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Saturday 30 June 2012

June Favourites


This is getting slightly ridiculous, where has this month gone? It's July tomorrow!!! We are half way through the year! I am twenty, TWENTY! Scary. 

This month I've been quite restraint and haven't bought many new things, mainly 'cause I bought my new glasses. I did however get the Stila Natural Eyes palette (with my Boots points) and I love it. The quality and pigmentation is amazing and they colours are so versatile. This and my MAC eyeshadows are the only things that have graced my eyes. 

I usually post about five items that I've loved, but instead I'm going to show you two FOTD's I've been loving. Most of them have included my Stila palette, then on some days, I have only been wearing concealer. No foundation. I amaze myself. But my skin has cleared up quite well, and I've been loving a simplistic look.

Stila Kitten & Sandstone, with Damsel // Concealer

I place my Double Wear Concealer on any blemishes, and then the Rimmel Match Perfection under the eye and nose to brighten up my face. I love the no fuss look it gives.



Kitten//Ebony//Nightsky

I'm loving applying the Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation with a damp sponge, I find it sheers out the foundation, making my skin look fresher, whilst also giving a nice coverage. By adding concealer first, I find I use less foundation.

I've also really been loving finishing off my make-up with a quick spray of The Body Shop's Vitamin E Face Mist, to give an extra glow to my skin. I also keep it in my handbag for an extra boost throughout the day.

What have your favorites been this month? 

Laura xoxo

Also, thank you all for the Birthday messages y'day. I had a lovely day :) 




Friday 29 June 2012

Fashion Friday: Fashion Through My Ages

Once upon a time, on this day, 29th June, 20 years ago, the greatest thing happened...I was born. Only joking, but today is my birthday, and I thought, been as though my usual Friday post is a fashion one, I would show you my fashion through the years. I hope it is a nice for you as it was for me sifting through numerous photo albums and looking through photos, it made me slightly emotional if I'm honest.


One of my very first outfits with my lovely mommy. She will kill me if she sees this haha!


A personal favourite of mine.


I've always been a cool child. Honest!


The first time I dressed myself. I think you'll find that this was all over Vogue that year.


Another favourite. Also, I used to be blonde!


My first set of wheels.


On my 5th birthday I had a magician called Pog.
And my favourite colour was yellow.


My 8th birthday. My last one as an only child.
I love TY teddie bears (can you spot them?)



Pictures from about age 15-18


You've all seen what I wear daily, and it's true I'm very boring!!! I wish I was glamours and fashionable, but hey, I try! I could've added so many more but didn't want to bore the socks off of you! 

Happy Friday everyone.

Laura xoxo


I also want to say, a massive thank you to both Rachel and Shen, for my lovely presents, although I've only known them since I started blogging, and haven't even met Shen yet, they both gave such gorgeous gifts, and I am so grateful to them. So yes, big hugs and thanks!


Thursday 28 June 2012

Carmex Moisture Plus


I hate the feeling of dried lips. Can not stand it. I always like to have either some Vaseline, Carmex or Blistex around. Then one day, whilst in Boots I spotted this little beauty and was intrigued, but couldn't justify buying it as I already had so many pots on the go. Then I left a pot of Vaseline in my car and it completely melted, therefore I jumped at the opportunity to get this.


The texture of this is very smooth, it just glides onto your lips. The lipstick bullet, for me is a nice touch and allows for easy application. 

Once on it really moistens(if that's the right word) my lips and makes them feel very soft and no dryness is felt. It also tastes a-mazing. 




The main thing that drew me to this product is that fact that it promised a bit of colour. After putting my lipstick on in the morning, I don't really re-apply as I'm scared of getting it all over my face, this however is so sheer it has no chance of doing that which is nice. I would, however, have like it to be slightly more pigmented. But hey, we can't have everything.

Overall I really like this product, but I don't know if the price, £4.99 is worth it, for what the product is. Vaseline is around £2 and you get more product, but you do get messy fingers so, it's very much swings and roundabouts.

What do you think? Do you like it?

Laura xoxo

Wednesday 27 June 2012

Guys Don't Make Passes, at Girls Who Wear Glasses!

I think I've mentioned/gone on and on about the fact that I've got new glasses. I've had to wear them for a while now, though 'cause I'm only short sighted, only wore them when I had too. Now that my eyes have worsened, I feel like I should wear them more often. This meant getting glasses I love and I've also been looking into different make-up to wear with them.


