Style Your Way To Gorgeous Hair With InStyler

You all know from the various rants in my posts that my hair is as straight as a ruler and as flat as a pancake and unless I visit a hair salon where a very talented hair stylist can work their magic on my locks, it invariably stays that way 99.9% of the time.

A few weeks ago I saw an advert on TV for a new hair styling tool called InStyler which looked nothing like any styling tool i'd seen before and I suddenly experienced a feeling deep inside me which can only be described as ‘hope’.

Maybe, just maybe, this new product may work for me?

Now, InStyler is not a brush, not a straigtener and not a curling iron.  It is a rotating hot iron, unlike any other product on the market that straightens, curls and adds volume to your hair, all in 1 product.

Amazing! But how does it work?

When you run InStyler through your hair, the set of bristles gently sort and separate strands of your hair. The rotating, heated, polishing cylinder then gently glides over your hair, smoothing and straightening each strand. The second set of bristles then put the finishing touch to your hair, leaving it shiny and silky.

While it may look daunting, its actually really easy to use (once you get the hang of it) and comes with a really comprehensive set of instructions for those of us, like me, who are pretty rubbish when it comes to figuring these things out.

 

InStyler has 3 heat settings, the highest for thick, coarse hair and the lowest for fine, thin hair.

3 power settings, High, Medium & low

By following the instruction guide on how to create various looks, with a bit of practice I was soon in my element, curling away to my hearts content!

My hair au-natural (excuse the no make up)

 My one criticism is the noise the InStyler makes, which is a low, whirring sound as the cylinder rotates when you use it, but to be honest this is a very small issue in comparison to the results the InStyler can produce.

Half my hair Styled in Lose curls with InStyler

 My favourite way of using the InStyler is to create volume at my roots and to make big, loose, glamourous waves, something the InStyler does with ease. I was really surprised at just how shiny it left my hair as well, i didnt even need a shine spray to finish the look.

You can see the difference, one side volumised and curled, the other lank and straight

For £99 you are getting a curling tool, a straightening iron and a volumising  product in one. The pack comes with a DVD to show you how to get the best out of InStyler and your hair, a heat protective mat and a sectioning comb.

InStyler is available from their website and you can find out more about the products on their facebook page,  their youtube page or on twitter @instyler_europe

So, what do you think, will you be asking Father Christmas for this this year?

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post 

The Perception of Beauty - How Times Change!

I came across these this morning and just thought WOW.

How times change…..

Can you imagine ever seeing adverts like this in today's day and age?

Oh yes, that's right, we do.

Open any magazine or newspaper or watch TV for long enough and you are bound to see an advert for 'How to lose weight'.

It seems that while our attitude to body shape and weight may have changed, our obsession with changing the way we look hasn't.

Dita Von Teese's Make Up Bag

 

As I type this the gorgeous Dita Von Teese is undertaking a live web chat with Stylist Magazine Online.

I got in there quickly to ask her the one question I ask all of my celebrities in their interviews.

What’s in your make up bag?

And here’s what she said.

 

 

I shall post the full web chat once it is over, but if your quick you could get a question in here now!

As the Global Ambassador of Cointreau, Dita is over in the UK fulfilling her duties promoting the launch of Cointreau Prive on the 29th November. 

The Chanel Lipstick Dita refers to can be found and bought  here  and here

Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel

Elemis is fast becoming one of my all time favourite skin care brands and I am currently finding myself hopelessly addicted to their award winning Melting Cleansing Gel.

Awarded the best premium skincare launch product in the Pure Beauty Awards 2011, Elemis have created an incredible product in this cleanser.

Using scientific dual-phase technology, the ultra purifying cleanser is said to be perfect for challenged, tired, dull or stressed skin.  

(That’s me then)

Skin protective organic Argan Oil, mattifying Rice Silk and purifying Rosemary Leaf are combined with powerful anti-pollution Moringa Peptides to create a luxurious, delicate, cleanser which melts from a sumptuous gel into a rich, milk, gently cleaning your skin without compromising the skins delicate microflora.

Sounds nice in theory, but does it work?

Oh yes.

The gel is soft and feels like silk on your skin. Massage it into your face and you will find that it is a smooth and shiny consistency.

Then, (and this is when it becomes magical) add a little water to gel and see the product transform into a rich, milky cleanser.

The scent is beautiful, fresh, clean and every so citrusy- think sweet lemon curd.

The gel/milk is so delicate on your skin that I often feel like I don’t need to moisturise after using it and my skin is left feeling refreshed and soft.

At £19.40 for a 125ml bottle it may be more expensive than other brands, but I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed with this product. It is award winning after all.

