Thursday, September 19, 2013

Quick Life Update

I have been very absent over the last week so thought I would do a quick post to update everyone. Basically I started back at Uni this week so over the weekend I properly moved into my new house. Moving in meant no internet for a little while so I haven't been able to upload anything but I do have a couple of posts ready to go so they should be up in the next couple of days!! I am also thinking of doing more lifestyle posts probably on some stuff to do with my house and also Uni so let me know if you want that?? A proper post will  be up this weekend I promise!! 

                                                                           L xxx

                     

Friday, September 13, 2013

Empties #1


I have been keeping hold of all my empty products for about a month now in order to collect enough things to do an empties post!! Finally I have about 6 or 7 things and I am going to give some mini reviews for them all and let you know if I am going to be repurchasing any of them.

So first up I have gotten through 2 make up removers, the Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make Up Remover and Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover All Bright. The Simple one is really nice and feels just like you are rubbing water on your face. It gets off even waterproof make up and leaves your skin feeling great. I have mentioned how much I love Simple products before and this is up there with my top 3 products and I have already repurchased another one. Next up is the Botanics remover, this is an oil based make up remover and for me I didn't really enjoy this. My skin didn't like this at all and although it did get all your make up off easily my skin completely broke out so this a definite no no product for me. If you like oil based removers though you may enjoy it. 




I have also managed to get through 2 primers recently. My favourite of the 2 was Benefit's Porefressional. I got this sample sized one in a Glossybox back in April or May and I absolutely love it! I have never tried this before and just feel in love. It leaves your skin feeling like velvet and fills in any obviously open pores. I have not yet purchased a full size of this but I will be in the near future. The other primer was one from Marks and Spencers which I know isn't your first thought when you think of make up but this primer was surprisingly good. The Autograph Instant Radiance Primer is a much lighter primer and it really does leave your skin looking healthy and radiant. I wouldn't say that this primer helps your make up stay on for longer but it does really improve how your skin looks. 



My final 2 products are both shower things, a deep conditioner and also THE BEST exfoliator. The Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Treatment has been a complete life saver for my hair this summer! Pop this on your hair and leave it in for a couple of minutes and your hair is left
feeling so silky soft. I only use this about twice a week so the bottle has lasted for quite a while. Deep conditioners do tend to be quite pricey so this is a great drugstore alternative. I will not be repurchasing this straight away but only because there is a couple of the other similar products I want to try out. My final empty and probably my very favourite one and that is Soap and Glory Pulp Friction. This was the very first exfoliator and still probably my favourite I just don't have a bad word to say about it. The feel is amazing, the smell is gorgeous and I love the packaging as well. I of course will be repurchasing this but I am going to buy some others as well as I want to try some new ones. 

Well that is my first ever empties post done and dusted!! I am off the nurse my hangover and watch the Celebrity Big Brother Final. Have you guys tried any of these products and did you like them? Also what posts do you want me to in the near future, let me know!!

                                                                      L xxx

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Rimmel Make Up Haul


Yesterday I was wandering past my local chemist and noticed they stocked Rimmel and that there was some sort of sale on! I can not resist a sale so I was in there like a shot and came away with a little bit more than intended!!

The first thing I knew I definitely wanted was the Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation, I have seen this advertised and was really interested in trying it! I am not a massive fan of the packaging as I think it looks a bit cheap but I am loving matte foundation so just had to give it a go! I haven't used this yet but when I have tried it a few times I will upload a review! Because this was a new product they were giving a free product away and that was the Stay Blushed Liquid Cheek Tint in Sunkissed Cherry, I have never ever heard of this product and I admit if it wasn't free I probably wouldn't even consider buying it! Like I said I have heard nothing about this so I am actually quite excited to see what this is like.

