My Top 3 Products To Give You Shiny, Healthy Hair

Hey Everyone!

Today I thought I would share my top hair products, along with some hair secrets you may or may not have heard of before.  I don't know about you guys but in the winter time, my hair always gets a little drier and a bit more damaged, largely due to the fact I can't leave my hair to dry natural as often because I will end up ill (silly Scottish weather).  Also with the party season, I always use heat tools a little more often than I probably should.  This post will contain amazing and beneficial products that you can use on your hair to keep it strong, healthy and shiny.

1. Yogurt

I know its a weird one.  Yogurt is for eating.  But surprisingly it can bring amazing benefits to your hair.  I know some of you have probably heard of this before but I know a lot of people haven't.  I normally use Yeo Valley because its all natural and is organic.  You can buy little pots individually for a relatively cheap price so its pretty affordable hair care.  What I tend to do, is to apply a generous amount to my hair while it's dry and tie it up and leave it to condition for around 30 minutes.  Then jump in the shower and follow my normal hair care routine.  When I come out my hair is always super healthy looking and feels so strong.  Also another tip, if you have any yogurt left, apply it as a face mask.  It will soothe, calm and hydrate the skin.

2. Moroccan Oil

Whether you use the original Moroccan Oil or a cheaper alternative, the benefits are pretty similar.  I love using Moroccan Oil purely because its so versatile.  You can a tiny amount for calming flyaways or soak your hair in it for a rejuvenating hair makeover.  I tend to use it in a similar way to the yogurt, when my hair is damaged or I feel it becoming weak, I apply a generous amount to the ends of my hair and let it soak for about 20 minutes and then wash my hair like normal.  I always feel a little odd using oil in my hair but maybe its just me. 

3. Moisturiser

This is the one that I discovered myself.  Yes it seems weird but hey, it works.  How did I find out moisturiser adds an incredible healthy shine and makes your hair unbelievably soft?  Well here's the story.  I had a Simple moisturiser that the lid had broken on.  I thought I was almost finished the bottle and without realising I got moisturiser all over my hands.  What did I do?  Touch my hair.  Before I knew it my hair was soaked in moisturiser and looked pretty greasy and incredibly odd.  I had to then go for a shower to wash it out.  Funny thing.  When I got out my hair was crazy shiny.  Not greasy shiny.  Like shiny in the hair adverts that must be photo-shopped because it seems so unachievable shiny.  I tested it a few times after that experience and it's yet to fail me.  You just have to make sure it's thoroughly washed out so no residue is left.  As long as you do that, trust me, your hair will be amazing.

I hope you enjoyed this post and let me know what weird hair tips you all have in the comments!

Katie 

Xox

Christmas Inspiration

Hey Everyone!

As it is the 25th November today, it makes Christmas exactly one month away.  Crazy isn't it.  I've been feeling very inspired by the festive season and I thought I would share with you all a few images I found particularly inspiring.

Isn't this Christmas wreath the cutest thing you've ever seen?  I reckon it would be pretty simple to DIY it as well! 

If your a little less glitzy than the first wreath, how about this cute Candy Cane substitute? 

If your hosting Christmas Dinner at your house this year, how about this gorgeous Candy Cane Flower centrepiece?  Simple and yet completely festive.

Santa Hat Brownie Bites.  Need I say more? 

Or if you are trying to be good this Christmas, how about going full on Strawberry Santa?

This one is ever so slightly out of my cooking abilities (only off by a good few miles) but if you are an avid baker, this is the cutest idea I've seen.  A mini gingerbread house for your hot chocolate.  Perfect for Christmas Eve. 

In my opinion, you can never beat the DIY Snow Globes as Festive Decor.  I just love this one and the jar is totally cute.  

This wrapping is super adorable and so simplistic.  I love it.

I hope you all enjoyed this little burst of Christmas Inspiration.  Not long left to go...

Katie

Xox

REVIEW; L'orèal Paris GlamShine Stain Splash

Hey everyone! 

Again I must apologise for my lack of blogging recently. I have been crazy busy with college work having 3 assessments for this week.  My hard work is clearly paying off as I got 100% in the two I have received feedback for, let's hope for 100% all round.  College is a priority but I have not forgotten about blogging. 

Today I have a review of a product I have a love/hate relationship with.  Loreal Splash Stains.  I was convinced I hated these things when I purchased one in the shade "Romy".  It was far too sticky for my likings and didn't really add much colour or shine to my lips.  However, I seen "Milady" in Superdrug and could not not swatch it.  

The deep purple shade completely lured me in.  I had been looking for a deep purple shade for a/w and this is just perfect.  The colour is so unique to anything I've ever had in my collection. 

