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?

Base Face

I don't know about you, but I totally had the theme tune to 'Brace Face' in my head when I wrote this title.

Lazy Girl Beauty Must Haves

We've all had a case of the CBA's and for many it's a daily occurrence. Well, if you're one of these people. This post is for you.

Here are my three favourite things that I think every lazy girl needs.

1) Orgins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask - So for those evenings where the thought of a fully blown skincare routine leaves you edging towards sleeping in your make-up, use this guy. All you need to do is get the make-up off, give your face a wash and slap this on. (Then fall into bed.) You'll wake up with nice hydrated skin and a feeling of getting an extra five minutes sleep.

2) Bourjois Quick Dry Polish - If you're like me and love having painted nails but hate the process of doing it, then this guy is a life saver. Paint your nails in the colour of your choice, plop a drop of this on and your nails will be dry in about 2 minutes. It's perfect.

3) Batiste Dry Shampoo - I'm sure you've heard of this, and it's a morning lifesaver. Washing your hair can be a right chore, and an arm ache too if it's long. Sometimes you need to eek it out an extra day before washing and this is your guy. When it comes to dry shampoo, Batiste is the only way to go.

What are your lazy beauty faves?

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

A Solid Base

Whilst I love to chop and change things on the regular when it comes to make-up, I've found that when it comes to base, I rarely step away from these products. That alone made me think, I need to make these a blog post.

First up I like to prime with the Bourjous Happy Light primer. This stuff is great as it has a hydrating quality and brightens the skin without making you look like you've shoved your face in glitter. It has luminous particles which blur imperfections and get your face ready for your base of choice. Which, for me is the Dior BB Creme. Holy moly I love this stuff. This product and I just click. It is the right colour, it blends into the skin nicely, it lasts a good amount of time and it just makes my skin look healthy and glowing, which is what I want for my face really.

Next it's up to concealer. I like to start under my eyes as I found I need less cover up concealer after I've done my eyes (if that makes sense?) I like to begin with the Bourjois CC Eye Cream as it really brightens underneath my eyes and begins to cover up my bags. Then, depending what I'm doing, I like to go in with either the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer or the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch concealer as they're both great at covering and highlighting eye bags.

If any blemishes are still on show after this I like to use my Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage as it's a really heavy duty cover all concealer. Then to finish I like to dust my face in the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, which again has a nice fine glitter in it which makes skin look glowy and not Edward Culleny.

So there are my base favourites, what are yours?

Laura

FOTD: Let It Glow

Another Frozen reference, I know. Sorry for not being sorry; it just fit so well. For someone who was always scared she looked really shiny and believed a face full of powder was the best way to hide everything and keep things hidden all day, over the last year I've defintiely gravitated toward a glowly look.

To get the base off to the right start I began with the Bourjois Happy Light primer to get my skin all ready for my base which here is the Bourjois CC Cream as I wanted to give it a test, but to be honest, though it's more expensive I much prefer the Dior BB Cream, it lasts better throughout the day and adds an extra glow.

Before powdering with my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, which is the peferfect powder to set make-up but leave you with a glow, I worked in my Jemma Kid Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Cream which is sadly discountined but I say pick up Topshops Glow Cream Highlighter for the same effect. Once that is worked in with the base I like to apply my cream blush, which just so happened to be my Nars Multiple in Portofino.

Eyes and lips I kept quite simple. Eyes was a MAC staple Naked Lunch which deposits a slight colour with a nice shimmer to boot and lips was a your lips but nicer/better colour from No7 BB Lips in Coral Rush.

What are your glowy skin staples?

Laura xoxo

Conceal Don't Feel

Sorry for the little Frozen mention in the title, but needs must and all that. For me concealer is more important than foundation, and I'd rather have a trusty concealer on hand than an industrial foundation. Since I love to ditch the foundation for a concealer I've found I've collected quite the little collection and thought I'd share with you the best concealers I've tried.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch - The bee's knees of concealers in my humble opinion. I find it really covers my under eye bags whilst adding luminosity and awakening my face. I really notice it transforming my face which I love. I've mentioned it many a time in this small space on the interwebs and I reckon it will crop up for many a more post too.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer - To be honest with you this is pretty much a slightly less lumious fuller coverage of the Maybelline version I've just mentioned. I tend to use this on less important occasions as it's easier to get my hands on than the Maybelline one and in the correct shade.

