Searching for a Similarity

When I talked about my completed MAC palette I mentioned some similarities with the Urban Decay Naked Two Palette and thought I'd share it with you today. Now they aren't exact dupes, but I just think if you have one, you may not need the other.

Snakebite and Patina also share similarities. 

Hope you all have a great week.

Laura xoxo

Video: June Favourites

Yay, it's my birthday, and it's the end of June (scary times.) Anyway here is what I loved this month.

Also, thanks crazy humidity for my sweaty face and messy hair.

What were your faves?

Laura xoxo

Friday Fact

Use your ring finger to apply concealer and eye cream underneath your eye.

I couldn't find an appropriate picture....

This was one of the first things I learnt when I started blogging. Apparently this finger applies the least amount of pressure so it doesn't 'drag down' on your skin.

Happy Friday :)

Laura xoxo

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Throwback Thursday: The Archives #2

I thought it was about time I delve into my archives and have a bit of 'cringe-fest' (is it just me or does the work 'cringe' make you want to cringe?) Here is a few I found for you all to have a giggle at.

Babyliss Waving Wand:

I haven't used this tool in a very  long time. It's quite shameful really, but I just have so much more of a preference for the Totem Styler or Enrapture Rollers. Also, I very rarely use heat tools on my hair, I much prefer letting it do its own thing. However, I feel like I need to dust this off and give it some love and attention.

Soap and Glory Breakfast Scrub

This stuff seriously smells good enough to eat. It really is a lovely scrub that makes you feel incredibly hungry. The only reason this isn't in my current rotation is because I love Flake Away which is one pound cheaper and a more vigorous scrub which is needed for my delightful chicken skin. 

No 17 All About the Sass Lipstick

As much as I love the colour in the bullet, and the formulation of this lipstick, it just really doesn't suit me. I've since learnt that me and pink lips are a no go. Shame as it's such a lovely lipstick.

Laura xoxo

Video: Top Tools

Ok, so I filmed this video quite a while ago, and kind of forgot about it. How, I don't really know, but I though that there is no time like the present to get round to sharing it. Hope you enjoy.

Laura xoxo

FOTD: Interview

I am now, unfortunately at that time in my life where I need to enter... THE REAL WORLD!!! It's crazy, and I really don't feel ready for it. However, I've put my big girl pants on (not the Bridget Jones kind, the metaphorical ones) and applied for a whole boat load of different jobs. I've heard back from hardly any, and I'm realising getting to the interview stage is going to be hard enough. However, I have now had one proper assessment day (scary and intesnse) and one informal interview (not that scary) and whilst I haven't got a 'grown-up' job yet I am doing a few odds and ends and earning a bit of dough. Anyway after the worlds largest intro, here is my 'interview' face. (I doubt you're are surprised I have an interview face...)

Bare Minerals Original Foundation

Bourjois Stick Concealer

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concelaer

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer

MAC Brun/Omega - Brows

MAC Painterly

Urban Decay Pistol/Blackout

Rimmel Kate Scandaleyes in Nude

Max Factor False Lash Effect

Benefit Hervana
Estee Lauder Illuminating Gelee in Heatwave

Rimmel Matte Lipstick in 101

No7 Lipgloss in Smile

What would your interview face staples be?

Laura xoxo

Review: Rimmel Scandaleyes in Taupe

I seem to have gone a little Rimmel crazy lately, but I really think they 'bring it' (bleugh, cringe) when it comes to highstreet products. I'm sure you are all aware that I obsessed with the nude colour of this range, and also purchased the black version of this due to the amazing staying power these possess. When looking for an eyeliner that I could use to add some definition, but not close my eyes, Rimmel was were and went, and this is what I ended up with.

To me, this is basically a light brown colour, and was exactly what I was after. I was dubious at first as I thought it may be a bit too grey toned, but alas it was not.

As you can see the colour is really subtle on the water line, but it just adds a bit of definition that you sometimes need with certain eye looks.

I also thought I'd have a go at using this as an eyeshadow, and here's the look:

It just gives a very subtle definition to the lid. I think it would look better if I had evened out my lid with something like Painterly first, as my lids are quite dark.

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

What I Wore this Week

Monday: Dress & Shoes: New Look // Cardigan: French Connection

Tuesday: Top: New Look // Skit: ASOS // Shoes: Matalan

Wednesday: Dress: ASOS // Cardigan & Shoes: Topshop

Friday: Top: Asda // Skirt: Topshop // Shoes: Primark

Saturday: Top & Trousers: M&S // Shoes: Topshop

Sunday: Jacket & Shoes: Asda // Top: Topshop

I hope you all have a lovely week :)

Laura xoxo

Video: TV Talk

So I watch far too much TV, but thought I'd share with you some of my all time faves. Excuse the tag coming out of my dress and necklace chain. I must check what I look like before filming.