BUAV & BM Beauty Giveaway

I Am Fabulicious has teamed up with animal protection organisation, the BUAV, and Her Majesty & The Wolves front-woman, Kimberley Wyatt, to offer you the chance to win £50 worth of make-up from Kimberly's beautiful range of cosmetics. 

  No animals are ever used to test BM beauty products or their ingredients  and all BM beauty products are certified by the BUAV with the Leaping Bunny trademark.

 BM beauty is one of 400 companies certified free from animal testing by the BUAV with the Leaping Bunny and you can see all of them at www.GoCrueltyFree.org. 

You can read my post on BM Beauty and my exclusive interview with Kimberly Wyatt here.

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED & THE WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED

To enter this fab, beauty cruelty free prize all you need to do is:

1.       Follow my blog via Google friends connect & leave a comment below with your contact details

2.       Follow the BUAV & BM Beauty on twitter here & here

3.       RT the following  #Win cruelty free beauty goodies courtesy of @thebuav @bmbeauty & @sarah_berryman1  at  http://tinyurl.com/cb7lmng

The competition closes on Friday 9th December. 1 entry per person.

So, which of Kimberly's products would you choose if you win?  You can see the full range at www.BMbeauty.com

 T’s & C’s

Competition ends at 12pm on Friday 9^th December

The Winner will be contacted by email after the closing date

The competition is not open to employees, immediate family or friends of I Am Fabulicious or the BUAV

The decision on the winner is final and I Am Fabulicious/BUAV will not enter into any correspondence regarding this matter

The prize must be taken as stated

Events may occur that render the prize draw itself or the awarding of the prizes impossible due to reasons beyond the control of the Promoter

Events may occur that render the prize draw itself or the awarding of the prizes impossible due to reasons beyond the control of the Promoter

Two Glasses of Wine

I realise that this is a totally non-beauty related post, but I was sent this this morning and thought it was too good not to share.

 

(You know me, every now and then i read something which i think is most definitely worth sharing, so i do!)

Let me know what you think.

It’s called, Two Glasses of Wine

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 glasses of

wine.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.  He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two glasses of wine from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things; your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions; things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff.

If you put the sand into the jar first, he continued, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.  The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, there is no room for the important elements.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.  Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out  to dinner. Play another 18 holes. There will always be time  to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the wine represented.

The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of glasses of wine with a friend.'

_______________

What i took away from this is to try and remember not to get so caught up in 'stuff'. The things that in the grand scheme of life, don't actually matter at all, those trivial issues. Every now and then i guess we all need to take a step back and remember what REALLY matters in life x

Tweezers, but Not As You Know Them!

Today I’m bringing you the cutest little item which would make for a perfect stocking filler!

Brows are a big deal these days so keep yours in tip top shape with these gorgeous plucking tools!

 

 The stainless steel tip tweezers are emblazoned with six unique images, injecting a little glamour into what is usually a rather mundane (but totally necessary) beauty tool!

The Tweezers are available for £2.99 each from Sally Salon Service Stores

Cast Yourself In the next L'Oreal Casting Creme Gloss Advert

Calling all Beauty lovelies, Hair Care Fanatics and Cheryl Cole fans alike!

L’Oreal Casting Crème Gloss is giving you the opportunity to Cast Yourself alongside the gorgeous Cheryl in the next L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss advert!

  

From 31 October to 27th November, fans of Casting Crème Gloss can cast themselves in the role of either deep brunette, fiery redhead or honey blonde.

The most popular brunettes, redheads and blondes will be shortlisted for a L’Oréal Paris Casting Day where you will receive a makeover by our hair & makeup artists in preparation for a live audition, in front of a panel of judges. 

This will be your chance to go in front of the camera and tell L’Oreal why you love Casting Crème Gloss.

YOU will get the opportunity to utter those famous words, "Because you're worth it!'

To enter visit their facebook page here and click on the application button which appears on the left hand side of the page.

Follow the simple steps to enter, upload a picture of yourself then ask friends and family to cast their vote from the 28^thNovember to 4^th December 2011.
 

I've entered, you can see my page here, so what are you waiting for?

In the meantime, which of Cheryl’s hair do’s and colours is your favourite?

Perhaps her long, fiery,redhead look appeals to you?

Perhaps its her big, bouncy, beautiful brunette ‘do?

 What about her short, sophisticated, honey hue locks?

  

Let me know!

