Primark S/S 12 Swimwear Lookbook

I know a lot of people like these posts, so whenever I can I try and find some Primark promotional photos from their host. I was lucky enough to get my hands on these! Again rolling with the American theme that we saw in their clothing lookbook for this season, I think this from a visual aspect is really pleasing! The actual swimwear for me, not so much im afraid. Saying that I am really rather picky with my swimwear. A few weeks ago I saw a blue zigzag monokini in store that unfortunately I couldnt get my hands on, it would have been great if they'd have featured that in this lookbook, because it really was a lovely piece. There are a few bits that catch my eye, although I'm actually more drawn to the accessories which look really good for this season. Which are your favourite bits?

Summer Saviours: Manoi Oil

Manoi oil, a traditional Polynesian hair and skin softner is becoming a large craze in Europe and America. Like many other oils popular in the beauty market at the moment, manoi oil can be used for a multitude of things. After a shower for rehydration, to provide protection from wind and sun (plus soothing sunburn!), as a hot hair treatment oil, or simply just for dropping in to bath water for relaxation. One thing I really like about manoi oil is the history it has behind it, something which quite often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of Western beauty market where profits are all that matter. Manoi, originates from Tahiti, and is created by soaking the petals of the Tiare flowers in coconut oil. The process of creating the oil has been protected to guarentee great quality.

The way I love to use my Manoi oil is to pour the oil into a container (I used an empty Elemis Marine Cream jar) and put it in to the freezer until it clouds over and becomes a sort of semi-solid. When you rub your fingers over the solid the heat from your fingertips melts a small amount, which I then apply to areas like elbows, knees, decollette, and hands.

Now the protected oil can be very very expencive, so many brands have released cheaper 'knock-offs' if you will. You get what you pay for when it comes to these oils, the more expencive generally means better quality. The Body Shop have their own here, as do Elemis here.

Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo

I've had these photo's sat in files for weeks, I just never got around to writing this post because there's just so much I want to say. I'll start of by saying that I had huge expectations for this product, so many Youtubers and Bloggers were reporting huge differences in the volume and feel of their hair. After trawlling high and low to find the product (which at the time was out of stock in what must have been every store in the North of England) I finally got my hands on it. I gleefully ran home to be massively dissapointed. I find that the formulas of all Batiste variations change, the 'Blush' (my favourite) is very light, the 'Tropical' is very absorbing, both of which you'd want from a dry shampo. However, I find that this variation is the bad apple of the Batiste basket, its very heavy - bouncy hair I think not! It's also very oddly scented, tints your hair a whitish-grey regardless of how far away you hold the can, and worst of all it feels horrendous in your hair, almost chalk or sand like. Under no circumstances should you wear this in your hair if your roots are exposed, or you touch your hair a lot throughout the day. Me being me, I hate to admit defeat over a product, and always try to make it work somehow. I find that it does lift your roots when your hair is up in a bun or whatever. It's an alternative for you if you backcomb your hair and are trying not to damage your hair so much. As for the white tint, I sprayed my hair with hairspray over the top (which I do anyway when my hair is up) and it got rid of the colour quite well.

On a side note, please do excuse the photo quality, something must have gone wrong during the sizing process and I do realise they are aren't up to scratch. I would have reshot, however photographing products takes a considerable amount of time.

Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo

Advantages - good for root lift in up-do's

Disadvantages - horrendous when hair is down, leaves white tint

Overall rating - (3/10)

Availability - £3.99 Boots & Superdrug