The sun is shining, the weather is sweet

I am a massive fan of Aussie shampoos. There are always 3 brands of shampoos on rotation in my bathroom and you can guarantee that Aussie is always always there. I used to belong to the Aussie Angel programme at some point but decided to drop my wings after a while, mainly because I felt guilty of not blogging enough about their hair styling range (I am so rubbish at styling my hair) and thought it was time to leave the amazing opportunity to someone else who would be a better spokesperson for them. My love story with Aussie started long before I even started blogging, so when Aussie released a new shampoo earlier last month, I naturally was itching to try it.


   



Aussie's latest addition is called the 'Miracle Shine' and the first thing I asked myself was if they were going to call the 3 miracle treatment 'the 3 minute miracle miracle shine
I was itching to try it but at the same time, I was a bit scared as I heard rumours that the scent was dramatically different from the usual aussie shampoos that we love. Some people described it as floral, some others as having a very sweet smell. I am not a floral type of person so I was scared me and Miracle Shine was not going to happen.






After 2 weeks of wait, my Superdrug finally stocked some and I was able to assess it for myself. One sniff and I was sold. For me, it has a base of 'traditional' Aussie shampoo with a very fragrant note of candy floss over the top. Washing my hair was as lovely as with any other Aussie shampoo but with the added bonus of a new fragrance. I felt it didn't leave my hair as moisturised as Luscious Long and Take the Heat (my ultimate favourite shampoos) but I felt it left my hair a little bit shinier than usual.





All thumbs up then?
Well. Not quite.

   
I understand that Aussie wanted to keep the design of the Miracle shine in line with the rest of the range. But I think that the packaging could have done with being a little bit fancier: perhaps some holographic effect on the 'shine' lettering on the bottle maybe?
I think Aussie went a little carried away with the fragrance. Every time I now go the bathroom I can smell this particular shampoo and this is, without a doubt the most fragrant shampoo I have ever ever owned. Luckily, I don't spend all my waking hours in the bathroom but if I were, I think I would become a bit bored in the end. Who needs Glade, hey?  


I love the way Miracle Shine leaves my hair (soft, shiny, light, and definitely not sticky as the fragrance could suggest), this is a definite repurchase for me, but be warned: Miracle Shine is only for the serious sweet toothed lovers out there.

  
disclaimer: bought the shampoo myself, on offer at Superdrug (2 for £6.99 I think) I am not affiliated with Aussie, I am not an Aussie Angel (I used to be but I am not anymore, I quite miss it actually) and I have not received any encouragement to write about it.

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“Become an Aussie Angel” Competition: “Put a spring in your Spring”

I am super excited to introduce you to a fun competition sponsored by Aussie Haircare.
The prize: Becoming an Aussie Angel

 
Aussie is scouring the luscious lengths of the United Kingdom (and Ireland) in search for their next Aussie Angels. What's an Aussie Angel? It's your girl-next-door blogger who gets to try the latest Aussie Haircare producs when they are launched and is happy to share their Aussie Products experiences with their audience.

In addition, Aussie Angels have the chance to  participate in fun activities and events to know more about the brand, how to use the products and tips and tricks to raise your hair confidence and feel fabulous. Last but not least you get to mingle with lots of bloggers and make friends. Pretty amazing really!

What's the competition? What do I need to do?


1. You need to be an active blogger, and resident of the United Kingdom & Ireland.
2. Put your thinking cap on and answer the following question (in the form of a blogpost):

“Put a spring in your spring! Tell us:
How would you lighten up your life?
#AussieLight”

  

3.  Answer the question in the form of a blog-post on your own blog.
4. Tweet the link of your blog to @yummyhair (so Aussie know where to find it!)


Important Information


- Winners will be chosen by the Uncover Aussie team based on the most creative response that reflects the Aussie spirit. This means videos, pictures, stories or even songs can be their blog post entry – just as long as you answer the question.
- The competition closes on Sunday 20th March 2011, 23.59 GMT
- Full rules, terms and conditions can be found here or at http://bit.ly/aussielush


Further Information


- Aussie Official Website: http://www.aussiehair.com/
- Aussie Angels Website: http://www.uncoveraussie.co.uk/
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yummyhair
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AussieHair

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My long but luscious day …

We've all been there before: at times we feel very unhappy with our skin, like it's the driest/spottiest in the whole world and that it needs some serious drastic help. So do what we do? We go and buy the most heavy duty treatment we can find. Most of the time we find that the heavy duty treatment we've found is too harsh or that we've been overdoing it. 


If you feel the same for your hair, there are some new products for you to try. Aussie Haircare has just launched a range of new conditioners called 'Lusciously Light'. The idea is give you the same quality conditioning action (and legendary gorgeous smell) but with a lightweight formula. Did they just create one lightweight product just for one type of hair? No! They went to create lightweight versions for the 6 most popular conditioners and for two of their 3 minute miracle treatments.