Bourjois 123 CC Perfect Eye Cream - Aah a CC cream for the eyes, whatever next. I've recently done a full review of this so I won't bore you too much, but for me this is great if you're a pale person in need of a lighter colour for contour this is the best. Someone did point out in a comment (thank you) that the amount of product in this pen isn't very much so aren't really getting much bang for your buck so to speak; however I find it cheap enough, and like it enough to not let that bother me.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage - Whilst the other concealers I've mentioned have tended to focus on the eye area, this is the only concealer I've found that's really great at concealing the nasty spots that appear. A mixture of these two colours is enough to conceal anything you want to hide like no concealer I've tried before. The thick consistency means blemishes are hidden in an instant, however it doesn't feel heavy or look cakey on your face. If you had some serious bags or wanted extra flawless skin you could use this under your eyes, with some eye cream and go on top with one of the above concealers for some serious flawlessness.

What's your favourite concealer?

Laura xoxo

Review: Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream

If you've read my blog for a little while you'll probably know that when it comes to under eye concealer my trusty Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch is probably my most used make-up item. However, with a lot of talk surrounding the Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream I decided I'd have to pick it up and give it a test myself.

Firstly I really like the the applicator of this over the Maybelline one as the plastic allows you to place little dots under your eye to blend, rather than the brush style applicator, which, less face it probably houses a fair few germs. 

Colour wise this is amazing if you have pale skin like me as it really allows you to contour under your eye. I find the Maybelline one, whilst being the lightest shade, matches my skin tone rather than being a shade lighter, which is something I've always found it lacking.

The one area I think the Maybelline one still beats this product by is the highlighting and brightening factor. This has great coverage, but doesn't highlight or brighten my eyes which is something I look for in an under eye-concealer.

Whilst I've spent most of this post comparing the two products, I've got to say the two of them together is just amazing. The Bourjois one really covers and lightens the area, whilst the Maybelline one adds brightness and awakens my eyes. The perfect double duo.

Overall I really love this product and would definitely buy again.

Have you tired this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Spring Fling: Lips

The final instalment in my Spring Fling trilogy is ending with lips. I love me some good lip products and these are what I intend to be using over the next few months.

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipgloss in Glorious Grapefruit - This is a gorgeous lipgloss that has a hint of tint to it that means your lips look shiny with some nice colour to it, but not too OTT. It also means you can eat a good old 99 without having it smeared around your face (can't say the same for the ice cream though!)

Rimmel Appocalips in Stellar - If you want to make a statement this Spring, this is your guy. Perfectly pigmented, and fully opaque this gloss/lipstick hybrid really packs a punch on your lips. Application can be a little tricky, and it can end up on your teeth if you're not careful, but bold lip lovers, this is the one for you.

Bourjois ColourBurst in Red Sunrise - I love a good lip crayon and this Bourjois on in Red Sunrise just screams Spring to me. It's on the red side of coral which means it's great transitional colour from Winter to Spring. I used it in my Spring tutorial on Tuesday.

Rimmel Kate Lipstick in 110 - If you're looking for a coral colour that's going to stick around all day, look no further. Due to it's matte texture it stays put for a rather long time, perfect for BBQ season. The colour is the perfect colour and I love bring this out in the Spring.

L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire in Rose Melody - My favourite lip product of the moment. The same consistency as the Rimmel Appocalips, but a bit more moisturising on the lips. This nude colour is perfect all year round, but the slight orange tinge to it means it looks great with a bronze look, meaning perfect for Spring.

What are your spring lip choices?

Laura xoxo

Spring Fling: Cheeks

I decided I wanted to do a little spring series here on the old blog. I do love me a little series every now and again and the changing of the seasons allows the perfect opportunity. I'm going to start my series focusing on cheek products, tomorrow eyes and then Thursday will finish with cheeks.

