Monaco Nails & Beauty - Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer Launch

As you can probably tell by all my NOTD posts on here and Instagram, I am a bit of nail art junkie. I absolutely love having pretty nails, and when I was working at the pharmacy it was well known by both my co-workers and customers that my nails would change every week.

When Camille and I were invited to attend the Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer Launch on Tuesday night, I was over the moon! It was held at The Devereux Boutique Hotel in Remuera.

On arrival we were treated to drinks and immediately informed that we were able to choose a nail polish for a manicure, and that it would be popped into our goodie bag for us to take home. So exciting!

Of course actually choosing one proved to be difficult as every single colour there was absolutely beautiful. I went into it with the intention of choosing one of the gorgeous teal colours, but as soon as I saw Invitation Only, I was in love.

As soon as we had picked out a nail polish, one of the wonderful ladies gave us a manicure and painted our nails with our chosen colour. The lovely Tanya did mine, who I found out is a freelance makeup artist, hair stylist and nail artist! She was so interesting to talk to and I am already stalking her on Instagram.

While all this was going on, we were treated to delicious food from Al's Deli. There were mini bagels and mini tacos! Yay! Everything tastes better in mini-form. They even had these delicious little cheesecake pops, I seriously wanted to take them home with me.

Penny, the owner of Monaco Nails & Beauty, told us a lot about the Morgan Taylor brand. It is created by Danny Haile and David Daniel (whose company is also responsible for number one nail polish brand Gelish) and made it's first big splash at Fashion Week shows in New York, London and Milan prior to it's release in 2013. They are a salon-only brand that specialise in unique colours that you can't find anywhere else.

And just because, here are some more pics:

Overall I can't thank the lovely people from Monaco Nails & Beauty enough for putting on such a fabulous event. I had a great time meeting new people and catching up with all the other bloggers. Was also lovely to see Meagan from This Is Meagan Kerr again, who is the NZ brand ambassador for Morgan Taylor.

Make sure to check back soon for my review! Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Review: Dial Body Washes

It’s not just the long hot days that make us Kiwi’s love summer. Readily available fresh mangos, pristine succulent white peaches, and hydrating sweet coconut water are some of the other reasons we look forward to our favourite time of year!

Taking inspiration from everyone’s favourite summer ingredients, Dial introduces its range of body washes to keep you summer fresh every day!

I am very picky with my body washes. They have to smell great, lather up really well and leave my skin feeling soft and moisturised. If they don't do all of this, they won't get repurchased - and 9 times out of 10, that's what happens.

From the very first moment I tried the Dial Body Washes (RRP: $5.99), I knew I was onto something great. The first thing I noticed of course was the smell. Every single one of these smell absolutely divine, and seem to linger on the skin for awhile after showering. You also only need to use the smallest amount, and it lathers up like crazy! Best of all though, they leave your skin feeling super soft and don't dry it out in the slightest. 

I have 7 of them, 2 of which are specifically designed for men, and all of which are fantastic.

Dial Cranberry & AntiOxidant Pearls; AntiOxidant-rich Cranberry Extract infuses this body wash to provide a moisturising daily skin defence, protecting skin from environmental stresses, and providing a refreshing clean.

This is one of my favourites. If like me, you absolutely adore the Limited edition Cranberry body wash that comes out at The Body Shop every christmas, then you will be obsessed with this. It smells similar, but is so much better!

Dial For Men 24HR Odor Armor; For 24 hour protection, this antibacterial body wash with odour neutralising technology will become your man’s new best friend …and with its gorgeous scent, we think you’ll be a fan too!

I gave this to my boyfriend, Ricky, and he absolutely loves it. He told me that even while working, the scent lingers on the skin for quite a while and he's noticed that it leaves his skin feeling moisturised. The smell is sooo nice, even I love it! It smells manly, if that makes sense, and I think it's a scent most guys would go for.

Dial Triple Moisture with 3 butters; Infused with the power of three nourishing butters; Shea, Jojoba and Mango; this triple moisturising formulation leaves skin feeling luxuriously soft after each wash, while its subtle scent envelopes the senses to create a spa experience you can enjoy at home every day.