I was very fortunate to be sent one product of the new 'lusciously long' range to try. In true Aussie style, it was delivered to me the most amazing way: emulating the new logo, a kangaroo being lifted by balloons, I received my lusciously light luscious long conditioner lifted by a giant helium balloon. How extravagantly fabulous is that!








Like a jack in a box, the balloon sprung out and was the first thing which greeted me (and my nosy colleagues) when I untied the Aussie purple ribbon of the huge parcel. I then had to give a little presentation to my colleagues about Aussie haircare and this new line of products. I felt ever so special. After work, one of my colleagues asked me if I wanted to have a 'lift' home. Usually I would skip on the occasion (pun intended) but this time, I just wanted to walk home and be noticed with my balloon, hoping to be asked what it was.

It’s been a long week, but what a luscious ending to it !
Thank you very much. Me (and colleagues afore mentioned!) can’t wait to try this new conditioner

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<3 you Ditzy! oh and a Mac Cosmetics Giveaway …

I can’t believe I forgot to post this picture. Who is the ditzy one now? :P I was lucky to meet again Sinead from DitzyMakeup blog recently on Bonfire Night for an amazing party hosted by Aussie Haircare in honour of the  launch of the Take the Heat. I think we both look good on this picture, so it’d be a shame not to post it right?


Do you know DitzyMakeup by the way? Her makeup is always flawless, she has cute manicures on her blog too and and and she has got a giveaway (ends on 24 Dec 2010) at the moment whereby you can win a gift card to spend on whatever you want at Mac Cosmetics, for the value of £50. Poor little rabbit has been through hell and back this year and has lost her daddy :( So even if you’re a not fan of Mac Cosmetics (I am not a great fan myself, although i do swear by my mac vanilla!!)  just have a looksie at her blog and say hello. Oh and ask her to do more fotd’s :)  Thank you xx

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Fireworks Party, Heat Damage and Aussie to the Rescue …

… Or the adventures of a stress head in Leeds…
Last Saturday I was invited to a truly fabulous party hosted by Aussie Haircare to celebrate the launch of their latest haircare range 'Take the Heat', a line of products specifically designed to protect your hair from the effects of heat damage.




In true Aussie Style, the event was superbly organised as usual and in every detail: from the gorgeous package, with colour coordinated satin ribbon to match the colour of products to the theme of the event: What a better night that 'Bonfire Night, night of fireworks' to host an event around heat damage. Perfect! The event was hosted in the sky lounge of some swanky hotel in Leeds, with panoramic views of the city.




I could not have thought of a better venue for it: while sipping out champagne cocktails, we were able to see the fireworks through the large windows, whilst in the warmth inside, all glammed up and in heels.




Before the event, all Aussie Angels were given a mission. We had to see which 'Take the heat' protector product worked best for our hair (read my thoughts on the products here) choose a hairstyle to recreate from hair style inspiration videos on the Aussie website, and reveal our hair style to the world. Best Barnet of the night would be awarded a prize. So this is when it started to go a bit pear shape. I am so mortified... {Put the kettle on, it's a long one...}

To start off, I received my 'Take the Heat' parcel later than everyone else as I had to had my parcel redelivered to a different address which left me less time than everyone else to practise. It’s my own fault really, as I work full time and never at home to receive parcels. Then, with Halloween preparations in the middle of it, I ran of time to buy a decent hair curler tool (I set myself on creating the voluminous curls hairstyle) so I ended up practising my curls with a pair of straightening irons. Needless to say, my first attempt at curling my hair using a hair straightener didn't go to plan.


To top it all off (wait for it) the same day of the event, I was moving offices and carrying filing cabinets and all sorts all day. My main priority was to keep my hair clean and away from the dust, which caused hilarity around the offices as I was wearing a hat indoors {we’re talking russian/trapper type of woolie hat here , with 2 flaps at the side covering the ears} By the time I took my train to Leeds, nothing of my freshly straightened hairstyle was left. It was still shiny, definitely not dusty but flat as anything. I was absolutely mortified. There I was going to a truly amazing party (Aussie Parties are just always out of this world), my hair flat as a pancake, knowing it would be judged to scoop the prize for the best barnet of the night.


There I was at 18.30, (party was due to start at 19.30, 'sharp like my hairstyle' as said the invitation) just arriving to my hotel, with fiasco hair, with just an hour to regain human appearance and put makeup on. I don't remember the last time I was such a bag of nerves. Before the event, I had practised a makeup look, inspired by the colour theme of the product (see my look here) but I chickened out at the last minute and opted for another makeup look (and outfit) I had worn many times before. To add to the nerves, attending the event as my guest, was YouTube celebrity makeup guru glitterdollz7. I felt paralysed. I felt I had forgotten how to apply lashes, blend shadows and everything ... AAAaa. I just couldn't relax enough to apply decent makeup, I felt the glue of my lashes wouldn't stick and the lashes I would usually be able to pop them on in the dark would not sit right. It was chaos. Anyway, after lots of stress and shakes, Ellie (missy_ellie_uk)and Carly (glitterdollz7),  - my guests for the evening - and myself arrived to the event about 13 minutes late.