The colour isn't very true on a hand swatch but over a natural lip colour it builds the colour better.  Again the formula is a little stickier than I would prefer but it's not as unbearable as I remember.  This stain definitely has a good 6 hours (potentially more) staying time.  It lasted my entire work shift (including eating, drinking and talking a little more than I should) and then some. 

Truth be told, I've fallen in love with this shade.  

I hope you all enjoyed today's review and I will speak to you all shortly. 

Katie

Xox

TAG: I'm a Beauty Blogger, Get Me Out of Here!!

Hi Everyone!

Firstly, so sorry I haven't posted in a few days.  I was actually working on a room tour but I had a few technical difficulties and lost everything.  I will get around to doing that very soon though so don't worry.  For the time being, I decided to participate in this new 'I'm A Beauty Blogger, Get Me Out of Here' tag which I was kindly tagged by Estelle from this lovely blog right here.  So without any further delay, let's get into the questions...

Questions

1) You can only take ONE product into the jungle (aka your luxury item). What would you choose and why?

A) Probably concealer.  My skin always likes to act up when I'm stressed out and I would probably be very stressed in a jungle.  Also it's pretty versatile and could be used to hide any dark circles that may appear after sleepless nights.

2) What would be your main pre-jungle worry?

A) BUGS.  Need I say more? 

3) You only have five minutes to get ready before going into the jungle, what would be your quick beauty routine?

A) CC Cream, Concealer, a little touch of blush and mascara.

4) Last year we saw Helen Flanagan wearing her hair in a top bun. What would be your signature hairstyle?

A) Probably a high ponytail.  Not awfully exciting but super easy and keeps my hair out of my way.  Plus I could always get some exotic flower to spruce up the look. 

5) For moral support, which female celebrity would you like to be in the jungle with you?

A) I personally would much prefer a guy with me in the jungle (I just would feel safer with a guy around, plus they could get rid of spiders).  But if I had to pick someone it would probably be Taylor Swift.  I love Taylor and she seems so sweet and lovely - just the kind of BFF you need in the jungle.  Plus I love her music so who needs an iPod when  T-Swift is with you??

6) Everyone’s given a role in the camp. What lifestyle skill would you bring to the jungle?

A) Oh god, who know's.  I have no clue.  I would probably be that person who tries to cheer everyone up and gives advice all the time.  I would bring my wisdom and Yoda quotes for supporting my fellow jungle-ers with tasks.  "Do or do not, there is no try". 

7) What one thing about being a beauty blogger sometimes makes you want to scream ‘Get Me Out Of Here’?

A) Not having enough time.  I have a pretty busy life as it is, so trying to squeeze in blogging can be a bit challenging sometimes, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

8) Challenge – This is a once in a life time opportunity. You’re up for a trial to face your fears or try something new, what would you choose to do and why?

A) I'm terrified of heights but I would much rather face that fear than do anything that involved bugs crawling on me, or god forbid, eating some of them!!

I really enjoyed doing this tag and I hope you all enjoyed reading it! Speak soon!

Katie

Xox

I TAG :

Freya

Kirstie

Val

Gemma

Winter Playlist 2013

Hey Everyone!

I'm mixing it up a little bit with today's post and focusing on music, particularly music I have been loving these past few weeks.  I thought it would be quite fun to give you all a look into my playlists because I really think what kind of music a person likes is a big reflection of their personality and I want you all to get to know me a little better.  I also want to get to know you all better so feel free to leave your music preferences in the comments.  (PS, I really do make the effort to reply to every single comment, even if it does take time).  Anyway let's get into my Winter Playlist for 2013.

The 1975

The 1975

I don't know why it took me so long to buy the 1975's album as I really love their music.  My favorites from this album include; Girls, Sex, Chocolate, Pressure, She Way Out, Talk and Heart Out.

Hey Marseilles

Hey Marseilles - Elgy

Elegy by Hey Marseilles is a song which I believe has been out for a while, but I recently discovered it and fell in love.  They have such a unique sound and I just love it.  It's such a calm and relaxing sound that helps me unwind.

Little Mix

Little Mix - Move

Move is my favorite song by Little Mix, it's so catchy and makes me want to get up and well, move. 

The Vamps

The Vamps - Can We Dance

Can We Dance is another catchy song that I've been loving.  This one is the first song on the CD I made for the car and I love listening to it driving off to work as it puts me in a good mood.

Lawson

Lawson - Juliet

Another one for the car, Juliet by Lawson is super catchy (she knows oh oh ee oh-oh she know oh oh ee oh-oh).  