This also smells great, and is probably the most moisturising one out of all of them. It leaves the skin feeling silky smooth and soft, but still lathers up real nicely!

Dial NutriSkin White Peach and Shea Butter; Be summer fresh every day with this exquisitely scented body wash.  Infused with 7 BioNutrients (a unique blend of vitamins, minerals and nutrient-rich ingredients) as well as moisture-rich Shea Butter and White Peach, Dial NutriSkin nourishes, hydrates and soothes skin into its beautiful best.

This is my absolute favourite and was the one I was most excited to try! I absolutely love peach scents, and this one is particularly nice. I actually can't stress enough how good this smells, you seriously need to check it out for yourself! Like the others, it also lathers up beautifully and leaves the skin feeling amazingly soft and smooth.

Dial Yogurt Vanilla Honey; Enriched with natural yogurt protein and honey extract, this ultimately nourishing body wash rehydrates thirsty skin to leave skin refreshed, and feeling soft, healthy and sensationally smooth.

Another one that smells amazing, if you love vanilla and honey scents then you're guaranteed to love this. I think this is probably the second most moisturising one out of the lot, and would recommend either this or the Triple Moisture one if you suffer from very dry skin. 

Dial For Men Ultimate Clean; One product to win them all – Dial For Men Ultimate Clean is perfect for both hair and body.  Hair is left clean and manageable, while skin is left smooth and refreshed.

Camille's boyfriend, Alex, took this one and used it on both his hair and body as suggested. He found that it left his hair feeling great, and his skin feeling clean and moisturised. Another huge fan. The smell is similar to the 24hr Odor Armour one in that it smells very manly - something that I've found both guys are a huge fan of!

Dial Coconut Water & Bamboo Leaf Extract; Combining Coconut Water and Bamboo Leaf Extract, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re on a tropical island every time you enter the shower!  Rich in antioxidants and electrolytes, skin will be left superbly hydrated, soft and fresh while you enjoy this tropical escape.

This literally does smell like you've been transported to a tropical island, it is so gorgeous! Of course this one also leaves your skin feeling great, and if you're a fan of coconut scents you will be over the moon with this one. 

Overall I think it's pretty fair to say that I am obsessed with all of them! They all smell so amazing, I actually can't get over it. There is nothing I like more than smelling nice, and since a lot of smells actually irritate my allergies I don't often get to enjoy these kinda scents. But not one of these has caused any kind of allergic reaction - just another reason why I can't recommend them enough!

They are available at supermarkets around New Zealand, make sure you check them out. For $5.99, you really can't go wrong.

Thanks for viewing!

oxo

Fit Friday: Must have items for the gym (or at home!)

Camille and I are on a huge mission to get fit this year. Not only are we hoping to tone up (and lose weight in my case!) but our main priority is to get as fit and healthy as possible!

When you first embark on the journey to getting fit, it can be a little daunting to figure out exactly what you do and don't need to get started. So because we want to take you on this ride with us, we thought we'd share our must haves for the gym (or at home)!

Good pair of sneakers

The blue, purple and turquoise ones are all mine! The pink and peach are Camille's!

I learnt the hard way that this is an absolute necessity. You really can't go cheap on these, you have to spend a little bit more and get something that will provide excellent support... as I found out!
When I first started going to Jetts Gym, I had a pair of cheap old sneakers and figured they'd be fine. Boy was I wrong! Whenever I'd go on the treadmill my shins would ache, I literally couldn't use the cross trainers at all because it was so painful and I actually started to dread cardio.

Finally after much nagging from my boyfriend (he trains us) I got a new pair of New Balances.
The difference was instant, and significant! I felt like I was walking on air, I could run on the treadmill, use the cross trainers - I could do anything! I will never go back to buying cheap, unsupportive sneakers again, it's just not worth it.

Sports Bra

This is the exact one Camille has, and is the same style I'm planning on getting as mine are getting worn out!

