Hask Hair 'Treasure Box': What a lovely surprise! [Argan Oil | Macadamia Oil Treatments]

Yesterday the postman delivered me a lovely surprise from Hask Hair. To thank me for previously discussing their Argan Oil Healing Shine Treatment, the company sent me a 'treasure box' filled with some of their products. 

I just had to show my gratitude with a quick post detailing what I received!

I plan on dying my hair again next week (surprise...not!), so I will let you know how I get on with some of the following products soon. No doubt they'll help to rectify any damage the dye's chemicals may cause! 

Inside my Hask Hair treasure box...

The right side got a little crumpled in transit. Never mind :]

Hask Argan Oil Healing Shine Treatment 18ml: I was soooo happy to find three more vials of the fantastic Hask Argan Oil inside the box! There's 18ml in each, but a little of this stuff goes a very long way! This oil is great for instantly fixing hair that's been exposed to chemicals and/or too much heat!

Hask Macadamia Oil Exotic Shine Treatment 18ml: This oil smells INCREDIBLE, almost chocolatey! I've tried a little already and a small amount instantly smoothed my dry, brittle ends (which I couldn't stop sniffing!) LOVE IT.

Hask Natural Essentials Leave-in Instant Conditioning Treatment 18ml: This product has a more 'watery' consistency. The ingredients include grape seed oil, avocado oil and olive oil. One application per vial, and a neutral scent. I'm intrigued! 

Hask Argan Oil Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment: There's 50g in each of these deep conditioning hair treatment sachets (and each of the subsequent conditioner sachets below), so I should be able to get at least two applications out of each. If these work as well as Hask's pure oils, my locks are going to look and feel really healthy! 

Hask Macadamia Oil Hydrating Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment 50g

Hask Natural Essentials Complete Conditioning Treatment 50g

What a treat!

.....

Have you used any Hask products yet? 

I really do recommend Hask's Argan oil for restoring the condition of bleach-damaged/over-dyed hair and so I am stoked to have received more (you can get it at the till-point in most Primark stores, for £3).

Hask's products really should be stocked more widely in the UK (PLEASE!) I'd love to find this brand in high street chains like Superdrug*. I know I would buy Hask's Argan and Macadamia oil vials regularly already, because they really do wonders for my hair.

*Hold the phone...apparently some Superdrug's do stock it!? I'm going have to keep an eye out!

/KatSick. 

Purple Sekonda Party Time Watch: What colour would you choose? [FindWatches.co.uk REVIEW]

£25.49 (15% off the RRP).

FindWatches.co.uk is a business specialising in watches - both affordable and more luxe brands - at competitive prices. With almost 1,000 watches in their vast catalogue, there really is a watch suited to everyone's personal taste. In fact, choosing just one could prove extremely difficult!

Even better; standard UK delivery is free!

Just some of the brands stocked by the site include FCUK, Karen Millen, Police, Rotary, Seksy, Fat Face and Timberland.

Back in December I was sent one of Find Watches' products for review; the sparkly Sekonda 'Party Time' watch, in purple.

Purple Sekonda Party Time Watch Review

The rubber strap makes this watch really comfortable to wear, especially because this material is so lightweight.

I have not worn watches often in the past since I'm usually hyper-aware I've got one on my wrist (I have found them to be rather uncomfortable). I have however, completely forgotten I've been wearing this one on several occasions, only remembering when someone has asked me for the time!

I like the contrast of the stainless steel, jewel encrusted bezel against the rubber. I was worried the rubber might give the watch a really cheap aesthetic, or be of poor quality (i.e. snap easily), but I'm pleased to say this is not the case at all - it's really durable!

I think this a really great watch for the price (£25.49).

The fact this watch is presented in an attractive black and silver Sekonda gift box makes this accessory all the more desirable. When in its box, the watch sits upon a black, velvet presentation pillow too:

Just one more pic :]

The Sekonda Party Time watch is available in a rainbow of hues. I decided to pick the purple (obviously!) but I did struggle to choose between them all.

