Make Every Day a Good Hair Day

Hi All,

As I am currently on bed rest for a few days I thought I would use the opportunity to blog on things I have not yet had the chance to. About a year ago you may remember I released a 'Koko's Beauty Giftlist' for Christmas, one of the items on the list was the Deluxe Rose Gold GHD set and today I will finally blogged my thoughts on it.

The set came with the new GHD rose gold styler, and also the GHD Air hairdryer with rose gold accents. I got the kit as a gift from my mum for Christmas as I have had my old straighteners for about 8 years. The kit cost £195 for both.

The look of both are nothing less than what I expect from a GHD product, they are classy, sleek and luxurious. Now in a past post I mentioned I would only purchase from a brand like GHD again if they were to make something new and innovative which is worth spending the money on. From the two products in the set, I have to admit I could live without the straighteners.

GHD are highly reputable for their standard of styling tools, I personally rarely have my hair poker straight and usually any straighteners will do the job. I purchased the first model of GHD which released 10 years ago and I still prefer the older model as I feel it has better heat settings for my styling needs and has a firmer grip on my hair. The new model of straighteners however are very smooth through my hair, and are great for curls and flicks which is what I use them for the most. They also feel less damaging to use, as the heating settings are lower.

The hairdyer is my favourite part of the set, and the one hairstyling tool I am not sure how I would now live without now. Not to sound exaggerated but I never thought a hairdyer would make such a difference to my hair styling routine. The GHD Air gives me a really sleek and quick salon pro finish if I use a round barrel brush. The technique takes a while to get used to, but I tend to blast dry my hair so its 75% dry and then go over it with a round barrel brush and the hairdryer to finish it off into a more sleek look.

If you are in a rush a bit of serum, a paddle brush and the hairier still do the trick. I have quite long hair which is becoming a pain to maintain, however the best part is the hair dyer makes my hair look presentable, without using too much effort. This tool really is for the lazy glam girl (me!) and I could not recommend it highly enough.

Pros of GHD Rose Gold Deluxe set
- Look is sleek and rose gold (who doesn't love rose gold?)
- Cheaper than buying both products separately (straighteners are usually £130 individually and hair dyer £99, so you save £34 when bought together)
- Great as a gift
- Worth it if your old styling set is in need of an upgrade
- Well known brand with a 2 year guarantee included

Cons of GHD Rose Gold Deluxe set
- Pricey for a straightener and hairdryer set
- Only worth it if in need of an upgrade of styling tools

Left- Natural hair
Top Right- Hair using GHD Air Hairdyer only
Bottom Right- Hair using both GHD Air and Straighteners

My overall conclusion is I could have done without the straighteners, although they are a good luxury item to have however I am happy I received the set as I would have never convinced myself to spend so much on a hair dyer.

If I were to make a recommendation to anyone it would be to invest in the hairdryer and you won't regret it! Unfortunately the rose gold editions were for a limited time and are no longer available, however the GHD Air can be bought solo for £99 here and there is a new white deluxe set also available for £195 here which would make a great Christmas gift.

Do you have a breakthrough hairstyling tool in your routine? 

Koko's Christmas Giftlist

Happy Wednesday Folks, 

Its the time of year where the last minute panic of Christmas presents takes place (especially for the males) so I decided to put together a suggested gift list for all the lovely ladies who love make up and beauty. Boys I hope your reading... I have saved you hours of time and effort! 

I have broken down my top picks into categories to fit every girls taste and every gift givers budget.

Something Special (£50-£200)

For that special person, the sister who always goes the extra mile  for you, the girlfriend you want to spoil, or just to say thanks to your mum for everything she does.  

Source:
http://www.ghdhair.com/hair-straighteners/
ghd-rose-gold-deluxe-set

GHD Rose Gold Deluxe Set 

£195.00

This was on my wish list this year, thanks to my lovely mum I was able to get it as a slightly early Christmas Present. This gift would make any girly girl ridiculously happy on Christmas day. 