The main thing you want to look for is a sports bra that has encapsulating cups, instead of the more common crop-top type ones. Encapsulating cups provide far superior support and less bounce.
Please don't work out in your regular bra! Camille can attest to this, for sure. She used to continuously work out in her everyday one, and could never run or jump comfortably - until she invested in a proper sports bra. It seriously improves your performance, even on a mental note. If you're not bouncing all over the place, you're going to push yourself harder. It's just a fact!

Towel

My towels are a bit gross, but I found this cool Adidas one I want! Want, but don't need...

You can disregard this if you work out at home, but if you do go to the gym make sure to take a towel with you! I can't even begin to tell you how irritating it is to see people sweat all over machines and benches, and not wipe them down afterwards! You do not want to be one of those people.
Not to mention, you're there to work out hard and get sweaty so having a towel on you to wipe yourself down really helps. We take anything from a hand towel to a small bath towel, you don't need anything fancy!

Drink bottle

These Camelbak drink bottles with the bite valves are great!

I know, I know. This is probably the most obvious out of all of these items so far - but surprisingly enough it's the one thing that I often forget! Whether you're going out for a walk, heading off to the gym or doing an exercise video at home - water is an absolute must. Drink bottles make it easy because you can sip as you go, and make a mental note of just how much water you are drinking. Remember, the water you drink now will be your blood in an hour's time.

Music

Music makes everything so much easier!

Listening to music really helps you get in the mood to exercise. Whether you blast your stereo at home while you work out, or you take your iPod with you to the gym, I can honestly say that it makes a huge difference. When creating your perfect playlist, try to pick songs that inspire you to move - whether that be rock, hip hop, indie... it doesn't matter - as long as it makes you feel good!
TIP: If you take your iPod or smartphone on walks/runs or to the gym, you might want to invest in an armband for it. I only just bought one for mine, and it's been so great! I can't believe I didn't get one sooner.

Well that sums up our basic must have items. I seriously found that once I had all these items sorted, it kept me motivated and helped me to enjoy each and every workout.

Stay tuned for next week where we will be discussing our Chest and Triceps routine!
Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Review: Clairol Professional Curl Definer Range

Clairol Professional Curl Definer Shampoo and Conditioning Lotion are the ideal start to your haircare regime. Infused with ginger and olive leaf extract, this shampoo and conditioning duo work to provide bounce and define and enhance the flexibility of naturally curly locks.

I'm the first person to admit that my hair is a mess. The amount of damage I've caused to it over the years is ridiculous. I've done everything from dying it different colours, heat styling daily aka frying my hair with the GHD and worst of all chemical straightening! All because I've been led to believe that curly hair is gross. Well enough is enough!

It's time to embrace what I've got and start trying to take care of my natural curls! And what better way to start than by using a haircare range designed specifically for curly hair.

I have been using the Clairol Professional Curl Definer Shampoo, Conditioning Lotion and the Curls in Curl Mousse religiously for almost 3 weeks now, and I can already see a huge difference in both the look and feel of my hair. I can tell you right now, I'm hooked!

The Curl Definer Shampoo (RRP: $16.90) is infused with ginger and olive leaf extract and provides bounce and elasticity to both naturally curly and permed hair. I have been using this every time I wash my hair, and have found that you only need to use a small amount as this really lathers up! It feels really cleansing yet doesn't seem to strip your hair and leave it feeling dry. I'm not a huge fan of the scent, but then I never like the smell of products containing olive leaf extract. It tends to fade after awhile though, which is great!

After shampooing and towel drying my hair, I apply 1-2 pumps of the Curl Definer Conditioning Lotion (RRP: $16.90). Together with the shampoo, these are supposed to make the hair conditioned and manageable, with well defined, bouncy curls. All while reducing static and adding extra shine!
As this is a leave-in conditioner, it doesn't require washing out. Took me awhile to get used to using this instead of an in-shower conditioner but it does a really decent job at stopping my hair from looking frizzy, which is a big thing for me. In fact, this works so well that most days I don't do anything else to my hair, and it still looks good!

