Aloe Vera gel (back to basics, maybe?)

New Aloe Pura

That's just what this post is going to be about. Aloe Vera gel. Now, I've heard many good things about Aloe Vera, but just the natural stuff, the stuff you split into half and apply on your skin. The bottled or tube form... erm... I wasn't really sure about. And to be honest, other than  making your skin feel nice, I didn't think there was much it could do. Like can it get rid of them wrinkle or acne or redness or dark spots... phew! I really didn't think much of it. 

I happen to buy Aloe Vera gel by accident. I was trying to create this natural lash growth gel that youtuber KlairedelysArt recommended and thought to myself "why not" So I bought all the key ingredients and put on that lab coat! (There was no lab coat, really) 

My enthusiasm soon died out and I found myself stuck with about £10 worth of products that I wouldn't have purchased otherwise. Anyhow, one random day, I happen to apply the Aloe Vera gel to a spot that was making an ugly appearance on my face. I applied it over night and by morning, like magic almost, the spot had settled down a bit. 

Old Aloe Pura

All in all, it's a top product. It makes my skin super soft, it almost acts like a tightening mask and treats small spots.

But... and there is a but. The one that I absolutely love WAS Aloe Pura 99.9 pc organic Aloe Vera Gel. And here's the bad news, they have re-branded the product and packaging and from the reviews that I have been reading, it seems the new one is just not that good. I have also bought the Holland and Barrett's organic Aloe Vera Gel and didn't think much of it either. I will be using the new Aloe Pura and let's hope it's good news and that the only thing they have changed is the packaging! Wait for an update soon x 

Price of the product is under a fiver, so it's definitely a bargain, and there's also a tea tree version.

Have I just discovered a natural hair softener?

I got back from my holiday in Benicassim with dry, straw like hair, all thanks to days spent on the beach sunbathing and then dipping into the sea for a swim (I am not complaining) And because we were camping at FIB (Festival International Benicassim) there was no room for long luxurious showers which resulted in my hair going without deep conditioning for a week. I had expected the worst when I got back to London. I thought the damage I had done to my hair was irreparable. Surprisingly, when I stepped out of the hour long shower in the comfort of my own bathroom, my hair was soft. It's even got its natural waves and curls back. It's not frizzy and definitely doesn't feel straw like. I conclude that sea water and cold showers may indeed be good for your hair. Any one else feel that way? 

Spread the love...

Fantastic blog about beauty tips that needed to be shared. 
http://www.chercabulasmindbox.com/2009/05/out-of-ordinary-beauty-tips-that-work.html 

Unruly, frizzy, dry hair... bye bye!

There's a lot of reasons why I love summer and one of them is that I can let my hair dry naturally for a change. I also love the beach curl, wavy look that's almost effortless to wear during summer.

My go to trick is simply leaving hair to dry naturally and following it with a leave-in spray. There's still some frizz and for that I've recently started using my blow dryer on a low speed, high heat setting and then leaving my hair to dry naturally and following it with the spray.

Easy trick and it seems one that a senior stylist at Trevor Sorbie has recommended in this month's Glamour magazine.

Back to Basics - Palmer's Cocoa Butter

Source: Palmer's

Who hasn't owned a bottle of good ol' Palmers Cocoa Butter? I love it. It's inexpensive. Extremely rich and moisturising. Throws my dry skin right out the window! It's especially good if you suffer from stretch marks and blemishes. And here's a little secret. If I want to fade away my post-acne scars over night, I rub a bit of Bio Oil and follow that up with a Cocoa Butter face massage. Twice a week and there'll be no sign of scarring. Defo a product to stock in the bathroom cabinet.


More Back to Basics to follow soon, I promise x