Here are just some of the other colour options available...

Left to right: Blossom (£23.99), Yellow (£23.99), Riviera (£19.99) and Cloud (£25.49). 

Left to right: Burgundy (£23.99), Palm (£19.99) and Orange (£23.99).

Which colour do you like most? Tell me in the comments below.

Be sure to check out Find Watches the next time you're seeking a new timepiece for yourself or a loved one.

/KatSick.

Amethyst Ezme Jewellery: Skull & Umbrella Bracelets & Ship Wheel Earrings [REVIEW & DISCOUNT]

Back in November a lovely girl by the name of Amethyst Byrne sent me three different jewellery items, available from her home-made accessory business Amethyst Ezme. 

Amethyst loves being creative in all ways possible (she's recently entered the realm of T-shirt design too) and aims to create affordable jewellery pieces, appealing to a wide range of people.

I'm glad to say I've finally found time in my ever-increasingly busy life to share my verdict on the trio of items sent to me...

Skull shamballa bracelet

£3

I really love this bracelet - it's my favourite of the items Amethyst sent to me. The metal beads remind me a little of the classic Alexander McQueen skull, though this is obviously a much more purse-friendly accessory!

I like that this bracelet could be worn by a man also - the metal beads are dainty enough to be considered feminine, but the subject matter (skulls) is masculine enough to see the bracelet appeal to blokes.

I guess it's slightly annoying that the bracelet needs to be tied when worn, since this makes taking it off at the end of the day no easy task. This is fine with me though, since it's rare I actually want to remove it! I've worn it in the shower a few times (oops) and I'm pleased to report the beads have not rusted at all. 

Definitely worth it's £3 price tag!

Umbrella shamballa bracelet

£3

I also really like shamballa-style umbrella bracelet. It speaks to the emo kid in me who once (well, still) appreciates MySpace-era artwork like the following...

Artist unknown.

Photographer and image stars unknown.

Again, this bracelet ties up at the back but the umbrella handle does unhook for speedy release (though I won't be making a habit of doing this, since I would hate to ever accidentally snap the charm!)

The umbrella is cute and the knotting is really very neat considering it was done by hand. What's not to like?

Ship wheel earrings

£2

£2? What an absolute bargain! 

Although I can't wear both of these at once (I have an 8mm stretch in my left lobe), these really are adorable! Even better; if I ever lose one I'll have a replacement readily available.

These earrings make me want to invest in some stripy blue and white tops, to complete the nautical aesthetic.

.....

Amethyst Ezme wishlist

Here's two more items from Amethyst Ezme which I have my beady eyes on...

This plane & globe necklace speaks to my desire to travel and see more of the world... (Price unknown).

Keep calm and Ohm. Or something. Pretty! £2.50

.....

Amethyst Ezme packaging

I thought I should also show you the packaging in which my items arrived. Tissue paper wrapping and a handwritten tag were both nice touches!

.....

To see more of Amethyst Ezme's attractive and affordable jewellery items, you can visit her store at:

Facebook

Big Cartel and

Etsy

Stock rotates regularly, so be sure to check back often!

DISCOUNT: If you enter the code 'amethyst20' at the checkout stage, you'll get 20% off your order (cool, right?) 

You can also follow Amethyst on Twitter.

What do you think of these jewellery items? Which is your favourite?

/KatSick.

The Body Shop Bargain: How I Broke My Spending Ban *Again*

I previously mentioned that I had self-imposed a spending ban, due to being in the red almost immediately after pay day this month. Boo!

However, I broke this promise to myself at lunch time today, by popping into the Worthing Body Shop store for a quick nose at their sale items. Although I'm kinda gutted to have broken my spending ban in little over a week, I simply could not have left this bargain behind...

Hemp Moisture High Balm

Want to buy this for just £1? Click here.

As you can see in the first snap, this product was originally £6, reduced to just £1. I am sure you can understand why I had to buy it then, despite the fact I already have way too many lotions and potions knocking about the place!

