Washing our hair at home has given us some opportunities to try out all sorts of shampoos, conditioners, treatments and oils – and this caught Jo’s eye recently – anything with the word ‘shine’ in it, for hair! – so she decided to check it out.

Normally, we get to learn about new haircare at in-person launches or even – oh, the unimaginable joy of it – at a salon, where we’re invited to experience some newness or other for ourselves. Oh, how blissful life as a beauty editor USED TO BE…!

But really, this is very, very good (available on quite a few sites including MÁDARA’s own). From a Latvian brand which in the past has scooped several Beauty Bible Awards across different categories, the MÁDARA Colour and Shine Shampoo lathers well, even though it’s all-natural, and smells fresh and fab (a touch of citrus). Lots of natural goodness, from ingredients like horse chestnut (strengthening), linseed (softening) and plantain.

The MÁDARA Colour and Shine Conditioner, meanwhile, is rich and creamy and makes it incredibly easy to comb hair through, while it’s working its nourishing magic. (NB For Jo, more is always more, when it comes to conditioner – no matter what the formula; it does the job in one to three minutes, they promise – but five or 10 is even better, Jo finds.)

And the bottom line is that YES, they really do deliver shine, leaving hair soft and swishy. As a result, this duo’s set to become a keeper – one to be lugged to the salon with us, just as soon as we’re flipping allowed again. (Which cannot be soon enough for any of us, surely.)

MÁDARA Colour and Shine Shampoo /£13.50 for 200ml – buy here

MÁDARA Colour and Shine Conditioner,/£13.50 for 200ml – buy here

Prize Draws