That was so last year...

Make-up trends and blogger lust haves rarely last any longer than celebrity whirl wind romances; yet, we all still buy into them (and buy all them) as soon as we can, because how else are we meant to prove that we're cool and a true blogger, right?

The best of... Lipsticks

This year, for me at least, has been the year of the lipsticks. I couldn't get enough of the stuff. Formerly the women addicted to eyes, I'm now all about the lips.

 So, as the year's coming to a close (can you say Christmas?!?) I thought I'd do a round up of all the lip products I've been loving. 

Favourite high end: YSL Rouge Volupte in 13

Favourite high street: Rimmel Moisture Renew in Notting Hill Nude

Favourite matte: MAC Ruby Woo/Rimmel Kate Matte 101

Favourite bold: Rimmel Appocalips in Stellar

Favourite liquid: Loreal Extrodinare 101 Rose Melody

Favourite brand: Rimmel Moisutre Renew

Comfiest: No7 BB Lips

Most used: No7 BB Lips

What have been your favourites this year?

Laura

After the Hype's Died Down

By know I'm sure you know how things work in the blogging community. Really well known and well loved bloggers receive some press releases of new and exciting products, wet everyone in the beauty communities palette, and by the time they're released to shops the aisles of Boots are cleared for weeks. Once you find the coveted item you get home and use it constantly for days, maybe even weeks; and then something else comes along.

Sound familiar? I know it's what I do. Today I thought I'd share with you my thoughts on products long after the hypes died down.

Clinique Blush Pops - Aren't these just the prettiest. That's what drew me in. However I must admit I wasn't that blown away once I started using it. It just wasn't what I wanted it to be, if that makes sense. However, it's prettiness keeps it in rotation as I like seeing it in my basket.

Loreal Extrodinare' Gloss - There have been so many liquid lipstick releases over the past year or so, and I think this one is actually my favourite. I reach for this quite a lot as it applies nicely and the colour goes with  everything.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - These original powders have been well and truly been put in their blusher shadows, however I still really like this powder. I don't use it as much as I found a cheaper dupe, so this is just special occasions for me now.

Bourjouis Cream Blush - For some reason me and cream blushers are on a bit of a break. I love how they look, but for someone with oilyish skin, summer is not the time to be whacking out creams. Maybe my love will rekindle in the winter?

Maybelline Colour Tattoos - If I'm honest I don't give these guys the attention they need. I prefer the Rimmel Scandal Eyes Sticks as the application is much easier and the packaging is sleeker. Sorry Maybelline.

Revlon Lip Butters - Right, in the interest of full disclosure, I kind of forgot about the whole lip butter thing. I know! Sacre bleu! I think it's because Revlon have had so many new and exciting lip releases I've just forgotten. I must remember to use them more.

Bourjouis Rouge Edition Velvet - I must admit, I don't wear this often, but I think that's more due to the fact I feel uncomfortable in bright lips atm. I'm having one of those phases.  When the more nude colours are released, maybe it'll be a different story...

Rimmel Appocalips -  I much prefer the Loreal version. I find these get on my teeth too easily and smudge a bit too much.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains - I can't remember the last time I used this. For me, my crayon fave is the Bourjois one. (I guess I'm a bit of a Bourjois whore atm!)

Chanel Cream Blush - This is the only cream blush I've used in the past few months, but I fear that's more cause I feel like I need to use this, rather than I want to. Again, let's wait till winter rolls round.

So what do you think? Remember/use these products?

Laura

It's like looking in a mirror

I've never been that good at spotting dupes. I've always thought that if I have something then why would I try and find something the exact same. That being said, unplanned and unexpected dupes do make me feel all warm and fussy in side. This is what happened with these two products.

I picked up the Loreal Illuminating Powder when Boots where doing one of their three for two offers and presumed it was just a nice highlighter. (I feel the high street are missing a good highlighter!) However, once I'd gotten my new little haul home, I found it actually resembles the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder.