GHD is the most well known hair appliance brand, and this range oozes beauty. It comes with both the GHD V hair straightener in rose gold; which straightens, curls and flicks hair and the the black and rose gold GHD Air hairdryer. I have tried this hairdryer before, the results are so amazing you will never want to go back to any old hairdryer, it reduces the time needed to straighten and smoothes hair like a dream. 

Source:
http://www.beautybay.com/accessories/
zoeva/rosegoldenbrushset/

Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Gift Set

£56.95

Not only are Zoeva brushes great quality for any make up fanatic, rose gold is SO in right now (can't you tell I just love the trend). The recipient will instantly fall in love with this, even if it was not on their list. This beautiful set includes the following brushes : 

106 Powder Brush

102 Silk Finish Brush

110 Face Shape Brush

127 Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush

142 Concealer Buffer

227 Soft Definer

231 Petite Crease Brush

317 Wing Liner Brush

Source:
http://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/
the-bombshell-gift-box.html

Charlotte Tilbury 'The Bombshell '

£145.00 

For every females inner glamour girl this set is a must have, it is perfect for a festive season party look. 

Charlotte Tilbury is the queen of high end make up products and gets it right every time. Out of all the sets she has released, this one is my favourite because the products create a classic look. Every girl should master this trend to get heads turning on a night out. 

The set includes the following products: 

Colour Chameleon - Amber Haze (Eyeshadow Pencil) 
The Feline Flick - Panther (Eye Liner) 
Full Fat Lashes – Glossy Black (Mascara) 
Cheek to Chic – Sex On Fire (Blusher) 
Lip Cheat – Kiss ‘N’ Tell (Lip Liner) 
K.I.S.S.I.N.G – So Marilyn (Lipstick) 
Lip Lustre – Red Vixen (Lip Gloss) 
Complimentary Make Up Bag & Gift Box

Source:
http://www.selfridges.com/en/yves-saint-laurent-limited-
edition-la-laque-nail-varnish-24-
piece-collection_456-84033258-TGB23159/

YSL La Laque Collections

These nail colour sets are exclusive to Selfridges, I have found myself gazing at them in absolute awe. Then again my justification for spending £405.00 on nail products is limited, however the La laque nail varnish trio is a lovely and more affordable treat and a great gift for a girl who loves to have her nails done. 

La Laque Couture

£405.00 

24 shades to compliment any girls wardrobe all year around.

Source: http://www.selfridges.com/en/
yves-saint-laurent-la-laque-nail-varnish-trio
_456-84033258-TGB23160/

La Laque Nail Varnish Trio

£55.00 

The set includes three festive colours; white, glitter gold and reflective bronze in the following shades:

Blanc Symbolist

Bronze Aztec 

Feuille D'Or

Just Because... (£50-£70)

These are great smaller gift ideas or to add as part of a bigger gift. 

Source:
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/
product/2325/
32022/Makeup/
Cheeks/Shimmer-Brick/
Shimmer-Brick-Compact--Copper-Diamond/
FH14/index.tmpl#i.1ar0my2wc3dywy

Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick

£35.00 

If you know the Bobbi Brown collections well you will know the shimmer brick is one of the most amazing and essential additions to any girls make up bag, so what better over the festive season than this new copper diamond shimmer brick?  This is a great highlighting product, and Bobbi's shimmer bricks are always a people pleaser, you just can't go wrong! 

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

£45.00 

This is a great gift for any girl; whether she likes subtle and natural every day make up, or is just a make up junkie. The most amazing part of this unique palette is that it actually smells like chocolate- make up AND chocolate you say? What more could a girl want?!

I am aware Too Faced is releasing its new Semi Sweet Chocolate palette on the 15th December, however I am not sure if this launch will be exclusive to Sephora, or also be available within the UK. 

Source:
http://www.theperfumebaseline.com/
female-perfume/black-orchid-tom-ford/

Tom Ford- Black Orchid

Price begins at £46.50 for 30ml

I first came across this amazing fragrance from my manager, once she shared the secret with me I HAD to try it at the airport on my way back from holiday. Although it doesn't come cheap, I will guarantee the scent of this is worth every penny spent. 

The scent is a combination of luxury florals and fruits, and is so beautifully distinctive it will get people talking as you walk past. 

