What I Wore this Week

So, I've just realised I haven't put days on this, sorry, I've had a long morning of doing uni work, sad times, I miss the summer already. I've also had a huge cold this week, so no Monday outfit as I felt way too ill to get dressed (woe is me,) and today I'm just in my joggers.

Tuesday: Jumper: Topshop (I did wear New Look Boots, but the socks are also from there too)
Tuesday I was in uni 9-6 so it was comfy attire all the way, especially with my cold.

Wednesday: Top: Dorothy Perkins // Scarf: H&M // Boots: New Look
Another comfy uni day, I was only in 9-1 that day though, so not too bad, and I may have gone shopping after, I have been well and truly hit by the spending bug.

Thursday: Top & Skirt: Topshop // Shoes: New Look
On Thursday I met a friend for lunch and then attempted to do uni work, but actually ended up watching countless Big Bang Theory episodes, oops!

Friday: Top & Skirt: Topshop // Boots: New Look
On Friday I for some reason woke up at 7.30 and worked until lunch, then treated myself to some shopping, I have no control.

Saturday: Top: Topshop // Jeans: Dorothy Perkins // Shoes: New Look
Yesterday I just visited my grandparents, did uni work, and worked on some blog posts, then spent the evening with family.

So yes, a lot of work is taking place at the moment, which sucks. I'm trying to do extra work as I'm away from Thursday - Monday celebrating a friends 21st this week, and I don't want to get behind this early on.

Hope you all have a lovely week :)

Laura xoxo

September Favourites

I know I say this every month, but seriously, where has this month gone? When I think back to the start of the month, it feels like ages ago, but I just can't believe that it will be October on Monday, it's just plain scary.

Anyway, on to the favourites. Now I didn't buy much stuff during September  mainly just towards the end, but I didn't want to post about stuff I've got planned to review if that makes sense? So these are my top picks of the month.

I'll start with brows. If you read this post, then you will know, I've been loving a fuller brow this month. To achieve that I've been applying MAC's Omega shadow into the front half of my brow, then finishing it with the Sleek Brow Kit in light.

For eyes, I have mainly used my Stila Natural Eyes Palette, which you can see is looking rather weathered now, but I really love it. I tend to stick to Bare, Sandstone and Ebony for everyday looks.

My final beauty pick will be my Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation. I've really liked using this during the month, it isn't my favourite foundation as it just doesn't last long enough, but for colour match, coverage and finish, I like it.

I have also been loving this Puritiy Night Cream, I love the texture of it, and just the way it makes my skin feel too.

Finally, I have been loving my Loreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil. It just makes my hair so soft and shiny, I love it.

What have been your favourites of the month?

Laura xoxo

Fashion Friday: One Jumper, Three Ways

I have wanted this Topshop jumper for soo long, and I finally got my hands on it Sunday, and I love it. I wore it to uni on Tuesday and it is just so comfortable, and really worth every penny. So here is three different ways I could wear it.

Shirt: Forever 21

Skirt: Topshop

Boots: New Look

This first look is one that is now my favourites. I really love my Topshop skirt and these boots too, I feel like it just gives a more girly look to the jumper.

Everything: New Look

This is a look I think you could make a work to evening outfit. I love that this jumper is high enough for me to wear a short necklace with it.

This is the way I actually wore it to uni on Tuesday, comfy and simple.

So here are three ways I would wear this jumper, how would you?

Laura xoxo

Also, really sorry for the quality of these pictures, it's been a long week, but really wanted to get this post up and I didn't have time to re-take them.

Throwback Thursday: Rimmel Lipstick in Asia

This is one of the first lipsticks I bought, I wanted a nude/brown colour and this just kind of screamed at me. I like the look of Rimmel lipsticks as they are good quality, and good for the money too.

As you can see it is a very nude brown/pink colour, which looks darker in the bullet, and brighter as a swatch.

On the lips it is very much a slightly darker, your own lips but better colour.

