Hair powders

Regarding a previous post on hair volume, someone asked me to develop more on hair powders — which are the best, what's the consistency like and how well do they work.

Well, I've chosen three of my favourites to compare. First of all, I should really address the major concern when it comes to these products — do they really disappear on the hair? Yes, they do! Even though the consistency may change between them and some require a bit more work to massage it in, they do vanish quite easily.
They're fairly easy to apply, as well. Just dust a bit of powder directly on the roots and massage it in. Voilà!

Let's start with label.m Resurrection Style Dust. In terms of texture it's the least sticky from the bunch. The actual consistency reminds me of fine table salt and has to be worked in a bit more carefully. It provides body and consistency too, not just volume. I'd recommend this particular product to normal/coarse hair types, since it has to be worked in a bit more.
Second in line is L'Oréal Professionnel tecni.art Super Dust, a very fine powder — reminds me of powdered sugar, actually. It's very sticky, so it creates loads of texture even in fine, slippery hair. The best quality of this product is the foolproof application. If it's your first time trying something like this or, if you don't get on too well with styling products, this is for you! Also provides an unbelievable matte texture.
To finish up, let me introduce you to the very hyped up — for good reason — Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Dust It. This is a great all rounder. If you're a professional, add this in your kit. It'll work great on all hair types, it's very buildable and allows you to control the amount of volume and texture you put in. It's very fine, not as fine as Super Dust, but still... Plus, offers a lot of body and feels like there's more hair "naturally".
So, pick the right one for you and start rocking that big messy hair!

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Hair | Easy volume and texture

Backcombing is a thing of the past. Nowadays you can get a myriad of products to achieve big hair with a lot of texture.

TIGI Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo

Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Dust It Mattifying Powder

Batiste Dry Shampoo Medium and Brunette Hair

Dry shampoos are the number one go-to, since the oil absorbing powders provide a matte texture.
For brunettes, there are new formulas out there with almost invisible powders or, on the opposite side of offerings, a few coloured powders and sprays.

Matte powders that allow you to dust directly onto the roots are more effective when the main goal is instant volume. Simply massage them in and you'll get a massive head of hair!

The key is to work mostly on the root area, not only for volume purposes, but also to prevent even more damage to the lengths and ends.
On the plus side, you'll get one more day without washing and styling!

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Top picks | Net-A-Porter autumn 2013

As promised, here's part two of my top picks from the autumn 2013 collections, this time from Net-A-Porter. You know, that dangerous site that sells amazing designer clothing and accessories.
By the way, if you don't live in the UK, you can get the new Charlotte Tilbury make-up collection here.
So, without further ado, meet my selection:


COATS AND JACKETS

  Valentino scalloped wool and silk-blend coat £2,290  |  Faith Connexion two-tone textured-leather biker jacket £770  |  Burberry London leather and wool-blend felt cape £995

Let's start with a bright hue, shall we? This season is all about making a statement with outerwear, and let me tell you, you won't go unnoticed wearing this beauty.  |  Next, a khaki and black textured-leather biker jacket, an essential piece that goes with any outfit.  |  Addicted to skinny pants? Well, they go nicely with this leather and wool-blend felt cape (that has a little hint of cashmere). How cool does it look?


NIGHTTIME DRESSES

Burberry Prorsum studded crepe gown £1,895  |  Christopher Kane macramé lace mini dress £7,975  |  ALICE by Temperley heron jacquard twill dress £345

Would I prefer spiked studs? Sure. But this is a very close second to that dress worn by Cara at the Met Gala. Plus, I'd feel more comfortable with this neckline.  |  Ooh! This burgundy dress is a beaut! Just click on the link (in the caption above) to take a closer look at the amazing detail.  |  A twill dress with many, many herons would typically scream "girly" or "cute", but the clever choice of dark and sophisticated colours balances the look.


DAYTIME DRESSES

Dolce&Gabbana crystal-collar jacquard dress £2,060  |  Alexander Wang leather dress £1,165  |  Victoria Victoria Beckham crepe and satin mini dress £565

White dress, black opaque tights, standard.  |  For the urban girls out there: get a leather dress. You'll be amazed by how often you'll end up wearing it. Just make sure it fits perfectly.  |  Can you guess my favourite colour? I believe this item wouldn't be here if it came in different shades, only.


