Nail Swatch : China Glaze First Mate

China Glaze is a famous name in the professional nail care industry.  Their unique nail lacquers contain China Clay as a nail hardener - the same material that gives porcelain its shiny finish.

I was delighted when I was sent China Glaze First Mate from their Anchors Away collection to review.

I lost my China Glaze virginity to First Mate!!!!  LOL!!!

China Glaze First Mate is a beautiful royal navy blue colour which looks absolutely amazing with my skin tone!  I only needed one coat to achieve this rich colour and I was genuinely surprised at the extra shiny finish - it must be the China Clay.

Even my Husband complimented my shiny nails.  And compliments from him are very rare!  Looked fab paired up with my nautical blue striped handbag!

China Glaze First Mate was the first China Glaze nail lacquer I have ever tried and I was extremely pleased with it.  Loved the colour and shiny finish.  Loved that I only needed one coat of polish.  Loved the even distribution of colour without blobs.  And love the fact that all China Glaze colours are free of DBP, toluene and formaldehyde.

Review : Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo, Conditioner And Treatment Balm

I had my hair rebonded, i.e. permanently straightened, in Malaysia in January.

Now this process is quite harsh on hair and if there is inadequate care, it can make hair extremely dehydrated.

Anyway, I headed over to Hairhouse Warehouse, which is an Australian store which sells professional hair products, as one of my friends work there.  We had a semi-consultation about my hair type and we both agreed that it was dry and he recommended the Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatment Balm.

I have been using Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner on a daily basis for a couple of months and I must say that I am impressed.  What impresses me most is that the shampoo is low lathering and my scalp adores this. (Too much lather can cause dry scalps.)  This isn't mentioned in the product description from their website - but that's what I noticed and that's what impressed me.  (Or do all professional haircare products have low lather??)

Anyway, I have only used Joico Treatment Balm once.  It's an intensive conditioner.  I just haven't felt the need to use intensive conditioner on my locks as I feel that the shampoo and conditioner are doing a great job already.

So what shampoo and conditioner are you currently using?