Both are powders that leave the skin looking dewy rather than cakey. The shimmer to them does seem quite scary, no-one wants to look like Edward Cullen do they? But for some reason it's rather undetectable on the skin. It just makes your skin look pretty flawless.

For a fraction of the price, I definitely recommend you try out the Loreal powder.

Have you noticed this similarity? 

Laura

Trying the Trend: Winged Liner

Now I know liquid liner isn't a new trend, but ever since reading this article by Alexa Chung I can't stop thinking about it (and since then this video.) I think I've developed a bit of a girl crush on Ms Chung now (late to the party, I know) and envy her liquid liner style.

For ages I just couldn't get liquid liner to work for me. I couldn't be bothered with the effort so settled for an angled brush and some eyeliner and was happy with the subtle effect. Due to having quite hidden eyes I find a line that's too thick just makes my eyes look lost, but a subtle dust of black powder on the lash lines make my lashes look thick and eyes look bigger.

Fast forward a bit and I'm now loving the look of lined eyes!

At the moment my favourites have to be the Eyeko Skinny Liner that came with the latest issue of Glamour and the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner.

What're your favourite liquid liners?

Laura 

Am I Missing Something?

Texturising sprays seem to be a massive craze at the moment, and when something promises to add volume and texture to my hair, I knew I wanted to try it. However, I've hit a slight snag in the road. I just don't like them.

I began my journey with the Lee Stafford Messed Up Light Spray Wax, which was ok. It was more of a sea salt spray kind of product without the sea salt. It does a good job of making my ends more voluminous, but after a while it falls flat again, and my big hair dreams fall flat (pun intended) again.

I then decided I'd give the Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce Texturising Spray a go, with many calling it a dupe to the illustrious Orbie. Now, for me, this product is just plain weird. It smells like the Loreal Elnett Hairspray, and makes my hair feel crunchy too. Yes I get a bit of volume from this, but the crunchy, dry and product feeling hair I get in my hair after is just not worth it.

I thought I'd give these sprays one more go and purchased the Loreal Studio Line Volume Supersizing Spray after seeing it in someones video. Now this is more along the line of something I like. It has the powder particles of a dry shampoo and gives my hair a lot of volume. After my first use I did end up saying a 'wow' out loud, to myself... But again, the feeling in my hair afterwards just didn't seem worth it.

So, I turn to you, oh lovely readers. Am I doing something wrong? Am I using too much? Is it because I hate washing my hair so products that I can feel just won't be my friend? What's my problem?

Answers on a postcard please.

Laura xoxo

Review: L'Oreal Colour Riche L'Extraordinaire in Rose Melody

Ah, yet another glossy liquid lipstick has landed on our highstreet. The L'Oreal Colour Riche L'Extraordinaire have definitely done their rounds on many a people's blog, and for some reason I was drawn to them.

Last summer definitely saw me have a love affair with the Rimmel Appocalips and I thought I'd see how L'Oreal's version compared.

I'm pretty sure that L'Oreal and YSL are owned by the same person or something so it's not surprising that the packaging is similar is to the YSL glossy stains, especially the applicator. I personally prefer the packaging of this product to the Rimmel counterparts, it has a slightly classier edge, however it's a bit bulky.

I picked up the colour Rose Melody which was the most pinkish nude of the selection. It is definitely a 'me' colour at the moment. I keep gravitating toward peachy pink nudes, that do a 'your lips but better'.

The applicator makes the product easy to apply and due the the colour I picked you can apply it easily without a mirror. Whilst the colour is really opaque, it doesn't feel heavy or overly glossy on the lips. The shine makes it feel really nourishing and compared to the Rimmel ones it definitely feels much better for your lips, however the Rimmel ones I would glass as a liquid lipstick, whereas this is more lipgloss territory.

I really love this product, but I'm now left wondering, which colour do I pick up next?