TOPS

DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN lace top £190  |  McQ Alexander McQueen tartan-print fine jersey T-shirt £155  |  Christopher Kane cashmere and macramé lace sweater £950

Fan of black? And lace? This top combines both and features a nude lining at the front and the back, making it more practical. Combine with skinny trousers to balance the feminine look.  |  One of the major trends this season happens to be my fave: the tartan. This interesting version was created "by folding the original design into small overlapping pleats."  |  Another example of macramé lace by Christopher Kane. A more toned down and casual version for daytime.


TROUSERS

EACH x OTHER metallic mid-rise skinny jeans £330  |  Paige Edgemont coated mid-rise skinny jeans £285  |  Balmain printed cotton-blend skinny jeans £1,070

Grunge style? Metallic painted effect? That's the recipe for the perfect pair of skinny jeans. I'm keeping an eye on this brand...  |   I have many pairs of skinny jeans with zips. Still, I'd like to ad this coated number to my collection. The shade is quite interesting, reminds me of those nail varnishes that are almost black, but not quite.  |  I know, I know, it's a controversial item. But this bold print will add some excitement to an otherwise plain outfit.


SKIRTS AND SHORTS

rag & bone Lakshmi leather shorts £430  |  Theyskens' Theory Iding printed silk shorts £250  |  3.1 Phillip Lim pleated stretch-leather and jersey skirt £985

These leather shorts can go from summer to winter. The neutral shade is an ideal choice when pairing with pretty much anything in your closet.  |  Not a fan of bold prints or colours? These silk shorts are subtle, yet have an interesting detail up-close.  |  On the other hand, the more noticeable contrasting panel on this stretch skirt, allows neutral-lovers to make a statement.


BAGS

MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton large textured-leather tote £310  |  3.1 Phillip Lim The Pashli medium two-tone shark-embossed leather trapeze bag £805  |  Victoria Beckham The Victoria matte-leather tote £1,995  |  Alexander McQueen The Skull Swarovski crystal-embellished box clutch £1,765  |  Giuseppe Zanotti + Anja Rubik suede clutch £805  |  Bottega Veneta The Knot intrecciato-effect leather clutch £990

If you found the mini office bag too mini, this textured-leather tote might be an option. The golden chain makes a nice contrast against the rich berry shade. Find more colour options on the Michael Kors website, including this khaki number.  |  A versatile bag that suits every occasion, from daytime to casual dinners.  |  Basically, an upgrade from the office bag, if it fits your budget...  |  There's always a Skull clutch that stands out, and this season, this is the one. Take a closer look at the Swarovski crystals and gold beads.  |  The happy collaboration between Zanotti and Rubik resulted in this black suede clutch, clearly inspired by 70s rock glam.  |  This brick leather clutch is the perfect addition to the urban girl's closet.


SHOES

Maiyet textured-leather over-the-knee boots £765  |  Valentino lace and leather pumps £555  |  Miu Miu suede pumps £420  |  Saint Laurent Tribute Two suede pumps £515  |  Esteban Cortazar rubberized leather ankle-cuff pumps £730  |  Charlotte Olympia Showbiz silk-satin platform pumps £825

The square heels with small gold studs are just too cool.  |  This shoe style is one of my go tos for daytime. Love the lace over nude leather.  |  You don't have to read the caption to know they're Miu Miu...  |  This season's version of Tribute Two in a lovely burgundy shade. You won't see me wearing 6 inch heels very often, but I'd definitely wear these.  |  The contrast between the mute matte dark-grey and the industrial shiny silver cuff says it all.  |  The cone heels are glamourous and quirky at the same time. There's a good combo.


ACCESSORIES

Maison Michel Blanche rabbit-felt wide-brimmed hat £255  |  Linda Farrow cat eye watersnake sunglasses £450  |  Roberto Cavalli snake flowers ruthenium-plated Swarovski crystal collar necklace £1,160  |  Karl Lagerfeld studded leather gloves £69  |  Karl Lagerfeld Karl Kat mirror and PVC key fob £89

I regreted not getting a wide-brimmed hat last year. Getting one (or two) this year, for sure.  |  My favourite shape when it comes to sunglasses, paired with a gorgeous texture.  |  Because I love snakes and statement necklaces.  |  Who doesn't want to look like Karl? Ideal for autumn, but I'll be needing some finger protection during winter months...  |  Karl. Kat. Key. Ring. Need I say more?

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