October Favourites

Nars Multiple in South Beach - Full review, here! I have raved about this product on numerous occasions, and it is still a huge love of mine. Who doesn't love a good peachy glowy look?

Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow - Full review, here! I'm so glad I finally got round to getting this, I really do love this, such a subtle soft glow to the cheeks.

Laura Mercier Coral Red Quad - Full review, here! This is one of the only blushes that have graced my cheeks this month, it gives a gorgeous winter warmth to the cheeks.

MAC lipstick in Dubonnet - see it on, here! I think this lipstick just screams Autumn and Winter. I love it.

O.P.I Polish in Don't Pretzel my Buttons - The most perfect nude I have ever owned!

What have been your favourites this month?

Laura xoxo

A Powder Free FOTD

I was doing my make-up the other day, and realised I didn't use one single powder item, and I thought that warranted a post, especially as I loved the look it gave.

Base:

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation  - I really do love this foundation but I really wish it lasted that little bit longer so that I could wear it everyday. It is gorgeous

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer

Eyes:

MAC Painterly Paint Pot

Maybelline Eye Khol (not pictured)

Gosh Liner in 015

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

Max Factor Brow Pencil in 2 

Cheeks:

Chanel Bronze Universal - I forgot how much I love this, it applies especially well with the Japonesque Safari  Kabuki Brush

Jemma Kidd All Over Radiance Cream

Lips:

MAC Dubonnet and Revlon Berry Smoothie - My new fave lip combo

I do feel like the lip is the only thing that stops this being too summery, but that's ok, right?

Anybody else like the no powder effect?

Laura xoxo

Review: Dior Forever Skin Foundation

I mentioned it a post last week that I am trying to invest in some products that are going to last on me throughout the day, enter this.

Now I feel like I need to tell you the story behind this purchase before I go into the full review; I had just finished a four hour lecture (9-1) I was going into town shopping, looked in the mirror and realised whatever foundation I had used (can't remember what it was) had completely faded. So I thought, that's it, I want a good, proper foundation that will last, and this pinged into my head, and here we go. (It's amazing what just getting your student loan can do to your thinking.)

I would definitely say this foundation falls into the light - medium category, it is by no means full coverage. It does cover up my redness and few scars, but any major blemishes still need a good treating of concealer.

I like to apply this using the RT Buffing Brush, and it does give a flawless looking effect. However, it was just coming to the end of summer when I was matched, so now, I could go with going a shade down.

So this is me with full make-up on. I do like how it photographs, and how it looks in the morning, however by lunch it definitely needs a touch up. I don't know about you though, but I hate getting my powder up to touch up, I feel like I look like I try too hard? Just me?

This is how it looks towards the end of the day. Now I didn't do any touch ups, nor did I use my Urban Decay setting spray, and with the use of those, it does last longer, but honestly I expected more. So with that in mind, although it is a nice foundation, I can't justify the pennies.

Overall, it gives a decent coverage, but I maybe wouldn't recommend if you have oily or blemished skin, but it just does not live up to the 'forever' claims.

Have you tried this foundation? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

What I Wore this Week

Tuesday: Scarf: H&M // Top: Topshop // Boots: New Look

Wednesday: Scarf: H&M // Top: Topshop // Jeans: Dorothy Perkins // Boots: Primark

Thursday: Scarf: H&M // Top: Dorothy Perkins // Boots & Socks: Primark

Friday: Top: New Look // Jeans: Dorothy Perkins // Shoes: Topshop

Saturday: Hoodie: Souviner Shop // Boots: George at Asda

So another boring week of outfits for me again. I've basically been at uni, doing uni work or shopping I think. If I do anything of merit, it will more than likely be tweeted or instagrammed (callofbeautyb) so if you would like to follow me on either, I would be more than thrilled.

Hope you have a lovely week.

Laura xoxo

Everyday, No Heat, Hair

 Every girl knows that heat is bad for the hair, and every once in a while we vow to leave the heat appliances, and give our poor tresses a break. So, with this in mind, I thought I would show you how I've been styling my hair lately, sans heat.

1) The preparation starts the night before, by putting my hair into a top knot. Make sure you use a bobble with no metal or elastic that can snag.