Also, excuse how much I say incredible. 

What are your favourite shows?

Laura xoxo

Friday Fact

Apply your eye-cream first!

Ok so I didn't know this until I read one of Caroline Hirons' blog posts, I'm sure you're well aware of who she is, and her insight into skincare is truly amazing. 

Back to the tip, I didn't relaise this, but it totally makes sense, if you put this on after everything else, it isn't going to be able to target the bags. Who knew? (apart form Caroline.)

Happy Friday.

Laura xoxo

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Throwback Thursday: Jemma Kidd All Over Radiance Cream in Iced Gold

I am fully aware that I start most posts with the whole, loved this product then forgot about it blah blah blah, but I actually never forgot about this product, I just stopped using it as I loved it so much and it became discontinued. Sad times!

Ah, just look at that creamy dewy perfection. It really is the most perfect cream highlighter, and I still use it sparingly. The creamy consistency blends it to the skin and gives the perfect healthy glow that doesn't look over done and just makes you look so 'lit from within.'

Colour wise Iced Gold is a gorgeous champagne colour, that on my skin tone blends in seamlessly. 

For me it is the perfect product to reach for when you are going for that whole 'I'm not wearing make-up, make-up look.'

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

Laura xoxo

Top Three Masks

I've always had a soft spot for face masks, but now that I've really gotten into skincare I find myself applying one two-three times a week. Today I thought I'd share with you my top three that I really rate.

Super Facialist by Une Brennan - Intense Moisture Mask - This is quite a recent purchase for me but it has already been given the Laura Love status (that's a thing, yes!) and I think it is a great product. You put it on for five minutes and instantly gives you an intense blast of moisture. It's one of those things that does what it says on the tube.

Intensive Moisture Mask - James Brown London - This is my favourite hair mask of all time. What I love about it is that you can just put it on ten minutes before a shower and still reap all the benefits of the overnight masks I have. 

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask - I've stopped using this overnight now, just because I have an array of other products to use. However, I love this for mornings where I'm not going out, or evenings after a shower when it's too early for my full evening regime and it just adds the moisture back into your skin.

What are your favoruite masks?

Laura xoxo

Video: Summer Make-up Look

So I watched a lot of old YouTube tutorials and decided to make my own. Yes, I'm fully aware that I have too much time on my hands.

Also, I'm sure you are all aware of the whole GFC hoo-haa, but just to let you know, you can follow my blog through bloglovin' using this little link here:

 http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3519536/call-of-beauty

Laura xoxo

Review: No7 Overnight Radiance Boost

At the start of last month, I had some No7 vouchers burning a hole in my pocket, so hot footed to Boots and picked up a few pieces; one of these being this little guy.

It's basically a serum-esuqe product which you put on before moisturiser at night, and over night the products in it (which I think is caffeine and fruit acids) work at renewing your skin so you wake up with brighter looking skin.

It comes in a nice glass feeling but I think it's plastic bottle and a pump dispenser. I wish it had a clear tube on the inside too so you could see how much product was left. It dispenses easily and I find two pumps does my fat face nicely.

Now I when I review products, I like to show you how it works, so I decided to use this product for a month and show you the results. I didn't use it continuously, some nights I used other treatments, but I still thought I'd show you the effect.

I'm sorry the lighting isn't the best, but I wanted a clear background.

Now, whilst the results aren't miracle inducing, I do think there is an ever so subtle difference. My skin hasn't become amazing, and I doubt one product would be able to do that, but what I do think is it has become a lot brighter, and what's more, I enjoy using this product.

So whilst it isn't ground breaking, I would recommend trying out this product if you're looking for a little pick me up for your skin.

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

What I Wore this Week

Hi everyone. I hope you've all had a good week. I'm currently writing this in a rush as I'm off to Longleat this weekend for Fathers Day.

Monday: Dress: ASOS // Blazer & Shoes: New Look

Tuesday: Top: New Look // Skirt and Boots: Topshop

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

Thursday: Jumper: Topshop // Jeans Dorothy Perkins

Saturday: Top & Jeans: Dorothy Perkins // Shoes: Topshop

Hope you all have a lovely week.

Laura xoxo

Video: Get Ready With Me: Evening Meal

As mentioned in Tuesday's post, my friend and I go out for dinner once a week to catch up, chat and moan about life. As you do. A couple of weeks ago I decided to film a get ready with me video, and that is what you're viewing today!

