was blast dried through my hair before the stylist used the L'Oreal Steam Pod. 

My hair was sleek and shining in seconds, there wasn't a huge amount of steam as the Steam Pod comb attachment glided through my hair sections quickly and effortlessly. I had used the GHD previously but never had a flyaway, frizz free result like this before and it certainly never had the lasting effect that this treatment does. 

3 DAYS LATER!

I didn't have to brush through my hair once in the following three days, just ran through it with my fingers. Normally I wash it every second day but, honestly, this felt like I'd just stepped out of the salon with a fresh blow dry each morning, even though the rest of me resembled the Wreck of the Hesperus. 

All in all the glossy, tangle free, shiny effects lasted 4 days before I washed it again and that includes hopping in and out of the shower daily with my hair tied in a loose bun AND sleeping on it tied up with a bobbin so this is the question(s) - do I need one for at home? Would I ever achieve this good a result by my lonesome with only two stubby arms? 

LookFantastic.com have the L'Oreal Steam Pod HERE for €165 (down from €220.45), there's Free Worldwide Delivery and 10% off your first order. In fairness the treatment only costs €20 per go, that's actually €5 cheaper than a blow dry in my local hairdresser (I like to support the underdog). 

I'd love your input and I'll ponder on it some more, one thing's for sure though - I'm hooked. 

*Update 2017
I succumbed! Full updated post upcoming!
I've also just changed that link 
to a Skimlinks link - 
this means if you make a purchase using
it, I'll get a few sheckles too. It won't
cost you a cent. You can clear your cookies
and search again if you'd rather that didn't happen. 
I'd suggest making that decision after a nap, ya'know? :)

August Faves 2013 ft Armani, Crabtree & Evelyn, L'Oreal, Ojon, Shiseido & Smashbox.

August has been a veritable beauty bonanza, what with every brand and its brother bringing out their Aw13 collections. This post could have gone on for eons but I'm just not that cruel, 

I've decided instead to show you what I've been reaching for far and above any other products in the past month and sure isn't that what Favourites are all about?  

Smashbox Black Cherry Be Lengendary from the Fade to Black collection: €19

One of the most deceptive lippies I've used, Black Cherry is a deep purple/plum in the bullet but once applied is a sheer cranberry glossfest. Bright and lovely but just this side of bold, it's been the only lipstick I've used that's ever gotten repeated compliments. I'm halfway through the bullet and will be repurchasing once it hits counters this month. 

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Skincare Range: from €19.99

Though it's been skincare central here of late with umpteen releases, each more exciting than the last, the one range that I've consistently picked up morning and night is the new L'Oreal Skin Perfection. Boasting everything the 25-30 (ahem) year old needs, this range was designed to bridge the gap between high end potions and off the shelf budget buys. 

With Perline-P for larger pores and the anti-aging derivative LR2412 (which is Lancôme Visionnaire's secret weapon by the by), Skin Perfection has given me touchably soft and visibly brighter skin in just over a month. I've gifted the 5-in-1 BB Cream to my Momma, reluctantly and so impressed was she that she brought it to her Stitch' n' Bitch class to show off to them. No, they're not under 30.. No, I'm not bitter... (I'm a little bitter)

Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner: €35.69

This salon quality hair treatment is the most expensive haircare item that I've ever repurchased once the press sample ran out. A thick, luxurious double blend cream of 7 rare oils and moisturisers with African Shea, Brazilian Muru Muru, and Indian Kokum butters. While the price gave me initial pause for thought, you only need the tiniest amount for touchably soft and beautifully scented, high shine and tresses without the weighed down feeling of other treatments. 

I'm going to advise picking one of these amber tubes up when you're next in Boots, if they haven't sold out again and take a deep sniff, if you're not immediately handing over your points, I'll be shocked. SHOCKED. 