I felt so lucky to be there. I just couldn't believe the venue and the breathtaking views we had over the city of Leeds and the fireworks. As a surprise guest for the evening, Aussie treated us to dancers performing on the balcony, all again, superbly  coordinated with the Take the Heat Products: Red and Purple Dancers with assorted ribbons and Dancers with Fairy Light Dresses to echo the heat theme of the night:








 








I was able to meet and chat to lots of bloggers, and sample all the delicious canapés and flowing champagne. I was having fun, but still deep down, I was mortified at the thought of having let Aussie down with my hairstyle. These girlies, by contrast did extremely well. Below, meet Katy the winner of the barnet of the night, with the 2 finalists, Jen and Catherine. If  it had been me, I would have had as well included @kelanjo19 as a finalist but I am really glad it was Katy who scooped the prize as she has long hair like me, yay :). The one who is laughing her head off is Jen and the one with the gorgeous golden dress is Catherine.



  

On my wish list for Christmas, a pair of curling irons definitely. Any suggestions for brands and models which can tackle my thich long locks would be very much appreciated.

And now photo time extravaganza…


 



















 






Marylin Monroe and me




Lady Gaga and me




Thank you for the great night Aussie! 

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Taking the Heat, Aussie Style & FOTD

About 2 weeks ago I received a beautiful package from Aussie. Inside an invitation, a second chance and a big  challenge...
The invitation was to attend a very swanky party to celebrate the launch of their latest range of products  called “Take the Heat” designed to protect your hair from the effects of heat damage. The whole  range contains 5 products: a shampoo, a conditioner, 3 minute miracle deep treatment, a leave-in spray, and  a cream.

 


Oh I hear you already. You're going to say that you don't style your hair very much or that you only  straighten your fringe. Well, heat damage happens from the moment you blow dry your hair and you don't have  to be doing elaborate crimping or curling etc  to damage your hair, I have learnt.  (I am going to try to forget  all the years I've been doing stuff to my hair without using anything, same for all the years of my life I  have been walking around without using SPF).

Also inside my parcel, the chance to road test two products from the range: the 'Take the Heat Cream' and  ‘Take the Heat Leave-in Spray’. I was really excited about the range firstly because of its main ingredient:  Jojoba.


For years, when I was living in France, one of my most repurchased shampoos was a shampoo (designed  for long hair) from L'Oreal containing jojoba which makes my hair super super shiny. (he shampoo is actually called ‘brilliance’ (French for shine). Sadly, I have never  been able to find this shampoo in England (I don't think it has ever been sold here).




But anyway, who wants  L'Oreal when you can have the trademark lovely smell of Aussie Products and the friendly language and puns  on their bottles? Friendly & Amusing language on shampoo bottles, by the way has also been attempted by Herbal Essences too, although I think they went too far the raunchy way in my opinion and don’t speak to me the same.

The challenge I was given was to see which form of protection I preferred when using heat on my hair (the  cream designed for thicker hair or the spray for thin hair), choose a hairstyle to recreate from the 3 hair  style tutorials on the Aussie website, and practise practise practise to reveal the fruits of my efforts and  my luscious long locks styled by moi on the night of Event. (my post about the night here)




I tried the cream  heat protector for my dry and thick horse hair. I was a bit apprehensive it would leave my hair greasy,  sticky, dull and heavier, but it didn't. Usually, when I blow dry my hair, I feel I need to put back  moisture into it but this time it didn't leave it as dried out as usual, shine was still there and no hint  of stickyness. The best about it all: the smell and the handy 100ml size bottle which I can see myself carry  around. No excuse for damage now!

 

I am happy, I feel I have been given a second chance to look after my hair a bit more and I am going  to grab it with both hands, one 'blobette' at a time :)

With all the excitement, I got carried away and I was inspired by the purple and red colour of the advert and the bottle to create a eye makeup look.




Ideally, I’d love to recreate this look on the night. Will have the guts to recreate something that bright for the night of the event?  How did my styling challenge go? Click here to find out. I leave you with you photos of my Aussie Take the Heat Inspired Makeup Look.


 



 





Products I’ve used: Well it had to be the purple from the sleek makeup acid palette, being one of my favourite colour ever, mixed with the blue duochrome purple from MUA. The red is from the 88 matte palette (the only colour I use in this cheap and ever so tacky palette) and very dark purple and black from the 120 palette. Lashes are a superposition of 2 pairs of lashes: generic purple lashes from eBay placed on the top of eylure glamour 101. 

Below a little before and after. Excuse the bare brows. Left side shows droopy lid in all its splendour, but right eye show the purple, like I should have left it, with enough free space for the highlight, before I messed up with it… oh well …

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