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Skincare

FUL Intense Moisture Hair Mask Treatment Review

Why do you need a hair mask and how is it different from regular conditioner I hear you ask? Well, the FUL hair mask is different. It includes a pH-balanced formula to deeply condition your hair with super nourishing ingredients including shea butter and coconut oil.

If like me you use coconut oil after being in the sea, you know how much it helps reduce frizz, and softens your hair.

Fancy smooth hair? Get 20% off on fulondon.com – use my discount code AHOYBEAUTY20 to get this 300ml tub for £25.60 down from £32.

FUL Hair Conditioner Mask Treatment
FUL Hair Conditioner Mask Treatment | It’s a big 300ml tub

Regular conditioner is used in the shower and is rinsed off after a few minutes. With this FUL hair mask, you shampoo your hair as usual but apply this treatment and leave it on – then rinse off after 10 minutes. This allows the hair to be properly soaked and reap the nourishing benefits.

FUL Hair Conditioner Mask Treatment
FUL Hair Conditioner Mask Treatment

Have I been using it the recommended way?

Unfortunately not, no. Who has time to have a shower, shampoo hair, get out, towel-dry hair, apply a hair mask, wait 10 minutes then get back in the shower and rinse?

I have however found a way to incorporate the mask into my hair care several times a week and can safely say, I’m impressed. I’m able to leave my hair wet so it dries naturally because the mask has calmed my frizz so much, I don’t need to blow dry it straight.

How do you use the mask treatment?

If I know I’m having a shower in an hour or so (maybe I’m about to work out) I’ll add a big blob throughout my hair from the middle down to the ends. I love using my tangle tweezer hair brush to comb it through – not touching the roots, making sure I get every last hair. Then I put it in a bun, or low pony and do whatever I need to. After an hour or so, I have a shower to rinse it out. Then I shampoo my hair but I don’t re-condition it, as it’s already conditioned enough.

The outcome is lovely shiny conditioned hair!

Fancy smooth hair? Get 20% off on fulondon.com – use my discount code AHOYBEAUTY20 to get this 300ml tub for £25.60 down from £32.

FUL Hair Conditioner Mask Treatment - during
FUL Hair Conditioner Mask Treatment | luckily I work from home so I was able to apply and work at my desk!

What type of hair is it good for?

Mainly for dry/damaged but I’d say if yours needs some TLC, then go for it.

FUL Hair Conditioner Mask Treatment - afterwards
FUL Hair Conditioner Mask Treatment | this is my hair after using the mask, and then left dry after shampooing. Completely different to my usual random-curl-frizzy mess

Where can I buy it? How much is it?

Buy it from Fullondon.com for £32 – get 20% off with my discount code AHOYBEAUTY20 making it £25.60 for a whopping 300ml!

So far, I’ve used this twice a week and the tub is showing no signs of having any used! It’s a huge tub and one that’ll probably last for months.

I’ll keep updating this article with how much is left.

Tell me about the ingredients

Does it contain parabens, sulphates or silicone?

Nope! None of those according to the website.

Is it vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes and yes!

Full ingredients list here:

Aqua, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Propylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-37, Isopropyl Alcohol, Quaternium-80, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citric Acid, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Polyquaternium-11, Dehydroacetic Acid, Linalool, Disodium EDTA, Coumarin, Geraniol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citral

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Skincare

Chāmpo Vegan and Cruelty Free Hair Care – My honest review

I’m far too influenced by Made In Chelsea ladies on Instagram that I keep buying beauty products I really don’t need! I’ve tried Function of Beauty hair care so figured I’d give Champo a go.

Personalised goals for your hair care – Champo

Champo have lots of different shampoo and conditioner types dependent on your hair. Types such as:

  • Volumising
  • Balancing
  • Thick hair
  • Thinning care
  • etc…

You can choose to complete a short quiz where they ask what your hair is like and what your goals are.

Champo – This is the hair quiz you can take to get personalised shampoo and conditioner on https://www.champohaircare.com/

My result was Pitta which is:

for fine hair that may be experiencing thinning or loss and yearns for instant and long-lasting fullness and body. Thickens every strand, transforming strength and protecting from breakage while restoring weightless volume and beautiful manageability.

https://www.champohaircare.com/products/pitta-volumising-conditioner

I didn’t 100% agree with this when I got the results as my hair isn’t fine but it is thinning slightly. It could do with help with breakages and needs strengthening so I thought I’d give it a go.

What’s the price?

Conditioner is £20 and shampoo is £18. Delivery is free over £30. I paid £34.20 in total for 1x shampoo and 1x conditioner because I used a discount code (see the end of the article).

They’re both 260ml / 9.2 fl. oz. which being honest, were smaller than what I expected. I thought Function of Beauty is expensive at £31 but those bottles are nearly double at 474ml.

