Review: Redken 'Smooth Down' Shampoo and Conditioner

After constantly fighting a losing battle with my hair I decided to purchase a shampoo and conditioner that would specifically concentrate on the awful 'frissy hair syndrome' I seem to becoming so accustomed too!

 I had heard so many wonderful things about the Redken brand itself and the 'Smooth Down' range seemed to suit me best.

 My hair is very fine but it also has a tendency to become frizzy. I also have a lot of 'baby hairs' which seem to fly away a lot too!

 The 'Smooth Down' range is designed for people with dry and/or frizzy hair which often becomes a nuisance to them. It aims to create glossy, smooth and healthy hair.

 As soon as I received the parcel containing my new Redken products; I was so anxious to use them!

 The way the bottles have been designed are somewhat ingenious. The shape of the bottles makes them really easy to grip! I know that may seem like a very unimportant factor but once you're in the shower or bath they are incredibly easy to 'grab' without panic that they might slip and slide everywhere! I also noticed the quantity of each product. The conditioner is 250ml and the shampoo is 300ml. Although this may seem a little strange at first, my belief is, they made it that way so you finish the products at the same time which is incredibly useful. Nothing is worse than when you can't experience a whole treatment and have to dig out your old conditioner whilst still using the shampoo!

 Once I had poured some of the shampoo onto my hand, I noticed how well it then lathered up in my hair. I really did not need a lot of product for it to go far! I massaged it into my scalp and left it for a  few minutes before rinsing. I then continued with the conditioner which again showed I didn't need a lot for it to go far. I decided to leave the conditioner in for longer as it is important to get the most from it.

 After I had finished the whole treatment and my hair had dried I was so impressed by the outcome. Even without the use of any treatments in between, my hair felt glossy, smooth and magically all the frizz seemed to have tamed!

 I cannot recommend this product enough. If you are not used to buying such luxury or high end products then yes, this may seem a little too pricey but I feel I can go as far as saying, I haven't found a shampoo or conditioner that really does smooth my hair as much as this one!

 I hope you are all well.

 Lots of Love.

 Jessica. x

Review: Origins Clear Improvement

 I recently purchased Origins 'Clear Improvement.' After hearing so many wonderful things about not only the product but the brand itself, I decided it was time to invest!

'Clear Improvement' is a charcoal mask which aims to decrease the size of pores as well as clear the skin from any dirt or toxins hanging about unwanted. I myself have 'combination skin' which, at the best of times, can still be annoying. My forehead and tops of my cheeks tends to be ever so slightly oily and the rest of my skin wavers on normal to dry. I wanted something to really clear away all of that dirt harbouring in amongst my pores.

 When the delivery arrived I noticed how reasonably large the bottle was. This, of course, was a brilliant start as I knew the product would last me longer than I had anticipated. To start with, I 'steamed' my face. It may sound harsh but is perfectly pain free! I poured boiling water into a bowl and, with a towel over my head, rested just above the water so all the steam could open my pores. After waiting five minutes or so, I then proceeded to lightly dampen my face with luke warm water; just so the mask would stick easily.

 The mask itself is a very gel like formula which makes it incredibly useful to apply. Using the tips of my fingers I placed the product all over my face; paying close attention to my forehead, cheeks and also my nose.

 I began to feel it dry within a matter of seconds so it was important to move quickly. The bottle recommends to leave it on 'until it dries,' but I decided to give it a good 15 minutes (you can never be too sure).

 After the time duration had expired I proceeded to wash it off with some luke warm water. It was incredibly easy to get off which was a lovely surprise. To touch, my face was incredibly soft and felt as though it had just had a really good treatment done to it (which it, of course, had). I made sure to moisturise my skin (I use the Clinique Super Moisture Lotion).

 The day after I was still reaping the results. My face has lost so many of those aggravating pores and I haven't felt oily at all.

 I should have probably said at the beginning, the price is a little steep, I paid £17, however, I can't help but feel that it was absolutely worth it.

 If you're like me and suffer from combination skin or, better still, if you suffer with oily skin I can't help but feel you would be delighted with this product! I have never heard of Origins bringing out a rather disappointing product so the brand itself is highly commendable.

 I hope you're all well.

 Lots of Love,

 Jessica. x