I have suffered slightly dry cuticles, lips and (strangely for me) patches on my face since snow first arrived in the UK, and I think this Hemp Moisture High Balm will do just the trick. It has a consistency similar to Vaseline but is more easily absorbed by skin, making it ideal for use almost anywhere on the body.

The Body Shop website recommends this product for use on dry knees and elbows specifically, though I do not suffer from either ailment. I've used this balm on my hands and lips already, and it effectively smoothes both (though it certainly doesn't smell as nice as some of the other lip goos I own!)

A great buy I reckon! But I really need to stop spending money on beauty goodies (as if), or at the very least have a big clear out soon...

/KatSick. 

Natures Healthbox: Optima Organic Australian Tea Tree Deep Cleansing Skin Wash [REVIEW & DISCOUNT CODE]

Brighton-based Natures Healthbox is a new shop boasting a great catalogue of natural, eco-friendly and organic health, beauty, baby, food, cleaning and homeopathy products.

The business' origins stem from several conversations three close friends - pharmacy workers Jon, Keeley and Kerri  - had previously, regarding the ever increasing popularity of natural alternatives over chemical-based remedies.

As aficionados of natural solutions themselves, the trio self-test each and every product before it is approved for inclusion in the shop and/or on the site - very reassuring!

Towards the end of last year, the team sent me one of the products available through www.natureshealthbox.co.uk to review...

Be sure to check out the discount code at the end of this post!

.....

Optima Organic Australian Tea Tree Deep Cleansing Skin Wash Review

£5.49, 250ml, Natures Healthbox.

The box says...

Minimum of 38% Terpinen-4-OL*

Australian Tea Tree Deep Cleansing Skin Wash can be used all over the body, or simply as a fantastically refreshing hand wash. In addition to Tea Tree, it also contains Lemongrass, Bergamot, Eucalyptus and Aloe Vera to help invigorate and revitalise the body. Australian Tea Tree Deep Cleansing Skin Wash cleanses without drying and leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean. 

Australian Tea Tree products contain only the finest Tea Tree Oil, grown and harvested in the rural areas of Australia  Each batch of Australian Tea Tree Oil is tested to ensure that it conforms to our strict quality guidelines which are over and above industry standards. 

*The active Ingredient in Tea Tree Oil.

Although you can also use this product as a shower gel and/or hand wash, I've simply been cleaning my face with it each morning and night.

A number of the natural ingredients in this skin wash have astringent qualities (Lemongrass, Aloe Vera) meaning it's great for removing makeup fully, aiding the prevention of blemishes.

The solution lathers up really well, and also smells wonderful. The Lemongrass definitely dominates the fragrance (awesome, since I love Lemongrass!) and the zingy notes are ideal for rousing me from my still-half-asleep state on workday mornings.

My face is left tingling ever so slightly for a short while after rinsing the foam off too!

Additionally, the lid of the bottle is great for controlling the amount used in each application. The formula has a slightly 'rubbery' gel consistency (for lack of a better description) and so you would have to squeeze the bottle quite hard to get out more than you ever actually need.

3 months later and there's still plenty left... :]

I am happy to say - as the box promises - this wash does not dry out my skin and leave it feeling tight like so many other face washes in the past. Instead my face is left soft and incredibly clean. What's not to like?

Final thoughts

My skin has definitely looked clearer since I started using Australian Tea Tree Deep Cleansing Skin Wash  - I've suffered (probably otherwise avoidable) spots following occasions I have been lazy and skipped using it, though these have been few. It looks like I am going to have to stock up soon!

I was surprised to discover this skin wash retails for just £5.49 - I was expecting it to cost at least a tenner, considering it's a rich 38% Terpinen-4-OL formula!

There are a number of other Optima Australian Tea Tree Oil products available from Natures Healthbox, including a shampoo, conditioner, various anti-septic spot treatments and even a toothpaste (!?) I'm intrigued!

.....

