One, Two, Three, Sleep Skincare Routine

I feel like I've mentioned it before, and I'll very likely say it another hundred times, but I love my bed and making things as simple as possible so that I can stay in longer/get into it sooner.

Re-building my skincare stash

Since January I've been doing that thing we all talk about doing but then never actually end up doing; using up all the products I have before buying new ones.

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?

The Lazy Girl Skincare Routine

I've become pretty lazy with my skincare routine. 

My mask a week is more like a mask a month, and I find myself drawn to my bed more than I am drawn to the sink. But I still want my skin to look presentable. (I know, I ask a lot.) So here I present to you my lazy girl skin care routine.

AM 

In the morning I want little to come between my bed and me, so I can get up and ready in about 15 minutes. I've mentioned before that I no longer wear make-up in the week, which helps, but my simple streamlined skincare also really helps.

To wash off the nights grime and get me feeling ready for the day I use the Origins Make A Difference Cleanser which I really love. I then dry my face off and then apply the Origins OverNight Mask with a drop of the B. Oil.

PM

Most days I do try to do a full evening routine, but if I'm barely keeping my eyes open the Avene Cleanace K. This stuff rocks. It's an exfoliating and hydrating hyrbid that leaves my skin looking clearer and brighter come the morning. 

You're welcome for the extra sleep you're going to get now.

Review: B.Enriched Restorative Facial Oil

Today I want to share with you a product I really cannot get enough of at the moment. Around mid-May time my skin was looking really dull and a bit lack lustre, and when I was applying make-up it just wasn't sitting well. I had a little sort out of products in my cupboards (I feel so guilty having to use the plural) and found this oil I purchased way back at the start of the year.

Now when I first got this product I thought it was breaking me out, so put it away and decided it wasn't for me. Turns out, it doesn't break me out, and it's actually quite lovely. I don't use this product on it's own, instead I get to feel like a scientist and add a few drops of it to different serums and moisturisers. It's actually rather fun, as well as being beneficial to my skin. Win Win!

I've found that by adding a few drops (or more depending on how my skin feels) to either my Origins Overnight Mask or moisturiser of choice I'm wearing that my skin is left looking really luminous and glowing and my hydration levels are back up too. I won't use this if I'm wearing make-up but I have noticed make-up is applying much more easily now.

So for me, this product has turned out to me just what my skin needs.

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Laura

The Blogger Made Me Buy It: Vivianna Does Makeup

If you have a peek through my makeup drawers (oo-er!) most of the products will have been enabled by one blogger or another. A high percentage of these products were probably purchased due to their mention on Vivianna Does Makeup. Anna is one of those bloggers whose opinion I really trust, and as soon as I see a product in one of her videos or in a post, I just know that one day they'll be mine. Just like in my last post, here you'll find just five of the many items that are Anna influenced, the ones that I really like!

Dior BB Cream - This is pretty much the only base that I will put on my face. I love it. It just makes my skin look so healthy and glowy. Even if I have the odd blemish, although the light coverage doesn't make it disappear, it almost makes it look healthy if that's possible? It blurs out imperfections in a way that doesn't make you feel or look caked in make-up, but just looking natural. Even with the £30 price tag, I've re-purchased and see myself continuing to do so, long in the future.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer - I think both this product, and the Dior BB Cream were both spurred on my Lisa Eldridge, but it wasn't until I saw Anna using them that I actually wanted them myself. Anyway, this is the concealer of all concealers. Blemishes run and cower when this bad boy come out. Serious shiz right here, need I say more? I thought not.

Maybelline Color Sensational Shine Gloss - I know for many, glosses just remind us of hair stuck to your lips whilst trying to look cool on the walk to school. I know that was very true to me, but I'm slowly being converted to the liquid side of lips (post to come!) Anna said that these remind her on the Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfectors which she has said, and proven, are her favourite lip products. Now I've not tried them, but I have tried the No7 BB Lips which I really like, so decided to give these a go and I'm impressed. I love how my lips feel nourished, but there is still a subtle colour to your lips that makes them look nice and inviting. A good make-up finisher is what I'd class these as.

