Would you go to Great Lengths to get Great Hair?

Hey ladies!

Its been a while since I published a post but this one is definitely worth the wait!

A lot of people have been asking me to do a post on hair extensions, and which ones i use in particular.

I have tried nearly every method of hair extensions available on the market. The first ones I ever tried resembled something Bob Marley would wear (I think most girls my age did). Those braids were all the rage back then! Since then I've tried clip ins, keratin bonds, micro beads, weft of hair attached by tape, weft attached using glue and even weft sewn on to the head.

(Image: www.euronaturals.ca)

(Image: www.kristenlock.com)  

   (Image:www.18inchhairextensions.com)

The clip ins are one of my most used methods. After I have keratin bonds removed I usually apply clip ins (human hair) to give my hair a break. Clip Ins can usually can last up to maybe 6 months depending on how often you wear them and wash, style and expose to heated stylers. They aren’t always the best for your scalp as the metal clips can rub off your scalp with repeated use and eventually even create bald patches where the clips are worn.

The keratin bonds (individually installed strands of human hair) usually you could get anything from 2-3.5 months out of these but you have the possibly of matting with this method. For various reasons, mostly not caring for them properly, the bonds can soften and start to matte into something resembling a birds nest at the back of your head! Ugh, not good! This method though is the norm for most extension wearers. I love these due to the fact they are attached to your head and you don’t have to remove or alter throughout the day and when you tie your hair up you can’t see all those hideous rows and clips sticking out. It looks more realistic really. The hair is generally of great quality but one thing I have learned is definitly to get them removed professionally. I usually go to Hotlox hair extensions for my own clip ins and keratin individual bonded hair extensions. I would say they are the best quality in budget hair in Ireland.

What led me on to try the next brand or method of hair extensions, was when I was pregnant and feeling like i really really wanted to have a hair makeover once this little one was born. I wanted to get some fab “because I’m worth it” hair and after a lot of research i decided that Great Lengths seemed to be the way to go. They seemed to be the “Rolls Royce of Hair Extensions”.

 I had my first set applied in a very well known salon and absolutely fell in love with the hair i got. I loved the colour match. The cut was amazing. The only down side was I suppose the price and I felt if i was going to pay that much I would have left feeling like I was royalty but that wasn’t the case.

      

 It wasn’t til a later time when i spoke to a friend that I realised that there are many salons around the country that do the exact same extensions for a fraction of the price. After speaking to a trained Great Lengths extensionist i became aware of their pricing guidelines. A salon can charge whatever they want to apply these extensions but they have a minimum that must be charged in order to prevent salons from going into a price war and undercut each other. Makes sense really. Its a good idea to shop around for these extensions. 

They do insist you call in for a consultation to quote you on a price for your hair. Every single person needs a different amount of hair and therefore would be different prices. I found that for my own hair I needed 6 bundles, where a full head is classed as 4 bundles, so they couldn’t possibly give an accurate price over the phone.

I had my consultation for my 2nd set of Great Lengths and I was delighted to find out that with my local salon it was maybe up to a third less than what I had previously paid. My new favourite little hideaway for hair “Plush Hair Waterford” is where I went. Lisa who owns this salon (from her home) is so professional and down to earth and her prices are very good! I can’t recommend her any higher for the amazing job she did on my hair. I went for a longer length than last time, which was 50cm mixed with 40cm but i had to get it cut as this length proved to be too long for me to manage. 

I think the 40cm is definitly enough for most girls and I will stick to that length when i get my 3rd set! :) I can safely say that i would definitely go to “Great Lengths” to have great hair!

Love Sam x

(Before and after picture courtesy of Plush Hair Waterford)

New Years Beauty Resolutions!

Happy New Year!!!

With the start of every new year comes the start of the resolution making. The top 10 resolutions for 2013 were to lose weight, get organised, spend less/save more, enjoy life, get fit, learn something new, quit smoking, help others, fall in love and spend time with family. We are all guilty of making these promises to ourselves and not following through because we forget, or just don't have enough will power. So, why not do something different this year and make resolutions that will benefit your beauty? Try these little resolutions that are just a matter of fitting into your busy schedule rather than other massive life changing tasks you set for yourself and always end up failing at. I have compiled a list of what I think your Beauty resolutions should be…

1-I will remove my makeup every night!

