Three things from Boots

Whenever a three for two comes rolling around to Boots I find that I often get into a panic of what to buy. I either find two things and struggle for a third or take ages trying to whittle down four to three (or should I say find two more to make six...).

So I thought I'd share with you my top three Boots picks of the moment so when the next 3for2 comes to town, you'll be prepared.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Notting Hill Nude - To be honest any Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick would be great, the formula and pigmentation are amazing, however for me Notting Hill Nude has that nude, but still your lips, almost Kylie Jenner feel to it.

Loreal Paris Illuminating Powder - This is pretty much an exact dupe for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder. It has tiny glitter specs in it that catch the light and make your skin look healthy and glowy, without looking like you've rolled in highlighter. The subtle shimmer and lasting power are pretty impressive.

Rimmel Scandals Eyes Liquid Eyeshadow in Rich Russet - If you're a dab it on a go kind of gal you're going to love this. A quick sweep and your eyes have just enough definition without looking like you've caked yourself in makeup. Plus it's really long lasting too.

What three things would you recommend?

Laura

Bad Skin Be Gone

Recently my lovely bloggy friend Rachel (who's no longer blogging at the moment, boo) asked me what products I love when my skin is going through a tough time. Now hey, I'm no Caroline Hirons, and I don't have perfect skin, but over the last few months I've really noticed a change in my skin, which in turn has made me feel more confident. So, I thought why not make a blog post and talk about the products I rated highly enough to recommend to one of my bestest friends, as I class you guys (if there's anyone reading this) as my friends too.

Origins Make A Differance Plus Rejuvenating Treatment - If you have oily, dehydrated skin and purchase one thing from this post then it has to be this. Make sure you pick up the treatment and not the moisturiser as they moisturiser isn't as great. I treat this as serum, putting it on after toner and before Hydraluron and moisturiser. It has a lovely cooling effect and really smooths out my skin. It works at hydrating whilst also fighting blemishes, how I don't know. But it's an amazing product!

REN Clear Calm 3 Clay Cleanser - This cleanser is sort of like a mud mask in consistency, due to the clay I guess. It works really well at exfoliating the skin (without any rough abrasive salts or sugars) whilst also deep cleansing. Whenever my skin is producing extra oil or producing extra blemishes I like to whip this guy out. It's also great if you want your makeup to last all day as it mattifies the skin (without drying it out), Super duper cleanser right here.

Origins High Potency Night A Mins - This moisturiser is great at rejuvenating the skin overnight. When I wake up in the morning my skin is left feeling hydrated, brightened and blemishes reduced. It has fruit acids in it which renew the skin whilst it's on, and the lovely thick consistency makes it feel super luxurious to apply.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask - So I actually tend to use this daily as a day moisturiser at work as it just feels so darn nice and makes my skin feel so soft. However, most normal people tend to use it a couple of nights a week overnight. When you wake up the next morning your skin is left feeling extremely hydrated, skin tone more even and just more plump. I would say no matter what your skin type this product is a fantastic.

An exfoliating toner - I've tried a couple of exfoliating toners and do find that they really do help clear up blemishes. I'm currently using the Boots Botanics Exfoliating Toner which I must say feels a bit too harsh to use everyday. However the previous exfoliating toners I've tried from Clarins and REN have both been amazing, which leads me to think I should stop being cheap and repurchase one of them. Anyway, Ms Hirrons is correct, don't miss this step.

A hydrating toner - There are two toners I love for their hydrating qualities; first up the Dr Weils for Origins Mega Mushroom Skin Relief. This is particularly good if you suffer from redness as it really does reduce it, especially blemishes. My current favourite is the Khiels Ultra Facial Toner. It has a really thick consistency that you can feel sink into your skin and boost your hydration levels.

So here are my top skincare products that I would recommend. Of course that's not my entire skincare routine, but it's the products I really love. 

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

Laura xoxo

For the record my skin is blemish prone and dehydrated with oily patches in the centre of my face and dry skin on my cheeks. What might work for me may not work for you, and I'm not a skincare specialist.

How to get more Boots Points

Ah Boots points. The one thing that makes spending lots of money on items we don't really need acceptable. However it always seems that it takes forever to save them up, but only a couple of minutes to spend them. (Such is life right?)

For today's post I thought I'd share with you my top tips on how I like to collect my Boots points, and as a little thank you, I'd love it if you could share yours too, sharing is caring after all!

1) Put your card in the machine before each shop - Before you run to the isles with the new releases you're desperate to get your hands on, head to the little machine at the front of the store which will tell you what offers you can receive. Taking a quick couple of minutes to have a scroll through the machine beforehand could help you double your points or gain extra points on purchases you're already about to make.

2) Look around for offers - Not fussed by what deodorant or toothpaste you use? More often than not certain brands will have offers that will allow you to gain points through their purchase. If you're really lucky sometimes they put points on make-up items too. A great reason to try a new lipstick!