Origins Vita-Zing - I remember when I was slowly getting into the world of blogging and higher end skincare and makeup, I watched this video of Anna's and I knew I wanted to try VitaZing. This product is basically a skin evener and tan inducer in one. I wouldn't quite call it a tinted moisturiser, but it moisturises and evens out your complexion in one. There is something special about this product. Along the same lines is the Garnier Skin Miracle (another Anna induced purchase), which although I like, and is a close dupe of this product, I think I prefer this over it.

Rimmel Polish in Oh Mr Darcy  - I didn't need a new nude nail polish, I didn't care about this product being a Chanel Frenzy Dupe, but when I couldn't find this in the Boots near work to, ya know, just look at it, I knew I NEEDED this product. Alas I hunted it down, I put it on my nails, and I fell in love. My nude nail love is the limited addition OPI Don't Pretzel My Buttons and I feel that when that runs out and I can no longer get hold of it, this will be its replacement. A very pretty nude colour, that I didn't need, but glad I got!

Has Anna inspired you to buy any of these products?

Laura xoxo

You can read the rest of the posts in this series here.

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.

The Make-Up Removers

I've made it no secret on this little space of the Internet that I rarely wear makeup on the daily. However there does from time to time happen to be an occasion where I need to put ma face on. It's quite sad to say it, but one of the reasons I love putting makeup on is the fact I know I can do a full skincare routine after. I know, I'm pathetic. Anyway, here are my makeup removing loves.

The liquid - The Garnier Micellar Water is a recent addition to my stash but a good'un at that. It's great at breaking down makeup and start the process of makeup removal. A couple of cotton pads soaked in this stuff and my face is starting to look like its usual barefaced self.

The oil - Surprise, surprise, an Origins product has wrangled its way into a skincare post. The Clean Energy Facial Oil is fantastic at really breaking down your makeup, even the toughest mascara. Plus, due to the fact it's an oil, it's great at allowing you to give yourself a facial massage too.

The balm - that's also kind of like an oil. The Bodyshop's Sumptious Cleansing Butter is a solid oil that breaks down once you rub it between your palms. Due to the oily quality it gives, again it is great for a facial massage and you can really work it into your skin, allowing it to remove all of your makeup.

What do you use to remove your makeup? Do you like any of these?

Laura xoxo

The Almost Tinted Moisturisers

The amount of categories of base products is pretty amusing really isn't it? We have tinted moisturisers, BB creams, CC creams and whatever is developed next. Today I want to talk about those 'almost tinted moisturisers' or moisturisers with a 'hint of tint' as they like to call themselves.

The Underneath/Mixed in Product - When I first used Soap and Glory's Glow Job I tried to use it as a base straight away, which didn't really work out for me. I've since found that it works best applied underneath a foundation (only a tiny amount needed) or mixed in with a pale foundation.

The Original - Ah, Origins VitaZing the product that begun my craze in the almost tinted moisturiser area. I really love this product, from the application all the way down to the smell. It really evens out my skin tone but my skin still has a natural look to it. The only thing wrong with it is the price, some a not quite tinted moisturiser it is £27, a bit pricy in my opinion.

The One with Skincare Qualities - The most recent addition to my almost tinted moisturiser stash is the Garnier Miracle skin Cream which boast skin care qualities alongside the a skin tint. It is really hydrating as well as giving a good boost of colour to the skin too. Alongside this it also aims to reduce signs of ageing and is only £12.99, score.

What are your favourite almost tinted moisturisers?

Laura xoxo

Review: Garnier Miracle Skin Cream

So this product is another hopeful Origins VitaZing dupe. I purchased it just a few days after getting the Soap and Glory Glow Job as I wanted to see how the too compared.

Firstly this one contains SPF which the Glow Job didn't, so it already had my attention due to that. Again I first used it in this video, and as you can see I definitely preferred it to the Soap and Glory one.

This products boasts many more skin-care qualities too. It aims to hydrate your skin whilst removing signs of ageing over time. Now I am young, but I don't see any harm in using this product now, prevention is much better than a cure after all.

Hydration-wise it definitely is above and beyond the Soap and Glory offering. As soon as I put it on my face I can feel the hydration sinking in. It also has a nice fresh smell, which I tend to associate with Garnier products. I will say that it doesn't last 24 hours, especially in these cooler months. Some times in the after it does start to rub off my skin due to dryness, and I would say I have slightly oily skin; something to consider if you have a dry complexion.