MAC Naked Lunch 
MAC Handwritten
Loreal Super Liner
George Eyeliner Pencil
Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara

Here is the look on it's own:


I place Naked Lunch all over my lid, the ran Handwritten across the upper and lower lash line, and also blended it out into my crease. 

For my post, I've shown how the look can be worn with different styles of glasses too. 

First Pair of Glasses (random from Opticians, v. old):


Second Pair of glasses (Oasis, couple of years old):


Final pair (Ray Bans, current):
(Sorry about the reflective glare!)

A few tips I'e picked up is to focus on the lash lines rather than taking the make-up up and out, or around the crease. I've started to focus a lot on the underneath of my eye, which takes a while to get used to in the day time, but I'm starting to like it.

A few more tips can be found here, here and here

A couple of other works I think would were are this one, and this:


What are your tips for wearing make-up with glasses?

Laura xoxo

P.s Totally don't agree with the title of this post, but it sounded better than 'Glasses' haha. 







Tuesday 26 June 2012

Essie: Beach Bum Blu


I was at my local Boots back home, which, let's just say is rather modest in size, and I was amazed to find an Essie stand there. Without even hesitating I glanced around and looked for a colour to take home with me. And this one hit me hard. 

The name is Beach Bum Blu, but for some reason it reminds me of mermaids, can't you just see them swimming around with this little beauty on their nails? Just me? I would call it (and in my head do,) A Mermaids Tale.


It is a gorgeous bright almost aqua blue colour with a hint of duo chrome silver in it. This makes it a different colour in different lights, which makes it even more fun. It is a bit 'in your face' on finger nails, but I reckon it will be perfect on toe nails for summer. (Note: I have now tried it on my toes, a-mazing.)


So what do you think? Too out there, or super cool? 

Laura xoxo



Monday 25 June 2012

Top Five Lust Haves

I thought what better way to end my Top Five series than with one all about the current products I'm lusting after. To be honest I could've made this a Top 100 list, I'm always wanting something, shamefully, but thought I'd leave it at five.


Nars Laguna - I don't feel like I can call myself a Beauty Blogger if I don't own this. I hear it is the best. Is it?

Alpha H Liquid Gold - Again, I hear this thing does wonders, and who doesn't want perfect skin?

Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow in Iced Gold - I need, yes need a cream highlighter, and this one is calling to me.

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner - I have a Maybelline one and it has dried up, I didn't use it enough 'cause I didn't like the brush, but now I have the right brush I wanna try this little guy.

MAC Peaches - Kind of wanna build a blush palette, and really want this one!!!

What are you lusting after at the moment?

Laura xoxo 

Sunday 24 June 2012

What I Wore this Week

Hello, hope you've all had a lovely week this week. I've met up with some lovely friends, including Rachel. I also got my new glasses (see Sunday pic) and my grandparents came over from New Zealand.



Monday:
Top: H&M // Boots and Necklace: New Look
On Monday I met up with a friend for lunch as she is spending her summer working in the Alp's, then doing a year abroad next year, so it was nice to have a good catch-up/Au Revoir.

Tuesday:
Top and Shoes: New Look
I'm trying to learn how to walk in heels, so that's why I wore my wedges on Tuesday. I ran a few errands in the morning and then started work on a little project for my nan's b'day. She doesn't know about my blog, but just in case I'm not going to mention what it is haha!

Wednesday:
Jumper: Glassons (New Zealand Brand) // Skirt, Vest: New Look // Shoes: Primark
Exciting times, my nan and grandad arrived from New Zealand. I'm super close to them, and was gutted when the emigrated six years ago. They arrived here the same day I arrived back from a trip last year. It was such an amazing trip and I'm so happy to have them over for a few months.

Thursday:
Top: New Look // Scarf: Dorothy Perkins // Boots: Primark // Cardigan: George at Asda
Thursday I went out shopping again with the lovely Rachel. We had a lovely day filled with shopping, pizza and meringue! Yum! She was super lovely as well and bought me a MAC shadow for my palette, for my b'day (which is Friday btw,) so I just want to say a massive thank you to her!

Friday:
Jumper: Topshop  // Boots: New Look
All that happened Friday was I voluenterred in the morining and then worked a bit more on my nan's present.

