hair drama

I've had the same hair style for about 10 years on and off now.  There have been only two instances where my hair was comparatively short: one was when I needed to get rid of some terrible highlights and once when I was going through an 'I want to look like Alexa Chung' phase.

Otherwise, my hair has always been cut, and always been left to grow into the long layers which are yes, oh so comfortable and versatile, but after 10 odd years, oh so boring. Whenever I had these bouts of ennui de cheveux, I always resorted to changing colour (you do remember how at the start of 2013, my hair was dip-dyed blond right?) or have my fringe cut (only to complain about how it just won't stay in place, as of the following day).

relaxed 'girl next door' blowdry at Burberry AW13/14

 I feel I need something a tad more drastic right now.  I won't go for a Miley or a Jennifer Lawrence crop, that's for sure.  And I'm way too old for a Skrillex side shave (the horror, the horror!). Right now, my heart is set on having a lob - that's a long bob for the uninitiated.  Very bold move right?! What do you reckon? Would this be a good look for me? Or should I opt for something more drastic? I know, first world problems and all that ... but I'd still like to hear your suggestions below xx

centre parted perfection at Chanel

the fringe factor

Definitely not the best time of the year for it, but most certainly my all-time favourite hairstyle, i'm back with a blunt, thick fringe.  Yes, it's a nightmare to keep at the moment, what with all the high temperatures and high humidity gauge ... but this is how I feel most comfortable, most 'me'. 

fringe icons: jean shrimpton, jane birkin, brigitte bardot

I've always loved the long fringe look.  Even though it may not look like it, I find it such a versatile style: left to its own devices, it takes a hippy-chic Jane Shrimpton approach.  Primly styled, it can look rather retro ... a bit Stepford wifey if you may.  Swept sideways, it looks more modern and youthful. And of course, if it gets too hot or you want to show off your forehead, you can always pin it backwards with an alice-band or some bobby pins. 

In my case ... I just love it.  My mum thinks I look like a naughty child in it.  What do you reckon? 

a beauty blessing

As coincidence would have it, the day my nail polish decided to start chipping, I came across an offer on OPI Gel Colour at The Beauty Lounge.  It was like a sign sent to me from goddess Aphrodite herself.

Unless you've been living under a rock here in Malta, you'll know that last month The Beauty Lounge opened its doors and introduced a 'one stop beauty shop' concept to the Maltese islands.  After seeing other bloggers' reviews and press coverage, I knew that upon my return to Malta I had to find an excuse reason to visit.  The opportunity came in the form of a chipped nail.

Since I've started using OPI Gel Colour about 8 months ago, I wouldn't change them for the world so it was only logical that I'd jump to the offer.  So last Thursday, I headed off to The Beauty Lounge to get my mani done, with my camera in tow to snap some photos for this post.

The staff at The Beauty Lounge were really welcoming and provided me with all the information I needed both out of personal and blogging interest.  As I mentioned earlier, the place offers a 'one stop beauty shop' where you can have multiple hair and beauty treatments, massages and why not, even a spot of healthy lunch.  You can even get that last minute accessory to complete your outfit for the night ... and with the exquisite range of bags and jewellery from Charles & Ron, you surely can't go wrong.

possibly, the bag of my dreams by Charles & Ron 

samples from the Spring Summer Charles and Ron collection

a healthy bit from Pure Kitchen

Personally, I found my OPI Gel Colour mani experience to be very satisfactory.  I could have an open and comfortable chat with the nail technician who did not try to dissuade me from going for a dark shade despite being summer (unfortunately, I've had a few brush ups with nail technicians who kept insisting I should go for a bright shade because it's summer and that's the 'rule'! so this was a very welcome break from all that!)

all the colours imaginable by Golden Rose

The prices for all treatments are very reasonable and I'm very tempted to book a few sessions over the coming weeks.  I'm particularly tempted to get some eyelash extensions in fact.  I was glad to see how they actually looked on my nail technician before taking the plunge myself. She clearly explained the process involved, the level of maintenance required and how long they last, allowing me to make an informed decision should I really decide to go for them.

I'm also quite intrigued with threading.  This ancient, yet innovative, hair removal technique is so much kinder to the skin and doesn't leave any tell-tale signs, thereby keeping one's beauty secrets, secret.

The Beauty Lounge can be found on Windsor Terrace, Sliema and is open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, with the exception of Friday when in closes at 7pm for that extra hour of pampering. Knowing my crazy work schedule, it's very likely that i'll be spending most of my Saturdays there.  But that's the beauty of it after all - all the pampering that I'd need, all in one place!

N.B. all opinions expressed in this review are the my genuine thoughts and have not been motivated by sponsors, affiliations or payment of any kind.