1. Use a rich conditioner

First thing’s first, if you have curly hair, an average conditioner isn’t going to cut it. Finding your perfect conditioner is the first step to achieving healthy hair and it all depends on your curl type. You’re going to want to look for a really rich conditioner like the milk_shake hair products vegan curlies swear by, for example. It’s rich, thick and great for keeping your curly locks hydrated come what may. You can also use curl treatments as conditioners and this is my favourite way of achieving fabulous curls when you don't necessarily have the time for a treatment masque.

2. Don’t skimp on it

Once you’ve chosen a really rich, heavyweight conditioner or masque, it’s important to use it generously. It may be cheaper to put it on sparingly, but your hair won’t thank you for it when it’s drier than the Sahara. No, what you need to do is apply your conditioner with a comb. Ideally, it should be applied to wet hair from the root to tip until it is completely covered! I find this the best way of making sure all my hair has an even amount of conditioner on it!

3. Keep it covered

Covering your hair with a shower cap once you’ve applied the conditioner will not only prevent it from falling out onto you but it will also enable your scalp to warm up the liquid, which will enable it to more thoroughly penetrate your hair. I usually apply my shower cap and continue with my shower, however if you have more time leave for 15-30 minutes, or longer if you like, for best results.

4. Add some steam

Something else that can help to really open up your cuticles to allow the conditioner to penetrate deeply is the presence of heat, and one of the gentlest ways to achieve this is by sitting in a steamy bath. You could also use a hairdryer if you prefer, but that can get a bit uncomfortable after a while.

5. Leave it in

There is always the option of a Leave-in conditioner too. These work great because they continue to moisturise your hair throughout the day so that it never gets a chance to dry out. If you prefer, you can use your normal conditioner instead. Simply apply it, cover your head and go to bed. The heat generated as you sleep will help it to really work its magic. Don't forget to put a towel down though as it can get a little messy!

6. Add an avocado

Talking of messy, mashing an avocado into your conditioner may seem like a strange thing to do, but avocados are really great for your hair as they are rich in protein, so it is something that you may want to try to see if it adds any extra strength and moisture. I personally love to do this when I have time and while the thought of having food in your hair can be strange, it is definitely worth a go.

Curly hair may be more difficult to keep moist, but it is possible to achieve beautiful curls and these tips will be a great starting point! I hope they work and I would love to know how you get on!

Amina xx

Hey guys, 

Let's face it, it’s been a long year and a half! But, finally, we’re on our way to a restriction-free summer (fingers crossed) and a chance to enjoy a much-needed holiday at long last. Many of us have booked up already (even if travel restrictions are still keeping us close to home) and can’t wait to get stuck into the sun, sea, and sand that’s seemed so far away for so long. 

There’s just one problem – all of this time close to home has left many of us forgetting what we need to pack on the makeup front. After all, you haven’t thought about this for so long, with your entire collection at your fingertips and (if I'm honest) largely unused.

But as you can likely remember from a past life, heading away without holiday essentials in your makeup bag can leave you looking less groomed than you might like in all those holiday snaps. So, here is a super quick refresher to help you remember how to ensure fun in the sun extends to your makeup collection. 

1. Don’t forget protection - SPF

It feels like so long since we were allowed out for untold amounts of time that most of us haven’t even had a lick of a suntan. But, as soon as you stray a little further from home, sun protection is critical. I personally wear it everyday! SPF-infused makeup bag additions like these Colorscience products are the best and easiest way to incorporate this neatly into your holiday packing. From foundation to skincare, keeping sun protection in your makeup bag means that you can apply your usual make-up routine and not once worry about the harm that the sun will cause to your skin. 

2. Factor for the colour change - Foundation

Even with protective products, you can’t guarantee that your sun-deprived skin isn’t going to catch a little. Personally, my skin can go up two foundation shades in the summer and that's even whilst wearing SPF. As such, you also need to make sure you pack your normal foundation and a summer shade. That was you can also mix the two to get your shade just right. You needn’t take the entire product if you’re looking to save space, but taking small pots of two foundations/concealers etc., can make all the difference for smoothly switching over when your usual foundation starts to look a little ghoulish.

3. Don’t forget hair care - Hair products

via GIPHY

You might not have had to worry about it for a while, but we all remember that episode of Friends, don’t we? To avoid having to explain that ‘it’s the humidity,’ make sure that you also pack products like frizz serums or even just hair bands that fit neatly into your makeup bag that can keep that mop in line despite high temperatures. Note, too, that many hotels and accommodations are still withholding additional items for safety purposes. You may want to take along a hairdryer and straighteners, which, while they might not fit into your makeup bag itself, can certainly complement the products there for a picture-perfect barnet your whole trip long.

Finally, we can all breathe a sigh of relief again and enjoy a summer that looks (almost) normal. Make sure that you don’t spend the whole time wishing you were at home again by bringing these home makeup comforts along for the ride!

Amina xx