Rococo Chichi Whipped Shea Hair Butter

RRP: £7.95
Stockist: http://www.rococochichi.com/

--What does the promo say?--
"This nourishing butter stimulates the scalp and softens, fortifies and revitalises lacklustre hair.
Free from chemicals, preservatives, parabens, SLS, artificial colours and perfume."

--Packaging--
A discreet little tin which is brightened up by the cheerful rainbow of dots. The minimal information on the label, however, means that the overall effect is not too crowded.

--Application--
Rococo Chichi recommend using this in several different ways: as a pre-wash conditioner, as a styling aid, or as a tamer of frizz and split ends. Just take a little from the tin with your fingers and massage into the ends of hair to condition and style. If using as a pre-wash conditioner, leave for a minimum of 20 minutes (or even overnight) before washing out with shampoo. Easy as.

--Appearance--
A luxurious, creamy-looking wax that seamlessly slicks hair into position without making you look like you've overdone the hair gel.

--Scent--
The shea hair butter comes in a scented and unscented version, and while the unscented version smells pleasantly of the nut oils used, the rosemary shines through in the scented version. A natural aroma in all cases.

--Texture and consistency--
Not at all greasy, sticky or slippery; easy to apply to the hair and to rinse out. Any excess can be rubbed into your hands - all of those essential oils and natural butters make great moisturisers. 

--Effects on the hair--
Hair is effectively tamed, with your split hairs and frizz being shown who's boss. It's also a brilliant natural conditioner.

--Value for money--
At £7.95 for 100ml this is brilliantly reasonable compared to commercial products (not least because a little goes such a long way) - and it works so well on dry hair too. Even though I was sent mine for free by Rococo Chichi's PR (thanks!), I would definitely spend my hard-earned on this. Makes a brilliant gift for yourself and others.

perfect partners
Whipped Shea Body Butter (available in Lavender, Vanilla or Unscented), £9.95/150ml
Whipped Shea Hand Butter (available in Lavender or Vanilla), £3.50/30ml
Whipped Shea Body, Hands and Hair Gift Set (various scent combinations available), £20

Old Wives Tail Melado Organic Hair Growth Oil Treatment

RRP: £13.99 for 100ml
Stockist: http://www.oldwivestail.com/ 

--What does the promo say?--
"A unique blend of 100% organic oils that will give the kiss of life to even the most dry and damaged hair. Rich in natural vitamins, antioxidants and proteins just one sacred drop of Melado will do wonders for your hair and scalp. The natural vitamins and omegas in Melado restores shine and deeply moisturises the hair back to health. When massaged into the scalp this oil will stimulate and encourage healthy hair growth by penetrating deep into the roots and strengthening each hair follicle."

--Packaging--
I love that the clear jar lets you see exactly how much is left at all times; it's also securely packaged, with the lid being easy to close to ensure that you don't lose any. The design (font etc) seems quite amateurish, but hopefully this is something that will improve as Old Wives Tail grows and the business has more money to plough into a more professional-looking package. The jar is also not a good idea: while when securely closed you won't lose a drop, and the jar means you should be able to scrape out every last drop with your fingers, it's very very difficult to get out the exact amount you need without spilling any. In this respect a pump-action canister would be more user-friendly. 

--Usage--
OWT recommends massaging this into into damp hair once or twice weekly "to stimulate long, healthy, nourished hair growth." You should leave it on for a minimum of an hour, or overnight, before rinsing with fresh water and shampoo (I found that shampooing and rinsing twice was best to be sure that the product was out). They say that you can use conditioner on the ends of your hair only afterwards, before styling as normal, but I didn't feel this was necessary; hair already felt sufficiently nourished. I also tended to just go for the overnight treatment rather than the hour's treatment: I might have time to strut around my flat in the morning with a towel on my head for an hour before having to get back in the shower to rinse it off in the holidays or at the weekends, but that's not going to fly during a normal working week. Wrapping your oiled-up hair in a towel overnight sounds like a hassle, but really isn't, so I'd definitely recommend doing this so that your hair gets the most possible out of the treatment. OWT also says you can use the product to tame flyaways, frizz, and split ends, just by using a drop of oil after blow drying, but I found I could never get the amount right to stop my hair turning from volumized and luminous loveliness back to oil slick - and as frizz is already reduced by using this product anyway, it seemed a tad unnecessary.

