New Product Review: Batiste Styling Shield My Locks Heat and Shine Spray

When I first found out that Batiste, famous for their range of dry shampoo, was releasing a selection of hair styling products, I was keen to explore the collection and hopefully discover a gem. As my previous heat protection spray was harbouring its last few drops, I thought the new Batiste Styling Shield My Locks Heat and Shine Spray would be perfect to try and maybe even become a new staple. As someone who does rather regularly straighten and style their hair, I was excited to see how many check boxes this would tick and whether it would live up to my expectations from such a well-known haircare brand. If you are in search of a new hair protectant or are just wanting some feedback on the products before spending your pennies, I hope this review is helpful!

To start, the packaging is so pretty! The shimmering finish of a gorgeous bright pink plays background to vibrant orange detailing. It definitely grabbed my attention and stands out on the shelf. What's more, the size is perfect to squeeze into a cupboard, designed in a tube without the large nozzles like many other sprays, while also giving you a lot of product for your money.

What I found the most intriguing about this product was the formula and way in which the product is used. Most other heat defence sprays come in a liquid formula, sprayed onto the hair as a mist before styling. However, the consistency of this product is similar to that of a hairspray or even the dry shampoo! I wasn't sure how I felt about this aerosol format and how easy it would be to cover the hair completely. I found the best way to use this is by sectioning hair and spraying all over, as you would a hairspray, being careful to cover your eyes! This ensures that each section is covered and no where has been missed, as the product comes out quite quickly when sprayed and it can be difficult to judge. I think in comparison to other products with the traditional 'nozzle', there doesn't seem to be such a difference in ease of application. One way that I find this product differs from others is that, once applied, your hair isn't left slightly damp with the product, therefore there is no need to wait before applying any heat and you don't hear that awful singeing sound when you start to style it! Once styled, your hair still feels soft, not stiff or tacky, as though your hair is full of product. In terms of shine, coming from someone with rather frizzy natural locks, I would say your hair does look as though it has a gleam to it, definitely not life-changing but I couldn't deny it does add that little extra sheen after styling. Considering the price, the finish of this product is very nice and, despite the hairspray-like consistency, your hair remains soft and sleek.

On the back of the bottle, it is explained that this product can in fact be used on dry hair too, to add extra shine. This has proved to be my favourite way to use this product. My natural hair is wavy and quite often on the frizzy side. A spritz of this product has been perfect for taming odd fly-aways as well as those days when my waves are too frizzy to resemble a style! This spray really helps smooth out and define the waves in my hair, without my hair left feeling crispy or damp. What's more, it really does add a nice shine when used in this fashion, much more noticeable than when used before styling I would say. My only wish is that it had a more pleasant and appealing scent!

Overall, I think Batiste has done well in not only presenting but formulating this product to add a new concept to hair styling. I am very much a fan of the difference from the usual heat defence products that grace the shelves. What I credit this product most for is the ability to multitask as a quick frizz-fix, and I don't leave the house most days without a quick spritz to add definition and shine. I would definitely recommend to the girls like me, who long for sleek and shiny hair for an incredible price tag!

What are your favourite hair styling products?

- Becca x

Batiste Styling Shield My Locks Heat and Shine Spray - RRP £4.49 (for 200ml)

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New Product Review: No7 Early Defence Eye Cream

For a while now, I have been contemplating adding an eye cream to my skincare routine. Your eye area is very delicate and I knew that the earlier I took care of it, especially considering I dab concealer over it every time I apply my makeup, the more I would thank myself later in life. As I browsed the shelves in all the high-street shops, I couldn't find an eye cream that covered all bases for my skin type and what I was hoping to conquer. Many boasted their 'anti-ageing' or 'hydrating and cooling' formulas that just weren't right for my 19-year-old, normal skin. My ideal eye cream was one to primarily brighten my dark circles, something I am quite self conscious about. With a limited few on the market, and even fewer in my price range, I thought I'd wait it out until either one I had seen came down in price or I found another alternative. 

The No7 Early Defence range was released shortly after my quest began and it seemed to fit exactly with what I wanted. This range was replacing the infamous 'Protect and Perfect' range from No7, which targeted anti-ageing rather than early protection against the ageing process, like this range. I have used the No7 Protect and Perfect Day and Night creams and although I did get on OK with both - the night cream more so than the day however - I still felt they weren't actually miraculously helping my skin, especially for the price tag. I was so pleased to see the targets of the Early Defence to be much more suited for my skin, age and daily life - it's concept focused of preventing and defending against the signs of ageing rather than slowing them down! I purchased the eye cream 4 weeks ago in April and have used it every day and night since.      

The consistency is much thinner than I would have imagined. I thought having 'special' ingredients to target the eye area would leave it a much heavier product but luckily it is very light, especially on such a delicate area, and absorbs quickly to save you waiting around before applying your next product. Another bonus is the product isn't perfumed and seems perfectly suited for not only sensitive skin by also younger skin prone to other skin problems like breakouts. Working just a small amount across the contours of your eye is not only quick and easy to squeeze into a busy schedule like mine but also gives an instant refreshing feeling to your eye area when applied. 

Not only have I loved the concept and the quality of this product, the results have been so impressive. Each morning, my dark circles are getting brighter and brighter and also a lot less puffy. My skin looks so much more hydrated and the eye area just seems more youthful and bright. I feel more confident about my dark circles now and have also noticed myself using less concealer than I have before. I am very glad I chose to start using this product and know it will hang around in my skincare routine for a long time! My only wish is for the tube of product to be a little bigger! Also, although this product is a bit pricey compared to other brands in Boots, No7 are always giving out '£5 off' vouchers to bring it down in price, or it might be a nice little product to splurge on! I must admit I was sceptical to pay out for this product at first. The idea to 'slow mo your skin', as the tag line suggests, seemed a bit far-fetched, but am glad I stuck by it. The results have made me feel more confident about my eyes and ready to dare to go bare and makeup-free as summer comes along! 

What eye cream has rescued your skin? 

- Becca x

No7 Early Defence Eye Cream - RRP £13.50 (for 15ml) 

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