If you fancy treating yourself to some of the natural beauty goodies available from Natures Healthbox, why not make use of this discount code to receive 10% off your order - simply enter it at the checkout stage.

BLOGTASTIC2013

Do be quick though! This offer ends midnight, JAN 31.

All Natures Healthbox orders come attractively packaged too:

Have you tried any Optima Australian Tea Tree products before?

/KatSick.

3 in 1 'Nail Art' duo pen set by NPW, available at Topshop [REVIEW]

Back in December I was sent a duo pack of 'Nail Art' pens to review, designed and distributed by impulse-gift company NPW.

NPW's products are stocked in many stores across the UK, including Topshop, Paperchase, Urban Outfitters and John Lewis, and the company boasts an extensive product catalogue comprising more than 1,000 gifts. Check out npw.co.uk to see them all (I LOVE the look of the owl hand cream jars!)

The 'fluro yellow' version of this kit is currently available to buy from Topshop, for £7.50, along with a selection of other products from the 'Nail Art' brand (prices vary).

.....

Hot pink/silver 'Nail Art' duo pen review

The structure of each pen means this kit is quite versatile.

The side of the set's box.

The lid of each pen pulls off to reveal a nib...

...and the varnish barrel of each pen screws off, so each can also be applied using the traditional brush method.

A screw-chamber (that sounds like something from 50 Shades...) containing sparkly gemstones meanwhile, features at the opposite other end of each pen.

The silver nail art pen comes with silver gems, while the pink has, uh, pink. Go figure.

I have experimented with this kit quite a bit, and so I can inform you of both the pros and cons of this product.

Note the shakiness - I need practise! 

More wobbly application. I don't bite my nails any more but they do snap an awful lot...

.....

Nail Art pen set - The Pros

• As I mentioned before, the kit is quite versatile. My various nail designs pictured above should demonstrate this nicely. 

• £7.50 isn't a bad price to pay for those new to nail art (a hobby which has regained popularity amongst beauty fans in the last year), looking to experiment without investing too much money. 

• The crystal gems included in each pen are very shiny  and made of glass, not plastic as I originally suspected. Pretty! 

• The pens sit comfortably in the hand, making application of the varnish via nib, or brush, a breeze. 

• The box in which the pens are supplied is attractive, meaning this Nail Art set would definitely make a great gift. The inclusion of hot pink and silver varnishes makes me think this kit would be most appreciated by the younger end of the teenage girls' spectrum. 

Nail Art pen set - The Cons

Every product has its downsides...

• Unfortunately, the nail varnishes are not strong enough to securely hold the gemstones in place. In the images above, I have secured the gems using some nail glue remaining from a set of false nails I bought previously. 

• The ingredients contained in the nail varnishes seem to separate fairly easily. As such, a vigorous shake /energetic stir is required before every use, to ensure smooth, even application. 

• You have to be careful to remember to open the varnish chamber the right way - opening it upside down sees things get really messy (not everyone is as much of a klutz as I am though!)

Overall I think this is a pretty nifty gift - I'm going to have lots of fun experimenting with these pens more in the future!

.....

Have you ever used a Nail Art product? Will you be keeping an eye out for such during your next Topshop visit?

/KatSick. 

Pay Day Booty #3: John Frieda Full Repair, GOSH 'Kiwi' Effect Powder, MUA Magnetic Nails/Constellations & Ghost 'Deep Night'

I wasn't going to do a Pay Day Booty post this month, since I had intended on not buying anything deemed 'unnecessary', in an attempt to stay in the green.

Alas; I decided to allow myself to go and stock up on the John Frieda Full Repair conditioner I reviewed in my last post, before Boots' 'Two for £8' offer ended.

Visiting Superdrug first on the off-chance the store might have its own, superior promotional offer on John Frieda products (they didn't) saw me spending more than I had originally intended...

I thought I might as well put a post together then!