--Appearance--
A golden oil that gives a really luxurious impression.

--Scent--
A gorgeous aroma of lavender that's pleasant and natural without being overpowering. 

--Texture and consistency--
Despite being an oil, it doesn't feel sticky or greasy in the hands, and it slicks through the hair easily without leaving too much excess on your hands (and even if you are left with some, just rub it into the backs of your hands - oils are terrific for anti-ageing too). It also washes out after two shampoos - so again, if using a hair oil seems like too much hassle, it's certainly no more faff than washing out any other hair styling (say, backcombing!).

--Effects on the hair--
First of all, it really seems to clean the hair, which makes the product a great ambassador for the "co-washing" trend that's currently sweeping the world of beauty. Hair is left feeling smooth, cleansed, and strokeable, which also indicates the effect that it has on the way your hair feels. Rather than your hair being weighed down by pollution and commercial hair products, hair feels lighter and unencumbered. Furthermore, it feels cleaner for longer - I found I could go a whole day longer without washing my hair once I'd used this. Being able to wash your hair only twice a week rather than three or four times doesn't sound like a big difference, but it is. The process of styling the hair is also improved, as the oil seems to help significantly with detangling, and once you've styled your hair, frizz is reduced, with hair looking lighter and more volumised. Longer-term, the oils that compose the product will help to protect your hair from the damage caused by heat styling products (such as straighteners and hair dryers), and I do notice that my hair is looking lovely and long - another incentive to keep using the product, as my hair typically grows slowly and I would like it to be longer. Overall an excellent result.

--Value for money--
Although I was sent mine for free by OWT, I think £13.99 for a jar represents superior value for money, not just given how little you have to use each time, but also given the undeniable results that are achieved. These products definitely deserve to become better-known and more widely-used, meaning I would definitely purchase this product and others from the range in future (especially as the company's worldwide delivery charges are so reasonable too!). Highly recommended :)

perfect partners
Melado Organic Hair Growth Mask, £14.99
Melado & SOS Duo Organic Mask, £24.99
Melado & SOS Duo Organic Oil Treatment, £21.99
Scalp Massaging Hair Brush, £8.99
Wide Tooth Comb, £3.99  

Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Charcoal Facial Wash

 RRP: £4.25

--What does the promo say?--
"This Daily Detox Facial Wash contains antibacterial Tea Tree Oil and skin-calming Witch Hazel in conjunction with activated Charcoal to keep your skin clear and healthy by gently cleansing and attracting dirt like a magnet, drawing out deep down impurities & excess oil without over-drying. Leaves skin feeling deeply-cleansed, smoothed & radiant."

--Packaging--
The dark grey and pale green colour scheme is definitely new and different in a positive way; it's unisex, grown-up, and accurately reflects the product's ingredients, while also being distinguishable from other similar products. The flip-top lid also closes securely, meaning no worries about this exploding all over the inside of your suitcase when travelling.

--Application--
Wet your face and lather up a pea-sized amount of the product between wet hands. Rub all over the face, then rinse off, either under the shower or by using a face cloth.

--Appearance--
Dark grey - although happily this leaves no visible residue on the skin afterwards!

--Scent--
Slightly charcoaly, but not in an overwhelming way.

--Texture and consistency--
A slightly-sticky, slightly clay-like lotion lathers into a smooth grey foam. This washes off easily and doesn't leave any apparent traces.

--Effects on the skin--
When you use the product, there's immediately a lovely cooling effect - I'd guess from the tea tree and witch hazel, which are both known to have this property. Once rinsed off, skin also seems calmer and mattified straight away. Unfortunately, this doesn't last; while the product doesn't dry out the skin (which is appreciated!), it's not pleasant to feel like you've turned into an oil slick by the end of the day either. Consequently, and perhaps unsurprisingly, I didn't notice any massive improvement in my skin condition during my 4 weeks or so of using this product (in conjunction with the mask and scrub that are also in the range).