(my hair isn't normally this poofy, note to self, make sure hair is completely dry!!!)

Well, it normally is, but obviously 'cause I wanted to make a post about it, my fringe didn't want to play nice, so I just plaited it back.

So there you go. A quick, simple, and easy hair that you can pretty much put together in seconds.

What do you think? What are your no heat tricks?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: MAC MSF in Soft and Gentle

When I first got this product, I used it daily, and then I bought another, newer and shiner product, and this little product got cast aside. Until now that is.

I forgot just how finely milled and the gorgeous subtle glow this gives. It is a dream to apply, and the finish is just lovely.

As you can see, it is completely understated yet still gorgeous!!!

Do you like this product?

Laura xoxo

Also, it is the gorgeous Shen's birthday today, so everyone should go and wish her a happy birthday :)

Update on My MAC Palette

I've had my MAC Palette for a while now, and have been adding to in every now and again, and thought I would show you the shadows I have at the moment, and the ones I recommend.

My top five would be:

Mulch
Handwritten
Satin Taupe
Patina
Quarry


As you can see it is very much going to be a neutrals palette, so with that in mind, what are your recommendations?

Laura xoxo

My Tuesday Face

Now don't worry, I haven't gone completely OCD crazy and allocated certain make-up to certain days of the week, but on a Tuesday, I tend to wear the same make-up as I've had to invest in make-up that lasts a good 11 hours! 

Base:

Benefit Porefessional - Not my favourite primer, but a primer is a must for longevity.

Dior Forever Skin Foundation  - I bought this on a whim, after a lecture where my make-up had just faded within 5 hours, and I wanted a durable foundation, I may do a full post on this if you would like?

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer

Rimmel Stay Matter Powder - Keep shine at bay for longer!

Eyes:

Brows: MAC Omega & Charcoal Brown

MAC Patina and Carbon

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara

Gosh 015 Pure Natural Eyeliner

Cheeks:

Laura Merceier Coral Red Quad

MAC MSF in Soft and Gentle

Lips:

Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie

Urban Decay All Nighter Spray - Review

If you have any tips on long lasting make-up, please leave me a comment below. I will love you forever!

Laura xoxo

Review: Jemma Kidd All Over Radiance Cream - Iced Gold

A while ago I was just browsing the Feel Unique site, when I saw that a load of Jemma Kidd items were on offer. This, to me seemed like the prefect opportunity to snap up the All Over Radiance Cream in Iced Gold, as it has been on my Covet list for a very long time. I have since found out that the reason it was on offer is because sadly, Jemma Kidd has gone bust.

The packaging of this product is something I like, plain, sleek and simple. Although I can see it getting slightly messy towards the end of use.

This shade is pretty much what it says on the packaging  Iced Gold. A lovely frosted, chamapagney gold colour that blends perfectly with the skin for a bit of brightness and dewy glow.

I find this highlighter blends so easily into the skin, giving a barely there look, yet when the light catches it, illuminates the face to make it look healthy and glowing, what more does a girl want?

I am so pleased I got this product, I really do love it, and I find it perfect for those 'no make-up' days, or for just a really simplistic look.

What do you think of this product? Do you like it?

Laura xoxo

What I Wore this Week

I can't believe another week is over, time seems to be going way too quickly. Today is another day that I will spend doing uni work, joy. I am not even leaving the house so it is another joggers and jumpers day, woo! Aren't you jealous of my exciting life?

Monday: Jumper: Topshop // Boots: Primark

Tuesday: Scarf: H&M // Jumper: Topshop // Jeans: Dorothy Perkins // Boots: Primark

Wednesday: Jumper: Topshop // Jeans: Dorothy Perkins

Thursday: Scarf: H&M // Top: Dorothy Perkins

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

Saturday: Hoodie: New Look


Well, work is calling. Hope you all have lovely weeks.

Laura xoxo

REN Skincare

I've always wanted to delve into the realm of REN Skincare, with many a blogger singing their high praises. I was reading Lucy's blog and saw that she had bought a little sample pack, so I had a little look into things, and saw that they were actually reasonably priced, so proceeded to the checkout with this in my basket.

