Haircare Essentials

Haircare is a tricky one, I find it hard to find products that really make a difference to my hair without making my hair full of product or greasy looking. 

My hair is dry and curly but I have finally found products that make my hair smooth and shiny. All of my haircare products are from Lush, I love Lush for being cruelty free and for making products that genuinely work and contain lovely ingredients (defo not a sponsored post btw- I wish haha)

Shampoo- Lush Honey Shampoo Bar

I think the concept of a shampoo bar is incredible, more brands need to release packaging free products, it is such an eco-friendly way to buy haircare.

That said, the actual shampoo is also incredible, the bar lathers well and since converting to using a shampoo bar my hair has felt lighter and healthier. I don't know if it is because the shampoo is not so thick and so you are applying less product or if it is the fact that the honey leaves my hair light and shiny.

This is great for dry hair like mine however Lush has a range of shampoo bars for a variety of hair types so you should definitely check them out!

Co-wash- Avocado co-wash

This can be used as a shampoo and conditioner in one however i use this in between my shampoo and conditioner which may seem excessive however for me it is worth it. The avocado is super softening however for me this is not intense enough to be a conditioner so I like to use it in-between. Since adding this into my hair routine, my hair detangles easier! Also if I am totally honest,  the smell is irresistible!

Conditioner- Lush retread 
Possibly one of the thickest conditioners I have ever used, this feels more like a hair treatment- which I adore. I apply this all over my hair and leave it on for 2-3 minutes which is not necessary but for me, I like leaving my conditioner on for maximum effect. I have never found a conditioner that works so well for my hair.

Hair moisturiser- R&B

R&B is an excellent product if you have dry hair, it makes such a difference to my hair, it makes my hair feel soft and tame. The only con is that the smell is not my fave and if you apply too much your hair may appear greasy. That said, this lasts such a long time as you need a small amount!

I would love to hear about your favourite or go to hair care products, be sure to let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading,

Ellie

Tips for a better nights sleep

In the last few years I have struggled with burning the candle at both ends, basically I go to bed late and wake up early. I know what you are thinking, 'just go to bed earlier'. But genuinely, I cant! I go to bed at 10pm and I won't be asleep until at least 12 or 1 (am) and then will be awake again by around 5am. I have almost become conditioned to this as I no longer really get that tired.

After years of late nights for studying (GCSE then A Level- I was studying obsessed) and waking up early to study as much as possible, I now naturally wake up early. It is almost as though the stress from exams still sits with me, months after leaving school.

I am gradually becoming less stressed and less productivity obsessed however I am still struggling to fully rest and sleep. I am convinced that the reason I cannot sleep is because my brain is used to being alert the whole time, probably down to anxiety too.

I have recently tried to improve my sleeping pattern, I am going to share with my tips:

Tips for a better nights sleep:

(Not my pic, cannot find credit- tumblr)

1) Put your phone on the other side of the room

 I know this is now a tip that has been shared for ages, but I never really listened to it and I really should have. It is so easy to lay in your bed and scroll on your phone for over an hour without even realising so seriously, put it on the other side of the room. This is a bonus because if you set an alarm then you actually have to get up to turn it off.

2) Wind down early

Don't take your makeup off, have a shower and get your pj's just before bed, make sure you are relaxed and ready at least an hour before. I personally like to be 'settled' (lol how old am I) an hour before bed so I can watch a tv programme and wind down. If I don't do this, I feel wide awake before bed- which is not helpful if you are trying to get more sleep.

(Not my pic, cannot find credit- tumblr)

3) Have a warm drink

Not everyone will relate but I hate feeling cold before bed, I just cannot get comfortable. It would probably be easier to get an extra blanket but I personally like to have a warm drink (hot chocolate or tea) before bed so that I feel warm from within- which sounds weird but is true! It helps me relax and feel cosy.

4) Prepare for the next day

If you are working the next day or have something you have to be ready for, get prepared the night before. This way, you have no stress of tomorrow in your head whilst you're trying to sleep. It is easier to to relax knowing everything is ready and having a plan, I know for sure that this helps me as I thrive off organisation.

I would love to hear any of your tips in the comments as I still do struggle to get a good nights sleep, though these tips have helped!

Ellie x