--Value for money--
This costs less than a fiver, so won't break the bank (and I was even sent mine for free by Boots' PR, so at least I didn't waste any cash on it), and so for that reason alone it's perhaps worth a try if you suffer with spots. However, my long-term acne problem is well-documented on this blog (17 years and counting, people!), so it's maybe unsurprising that what could be considered a relatively 'budget' product didn't make much of a dent. Sorry, Boots :(

perfect partners
Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Charcoal Facial Scrub, £4.59
Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Charcoal Face Mask, £3.59  

Avène TriAcnéal Treatment Cream

RRP: £23 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"TriAcnéal is a non-greasy emulsion which helps eliminate severe imperfections. After 2 months of use, the number of spots is reduced and scars are visibly smoother. Efectiose® enables targeted action on the mediators responsible for the irritation observed in the problems of skin subject to severe imperfections. Retinaldehyde helps regulate keratinisation disorders, hence preventing thickening of the skin and formation of blackheads. Glycolic acid, a powerful exfoliant, has a peeling effect upon the surface of the skin. Paraben free."

--Packaging--
Avène's characteristic white and coral colour scheme continues to please, being simultaneously summery, cheerful, unusual, adult, and unisex. The squeezy tube is also elegant, but the incredibly tapered nozzle seems ultimately pointless: since most sufferers of severe acne will be applying this all over the skin, it's frustrating to only be able to squeeze the lotion out in minuscule amounts. Nonetheless, this is only a small issue.

--Application--
Avène recommends applying this only in the evening, but I find it works equally well in the morning, especially if you mix it with your normal moisturiser.

--Appearance--
A golden cream with an almost nacreous look to it, making it feel like a real luxury to use, rather than just an ordinary clinical acne-fighting product. Fades invisibly into skin.

--Scent--
Nothing specific is detectable; but it definitely doesn't smell alcoholic or chemical, which is good, and which can often be a problem with products for problem skin.

--Texture and consistency--
A rather stiff cream that mollifies slightly when rubbed between the hands. Does not feel dry, tight or sticky on the skin once applied, but doesn't quite have the baby-soft smoothness of a traditional moisturiser either, so you don't want to neglect using your usual moisturiser in addition (or even better, the Cleanance option offered by Avène).

--Effects on the skin--
Did seem to diminish acne, but my skin still felt like an oil slick by the end of the day. However, I chalk this up to another line I've been testing concurrently; I have every confidence that if I were using the full complement of Avène's Cleanance range alongside, this wouldn't be a problem.

--Value for money--
Admittedly, at £23 this is more expensive than I expected it to be. However, the results are good, and one tube seems to go a very long way (even if you're being a bit renegade and using it twice a day instead of only once, ahem).  However, I'd definitely repurchase this as part of a full-on Cleanance plan of attack once my free tube from Avène's PR runs out. To be recommended for its luxurious appearance and texture, as well as its encouraging results.

perfect partners
Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser, £11
Cleanance Cleansing Water, £16
Cleanance Toner, £11
Cleanance Emulsion, £12
Cleanance K, £11
Cleanance Mask, £15

Spa Review: Nirvana Spa, Berkshire

East Berkshire locals tend to hear of the Nirvana Spa before they see it: word of mouth travels fast, and this one is hot to trot: it's one of the biggest spas in the area, offering some of the best deals and nicest facilities. So after hearing about it for a long time before actually getting to visit, expectations naturally run high. Happily, you shouldn't be disappointed.

The spa is a sprawling complex with rooms coming off several different corridors, as well as outdoor pools, and probably also well-concealed treatment rooms that you only get to see if you're booked in for a massage, facial, flotation, or any of the other numerous delights that the spa offers (at an extra cost to the package or membership price; these start from as little as £17, by the way). If these don't float your boat (and why wouldn't they?), you can always book in for a shopping event or makeup demonstration, which are often included.