The Bronzer - Okay, so this isn't necessarily a 'spring fling' as I love this product all year round, however everyone needs a bronze glow and there is no better product for it than this. There's a load of different intensities in the Clarins Bronzing Duo so you should find a shade that suits your skin tone perfectly. The shimmer in it is simple and subtle and can rarely be seen.

The Bronze Glow - Ah Nars South Beach is what started my multiple craze. I love this product, plus it's Millie Mackintosh approved. I love using this as a bronzer, highlighter and contour. It really is a multi use product and this is the perfect spring/summer shade.

The Cream Cheek - This Bourjois Cream Blush in 03 is a great spring shade as it is has just the right amount of pink to coral ratio to make it a great transitional colour. The cream formula is makes the whole dewy sunkissed look great and means it applies seamlessly. 

The Powder Blush - MAC Dainty blush is a mineralise finish which means it has a hell'uva lota glitter in it, but it's milled enough to not make it look like you've face planted a vat of glitter. For me spring says pink, and you can't get a prettier pink colour, that truly comes off pink, in a good way!

The Luxury Item- Everybody loves a bit of luxury in their life. This Chanel Blush is the perfect peachy pink colour that blends in well to your skin and gives you that perfect springs day flush. Plus, it's Chanel, beautiful enough just to look at.

What are your spring fling blushes?

Laura xoxo 

Let's Talk Lips

A used to be an eyeshadow girl, then a blush girl, and lately I'm all about lips. I can't get enough of all the different formula's, colours and brands. I think the lipstick you choose to wear definitely changes the whole look of you make-up, so it's an important step.

The comfort one: When I'm in a rush, or just want something comfortable to wear I always reach for my No7 BB Lips. The formula is glossy without being sticky and is nice and moisturising on the lips. It also contains SPF too which makes it perfect for summer (shall it ever arrive!)

The Tube Stick: Crayon style lipsticks are definitely a trend that isn't dying down. I'm glad about that as I think they're really handy (as long as they're twist top rather than sharpen!) Of all the ones I've tried I must say the Bourjois Colour Booster's are my favourites. Perfect pigmentation, feels nice and the lips and the longest lasting too.

The Moisturising one: As far as moisturising formula's go, the Moisture Renew Range by Rimmel are my favourite. The have the proper pigmentation of a lipstick (unlike the BB lips) but the comforting factor of a moisturising lipstick too. Perfect if your lips are a little dry from the winter.

The Liquid Lacquer: Liquid lipsticks are a trend that intrigued me. I'm yet to try a YSL glossy stain, but I've admired from a far. To save my bank balance I picked up the Rimmel Appocalips (in a number of colours I may add) and I can see why people like the liquid lip. Pigmentation is incredible, shine is gorgeous and the longevity is pretty spectacular. My only gripe is the fact it can get on your teeth a little. I find using the back of the applicator a great way to give the right amount of product.

The Luxurious Buy: Every time I get enough points on my Boots card I go straight to Dior and Chanel and peruse their lipstick selection, picking up and putting down multiple colours and formula's and leave empty handed. I just can't do it. Then Christmas came and bought along with it the Feel Unique Sale. I had a £20 voucher and the YSL Rouge Voluptee was in the sale for that price so I picked one up. Every thing about it screams luxury, from the packaging to the finish. Now I just need to decide on my next colour...

What are your favourite lipsticks?

Laura xoxo

Review: Bourjois Mega Liner

As, liquid liner. When I first got 'properly' into make-up I spent the longest time trying to master the winger liner look. I'm yet to achieve the perfect flick.

Due to it's timeliness and my lack of willing to persevereI began to fall back on black eyeshadow and an angled brush. MUCH easier to use and a more subtle look. However there is something about a nice cat eye that makes me go back.

When I first read about this offering my Bourjois my make-up senses were sent tingling and I knew it was something I wanted to try. An angled nib seemed like the perfect solution for me, it would do the work itself right? Well, sadly I'm left a little disappointed in what was my first make-up purchase of this year (I'll give you a moment to let that sink in!)

