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?

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

What's All the Fuss About?

Beauty bloggers are great at creating a hype. As soon as a couple of top notch bloggers mentions a product, the shelves of Boots are cleared meaning the hype around said product becomes even greater. I for one am a sucker for a hype, but rather than reading another countless review I decided to round up all the latest 'hyped' products I've managed to get my hands on and give you my verdict on whether they are worth your pretty pennies.

Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Peach Pop - Firstly, the packaging of this is gorgeous, you can't deny it and for Clinque it's not too badly priced at just £16.50. As soon as I saw the PR samples of these pop up on blogs I new I wanted one and saved up my Boots points to get one, which I'm glad I did as I think I would've been disappointed if I'd spent my own money on it. Now this isn't a bad product, I just found it to be really lacking in pigmentation. This does mean it gives a nice natural flush, but I find I have to build colour up, rather than give a light dusting.

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream - I really didn't want to be dragged into the hype with this product but I just couldn't resist. I do think this product adapted to my skin tone nicely, but considering I have normal to oily skin I found it really didn't sit well on my face and oxidised throughout the day. I found it best used when worked into a moisturiser, but it's something I won't be repurchasing.

Charles Worthington Texturising Spray - As much as I love a blogger hype I refuse to waste a shed load of money on the Orbie Texturising Spray when I spend most of my days shoving my hair into a ponytail. On hearing that this guy was a dupe I decided to give it a go, and I really don't get it. It leaves my hair feeling crisp, like I just coated it in hairspray, and it also has a really strong hairspray-esque smell which puts me off too. Am I using this wrong? I really don't like this at all.

Borjousi Rouge Velvet Liquid Lipsticks - This is another product that as soon as I saw it pop up on blogs I new I wanted it. I canvased my nearby Boots waiting for it to be released, and I have to say it's worth the wait. Out of all the liquid lipsticks I've tried this is by far the most long lasting. My only gripe is that it feels a bit drying, due to the matte texture, but I really like this product.

Have you tried any of these? Do they live up to the hype?

Laura xoxo

Worth the Hype? #6

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette: YES. I love this palette, each shadow is highly pigmented, blends easliy, and just creates such beautiful looks.

Nars Laguna Bronzer: Yes. I love this bronzer. It gives the perfect gorgeous golden glow to my cheeks. I can't wait until summer as I know it will be perfect.

Rimmel Apocalips: Yes. I really didn't want to buy into this hype, but I saw a lot of people wearing this shade Celstial, and I just had to have, and I'm really enjoying using it.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo: In the middle. I do think this is a really good product, and it has really reduced the red tone of my skin, however I was hoping this would clear up the stupid spots that won't leave my face, but it hasn't yet, so I can't give this a full yes, but it is a lovely product.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray: Yes. This product gives gorgeous volume and the perfect tousled look, however I do find it slightly drying, which is the only negative effect. Review.

Have you got any of these? What do you class as hyped up products?

Laura xoxo

Previous Posts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Worth The Hype? #5 Skin Care Edition

Over the last couple of months, I've really tried to invest in some good skincare, as I started to think, there is no point having nice make-up if what's underneath is in bad shape. Obviously I took to blogger hyped products, as there had to be something good about them.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Blam - I bought this in a set, with the exfoliating seeds too, and do intend to do a full review on this, but it is amazing. It removes every scrap of eye-make up, leaves my skin supple and soft, and is just so luxurious to use. Definitely the pricest thing here, but in my opinion, worth the pennies.

REN NO.1 Purity Cleansing Blam - I mentioned how much I loved this product earlier in the week, but I still had to include. I think if you can't stretch for Emma Hardie, then try and get this, as it is just as good. I actually prefer the smell to this product too.

I actually look forward to taking my make-up off and using these two products! 

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask - I got this product in a set from Origins, which I intend to do a full review on, but I feel like this is a very hyped product so thought I'd include it in this post. I do really like this product, it smells amazing, and my skin is left super soft in the morning. I love that it is clear as I don't get funny looks off of my family when I were it too.

REN Glycoactic Radiance Renewal Mask - I'm still just using my samples, which I've managed to get about 4 uses out of each tube, but I can honestly say, that people aren't lying when they say that this is amazing. I love it, the next day my skin looks much clearer and brighter.

Hydraluron - I bought this after reading Caroline's post on it (which is definitely worth a read.) I was really on the fence about this product, seeing as it's £24, however, I didn't use this one night, and I could really feel the difference in my skin, it felt a lot drier and tighter. So yes, worth the hype.

Both of these I mentioned in my last Worth the Hype post, both I love.

So a very positive post today, have you tried any of these?

Laura xoxo

My other Worth the Hype posts: 1, 2, 3, 4!

Worth The Hype? #4

I haven't done a 'Worth the Hype' post in a while, so I thought it was due. I've been picking up a few bits and bobs due to blogger hype and recommendations, and thought I would share my views, 'cause I'm just that kind.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish - This really is an incredible cleanser. I love using it in the morning as I feel it really cleans my face. I also like using it on nights were I'm feeling lazy, as it means only using one cleansing product.