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

In My Eye-Line

Eyeliner is a funny old thing. It is definitely an after thought in my make-up routine, however for some they feel naked with out.

I must admit I had a tiny dabble with the whole deep black liner all round the lids, upper and lower lashline, and for that reason I find myself very apprehensive to place it anywhere near those areas again. However I do love using it to add definition to my upper lashline, so all is not lost. But for my water line I tend to steer clear; but sometimes you just need a little something there.

The Brightener - If ever I want to look more alert or awake then I always reach for my Rimmel Scandaleyes Pencil in Nude. I just love this product so much. It is really pigmented so eradicates any signs of redness whilst also really opening up my eyes and making them looker bigger and more awake.

The 'I need something there' - Sometimes you just need something on your water line to bring a look together. For that I reach for my other Rimmel Scandaleyes Pencil in Taupe. This is great as it isn't necessarily dark, but it isn't brightening either. It's a natural smokey eyes best friend.

The not quite black- Sometimes you need a dark colour to add the drama to your eye make-up and for that I reach for my Loreal Pencil in Grey. It is a lovely grey with a hint of navy to it and is great for adding the dark drama without being a black. It also is great for working into the upper lashline and smudging out too.

The something special - Ahhh, MAC Powersurge eye pencil, if you've read my blog for a while it will come as no surprise that this has made its way to this list. I love this for a nice bronze look to my eye, it really pulls together a bronze eye perfectly, and is definitely a summer staple.

The all over eye pencil- Finally the Rimmel Scandaleyes in Bronze is more of an all over the lid cream eyeshadow stick, however if you like a heavy liner look, the cream formula works great on the lower lash line to add some deep bronze to your look.

Where do you stand on liner?

Laura xoxo

Review: Loreal Ever Riche Nourishing Intense Mask

Ah, the Loreal Ever Riche range, how it has made an appearance on many a blog. For a good reason I am pleased to say.

I love using this when my hair is feeling dry. It leaves my hair feeling extremely soft and smelling delicious.

The softness lasts numerous days and so does the smell. You only need a pea sized amount each use meaning it'll last a long time, and it's extremely powerful.

Have you tired this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

How I Wear a Red Lip

With Christmas (sorry for mentioning the C word in October, but hey ho!) rolling around, it is time to whack out the glittery eyeshadow, and rock the red lip. For me, this is kind of daunting. I usually can't make a red lip work for me, and I live in constant fear of re-application mistakes, so today I thought I would show you, how I've made it work for me.

First up I like to make sure my lips are smooth, so no colour clings onto the dry places, as that ain't the look I'm going for. I start my going over my lips with this Lush Lip Scrub, the applying some lip balm, Blistex.

I then fill in my lips with this Bourjois Lip Pencil.On top of that, I apply my Loreal Rouge Caresse lipstick in 401 Rebel Red, I prefer using these Rouge Caresse's or Lip Butters as they are more sheer, and less likely to go wrong.

How do you wear a red lip?

Laura xoxo

Product Spotlight: Loreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil

I bought this product a couple of weeks ago now, and I am so impressed by it, I thought I'd give it it's own little review.

I've loved Moroccan Oil for a long time, but after finding out it didn't really have many benefits to your hair, and at a steep price, I left it aside for special occasions. I then went out and got pure Coconut Oil from Superdrug, and I feel like that has really helped my hair, but it can also be slightly too heavy, and it doesn't aid shine, enter this.

I feel like this product is somewhere in the middle ground. It is £9.99 in Boots, and a decent sized bottle. It is thinner than Moroccan oil, but easier to use than the Coconut Oil. I only need the smallest amount, maybe half a pump, so I know it will last a while.

It has a almost melted butter scent which is nice, but I prefer the smell of the other two product if I'm honest, but I don't actively dislike it.

I use this in two ways. If I am blow drying my hair, which I don't do very often, I mix it in with my Aussie Heat Defense Serum, and put it in the mid-length and ends of my damp hair and blow dry. My favourite way however, is to use it as a finishing tool. I put a tiny amount in the palm of my hands and run it through the mid-length and ends of my hair again, and it makes my hair so soft and silky, I love it.