Stocking Fillers and Secret Santa (£15-£40)

Beauty essentials any girl would love to receive...

Source:
http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/
anastasia-beverly-hills-dipbrow-pomade.html

Anastasia Dipbrow Promade

£15.00 

This is the revolution in eyebrow products. Since I have got my hands on this I will never turn back, and neither will any blogger you come across. This is the best eyebrow product on the market, no matter what your eyebrow shape or shade. 

Source:
http://www.beautyblender.co.uk/
product/beautyblender_classic/

The Beauty Blender

£16.00 

I shamefully only just received my first beauty blender, and all I can say is I can't believe it took me this long. 

The beauty blender is a sponge like tool which blends foundation and concealer effortlessly for a flawless finish. 

If you girls don't have one of these in your make up bag, please send a hint to get one for Christmas- I promise you won't regret it! 

Source:
http://www.selfridges.com/
en/tom-ford-lip-color_450-3001058-LIPCOLOR/

Tom Ford lipstick

£37.00 

There has been a big trend on Tom Ford lipsticks, I did not quite understand it until I tried one for myself. Oh gosh, I want them all! 

These are slightly on the expensive side for a lippie, but make amazing gifts to treat someone special. I recommend a shade which can be worn both day and night to get the most wear and money out of the product, I opted for 'Casablanca.' 

Source: http://www.boots.com/en/
Essie-Winter-Baby-Its-Cold-Outside-Quad-Box_1636143/

Essie Baby its Cold Outside Quad

£24.99 

I love loVE LOVE Essie nail varnishes. Anyone who knows me well knows my obsession for nail colour. These polishes are great value for the price they come at and are available in a massive variety of colours. I find they stay on well with a good top coat (I use Seche Vite). 

Each season a gift set is available, this winter the set includes: 

Mademoiselle : the most classic grown up pink 

Chinchilly: sleek granite grey

Toggle to the top : sparkling crushed garnet red

Belugaria : highly textured matte black

So those are my top recommendations guys and girls... 

Are you are struggling with beauty related gift ideas?

I am always here to help and give me opinions so leave a message and I will try my best to advise you, in the mean time happy holidays... 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Grow Baby Grow!

Hey All, 

Its been a while since my last blog post, as I browsed Amazon this morning I was reminded to write a post about my newest miracle routine. Some of you may have read the post some time ago about my hair growth journey. Since Spring especially I have noticed a huge difference, and I wanted to share my progress. 

July 2014

January 2014

It has taken some commitment but my routine now consists of: 

• Not straighening my hair for work
• Limiting the use of hair tools on weekends unless necessary
• Massaging Hair Stimulant Oil (from Amazon) in my hair once a week
• Massaging Coconut Oil in my hair once a week
• Washing my hair with Mane and Tail Shampoo and a deep 1 minute conditioner twice a week

I have followed this routine RELIGIOUSLY, and I have to say the rate at which my hair is growing is beyond amazing. I have always relied on my hair extensions for both volume and length, and my hair is now the same length as them... bye bye extensions! The fullness of my hair is also unbelievable, it looks so full and healthy after years of my hair falling out and being so limp. 

I have only had two trims between May 2014 and this year, and sorry but I personally don’t believe in the “trim every 6 weeks” rule, I have followed it for years and my hair has never changed in its length or form. I believe if you keep damage to a limitation it is possible to get away with not having a trim, and to be fair I am not one of those who is bothered by a few split ends. 

So lets look into the details behind some of my “miracle” products. 

Hair Stimulant Oil 

I first purchased this in April, it smells great and I have used many oils in my time but I really felt this one has worked the best. It is reasonably priced (around £5 on amazon) and a little goes a long way. I used this once a week and massage it into my scalp especially, and also the ends of my hair. I leave it in overnight (or longer if I am not out on a weekend) and wash it out the next day. It also washes out really easily which I have found not all oils do. I wash my hair twice a week, so I alternate this oil with Coconut once a week. 

