The Only Hairbrushes You'll Ever Need

When it comes to hair, I am fairly fuss free. The quicker and least painful option is always preferred, most days I just give it a quick brush through and run out the door ... or spend more time on my makeup. Priorities. Recently, I have finally narrowed it down to two hairbrushes that, for me, are completely necessary in my sparse hair-tool collection. 

The first 'tool', lets just accept that they are hairbrushes and move on, is the infamous Tangle Teezer. The epitome of pain-free, post-shower moments, the elation of no teary eyes and fewer split ends are all down to this, what can only be called, a miracle. Its flexible plastic bristles glide through wet and dry hair making early mornings a breeze and even backcombing less of a chore. It is a must have in anyones collection who is in the possession of disobedient locks. 

The second number in this ode to hairbrushes, comes in the form of the rather snazzy GHD Paddle Brush. Now it may seem a bit OTT and could intimidate any a Denmen brush, but it is so worth it. The quality of this brush is incredible and the almost NARS-like packaging makes it even more gorgeous. Yes, it may be a bit pretentious but it will last for years and that's a girls justification for any purchase - is it not? 

I never knew I could be such a hairbrush enthusiast, Tangle Teezer and GDH Paddle Brush both available from feelunique. 

Kathleen x

Scrubatomic by Soap and Glory

Soap and Glory is fast becoming one of my favourite drugstore brands with most of their makeup and skincare range failing to disappoint. My most recent purchase from them is absolutely no exception and it comes in the form of Scrubatomic. Soap and Glory states that it is a daily face scrub that is suitable for all skin types, personally I only use it around three times a week due to it being quite abrasive because of its dual exfoliant properties. It almost lathers up when massaged into the skin, which is really lovely and I tend to leave it on the skin for a couple of minutes to allow the fruit acids to breakdown the dead skin. After I rinse it off, I am left with super soft skin that does not feel overly scrubbed!

This scrub has really impressed me for many reasons. It containes fruit acids to act as a gentle chemical exfoliant and also, very small exfoliating particles that buff away dead skin cells. Fruit acids, such as AHAs, have become massively popular in the skincare industry as an alternative to manual exfoliating beads, they have been proven to be much more effective at eating away the dead skin that clogs pores and dulls our complexion. Also, they are much less damaging to the skin due to the absence of abrasive ingredients. I have found it extremely difficult to find fruit acids present in skincare products in the drug store and at an extremely affordable price of £9, it is a serious bargain. Compared to similar products from Clarins and Zelens, Soap and Glory has really outdone itself on its Srubatomic. 

Available at Boots for £9

Kathleen x

Update

It has been a ridiculously long time since I last wrote a blog post, but after many months, I am officially back! My absence from Beautiful Notions has mainly been down to starting university and struggling to find the time, lighting and appropriate 'blogger' background - which usually consists of a candle, flowers and some soft furnishings - to blog/film. It has been really frustrating because I've missed my blog and channel so much but I have now finished my first year at university and I can't wait to immerse myself in the world of Beautiful Notions again! 

As I am back home now, you will again see the familiar background of my videos and blog posts but you will notice some changes. I am planning to post very regularly on my blog, roughly three times a week to begin with, and upload a video over on my Youtube channel at least once a week on a Sunday. There could be the potential for another video every Wednesday but I don't want to get to ahead of myself! 

Another change in the next few months will be where I live! I am moving into a flat with a couple of friends from uni and I can't wait to start filming there! I will be uploading home decor videos and blog posts and there may be a 'Before and After Flat Tour' in the works!! 

I really want to start posting not only beauty content, but also fashion and lifestyle - maybe even some food posts! I can't wait to develop Beautiful Notions into a blog brimming with readable, entertaining and diverse posts!

Sneak peak of an upcoming post!

Kathleen x

NOTD: Fireworks

As it is nearly fireworks night, I thought I would be a bit 'creative' and put together a nail of the day that kind of resembles the sky on the 5th of November. Basically it's just a dark plum with a tonne of glitter as a topcoat! 

topshops mardi gras, rimmels black cherries

Kathleen x 

Origins Make a Difference +

After being on the hunt for the perfect moisturiser, I think I may have found it. Origins is very well known for its amazing selection of moisturisers for an array of skin types, so I felt it was a rather good place to start the moisturiser search. After hearing many a rave from various beauty bloggers about the "Make a Difference" range, I was curious to try it out. 

I decided to go for the "Make a Difference + Rejuvenating Moisturiser", I thought the consistency was light enough to use during the day without my makeup sliding off my face but it still nourishing enough to avoid those pesky dry patches. I've been using this moisturiser for about a month now and I am absolutely in love with it. It has honestly completely changed my skin from being dry, red and irritated to being soft, moisturised and my skin tone has definitely evened out. It's not cheap but personally, I feel that part of my skin care routine that I want to invest in is a moisturiser and I definitely want to try more from the range. It has definitely earned holy grail status in the world of Beautiful Notions.

Available from the Origins website at £34 

Kathleen x

MAC Fall - RiRi Woo Lipstick

This has probably been the most hyped MAC collection for a very long time. Rihanna, being the massive icon that she is, has brought out her own MAC collection for Fall and it is absolutely stunning. The collection consists of some gorgeous eye pallets, a beautiful cream colour base, brushes, eyeliners and of course lipsticks and the list continues! But the most delectable aspect for me is the rose gold packaging, being a sucker for the rather shiny packaging myself. I decided to pick up the lipstick in RiRi Woo - the star of the show in my opinion.

A lovely matte, blue-toned red, obviously very similar to Ruby Woo by MAC, that is super easy to apply and stays ALL DAY. I absolutely love this new MAC collection and it is rare that I get so excited about their collections. Seriously well done to Rihanna for bringing out a fabulous collection - all of the products are Diamonds!

Available from MAC for £16.50

Kathleen x

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

I know, I've seriously jumped on the bandwagon with this one. Every blogger in the beauty universe has been blabbing about this pot of magic for the past year and I decided to give it a whirl. My skin is most definitely dry and I really struggle to find a cleanser that doesn't leave me with a tight feeling across my face. Even the infamous Liz Earl Cleanse and Polish doesn't do it for me, so I decided to delve into the world of balms. 

This is a very luxurious product, by taking a pea size amount and massaging it all over my face and neck, I am left with velvety soft and nourished skin. It breaks down makeup like a dream and the moringa content is an excellent source of vitamins, collagen and anti-oxidants. The balm has a relaxing herbal sent which is great for the evening and by double cleansing the results are really lovely. This is an excellent cleanser for all skin types but I would say in particular, for dry and sensitive skin to leave it nourished and moisturised. The hype is real. 

Available at feelunique for £34

Kathleen x