The formula is very soft, and it applys easily. With a bit of plain lip balm underneath, even people with dry lips should get on with this formula.

Have you got this? Do like Rimmel lipsticks?

Laura xoxo

How I Fight Blemishes

I've had spotty skin for as long as I can remember, they have always been there. I don't think there is a time where my face has been perfectly clear of them. It has, however, gotten a lot better. I mainly just suffer from hormonal breakouts and I thought I would share with you the way I deal with them.

The first product I want to mention the this Avene Cleanance K Gel Creme. I did a full post on this here, and I am still singing it's praises. I tend to use this every other day, but I know the morning after I use it, any blemishes that look like they may scare are gone, and my skin just looks so much clearer. 

If I just have the odd spot, I like to dab a little bit of the Origins Super Spot Remover onto it, in the morning and evening. I really think this product is worth the hype, it is a product you can feel working, and it also reduces my spot size in no time. 

A final product I like to keep around is the Clearasil Daily Clear Pore Cleansing Pads. I don't use these daily, I mainly just keep these around for those times where I feel under skin spots starting to brew. I just give the area a good scrub with these to either bring it to the surface or banish them. I also use these on days where I can't use water to take my make-up off.

This is a new product to my spot fighting collection, the Good Things Miracle Mattifier. I firmly believe that even if you have spotty/oily skin, you should still moisturize. I love using this underneath foundation as it really mattifies my skin, and helps foundation last, it is almost primer like. I find that I can cover blemishes so much easier if I use this as a base.

Finally, I fall on make-up to cover up the little buggers. I first go onto them with my Double Wear Concealer. I like to apply it straight to the spot, and then blend in the outer areas so it blends into my foundation. I then like to take a small brush, like this No.17 Blending brush to apply powder onto the area also.

What are your spot fighting tips and tricks?

Laura xoxo

Current FOTD

I've worn the same face five days in a row, which for me is some kind of record, so I thought I may as well share the items that have made it into the daily face make-up.

Base:

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer

Eyes:

Brows: MAC Omega and Sleek Brow Kit

Stila Natural Eyes Palette Bare//Kitten

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara

Gosh Liner in 015 Pure Natural

Face:

MAC Lovejoy

MAC MSF in Soft & Gentle

Lips:

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

I've been getting back into fuller brows lately, and love the look of Omega through the front of my brow, then putting the powder from my Sleek brow kit through the ends.

On my lids I like to apply Bare all across the lid, then pack Ebony into the lash line, and blend it out with a 217.

I've been keeping my cheeks quite simple with just a smidge of Lovejoy for a little flush and tiny contour.

What has been gracing your face lately?

Laura xoxo

Three Ways To: Apply Foundation

Before I started blogging or watching Youtube I always just used to apply my foundation with fingers. I could never work with the type of foundation brush I bought and it was just simpler that way. I then moved onto brushes, and was amazed at the flawless finish they could give, and also that a foundation brush wasn't only the flat paint brush type. Now I know that certain products need different techniques, so I thought I would share the three ways I apply foundation.

A brush is probably my favourite way to apply foundation. I just know that afterwards I will be left with a flawless finish. I also feel that using brushes give you better coverage too. Obviously a different brush will give different coverage because of it's density, for example the Real Techniques Stippling Brush will give lighter coverage than the Buffing Brush, both however are great brushes.

'scuse the dirty sponge, but I actually use it, shock horror! I love using this with my Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation, and find that when using a damp sponge it makes my foundation look extremely natural and second skin like, which is a look I love. But I do find it takes longer to get the stuff on my face, so it's not an everyday technique for me.

And finally fingers. This is probably the easiest way to apply foundation to your face, but make sure you clean your hands first so no germs get onto your face. Also make sure everything is blended thoroughly to make sure you aren't left with tell tale lines.

So these are my three favourites ways to apply foundation, what are yours?

