Friday Focus: Origins

If I could only use one skin care brand I would have to choose Origins. There is just something about the brand that I, and my skin, loves. Whilst it certainly isn't cheap and cheerful it doesn't break the bank either. I was going to do a 'top five products' post but I just love too darn many of them. There are a lot more products from the brand I've tried and liked, but these are the ones that I wouldn't want to be without for too long.

Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask - A mask most bloggers have tried or at least heard of. The aim of this mask is to moisturise your skin overnight, leaving you with plump and soft skin come the morning. Whilst I do love using this overnight when my skin is feeling particularly parched, I also love using it in the day over winter as it keeps my skin more hydrated than any moisturiser does.

Make A Difference Rejuvenating Cleansing Milk - This was a whim purchase but one I will continue to make. This is a great all round cleanser, I like to use it in the morning when I want more moisture in my skin, or in the evening for a gentle second cleanse. It isn't harsh on the skin but it also isn't too heavy to create spots either.

Clean Energy Cleansing Oil - I love using this whenever I'm wearing make-up as I feel it really removes every last scrap of it. I just pour it into my hands (definitely getting a pump next time as it can get messy) massage it on my face (which feels ah-mazing) and then wash it away. It comes off clean and doesn't leave my face feeling greasy.

VitaZing - Ah, the not quite tinted moisturiser that people seem to either love or hate. I began in the hate category but now stand firmly in the love. I think it's a great I'm going out in public, but don't want to make an effort product. This and a bit of concealer and you're away to go. For me it's more of a summer product as it does lean a bit orange in the winter, but one I love using. I also find it great to wear under foundation if my skin is going through a rough patch.

Make A Difference Plus + Rejuvenating Treatment - The latest and probably one of my favourite products, this treatment injects moisture whilst also clearing up blemishes at the same time. For someone with dehydrated but blemish prone skin this product has done wonders for my skin. I can't pin-point exactly how it works or what it does but I never want to be without it. It is one of those products you can really see making a difference to your skin.

High Potency Night-A-Mins - This is hands down the best night time moisturiser I have ever used. It has fruit extracts that aim to exfoliate your skin whilst you sleep, however it also has a thickness to it that hydrates your skin too. I find that I wake up with clearer and plumper looking skin. What more could you want?


Dr Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief - I like using this as my 'hydrating' toner as it has a real soothing quality to it. It soothes angry blemishes and leaves my skin feeling soft to touch. I also found this was really helpful when my skin had a reaction to a product I was using. (Although it's not pictured as I ran out and couldn't get a replacement before this post, I still wanted to include as I really rate it as a product.)


Have you tried Origins? What are your favourite products?

Laura xoxo

Current Cleaners

Due to the fact Caroline Hirons  says you should have more than one cleanser I normally have a few in rotation. The three here are my current go-to's that I'm really enjoying.

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser - I like to keep this cleanser in my shower and will use it when I'm in the shower. I do this with products that I like but don't use day in and day out. This is really thick and has a scent I'm not a fan of, but is really nourishing with also having exfoliating properties to it. 

Ren Clear Calm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser - I love this cleanser. I think it's my third and I have another waiting and rearing to go when this runs out. It's great if you suffer with blemishes as it really clarifies whilst cleaning your face. LOVE THIS STUFF.

Origins Make A Difference Rejuvenating Cleansing Milk - This is my morning cleanser and sometimes I use it in the evening too. It's really gentle and nourishing whilst also contains ingredients that are aimed to fight blemishes. It's also handy for travelling as you don't need a cloth to wash it off, a damp cotton wool pad is great for taking the residue off but leaving the benefits of the cleanser on your skin.

Do you use any of these? What's your current cleanser?

Laura xoxo

Body Basics

I'm not really a body care person. Hair and skin, check! Taking care of my body though is something I can't really be bothered to spend the time on. There are a few things I like to do and keep in rotation.

Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days - I've talked about this product many a time, and when I do use it, it's pretty darn good. It's great at locking in the moisture and keeping skin soft and hydrated.  

Soap and Glory Flake Away - For me a good scrub is a must. I have pretty rough skin and this is great at removing the dead skin cells and leaving me with smoother skin.

Soap and Glory Rich and Foamous - This is my favourite for two reasons: 1) It smells like Yankee Candle Christmas Cupcake Candle and 2) it's bloody huge and lasts forever. It foams amazingly and the smell lasts for ages.

What are your body basics?

Laura xoxo

Top Three: Lips for Winter

There's nothing quite like a change in season to inspire a swap of make-up right? Whilst Autumn calls for berry's and purples Winter is all about the red in my opinion.

Rimmel Moisture Renew in Berry Queen: The only berry in this list, and a pretty good dupe to my MAC Dobunet. The formula is nice and moisturising (go figure) and looks lovely on the lips.

MAC Ruby Woo: I have the lovely Shen to thank for this being in my collection. She sent it to me and I really like it. I think it works best with some Blistex underneath and is the perfect bright red colour.

Loreal Colour Riche in 401 : If red scares you a bit then go for this. The formula makes it very sheer and easy to apply, perfect if a bold lip scares you. If you want to make it bolder add a red lip liner underneath.

Fashion Friday: Top Three A/W Scarves

I did a previous post like this on my top five summer scarves, so now I thought I'd share my winter wonders. I do love a good knitted scarf, there is nothing better then getting all cosy and snug in one!

This first one is my newest one and it is from Topshop. I really love snoods and I couldn't pass up the chance of getting a neutral one. A good neutral scarf goes with everything.

This is the only 'normal' scarf that I really wear. I love wearing it like this, the whole wrap it around itself. I think it is comfier that way. This is from H&M last year.

This is another H&M purchase from last year and another snood. I love the colour of this, I find it really Autumnal, and I love how big and cosy it is too.

Have you got any favourite scarves at the moment?

Laura xoxo

Top Products - Top 5 Blushes

So I've seen a lot of people doing Top Ten or Top Five posts, so I thought why not give it a go. I was going to do a top five of everything, but I don't actually have that much make-up for all the categories haha, so some may be five and the other maybe three! I hope you like see what my favourite products are.

L-R Clockwise: Rimmel London Winter Glow//MAC Dainty//The Balm Cabana Boy// Benefit Hervana// MAC Lovejoy

Now at the moment I'm a bit blush crazy. So these are my favourites at the moment. They're pretty much the same, but slightly different.

Order, same as above!

Rimmel, Winter Glow: This is one of the first blushes I got and it's just a nice red toned almost plum blush. I also love the whole concept of mixing colours to get a new one, that is my favourite type of blush. 

MAC Dainty: This is a gorgeous pinky peachy shimmery colour that I find perfect for a light summer look. It is just a nice light, dainty (I had to do it, I'm sorry! My inner Chandler Bing made me!)

The Balm, Cabana Boy: This is a nice plummy raspberry colour which is super pigmented with a tiny bit of shimmer. It looks so pretty on, and I really love it. Plus, how amazing is the packaging?

Benefit Hervana: I love this pale pink colour, and it smells amazing! Another swirl all the colours together blusher. 

MAC Lovejoy: I've banged on about this product so many times. But is such a good all rounder colour, and a firm favourite. A lovely warm brown colour that is just so easy to wear!

What's your favourite blush?

Laura xoxo

P.S If you want to see these blushes on, the title is a link :)