 

Disclaimer: Opens to female UK and ROI residents aged 16+. Entrants must register with L’Oréal Insider, colour their hair using Casting Crème Gloss and upload a photo on facebook. No purchase necessary. Closing date 27/11/2011. For full Terms & Conditions and to enter click here

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post 

Tresemme Split Remedy Collection & Giveaway

Have you tried Tresemme’s new Split Remedy Collection?

I have, I was desperate to get my hands on it when it first came out due to my ‘hair cut phobia’ which means I generally only get my hair cut twice a year, which means my locks are often riddled with split ends.

( I know its really bad but I cant help it!)

So, in a nutshell, the revolutionary collection and its reconstructing complex repairs your split ends in just 3 uses as well as preventing more split ends from occurring. 

But how?

Well, because split ends are negatively charged, the positive charges within the products attach to the inside of the split. During the drying process this then contracts to bind the split ends together, leaving you with a smooth, frizz proof look and just cut feeling.

While I loved the shampoo and conditioner my favourite item was definitely the Split Mend Sealing Serum! Smelling fresh and feeling light it was a delight to use. 

 

Applied sparingly to the ends of my hair, once blow dried my hair felt light, silky and I found that I didn’t even need to use my hair strengtheners to smooth my hair over.

Now lets get real, this isn’t some magical lotion that repairs split ends, it doesn’t. If it could do that it would be on sale for a LOT more than just £4.99 for the shampoo and conditioner and £5.50 for the Split Mend Sealing Serum, Recovery Mask and Leave In Treatment.

It does however, leave your hair incredibly smooth, frizz free and silky to touch, so what are you waiting for, go and get yours now!

Now, once you’ve unleashed your silky smooth hair, why not add a little volume and body to your style with Tresemme’s  Volume Styler (£24)? 

Use on hair which is 80% dry to create volume and shape for a truly professional blowdry.  

Why not also try their Ceramic self grip rollers (£8.99)?  Comprising of 6 small, medium and large size rollers, they are fab to create varying curl sizes. They fix securely into position without pulling or snagging on your hair.

Sound good? Well thanks to Tresemme you can win their Volume Styler AND Ceramic Self Grip Rollers right here!

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

To enter all you have to do is:

Follow my blog via Google Friends Connect  & Facebook and leave your contact details in the comment box below.

Head over to Twitter & RT the following:

RT & head to www.iamfabulicious.com to #Win @TresemmeUK  Styling goodies!  @sarah_berryman1

The Competition is open until Monday 19^th December. Goodluck!

I Am Fabulicious Up For Best Beauty Blog In The Handbag.com Beauty Awards!

 

I have some INCREDIBLY exciting news for y’all!

I have been shortlisted in the Handbag.com Beauty Awards 2011 under the Best Beauty Blog Category!

Thank you so much to all of you who nominated me, though I didn’t ask for votes I am incredibly thrilled to be shortlisted, and I’m up against some real heavy weights!

When I say real heavy weights, I’m talking A Model Recommends, PixieWoo and  Lipglossiping style heavy weights, as well as fellow blogger Aimee McKenna.

I am under no illusion that I have any chance of winning in this category but I am totally elated  to be there with such amazing bloggers.

That said, if you would like to take a few minutes to vote for little old me to win, I would be over the moon!

To vote for me please head over to Handbag.com or click here, where you will need to enter your email address to vote.

Thank you once again to everyone who nominated me and fingers crossed!

The Saturdays Rochelle Talks Beauty

 Today sees the release of The Saturdays long awaited third album, On Your Radar.

My Heart Takes Over, their first single from this album is currently riding high in the charts and their new album is set to be just as jam packed with fab  tunes as Chasing Lights and Wordshaker.

 I caught up with one fifth of the far too aesthetically perfect looking group and chatted to the stunning Rochelle about how she gets so damn gorgeous!

 What do you have in your make up bag today?

My FashionistA nail varnish, a Rimmel #3 lipstick by Kate Moss and Mac Face & Body

What is your favourite beauty brand and why?

Rimmel – I’ve always got one of their products in my bag

When do you feel most beautiful?

When Celena our makeup artist has done my face!

Do you have a beauty Icon? If so, who?

Kim Kardashian – totally love her style and confidence

As a high profile star, do you feel pressure from the media to look ‘perfect’

When I’m working there’s a lot of pressure, but I do dress down on my days off

Can you share with us one of your trade secret beauty tips?

Make sure you drink lots of water and always get at least 8 hours sleep

What was the best piece of beauty advice you have ever been given?

Put a treatment in your hair once a week

What does ‘Beauty’ mean to you?

It means feeling confident and healthy

The Saturdays new single My Heart Takes Over is out on 13^th November from their album On Your Radar out on 21^st November