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.

My Chin up Chicken Routine

If your day has resonated a bit too well with the Daniel Powter song, then this is a routine made for you.

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.

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.

Video: My Sunday Routine

New video time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUuffTiui6k&feature=youtu.be

What I do on a Sunday!

Laura xoxo

Video: Summer Make-up Look

So I watched a lot of old YouTube tutorials and decided to make my own. Yes, I'm fully aware that I have too much time on my hands.

Also, I'm sure you are all aware of the whole GFC hoo-haa, but just to let you know, you can follow my blog through bloglovin' using this little link here:

 http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3519536/call-of-beauty

Laura xoxo

The Ten Minute Pamper

I think everybody likes a bit of pamper every now and again. I love nothing more than hunkering down for the afternoon, a handful of masks in tow, nail varnish at the ready and either a film or a good book. However we don't always have time for that do we? So this post is aimed for a quick little pamper to give you that oomph and aaahhh feeling you get after a little pamper.

I feel like this post needs a bit of a background story. I had a lazy morning one day, had a shower and decided to throw on a face mask and opted for this moisture mask. I then carried on with my usual skin care routine, but took extra time than I usually would, and was amazed at how amazing my skin felt afterwards and decided to take some snaps of what I used and do a post on it.

Start by using a manual exfoliater to slog off any dead skin cells. I opted for Origins Modern Friction just cause it was in my shower, but I tend to alternate between these two as they are the two I have in my current collection.

Then pat your face dry and apply a hydrating mask that only needs to be on for around 5 minutes. I used this one by Una Brennan, and I highly recommend it. Then so you feel like you are having a pamper, spend these five minute watching a YouTube video (I have a channel btw ;) or read a chapter of your book.

Finally, get a flannel really hot and steam the mask off of your face. Then carry on with your normal skincare routine. I just want to mention though, that these two really help with retaining the moisture that started with the mask.

Do you find yourself needing a quick pamper?

Laura xoxo

P.S: If you have more time, I also recommend these steps:

- Have a shower and exfoliate your whole body. Whilst the face mask is doing its stuff, rub in some body lotion all over your body.

- The exfoliating seeds that come with the Emma Hardie set are an amazing manual exfoliater, but I feel they work best left on the skin for 5-10 mins before washing them off.

New Year Skin Routine

A combination of a crappy diet, disrupted sleep pattern, and a few cocktails on New Years, along with a forgotten toiletry bag, my skin was not looking to great the start of this year. So after I let my hangover die off on the 1st, I used the 2nd to give my skin some TLC.

I started my applying a mixture of these two products onto my face five-ten minutes before I had a shower in the morning. I then rinsed it off when in the shower to soft exfoliated skin.

As soon as I was out of the shower, I dried my face and slapped on a thick layer of this REN face mask to tighten up the fresh skin I now had.

After the mask came off I toned, I slathered on a layer of Hydraluron then followed this with a thick day cream which is just a sample from Origins, but I am on the look for a thick day moisturiser I can just wear around the house on no-make-up days, so any recommendations welcome. Then, not wanting to neglect my peepers I applied some Origins GinZing.

Before bed I cleaned my face using a hot cloth, and then applied a layer of the Origins Drink Up- Intensive Overnight Mask to keep the re-hydration going overnight.

So that is how I helped get my skin more normal for the New Year.

Have you done a similar routine?

Laura xoxo

Morning Skincare Routine

When I get up in the morning, as much as I like a bit of a pamper to start the day well, I also don't want to do go to town, as I do like my sleep. So I thought I would show you my little routine, as I'm really enjoying it.

I start by using my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, followed my a toner. At the moment I'm using the Liz Earle Skin Boosting Tonic. When all that has dried, I slather on a layer of Hydraluron.

Depending on what make-up I plan to wear that day, I either put on my Aveeno Postiviely Radiant Moisturiser if my make-up does not contain SPF, whereas if it does, or I need my make-up to last longer I put on my Good Things Miracle Mattifier. I then finish off with a dash of eye-cream, my one of choice at the moment is Origins GinZing.