This is something that is as important as brushing your teeth. It's not good to go to bed with your makeup still on, and I know so many people who do this! Your body temperature rises when you sleep, opening your pores, which will become clogged and create a nasty breakout on your skin. It shouldn't take longer than 2 minutes to remove makeup thoroughly. A cream wipe off cleanser or face wash would work fine and a toner then, to remove any excess cleanser and/or dirt on the skin.

Heres a great little cleanser and toner in one making it even easier than ever. “Philosophy. Purity Made Simple - One Step Facial Cleanser”. 

This award winning one step daily cleanser thoroughly cleanses, and dissolves dirt, oil and makeup, it also tones and gently hydrates the skin. It doesn't leave your skin feeling tight. Its suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive and wait for it…it can be used on the eyes too!! Sure why wouldn't you use this product? Its available from Debenhams.ie and priced at the very affordable €22.50

2-I will not over colour or over heat my hair!

It goes without saying really with this one but over colouring your hair will lead to it being left dry and it will eventually damage your hair from the tips right up to the roots, especially when you're using peroxide. Try not to use your hair straighter every day and just use it once a week or even just when you've washed your hair. Always use a heat protectant and serum to keep your locks looking luscious.

Heres some products that I would recommend to help you maintain your mane. The “TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray” and the “Schwarzkopf Tame and Shine Styling Oil” are my absolute favourites when drying and styling my hair. Even when only blow drying you still need a heat protector and the serum tames those little fly aways and keeps your hair looking glossy.

3-I will moisturise daily and also use an eye cream.

Not only is it important to remove your makeup thoroughly but also make sure you use a moisturiser for afterwards that is suitable for your skin type, not just the cheapest one available. The first signs of ageing show around the eyes so a good eye cream to soften and hydrate will help combat those little rascals!

A great eye cream and daily moisturiser to help combat dryness and dehydration in your skin are the “La Roche Posay” “Gentle Hydra Phase Intense Eyes 15ml” and “Hydraphase Intense Riche Cream 50ml”.

These products absorb very easily into the skin and even though the consistency is quite light they do a very good job of keeping the skin hydrated throughout the day as they infuse the skin with water. I use these when my skin is feeling particularly dry. They can be used night and day and i love how inexpensive they are. The eye cream is more of a serum in texture. Its soothing and refreshing on the eye area. Great for dehydration lines, bags and puffy eyelids. Priced at €17.50 and the moisturiser is priced at €21.50 and are both available from Sam McCauleys and Mulligans.

4-I will use a serum before I moisturise

The difference between a serum and a moisturiser is a serum is designed to penetrate deeper into the skin layers and applying a moisturiser on top of that locks in the serum and protects and moisturises the outer layer of the skin.

Elizabeth Arden’s “Visible Difference Optimising Skin Serum”  is a fantastic serum for both night and day and is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. It gives the skin a naturally healthy glow. It renews skins clarity and texture. Prepares the skin for, and enhances the benefits of your moisturiser.

Available from any Elizabeth Arden counter nationwide. Price: €52

5-I will be more adventurous with colours.

The latest fashion trend for spring/summer this year is going to be neon. If you are feeling reluctant to spend your hard earned cash on a whole new outfit to match this trend, you could invest in a few beauty products to give you that hint of neon like this electric pink eye shadow from Urban Decay called “Woodstock” or these fab nail polishes from Art Deco. 

These colourful beauty products mean that you can funk it up a little without going crazy.

The eyeshadow is priced at €18 at any Urban Decay counter nationwide and the Art Deco nail polishes are priced at €11.20.

6-I will drink more water and get more sleep!

No matter what creams you use you have to combat whats going on internally too. So plenty of hydration with loads of water throughout the day and the full 6-8 hour sleep per night that your body needs. Water will flush out all those toxins and keep skin looking and feeling healthy. Creams do help you look rested and beautiful but in the long term you need your “beauty sleep”.

7-I will treat myself!

This is something most of us forget to do. We have busy schedules (especially if you have kids and jobs) so I think a little treat out of our wage pack every week or month isn't going to break the bank and its something to look forward to. Decide how much it is you can afford and whether its to buy that magazine you used to love reading or the latest NOW 345 CD, or maybe you’re lucky enough that you can afford luxury products like the latest Michael Kors watch? 

