{BEAUTY REVIEW} | Irresistible Me Jade Straightening Brush

I’d been coveting a heated straightening brush for my hair for ages now and I was simply thrilled to finally get one from Irresistible Me. If you are all about hair then you really should become familiar with Irresistible Me fast! Irresistible Me is a US based brand that ships worldwide. You can buy hair high quality extensions, lace wigs and styling tools and the prices are just dreamy.

Okay so let’s talk about the Jade Hair Straightening Brush. Firstly it comes in a chic little box with a magnetic closure so you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to store it. The actual brush resembles a paddle brush, is a very pretty green colour and is lightweight and really comfortable to hold. The handle is thick and heat doesn’t transfer to it a little bit even at the highest temperature setting (230°C/450°F). You can also control the temperature (ranging from 130°C/270°F to 230°C/450°F) via a small LCD display on the side of the brush. I personally feel that ease of use and comfort is necessary when buying and using tools and this one ticks all the boxes.

The bristles on the brush are quite thick and are far apart from each other. This ensures that it doesn’t pull on hair and break it especially when detangling. They are coated with ceramic and tourmaline (similar to flat irons) and heat up quickly and evenly. The ionic technology also safeguards the hair from becoming completely dehydrated.

I’ve been using the brush for a small while now and in that time I’ve gone from long thick hair to shoulder length thick hair to a short and messy bob (I like to experiment!). I can confidently say that the Jade HairStraightening Brush has been a wonder to use on my hair regardless of its length or thickness. It gives my hair a salon blow out effect and does not sap my hair of volume. It gets to temperature really quickly and is perfect if you are in a rush. The Jade Hair Straightening Brush is so very simple to use, I mean you literally just brush your hair! I would, however, recommend using a small amount of heat protecting product in your hair before use as you would with anything that uses heat to style your hair.

You can find the Jade Hair Straightening Brush on IrresistibleMe and they’re currently having a ridiculous semi-annual sale so you can pick it up for only $45! Be sure to check out the other products, you might just end up with some gorgeous extensions too! ;)

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{BEAUTY REVIEW} | Lush Jason and the Argan Oil Shampoo

I’ve always loved the idea of a solid shampoo bar. I think it’s so fun and fresh. They’re also supposed to last 80 washes! I’ve used (and loved) the Godiva shampoo from Lush before so I had to give the bright pink Jason and the Argan Oil a try.

Jason and the Argan Oil is a handmade, glycerine based solid shampoo infused with Moroccan Argan oil for softness and shine. It’s also blended with Rose Absolute, rose and geranium essential oils and fresh Sicilian lemon oil which gives it a delightful candy rose scent. I must point out that the fragrance is quite strong and sweet; so if you don’t like a very potent rose scent you might want to give this one a skip.

Solid shampoos can be a bit tricky to deal with at first. I have very thick hair and I struggled quite a bit in the beginning but I succeeded in getting it to work for me eventually. Once you have it in your hair, Jason and the Argan Oil lathers up very nicely and you can work it into your roots. It rinses off easily too and it left my hair really soft. It also gave my hair great shine and didn’t weigh it down. I’ve been using it for about 2 weeks and I haven’t experienced any build up which is great for a formula that’s filled with oils and glycerine. You don’t really need a conditioner after shampooing with Jason and the Argan Oil but I think if your hair is really dry and unhappy you might need to condition. The sweet and decadent rose scent really lingers in the hair throughout the day!

On the downside, this bar melts and crumbles quite easily. I suggest keeping it in a little container in the shower (Lush has tins for ZAR25) so it doesn’t disintegrate. I also found that although the formula is quite hydrating; it doesn’t quite detangle the hair. I know this isn’t major to the actual performance of the product, but the colour really bothers me. I feel like its too bright pink for something fresh and handmade. I know though that Lush uses safe dyes and all their ingredients (natural and synthetic) are ethically sourced.

I’ll definitely buy Jason and the Argan oil again. I love how soft and shiny it makes my hair and I absolutely adore the intoxicating rose scent that follows me all day.

Lush does not test their products on animals and only purchases ingredients from suppliers who do not practice animal testing.

You can find Jason and the Argan Oil in 50g bars at Lush Cosmetics stores or online at www.lush.co.za

Until next time

Love and rose-scented sparkles

Zaakira xox

My Winter Beauty Essentials

Winter is coming… The days are shrinking, the air is getting chilly and humidity is a distant memory.  The blankets, radiators, coats, scarves and boots come out of storage and we’re shopping for beanies and gloves. Along with these changes, we have to switch out our beauty products. These are my absolute essentials for the cold, dry months of Winter.

Philosophia Botanica Multivitamin Face Cream (ZAR168)

I’ve had this cream for a while but only started using it recently. It’s made in South Africa and is paraben and artificial fragrance free. It contains Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, Rooibos, Evening Primrose, Neroli and Tangerine. I use it every night before bed and it really feels like its feeding my skin with goodness. It absorbs into the face and keeps my skin hydrated all night. I cannot go to bed without it! It also really helped with soothing and healing a reaction I had after having my eyebrows waxed.

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo and Conditioner and 3 Minute Miracle Frizz Control (±ZAR59.95)

The dry Winter air can be very harsh on hair and can totally sap all its moisture. The damage goes further when using heated styling tools as I tend to use a hair dryer more often in Winter than the other seasons. Every Winter I change to a moisture restoring shampoo and conditioner and the Aussie brand is my favourite. It contains aloe and Jojoba oil for moisture and smells like bubblegum. I also use the 3 Minute Miracle Frizz Control once a week because my hair gets extremely static in Winter and I have flyaways everywhere. This quick treatment helps to tame them and keeps my hair healthy and shiny.

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Beautifying Oil (ZAR120)

The Johannesburg air is totally dry in Winter and along with this, I am constantly around heaters which dry out the air even more. I use this oil to add the moisture back to my skin and keep it healthy. It smells amazing and it just absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue so you can even use it on your face. I generally use this oil on my body after a shower when my skin is still slightly moist.

INOAR Argan Oil

Hair needs a special treat every now and then and this oil is perfect for that. Although it’s a multi-purpose product, I use about a 20c size amount once every two weeks, the night before I am to wash my hair as a treatment. It contains 9% Argan Oil as well as olive, jojoba and cinnamon essential oils. It really gives me luscious locks!

Greenland Lime-Vanilla Hand Cream (ZAR95)

For me, dry hands are the worst. I keep this lovely hand cream in my handbag and apply it after I wash my hands. It contains a blend of essential oils, glycerine, shea butter and Vitamin B5 so it’s really hydrating. It absorbs into the skin quickly and has a long-lasting hydrating effect. It also smells amazing and contains no parabens or artificial colorants.

Maybelline Baby Lips (ZAR25)

My lips get so so dry during Winter so I keep these babies in each of my handbags and on my desk. Not only are they affordable, but they look so adorable, really moisturize my lips and smell divine.

What are your Winter essentials?

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox