'Compact, plastic-free, and powerful' – my new go-to travel haircare duo
You might have tried powder-based cleansers for your face, but ever tried a shampoo and conditioner in a powder form? Me either – that was until earlier this week – and now I'm (almost) a convert!
I love travelling somewhere for the weekend – whether it's a city break, or just back to see my mum and dad. But packing all the toiletries I need (and don't) can often put you over the weight limit – and that will cost you. But the weight of the travel sized Powder Shampoo and Conditioner were as light as air.
Having tried loads of hair products in the past, I feel like I've become quite the expert – and The Powder Shampoo and The Powder Conditioner are no exception. Buy Now for £19.10 (was £22.50) – save 15%
The travel sized Invigorate & Hydrate Travel Duo are compact, and perfect for the eco-conscious. Designed for those on the go, the set includes two powder-to-foam formulas: the Invigorating Shampoo, which energises the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth with ingredients like Biotin, Bergamot Essential Oil, Ginger, and Ginseng; and the Hydrating Volume Conditioner, a lightweight treatment that adds volume while keeping hair soft and manageable.
Both products are water-free, making them ideal for travel and reducing environmental impact. Packaged in plastic-free, recyclable containers, this duo is suitable for all hair types, especially thinning or ageing hair.
Despite their small size, each product is designed to last multiple washes, making them a practical and sustainable choice for summer holidays, weekend getaways, or anyone looking to simplify their haircare routine without compromising on quality.
I eyeballed the amount I thought I might need as there weren't any directions on the bottle, but adding a little water and creating a mild foam in my hands happened pretty quickly. Once I applied the creation to my head, I was seriously impressed with the lather – I had no idea it would as much as it did! More Trending
I followed The Powder Invigorating Shampoo with The Powder Hydrating Volume Conditioner – and once again, I was pleasantly surprised with the lather it created, but not as much as the shampoo.
Once I dried my hair, as you'll see, there was a healthy amount of volume – and more than I've ever experienced from a high-end product, or one that promises the world. I also loved the subtle shine it gave my hair.
The only criticism I would have been the scent – it just wasn't for me, but that's just personal preference. I'd also like my hair to feel slightly more hydrated, and again, that's nothing that a little finishing serum or oil couldn't fix.
All in all, would I recommend trying The Powder Shampoo and Conditioner products? Absolutely! And I for one will be packing them for the next time I shower at the gym, packing for an overnight stay or trip abroad for sure – purely because they won't count as a liquid, and my hair will have the va-va-volume I'm looking for too!
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
MORE: Is 'powder conditioner' the secret to better hair? We unpack the waterless wonder
MORE: 'I swear by Typebea's Hair Serum' which now has 25% off for Hair Loss Awareness month
MORE: Frizzy? Damaged? Dull? Living Proof's new haircare range targets your exact hair woes
Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
5 hours ago
- Metro
I followed a dusty path in Ibiza and found the island's most iconic hotel
Metro Checks In to Pikes Ibiza, an institution of the infamous 'White Isle' that is as famous for its Sunday roast and A-list DJ sets as its juicy history. There's a lot to say about Ibiza and its contradictions. On one hand, the island is a blissful escape from modern life, with its beautiful beaches and Instagrammable landscapes. On the other, it has bone-shaking beats and mega clubs, pool parties and, as of this month, Ibiza Final Boss vibes. But there is one place that strikes the right balance of party and peace. I am talking, of course, about Pikes, an Ibiza institution that sits in the countryside, just beyond the buzzing 24/7 town of San Antonio at the end of a 500m-long rubble-filled path. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. At a glance, the entrance suggests 'unassuming and rustic' – after all, it used to be a 15th-century finca – and offers little clue to what awaits inside. The brainchild of island legend Tony Pike, who opened it in 1980 and lived there as a guest until he died in 2019, the venue has long been a much-discussed 'must-visit' for a night out on the White Isle. While there's no doubt it's chaotically charged fun once the sun goes down, by day, this boutique hotel comes to life in a very different way – as I discovered on a recent trip. Walking through the beautifully kept gardens with the hot Ibiza sun beating on my back, a clutter of well-looked-after cats slink around me. One of them, Romana – said to be the Queen of Pikes – sits regally in reception. At check in we're met by our hostess Audrey, who shows us to our room and delivers us to the iconic poolside area, which featured in Wham's Club Tropicana video. We're told that all new arrivals get a free welcome cocktail from the bar – aptly named Club Tropicana – and we're handed an ice-cold paloma. As birds chirp in the trees and the poolside DJ gets to work, there's no escaping that this place is a world away from the super-size hotels that have infiltrated the island. Huge day beds are dotted across the tiles of the multi-level terraces surrounding the pool, and there's enough for everyone — no sunbed wars here. Once we settle in, it's hard to move again. To be fair it's only a few steps to the pool for a dip, but with friendly staff on hand to take drink orders, find