MUA Magnetic Nails 'Regent Street' and Nail Constellations 'Leo'

After seeing Superdrug selling all John Frieda products at their original RRPs, I decided I might as well check out the MUA stand before heading to my original destination  Boots. This was a bad idea really, since I knew I would end up buying something, due to the fact MUA's items start from just £1.

I ended up with two items; Magnetic Nails in shade 'Regent Street' and Nail Constellations in 'Leo'. Before Christmas, these products were £3 each, but the RRP for both has since dropped to £2.

I mentioned quite a while ago I would like to finally tackle my life-long nail-biting habit. I have succeeded (though they snap far more often than I'd like!)

My interest in nail art is growing as a result -  I guess beating the habit was my justification for buying these two MUA goodies.

The 'Magnetic' nail varnish is pretty fun once you get the knack for applying it. After applying two coats you hold the magnet built into the lid of the bottle over each nail, in order to create a pattern, in this case a 'squiggle effect'.

Cool, huh? Not sure why my fingers are so sparkly...

I was more impressed with the 'Leo' constellations though, which you can see applied over Max Factor's 'Lacquer Noir' nail varnish below (you simply shake the tiny beads over wet nail varnish, then wait to dry). 

I can't wait to have a proper play with these!

GOSH Effect Powder: 'Kiwi'

After I was done browsing the MUA stand, I saw Superdrug had reduced a number of cosmetics from varying lines on another. Most of these were of no interest to me, but I just couldn't resist this GOSH Effect Powder in shade 'Kiwi', reduced to just 49p.

49P, Superdrug.

I've no idea what the original RRP was, but it's safe to bet it was considerably higher! As you can see, it's a shimmery green-meets-gold colour, akin to MAC's 'Golden Olive' eye powder. A great bargain spot!

And so it was on to Boots to collect the two bottles of John Frieda Full Repair conditioner I had intended to buy solely...

2 x John Frieda Full Repair conditioner

Two for £8 on John Frieda products at Boots. You can read my review of this product here.

Before I reached the JF section though, I passed a collection of half price perfume sets, left over from Christmas. I quickly noticed a Ghost 'Deep Night' EDT gift set on sale for just £12.

Ghost 'Deep Night' 30ml Eau de Toilette gift set

'Deep Night' became one of my favourite scents after I got a little bottle of it in a perfume miniatures set last Xmas, and I've been meaning to get myself some more for a while.

I find it hard to describe scents to others, so I have copied the following description from Fragrancedirect.co.uk:

"An unusually subtle fragrance, Ghost Deep Night opens with top notes of Indian rose and belle de nuit, flowing into a heart of orange, white tree and apricot, atop a smooth base of vanilla, amber and musk."

Since 30ml of Deep Night is usually £25 on its own, to get this for £12 with a free body lotion thrown in...how's a girl supposed to resist?

£12, Boots. Excuse the flash...

I may have only spent £24.49 in total, but I have now re-imposed the shopping ban on myself!

/KatSick.

John Frieda: Frizz-Ease Hair Serum, 'Straight Ahead' Shampoo, Full Repair Conditioner & Precision Foam Colour (Luminous Blue Black) [REVIEW]

A short while before Christmas, I was asked whether I might like to review a selection of hair products by John Frieda. I was hardly going to say no!

Although I had aimed to publish this review a while ago, being poorly over the Christmas period foiled my blogging schedule. The delay however, has seen me put these John Frieda products to good use, meaning I can give you a well-informed verdict on each.

Well, apart from the first one, which I am yet to use...

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour: 2A Luminous Blue Black

The box says:

"Introducing the new way to colour hair: Precision Foam Colour. This revolutionary, non-drip foam, covers every strand perfectly, so you are assured of shiny, natural-looking results."

£9.99, Boots

I am yet to use this hair dye, due to recently rekindling my addictions of peroxide and brightly coloured dyes. Black dye is the hardest colour to strip for the hair, as my currently over-bleached, damaged, snapping ends are proving!

I reverted back to all black hair a few months ago, and quickly changed my mind. I've bleached sections of my hair several times since - anyone will tell you this does not aid healthy hair condition! This fact never seems to stop me though...

