Re-reviewing Function of Beauty

This post is not sponsored or affiliated with Function of Beauty. Products purchased by me and all opinions are my own.

In February I shared my experience with shampoo and conditioner I purchased from Function of Beauty back in 2020. I’d been using the products for a few months by that time and felt I was well informed to talk about them. In that post I mentioned the products were middle of the road, not the best I’d used but certainly not bad either. After writing that post I realised I had been towel drying my hair more often using my previous formula and went back to letting my hair air dry (which is what I normally do) and saw an improvement. I mentioned in my previous Function of Beauty post I noticed more split ends which could have been due to the increase in towel drying my hair.

I decided to give the brand the benefit of the doubt and thought I would make a second order and see if my experience was more positive. Spoiler alert, my revamped formula was really enjoyable from first use and I’m glad I gave the brand another chance! Again, I got the 8oz (236ml) shampoo and conditioner as this lasts me a decent amount of time and stuck with the Strike a (r)ose scent with light intensity. I was also more decisive with the colours this time and knew I wanted a girly, pink set!

I updated my hair type and hair goals this time around which is what I think has made a difference. I said I have wavy hair that’s medium thickness (rather than coarse which I selected last time) and my scalp doesn’t get oily or dry, it’s normal.

One hair goal I kept the same and others I changed. I will list the hair goals I chose first time around that I changed and then list the five I chose for my second formula.

First formula hair goals that were changed:

• Deep condition
• Fix split ends
• Anti-frizz
• Replenish hair

Second formula hair goals:

1. Straighten – Relax and style unruly hair with a biolipid complex that leaves a sheathing film which naturally disciplines hair even in humid conditions.
2. Nourish roots – Stimulate your hair roots and facilitate the transport of key nutrients to hair bulbs and shafts for healthier, fuller hair.
3. Hydrate – Restore your hair’s moisture balance, prevent future moisture loss and treat your hair with long-lasting hydration.
4. Shine – Enhance your hair’s natural shine, luster and reflection while improving your overall hair health without weighing hair down.
5. Strengthen – Increase your hair’s resilience and elasticity, stimulate healthy hair growth and protect your hair from breakage.

Delivery was super speedy! The products only took about a week to arrive from Amercia from the time my order was shipped. The products sat in my cupboard for a month while I finished my first set and I started using the second set straight after they were finished. I could instantly tell the difference and how much better these hair goals are suited to my hair. This time around I signed up for the subscription service so I will automatically receive another set of shampoo and conditioner in September. I’m extra excited for that as I will be trying one of the subscriber only scents Milk(shea)ke which is described as a rich and creamy shea butter and warm vanilla fragrance. I love vanilla scents so I can’t wait to smell this one. I’m also going choose the medium scent intensity to see how long the scent sticks around. Everything is customisable up until September so if I change my mind about colours, the size or the scent I can edit the formula as much as I like.

Function of Beauty shampoo and conditioner feels like a luxury treat that I’ve really been enjoying the past few months. My hair feels soft and looks shiny and healthy (partly due to a haircut in April as well). It does show it pays to pick the right hair goals as that can affect how the products perform.

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It has been over two months since my last blog post, say hello in the comments and let me know how you’ve been! I didn’t mean to disappear for so long but I’ve had some stuff to deal with and in all honesty I’ve been enjoying taking a bit of a back seat from the online world and laying low. I’ve been meaning to get this post finished for a while but the weather wasn’t great for photos (blaming you winter) – I’m glad it’s finally up!

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March Favourites + Highlights

March has zoomed by, I swear each month gets faster! March has felt busy and I feel like I haven’t had much time to take it easy but I have been reading more in March which makes me happy. My mood has mostly been good and I’ve made some new purchases, namely fashion items. I also caught up with an old workmate and had such a good time.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Schwarzkopf Extra Care Hair Treatment Leave In – Whilst I am a proud redhead my hair is very heavy and thick. It doesn’t always look as sleek as I would like and I was in the market for a product to help with that. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money in case I didn’t notice any difference and the idea of this leave in treatment appealed to me. The product is suitable for all hair types and aims to be nourishing and add shine. It contains liquid keratin to repair damage and straighten hair. It is advised to apply this when hair is 90% dry and comb/brush it through. I have been using this for the past month or so now and I like how smooth and sleek my hair feels. The smell is pleasant too.