Shiseido Eyebrow Styling Compact: €30

On counters since just yesterday, one of the standouts of Shiseido's AW13 collection is their Eyebrow Styling Palette. Coming in three shades the velvety soft powder makes brow work a cinch, even for the cack handed like me. 

I haven't needed additional wax or even additional combing when using the dinky little angled brow brush provided in the palette (a functional palette brush! Unheard of, right?) which has meant I'm managing to touch up on the go if heading straight out after the office. It's a definite brow win for me. 

Crabtree & Evelyn Tarocco Orange & Eucalyptus Sage Body Lotion: €19

I was introduced to this beautiful range of citrussy, zesty gorgeousness at a Dolledup.ie event a couple of months back. I remember being blown away by the scent immediately and even as Anita was explaining the Sicilian orange, neroli and bergamot fusion within, I just couldn't keep my nose out of the tub. 

Think warm Mediterranean breezes, think of that heady citrussy aroma of orange groves at dusk and you're only barely getting there. I just feel good when I use this, it's a feel good thing. The matching body souffle will be mine before this month is out, you mark my words. 

Armani Si: €55 

August was a busy month perfume launch wise too and Armani faced some stiff competition to get this spot over Marc Jacobs Honey AND Thomas Sabo's Charm Rose Intense but Si just seemed to resonate with me from the first spritz. 

I'm not going to tell you it's women's youth bottled, or the furrowed brow of a working woman or any of that other perfumery, marketing tosh, simply put it's a vanilla and patchouli floral earthed by warm woody notes. It's a warm, smooth scent that, while it reminds me of La Vie est Belle, is softer and more wearable and has one me over completely. 

Tell me, what's been floating your goat this past month then? Have you tried any of the above? Do you disagree entirely with any of my stand outs? Lemme know!

New: L'Oreal Glam Shine Stain Splash in Milady, Princess and Juliet with Photos and Swatches

Lovers of YSL Glossy Stains (who also love their sheckles) rejoice! L'oreal is set to add to your lip loves with their brand new product the L'Oreal Glam Shine Stain Splash and you won't need to sell seashells down by the seashore to afford 'em either. 

I was sent the beautifully pigmented Milady (whose name always makes me think of this picture) by the brand last week and have been so impressed that I've picked up both Princess and Juliet from my very own Eurobux since. 

The first thing that strikes me with these stains is that the colour in the (very shiny) tube doesn't translate onto the lips. It would seem that they show up differently on everyone's kisser with Milady's bright violet hues turning a rich red with purple undertones on mine. 

While Juliet looks bright pink in the tube, the applicator makes it seem positively neon yet on the lips its a bright orange toned red. I like it. A lot. 

In each of these collages I've applied one coat, allowed that to dry and, as is my wont, deepened the shades with a second coat. Buildable beauty, that's what we like, L'Oreal. 

Princess is quite possibly my favourite of the three for a daytime lip. Showing as a bright coral orange in the tube on the lips it's a beautiful soft toned peachy pink. 

All three are non sticky, non tacky and taste smell delicious. Formulated with a blend of light hydrating oils & concentrated pigments these stains also contain 30% water and feel light as air on the lips. 

L'Oreal promise 6 hours wear, I'm getting on average 4, though the gloss wears off after the first and leaves the pigmented stain behind without drying. I don't feel the need to reapply though as a sheen of Vaseline on top brings the colour back immediately. 

A thought struck me as I was admiring these glosses though, can you see it? That's an awful lot of tube left at the base that the applicator hasn't a snowballs chance of reaching. I'm hopeful that the formulation is fluid enough that I'll be getting my sheckles worth when I get halfway. 

L'Oreal Glam Shine Stain Splashes are on counters now, I picked these additional two up for €12.29 in Boots Blanchardstown this week - in comparison to €33 for a Glossy Stain, that's not too shabby at all. 

There's 8 colours available but I'd urge you to do your homework online and look at swatches of each before purchase as they are more than a little deceptive with colour translation from tube to lip. 

Have you tried 'em yet?