Saturday
Top: Topshop // Sandals: River Island
Saturday, I went to visit my nan and grandad in the morning, as we do most weeks (they live in the UK permantly, for any confusion haha!) I then got a phone call to say my new glasses are ready, check out my twitter (@CallofBeautyB) for some pictures. I also got to see my best friend who has just got back from two weeks in LA, and is also off to Iceland on Tuesday which was nice, we went and saw my little brother play Trombone is his summer fair concert, which was brilliant, and just caught up.

Sunday:
Top: Glassons (New Zealand) // Scarf: Dorothy Perkins // Glasses: Ray Bans // Shoes: I will be putting my brown New Look Boots on too!
Today I'm off to my Aunt and Uncle's for Sunday lunch with my Grandparents and my little sister should be there too, with my little cousins. Excited. I'm now off to make the filling for the Victoria Sponge I'm taking with me.

How has your week been? Hope you all have a lovely week ahead.

Laura xoxo

Saturday 23 June 2012

Morning Sunshine!


In the morning, the one thing that get's be out of bed is the prospect of doing my make-up, yes I am that sad. But I realise that for many, the usual morning routine of hitting snooze one too many times, laddering your tights and getting toothpaste down your top doesn't leave much room for make-up, and you leave the house already waiting to crawl back in to bed. 

Now I'm not offering a way to make that disappear, but what I thought I would do would be to share some tips I've picked up to help you look more awake on those days where you are anything but!


I've found that since using a energising morning face wash, my skin instantly appears more bright and awake in the morning. I follow with this lotion as it helps to keep the shine at bay, making me look slightly more polished.


Base:
Loreal Lumi Magicque Base - Adds a nice healthy glow to the skin

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer - Blemishes

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation - I like to use a damp sponge and dab it onto my face as it gives a nice sheer, yet full coverage, but looks very simple.

Rimmel Match Perfection Highlighting Concealer - A shade lighter than my foundation and blended down quite low under the eyes to brighten them up.

Eyes:
MAC Naked Lunch and Quarry

Maybelline Khol Liner - Placed on the upper lash line and smudged out to make eyes look bigger and wider

Gosh 015 Eyeliner - Waterline to cancel out redness and brighten the eye

Max Factor High Definition Mascara

MAC MSF in Soft and Gentle - Inner tear duct to brighten and widen eyes.

Face:
Chanel Bronze Universal

MAC Dainty - Nice simple colour to add a flush, but a colour that can't be too heavy so no mishaps happen

MAC MSF in Soft and Gentle

Lips:
Carmex.



So they are just a few tips I've picked up since I started blogging. I also tried to use as little products as possible, and ones that you can't really mess up with, as liquid liner smudging all over your eye is not what you want to be dealing with in the wee hours.

What are your morning tips?

Laura xoxo

Friday 22 June 2012

Fashion Friday: Copy Cat

I think this is going to be the last Copy Cat post for a while. As much as I've enjoyed doing them, there is something as too much. I'll probably do them again though, just in case you care haha!

Anyway, for a final post I thought why not go all out. One fashion I love and covet that celebrities wear is red carpet fashion! Oh how I wish I was rich and famous. Sadly I am not. But I do have access to the Net-a-Porter website and my imagination to create some red carpet looks.


Look One:


Look Two (A back up):


So never in a million years will I be wearing/buying these, but hey a girl can dream.

Do you have an idea of what you would wear if you reached ultimate stardom?

Happy Friday :)

Laura xoxo






Thursday 21 June 2012

BB Cream Battle

Is anyone else getting slightly tired of hearing about BB Creams? This time last year I was completely clueless. I saw an advert for the Garnier one in about August, then kind of got into them. Now I'm very, well, over it. I was planning on buying some more BB Creams for this post, but honestly I just didn't see the point. I'm just not a BB girl. I can live with that. Therefore I only have three, but been as though these three have made up my mind on BB creams I thought I'd give you my opinion of them.


Also, as I tend to not wear them often, I started this post a while ago, so in the first two pictures my skin is quite bad, but it has cleared up in the last one which was taken last week. This impressed me to be honest, yes I'm impressed easily, but it shows some part of my skin care routine at least, must be working.

No 17


I used to use this daily instead of foundation. Then I didn't like the way it sat on my skin, it didn't last and overall I got fed up. It is probably the best out of all the ones I have. The colour suits me quite well, although it has a bit of a grey tinge on my skin. It gives a fair amount of coverage, and it lasts OK on my skin with powder, but there is something about it which stopped me reaching for it. And after using it for this post, I've put it back in it's draw and not touched it again. You know what they say, actions speak louder than words.