Pigmentation wise, it can look a little orange at first, but does blend out well and is definitely a fierce contender for my loved Origins VitaZing.

This is me with this moisturiser, some concealer and a bit of powder on.

Overall I'm really happy with this product and would most likely buy it again.

What do you think? Have you tried it?

Laura xoxo

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

Review: Origins Brightening Set

Ok, so I caved and got another Origins set. This time it was the Brightening set. I love Origins Ginzing moisturiser, and when I saw this set for £30 (the price of that alone) I thought I'd pick it up.

First up, the mascara. Left is with, right is without. I do really like this mascara. I wouldn't call it brightening however, but it does lengthen my lashes and make them look nice and big. I would say that it's a bit clumpy though so you have to be careful.

Secondly the eye shadow. You know me, I love a good cream eyeshadow and this doesn't disappoint. It reminds me of Stila Kitten in cream shadow form but it's really nice. It also works well as a cream highlighter! 

As for the moisturisers, there will be reviews on my blog somewhere. But for short, I love them both!

Are any Origins sets calling your name?

Laura xoxo

Review: REN Clarifying Toning Lotion

When it comes to skincare, REN is a close second to Origins, and after hearing Caroline Hirrons giving the seal of approval to this product I knew I had to try it.

I'd tried that Clarins Exfoliating toner and whilst I liked it, knew I had to give this a try before coming to a conclusion.

The smell of this lotion is not as nice as the Clarins, but it every other category, it beats it hands down.

I feel this is more gentle than the Clarins one, as well as being cheaper. I also noticed a bigger difference to my skin too after trying this one as well.

It's easy to use, doesn't sting and leaves my skin clearer and fresher. What more could you want?

What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Review: Origins Make A Difference Set

Last year I bought a set from Origins, as each year they bring out Christmas sets, and it pretty much cemented my love for the brand. Whilst browsing a couple of weeks ago I spotted that the sets were out again and picked up this one, Make a Difference +!

I would go into detail and review each product, but I've been using them all together and can't pin-point what each one does individually. What I can say is that this has made a MASSIVE difference on my skin. 

I have oily/dehydrated skin, and this gives me plenty of moisture whilst also fighting the blemishes I have.

I would say that the serum is a bit irrelevant as I feel the treatment is good enough without it.
My skin has improved that much that I'm using a lot less make-up, more on that tomorrow. 

The set is £40, which is steep, but the treatment itself is worth over £30 itself! 

Seriously impressed, and fallen even deeper in to the Origins skincare whole.

Do you have any of these? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Top Moisturisers

I do love a good moisturiser! Each of these from my top three has a different purpose and I'm sharing them with you.

The Daily - My daily moisturiser is the Origins Gin-Zing. It's really light and refreshing and feels lovely on the skin. 

The Evening - Another Origins product, and this one is great at rejuvenating my skin and when I wake my skin feels and looks so much better. 

The Treatment - This Avene Cleanance K is perfect for clearing up blemish prone skin. If I'm having a breakout this clears it up in a matter of days. Make sure your face is fully dry before apply though as it stings like hell.

What is your favourite moisturiser?

Laura xoxo

Review: Origins CC Cream

So a couple of weeks ago I found myself at an Origins stand whilst they were having a 10% discount going on, so OFCOURSE I had to take advantage and decided to try out the CC cream as I'd heard lots of people going on about it. 

I was hoping that this product would be similar to that of Vita-zing but with a bit more coverage, and it kind of is, but it doesn't do the best job at covering up any blemishes.

It's a thick consistency but blends well, however I find it to feel too heavy on my skin.

What I do like about it is the fact it has tea-tree in it which I feel helps improve my skin as I wear it.

It doesn't have the longest time, and I do find it a bit drying, however it is still a nice product.

I don't think I'd repurchase it, and would definitely recommend Vita-zing over this CC.

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Review: Origins GinZing Moisturiser

Are you sick of hearing about this yet? No? Good!

It may come as no surprise but Origins is by far one of my favourite brands. I find their products to be some of the best and my skin seems to lap it up. When I heard about this beauty being released, and with a load of bloggers backing it, I couldn't wait to grab my hands on it. However, it was a tad difficult. Finally secured, I'm pleased to report, it's a good'un.