Mane and Tail Shampoo and Conditioner

I have read SO many reviews on this stuff that I felt like I HAD to try it at least. I will never look back. As weird as it is that this product can be used on horses, this is the holy grail solution to healthy hair growth. I could not believe how thick and long my hair has become since I began to use this. My hair feels and looks healthier, even without using any further styling products after. The shampoo is a slightly odd texture, but neither the shampoo or conditioner smell bad- which is fine. It is worth it once hair is dry, I also like to follow up with my new favourite deep conditioner... 

Garnier Ultimate Blends 1 Minute Conditioner

In the past I mentioned the L’oreal 1 minute conditioner, I saw this one on offer and thought it was worth a try. It contains coconut oil and is great for damaged hair. I put this in and rinse out with cold water, and even when my hair is wet the tangles are minimal. I love this conditioner and it really tames my hair from any frizz when I allow it to dry naturally or with a hair dryer. 

So now I don’t straighten my hair for work, how do I make myself look socially acceptable and not homeless with my untamed hair?

These Umberto Giannini curling products work WONDERS...

I use the Flirty Curls Scrunching Jelly the day I have washed my hair in the morning. I am lucky enough to have a 30 minute drive to work, so by the time I get in, my hair is nice and dry. For those of you who aren't as fortunate, I suggest washing your hair the night before and using this, however allowing it to dry naturally is the trick for me. Only a small amount (the size of a 2p is sufficient) is needed otherwise hair feels a little on the crunchy side. The next day my curls are usually still tamed, but at times I use the Natural Curls Styling Spray which can be used on dry hair. 

This allows me to look a little presentable at least, and try and keep the damage in my hair through heated tools at a minimum. 

So there it is guys, after about 4 years of looking for a miracle, I feel like I have found the solution for me... have a try and let me know how you get along. 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Straight To The Point

Hi Guys,

I know it’s been a while (again) but I have decided to only blog about items I feel are worth writing about, rather than posting for the sake of a “once a week” post. So this time I have come across something which has made me want to blog literally the next day.

About 10 years ago I got my first pair of GHD’s (still going strong- touch wood). Although they were a lot of money, they were the best around at the time. As technology has moved on many stylers released have caught up with GHD. To be honest I am disappointed that for their price tag they have not come up with anything new or exciting except a range of colours. For a much lower price other brands are coming up with something just as good, sometimes better. I have said it before but I will say it again- it’s not always the brand and you don’t always get what you pay for so do your research before splashing out.

The Remington Pearl Straighteners and Heat mat
£36 from Amazon

These are the Remington Pearl Straighteners. My cousin who lives abroad wanted some new straighteners;  she’s not very high maintenance and asked not to spend too much so I did some research and came across these. They arrived last week, and yesterday I tested them to see if they hold to their gleaming reviews.

The digital display and control settings panel

The Pearl comes with a heat mat which you can also store the straighteners in, the tool itself is a lovely pearl white design with a temperature control setting on the side.  They can go up to 235 degrees (if you are worried it won't be hot enough for your own hair). 

I washed and blow-dried my hair as normal and then used these. I was in a rush, but they heated up quickly with a bleep to let me know they are warm.

I am so used to my GHD’s that it felt slightly weird not to have to grip so tight (these pretty much glide through). I only had to go over my hair once and the results were great. Considering a day out and about in British weather my hair remained straight until evening.

The Results
Please note I never wear my hair dead straight,
I curve in the bottom. 

It is now the next day, I have slept on my hair, and it’s still straight. I rarely get these results even with my GHD’s or a salon blow dry. I have not even had to retouch my hair this morning, even after tying it up to go for a shower and taking it back down.

I am so amazed that I think I will invest in a pair myself; they seem great to take travelling as they adapt internationally and the price tag makes it worth the risk of anything happening to them. If something is to go wrong they also come with a 5 Year guarantee which is a bonus. I have not yet tried them to curl or in another country, but I may do a short follow up post after my holiday and let you all know how I get along with them.

As much as I Iove my GHD’s for been loyal to taming my hair through the years I think that innovation has moved on and in order to keep up they may need to come up with something new, or possibly lower their prices to meet with competitors. My next venture will be the Remington Pearl wand. 

Do you always get what you pay for, or are you paying for the brand? 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others.