Hope you enjoy.

Laura xoxo

Friday Fact

Apply your eye make-up with your eyes open.

By applying your eye make-up, especially the contour colour, apparently it makes it easier for you to see where the shadow is going. It makes sense I guess, as what can you really see with one closed eye, and one half squinting?

Do you do this?

Laura xoxo

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Throwback Thursday: Rimmel Moisture Renew in Nude Delight

Ok, so this was totally another Tanya Burr enabled purchase, I promise I'm not a stalker. My lipstick collection was lacking a nude colour, and I love her Kim Kardashian look, so it was just a matter of time really. I also highly rate this range of lipsticks.

Nude delight is basically an orange lipstick, which let's face it, many of us would steer away from. It has a slight shimmer through it and due to the range it is in, has moisturizing qualities to it also.

Whilst orange lipstick/concealer lips are just a big no no, I love how peachy this looks on the lips, and when paired with a smokey eye, it helps keep the rest of my face simple.

I really love this lipstick, and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a nude lipstick to add to their collection.

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Video: Travel Essentials

I appear to be very hyper and over excited in this video. I also resemble an oompa lumpa. I swear I didn't in real life. It must be the lighting... *hides whilst eating chocolate*

What are your travel essentials?

Laura xoxo

FOTD: Dinner Time

Once a week, me and my bestest make sure we have a meal out and spend some time catching up. It's one of my favourite nights of the week, and makes me grateful to have such a lovely friend in my life (eugh, too soppy right?) As lovely as it is catching up with her, it also brings me excitment as it means I can experiment with different looks. Win win!

Base:

Mix of Dr Jart + BB Cream + Laura Mercier Silk Creme

Bourjois Healthy Balance Concealer

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer

Eyes:

MAC Brun/Omega - Brows

MAC Club/Carbon

Stila Bare

Rimmel Scandaleyes in Taupe

Max Factor False Lash Effect

Face:

Estee Lauder Illuminating Gelee in Heatwave

Benefit Hervana

MAC Harmony

Lips:

Rimmel Moisture Renew Rose Sorbet

Do you and your friends do stuff like this?

Laura xoxo

Review: Bourjois Healthy Balance Radiant Concealer

I think I've shouted about my love for the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch concealer from the roof tops and more, but one thing I hate about it is the fact that it is so hard to find an unopened, unused tube of the stuff. I mean seriously Boots, sort it out. Therefor, I've decided to pick up Bourjois's version and see how that holds up.

When I was editing this picture to crop it and write which side was which, I actually had to stop and really examine the photo to remember which side, which to me, kinda means that it ain't the noticeable is it?

Now I've spotted it, I can see how it does conceal a bit, but it hasn't completely eradicated my ever so lovely suitcases. Then again, I doubt cement would cover up those bad boys.

As you can see, there is slight creasing going on here, and my bags aren't completely illuminated in the way I feel that Maybelline does, but I do actually find that this concealer isn't a bad second. I've tried the Collection Illuminating Concealer and didn't like that at all, this definitely beats that, but for me, it doesn't hold what the Maybelline does. 

A Quick Comparison

Whilst they don't appear that different under the eye, I find that the Maybelline version is that little bit of a fuller coverage, and I prefer the more yellow undertone that it carries. I also find it that bit more illuminating too.

Have you tried either of these? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

What I Wore this Week

Monday: Top: Topshop // Scarf: New Look // Skirt: Asda

Tuesday: Dress: New Look // Shoes: Topshop

Wednesday: Top: H&M // Jeans: Dorothy Perkins // Shoes: Asda

Thursday: Top: New Look // Skirt: Asda // Shoes: Topshop

Friday: Top: H&M // Jeans: Asda // Shoes: Topshop

I hope you've all had a lovely week.

Laura xoxo

Video & Review: My MAC Palette

So after almost a year, I finally completed my MAC palette. Yay! In my true sharing fashion, I thought I'd share with you today the colours I chose to complete my 15 shadow palette. I decided to do a video explaining the colours, and a post with all the swatches so I hope you enjoy!

Video:

Swatches:

Malt//Naked Lunch//All That Glitters

Era//Patina//Mulch

Wedge//Woodwinked // Sable

Quarry// Handwritten // Satin Taupe

Mystery // Club // Carbon

My top five that I would recommend would have to be:

Patina

All That Glitters

Satin Taupe

Era

Mulch

I'll do a dupe post that I mention in my video soon.

What are your favourite MAC shadows?

Laura xoxo