My three brow styles

Brows are definitely something that's 'in' right now! Or should I say 'on fleek' no i really shouldn't.

It wasn't until I started blogging that I ever really gave two hoots about my brows. I may have gone a bit pluck crazy after watching The Princess Diaries and wanting a make over that rivalled Anne Hathaways (let's just say, it left a lot to be desired,) but I never really gave them much though. Now, I bloomin' love them.

I really like doing my brows, maintaining my brows and brow products. So due to all that, I'm able to write this post, which I previously would've lol'ed or even rofl'ed at, my three different brow styles. 'Cause a girl just needs choices, right?

1) The casual: You know the drill, it's nothing serious but you still need a little something going on. For that occasion I turn to the Maybelline Brow Drama. Title aside there's nothing dramatic about it, you just whip it out and quickly comb it through and you're done. Simples.

2) The quick but all there: So you want to have the full on brow but to be honest you also want the extra ten minutes snooze. I know how you feel. For that I recommend a pencil, and the one I'm loving at the moment is the Sleek Brow Pencil. It has a spoolie one end and a nice slanted nib the other. Great for travel (i.e. on the train to work) and really good colour pay off too. The slanted nib (I feel like Chandler right when he laughs at 'duties') means you can get a real nice shape to your brows going too.

3) The go all out: This I like to save for special occasions, the ones where pictures are likely to be taken etc. For me, nothing makes my brows look more polished and put together and...well brow like, than when I use a powder. The powder I use is actually eyeshadow and it's MAC's Omega and Brun. These two guys and an angled brush take me from a 4 to a solid 8, and for that, I thank them.

What're your brow loves?

Bronze on a Budget

Bronze is just one of those things that comes hand in hand with summer; everyone wants that tanned golden skin.

If I were to start my MAC palette again

I know for certain that if it wasn't for blogging, and other bloggers there is no chance in hell I'd own a MAC palette.

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?

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.

Five in Five #1

I've finally come to the realisation that I have far too much make-up, and due to this I've decided I should really stop buying anymore. Which is great for my bank balance, but not so great when trying to think of new and creative ideas for a blog that's main focus is beauty. There are only so many times I can tell you about my favourite products, however I thought I'd start a series where I show you five products, and challenge myself to describe them in five words.

Ready, set, go!

Nars Multiple in South Beach - Glowy, sunkissed, Millie Mack cheekbones.

Real Techniques Contour Brush - Brush with hundreds of uses.

Dior Skin Nude BB Creme - Best thing since sliced bread.

Benefits Hervana Blush - Smells good enough to eat.

No7 BB Lips - Everyday esstential item must have.

Laura

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

Review: No7 Lash Impact Mascara

I've had a love affair with many mascaras in my time. I've flitted and flirted with many, and this year I decided to give the No.7 Lash Impact a try.

Why this mascara I hear you ask? Because it's in a red sparkly tube, duh! Plus it was on offer.

I was sceptical to begin with, however I've found that I actually really like it. Proof that love can happen when you least it expect it.

The brush is right up my street. Nothing fancy, no weird shape just big, fat bristles. It goes onto my lashes easily and coats every last lash.

I've found it doesn't smudge. gives me nice volume and length, and I really like it. I find that it doesn't give me clumpy spiders legs, rather accentuates what I already have.

Will I be repurchasing? Only time will tell!

Have you tried this?

Review: Yes to Cucumbers Sensitive Skin Calming Facial Mask

I love me a good face mask and when I noticed that the Yes To range had hit my local Boots I thought I'd give this guy a go.

This mask is a mud like consistency aimed for soothing and calming sensitive skin. For me that ticked the boxes I was looking for that day. I didn't want anything too harsh and wanted something that would calm down my spots and reduce my blemishes.

Spots wise, it's no miracle worker, though I do see them reducing slightly after using. Soothing wise I find it great. I like to take a good scoop (a bit of a negative to me as I don't really like scooping out products!) and slather it all over my face.

After a couple of laughs from family members and once I feel its dried a bit I wash it off and notice my skin is feeling a lot softer and any redness has gone down.

It's not the best mask I've ever used, but it's fairly priced and nice to use! If your budget is a bit restricted it's definitely worth giving a go.

