I don’t know about you but I’m always picking up a thing or two even when I wouldn’t consider myself really shopping for anything beauty, even though I’m you’re average broke university student. A few days ago, I was reading the lovely fellow Canadian, Sandra’s blog, and came across her “New In” post and after enjoying it immensely, I was struck with inspiration to do something similar on my blog that would allow me to jot down some brief thoughts on recently acquired products without going overboard and generally insane about it.

Pureology Strength Cure Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Condition ($30/each): I’m a massive fan of Pureology in general and I may have had an inkling that I would receive this set in my Easter basket courtesy of my mother, but alas, I went for this repairing formula although I don’t have particularly damaged hair because I find my hair responds well to protein and theoreticaly a more protein heavy formula would be less heavy but equally as nourishing on my relatively fine but very dry and tangly hair. The shampoo is concentrated, producing an appealing lather without stripping the hair or irritating my sensitive scalp but unlike some of Pureology’s other formulas, it does contain some silicone – amodimethicone, so at least it does not build up on the hair – and doesn’t smell like the most amazing thing ever. Both the shampoo and conditioner have this slightly medicinal, slightly floral scent that doesn’t quite compete with some of their greater scents. The conditioner impressed me hugely, being extremely concentrated with a nice thick texture that didn’t feel heavy on the hair but had the best slip for detangling. It too contains amodimethicone but I’m not one to complain because I like the slip – another concern is that it contains some isopropyl alcohol to make the the behentronium chloride easier to integrate into the formula as a conditioner but as its a solution of sorts, the concentration is fairly low and there is that fact that the hair is dead.

Bumble & Bumble Repair Blow Dry ($17/37): Bumble & Bumble is one of those brands that I consistently want to try products from despite the fact that they are very expensive, their products don’t exactly have the most unique ingredients and I tend to have a hit and miss relationship with – but I’m pleased to report that although I’ve only used this product a few times, it has definitely wowed me. It’s a dimethicone based serum-cream hybrid that has all of the benefits of the silicone – heat protection and that delightful slip – without the usual disadvantages – adding unpleasant weight to the hair and tending to just dilute the rest of the formula. I don’t have damaged hair but its curly so I tend to enjoy products that are, so my love for it isn’t necessarily related to its purpose here; I adore how its concentrated and has an amazing amount of control for a minimal amount of product whilst maintaining volume in the hair. For instance, I used this to blow dry my hair straight and it had some volume and stayed straight-ish for an impressive length of time and felt silky in the best way possible.

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Brigitte ($37): So when I strolled into Sephora and actually found this peach-tinged rose lipstick in stock, I finally went for it and gave in to the hype of the expensive lipstick. The formula is amazing, hydrating majorly long wearing, especially for something that fades so evenly and has a nourishing texture. I appear to have a number of similar shades but it is a gorgeous everyday my-lips-but-rosier shade.

Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candle in Renew & Refresh ($22.50): I needed another scented candle like I need another whole in my head but when my friend offered to split the buy-one-get-one offer with me, I couldn’t resist picking up this relaxed scent. It’s one of those scents that fills up the room but doesn’t read as bothersome or overwhelming – so if you’re into that heavy headache-inducing kind of strong throw this isn’t for you. It smells exactly as it’s intended to, like warm jasmine with a hint of that airy mint. I’m quite enjoying burning it at this extremely stressful time of the year.

What have you picked up lately?

Maggie, x.