2. MAC – Velvet Teddy – I purchased this mini lipstick at the end of 2018 before my lipstick ban kicked in after seeing Cleia talk about it. The first time I used it I didn’t love it but the more I have been using it the more I like it. This is incredibly comfortable for a matte and doesn’t feel drying whatsoever. (Not sure whether that’s all of MAC’s matte shades or just this one!) I love applying a light layer of gloss over top to make the shade more pink but it is pretty on it’s own as well. I don’t know if this has happened to anyone else with MAC’s mini lipsticks but the bullet has lines in it like it is moving and pushing up against the tube when I apply it. I’m guessing that’s because of the smaller size but I hope the lipstick doesn’t snap!

3. Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick #55 My Nude – In February a parcel from an extremely close blogging friend arrived and this lipstick was one of the items inside. Funnily enough this shade is a little similar to Velvet Teddy and I love this one too! Rimmel lipsticks are some of my favourites, they’re affordable without compromising on quality or pigmentation. This lipstick is one of six shades released as part of a 15th anniversary celebration with Kate Moss. The collection features three of Kate’s favourite nude shades and three of her favourite reds. #53 Retro Red is my favourite of the reds and I’d love to pick it up at some point after my lipstick ban is over.

4. Married At First Sight Australia – I don’t watch a huge amount of trash/reality TV but this show has got me hooked! It is literally what it sounds like, a couple meet for the first time and they get married – they don’t know anything about the other person and have been matched by a team of ‘experts.’ The couples are eight weeks into the experiment now, they’ve been on their honeymoon, they’re living in an apartment together and they’ve done home visits. At the end of each week there is a commitment ceremony and each person has to choose to stay in the experiment for another week or they can write leave. If both people write leave they leave the experiment and end their marriage. If only one person writes leave the couple stay for another week. This show has cat-fights, drama, shit stirrers and isn’t always believable but it’s addictive!

March Highlights

• I placed my first Colourpop order! I bought a few eye products and a haul post will be up at some point – I want to use everything and form opinions first.
• I found a pair of wide leg black trousers that look nice on me and aren’t too long.
• I caught up with an old work colleague and good friend. We ate, went shoe shopping and generally had a blast!
• Speaking of shoe shopping, I bought the cutest pair of toffee coloured boots. Normally I always buy black shoes (because they go with everything) but these are pretty and still neutral enough to work with a bunch of outfits.

March’s Spotify Playlist:

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How was your month? Share one of your highlights in the comments!

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Top 10 Under $10 – No. 2

Disclaimer: The currency referred to in this post is NZD. These items will have different prices depending on where you live.

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Hello, how are you all doing? Luxury beauty products are normally great quality – hence the price tag – but expensive doesn’t always mean better. There are some amazing beauty bargains out there that don’t cost a lot of money at all and today I’m sharing some of my favourites! In 2016, I did my first Top 10 Under $10 post and I’m back with a further 10 items I wouldn’t be without.

#1. Dainty Doll Powder Blush in 004 You Are My Sunshine

If I could only wear one blush for the rest of my life this would be it. You Are My Sunshine is a dupe for Orgasm by NARS and is a beautiful, shimmery peachy-coral. I purchased this blush on eBay a couple of years back for $4. A little goes a long way with this shade because it is shimmery and doubles as a highlighter. I love wearing this shade in spring and summer as it gives a radiant glow.

#2. Zoella Tutti Fruity Beauty Pouch

I don’t watch/follow Zoella religiously and I didn’t even realise she had a beauty line until last year. I was browsing around Feel Unique when I spotted this pouch and instantly added it to my basket. I love the makeup illustrations on the pouch but also that the pouch doesn’t have to be used for makeup. This would make a good handbag insert to easily switch between bags or a little medication holder when you go away.

#3. Manicare Scissor Tweezers

The tweezers in the image above are purple but the pair I have are neon pink. I pluck my own eyebrows and these make plucking easy. They don’t pull too many hairs at once and are really comfortable to hold. I probably pluck my eyebrows once a month. I’ve noticed since I started regular plucking the hairs don’t grow as thick and fast. I know where to pluck, the shape that suits me and the shape I like. Being bright pink makes them super easy to find in my drawer.