Champo hair case shampoo and conditioner - my review - the look of the bottles
Shampoo & Conditioner by Champo – 260ml – I got the type Pitta

What are you paying for?

They are the most expensive hair care I have ever purchased so I wanted the ingredients to be natural, ethically sourced, vegan and cruelty-free.

Good news.. they are vegan and cruelty-free. Hurrah!!

Here are features from their website (April 2020):

– Precisely formulated to instantly leave fine or thinning hair looking and feeling fuller, thicker and stronger from roots to ends
– Over time, helps reduce hair loss by protecting from breakage while also promoting healthy hair growth
– 98% naturally derived ingredients
– Vegan and Cruelty free
– Made in the UK
– Suitable for coloured and treated hair
– Free from: SLS, Parabens, Silicones, Synthetic fragrance, DEAs, MEAs, TEAs, GMOs and artificial colour

It’s only natural… You may be surprised at the tone of our Pitta volumising shampoo; it’s grey. This is due to the haritaki fruit extract in the formula, which we choose not to mask with artificial colour.

Champo hair case shampoo and conditioner - my review - the look of the bottles
Shampoo and conditioner by Champo – 260ml – I got the type Pitta

There are loads of reviews from customers on their website, but they aren’t populated from an external reviews company (TrustPilot for example) so I’m never too trusting of them. That being said, they definitely helped to sway me to make my purchase.

My honest Champo review

On arrival I was very disappointed. They arrived in a cardboard cutout which didn’t scream “high-end” at all, which I was expecting considering the price. They were also smaller bottles than what I expected.

Champo hair case shampoo and conditioner - my review - the boxes in cardboard packaging initially I was disappointed with
Champo – I was initially disappointed with the simple cardboard packaging

I’ve had an email recently which goes into detail why they use cardboard which made me feel guilty… see the dedicated page for their transparent explanation here.

Progress and positivity | Our approach to sustainable beauty. Synthetic-free formulas, 80% recycled cardboard packaging, recyclable bottles and discreet distribution… Learn how our low waste model is positive, progressive and beneficial for both our planet and your pocket.

https://www.champohaircare.com/blogs/brand-origins/progress-and-positivity-our-approach-to-sustainable-beauty

The bottles are as you’d expect – easy to use to pump out the product. I use a 50p size amount in the middle of my hand and gently rub it in my scalp.

It doesn’t bubble as much as store-bought shampoos but that’s probably because of the higher quality. I initially didn’t like this, as I’m used to bubbly, frothy shampoo which really lathers up!

My hair after using Champo

It’s been smoother and a lot less frizzy. I’m really pleased with Champo and I would recommend it.

I probably wouldn’t purchase again though, mainly down to the price – it’s a little too expensive for me. Although, that being said, as I’ve only been using a few weeks, I’m yet to find out how long it lasts for. I wash my hair 2-4 times a week so hopefully it won’t run out too soon. As I have long hair, I have to pump the conditioner about 10 times (at least!) to get a sizeable amount out, and even then, I try to ration it. I only condition the middle-to-ends too.

Champo hair case shampoo and conditioner - my review - here's my shiny hair after using it for a few weeks
The underneath of my hair is normally pretty frizzy but was tamed after using both Champo shampoo, conditioner and blow-drying my hair

I’ll update this blog when I run out of either.

Champo hair case shampoo and conditioner - my review - shiny hair after using it for a few weeks
This is my hair after using Champo shampoo and conditioner. It’s after a blow-dry too.

Discounts / offers

Use my referral link and we both get 20% off our next purchase.

Update: 23rd May (5 weeks later)

The shampoo has just run out. The conditioner is still going – I’ll update again when it’s finished.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m washing my hair less (due to COVID-19 lockdown) or if it’s Champo, but I’ve started getting dandruff on the sides of my head! I’m only washing it a day or so later than usual (at least twice a week) so surely this can’t be why I’m getting dandruff. I’m going to use Function of Beauty next (I’ve got new bottles since the blog) to see if it gets rid. Argh.

Update: 2nd June (6.5 weeks later)

The conditioner has just run out. It’s lasted a while to be fair – I wash 2-4 times a week and use this on my ends.

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Skincare

Function of Beauty – Personalised Vegan and Cruelty-Free Subscription Hair Care – My honest review

Personalised shampoo & conditioner tailored to you and your hair care needs, delivered right to your door – what’s not to like?

They are called Function of Beauty and they are based in New York. Since I’ve bought off them back in 2019, they’ve expanded the range to include serums, masks, purple shampoo and more. I’ve used them on and off for years now – only stopping to give my hair a ‘break’ every few months, to stop my hair getting familiar with the ingredients and therefore the formula stopping working so well.