It has a really light weight consistency that just blends beautifully into the skin. Perfect for oily skinned girls! Even with the fine texture a little goes a long way, and I find that I'm using way less product daily then I am of my High Potency night moisturiser. It also has a delicious fresh orange smell, perfect for waking you up in the morning.

Now this would've been a complete rave review, until last week. Now last week we put the heating on at work, and I noticed by the afternoon my skin wasn't feeling as hydrated as it usually was. Nothing had changed, my water intake or skin care routine. So i guess this guy isn't going to be heavy enough to see me through a cold winter and indoor heating. Something you should consider if you have dry/dehydrated skin.

So whilst I do love this product, maybe it was just a summer romance! I guess only time will tell, but if you have really oily skin, or are looking for a lighter moisturiser, give this guy a go!

Have you tried this?

Laura xoxo

Review: Origins Vita Zing

I'm sure most of you are aware of this product. It definitely carries a beauty blogger buzz and something that has always intrigued me. I first picked this up last November in a box of Origins I got in their Christmas boxsets. At the time, I was definitely left disappointed with this product; but now things have a changed.

For those of you who don't know, Vita Zing is a moisturiser with a 'sheer tint release.' Not quite a tinted moisturiser, but not a normal moisturiser, it's some kind of in between product. Now, when I'm doing an extremely good caspar look, this makes me go from the friendly ghost to being carted back to the chocolate factory. Orange overload. This put me off greatly. However, I persevered, tried different ways of working with it, and now me and Vita Zing are getting on rather well.

As you can see, I think I've managed to work it without looking tangoed, and you can also see that it really holds no coverage, which is why it isn't a tinted moisturiser. What I do hope you can notice is, however, how it evens out my skin tone, and adds a slightly 'healthy' look to my skin.

I use this moisturiser on days where my skin is behaving, I'm not doing a lot, but still want to look presentable. This with a bit of concealer is the perfect combination.

So here it is in action. No foundation, just Vita Zing and concealer. 

So whilst me and Vita Zing and having a bit of a fling at the moment (it also increases the coverage of my Bare Minerals foundation on those, 'bleugh' days) my final quarm with it, is the price. £27!!! I don't know if I can part with that much cash for this product. I suppose only time will tell. For now, I'm rationing. 

What do you think of this product? Do you like it?

Laura xoxo

Review: A few thing from Origins

If you saw my March favourites (yes, 'saw' did you know I do YouTube now? Have I mentioned it much?) then you will have seen these two products before. Today I thought I'd give them both a little review. I'm no skincare expert, but these are my thoughts on them, 'cause I really rate them.

Dr Weil Mega Mushroom Skin Relief: I use this as a toner, so straight after cleansing I cover a cotton pad in it and smooth it over my face. I then like to leave it a minute or two so it sinks in, and it leaves my skin feeling so soft and smooth. I find it really hydrating, and it really soothes my skin. I had a reaction to a product the other week, and this totally helped in sorting it out.

Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil: I use this to take off my make-up, and it does it so well. You put on your face (when it's dry) work it all in, which feels so lovely, and then add water to turn it into a milky substance. Then take a warm flannel cloth and all your make-up will be gone. It's so gentle I can use it on my eyes too. Highly recommend if your looking for a new make-up removing cleanser.

Have you tried these?

Laura xoxo

Review: Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins

I tend to shy away from skincare reviews on my blog. I'm not very good at the sciency stuff behind products, and I like to back up my points with photos, which is hard with skincare. However, after I've included many skincare products in posts, a couple of people have asked for singular reviews, so today I'm sharing this.

First up, I love this product and I recommend it to everyone. I wish that could be my full review, but instead I'm going to give you three reasons why I think you should part with your cash, and get this.

- It has an ingredient which removes removes dead skin cells and renews the skin by doing so.

- It leaves the skin feeling fresh and moisturized.

- I wake up in the morning and my skin is fresher, clearer and brighter.

As I said skincare is harder for me to review, with make-up I can comment on how pretty it looks and the longevity of the product, but with skincare it's a lot trickier. Honestly though, I wouldn't be posting this if I didn't 100% love the product.

Have you tried it? Let me know.

Laura xoxo