#4. Rubi Rose Gold Nail Polish

I purchased this nail polish back in 2015 and every time I wear it I love it even more! This shade leans more toward gold than copper but it is one of the prettiest colours I own. The packaging is a bit plain but the formula more than makes up for it. This polish is pretty much a one coat wonder (to borrow Stashy’s term) but I still prefer to apply two. Love it!

#5. TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray

Before blow drying my hair or using styling tools I always make sure to apply this and brush it through. A couple of spritzes are plenty and the spray keeps hair shiny and soft whilst protecting against heat and friction. After styling my hair I normally finish with another couple of spritzes. This smells wonderful and is enriched with vitamins to keep hair looking its best.

#6. Fudge Urban Miracle Ends

This product goes hand in hand with the TRESemmé heat tamer spray mentioned above. I tend to apply this to the ends of my hair post styling to keep it looking smooth and sleek. I have mentioned this product before on the blog and I always talk about how good it smells, it should be turned into a fragrance! I also use this on the lengths of my hair if it is looking frizzy to tame it.

#7. Typo Spinout Notebooks

I have bought numerous notebooks from Typo over the past few years and I blimmin’ love them! The patterns and designs on the front are adorable and best of all, these notebooks are left-hander friendly. The margin is indented so hands don’t press into the rings when writing. There’s even a pocket to keep loose bits of paper in and an elastic for closure. These notebooks make the best blog planners and list makers. They could also be used to write posts out with pen and paper before typing them up if that’s your preference.

#8. Tanya Burr Lipglosses

I purchased three of Tanya’s lipglosses last year and I still wear each shade regularly. The packaging of these is so luxurious and pretty. The formula is pigmented and the gloss itself isn’t too sticky. It feels comfortable on the lips and has a lovely watermelon scent. My personal favourite is Afternoon Tea which is a light pink.

#9. Dainty Doll Wonderbalm

This is truly wondrous! It can be used on the lips, cheeks, nails, elbows, anywhere your skin needs a pick me up. Wonderbalm contains mango seed oil, natural plant waxes, beeswax and Vitamin E. My favourite way to use Wonderbalm is as a lip primer before applying really matte lipsticks shades such as Ruby Woo and All Fired Up. This ensures my lips don’t get dry throughout the day whilst still making the colour last.

#10. Black Headband

This is really basic but an absolute essential in my makeup bag when I go away or stay overnight with my boyfriend. I always use this to hold my fringe back when I’m applying moisturiser and makeup or washing my face. The stretchy fabric doesn’t leave a kink like plastic headbands. I picked mine up in the supermarket for less than $3.

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What cheap beauty products do you love?

Project Pan Week 5: Fudge Urban Miracle Ends

Happy Monday and welcome to week five of Project Pan! Project Pan follows Stash Matters, A Brash Attitude, Curly Spring Blossom and I as we pick 12 products to try and hit pan on/empty over 12 weeks (11 in my case).

This week I’m talking about a hair product from Fudge Urban called Miracle Ends. Miracle Ends has a deliciously fruity scent and name – Tropical Cocktail.

About

I bought this product back in March and I used to use this almost daily on my hair for the first couple of months. There is still a decent amount of product left in the tube seven months later.

I purchased this after seeing it featured on Karen’s blog (Confetti & Curves). The way Karen described the scent had me hooked and when I smelt this in real life, I understood what she was going on about. This smells absolutely delightful and I believe this scent would make such a nice body spray.

When I first purchased this I would massage it into the ends of my hair before bed of an evening but now I tend to use it if my hair looks like it needs taming during the day or after I’ve used styling tools.

From the website:

Product Description

Seal split and dry ends. Apply to dry hair for serious de-frizz. Use post blow dry for natural shine. Repair & condition with Argan Oil.