So a rave review from me, but I really do recommend you give this product a go.

Do you use it? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Prom Make-up

(My brother thinks I look naked here, I assure you, I do have clothes on!)

I'm always one for jumping on a bandwagon, and have noticed on Youtube that a lot of people have been doing prom make-up looks. Now I never really cared about my two proms, and I certainly wasn't into make-up at the time, so I'm going to try to re-live what I would've done now. 

Base:

Mayebelline Dream Nude Airfoam - I would probably use Rimmel Match Perfection Gel Foundation if I was actually going out because it lasts longer, but I need to use this up.

Soap and Glory Trick and Treatment

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer

Loreal True Match Powder

Eyes:

Sleek Brow Kit in Light -I wouldn't recommend this if you were lighter than me

Maybelline Permanent Taupe

Rimmel Glam Eyes Trio - Darkest colour in the outer half of they eye, pale colour as a highlight

Bourjois Smokey Eye Set - Darkest colour in the crease and lower lash line, glitter in the inner corner and all over lid

Loreal Super Liner

Gosh Eyeliner in 015

Maybelline One by One Mascara

Face:

Benefit Hoola 

Mac Dainty

No.7 Vital Brights Highlighter

Lips:

Loreal Rouge Carsse - Tempting Lilac

This is a very simple look, that would go with any dress you have got, and, especially if you are youngish, then it will keep you nice and fresh but slightly sophisticated too!

I hope you liked this post, and I think I may do another look soon.

Are you ready for prom?

Laura xoxo

p.s I can't not mention how surprised and happy I was to see the lovely 300 number on my blogger dashboard. Thank you all so much for reading/following, it means a lot, and I'll try my best not to bore you! So Thank You!

pp.s I got my fringe out just for you Rachel

Celebrity Inspired - Taylor Swift

I absolutely love Taylor Swift, I think her music is great and she handles herself so well. I was reading some blogs, as you do, and saw a picture of her at the ACM Awards, and fell in love with her make-up so I decided to do my own version for today's Celebrity Inspired look!

This looks is all about the bronze smokey golden eye, and neutral face. This week I've decided to do a step-by-step guide to the eyes and would love to know if you find it useful:

1) I used Front Cover's Baked Bronze all across the lid with a No.7 Colour Brush.

2) I then used a models own angled brush and ran it underneath my lower lash line.

3) I then used Toasted Almond by Front Cover, first with a Japonesque crease brush in the crease (surprise, surprise!) then blended slightly with a No.17 blending brush.

4) Then with my Loreal Super Liner, I lined my upper lash line

5) I then used a Real Techniques detailer brush with Maybelline's On and on Bronze Color Tattoo under the  lower lash line, and into the tear duct area.

I then finished with Mascara and a neutral eyeliner! If you want the full Taylor look, add some awesome falsies too!

Base

Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam - Review

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - Belmishes

Soap and Glory Trick and Treatment Concealer - Under Eye

Loreal True Match Powder

Eyes

Front Cover - Baked Bronze and Frosted Almond - Review

Maybelline Color Tattoo - On and On Bronze

Maybelline - One by One Mascara

Gosh 015 Eyeliner

Loreal Super Liner

Face

Bourjouis Bronzer

No.7 Honey Blusher - Review

Lips

No.17 High Shine Lipgloss - Whisper

So I hope you liked this look. What do you think of Taylor's look?

Also Happy St. George's day to all that celebrate!

Laura xoxo

P.s I've joined another blog hop, and you can join here!

*I just feel like I need to mention, I am not a MUA, I just like messing around, and the ideas were just inspired by Taylor's look, but I would love to know what you think :)

Fast Face!

This was going to be called The Five Minute Face, but I actually timed it so that I knew I was being truthful to you, and it actually came in at around four minutes, now that, my lovely chums, is fast!