What I like is how the products are personalised and tailored to me. The bottles even have my name written on the side. I was able to choose the colours and smells I want. This is the first time I’ve ever tried personalised hair care, especially for this price (which is 100% worth it).

How does it work? It’s pretty simple. You put in your hair care concerns, and they ship your personalised products to you. You get a subscription, so you’re able to choose whether you receive new products in 3 months, 4, 5 etc but they remind you closer to the time, so you don’t get any surprise charges. You’re able to bring forward your delivery date, or push it back.

I personally choose different colours each time, to change things up a bit! I buy 3 sets a year, so 3x shampoo and 3x conditioner – you’ll see from my below photos that they both last months and months. It’s pretty pricey at first glance, but don’t let that put you off – once you divide down to how much it costs per use, it’s similar to what the cheap drugstore shampoos cost (but with tons better quality ingredients used in Function of Beauty!).

I have a “friends and family” code where we both get £5 off. Feel free to use mine here.

1. Choose your hair concerns – frizzy? Anti-aging?

A screen grab of FoB homepage

These are what I entered as my hair care concerns:

+ anti-frizz
+ volumize
+ fix split ends
+ lengthen
+ replenish hair

I wanted to give my hair some love and attention (and to get rid of the frizz underneath) I’m also having a lot of hair fall out, especially during and after a shower, so I thought giving my hair a boost would help. I’ve never bothered with buying expensive hair products before but I spend a lot on products for my face so I thought why not?

2. Personalise your bottles

You can choose your bottle colours, and choose what they smell like!

I chose blue for my shampoo and purple for my conditioner. I chose ‘peach’ as the smell and I can confirm they smell amazing – fresh but not overwhelming. The smell lasts the next day following a clean.

function of beauty - fragrance strength
function of beauty – you can choose the fragrance strength
My bottles personalised with my name ‘rach’ on the outside. I also got that cute little mirror as a welcome gift
Choose your shampoo and conditioner colours
Lots of fragrances to choose from – I usually go with peach

The final (but cutest) last bit of personalisation is your name. They ask for it in the account and print this on the sides of each bottle. I love this!

See my bottle photo where you can see my name!

Where do they stand ethically?

I’ll let Function of Beauty do the explaining. They are vegan and cruelty-free.

Taken from the FoB homepage. Don’t let the “Made in America” put you off – I wasn’t charged any import fees/taxes

How much are they?

I purchased both bottles, 1x shampoo + 1x conditioner, at 473mL/16oz each for £31.20 £28 each (shampoo & conditioner totals £56) including delivery providing you’re taking out the subscription.

Initially I thought “no way am I spending over 30 quid for shampoo”. Then I thought about it. £30 (just over) for 3 months…. £10 a month…. £2.50 a week to have my hair looking and feeling its best. Hmmm. I would happily spend £30 on a face moisturiser which would last about the same time. I’d also buy a pair of leggings for that price without much thought. Why wouldn’t I spend that on my hair?

My hair deserves some love, like the rest of my body. #fistpump

I have a “friends and family” code where we both get £5 off. Feel free to use mine here.

Is it any good?

I can honestly say I’ve never had so many compliments.

It’s embarrassing how shiny my hair is.

Me

These 2 pictures are after blow drying (no straightening). It’s normally a frizzy mess underneath but has been tamed by the Function of Beauty shampoo and conditioner.

My hair is quicker to dry and style. When I wave my hair, the waves stay in longer and are bouncier.

Still a little frizzy but massively reduced
Function of Beauty- the result on my hair is shine overload
couldn’t find this pic on my phone so a screenshot of my Insta will have to do – look at that shine after curling!!

How long do the bottles last?

The bottles in total lasted me between 3-4 months! I received my order on 8 June 2019. When they arrived, I thought I’d smash through them within a few weeks. I wash my hair 3-6 times a week.

Here are the bottles exactly 1 month after arriving. I’ve used a third of the shampoo and slightly less conditioner.

8 July 2019: I’ve used just under 1/3 in just over 1 month (I’m on a 3-month subscription)

I use 3-4 pumps of the shampoo and 4 of the conditioner in every shower. I use the shampoo on my roots and the conditioner on my hair ends only. I have long hair, so I do use quite a lot of conditioner.

Hopefully by the time I finish the bottles, after 3 months, my new ones should arrive.

UPDATE: 1st Sept 2019 – after 3 months

I’ve used quite a bit more shampoo than conditioner. You can see they are far from finished – even though I’ve been using them both for 3 months.

3 months later – my 3-month subscription has covered me since June and there’s still plenty left!

UPDATE: 2nd Oct 2019 – 4 months later

I’ve just finished the shampoo. It has lasted me since 8 June, so in total just under 4 months. I never thought it would last this long. The expensive up-front cost is definitely worth it, considering how often I’ve washed my hair.