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation - I knew I wanted to try this, as so many people rave about it and wear it. It looks gorgeous when first put on, put it just doesn't have the longevity I need for it to be an everyday foundation. But I recommend if you have less oily skin, than go for it!

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder - I don't really know what to say about this, it's a powder. It's a good one. I'm not very good with powders, but this one doesn't offend me...

Origins Super Spot Remover - I think I've banged on about this a lot the last few weeks. Yes, worth every single penny.

Loreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara - I'm actually going to go against the grain on this one, and say it doesn't really do it for me. The wand is nice and thin which I like, and it gives good definition to the lash, but thats about it. I'm not left thinking, ahh, or wow, look at my lashes. And even though it is waterproof, it smudged throughout the day, giving me eyelash-brows (technical term.)

Finally, the Enrapture Totem Styler - I feel that every girl should have one. 'nuff said, no?

Do you agree with me? What else do you think has the blogger hype?

Laura xoxo

My other Worth The Hype Posts, 1, 2, 3!

Worth the Hype? #3

I feel like the time has come again, for me to give me old humble opinion, on whether things I have bought, mainly down to blogger hype (as I'm fickle like that) are really worth it. I really like doing post like these posts, and from the comments I recieved it seems that people like reading them too. You can check out my last one here.

Stila Natural Eyes Palette: If you saw my June favourites you will know I looooove this palette. I've used it almost everyday since I've got it, and I just love the different looks you can create with it. It apply's so easily and stays put throughout the day too. Extremely pigmented, and it's really easy for colour to be picked up, although a powder, they feel creamy which I looove.

Toni & Guy Sea Salt Spray: I really like using this product. It adds such a nice texture to my hair, and it also adds volume to my hair if I spray it through dry hair and give it a blast with my hair dryer. If we ever get some sunshine, this would make a great beach look.

Tangle Teezer: I looove my Tangle Teezer so much. It really does what it says and the tin, and I'm so happy I got it! A must have, I think. 

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara: So many people rave about this product and I just had to try it, and I'm really glad I did. I do love my High Definition Mascara more, but this is a really good mascara. My full review of it is here.

Bourjois 1 Second Nail Varnish Remover: The only one out of the whole post that I do not think is worth the hype. It definitely does not work within one second, and although handy for travel, I think I prefer just a cotton pad and normal remover. Not worth it for me. I wrote a whole post about it here!

And a little extra one:

A Kindle: Oh my goodness, I got this for my birthday and it is love. If you love reading, like me, and are considering getting one. DO IT! I could not recommend it enough.

So a lot of love in this post, which is good as I really hate getting a product through blogger hype and then being disappointed.

What do you think? Worth the Hype?

Laura xoxo

What's all the fuss about?

It appears that I am doing a lot of 'worth the hype' type posts at the moment, that is obviously where my head's at, at the moment, but this will be the last, for a while at least.

Today's post is about the Bourjois Magic One Second Nail Polish Remover, which I'm sure you're all familiar with. However, as it took me forever to find one, I also picked up a Pretty Quick nail polish remover which works under the same pretense, stick your finger in, twist and remove (that sounds so elegant, no?)

First up the underdog so to speak. On my nails I had Essie's Mademoiselle, and a glitter accent nails.

Now the Essie colour, was not the best to show you, I admit, so I have done another one, which you can see in a minute, but it did remove it no bother. But when put to the test, after a couple of twists, it only removed a fraction of the glitter nail polish.

(Essie Cute as a Button)

Next, the item in question, the Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover.

As you can see with this polish remover it removes the main colour perfectly, and the glitter polish pretty much perfectly too, with just a couple flecks left, which were erased after another dunk. However the glitter remained in the pot, and comes out when I use it now too!

Now, the nitty gritty. They do have pretty much the same results, the Bourjois one is defintely more soothing to my nails if that makes sense? And does do it quicker, but it didn't live up to the one second claim.

The Borjouis one is double the price, but almost double the size too. It definitely has a nicer smell, but they both smell extremely strong.

So overall, I like the idea behind these products, but I don't understand why the shelves are empty of the Bourjois one, when the same thing is out for a cheaper price. I also think, my perfectionist ways prefer a good old cotton pad and remover 'cause it means I can reach everywhere.  So good for maybe travelling, but overall, I'm not blown away.

Another cheaper alternative can be found in Rach's post here!

What do you think? Worth the Hype?

Laura xoxo

Worth the Hype? #2

Been as though my last one of these posts went down so well with all of you lovely people, I've decided to do another. So here are five more items, that have got that blogger buzz around them.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinsish in Soft and Gentle

I think this is the bloggers world go to highlighter. I love a good highlight, and when shopping in MAC, I swatched it, liked it, but thought, no I'll be good, then found myself asking for it when at the till, and I'm so glad I did. It is a very pale golden frosty highlight, that catches the light perfectly. I can see it being universally flattering and really brings to life your cheekbones, and I love using it as a highlight in my tear duct too. So yes, I think this is worth the hype. Yes £21 is a lot, but you get a hell of a lot of product with it. And it's just so pretty.