 I may have managed to get more pink and purple in my (ridiculous) hair, but the ends have become very dry! Hair appointment booked for next week...

I am sure I will eventually add some more black back into my barnet, even if it's just a few streaks, and so I am putting this kit away for when ebony takes my fancy once more.

I can however, say I am very impressed with the contents of the box. Not only do the black (awesome!) disposable gloves appear to be of premium quality, but the inclusion of a generous 50ml bottle of John Frieda post-colour conditioner is also a nice touch. Most brands provide a one-use conditioner sachet only.

I have never used a foam hair colourant before - I generally use the more common 'gel' variant. I am super intrigued by the pump contraption-form this home dye takes though. I'll be sure to tell you what I think once I've tested it out (whenever that might be...)

John Frieda Full Repair™ Full Body Conditioner

The bottle says:

"Bodifying formula, with Inca Inchi Oil rich in omega-3, repairs the look and feel of overstyled hair for full, flowing styles. Smooths and detangles strands, reducing the risk of breaking and snagging when combing or brushing."

£5.89, 250ml, Boots

Since putting my hair through the before-mentioned Hell, this conditioner has really been a great help. The ends of my hair appear less dry aesthetically - you can only tell the peroxide damage is present on close inspection.

My locks are also left glossy and easier to style after using this conditioner - I suspect that's thanks to the Inca Inchi oil it contains.

I generally get through three 250ml bottles of conditioner for every one equally-sized bottle of shampoo. It's not uncommon for me to use a full bottle of conditioner in one week either!

As such, £5.89 for a bottle of Full Repair is a little steep for me. Since the product actually delivers what it promises though, nourishing my over-styled hair back to vitality, I will likely go and stock up soon.

Many John Frieda products are on offer at Boots currently too; two for £8 - far more purse friendly!

Frizz-Ease Straight Ahead shampoo

The bottle says:

"Formula with styling polymer smooths, softens and aligns frizzy hair for instantly easier straight styling results that last up to 24 hours."

£6.59, 250ml, Boots

I have used this shampoo with and without using the above Full Repair conditioner afterwards, with great results each time. All too often I find shampoos dry out my hair but this one doesn't at all - my locks are left perfectly shiny. 

Washing my hair with Frizz-Ease shampoo leaves my hair sleeker, and I find blow-drying quicker, simpler and far less of a chore. 

I think the "styling polymer" this shampoo supposedly contains must be a similar ingredient to that used in Pantene Pro V shampoos, which my hair also responds really well too. 

Again, £6.59 is not an amount I'd spend on shampoo usually but I'll likely purchase this one in the future (especially since it's also included in Boots' current 'Two for £8' offer).

Frizz-Ease Original Formula hair serum

The box says:

"Award winning formula instantly eliminates dry, moderate frizz and repels humidity for glossy, silky-smooth styles. With thermal protectant."

£6.29, 50ml, Boots (excuse the poor image - silver box + flash doesn't work well!)

I've always remembered this product as one which was loved by all the popular, "pretty" girls at school back in the late 90s, so I was intrigued to finally try it for myself. 

The formula is designed to be distributed sparingly through WET hair using your hands, before styling. It actually smells really nice; faintly fruity.

While this serum does work to prevent fly-aways and frizz, I have to say my hair didn't really get on with it. Frizziness doesn't occur because the serum is quite heavy, restricting the hair's free movement. It also did nothing to aid the condition of my hair. 

While I am aware that's not the product's USP (it's more akin to a fixing gel than a conditioning aid, IMO), I am still a little disappointed.

I can't say Frizz-Ease serum is a hair product I will be buying in the future. But I do think it's quite likely I'll be stocking up on the before-mentioned shampoo, and Full Repair conditioner soon.  

.....

What do you think of John Frieda products? Are they a staple in your hair care routine? 

If you want to learn more about how to use John Frieda products, you should visit the brand's YouTube channel.

/KatSick.