(excuse my eyelash in the corner)

This is definitely the make-up I use if I'm in a rush, or want a couple more minutes sleep. It's quick, simple and easy!

Loreal True Match Mineral Foundation - Review

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer - Blemishes

Soap & Glory Trick and Treatment - Under Eye

MAC Painterly Paint Pot

MUA shade 20 - upper lash line

Gosh Eyeline in 015

MAC Mineralize Blush in Lovejoy - Review

No.17 Mirror Shine Belle lipstick - Review

As you can tell by the slicked back hair, and hook hanging out my jumper, this was a morning that I was in a rush!

What are your fast fix items?

Laura xoxo

Foundation Face Off

In my quest for the perfect foundation,( is it out there?) I have gathered a lot of foundations, and being the lovely, kind (big headed) blogger that I am, I thought I'd do a little comparison post to see what it is I'm looking for in my perfect foundation and what I like/dislike from each of these.

In each picture, the small picture is just moisturiser, and the large is just the foundation, no powder or concealer.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

This foundation had so much hype built up about it and when I first used it, I was rather disappointed. However after using it more and more, I do actually quite like it. It does give a nice coverage along with a nice glow. It doesn't last very long on me though which is a shame, as I have grown to like it, and am saving it for days were I want a healthy glow, but know I don't need it to last. 

Full review - here!

Estee Lauder - Double Wear Light

I have such a love hate relationship with this foundation. Colour match, perfect, longevity, perfect, coverage, great, but I'm left slightly underwhelmed. It does give a nice coverage, but it feels slightly heavy and tacky with it. I found it to go darker/separate on certain areas on my face, which may just be my skin at the time, as that has stopped now so who knows? I wanted to love it so much, but it just doesn't live up to the price tag, which is why I think I'm slightly to harsh on it.

Full review - here!

Rimmel -Wake Me Up 

I was really impressed with this foundation when I first got it, and still really am. My only problem is that I need to get a lighter colour as this is too dark for me. I don't know why I didn't to be honest. I think it was because I wanted to try different ones, so I shall see if I ever get a tan maybe? But nothing really bad to say about this to be honest. Cheap and cheerful!

Full Review - here!

I shouldn't have taken the photos on this day as my skin was being super annoying, and it doesn't do the foundation juststice. IT isn't a heavy duty foundation. It is more for evening skin tone and covering redness. It feels really light weight and just gives my skin a little lift. It's perfect for lazy days as it's so easy to apply, and lasts around 6 hours, and just is nice to have on! I really like this, but I wouldn't wear it properly if my skin was bad.

Full Review - here!

Rimmel Match Perfection Gel Foundation

So this is one of the first foundations I bought. I got it on a whim as I didn't want to wear tinted moisturiser on a night out. It's slightly dark for me, but that's fine as I like to look tanned on nights out. Is pretty much medium to full coverage, and feels slightly heavy on your face, but I love it for nights out! I think it's really good! Maybe because it's a gel?

I haven't done a full review on it, but you can see it in all it's glory - here!

Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam

So I really didn't give this a good review first time round, and I'm still sticking with that idea. It's mainly due to the fact that it does not last. I now use this for my Celebrity Inspired looks as it does give a nice airbrushed finish and good coverage, but by the end of me taking the pictures it's already starting to fade! Maybe it's my skin, maybe it's the formula, it's just not for me I'm afraid!

Full review - here!

So that was an overview of all my foundations. My favourites have to be the two Rimmel ones and the Loreal Mineral powder! What have I learned from this? I own more than needed, and I'm fussy as hell! I don't even know if I'm sure what I'm looking for, but I do know, although I moan, I am actually enjoying searching for one. My bank balance however, just wants me to find it now!

I also realised I have a few BB creams, so if you would like to see another post like this about them, please let me know!

How long did it take you to find your perfect foundation? Or are you still looking for this elusive item?

Laura xoxo