Swatchgirl’s Best of 2013: Hair, Body & Nails

Swatchgirl’s Best of 2013: Hair, Body & Nails

Are you ready for some reading, ’cause this one is a big one: my last best of 2013 post, covering nails, hair and body. From lush locks to perfect perfume to nifty nails, I’ve got everything on lock from head to toe.

Best Hair Cleanser

• As I Am Coconut Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner – I’m a convert to co-washing (aka eschewing sudsy shampoo in favour of washing with conditioners) because it gets the grit and grime of Sydney out of my hair without overdrying or knotting my locks. My hair and scalp has improved in leaps and bounds since I ditched shampoo, and put a lot of that improvement down to this lovely creamy conditioning wash. (US$8, As I Am)

Best Hair Treatment

• Lush H’Suan Wen Hua hair treatment – this pre-wash mask is like the best of my pantry in hair mask form, with a base of eggs, balsamic vinegar, avocado and olive oil, with a dash of rosemary and cinnamon. It gives much needed moisture to the dry ends of my hair, and gives my midlengths and crown some extra shine. Hair breakage is down, healthiness is up, and my hair has never been happier!  (AU$19.95, Lush)

Best Styling Product

• Batiste Dry Shampoo in Cherry – I’ve tried a lot of dry shampoos this year to varying degrees of success, but this impulse buy at the supermarket turned out to be the best one I’ve tried. It applies evenly and never feels clumpy or thick, has enough grip that I can easily backcomb my hair to Dolly Parton proportions, and secretly gives me an extra day or two between washes on those ultra hectic weeks. Plus it (subtly) smells like cherry candy, so that’s neat too. (AU$9.95, Batiste)
• Original & Mineral Frizzy Logic – I’m cheating a little by adding a second styling product to my hit list, but this lightweight argan oil shine serum from O&M is a lifesaver on my ultra lifted white blonde hair. I apply a couple of drops to the mid lengths and ends of my hair before blowdrying my hair, or smooth a tiny dash of it on my locks if my hair is getting a little blasted by air conditioning between washes. It smells lovely too, which is always a nice bonus! (AU$9.95, RY)

Best Body Cleanser

• The Body Shop Body Wash in Japanese Cherry Blossom – I’ve become quite a fan of The Body Shop’s line of soap-free body washes and shower creams over the past few years, and this lovely wash with notes of sakura blossoms and warm woody accords continues that fine tradition. It doesn’t dry out my skin, and the light fragrance doesn’t linger too long, so it never clashes with my perfumes. (AU$20.95, The Body Shop)

Best Body Moisturiser

• Lush Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner – this unctuously rosy custardy cream is a creamy body moisturiser that you apply while in the shower or bath. It’s ridiculously convenient, especially because I’m prone to forgetting to apply traditional body creams on a regular basis, and it gives just enough moisture to my thirsty skin without being greasy or overpowering. My wishlist is for an unfragranced version of this at some point, but in the meantime I’ll keep on slathering myself in this rosy potion. (AU$32.50, Lush)

Best Fragrance

• Hermes Terre d’Hermes pure parfum - this bitter citrusy, minerally, earthy, woodsy perfume was a standout favourite of mine this year. It’s alluring without being overpowering, masculine without being mannish, crisp without being sharp. It smells like a little sliver of a happy memory for me, and it comes alive on my skin and draws exactly the right type of attention. Terre d’Hermes is almost the perfect juice. (AU$145, Hermes)

Best Nail Colour

• Kit Cosmetics nail polishes – this range of over 30 colours is my go-to Australian nail range, with an accessible mid-range price point and a wide selection of vibrant fun colours. My all time favourite nail polish is from this line, and I know that if I’m in a pinch I can always find something cute for my nails at Kit. (AU$15.95, Kit Cosmetics)

Best Nail Treatment

• Butter London Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator – I’ve tried a lot of cuticle removers with varying degrees of success, but this little wonder quickly and effectively breaks down overgrown cuticles without needing to wrestle with cuticle scissors (a huge plus!). I just pop it on, wait a minute or two, then tidy up with an orange stick. Easy, painless, fuss free.  (AU$24.95, Adore Beauty)