Clairol Nice 'n Easy Colour Blend Foam 5G Medium Golden Brown *PIC HEAVY*

Before Hair Colour:

Before colour: Previously had bleached blonde highlights with a light ash brown base then dyed it all with a golden light apricot in London China Town before going away on holiday to Hong Kong (and it was a Summer colour ;PP). Hair dressers recommendation as she says: "it brightens up my face!" - Errrrm.. did it tho? ://

 Mega root growth (evident in sister pics). Hair was terribly fried by the sizzling hot summer sun of HK (also the dye. No bleach my ass! That stuff BURNED like nothing i've ever felt before!) :(( and I swear I was en route to becoming a ginger! ://

 xsofeex and moi :)) The "weird" one. This one creates a hell lot of random-ass noises i've ever heard come out from one person - Period! :// Also her comedic faces are the BEST ;)) Visit my baby sisters blog here if you may :DD

Taken in natural lighting. Look how the brassiness of my hair drowned out the colour of my face - looks SO pinkish and white? I guess that was "The Look" my hair dresser was going for. Wouldn't mind it too much if it didn't me look tired all the time. Unflattering. (Bare in mind, I was TANNED a few shades here yet I still look paleish?!).

This is my youngest baby sister. Awhh she's cute right? NAWWWT! This one's the "Annoying" one ;PP She was born with too much lip! All talk talk talk!! Frequent phrases you may hear coming from her mouth: "You Jelly Bro..?", "Trolololol", "Yeah boy!". Me: "Arghhh!!" >__< Too much TOWIE and Internet slang me thinks! o__O"

OK enough of straying! Back to the topic of HAIR! Haha! 

[Review] The Hair Dye:

Clairol Nice 'n Easy Colour Blend Foam - 5G Medium Golden Brown

I was in Tesco's (approx £6.49 at the time per box I think) and spontaneously reached for this particular colour and it was a foam! Which means an easier and mess-free application right compared to traditional dyes right? :PP 

I was determined to go a chocolate brown in time for Winter and to add more red tones into my hair as my undertones were now blonde -___- from the countless dye jobs to get a to my dream BRONDE (blonde/brown mix) stage. My wish was fulfilled after multiple subtle bleaches in the hair dyes, It looked so pretty in the first week but because of uni I didn't have the time and energy to condition and care for it properly and eventually turned into a dry frizzy mess! (Think: HAY!) T___T Totally regret it now - dye after dye actually thinned my hair a bit >_< I mean, I'm all for being slim but who wants skinny hair?? O__O NUH-UH!

So, I thought by bringing in warmer tones to my hair I should be able to restore the shine and lustre my hair once had many years ago :PP I came came across this shade (probably the model on the box sold me as well. It looked sooo good on her haha!).

On the box it shows a rich medium milk chocolate colour with a hint of maroon. Soo prettyyy!!

Unfortunately, I don't have any pics of the dye on my new phone :(( So, as the best alternative - I've found some on the internet instead ^___^

(Image taken from courtesy of clairol.co.uk)

Here's the shade chart located at the back of the box on approx how the dye would turn out like after application (Looks totally different from the front of box tbh).

After Hair Colour:

(Following pics were enlarged to show as much of the colour as possible. Please note: Colours differ on different screens)

After 2 days: My hair looks practically near natural black with a splash of deep wine.

Don't think I suit very dark colours well - makes my features more harsh ahaha DD:

Here is me with Lanomche (don't worry if you can't pronounce her name. I can't either!). Visit her blog if you like here :)) The "Dark horse". She can appear shy and timid. Be warned - all hell can break loose with this one hahaha! xDD

After 5 days: The colour seems to have lightened quite noticeably :)) After 5 days, there seems to be a very subtle purply/red tinge to my hair - lightened to quite a nice deep chocolate brown ^_^

After 2 weeks:  The red undertones are definitely pushing its way through now. I'm starting to see red highlights :)) I totally adore this colour :DD

 Haha, ignore my "Yea, W.E" goofy semi-serious face on the second pic here :PP I didn't have any others unfortunately. (I don't take nearly as many pics many other bloggers do :(( Maybe I should start to do that!) 

After 3 weeks: Oh what happened?

Taken in artificial lighting in my room. This seems to cancel out any redness in my hair :// Looks more ash to me now. 

4 weeks later: Phew, the warmth is still there :)) Guess my hair was so dry from all the rain and wind we've been getting lately in London. Brrr. Wrap up!
My hair is noticeably drying up - split ends?

(Oh Gawdddd. Why must my face show up so pinky here? Haha!).

5 weeks after: Look at that shine! *__* Ohh how I missed you!

This was taken in bright artificial lighting. Red tones are nicely visible but less red now. It's more golden! Brightens up my complexion? ;))

Used my GHD's my boyffie bought me last Xmas - this year has flown by! :OO

Super current pic in indoor lighting. Wearing just mascara and tried out DiorSkin Nude Natural Glow Radiant Fluid Foundation in 020 Light Beige (That's a mouthful!). My Super Lazy makeup day! Hehe!!