Jessie J

Jessie J - Sexy Lady

This one for the ladies, is empowering.  Listening to it makes me feel 10x more confident that I will ever be in  my life.  It's like I have a little Jessie J sitting on my shoulder cheering me on. 

Vance Joy 

Vance Joy - Riptide

I love Riptide.  Its just a really good song.  Not much more to say than that.  A little more Indie but very very good.

That's pretty much it for my winter playlist,  I hope you may have found some new discoveries or seen your favorites.  I hope you liked today's post and leave me song suggestions in the comments below!!

Katie 

Xox

"High-End" Makeup Haul (MAC, NARS and Benefit)

Hey everyone!

Today I have a haul for you all with some little beauty splurges made throughout this past month.  I've probably spent more than I should have but then again I did get some bargins at blog sales ect. 

MAC

The first thing I got from MAC was something I have been eyeing up for an unbelievably long time - the ever so famous paint pot in Painterly.  I already own one paintpot (Groundwork) but I was looking for something a little more natural that I could use as a base or just sweep across my lid for everyday wear.  I already love this, it keeps eyeshadows where you put them and is a perfect natural shade. It also conceals any redness/veins around the eyes. 

Then I bought an eyeshadow in Naked Lunch.  Naked Lunch is a lovely peachy gold with shimmer.  It makes a really flattering lid colour and goes perfectly over the Painterly paint pot. 

As a complete lipstick junkie, it would be wrong to order from MAC without getting a lipstick and I just HAD to have one of their Divine Night lipsticks. Although it doesn't look like much in the arm swatch, Flair for Finery is the most gorgoues nude I've ever set my eyes on. I would even go as far as saying it's my favourite MAC lipstick, even as far as my favourite lipstick ever. I know it's currently sold out on the MAC site but it's still available from Debenhams so get it quick!!

 

Included in my MAC order I received two samples (Zoom Fast Black Lash and Prep and Prime Skin Base Visage).  I don't like the mascara at all but I love the prep and prime so much I'm for sure going to be buying a full bottle of it! 

Benefit

I repurchased Benefits They're Real mascara as well this month. I don't really have too much to say on this one other than I love it!  It lengthens and volumises my lashes perfectly. 

Then I purchased Benefits "Milk It" eyeshadow from a blog sale for £4.  It's a lovely pure white with shimmer - perfect for highlighting.  However I much prefer the older benefit eyeshadow formula (I think they're called velvet eyeshadows?) as this one really doesn't last very long. 

NARS

Then I bought this NARS lipstick from the same blog sale for £10.  This shade is Sexual Healing and is a peachy nude shimmer (very similar to Naked Lunch actually).  The formula is a little more drying than I would have expected from NARS but nothing an EOS lipbalm can't fix.  I just make sure I apply the lipbalm before applying the lipstick and problem solved. 

So that's everything I've been buying beauty wise! I hope you've all enjoyed today's post and I shall speak to you all shortly!

Katie

Xox

Nails of the Day

Hey everyone!

I thought I would give you a look of my nails today as I actually really like them!  I was experimenting with glitter gradient - something that just never seems to work for me - until today. 

For these nails I used an old Essie favourite of mine, Angel Food.  You could probably find this colour on ebay ect but it has been discontinued from Essie counters.  A close alternative to this colour would be Fiji by Essie. 

Essie Angel Food

I then built up glitter using Revlons Stunning starting from the bottom to the top, making them more opaque as I reached the top. 

Revlon Stunning

That's all for today's post! I hope you enjoyed my NOTD and feel free to send me snaps of your NOTD on twitter (@subtlecoral).  I'm also considering doing a tutorial post for these nails, let me know what you think!

Katie

Xox

Tester Tuesday; Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara

Hey everyone!

It's been a few weeks since my last tester Tuesday, and I'm sorry for that, but this week I'm back with a review Givenchy's Noir Couture Mascara.  This is the first thing I've ever tried from Givenchy and it's actually really good.  Givenchy is a brand I would probably never splurge to buy but trying this has made me reconsider. 

The wand of this mascara is really interesting! It's completely different to anything I own.  The mascara is said to have four main benefits; "Volume, Length, Curl and Care".  Would I agree with this?  Yes I probably would.  It's not the most volumising mascara, it's not the most lengthening mascara and it's not the most curling mascara but it's a nice balance of all three.  As for the care side, it seems really nice and light on the lashes so it won't weigh them down and break them.  It doesn't harden solid so your lashes snap.  I think it's a lovely mascara. 

This mascara retails for £22.50 which is a bit pricier than I would normally pay for a mascara but maybe with the help of some birthday/Christmas money, this could become part of my makeup collection. 

Have you ever tried this mascara? Let me know in the comments! 

Katie 

Xox