Maybe it's because I'm out of practise, but I actually found it a little hard to manoeuvre. I thought it would glide on easily, however I felt like I was pulling at my lid. I then decided to just place it bit by bit on my lashline, but that resorted in an un-even finish.

As you can see in the swatch, it also bled a little and was a lot thicker than I imagined.

I'll perseverewith this a bit longer, however I doubt it will be a repurchase.

What do you think of this? Have you tried it?

Review: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Ah, another product that has probable reached cult status among beauty bloggers. This powder is basically a powder and highlighter in one.

Whilst that description may sound scary, especially if you have oily skin like me. However, the sound of perfect looking skin that diffuses blemishes and gives a dewy look to your skin was enough to make me hunt it down.

So what do I think? This is a nice product, it sets my make-up beautifully, gives a dewy finish and makes me look very put together. BUT, I do think that for the price, it isn't really worth it. Personally, I would save your money and head over to Bourjois for their Healthy Balance powder (I'm yet to try the Java rice.)

What do you think?

Laura xoxo

New In: Bourjois Lip Products

I'm a Boots girl through and through. Something about their advantage card system keeps me faithful, but when I heard about the Bourjois Colour Boost lipsticks, and couldn't find them in any Boots stores, I strayed, and found myself in Superdrug. (Sorry Boots.) 

I ended up going for the colour Orange Punch as it just seemed very 'me.' I usually stay away from anything 'orange' as I don't feel it suits me. However, this is defintely more coral. Whilst looking through the colours, this Shine lipstick in 20 pratically begged me to take it home. So I did. 

I then found out, it was practically the same!!

First up, the product I went in for. This colour boost in Orange Punch. I'm a really sucker for these crayon type products, and this one has not disappointed. It applies like a dream, and gives a really good colour payoff. What I love about it is the fact it contains SPF which is perfect for the summer months.

Ok, so this colour really is the same as above, so why did I get it? Because it's amazing. I actually prefer this to the Revlon Lip Butters. It is the same packaging and same moisturising feel, but it has an amazing glossy finish and much more pigmented. Plus, how cool is the packaging? I don't know if this range is new, I've never seen it before, but I also never really look at Bourjois lipsticks, but boy am I glad I did!

Have you tried these? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Review: Bourjois Powders

Healthy 'radiance' powders seem to be the latest craze at the moment, and I'm not going to lie to you but if there was an hourglass stand near me, and I hadn't heard the rumours of Chanle le beiges breaking people out, I probably would've bought them. Instead I've picked to drugstore offerings, both from Bourjois, and thought I'd share them with you today.

As you can see, neither of them look 'cakey' like some powders do, but they make my skin look more polished and finished. 

Top is healthy balance and the bottom is the mineral powder.

Overall the mineral powder leans toward being that bit more cakey, but there is little in them. I would say that colour wise, healthy balance wins, as does longevity, but there isn't much wrong with the mineral radiance one.

What do you think of radiance powders?

Laura xoxo

Review: Bourjois Healthy Balance Radiant Concealer

I think I've shouted about my love for the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch concealer from the roof tops and more, but one thing I hate about it is the fact that it is so hard to find an unopened, unused tube of the stuff. I mean seriously Boots, sort it out. Therefor, I've decided to pick up Bourjois's version and see how that holds up.

When I was editing this picture to crop it and write which side was which, I actually had to stop and really examine the photo to remember which side, which to me, kinda means that it ain't the noticeable is it?

Now I've spotted it, I can see how it does conceal a bit, but it hasn't completely eradicated my ever so lovely suitcases. Then again, I doubt cement would cover up those bad boys.

As you can see, there is slight creasing going on here, and my bags aren't completely illuminated in the way I feel that Maybelline does, but I do actually find that this concealer isn't a bad second. I've tried the Collection Illuminating Concealer and didn't like that at all, this definitely beats that, but for me, it doesn't hold what the Maybelline does. 

A Quick Comparison

Whilst they don't appear that different under the eye, I find that the Maybelline version is that little bit of a fuller coverage, and I prefer the more yellow undertone that it carries. I also find it that bit more illuminating too.

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

Laura xoxo