On days when I want a little more curl definition, I turn to my Curls in Curl Mousse (RRP: $23.50). This contains unique 3D Sculpt micro-polymers, which give flexibility, form and style by moulding and shaping your curls.
After shampooing and using the conditioning lotion, I smooth a small amount of this throughout my hair and then leave it to dry naturally. This is hands down, the best mousse I have ever used in my life! Not only does it create the most beautiful curls, but it leaves them feeling soft and not the slightest bit hard or "crunchy" - I am in love!

Here's a snap of my hair from the front after using all three products:

And from the back:

Overall, I am really surprised by how much I love this range and can't believe that I'm wearing my hair curly almost everyday now, after straightening it non stop for years. Even my boyfriend has noticed and said my hair is looking great - yay!
Would definitely recommend this range to fellow curly haired people, it will not disappoint!

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

*pr sample

Review: The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder

This honey-enriched pressed powder gives skin an even, bronze matte finish.

Last month when I was in Newmarket for the Benefit Lollitint launch, I popped into The Body Shop specifically to pick up the Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder (RRP: $32.50). I've been hearing nothing but good things about it, and decided that I had to check it out for myself!

It comes in a cute little compact with a mirror, and the powder itself is in this adorable honeycomb design. The colour I picked up was shade 02 Fair Matte, which I found out is actually the most popular colour they sell. And I can see why. Not only is this the most perfect shade for bronzing up the face, but it's an excellent shade for contouring!

What I've found with this is that it has the creamy smooth texture that you usually only get with shimmery bronzers - but is matte! It blends effortlessly and because it's such a great colour, it's easy to make sure you don't go overboard with it. 

Here's a swatch:

Overall, it has quickly become one of my favourite bronzers, and I can actually see myself hitting pan on this! It's the first makeup product I've got from The Body Shop before, but if this is any indication of what the rest of the range is like - then I might just have to check out more stuff!

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Hair Trends for Autumn/Winter 2014

With the colder weather approaching us (I don't want to believe that summer is almost over!) you might want to change your hair colour, and this year it's all about warm, rich, multi-dimensional shades that enhance texture and depth!

Andrew Tetley, Clairol Professional's Creative Director, says it's the season for striking reds and ashy blondes to take centre stage!
For blondes, warm, golden caramel hues are huge at the moment - as seen on Claire Dane at the 2014 SAG Awards.

Blondes can also opt for a beautiful platinum shade, similar to Tilda Swinton's nordic hue at the recent Chanel Couture show.

"Brunettes should embrace the sensibility of autumn with cooler, cappuccino browns accented by ash blonde touches" says Andrew. While ombre is still on trend, natural shades are hot for Autumn and Winter. Olivia Wilde's hair at the recent Golden Globes is a perfect example of this.

If you're after the ultimate statement colour, you can't go wrong with a fiery copper red with cinnamon highlights, or dark reds with plum or violet undertones!

On the flipside, if you don't want to completely change your hair colour but still want something different, golden highlights or lowlights will rejuvenate brunette hair; while adding some depth with a few darker strands will give blondes a whole new look.

To maintain and enrich your new colour and to ensure it stays looking vibrant, check out the new Clairol Professional Color Radiance range. Infused with extracts of passionfruit and orange peel lipids, the new range includes a shampoo, intense treatment mask and conditioning spray to keep your locks vibrant!

Start with the Color Radiance Shampoo (RRP: $16.90) and Intensive Mask (RRP: $16.90) to gently cleanse and deep condition your hair. Both of these contain Clairol Professional's exclusive Radialux Micro-Ions technology which targets damaged areas and adapts to the unique needs of your hair, leaving it looking nourished and vibrant.

You can then follow that with the Color Radiance Conditioning Spray (RRP: $16.90), a nourishing leave in treatment that can be used for immediate protection against daily wear. This amazing stuff protects your hair against harmful UV rays. When applied to towel-dried hair, this formula penetrates each strand to repair damage, protecting it from the everyday elements that cause colour to fade.

The Clairol Professional Color Radiance range is available in selected salons nationwide.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo