Video: August Favourites

A very rambly video telling you about my favourites of the month!

Laura xoxo

Friday Fact

You don't have to blog all the time.

So if you are observant you may have noticed that I haven't posted a Friday Fact for a while (if you did well done.) Why I haven't posted is a mixture of me being a bit busy, and running out of facts to be honest. 

Now when I first started blogging I used to really work myself up if I hadn't blogged. I used to blog anything as long as I had a post going up I felt better. I soon realised a number of things:

1) No-one else cares. Let's face it, there are a mass of blogs all over the internet, and it is highly unlikely that people are going to notice that your post hasn't gone up or is a couple of hours later than normal. And if they do, so what?!? It's your blog, it shouldn't stress you out. Chances are your blog is just a hobby, and a hobby shouldn't stress you out.

2) It's my blog! I can post what I want, when I want. As I just mentioned my blog is my hobby and I refuse to let my hobby stress me out. My job (still can't believe I have one) involves me writing, so the last thing I want to do when I get home is type more. So what if I miss a day or don't have anything to write about, no-one will care, and if they do, that's their problem!

Usually my Friday Facts are beauty related, but my knowledge on the subject has run out and I've hit a mental block, so I've decided to branch out and now I want to put other facts each week too! 

Basically, this post is just me saying that I'm trying something new, my blogs only fun, I may not post everyday, and I think you should not feel pressured either.

Happy Friday :)

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: High Shine Lip Crayon

Ah, another Lip Crayon that I added to my collection a while ago, and what a surprise, I forgot about it! 

This colour is called Statement, which looks like it will be a deep red colour in the bullet, but really comes off more pinkish and isn't all that statementy.

Whilst I do actually like that it isn't that 'red' I do find that it bleeds slightly, which is it's only downside for me!

Do you like this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Hydration Heroes

Although I'm quite an oily person, I definitely think that a good boost of moisture can do wonders for my skin. What many fail to realise is that their skin is probably dehydrated, and in need of some moisture, so today, I'm sharing with you my faves. (You're welcome!)

The Instant Fix - If you're lacking time and your skin is parched, slap on a layer of the Super Facialist by Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Intense Moisture Mask. You only need to leave it on for about five-ten minutes for an intense moisture boost and a leaving of your face going 'ahhhhhh!'

The Overnight Fix - If you need something a bit more intense and a bit more luxurious, then the Origins Overnight Drink-up Intensive Mask should be your go to. Aside from the fact this spells delicious, it leaves your skin plumped and full of life. (Imagine you just eaten something really salty, you're dying of first, and down a bottle of water. This product is the water!)

The Lock In - Moisture levels, like any level go up and down dependent on many factors, and Hydraluron keeps them maintained. Popped on underneath your moisturiser, it locks in any of the moisture particles and boost your moisture levels in your skin. Definitely a product you don't realise is working till you stop using it.

I just want to leave all you other oily skinned peeps (I'm like a granny using the word 'funky' aren't I) I had to bring the Origins High-Potency Night - A - Mins moisturizer to your attention. Perfectly light, blemish fighting, and smells amazing. 

What are your hydration heroes?

Laura xoxo

Video: Three Minute Make-up Challenge

I attempted the Three Minute Make-up Challenge. Have a look if you fancy!

Laura xoxo

Review: MAC Cosmo Lipstick

So when I found out I'd got my first proper job I thought a MAC lipstick would be a good way to mark the occassion, and help me decide what lipstick to wear on the first day. However when I went shopping nothing called to me, plus I was with friends who don't really get the joy of MAC so I left empty handed. Then I was in London and went to the Covent Garden store, picked this up, swatched it, liked it, then found out they didn't have it in stock. However, I was then in a John Lewis and managed to get my hands on it. So not only is it a work lippie, it's also a London one too. (I'm sentimental like that.)

Now you've had the back-story, I'll move onto the product. Cosmo is an amplified formula (my fave!) which means it's long lasting on the lips and really well pigmented. I'd describe it as a brownish/dark pink. A darker your lips kind of colour.

If you're looking for something similar for a cheaper price I recommend Rimmel's 'Asia' lipstick. Slightly less pink but still holds a similarity, and half the price!

It is probably a bit dark for the summer months, but I think it's very work place appropriate.

What do you think of this lipstick?

Laura xoxo

What I Wore this Week

Monday: Dress: Tesco // Shoes: Matalan

Tuesday: Top: New Look // Skirt: Topshop // Necklace: Asda

Wednesday: Blazer: Asda // Dress: ASOS // Shoes: Next // Belts: New Look

Thursday: Top: New Look // Trousers: Asda // Boots: Dorothy Perkins

Friday: Top & Shoes : New Look // Skirt: Asda

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

Hope you've had a lovely week!

Laura xoxo

Video: Get Ready with Me: Theatre Edition

New videooooo!

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil Skin Perfector

Whilst my face is quite oily, the rest of my body is actually quite dry. I try to moisutrise as much as possible, but to be honest find the task to be quite a chore. However on one of my many browses of Boots I spotted this guy and thought I'd give it a go.

Basically, it's a spray oil that you spray over your body and pat in. I used this loads when I first got it, but after a while I just stopped. Not because it's a bad product per se, I just got bored. I recently got it back out to test it out against the Vaseline spray moisturisers, and have to say that I prefer the Vaseline version. They are more refreshing to use.

If you do use this product, or any spray moisturiser, make sure you put a towel down first, or else things may get slippy. (You may end up falling down the stairs...)

Whilst I do like this product, I won't be repurchasing and can see why I stopped using it.

Have you got this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Video: Simple Beachy Waves

A simple way I found to get beachy waves quickly. I hope you like!

Laura xoxo

FOTD: Simple Summer Smokey Eye

In case you weren't aware, it's summer here in England. Whilst I'm all for minimal make-up when the heat hits, I do also love a good smokey eye. This meant swapping out my dark browns for more lighter colours. 

Before applying any shadow I prepped my lids with the Smashbox lid primer. I then went and put MAC's Era all across the lid with Sable blended into the crease. Instead of black liner on my lashline I used a brown pencil by Rimmel, and on the water line a scandaleyes in Taupe. I realised after how well Powersurge would've worked as a waterline liner. Mascara was my Max Factor False Lash Effect.

What's your summer smokey eye faves?

Laura xoxo

Also #bbloggerproblems

Review: REN F10 Smooth and Renewal Mask

After finishing my tube of the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask I decided that whilst it was ok, it wasn't really doing anything that dramatic for me to warrant the £30 price tag. With a small perusal of the REN website, I decided to try out it's sister product, the F10 Smooth and Renew Mask.

This is basically a less harsh version aimed more towards sensitive skin types, and with many a rave review I thought I'd give it a go. Plus it's £10 cheaper for the same amount. 

The texture of this is similar to the Glycolactic mask, just a bit less sticky, but still gives the feeling of putting the middle of a Jaffa Cake on your face, and not as strong of an orange scent.

With this product I actually noticed a difference as soon as I washed it off, which makes me think maybe the Glycolatic one was a bit too harsh for me as it left me quite red.

I really do think that this is much better at calming my skin and leaving it looking a lot clearer and brighter and enjoy using it a lot more than the Glycolactic one. Which means I've saved myself a tenner. Win/win!

Do you like this product?

Laura xoxo

What I Wore this Week

So incase my outfits don't give it away, I started my first 'proper' job this week. That's right, I'm a proper 9-5 working girl. Who'd have thought? I had a really good week though and really enjoyed it.

Monday: Dress: Asda // Blazer: Topsjop // Shoes: Next

Tuesday: Dress: ASOS // Shoes: New Look // Necklace: Asda

Wedesday: Top & Trousers: Asda // Shoes: M&S

Thursday: Top: Primark // Trousers: Asda

Friday: Top: Asda // Skirt: New Look

Saturday: Top: New Look// Shoes: Dorothy Perkins

Hope you have a lovely week :)

Laura xoxo

Video: Road Rage

Are you a sufferer too?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Rimmel Appocalips

You've got to love a good blogger hype right? These Appocalips took the beauty world by storm when they were released and I definitely got swept up in the excitement of them all.

A liquid lipstick that you have to be careful not to get on your teeth, but that leave a lasting colour and glossy shine on your lips, are something that astounded many, and I for one wore them quite a lot. Especially Celestial.

Luna is a colour I had such high hopes for, but I find it leans a bit too orange to be completely flattering on me.

For a long time Celestial was my go to everyday colour. A gorgeous pink that is the most natural out of the shades available.

For a bright lip I got Stellar. I love this colour for a nice bright coral lip. I tend to wear this a lot in my videos, in case you were wondering!

What do you think of the Appocalips?

Laura xoxo

Best of the Bronzers

When writing this post, the sun is shining and summer appears to be on it's way, but I am scheduling it for the future, so who knows what the weather is doing. Anyway, due to the nice weather, I've been digging out my bronzers, trying to pretend I've just spent the week in St Tropez (a girl can dream!)

First up Clarins Bronzing Duo in Light. I bought this hoping it would be a nice contour colour, but it definitely a bronzing shade. What I love about it is the fact it is quite light, which is nice as I'm of the paler variety, and it has hint of shimmer in it that leaves a lovely healthy glow on the skin. Perfect for days you want a healthy sunkissed glow.

Next, my favourite 'bronzer' bronzer; Benefit Hoola. For me this tops Nars Laguna and is great for an all over colour to my cheeks. It is slightly orange, rather than brown, but blended out nicely it looks lovely.

Finally, a mixture of the two, but from the highstreet, Collection Mosiac Bronzer. This swatched the best, and is so pigmented. On the skin it looks so glowy and bronzed and just basically summer in a pan. Perfect if you're on a budget. 

For a full review on each, just click the name (it's a link)

What are your favourite bronzers?

Laura xoxo

Video: Things I've Repurchased

A new video on my repurchased bunch of products. All ready for your viewing pleasure.

Laura xoxo

Review: Max Factor Wild Mega Volume Mascara

When it comes to mascara there is only one brand I go for, and that's Max Factor. So when I saw this new offering promising me voluminous lashes I picked it up. (Plus, the tube looked cool.)

When I opened it up and saw the brush I was shocked (bit over-dramatic but you get me) as it is like none I'd seen before. It's of a medium thickness, but it's the dip in the middle that was new to me. I didn't understand how that worked, but I went with it anyway.

Whilst I don't dislike this product, I definitely don't think it's the best one Max Factor have released. I wouldn't say it is that volumising, but it does lengthen my lashes. What I dislike about this is that the formula feels quite dry and goes on quite clumpy which is just a no no for me.

Overall, if you're looking for a new mascara, I definitely think Max Factor have better offerings (false lash effect and high definition.)

What do you think of this?

Laura xoxo

Video: Best of the Budget Buys

This appears to be my third 'drugstore' esque video. Ooops. Oh well, I hope you enjoy it none the less. It actually went live yesterday but I forgot to post it.

I spent the last week in London which was just amazing and I actually start my first proper 'grown up' job tomorrow which is exciting and also seriously terrifying. 

Anyway, I hope you like the video and have had a great week :)

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Tophshop Glow

It might just be me, but I find that the highstreet is really lacking in highlighters. I know that more and more brands are slowly bringing them out, but for a long time the chances of finding one were slim to none, so when I locked eyes with this product over a crowded Topshop floor, I knew I had to have it.

Due to it's creamy consistency I was hoping it would live up to my much loved Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow, and whilst it doesn't quite do that, this product is seriously something to rave about. 