MUA

I don't want to dislike anything from MUA. They are such a good budget brand, but I just don't like this. The coverage is very little, and the colour is ok. But I could not use this for it's intended purpose. BUT I found a way to wear it that works for me, and that is as a primer/base. If you're having a very bad skin day, or need your make-up to last longer, use this as a base, and I promise you will be amazed by the result.


Garnier


The first BB cream I picked up. I really like it at first, and part of me still does, but it makes me look like I've just escaped from the Wonka Factory (I know it doesn't in this picture, but in person, trust me!) It has a gorgeous smell to it, is very creamy and does feel nice on the skin. Maybe, but only maybe, if they bought out other shades I may consider purchasing it, but again, there is something around it, which I understand that as a review on a blog post, is not entirely helpful, but still, there is something that makes me not like it.


Garnier // 17 // MUA

So they are my final thoughts on my BB Creams! I would love to know what you think, am I just being to persnickety? Do you love them? Do you hate them?

Laura xoxo

*first picture is no make-up, second is just the BB cream!

Wednesday 20 June 2012

A Little Bit of TLC


Everyone needs a bit of TLC from time to time. Whether it's been a stressful week, or you just want to give yourself a little pick me up, there is nothing better than a bit of pampering. I'm sure if we were rich enough we would be frequent visitors of the local spa, unfortunately, we have to make do with a little DIY. So I thought I'd try and make a little series (we'll see how that goes,) about the little things I do to pamper myself.

First up, hands!


I start my filing down my nails. I heard, through some magazine probably, that it's best to file your nails when they already have nail varnish on, or before washing, as the nails are harder and less likely to break. I then remove any normal nail varnish on my nails.

Next up I give them a good wash with some nice smelling soap. I love this Coconut  Milk one. It is divine. I then follow with a nice hand moisturiser.

Once all the moisturiser has sunk in, I put some Lemony Flutter on my nails and push back my cuticles whilst giving them a bit of a massage.

After all that I apply some O.P.I Nail Envy, and if I so choose, which I usually do, a nice slick of colour. At the moment I'm loving Essie Cute as a Button, but I am seriously coveting the O.P.I Minne Mouse Collection, especially the one that looks like Jelly and the hearts!

What do you do to give your hands a bit of love?

Laura xoxo




Tuesday 19 June 2012

Things that I've repurchased!


I'm sure this won't shock anyone, but I love trying new things. Reading blog posts and watching videos shows just how many different products there are out there, and I'm always up for trying them, it's my bank account that stops me. I find that I tend to blog a lot about new products I try and love, or maybe even don't love, but I think sometimes we need to give a little attention to the products that are always there. The ones that without fail we can reach for knowing time and time again, they will work for us.



Skincare:

Clean and Clear Morning Energy: I really like using this after washing my face in the morning. I find it really helps stop any oil making a sneaky appearance in the day and stops the shine showing throughout the day.

Garnier Youthful Radiance Night Cream: I bought this cream, then used another, and I missed this so much. It has a nice smell and is just so refreshing. It is nice and thick too, in the way that makes your skin still feel soft and moisturised in the morning.

Garnier Intensive Seven Day Moisturiser: I love this moisturiser. This is my third bottle of the stuff. I wouldn't say that it lasts the seven days, but a good couple. It is quite nice and light weight too, and doesn't transfer onto clothes.

Coconut Milk Hand wash: When on holiday in December I went to the toilets and they had the hand lotion of this in the toilets, and oh my goodness, the smell is amazing. It lasts for ages. I just had to find it. I then found it in Marks and Spencer's for a pound. ONE POUND! So of course I picked up the hand wash too, and this is my second bottle.

Boots Botanics Eye Make Up Remover: Best eye make up remover, ever! Enough said! 



Haircare:

I am rather fickle with hair care and switch things up quite a lot, but these two, and my Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two have been bought numerous times. (Stupid me forgot to picture the shampoo, but I have babbled about it quite a lot, here!) I also don't feel these need much more description. They are both amazing!



Make-up:

Max Factor High Definition Mascara: Holy grail mascara. Lengthens, defines and volumenises. What else could you want?

Maybelline Lumi Touch Concealer: Used to use this and then bought something else to try instead. This beat it hands down. I love this concealer for under eyes and my nose. I find it just completely brightens up my face. 

Rimmel Match Perfect Cream Gel Foundation: My go to foundation for the few nights out I find myself going on. It has no spf so no dreaded flashback in pictures and is rather thick too. Nice one Rimmel.

Rimmel Pro Coral Romance: I love it. See the story behind it and a dupe in this post.

Real Techniques Blush Brush: I have two of these, one for blush and one for my mineral foundation. I love the shape, I love the size and they are just so darn soft.

No 17 Blending Brush: I have three of these. They are so inexpensive and come in so handy for, yes you guessed it, blending out eye make-up.

I've also, since scheduling this post, re-purchased the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri. Can't imagine not suing it now!


What are your favourite re-purchased items?

Laura xoxo







Monday 18 June 2012

Top Five Nail Varnishes

My names Laura, and I'm a nail varnish addict.

Before getting into make-up in the obsessive crazy way that I am now, I always bought nail varnish. I've always been the girl who constantly had colour on her nails. Although I do find the painting process slightly annoying (less so since I found Sally Hansen Insta dry) I love having freshly painted nails. Here are my top five polishes, that I luuuurrrvvve!

Rimmel Coral Romance // Forever 21 // Essie Cute as a Button // No 7 High Land Mist // O.P.I Kiss Me on the Tulips

Wonder what colours I like???

I think it's quite obvious to state that I am a lover of brights and something that could be related to pink!

Rimmel Coral Romance: I mentioned in this post, that this has always been one of my all time favourites, it is a also a dupe of O.P.I's Cajun Shrimp. Such a gorgeous summery colour.

Forever 21: I couldn't find a name for this polish. I picked it up in America when I went with my friends back in 2010 (I know, I should throw it away, but I don't want to!) It is the perfect red colour and it has sentimental value. That combined makes it special.

Essie Cute as a Button: My new all time favourite. I love this colour, it's just a gorgeous pink, almost colour that is nice and girly. See it here!

No 7 Highland Mist: This is very much a nice muted colour. The perfect grown up, yet pink colour! My mom compliments me when I wear this one. See it on here!

O.P.I's Kiss Me on the Tulips: A perfect fusia pink colour. And it's O.P.I so the quality is already mentioned, yes? See it here!

What's your favourite nail polish?

Laura xoxo

I want to end this post by saying a very Happy Birthday to my lovely bloggy friend Rachel :) Hope you have a great day lovely :)

Sunday 17 June 2012

What I Wore this Week

Another week gone, it's half way through June. What the frack? Time is going way to fast, I'm going to be back at uni before I know it. I haven't really done much this week, running a few errands, visiting and cuddling my little sister, and watching a lot of TV, reading a few books, and let's not forget Sims. I know some may find it strange that I'm just whittling away my time, but I see it as, there isn't going to be many points in my life where I can just do nothing, so I am making the most of it whilst I can. But if someone wants to employ me, I'm all ears! I need to fund my make-up addiction somehow.



Monday:
Top, Shoes: New Look

Tuesday:
Top: Miami

Wednesday:
Top: Topshop // Scarf: H&M

Thursday:
Shirt, Shorts: George at Asda // Top: New Look // Shoes: Topshop

Friday:
Top: New Look // Cardigan: George at Asda // Shoes: Topshop

Saturday:
Top: New Look // Scarf: Unkown

Sunday:
Top: New Look // Slippers: Unknown

Also just want to say a Happy Fathers day to all the dad's, uncle's and grandad's out there!

Have a lovely week.

Laura xoxo

All leggings are Topshop and long vests are from H&M and I own numerous ones!

Saturday 16 June 2012

The Perfect Combination


There are some things in life that just go perfectly together. Take Minnie and Mickey for example, Ice Cream from a Van in the park, baths with bubbles, Tom and Jerry, and not forgetting popcorn and films on a quiet night in. (Bridget Jones would be my film of choice, followed by Mean Girls, Clueless...)

So with that in mind, I'd thought I'd share a few combinations that I am loving at the moment.



I've been loving using MAC Naked Lunch all over my lid, with Quarry in the crease and a slick of the Loreal Super Liner Luminizer for Hazel eyes on the lash line. It gives a lovely purple/natural look to my eyes, and I've been wearing it almost daily. 


On its own, I am not a fan of this foundation, but mixed with this primer, I love it. It adds luminosity, dewiness and makes it easier to blend and looks lovely on.



Glitter polish at the moment, is a must for me. I love placing a bit of glitter for a statement nail. I find it just transforms your nails!

What is your favourite combination?

Laura xoxo

Also, check out Laura's blog. She has done a whole series of posts like these :)