2 Oct’19: the shampoo has lasted just under 4 months!! I did NOT expect that

UPDATE: 18th Oct 2019 – 4.5 months later

I lasted as long as I could, but the conditioner has finally come to an end. Chuffed it has lasted over 4 months!

18 Oct’19 – the conditioner has finally come to an end – just over 4 months after being received!

Final thoughts after my first 3-month subscription has ended

I can’t believe how long they’ve lasted. The shampoo lasted just shy of 4 months; the conditioner lasted 4 months + 1 week. I never thought from using both 4-6 times per week they’d last this long.

I received my second subscription at the start of September which includes the same as above. I was given the choice via email a few weeks prior to change anything about my order – colours, smells, hair goals.

Due to not using up either within the 3 months, I’ve now set my subscription to be a little longer – 4 monthly to be exact. I’ve done this so I haven’t got bottles sat waiting for me at home; I can give my hair a break from Function (I don’t want my hair getting “used to” the formula so it stops working so well) and use other brands in-between.

Function of Beauty Benefits

I have a “friends and family” code where we both get £5 off. Feel free to use mine here. Remember to check out their website and social media before ordering because they often have freebies/discounts. I’ve used it with a work colleague and it works (she loves it).

UPDATE: 12 March 2021

I’ve just re-ordered. I like to switch what I use on my hair up every once in a while, so it doesn’t stop being effective.

UPDATE: 23 Jan 2022

Just re-ordered again! This time blue shampoo and light blue conditioner. Love to try the different colours.

UPDATE: 14 June 2023

Just reordered again! 🙂 I’ve noticed they’ve increased the price so I’ve updated that section above.

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How I protected and nourished my hair on the beach with coconut oil

My hair is up all the time on holiday. It’s never down and I never bother to straighten it. I’m also, always in the sea, so by the end of the day, my hair not only looks like rat tails, it feels horrible.

I bought coconut oil before I went which I’d heard was good at keeping hair nourished during beach holidays. I used it daily throughout my holiday and thought I’d share my very happy experience with you.

After swimming in the sea, you should take a shower. Salt water not only dries out your skin and hair, it leaves a sticky residue behind (gross). After each swim, I took my hair down so it was loose. I stood under the shower nearby and let the fresh water wash all over my hair. I didn’t shampoo it or anything. After a few minutes, I went back to my seat and brushed it until it was lug-free.

Taking about a pea-sized amount (I have long hair), I warmed it up in my hands. I then ran my fingers through the top and ends of my hair – being careful to avoid the roots as it can make roots greasy.

Once done, I scooped it up and put it in a french plait down my back. I like the French plait because it keeps hair in but it isn’t tight on my head, like a ponytail. When I undid it later in the day, it gave me lovely wavy hair.

Here’s a pic of me in the evening, back from the beach. This is after I’d had my hair covered in coconut oil all day. It was SO smooth, smelt amazing and was really conditioned. I hadn’t even washed it; this is when the coconut oil was still in my hair. All I did was brush it and put it up in a ponytail. It had dried on the beach with the coconut oil in it.

Not only am I using it but my Husband started too. He used it once after he’d been in the sea to de-fluff his hair. Guess what? Yep. He started using it in the evenings too instead of hair gel, and continued to use it even now we’re back from holiday.

I’ve used it as leave-in-conditioner a few times since I’ve been back, to give my hair a boost after being out in 35 degree heat for 2 weeks. It looks really shiny and moisturised.

As long as you don’t use too much, it makes styling hair so much easier. I sometimes wave my hair with straighteners. I’ve done it with coconut oil in my hair and the waves have never been as bouncy or as long-lasting. From the reviews on the Superdrug website, some ladies use it for their bleached-hair to keep it from drying out.

The coconut oil is solid in the container, so you need to pick it out with a nail.

I bought the coconut oil from Superdrug for £1.65. It’s cruelty-free and vegan, which makes this my new favourite product.

I’d definitely recommend it, especially as it’s cruelty-free! If you use it, drop me a comment and let me know how you get on.

More uses for coconut oil – further reading

Not just for beauty but potential nutritional value too. Check out FocusPerformance’s article | Coconut oil, Good or bad? 

Could coconut oil be used for hair growth? Hairguard.com discuss the benefits, side effects and uses – worth a read if you’re worried about losing your hair.

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My photo, hi I'm Rachael

Hi, I'm Rachael.

This is my beauty website where I review lots of different products, from make up, to CBD coffee and vegan moisturiser. I've been using products for over 20 years, so I hope I've gathered some tips and tricks to share, plus I'm always learning so I'll be sharing them too. I have oily-skin, that's acne prone, so join me as I navigate this new age being a millennial!