Just don't forget to treat yourself! :)

Hope this helps you look and feel beautiful this year!

Sam x

Walk The Line

Hey girlies!!

This week I have decided to do a post about liquid eyeliners. Its one of the products I don't think I'd survive without, and, well, I'm sure if I can't live without it then it's got to be a staple for lots of other people too, and finding the one you love is a major priority. It's like finding the right bra! I have reviewed 8 liquid eyeliners (in black) and I have rated them out of 5. My top liner is my favourite budget one and the following is my favourite couture one. 

Enjoy ;)

Rimmel - Glam Eyes Professional liquid liner

This liner is my favourite of all time. Not only because of the price. Its so easy to use too. I've been using this since I was around 15 (and that's a long time) if it's been around that long it must be doing something right! And it is! I think with many products that you would use for years, you would get used to it and feel like a change, or want to see what else is out there but always go back to the one you love? That's this product for me. This liner has a brush tip. It glides on effortlessly with no need for corrections. Its long lasting and transfer and smudge resistant. Also easy on the pocket!

(Image: www.rimmellondon.com)

Priced: €7.19

Rate: 5/5

Clarins - Instant liner

This is my favourite couture liner. It's not even the priciest one here but it is from a designer cosmetics brand. I love the spongey tip, it makes application very easy. It drys very quick. It's very black (which I love). Its easy to do both thick and thin lines so its suitable for all looks. It doesn't smudge or transfer onto eyelids which I think is the most important factor and it lasts all day!

(Image: www.nordstrom.com)

Price: €25

Rate: 5/5

Estée Lauder- Zero Smudge Double Wear Liner

This brush tip liner is close favourite to the Clarins one. Its easy to use. Its also transfer and smudge resistant. Its one of my absolute favourite and I have it in my makeup kit for using on clients.

(Image: www.perfumeemporium.com)

Price: €27.50

Rate: 5/5

Dior Style liner- Intense liquid liner

Another of my favourites! Does exactly what you want it to. It's really black aswell. Love it :) Its felt tip and lasts all day!

(Image: www.allure.com)

Price: €33

Rate: 5/5

MAC liquid last liner

This is my least favourite of all the liners. I was so disappointed as I love love love MAC but this product was a complete let down. It was just messy. It irritated my eyes! Maybe the reason it was messy was due to that irritation. I'm not sure, but I couldn't wait to get it off and it ruined all my eye-shadow too.

(Image: www.beautylish.com)

Price: €21

Rate: 0/5

Rimmel Scandleyes Thick and Thin Eyeliner

I wanted to try this product after I saw it on Rosanna Davison's Instagram page. She was raving about it saying how amazing it was. Soooo I went out the next day and bought it. It wasn't at all how I expected it to be. Totally the opposite. It smudged into my upper eyelids and faded away after a couple of hours. I expected it to be amazing considering that she loved it and because it's made by the same people as my already favourite liner. I wouldn't recommend it.

(Image: www.beaut.ie)

Price: €6.99

Rate: 0/5

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

I really wanted to give this product a 5/5. It's really good! I love it! The results are fab it lasts all day it doesn't smudge or transfer...if you have eye-shadow on!? If you're like me and get days when you're fed up off having a full face of makeup and only want to wear some liner and mascara on your eyes then don't use this product on those days as it will smudge but its amazing every other day. It was going to be my favourite couture product until I discovered this flaw. I'm disappointed but it's okay I will still wear it!

(Image: www.feelunique.com)

Price: €17.50

Rate: 4/5

Catrice Waterproof Liquid Liner

This liner was recommended to me from a fellow blogger. She absolutely loves the product! I went and bought it and I have to say I'm not a huge fan. It went on lovely and I did love it for a while but it didn't last all day, took ages to dry and it smudged onto my upper eye lids. I was getting excited about this product as I thought it was going to be my new favourite but it let me down. I know its great value but I think of the saying "you get what you pay for" when I think of this liner.

(Image: www.coolspotters.com)

Price: €4.30

Rate: 3/5

Below I have posted a pick of my eyes before liner and then after and with lashes added for effect. It's amazing the difference eyeliner can make to your whole makeup look! Anyone can do it. It just takes practice, and practice makes perfect!

