The Game Changer: Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray

I'm just going to put it out there: my hair can be pretty shit to me. One day it's crazy and frizzy, next day it's flat, and after years of colouring the condition just ain't what it used to be. I'm also going to put it out there however, that lately I've been having some pretty alright hair days, actually to the point where people have been NOTICING the difference (never happens). I have one product in mind when I consider why this change has come about, and it is Oribe's maximista spray, which you use on damp hair before blowdrying to thicken and volumize. 

B.M, (that's before maximista) if you'd have asked me to pick one hair care brand I would choose to use for the rest of my life, (if money grew on trees) I would always have said Bumble and Bumble. However, after using Oribe's thickening spray and hearing rave reviews about their dry texturising spray, it may possibly just be a toss up. The spray itself has a slightly sticky hairspray-like consistency which when sprayed on smells incredible. When used before blowdrying (I use my babyliss new big hair tool which is also amazing) it works an absolute treat. I have grown up with very fine hair and been desperately envious of my friends' thick, luxurious locks and have never thought that look would be achievable for me. The Oribe Maximista gets me as close as will ever be possible, and is the best thickening spray I have ever used. It really does add so much volume and after fully drying your hair you can easily see the difference in thickness. If you scroll down to my recent outfit post (Lakeside) in some of the earlier pictures by the grass you can see the effects of the spray. 

As ever, there are downsides and limitations to the product (so don't expect to see me with fantastic huge Brigitte Bardot-esque hair all day every day). I find the spray to lose its effect fairly quickly, especially in any sort of windy weather conditions. It definitely does not have the same impressive effect the following day which means washing and blow drying far more often to achieve the big hair look. 

However, I do seriously love this spray and when scientists/farmers find a way for money to grow on trees you'll see me heading straight towards the Oribe counter to pick up their entire range. Have you tried any products from Oribe? What's your favourite thickening spray? 

B. 

Urban Outfitters Nottingham: Press and Blogger Event

What I wore! 

On Thursday morning I was invited to attend the press and blogger event for the new Urban Outfitters store in Nottingham. It was such a lovely morning and the new store is so beautiful. It was so exciting being invited into the shop before the opening party in the evening and before it was open to the public, and being able to get a sneak preview felt like being a child in a toy store after hours. As London Grammar was playing in the background and snacks were being passed round, we browsed the store, took photos and had a bit of fun in the photobooth!

I love how Urban Outfitters always manages to make each store unique in its design but still tie it into the overall image of the brand. As you can see from my photos above, the store has a hugely rustic feel as well as being urban and modern with its unique graffiti and bespoke designs. The shop space is much bigger than we had imagined and has a beautiful staircase which leads down to the men’s section and fitting rooms. The Nottingham VM team has done a great job making the store look great too; everything looks so put together and neat on the shop floor and just so Urban Outfitters-esque.

We were also lucky enough to be given the chance to pick any piece from the store to take home, which was massively generous of the guys at Urban Outfitters. I chose this gorgeous tartan skirt (see photos above) which I’m sure will pop up in an outfit post in the near future.

Head down to the new store if you’re in or around Nottingham, it really is beautiful and stocks a great collection! A huge thank you to the lovely people at Urban Outfitters for having me and generously allowing me to take home a piece.

B. 

Lakeside

 

Jumper: Zara

Skirt, hat & boots: Topshop

There's something so wintery and christmassy about being on campus right now and it's a nice feeling. I feel so lucky to go to a uni that is so beautiful too, and am trying to make the most of it all in my third year. What I wore today was pretty simple and nothing too special but did combine two of my favourite colours to wear all year round. There's something about navy on black that is so sophisticated and easy to wear. You may also notice that this hat is permanently stuck to my head these days; I'm ok with that. I also just really like these snaps because of how well they show off the pretty UON campus. They were shot by my friend Sarah who is a talented photographer and massive all round babe. I did nearly lose my hat several times though and I am seriously working (or trying to) the windswept look. 

B.

The US/UK COLLECTIVE HAUL

This Haul has been a long time coming, and I have to point out up front that this is a collection of things I have been buying since I came back to uni nearly two months ago! Admittedly I initially went a little mental when my loan came through, but who doesn't? 

I will start with the bits my Dad kindly picked up for me in the US. I had a long long list of things I wanted to try but whittled it down to a few of my most lusted after. I ended up asking for the Tarte Amazonian clay blush in Tipsy (which I am yet to use), the Makeup forever full cover concealer (AMAZING at covering anything), some Crest whitening strips (UK store bought whitening kits are known to be pretty appalling due to low bleach levels) and some more of my beloved Chanel Chance perfume from duty free. I also asked for the Weekender bag from Sephora but sadly they didn't have it at the store my Dad tried so he picked up the High Roller for me instead which I am now completely OBSESSED with. It has such a sleek design and cute labelled sections inside. 

Next up is Mac and Lush (and a little online purchase). I FINALLY got round to filling my Mac quad, which you can read about HERE. I also picked up a new 217 brush and a 239. Their Teddy Eyeliner was also on my shopping list; which is a gorgeous bronzey brown colour. When I went into lush there was only one thing on my mind: their Snow Fairy shower gel, which only comes out around Christmas. I picked up a big bottle because I can never get enough of the stuff. I also ordered the infamous StarGazer metallic look nail polish online, which I'm a little disappointed in as I expected much more of a chrome finish. 

Last up is Boots, which is always like going into a huge sweet shop for me, and the Nottingham store is so big and extra exciting! Bourjois' latest offerings made their way into my shopping basket; I picked up their new Happy Light serum and foundation and their Java Rice highlighting powder. I also grabbed a couple of the new matte Barry M polishes in the shades Crush and Mocha. I was also in need of a new night cream and the Soap and Glory sleek packaging drew me so much that I bought their Beauty Sleep accelerator cream. Lastly, I picked up a Bleach London Rose colour bottle (which I had massive hopes for, but sadly it really didn't take to my hair at all!). 

I hope you guys enjoyed looking at my collective haul! What have you been buying lately? 

B.