3) Save your double points voucher for big trips - There is no point using your double points voucher on a new toothbrush if you often spend a lot in Boots. Save it for a big shopping trip as you'll end up getting more in return. Whilst it's tempting to do it on your little shop to get more points, it will be more valuable to hold your horses and wait.

4) Make use of your voucher booklet - You know that amazing day when a new pack of shiny vouchers arrives on your doorstep? Look through it. Boots are kind and tailor the offers to your spending habits. Look through and see what's there and if you can use any. Keep them in your hand or by your Boots card so they're ready to use. Sometimes it's worth saving up for all the items you want so you can spend that big £50 voucher.

5) Keep your Boots card on you - I always have my card in my purse with me so that I know it'll be there to be used whenever I'm in store. It's great if you're shopping with family or friends who've forgotten theirs as they're likely to allow you to hand over yours, meaning you get points without spending. Should you spend without your card, make sure you keep the receipt so that you can claim then on another visit too.

So they're my tips, what're yours? I'd love to know.

Laura xoxo    

Fashion Friday - Sparkle With Every Step

I spotted these beautiful boots, when shopping with a friend, however they didn't have my size. Then when I was in Bristol I struck lucky and managed to nab a pair.

The heel is hardly anything which makes them super comfortable, but still gives you a little lift.

I just love the sparkly detail on the back, I think it is perfect for this time of year.

I just had to share them with you, and you can pick them up from New Look for £24!

What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Soap and Glory Flake Away Scrub

I'm sure you are all well aware of the brand Soap & Glory. They are a company that have well and truly climbed to the top of the ladder recently. I'm yet to find a blogger that hasn't raved about them, and from what I've tried, rightly so. I have mentioned my love of the Breakfast Scrub previously, when it ran out, this was all I could get, so I thought I'd give it a try.

Now the skin on my arms resembles a sun-burnt crocodile that is very embarrassed. It is red lumpy and slightly scaly (soz for the gross image, it's not that vile, but ya know, poetic licence and all.) So I like to exfoliate every time I shower and follow with some moisturiser, and slowly it is starting to calm down.

Unlike the Breakfast Scrub, Flake Away is a slat scrub so you have to be careful not to be too harsh, and avoid any cuts and open wounds (NIIICEEE.) It has a very perfumed scent, which I'm not a massive fan off, I much prefer the maple sugary goodness of the Breakfast Scrub. The grains of this scrub too are much finer. However, it is still in a tub which means products under nails and a bit of a kerfuffle in the shower, but is it worth it?

Unlike the Breakfast Scrub, this doesn't really dissolve and a little bit stays on your skin, which is very, well, weird. It took me a couple of usages to get used to this, however what this does, is keep your skin much more moisturised, after the shower. So much so that it doesn't matter if I forget to use moisturiser. 

Overall, I am put off my the smell, but I love the overall feel it gives, and I do prefer it to the Breakfast Scrub. Both are great products that I would recommend, but I think you need to asses your skin type to decide which one to purchase.

What's your favourite Soap & Glory product?

Laura xoxo

Boots Botanics - Soothing Eye Make-up Remover

I told you I would blog about this in my monthly favourites post, and voila! Here it is!

At the start of the month, I ran out of my usual Nivea eye make-up remover so picked this up when I was in Boots (when am I not in Boots?) I never really get anything from their Botanics range, but I think this was around £4, so thought. why not? And I am so glad I got this, it is love.

As you can see you have to shake it first as it separates, but I like that, it makes it fun. (Yes, that's how exciting my life is, I can shake my make-up remover!) It is really soft and gentle, and doesn't sting at all, and I have mildly sensitive eyes.  It is slightly oily, but doesn't add to my already oily eye-lids, it just means the make-up glides right off.

It is super easy to use and takes off any trace of make-up. Here is the (slightly gross, soz) proof:

Only pad used!

So I think the results speak for themselves. I give this a solid 10/10 as I can't fault it in any way. Definitely will be re-purchasing this.

Have you tried this? What Boots Botanics things do you have?

Laura xoxo

No.17 All About The Sass

In my Natalie Portman inspired look this week I used a new lipstick my No.17 All About The Sass. I've never used any lipstick other than Rimmel prior to this (why I don't know?) I must say I'm really impressed. This is a lovely hot pinky colour which is build-able, smooth on the lips and lasts a good couple of hours.

Top with Flash, Bottom Without

Again top with Flash bottom without.

Left is a heavy swatch and the right is a light one.

Top without flash, bottom with.

Although this isn't a colour I would usually go for I really like it. I think it's just the right amount of pink without it being barbie-esque and the application is so good.

You can get this from Boots and is in the No.17 Supreme Shine range.

Have you tried any of these lipsticks?

Laura xoxo