Tip:

To apply liner to the eye. The trick is to lay the applicator down parallel to the line of your eye. Don't hold it the same as you would a pen straight out from the eye. Small strokes are the best and start from the inner corner or middle of the eye and work your way out wards. If you make a mistake, use a q-tip, it will come in handy to wipe away any smudges.

Happy lining! ;)

Sammy

xx

Looking for the perfect Red Lipstick?

Hey ladies!!! 

My next review is on an amazing lipstick that will make you want to throw away every other lipstick in your make up bag!

Stila-Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick. (Shade: Beso)

I had a wedding coming up and I needed a good lip product that was going to last as I didn't want to be nipping to the loo every half hour to redo anything. I also wanted a specific red. There are so many shades of red available that I was feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choices but I wanted a "true classic red". I was searching through many brands like Dior and Mac and I liked some of the lipsticks but I didn't love them.

 I discovered this product after seeing a friend wearing it. It stood out to me as a creamy, matte and bold lip colour that was just so flawless. I had to find out more.

It is without doubt the most amazing lipstick I've ever tried!! It has the look of a lipstick with the staying power of a lip stain. Its nourishing on the lips too with vitamin E and avocado oil so it doesn't dry like other stains or lipsticks can do, and it softens and hydrates. Its weightless, has full coverage and has intense moisturising qualities.

 It states that it lasts 6 hours and that's very true as when I wore it I only reapplied it once throughout the (roughly) 12 hour day. Also when I ate and drank it didn't bleed, fade or even transfer onto anything! Once it sets it doesn't budge so I had to be quite neat when applying. 

The only negative was that it was matte and I didn't want that finish on that day so once it dried (which was almost immediately) I applied a clear gloss over it. I loved the finish and feel of this product. I am definitely investing in the other shades!

Available in 5 shades (in Ireland)

Rate: 5/5

Price: €19.50

Stockist: Harvey Nichols

Love Sammy

xx

Reviewed: Double Wear VS Fit Me

Ok guys, here's my very first product review. I decided to review under eye concealers, for dark circles and imperfections. If your lucky enough that you don't have dark circles or imperfections, this review can still be beneficial to you, as using a concealer in this area will always brighten the eyes and can be slightly contouring too.

Estée Lauder - Double Wear Stay In Place Flawless Wear Concealer SPF10

(Such a long name)

Have you ever spent a fortune on a concealer - only to bring it home and realise it doesn't do a thing it claims to and you still have dark circles like a woman who has been awake for 365 nights straight?

Well fear not with this product! It conceals perfectly and stays all day! It is thick in consistency but it gives a smooth and flawless finish. It doesn't cake or sit in any lines. I think this is my favourite of all time. I know its a little pricey but it's definitely worth it.

Available in 8 shades

Price: €25.50

Rate: 5/5

I searched high and low for a more affordable version of the Double Wear Concealer

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

This gel concealer definitely conceals. It blends easy and brightens the eye are. Doesn't cake on the skin. It looks natural and the colours are great too. The cons to this product are that it doesn't seem to last all day and by all day I mean from about 8am-8pm. I think this would be a great option for day time or days when you're not going to work and you don't need an extra magic concealer. Its a great everyday concealer. It's not a wow product but it's not bad for the price.

Available in 6 shades.

Price: €8.99

Rate: 3.5/5

Sammy

xx

We're growing!!

Here at Recessionista HQ, I usually refer to myself as 'we' mostly because I have always hoped to expand the blog and actually get a team of people who are passionate about writing, fashion, beauty hair and all things glam! My dreams are finally coming true and we (there is now officially a 'we') are currently building our new website, logo, and designing a whole new format!!! Eeek!!

Although our new site is taking a little longer than we originally thought it would, we figured it would be best to start introducing parts of the new format now, so you guys don't have to wait  much longer!

On that note, I will leave you with a little introductory blog post by my new other half, enjoy!

A big hello to all Recessionista Styling blog readers! My name is Samantha Stacey and I will be joining the team at Recessionista Styling as a beauty blogger. I will be blogging about beauty products and services to include makeup, skincare and hair. I will also compare high street products against more couture priced products.
I have over six years experience in the beauty industry, working with one of the worlds leading designer cosmetics companies. I also have experience in the modelling industry since representing my county in Miss Ireland Universe finals five years ago.

-My first blog will be comparing concealers-

...so watch this space!

Looking forward to blogging for you guys!

Sammy x