3 days ago: As you can see, my blondish undertones are slowly creeping through again 5 weeks later :(( don't think i'm gonna stay dark-haired much longer with a few more washes.

Used the Banana Shampoo and Banana Conditioner from The Body Shop. (It's so moisturising and clarifies the hair at the same time. Try them out!).

Overall Verdict:

I know with my camera skillage, its very difficult to make out the actual colour of my hair due to the difference in lighting and just the cruddy quality of the images. I should invest in a proper camera (I actually do have one but it makes all my images slightly warmer than normal o__O). 

And the amount of hair washing is inconsistent per week, which does not give a reliable test on the durability of colour of the product. 

The colour probably did not turn out as expected due to my base colour being a light orangey brown colour hence why this shade is coming through right now. Would probably be a beautiful colour on those with you with neutral brown hair. 

Pro's:

- It's relatively cheap and easily available in most health+beauty stores and supermarkets. 

- Fuss free easy foam application

- Comes out darker when freshly applied but lightens after a few washes. Nearly comparable to the box shade - Yaaay! ^__^

- Hair seems more healthier and shinier after :))  
- It is rather gentle on your hair :DD *Thumbs up* - Does not irritate scalp

- Has a strong chemical smell to this dye =__=" Must apply in a well ventilated room! 

- One bottle is enough to cover my whole head - medium/long coarse hair.

Con's:

- Un-exciting shade selection (for me that is hehe)

- Outcome colour is always much darker than box colour on my asian hair when using European brands compared Asian brands in the beginning. Dye was only left on for 20mins.

Would I repurchase? 

Probably in a different colour. It's actually not that bad. 

I would most likely go for an Asian foam dye in the future (more suited for my asian hair). Such as the Liese Bubble Hair Color Dye (Korean brand) or Palty Foam Hair Color Dye (Japanese brand).

Would I recommend?

Yes, if you want a cheap, quick and easy DIY dye job :)) 

This 5G Medium Golden Brown shade brings more warmth and life to my complexion - I look less dead now than I did before. A lovely Winter shade :DD

What do you guys think? 

Do you prefer lighter or darker hair? :))

Have you tried Clairol's Nice 'n Easy Colour Blend Foam dye? 

Let me know :DD

Until next time :))

xoxox

Choize Collagen White Plus+ 2 in 1 Aqua Hydration Gel Review

Hello, to all my beautiful ladies out there :))

Boy, have I got a product to share with you today!

It's not well known and it may be quite a rare find ;PP

One word: A-MA-ZING!!! *Light shines down with the sound of angels and bells*

I have never found a hydrating gel as good as this one before! Because I have combination skin leaning more towards the dry side (especially now its Winter), not many "gel" moisturisers have worked for me in the past as they weren't hydrating enough and my skin would begin to feel tight after 1 hour of use :((

Then comes along this baby :DD

Frosted glass packaging. Has a luxurious and expensive feel to it . The picture does it no justice at all!

This miracle gel has restored the smoothness and suppleness of my cheeks after having my eczema outbreak 2 years ago as I could not get rid of my dry rough cheeks as a result of that  >_< This took time and with continuous use day and night my dehydrated cheeks were back to normal once again :)) This took me around 2 months and is totally HG quality! It also contains a spatula (not shown in pics) therefore is very hygienic ^___^

Description:

Choize Collagen White Plus+ 2 in 1 Aqua Hydration Gel 50g

This 2 in 1 Aqua Hydration Gel can be used as an overnight mask. With a high penetration Aqua ingredients formula, this product is similar to Natural Moisture Factor “NMF”of human body. Associated with hyaluronic acid, it retains hydration of skin for 24 hours.  It immediately soothes the skin and restores damaged hydrolipid film.  Amino Acids and VIT C helps skin elasticity and activates collagen.  With continuous use, skin with roughness, dryness and dehydration conditions will be improved.

Directions

For Basic Care:  Before applying lotion, take appropriate amount over face and neck with gentle massage until absorbed. Use daily in the morning and evening.For Intensive Night Care: Apply adequate amount over face and leave it overnight and rinse on next day morning.  This treatment is ideal for extremely dry and dehydration skin. Use once or twice a week.

Skin Type

For all skin types including sensitive skin type

Size: 50g / 1.7 FLOZ

Ingredients:

Unfortunately, I long threw away the box it came with and cannot seem to find the ingredients list online T___T So sorry about that guys! 

Comes with an inner lid - keeps it fresher for longer

[My Verdict]

Texture, Sensation, Scent and Appearance:

Texture? This gel formula is very light and but quite firm in the jar. Once touched to the heat of your skin it transforms into a watery consistency and liquefies. It is very soft and smooth and glides on effortlessly. It absorbs rather quickly as well ^_^ Gives a soft-focus finish and a very slightly dewy look :))

Sensation? Once applied on the skin, it feels very cooling (just like water). This is a very comfortable sensation for me as it helps calm down my heated red cheeks after cleansing :PP

Scent? It has a nice fresh relaxing scent and reminds me of the ocean for some reason o__O..? I don't know whether this is natural or not.