you some shade or simply have a chat, there's really no need to do anything else. It's a friendliness that extends between guests, as conversations about last night's DJ to today's plans dance through the air. The hotel boasts an A-list guestbook, from Kylie Minogue to Rita Ora and the Blessed Madonna, while DJs such as Fatboy Slim, David Guetta and Roger Sanchez have graced the decks. Freddie Mercury was also regular, even throwing his infamous 41st birthday party at the hotel. He always stayed in the Marrakech Suite, which has since been turned into a tiny club called Freddie's in his honour. With such big names hanging about it is easy to assume that everyone will look like a superstar, but the reality is – and maybe due to Pikes over-27 'rule' – guests come in all shapes and sizes. Everyone is welcome. In fact, there's only one thing that might get someone turned away, hostess Audrey confides. 'If they're a c***', she says matter of factly. Being a guest means you get to see Pikes in all its glorious daytime technicolour. In the Plaza Mayor, disco balls sparkle and specks of light dance off them onto the garish pink walls and eye-popping fuschia, violet and magenta flowers. There's 26 rooms in total and we're staying in one of the Garden Junior Suites, where a black and white picture of Debbie Harry hangs on the wall and bottles of fancy tequila sit next to the mini bar. It's sleek, comfy and cool. Outside there's a fully mod-con bath, just in case you fancy a soak in the sunshine. The doors are soundproof, so once you've had enough, you can easily switch off for the night. At breakfast, coffee is poured into a Pikes mug that sits on every table. As it flows, my server smiles and says 'life is good, eh'. While a few decades ago the food might have been hit and miss, Pikes is now known as a place to eat as well as party. Portion-sizes are generous – there's no chance of going hungry. The Sunday roast is almost as famous as some of its guests. With prices starting at €28 for the vegan and €32 for the meat version – which are all served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, mixed greens, roast carrots and parsnips with agave syrup and gravy – it's so delicious, it's worth every penny. As you explore, you can see that every corner is a nod to the legacy of Pikes. There's the uber-Instagrammable pink tennis court from the 80s, complete with giant rollerboot. Then there's the tiny bathroom just along from Freddies, with a tub filled with balls ready for some merriment. I've partied in there and it's just as much fun, if not more, as any other superclub on the Isle. There are nooks and crannies to explore and hang out in, from the easily missed Potting Shed to a place where you can have a singalong while someone plays Freddie Mercury's piano. Plus, the club's no photo policy means that you can let your hair down without fear the morning after. The best bit though? More Trending As a guest of the hotel, when you're done there are no taxi dramas or fears of fomo, as you can just head back to your rooms (and then go back out again if the desire takes you). Of course, staying at a place like this isn't cheap. But if you ask me, it's worth it. So many people we met were repeat Pikes guests, booking up well in advance. Plus, I learned, if you happen to order a drink while the poolside DJ plays Club Tropicana, you'll get it for free. (Think about it.) Claie Wilson was a guest of Pikes Ibiza. Rooms at Pike's start from €229 per night for a 'Pikes Room' and €389 for a Garden Suite. Breakfast included. For exclusive offers, customers can sign up to the Pikes newsletter here. MORE: I've travelled all over Canada, but nothing compares to its 'ocean playground' MORE: People didn't understand why a Black man would visit the North Pole MORE: Virgin orders 12 new high-speed trains in biggest challenge to Eurostar yet
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
American tourist's £660 ‘extreme day trip' to Ireland raises a lot of questions
Have you ever flown for more than six hours, only to eat a snack and look over a cliff before heading home again? No, we've never done that either. However, a man called Kevin Droniak did just that. The American travel influencer went on a day trip to Ireland from New York, and filmed it all for Instagram. In a video breaking down the cost of his trip, Kevin revealed he paid close to $900 to spend a few hours on the Emerald Isle — with time for just one activity. After taking a direct flight to Shannon Airport in Ireland's west ($457 return), Kevin rented a car for $48 and drove to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the country's most iconic attractions. While he was there, he had a few minutes to scoff down a sandwich and a cappuccino. Having spent an undisclosed amount of time at the cliffs, he ran into trouble with a flat tire. He paid a mechanic to change the wheel, but incurred a $275 fee from the rental company because he hadn't paid for insurance. After that headache, Kevin said he headed straight back to the airport. The average flight time between New York and Shannon is around six and a half hours, which means he spent around 13 hours of the day in the air. We contacted Kevin to clarify his exact flying time and learn more about the trip, but didn't hear back. Including buying an Irish polo shirt (presumably from the airport), Kevin said he ended up spending $898 for his few hours in Ireland, which even he admits might not have been worth it. For most people, the idea of a holiday abroad involves packing a suitcase and being away for at least a weekend, if not a week or more. But for some, like Kevin, a single day is enough to fly to another country, explore, and be home in time for bed. It's part of a growing trend known as 