How To Use

Work through mid-lengths & dry ends for a textured finish with natural shine. Place on wet or dry hair that’s naturally curly to tame unruly locks.

pros

• Pretty packaging
• Yummy scent
• A little goes a long way so this tube will last a while

Cons

• Could require daily use depending on the condition of your hair
• Not holy grail status

Chanelle’s rating: 7.5/10 – I loved this product when I first bought it but I don’t use it as much now. I do really like using this on my hair to keep it silky and smooth after it’s been straightened. The rating doesn’t necessarily reflect the product but rather how often I reach for it and if I’d purchase it again. Don’t get me wrong, the product is great but I don’t get excited when I use it.

The Remaining products – Progress

 

 

1. Nivea Pearly Shine Lip Balm – Unfortunately this was only used once again this week.
2. The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Hand Cream – Used 5x. My hand has been a lot better.
3. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation in 101 Ivory Beige – Used 2x.
4. Britney Spears Curious – In Control – Used 1x.
5. The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist – Used 3x. This is one product I am 95% certain I will finish.
6. Natio Clay and Plant Face Mask Purifier – Used 1x.
7. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair – Used daily. I didn’t wear a full face of makeup everyday but I did use concealer to cover up my redness.
8. Rimmel Match Perfection Translucent Setting Powder – Used 2x.
   
9. The Body Shop Strawberry Lip Butter – Used 5x.
   
10. Cutex Strengthening Nail Polish Remover –Didn’t use this week. I painted my nails last Monday and they’re still going strong.

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Don’t forget to check out this week’s posts from my collaboration partners:

• Stash Matters
• A Brash Attitude
• Curly Spring Blossom

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March Favourites 2016

Hi everyone! It’s hard to believe it’s favourites time again already but here we are! I kicked off March with my 50 Things That Make Me Happy post after I had been sick and missed a few days of my normal schedule and I loved sharing this list with you. It was such a positive start to an otherwise busy month. On with the favourites!

1. The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Butter – I picked up this beauty back in January but only started using it over the past few weeks. At the time of purchasing I was told The Body Shop was discontinuing the Brazil Nut line so I’m glad I picked this up when I did because I’d been wanting to try the scent for ages. This body butter in particular is ideal for dry skin which I have and has the loveliest, sweetest caramel scent without being sickly. After I put this on I literally smell like a Kit Kat chocolate bar. The scent is very warming and appropriate going into winter.

2. Rimmel Oh My Gloss! – #150 Glossaholic – By now I’m sure you know I have a weakness for pink lip products! This one is unlike anything else I own though. I’m not really a gloss girl and any I’ve owned in the past have always been clear. Glossaholic is a nice, warm, almost sheer pink and great to thrown on on those no makeup days. This is also packed with nourishing ingredients like Argan Oil and Vitamin E and is extremely comfortable to wear, there’s no stickiness.

3. Fudge Urban Miracle Ends Tropical Cocktail – I owe this one to Karen (Confetti and Curves) for pointing it out to me and encouraging me to buy it. The scent is tropical and fruity but my goodness it is amazing! I would buy this scent if it was a hand cream, perfume, body spray, you name it. I apply this to the ends of my hair before bed and the ends do feel softer and look healthier. I find this works even better when my hair is straightened, which I have been doing a bit more this month.

4. Max Factor Excess Shimmer – 20 Copper – I raved about this eyeshadow in my Spot o’ Shopping post and I will direct you to that to get the full lowdown but in short, I adore this little pot of shimmer! If you’re running low on time, two-three swipes of this and you’re done! The formula is a lot nicer than the Maybelline Colour Tattoos and is much easier to work with (it can be applied with a brush for starters). I love layering this over top of a brown shadow to give a little more depth.

5. Rimmel Apocolips Show Off Lip Lacquer – If you suffer with dry lips and don’t like traditional bullet lipsticks, you need these in your life! These apply so smoothly and the pigmentation is that of a matte lipstick. I picked up three shades as part of a 3 For 2 offer and opted for 102 Nova, 200 Comet and 201 Solstice. Comet and Solstice are beautiful brown/pink shades which I thought wouldn’t suit me at all but I’m a complete convert. *CLICK HERE* to see swatches and what each shade looks like on me.

March’s Spotify Playlist:

This playlist is purely tunes I’ve been listening to and loving all month! There is no underlying theme with this one like there has been with a few others. Let me know if you enjoy these playlists and of course what you’ve been listening to throughout March!

A Spot o’ Shopping!