What is your morning routine?

Laura xoxo

The Sunday Pamper

I'm sure I'm not the only one who sees Sunday as a day to indulge and pick yourself up whilst prepping yourself for the week ahead! Our bodies get buffed, our nails get painted and hair gets the ultimate blow dry.

I also like to indulge in a little face mask routine, which I am going share with you today.

The Quickie

Unfortunately, we can't spend all day primping and preeming, so we have to make do with a stolen hour in the evening, enter these products. Now I don't use them on the same day, and flit and choose between the two dependent on my mood.

I've only managed to use the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing System twice, but oh my goodness, this is just so lovely to use. When you mix in these exfoliating seeds it makes the original cleanser into a gentle exfoliation mask, which I like to leave on for 5-10 mins before washing off with a nice cloth.
If not, I will use the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask which is just amazing. It feels like you're putting the middle of a Jaffa Cake on your face, and you look sticky and tangoed when you wear it, but the next morning, your face looks amazing. Trust me.


The Special Treatment.

If you have nothing planned for a few hours, I really recommend running warm bath, slathering on a hot cloth cleanser, and placing a warm flannel over your face. It feels like heaven. Who needs a real specialist?


After Care

No matter which pamper I go for, I also finish with a layer of hydralruon, a serum/oil of some kind, loving this REN one at the moment, and a thick nourshing night cream. This High Potency Night a mins, by Origins may make my change my who needs expensive moisturiser mindset!!!

So there you go. What are your Sunday pamper routines?

Laura xoxo

I also have a Wednesday pamper routine too, check it out here!

P.S As you can see, I tried to get arty in my pictures, I'm sorry they aren't the best, I didn't have time to re-do them on my cupcake background.

The Wednesday Pamper

Not only is Wednesday the middle of the week, it also sees the end to my uni week. I really hate my Wednesday lecture, it terrifies me, and by the end of the day, I just want to curl up in bed and relax, enter my Wednesday pamper night. (and I totally realise I'm very lucky that these are the only worries on my mind, but if you are looking for something in-depth, you're probably on the wrong blog, and I'm probably on the wrong course.)

After I've washed all the make-up off of my face, I start by taking my REN Micro Polish Cleanser and give my face a good scrub. It is really good at removing dead skin cells, and buffing away any dryness. I would be cautious of this product if you have dry or sensitive skin, as it is very harsh, and I was left with sunburnt-esque skin after my first use.

I then like to follow with a mask, as every pamper session needs a mask. It is currently this REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask or any mask that isn't harsh on the skin. Since preparing this post, I may have purchased the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, which is amazing after this scrub!

After removing my mask, I then spritz my face with my nspa Revitalising Vitamin Toning Mist. I then slather on some Hydraluron, which I still haven't made my mind on, but it hasn't had any negative effects to my skin, I'm hoping it's a prevention product, which we all know is better than a cure.

Then, because I've given my skin a good buffing, I then like to apply a serum or oil of some kind, at the moment it's this Omega 3 Night Repair Serum from REN, which I love, and I am definitely purchasing the full size. I then like to follow with a good night cream, which is at the moment REN's Revitalising Night Cream. I don't know if I'd repurchase this, as I think there are cheaper night creams out there that are just as good. But it is a good night cream.

So there you have it, my little mid-week pamper. What is yours?

Laura xoxo

Summer Saviours

I know the summer days have been few and fair between, but on some days we really have had some gorgeous bursts of sunshine. I thought I'd do a post about the things I like to use to keep me calm and collected in the warmer months (few days.)

First up, the things I like to use before I even leave the house.

Sure Long Lasting Protection - I know its a bit of a taboo topic, and deodorant is something we all use, but on really hot days I make sure I use the best of the best deodorant to make sure I stay and smell fresh all day. There is nothing worse than the smell of BO in my opinion.

MUA Professional Eye Primer: To make sure my shadow doesn't slip and slide down my face I need a good eye primer, and that is what this is.