If you like a subtle look, this probably won't be for you as it is definitely a shimmery product, but what's great about 'Glow' is the fact that it blends and works into your skin seamlessly, and, well, leaves you glowing!

Have you tried this product? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Video: Disappointing Products

A video showing you what I regret buying.

What products do you regret buying?

Laura xoxo

The Five Product Face

When this feature did its rounds on many a blog, I really enjoyed them, but knew I wouldn't be able to do one, as for a start, I like to use two concealers. Whilst I'm all for a minimal look, I don't really use minimal products, but a couple of weeks ago that all changed.

Stopping at someone else's house, thinking I would just head home the next day turned into going out for a meal; and me being me, needed to make a bit of an effort. So alas, I had a five product face.

For base I used my Dr Jart Water Fuse BB Cream which I'd packed, along with my Healthy Balance concealer and BB Lips. I then delved into my handbag make-up bag and whacked on some High Impact Mascara and Head Over Heels Blush. 

A bit less polished than I would've liked, but definitely acceptable enough to enter society.

Have you done a five product face?

Laura xoxo

Review: Minus 417 Mineral Peel Mask

As soon as I heard of Cult Beauty, this guy stood out to me. Something about minerals and peel had me placing it in my basket... before hitting 'x' and leaving the page. However, my birthday happened, and something in me thought, right, it's now or never. So I bought it, and boy am I glad I did.

The consistency of this really shocked me, why I'm not too sure, but it did. It's basically a gel (or for the technically challenged, gloop) that you place all over your face. I'm guessing you get a spatula for hygiene reasons, but I do find it to be a bit fiddly. 

I like to slop it all on with the spatula, then use my fingers to make sure it's evenly spread. You need to ensure that there are no gaps so that it peels properly. It does feel weird the first few times, but you get used to it.

It goes on quite clear, which is another reason I find fingers are needed to ensure that it's all meeting each other. It's not the scariest mask and didn't leave my parents in hysterics, just asking why it's so shiny. You then leave it for 15-20 mins, or until it feels dry (it doesn't go tight like a clay mask, you can still talk.)

'scuse the weird face. Once dry, you just peel it off. I'm not going to lie, it doesn't all peel off in one fail swoop. It takes a bit of effort, and I like to use a hot cloth to get rid of the excess; but it is fun peeling away.

This is what the remains look like.

After this mask my skin felt so hydrated. For lack of a better term 'like seriously.' I just kept touching my face (naughty, I know) but I was amazed. I wasn't sure what kind of mask this was, I thought it was a purifying mask, and maybe it is as my skin does look clearer after use, but the hydration qualities is what I found most prominent.

I really rate this product, and if you have some cash spare, I definitely think you should check this out.

What do you think?

Laura xoxo

You can buy this from Cult Beauty - Here

Video: What I Bought this Month - July

A little nosey at what I've been spending my money on this month!

Laura xoxo

Friday Fact

Keep products that could melt in the fridge.

When it gets warmer the products that we used to have out on display can start to melt (Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm, I'm looking at you.) So it's useful to keep your balms, lipsticks and creams in the fridge. Not only does it stop them melting, it also makes them more refreshing to use too.

Happy Friday :)

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Rimmel's Coral Romance Nail Polish

Before I started blogging and was drawn into the whole world of shades and ranges of nail varnish that used to overwhelm me, the Rimmel Pro nail varnishes, and this colour in particular were my go-to. I have many a shade in this range, and do still rate them highly, but this was definitely my favourite. 

Now it's probably in my top three fave shades, I still love this product, but it appears they don't make it anymore (and I have a vast array of polishes.) Though O.P.I's Cajun Shrimp is an exact dupe (evidence!) and Hip Hop appears to be pretty similar, I still think you can't be the quality, colour and price of this varnish.

What do you think of this shade?

Laura xoxo