Hello there and happy Monday! It seems ever since I started this blog I convince myself there’s another beauty product I ‘need’ and eventually end up buying it. Lots of people probably say this, but my collection isn’t too excessive and I do try to use everything regularly. The past two weekends have involved me nabbing some new beauty bits to try as well as a new pair of yoga/exercise pants. Read on to see what caught my eye!

1. Cotton On On the Run 3/4 Pants  – Blue Ombre Side Panel/Black ($10)

I’ll get the item that you’ll probably find least appealing out of the way first, (most of you are probably here for the makeup). I never used to enjoy buying clothes but I am getting to like having a browse now and again. Yoga pants are so comfortable and even if you don’t wear them for yoga and just wear them around the house you will not regret it! I love the blue ombre effect down the side and even though they are 3/4 length they are full length on me because I’m so short.

2. Fudge Urban Miracle Ends Tropical Cocktail ($9.99)

I picked up a tube of this Fudge Urban lotion after hearing fellow friend and blogger Karen (Confetti and Curves) singing it’s praises. If you’re not tantalised by the delicious scent you will be by it’s promises. Miracle Ends promises to seal split and dry ends, repair and condition with Argan Oil and hydrate and nourish hair. This product can be used wet or dry and alongside styling tools to create smooth hair and a natural shine.

3. Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil – Hazel ($8.92)

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, Chanelle doesn’t normally buy brow products and you’d be correct. I really liked how my brows looked in my Vanessa White Inspired Makeup and filling them in slightly made a difference. I am lucky to have thick brows naturally so I don’t need to do too much. I picked the shade hazel as it isn’t too dark and has a slight redness to it which will pull on the auburn tones of my hair.

4. Rimmel Oh My Gloss! – #150 Glossaholic ($14.99)

When I first saw images and swatches of this gloss it reminded me of the Ellie Goulding x MAC plushglass in ‘Goodness Gracious.’ The gloss looks slightly opaque and is a warm, creamy pink. Pinks are my favourite to wear and this will be lovely for everyday wear or just throwing something on my lips that’s quick and easy. This would also look nice layered over lipstick to give it a bit more shine. Rimmel’s Oh My Gloss! contains Argan Oil and Vitamin E and is non-sticky and lightweight adding to it’s comfort.

5. Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Definer – Rich Brown ($13.16)

Another groundbreaking moment for me, I have decided to give eyeliner a go! I was tossing up between brown or black but went for brown in the end as it’s softer and won’t be as harsh while I’m learning to get to grips with applying it. I also figured if I can’t nail the application it might come in handy for filling in my brows. This eyeliner is a retractable pencil and has a smudger at the opposite end for subtle blending and smoking the eyeliner out.

6. Maybelline Dr. Rescue Top Coat ($10.99)

I purchased this top coat last weekend as my previous one became hard and set and had to be thrown out. I really like the way this one was portrayed and I have used it already and I’m impressed. The bottle is so cute and dinky and though it looks pink in the bottle it does in fact apply clear. This top coat vows to give your nails a gel like effect, glossy shine and a plumped up surface. I have never tried a gel polish before so I can’t comment on that but my nails definitely look glossy and have held up very well over the past week.

7. Max Factor Excess Shimmer – 20 Copper ($21.59)

I have been a huge fan of Max Factor’s Lasting Performance Foundation for the past couple of months and instantly wanted to try this product when I spotted it. These look very similar to Maybelline’s Colour Tattoos, they are sold in individual colours and housed in their own little glass pots. Copper is a mid-toned golden brown and the first thing I noticed when I swatched it was how incredible the texture is. It’s a mix between gel and mousse and dare I say it, the texture is more appealing to me than the Colour Tattoos. Everyone mentions how simple and easy the Colour Tattoos are to apply but this is literally one or two swipes and you’re done! These do not crease and last all day. Copper can be worn on it’s own or layered over eyeshadow to illuminate that smoky eye.

Were you out shopping this past weekend like I was – what did you pick up? Let me know if you have you tried any of these items.

Disclaimer: All prices featured are in New Zealand Dollars. Prices listed are those on my receipts and include discounts. Items 4, 6 and 7 were purchased using gift cards and prices reflect what it would have cost to purchase them myself.