These things are what I like to keep in my bag.

Dry Shampoo: Now I don't keep this bottle in my bag, I keep a mini one, but I find that if I get a little sweaty (I know, tmi) I like to spray some dry shampoo in my hair to keep it looking fresh.

Vitamin E Face Mist: I wasn't blown away by this product at first, but now I love it. It really keeps my face fresh and cools me down when things get hot. Also, I read on Lauren's blog, that if you should get a face mist for daily use as the air and air conditioning can de-hydrate your skin, which is why your make-up starts to look greasy and spots appear.

Carmex Moisture Plus: I need lipbalm all the time, and this one is great as it has SPF in it.


Of course I make sure that I have sunblock with a good SPF in, I didn't picture it as I thought that would be a given!

What are your Summer Saviours?

Laura xoxo

My Shower Routine

I am a very OCD person, and very particular about how I go about things. I like to eat my meal in a certain order, get dressed in a certain order, and so on. The same goes with my shower. I do things in exactly the same way each time. So instead of doing a what is in my shower post, I'm going to talk you through my whole routine. I can hear your excitement from here!

First up I wash my hair. I'm not too fussy about shampoo and conditioner, although I do have a slightly sensitive scalp, and have found Tres eme really makes it act up, as does Head & Shoulders, but apart from that, I just grab what ever is on offer. I'm currently using these ones from Naked, and though I've only used them once, I really like. 

Once a week I use my Paul Mitchell shampoo, and if my hair is looking slightly ginge then I will use this John Frieda one, as a second shampoo, I like to lather rinse repeat. I then leave the conditioner in whilst I wash and shave my under arms ( I fear that is too much information?) I then wash that out, and leave my Aussie Three Minute Miracle shampoo on for the rest of my shower.

I then go on to wash my face. I start with something exfoliating, at the moment it is this Garnier Exfo-Brush, which is alright, but not the best. I then take a face wash just to make sure my face is fully clean. On a Sunday I use this Microdermabrasion scrub from The Body Shop, which again is ok, but I wouldn't repurchase.

Then, if my legs need a shave, they will be done, but to be honest, I am soo lazy when it comes to shaving my legs. That is the only good thing about Summer being limited to a week, I can just let them grow haha! 

I then like to have a good exfoliate as I have really bobbly skin on my arms. I'm loving Soap & Glory's Flake Away scrub as I find it moisturising too. I then go over my arms with my sponge and some shower gel, again what ever is on offer.

I then rinse my hair off and I'm done!!!

I must say though, this is my 'thorough' shower. Not my everyday one, as I don't like to wash my hair everyday. If it isn't a hair washing day, I just have a quick wash, and clean my face etc over the sink (classy lady!)

Do you have a certain routine, or am I just crazy? 

Laura xoxo

A Little Bit of TLC

Source

Everyone needs a bit of TLC from time to time. Whether it's been a stressful week, or you just want to give yourself a little pick me up, there is nothing better than a bit of pampering. I'm sure if we were rich enough we would be frequent visitors of the local spa, unfortunately, we have to make do with a little DIY. So I thought I'd try and make a little series (we'll see how that goes,) about the little things I do to pamper myself.

First up, hands!

I start my filing down my nails. I heard, through some magazine probably, that it's best to file your nails when they already have nail varnish on, or before washing, as the nails are harder and less likely to break. I then remove any normal nail varnish on my nails.

Next up I give them a good wash with some nice smelling soap. I love this Coconut  Milk one. It is divine. I then follow with a nice hand moisturiser.

Once all the moisturiser has sunk in, I put some Lemony Flutter on my nails and push back my cuticles whilst giving them a bit of a massage.

After all that I apply some O.P.I Nail Envy, and if I so choose, which I usually do, a nice slick of colour. At the moment I'm loving Essie Cute as a Button, but I am seriously coveting the O.P.I Minne Mouse Collection, especially the one that looks like Jelly and the hearts!

What do you do to give your hands a bit of love?

Laura xoxo