In the set you get three items, the T-Zone Balancing Day Fluid, T-Zone Control Cleansing Gel and Invisible Pores Detox Mask.

T-Zone Balancing Day Fluid - This is pretty much a mattyfining day lotion, which is a really fine 'fluid' consistency which really tightens up the pores and leaves a gorgeous firm feeling to the face and a perfect base for make-up.

T-Zone Control Cleansing Gel - This is a really fine cleansing gel that I can really feel clean deep down. My only quibble with this product is the smell. Now I'm not too sure what Mayblossom is, and I'm too lazy to google it, but this product has a lavender-esque smell to it, which I really dislike.

Invisible Pore Detox Mask - This is the strangest (in a cool way) mask I have ever used. You put it on, wait for it to dry, then rub it off, with just your hands. It literally looks like your face has dandruff. So strange, but also so cool. I really feel like my face looks a lot tighter, but doesn't feel tighter after use.

Now when you purchase anything from the REN Skincare site, you get two trial size products. I've put my finger next to them to show just how small they are, but it is also a great way to try new products. I've managed to get three uses out of the mask, so you still get a good test.

The one I was most excited to try was the Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, as again, this is a firm favourite with bloggers. I can honestly see why, I love how good my face looks in the morning after using this product, you can really tell the difference, I am definitely going to be purchasing the full size of this, which at £30 a pop, is saying something. When you put it on, it is like smearing the something equivalent to the middle of Jaffa Cake onto your face.

I haven't really tried the Hydra-Calm Cleansing Gel, I'm waiting for the other cleanser to run out, but I'm sure I'll like it.

Now I'm writing this Monday, and I've just currently hit purchase on £46 (I know, that is just how impressed I am, please don't tell my bank balance, or my mom!) more REN Skincare, so expect another rave soon.

Also, I should mention that on their site, not only do you get two free trial sized products, you also get 10% off of your first order. Their delivery is also not to be faulted. You get numerous email updates and can pick a date suitable for delivery. Mine is due on Wednesday, and it is after 7pm right now.

Have you tired REN Skincare?

Laura xoxo

Just in case you were wondering I've ordered the Purity Cleansing Balm on Kate's recommendation and the Micro Polish Cleanser. (I will be getting the Glycolactic Mask, but on a different order, as it feels less expensive that way. But it is another trial size!)

- I've only been using these two products a couple of days now, and I love them, go REN skincare!

Fashion Friday: What I've Been Buying

With a change of season, comes a change in my wardrobe wants, therefore I feel the need to go shopping. Well I actually always feel the need to go shopping, but I feel a change in season justifies it.

I love wearing boots in A/W as I hate soggy feet, so I like to keep them wrapped up in my boots. Firstly I've got these shorter Primark ones, and then these longer ones from New Look. I always get a different variation of these each year.

I firstly got this top in blue, and loved it so much I also got it in white. I love how loose fitting it is, and how comfy it is too. 

So apparently I only shop in Topshop now, I also got these two jumpers. You cant really see the detail in the first one, it is a lovely white knit, with rainbow coloured specks in it. The second one I have already blogged about here.

I first bought this snood from Topshop as I needed a pale/neutral coloured scarf. I then spotted this gorgeous Tartan H&M one earlier in the week, and it is looove.

Finally I thought I would show off my gorgeous cat slippers. I love things like this. They are keeping my feet warm as I type.

Also, the autumnal coloured lipstick I'm wearing is this one, here.

Have you been shopping for the new season?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday

This used to be my holy grail mascara, still is, but with the world of blogging telling me that there are better mascaras out there I had to try them. None of them have really compared to this if I'm honest, and I didn't really realise until I pulled it back out of my collection the other day.

The wand is the perfect size for me, not too thick and not too thin. It gets at every lash, whilst making them fuller, thicker and more defined, what more does a girl want?

(Without/With)

(Sorry for the bad quality, I took them y'day before uni and it was so dark, but you get the idea.)

While I probably still will succumb to trying other products, I can definitely see me having a constant tube of this!

What is your holy grail mascara?

Laura xoxo