Laura xoxo

What I Wore this Week

It feels like ages since I last did a proper one of these, but it has actually been only two weeks. I've finally got my own laptop back, it arrived on Monday and I feel so much better for it. Back into the blogging swing. I may have also been shopping this morning, stupid me forgot that shops don't open til l1 on a Sunday, didn't look stupid standing there at 10. Lectures start again this week, which is going to be a shock to the system, good luck to all the freshers and returning students.

Monday: Top: Topshop // Jeans: Dorothy Perkins // Shoes: Zara

Tuesday: Jumper & Shoes: Topshop // Jeans: Dorothy Perkins

Thursday: Shirt: George at Asda // Flip Flops: Ripcurl

Friday: I went to Alton Towers Friday, but forgot to get a picture of what I wore, sorry, but it wasn't that interesting.

Saturday: Top: George at Asda // Jeans: Dorothy Perkins

Sunday: Top: Warehouse // Jeans: Dorothy Perkins // Shoes: Missguided.

I hope you all have a lovely week.

Laura xoxo

Purity Skin Care

A while back Purity skincare asked on Twitter if any bloggers fancied giving some of their products a go, so I jumped at the opportunity, and was kindly sent a selection of their products, which I am now going to share with you too.

Purity is a skincare brand that are organic, fragrance free and aimed for sensitive skin, but even though I have oily skin, these have worked great for me too.

Purity Facial Exfoliator: This is a really gentle and soft exfoliator that I have really grown to love. It is so gentle that it can be used daily, and would be great for sensitive and dry skin as it is also quite nourishing at the same time. A word of warning though, don't squeeze the tube stupidly hard as you will have a lot of product come out...

Purity Facial Wash: Because all of the products are fragrance free, they have that non-fragrant smell (if that even makes sense,) which I don't particularly like. I think this is a great facial wash, but would love it that little bit more if it had a a fruity scent to it, as I find washes more refreshing that way.

Purity Anti-aging Serum & Mask: This is a funny little product, both a mask and a serum, that can be left on for either ten minutes or the whole night. I've only used this as a mask as it really tightens up your face and don't know if I could've left it overnight. Obviously I can't comment if it's helped my ageing, but they always say, prevention is better than a cure.

Purity Conditioning Cleansing Lotion: I use this to remove my make-up at night before washing my face. I use a separate eye make-up remover, and it really does take most of my make-up off. It is really gentle and again has that fragrant free smell, it is also extremely gentle on the skin.

Purity Anti-Aging Moisturiser: This is a really thick moisturiser that really takes a while to sink in. It is slightly too oily for my skin type, and as it has no spf in it, I don't like wearing it on it's own, but it is really great in the evening, even though it is a day moisturiser. I am really impressed with just how moisturizing this product is, my skin feels so smooth after use.

Purity Regenerating Overnight Moisturiser: This is one of my favourite products from the range, it is a great overnight moisturiser that I love using it. It makes my skin feel so soft from application until the morning, really impressive. Again nice and thick which takes a while to blend into the skin.

Overall I am really impressed with this range of products, and I would really recommend to people with not just sensitive skin, but who are looking for good for your skin, affordable products.

The lovely people at Purity have also sent be another box of these goodies to giveaway to my lovely readers. All you have to do if you want these products is fill in the Rafflecoptor form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you tried this range?

Laura xoxo

*You must be over 16 or have parents permission to enter this giveaway as I will need your address. You must also live within the UK.

Fashion Friday: Welcome Back

This week for my Fashion Friday post I've decided to do a post on what I can't wait to wear again now that it is Autumn, as what better way to get over the end of Summer than A/W clothing.

Big chunky knit scarves. I've put away my summery decorative scarves and I am now digging out the ones that will be keeping me warm during the cooler months.

Big chunky cardigans. Although it has been quite a mild summer, I still didn't feel right bringing out the big guns like this, but now I can not wait to bring out my chunky knits and snuggle down.

Sweatshirts and hoodies. I love hoodies and sweatshirts, I love how cosy they feel and just how comfortable they are. This is why I love A/W it's just so much more comfortable that S/S, don't you think?