But even if there isn't a special event on, or you haven't booked in for a treatment, you can happily while away the hours here thanks to Nirvana's hydrotherapy pools, monsoon showers, tepidaria, aromatherapeutic sauna and steam rooms, plunge pools, fitness rooms, outdoor jacuzzis, and pools for lane swimming. All equipment is state-of-the-art, with not a tired, dated, or untidy-looking corner anywhere. 

Further to this, plenty else is included - not just the use of towels and robes, but also all soft drinks (from tea and coffee to Diet Coke and J2Os) and unlimited use of the salad bar (which is perhaps the biggest you'll ever see, including a substantial variety of vegetarian and gluten free options). Other treats are available at additional cost, such as afternoon tea, alcoholic drinks, and hot dishes in the restaurant, but many will find that the complimentary refreshments are enough to keep you going throughout your daytime or evening visit there.

These daytime or evening visits come in a variety of combinations: some include beauty treatments, which naturally bump up the price, and some are only available on certain days (which can keep your cost down). In short, however, you can spend as little or as much as you like: you can access the spa for as little as £35 for 3 hours. For a whole evening, the price is still a very affordable £55 for 5 or 6 hours. For locals, memberships can afford you a discount: the annual Spa Club 12 membership (which, as the name hints, gives you 12 visits a year) works out at £34 per visit.

During your visit, attaining relaxation should not be difficult, whether you prefer to chill in the sauna, be massaged by hydrotherapy jets, or exercise in the sports pools. On your way out, you can purchase a variety of high-quality skincare (such as Decléor and ESPA) in the spa shop, in a calm, dimly-lit environment, with ever-friendly and professional staff on hand to assist if needed. All in all, a reinvigorating experience that leaves you more in touch with your inner zen; definitely worth a return visit.

http://nirvanaspa.co.uk/

Nirvana Spa, Mole Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 5DJ

Braun Satin Hair 7 Iontec Brush

RRP: £28.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Part of Braun's Satin-Hair 7 range, the BR710 brush uses unique IONTEC technology to restore shine and health to your hair. At a push of a button its active ion jet releases millions of ions to envelop every single hair and quickly restore your hair's healthy shine. The Braun Satin Hair 7 Brush is easy to use, 100% portable, fights frizz and removes static. The brush comes with a removable cushion pad for easy cleaning."

--Packaging-- 
The battery-powered brush comes with batteries already installed, so you're good to go from the moment it comes out of the box (whose black and green styling would really make this stand out on the shelf). There's also a release switch allowing you to remove the bristle pad for easy cleaning; why don't all brushes have this?!

--Usage--
Just push the brush button into the upward position; the green light will come on when you have done this correctly. Once you've done this, just brush your hair as normal. You will hear the low-volume hissing noise of the ions being released during use, but this is totally normal. Once you're done, remember to switch off the brush.

--Effects on the hair--
I can't say I noticed any particular difference in terms of shine, but I definitely noticed a reduction in the frizz - something I am always aiming for. Yay :)  The brush also seems to detangle hair more effectively than normal brushes, for some reason. It also works well on both wet hair and dry, as well as on hair that hasn't been freshly washed.

--Value for money--
I'd have estimated the price of this product to be at between £30 and £50, so for it to fall under £30 was a pleasant surprise. You can also even find it for less than £25 if you shop around. The cost of batteries to keep it juiced can be minimal depending on where you shop - although perhaps I'd be prepared to pay between £30 and £50 for a rechargeable version (even though I was sent mine for free this time - thanks, Braun PR!). Overall, this is a handy product to have on your side if you suffer from frizzy hair, and is a great one to ask for if you have a summer/autumn birthday (or, if you're like me and look ahead freakishly, in your Christmas stocking).

perfect partners
Satin Hair 7 Iontec Hair Straightener, £59.99
Satin Hair 7 Iontec Hair Dryer, £49.99