Appearance? The product comes in a frosted glass jar with a silver lid. It feels rather luxurious and expensive in hand. The gel is milky translucent white in colour with a hint of baby blue. Once again, I don't know if this is natural or not as silly me threw away the box >_< DOH! 

I loved it so much. Not much product left :(( Took me so long to do a review :PP The colour of the gel looks more intense in pictures. In real life it is milky translucent white with a a tinge of baby blue.

Hydration:

Due to its lightness, I was sceptical whether it would provide enough hydration for my eczematic skin. It certainly does! This product can also be used as an intensive night mask - just slather it on generously over your night moisturiser before going to sleep and wake up to baby butt smooth, firm, plumped up skin in the morning :))

For extra hydration for times when I need it. I top up using the Sky Lake Green Essence (reviewed here). When I get a really bad eczema flare up, I just use an emollient such as E45 for these areas only --> SLATHER THAT STUFF ON >:PP

Quality and Results:

This product was developed in France - says something already hmm? ;)) The French creates some of the most  beautiful skin care products around without sacrificing skin sensitivity. Think Clarins, Chanel, Caudalie, La Roche-Posay, Avene etc.. :DD

From the ingredients list you can see there are only a handful used in creating this product. From this, you can ensure that even the most sensitive skins are able to use this (especially mine! whoop!). The less ingredients put into the product, the less likely you are to react to it! :))

Choize 2 in 1 Aqua Hydration Gel was actually recommended to me by a sales assistant as she noticed I had  slightly red irritated skin with little surface bumps on my cheeks at the time (not a pretty sight!) and nothing I used could restore the smoothness of my cheeks I once had before my eczema outbreak 2 years ago! >__<

She told me because it is such a gentle product it is able to repair the damaged barrier of my skin. She was right! Fast forward 2 months, my skin has never looked so good, so smooth, so pinchably soft! :DD

Whitening? I think the moisturiser evened out my skin tone a bit as it contains a mild whitening agent. I'm surprised that I didn't react to that as I usually react to any product that claims to whiten. 

Collagen? As for the collagen bit to it. Umm I don't think I see a dramatic difference because I suppose my skin is still young and don't experience a lack of elasticity just yet? *Touch Wood* Just losing my baby fat hehe! But a lil prevention from ageing doesn't hurt now does it at my age of 22? ;PP I think it tightens my cheeks a little bit making them look firmer - could this be the result of the collagen working? xDD

Soft jelly-like texture. 

Turns into water once smoothed and  heated up on the skin

Non-sticky and non-oily once smoothed in. Gives a cooling sensation that lasts - me likey! 

Fully absorbed. Instantaneous softness and super smooth skin ^___^ Doesn't feel like you have anything on apart from the slight cooling sensation hehe (Eww look at my veins! bleugh!)
Gives a soft-focus velvety finish with a hint of dewy-ness - Love love LOVEE!!

Price:

I bought this whilst holidaying in Hong Kong in a beauty shop called Aster. This retails at HK$ 245.00 (approx £19.74) but was on offer at HK$ 196.00 (approx £15.80) for 50g worth of product. Total Steal (if I must say so) for something that works and repairs and restores damaged skin. I cannot stress the amount of money I have spent on products that claim to work the same way as this product does with no prevail >:((

Where to Buy:

If your in HK you can find this in beauty supply shops such as Aster, and possibly Colormix.

Can be found online here at Aster.

If your living in the UK like me, I believe that they only seem to sell this in Asia? I can't seem to find any online stores/sellers that is willing to ship to the UK :'(( Nooo! *Heart Broken*

Overall:

FINALLY, I FOUND A PRODUCT WITH POSITIVE AND EFFECTIVE CLAIMS! As you can see, I am most satisfied with this and cannot rave about this enough! 

Pros:

- Repairs and restores damaged skin

- Maintains healthy skin

- Non oily and hydrating

- Makes skin soft, smooth and supple

- Quick and easy absorption - provides a good base for make up

- Does not cause break outs

- Reasonably priced

- Spreads easily therefore a jar can last you quite a long time.

- Can be used as an intensive night mask

- Can be used in conjunction with other creams if you need extra hydration

- Cooling sensation on skin 

- Elegant packaging

- SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES INCLUDING SENSITIVE SKINS (eczema-prone, irritable, acne-prone) :))
- Has a little spatula to scoop out the product - super hygienic! 

Cons:

- Very difficult to find for those not living in HK

- Does not contain SPF (This does not bother me as I am quite sensitive to SPF) for all you guys who prefer having a bit of sun protection with your moisturisers

- Has a scent (fresh and slightly floral)

- Has a bit of colouring (though this could be natural)

Would I Repurchase?

A solid YES (if I can get my hands on this again though) *sob sob*

But I suppose I have to look for an equivalent seeing I wont be going back to HK to repurchase for a while :'(( UNLESS any of you guys are able to purchase this and is able to sell me this beautiful product - I'll LOVE you forever! Haha! 

Thanks for reading beautiful's, 

Until next time, Kayleigh xoxo