What are you looking forward to wearing this season?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Bourjois Delice e Poudre

This was one of the first bronzers I bought, what I didn't realise at the time was that there were two shades, 51 and 52. I stupidly picked up the 52 which is way too orange toned for me, so for that reason it has been cast aside, but I decided to bring it out again for this post.

Over summer I used this with a big brush to really bronze up my face, and I liked the look, but for this post, I tried to use it as a contour, which meant I had to use a really light hand.

It doesn't look too bad, but it is definitely a bronzer to be used with a light hand and take time with. I really hope that I can get another in a different shade, as it is such a good bronzer, and smell amazing.

Do you have this/use it?

Laura xoxo

Dry Hair Saviours

I feel like I've done quite a few hair posts over the last couple of weeks, and I'm sorry if you're getting slightly bored, but my friend asked me some advice on dry hair the other day and I thought I would also make a post about it.

I've mentioned these two products together before, but I really, really rate them. If I apply these to the ends of my hair, put my hair in a top knot, sleep, then wash it out in the morning, I am left with such soft hair, and my ends look so much better.

I wouldn't do this daily, maybe twice a week, and my hair really thanks me for it. I feel like it really nourishes whilst also making my hair softer and easy to manage.

These two products have been re-purchased a lot, before and whilst I blog. I recommend using the 3 Minute Miracle every time you wash your hair when it is dry, that is what I do. I shampoo and put my usual conditioner on, then put this on top of it too, and my hair is sooo soft when I leave the shower.

As soon as I take the towel off of my hair, I spray a liberal amount of this leave in conditioner in, then brush my hair through, and I just feel like this gives and extra bit of protection, and locks in the softness.

Finally I think the best thing is to invest in a good hair oil. I only picked up this Loreal one the other day, but so far so good. Moroccan Oil is expensive, and I would only recommend for special occasions, as it is more silicone based then nourishing, but for a quick fix is great. Finally the Coconut Oil from Superdrug is just brilliant, and so affordable, and as it is natural I feel like it is definitely benefiting my hair.

I hope this hasn't been a repeat of information that I have reeled off before and I hope it has helped.

What are your best dry hair tips?

Laura xoxo

Autumn Nail Colours

I think I've mentioned before that I really love Autumn and Winter, they are two of my favourite months. I love snuggly jumpers and scarves, and whilst I also love the colour that summer brings, I can't wait to break out these darker colours sometime soon.

Don't Mess With O.P.I

Rouge Diva - Bourjois

Beige Babe - Rimmel Pro

Saville Row - Nails Inc.

Can not for a life of me find a name/number on this, but love the colour!

Are you looking forward to Autumn?

Laura xoxo

Just Passing the Time...

The other day, I wasn't feeling to great about how I looked, I had no make-up on, a bit of a cold, and was watching the VMA's. Afterwards I decided I needed cheering up, so headed in the direction of my make-up and had a little play around. After not doing that for ages, it was a lot of fun. The look I created was slightly inspired by all the lovely ladies at the VMA's, and I thought why not dedicate a post to it.

The look I was going for was, a shimmery eye with thick liner and a bold lip. The products I used were:

Base:

Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation ^

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer ^

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

Eyes:

Brows: Rimmel Glam Eyes Trio in Orio (Dark brown colour)

Stila Natural Eyes Palette: Kitten//Champagne//Sunset

Loreal Super Liner

Maybelline the Falsies Mascara ^

MAC Powersurge

Face:

Hoola Bronzer

MAC Dainty Blush

MAC MSF in Soft and Gentle

Lips: 

Bourjois Lip Pencil in 20 Rouge

Rimmel Berry Queen Lipstick

Well I succeeded in feeling better for the whole ten minutes I wore the make-up before washing it off and putting a face mask on....

I really love the eye make-up though, and think I may wear it the next time I go out, but I may have found a different style by then as I'm rather fickle.

Am I the only one who does things like this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

^ don't really like the product/wouldn't recommend, but thought I may as well use them save wasting the products I love.