'extreme day tripping'. Yet despite the popularity, 'EDTs' have drawn criticism over their environmental impact and lack of engagement with local economies. What is Extreme Day Tripping? While we don't have an Oxford definition of the phrase, Extreme Day Tripping generally involves travelling an extraordinary distance to a destination, only to spend no more than a day there before flying home. In practice, you wake up stupidly early, get to the airport, catch a red-eye flight (hopefully in time to get there at a reasonable time in the morning), and then pack as much into your trip as you can before catching a very late flight back again the same day. In theory, it allows you to get a very brief flavour of another country, without the cost of accommodation or taking chunks out of your annual leave. Do Extreme Day Trips benefit the host country? We asked Irish economist Jim Power about the benefits of having holidaymakers visit Ireland, even if only for a short time. 'Having visitors come to Ireland on any pretext is generally good for Ireland,' he told Metro. 'A visitor will spend a significant amount of money on food, transport, fuel, souvenirs, and so on, so it represents a significant financial investment into the important tourism sector.' However, Jim acknowledged that the economic benefits of extreme day trippers could be small. 'Over just one day, there is a limit to how much the accommodation and food services sector will benefit, and it is also the case that a visitor will not get any real idea about what Ireland or any other country is like. 'In addition, the environmental implications of flying into a country for just one day are not positive.' Jim concluded: 'Despite these reservations, the more one-day trippers that come to Ireland, the better for the valuable tourism sector. ' What about the environmental impact? A common criticism of extreme day trips is the impact they have on the environment. According to climate research, flying is now responsible for 2.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 8% of the UK's emissions, specifically. Campaigners have called for limits on flights taking off to address environmental concerns. Speaking to the BBC, Extreme Day Trip enthusiast and travel blogger Monica Stott acknowledged the impact the practice might be having. 'I think if it means people are taking way more flights, and airlines are putting on more flights, then I do see that as a negative impact,' she said. However, Monica went on to say: 'But a lot of people doing extreme day trips are doing it because they either can't afford to take a longer holiday or don't have time. 'I don't think it's fair to say one person's holiday is more important than another person's holiday, because they're going for longer.' What else could you do on a day trip to Ireland? Metro's Travel Editor, Alice Murphy, who was born in Dublin, had this to say about Kevin's day trip to her homeland. 'It's great to see people with large followings shouting about Ireland, but Kevin spent so little time there that he missed out on things that, in my opinion, take a visit to the Cliffs from great to exceptional. 'If he asked me to plan a trip, I'd tell him to start with coffee and a pastry at Hugo's in Lahinch, then head to the Cliffs to do the hike from Doolin to O'Brown's Tower (around 12km all in). 'Alternatively, he could do the Burren hiking trail (white is easiest). After that, I'd direct him to Clahane shore, where you can swim in the rock pools at high tide, followed by a short drive to refuel with lunch at Homestead Cottage and explore the gorgeous village of Doolin. 'If he still has room after that, cocktails and a seafood dinner at Russells is always a good choice.' Do you have a story to share?
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
We swerved a beach honeymoon for a European city break
As one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon's rich history reveals itself at every turn, from ancient ruins to tiled facades and near-vertical cobblestone streets. It might sound like a strange choice, but this love letter to the past felt like the perfect setting for our honeymoon. Some newlyweds may long for two weeks of undisturbed bliss on a sunlounger, only lifting a finger to order another cocktail. And as parents of a toddler, we probably could have benefited from the pause. But in this rare moment of solo time, we were also keen to savour sips of delicious wine, tuck into plentiful plates of local cuisine and immerse ourselves in the architectural beauty of somewhere new. Lisbon ticked those boxes and then some. Our first request was a taste of the sea, and with its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is a treasure trove of delicious dishes. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Our taxi driver urged us to head straight to Cervejaria Ramiro, a family-run institution that has been feeding locals and visitors alike for almost 70 years. It serves things fresh. Live crabs and lobsters crawling in tanks mere feet from your head, type of fresh. The Portuguese wine goes down well, while the huge scarlet prawns (a waiter's recommendation) were quickly polished off. The buttery lobster rolls felt like true indulgence. If you're facing a long wait for a table, there's even a beer vending machine to quench your thirst. As Londoners, we love discovering a city on foot, and Lisbon rewards with every step. Like Rome, legend has it that the city was built on seven hills. If the steep climbs prove too much (and they are steep), you can take a more leisurely route on the iconic yellow trams, which wind through the cobbled streets and are easy to hop on and off. The Metro system is simple to use, budget-friendly and air-conditioned, a true joy on sticky