Moroccan Oil

Now if you've read my blog for a while, you will know I absolutely adore this product. However, as I said in this post, I was unsure on whether I could fork out the price when it wasn't actually doing any benefit. Later consideration has made me realise, that the way this makes my hair feel is so good, regardless that it's just coating, not benefiting. So dependent on what you want, something to make your hair feel gorgeous, yes this product is great. Something to nourish your hair, probably not no.

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

I got this in my Tan About Town set, and I love it. I think it is the perfect contour shade and really flatters my skin tone. So yes, this gets my 100% worth the hype! I also love the way that it is a smaller size, as I think most things should come in this size so you can pay less to see if you really love it, then you can purchase the full size. So much better!

Benefit the Porefessional

Another Benefit product, but this time, it isn't a positive I'm afraid. So many people rave about this, and when the woman in the shop used it on me, I was impressed too, but she used a lot of product and I can't afford to do that. I just think it's way to expensive for what it is. The woman in the shop mixed it with moisturiser too, and it did look good, but when using it at home, I've gotta say no. BUT I have found a cheaper alternative, which I should be posting about  very soon, so keep an eye out! 

Real Techniques Brushes

OK so these are not all of my RT brushes, I have the core collection (minus Buffing Brush, as it sadly passed away, RIP) the eye starter kit, the stippling brush, the blush brush and the Expert face brush (to replace the buffing.) In case, the quantity of my brushes doesn't give it away, I freakin' love these brushes. I think they are amazing, super soft, easy to work with and makes your make-up look so good. They aren't overly expensive at all, and I love them. Now my Buffing Brush, I think water got at the base, and the hairs started to fall out in massive clumps, but I've replaced it with the Expert Face brush, which I think is only available online, but is just as good as the buffing brush.

And a little extra one:

Zara Messenger Bag

I think every blogger has this bag, in either the balk of pale grey colour! I opted for the black as I didn't own a black bag! I had to add an extra hole on the straps to make it the right length for me, but I do love how it gives a nice slouchy look and fits into the nook of your hip and feels lovely. For £19.99 I think it's worth the hype.

So that's another Worth the Hype Post. I hope you enjoyed it again, and there may be another one soon.

Do you agree with me?

Laura xoxo

Worth the Hype?

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has bought something due to the fact that the world and it's wife has blogged about. It's like when at school it was cool to collect Pokemon cards, or put balls of gloop in your airing cupboard to make it have 'babies' (I'm talking about those Aliens, you know what I mean, right?) Anyway, we are all dragged in by hypes, and sometimes I question are they really worth it?

So in this post I've picked some of the items I bought due to the hype online, and will give my opinion of whether  I  think they're worth the hype!

Maybelline Color Tatoos

Simply put, yes! I think these little beauties are amazing. I think the On and On Bronze (right) is better, as it has a creamier formula and lasts much longer, but overall, these are definitely worth all the hype. Best bit, they're only a fiver! More shades please Maybelline! 

MAC Painterly Paint Pot

When I first started watching Youtube Videos every other one contained this product. Seriously, it seemed like a holy grail item. When shopping I got it without even swatching it as there was not tester out, got it home and was a bit like, this is it? It's very concealer based colour, and I was just a bit like, what is the point? However I think the fact that I have worn it pretty much daily since I bought it, speaks for itself. I think I may need to try other colours too? Yes I hear you say, that's what I thought!

Revlon Lip Butters

I'm sure you are all sick to death hearing about these. When I first swatched them, I hated them. They were sticky and just not what I expected. I then swatched them again, and actually found this colour to work quite well, so I got it (mainly for this post! Or so I tell myself) I do get why everyone loves them so much, but to be honest they hype is so huge, that it really just did not live up to it for me. So it's a no from me. The Loreal version on the other hand....

O.P.I Nail Envy

Firstly I did not pay £18 for this. I snatched it up on Buyapowa, and oh my goodness, when I do run out, I think the £18 will be spent. I love it. My nails have never felt or looked better, gone is the flaky, breaky nails, hello strong new ones. It crops up quite regularly on Buyapowa too, so keep an eye out for it!1 Definitely worth the hype. Your nails will love you. 

Chanel Bronze Universal

I've been wanting this for a while, and got a gift card for Boots for Easter, and thought, why not? I've got to say, I think the price tag, is very high for what it is, but it is also the only cream bronzer I can think of on the market. It really does add that something special to your make-up, but I also think you could live without it. I'm really split on this item, I think if you have the money, great, get it, but if you don't there are better things to spend your money on!

And finally, a little extra:

I absolutely love these books, especially the second and recommend them to anyone. I honestly thought I wouldn't like this, but I am yet to find someone who does not like these. The film is extremely good too!

I hope this post has come in slightly useful, I think I'm going to do another one at some point in the future so keep a look out!

Have you tried any of these? Do you think they're worth the hype?

Laura xoxo