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Laura

I Should Really Use You More

Believe it or not, there are some products in my stash that I love, but just don't end up using them. As much as I love these products, for some reason or another they just stay tucked away and don't get the use they deserve.

Mac Powersurge Eyeliner - This is a lovely golden eyeliner that looks lovely on the waterline or as a shadow, but for some reason I just neglect it. I think for me this is just a summer product and I'm also scared to use it.

Dior Amber Diamond - This is my 'special occassion' highlighter reserved for, well, special occasions. I really need to start wearing it more regularly though as it's so pretty and gives a gorgeous golden glow.

Urban Decay Naked Two - I wanted this palette so much, but I just don't really reach for it. Part of me thinks it's much too shimmery for me, but I really need to mess about with it a bit more.

Nars Eyeshadow Duo - I love this eyeshadow duo, and used to wear it a lot, however when I do my make-up now I just tend to grab a crayon of some sort as I find it more convenient.

MAC Cosmo Lipstick - For some reason I just ever find myself reaching for this colour. I think it's my 'sophisticated' lipstick, but rarely find myself in sophisticated-esque style situations.

Bare Minerals Original Foundation - I loved this foundation and used to use it regularly, but for me the Dior Nude BB Cream is just so perfect I rarely use anything else.

&Other Stories Cire Red blusher - This is pretty much MACs Frankly Scarlett. The tiniest tap of a brush is needed or else you look like coco the clown, but it gives the cheek the perfect flush.

What products should you use more?

Laura

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

Covering All Bases

After a fair few years searching for the perfect base, which I believe is pretty much as easy to find as a unicorn in a field of rainbows, I have developed quite the collection which means I'm covered for all different occasions.

The Barely There - If you just want to whack something on that's lightweight, evens out the skin and keeps your skin feeling hydrated and cared for, I highly recommend the Dr Jart + BB Cream. It won't cover many sins, but it will get you through a day at work or out shopping.

The Night Out/Special Occasion  - When a special occasion comes calling, or a night out occurs (which is rare as I like to be tucked up in bed by 9pm) I'll crack out my Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation. I definite medium to full coverage foundation that covers pretty much everything and stays put for most of the night. The lack of SPF means photos are left without a white cast.

The I Need Some Covering - Most days for me I go make-up free or chose a BB but if I'm heading out and my skin is mis-behaving the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation is my foundation of choice. It's a nice medium coverage that feels quite light weight. The shimmer particles can't be seen on the skin, but it does give a lovely healthy dewy effect.

The Powder Foundation - Sometimes you just want a bit of a powder foundation, and for that my favourite is the Bare Minerals Original. I quick brush swirl in this bad boy and I'm good to go. Nice and light weight, and perfect if you know things are going to get a bit hot and sweaty.

The I Couldn't Be Without It - Nine times out of ten you will find me wearing the Dior Nude BB Cream on my face. Not wearing make-up daily means I can still call this my regular base right? Plus it makes it more cost effective. I just love how my skin looks after application and the way it wears throughout the day. Not much coverage but enough for me with concealer, and I feel my skin just looks so healthy when I'm wearing it.

What are your top bases?

Laura

Fiction Friday: You're The One That I Want

Before I went on holiday in June I downloaded a few new books onto my Kindle to get my teeth sunk into. I just love reading new books and was really excited to just sit and read with nothing else going on. My favourite book whilst I was away had to be You're The One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher (Tom fom McFly's wife, if you didn't already know!)

The story follows three friends, from primary school to their late twenties. You get the perspective from two different characters, Ben and Maddy. You also kind of get a perspective from Rich too, but not in the same amount of detail as the previous two. For me, that's something I really enjoy in books.

I found a lot of the things really relatable in the book, and think that Giovanna really captured what children and young adults really experience as they grow up. She shows how difficult it can be growing up and how different stages of your life bring with it knew and exciting turn.

I wouldn't say its a hard hitting book, but it definitely clutches at your heart strings and I did not want to put this book down. It also left me thinking for quite a while after, so I'm glad I left it till the end of my trip as I think I would've found it hard to get into another book after. 

Have you read this book?

Laura