summer days. For the best vantage point, try one of Lisbon's many rooftop bars. We stopped by the Hotel Mundial for a pre-dinner cocktail and panoramic views. By day, you're treated to sights of the terracotta rooftops and sorbet-toned buildings, and by night, the streets become awash with twinkly lights and monuments illuminated with golden hues. Our first hotel was the Martinhal Lisbon Oriente, a five-star residence featuring a range of studios and apartments. Designed to accommodate a diverse mix of guests, it offers business centres for professionals, alongside childcare services and entertainment for families. Just a short walk from Oriente station, it's a little out of the main thrust of Lisbon, but the waterfront neighbourhood is fast becoming popular with young working professionals. Unlike the historic centre, Oriente is sleek and modern; it has the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre, as well as waterfront restaurants and bars. For families, it has the Oceanário de Lisboa, which is regarded as one of the best aquariums in the world. Like many cities, Lisbon's main square can feel like a tourist trap of overpriced eateries that don't truly showcase its rich culinary heritage. That being said, Praça do Comércio, or Commerce Square, is worth a visit for its stunning riverside perch and historical significance as the gateway to the city after the 1755 earthquake. But in Lisbon, the real magic lies in discovering the hidden gems off the beaten path. One of our favourite lunch spots was Taberna do Bairro Alto in the Misericórdia neighbourhood. A non-negotiable recommendation from our hotel's concierge, it appears understated from the outside, with just a few chairs scattered around a simple arched doorway, set against soft yellow walls. This cosy spot is beloved by locals, with delicious dishes at great prices. We devoured a generous platter of cured meats, cheeses, and olives, perfectly paired with a pitcher of crisp white sangria. We couldn't visit Lisbon without a stop at the famous TimeOut market. This vibrant food hall, set within the historic Mercado da Ribeira, is home to more than 40 restaurants and bars. Grilled sardines are a Lisbon classic, so we tried a playful twist, opting for sardine sushi paired with a chilled glass of crisp Portuguese white wine. One of the standout meals of our honeymoon was dinner at the Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection. If you want a true taste of the city's history, this iconic eatery, set within a 13th-century convent, has it woven into the walls. The showstopping interiors only come second to the delectable choice of dishes and drinks. Celebrating the spirit of the convent's old apothecary, the cocktail menu serves up inventive drinks inspired by ancient elixirs once crafted by monks to revive weary travellers. The showstopper plate has to be the Duck Arroz de Pato, a Portuguese rice that offers a smoky bite full of flavour. For an authentic taste of Lisbon in a breathtaking setting, this is the place to be. Our second hotel was the iconic Four Seasons. This five-star hotel blends Portuguese heritage with Art Deco style, and the service is outstanding. If you're keen to get a workout in, there's a gym on the top floor, as well as a 400-metre rooftop running track, so you can feel the burn with unbeatable views. The hotel houses restaurant CURA, run by Michelin-distinguished chef Rodolfo Lavrador. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, with every ingredient carefully chosen for its quality and flavour. In any discussion of Lisbon, it would be remiss not to mention pastel de natas, the Portuguese custard tarts with a tantalising caramelised topping. They can be found on every corner, but we have to give a special shout-out to the Manteigaria bakery in Baixa, and Castro in the Bairro Alto district. It may feel like good food and wine were the main mission of our honeymoon, and to be fair, it's not far from the truth. But we did explore for reasons besides a culinary quest. If you love vinyl records, Louie Louie in downtown Lisbon has a great range, as does nearby Tubitek. For vintage lovers, head to the Baixa district. Flamingo Vintage Kilo lets you buy items per weight and has an amazing selection of sparkly and leather jackets, while A Outra Face Da Lua is a little pricier, but well worth the rummage. More Trending In three days, it felt like we only scratched the surface of Lisbon. In truth, it feels like you would need months to explore its full beauty. We didn't even get the chance to explore the magical palaces of Sintra or watch the sunset by the Belém Tower. Still, we left with amazing memories, full stomachs and a strong desire to return as soon as possible. Day one Pick up an early morning coffee at Albi Browse the books at the historic Livraria Betrand Go record shopping at Louie Louie Have a seafood lunch at Cevejaria Ramiro Relax with cocktails at the rooftop bar in Hotel Mundial Stop for dinner at the Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection Day two Catch the Tram 28 through Alfama, Graca and Baixa Take in the stunning views in Alfama before brunch in Augusto Lisboa Head back into the city centre and visit one of Lisbon's famous squares A cosy dinner at Taberna do Bairro Alto in the Misericórdia neighbourhood Day three Enjoy a pastel de nata at Castro in Bairro Alto Stroll to Time Out Market for a vast array of lunch options Pick up a souvenir at the official Benfica store in Rossio End your stay with a stunning meal at Cura MORE: I've been to 175 countries – but I always go back to these underrated gems MORE: An Irishwoman's guide to Ireland's best beaches — no matter the weather MORE: I stumbled across the best bar ever in Europe's newly-crowned 'safest city'