Everytime I head over to the Rimmel stand in my local Boots or Superdrug they are always running very low on the Kate Moss lipsticks so when I noticed that they had a good selection I had to pick up oneof the ones I have been looking at for ages. Lasting Finish By Kate Moss in 107, is a very different shade than I would normally be drawn to. I am a lover of corals, pinks and the occasional red but any darker is new territory for me! This is a beautiful deep dark red wine colour, I think it will be perfect for autumn/winter and I can not wait to use it (from the swatches I am already in love). Lipliner wise I have never really used them much but recently I have been really getting into them so I thought I would try one of the Rimmel Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Contouring Pencil in 004 Indian Pink, this is such a pretty dark pink colour. I didn't buy it to go with the lipstick but I do think they would be a lovely match. 

Finally I was taken by a bright sparkly orange nail varnish!! I really need no more nail varnishes but this one just looked so fun that I couldn't resist. It is a Rimmel Cocktail Colour Nail Varnish in 120 Shirley Temple. I don't think I have ever seen these before so I am not sure how good quality it will be but the colour is just so bright and fun! I know brights aren't really in this autumn but I will still be doing a bright nail varnish for as long as possible.

So that is it for my spare of the moment shopping trip! Have you guys tried any of these products? and did you like them? 

                                                                        L xxx

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Crazy Corals


When I first did a post from this series I did promise it to be a fortnightly thing but it hasn't actually turned out that way sorry!! I think I did the Purple Post about 3 weeks ago now but here is number 2 and to celebrate the last days of summer before autumn really hits I am going to be talking about all things coral! 

Barry M Lipgloss in 11
Now I have to admit apart from nail polishes I rarely stray over to the Barry M stand but this lipgloss is the one thing that will make me rush to grab it. I have probably had about 5 tubes of this stuff and I am still completely hooked. This lipgloss leaves a lovely sheer coral shine on your lips, it is perfect for wearing on its own but also great for layering over lipsticks. You have probably heard so many people talk about this but if you haven't already got your hands on this I would suggest you get it quick as it always seems to be out of stock at my Boots.

Maybelline Lipstick in Coral Tonic
I purchased this little lipstick about a year ago now and it probably started my coral obsession, as you can see from the picture it is nearly all gone!!. Maybelline aren't my favourite brand for lipstick but this one has really impressed me. The colour is super pigmented and leaves a really nice almost matte finish on the lips which I love. The lipstick feels nice and creamy on the lips, I have worn this loads through summer and I will still probably use it throughout autumn and winter. 

Benefit Coralista
This is my most recent coral purchase and also my first ever Benefit blusher. I only have a sample size but after this runs out I will be purchasing a full size one. I love layering this with other blushers to create a lovely bronzed glowy look. It has been my go to blush over the last couple of months and I'm sure I will keep using it for a long time.



Revlon Nail Paint in Siren
I got this nail varnish in a Latest In Beauty Glamour Box back in June and over the summer I have reached for it more and more. I mentioned this in one of my first ever posts months ago and it is still up there in my top 10 nail polishes. All Revlon nail varnishes I have are really good quality and last a really long time on the nails. 

Phew!! That is enough talking about corals for one day!! As I write this the weather has taken a very autumnal turn so the season for corals may be over but I will always fly the flag for corals no matter what season!! What's your favourite coral coloured product?? And what colour would you like me to talk about next?

                                                                           L xxx

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Dirty Works Power Berry Detox Mask

This week a last minute pamper night involved a quick dash to Sainsburys to buy naughty snacks and to pick up some one use packet face masks. We couldn't find any of these anywhere but what I did find was a facial mask from the Sainsburys brand Dirty Works. I've seen this brand countless times but never thought of trying it. Obviously the packaging has taken inspiration from the likes of Soap and Glory, so although the bottle is very pleasing to the eye I wanted to see if the product lived up to it!

This mask claims to 'let your skin breathe again with this detoxifying face mask.' It is a clay mask that has berry extract in which aims to detox your skin and leave it glowing and radiant. I mentioned the Botanics clay mask in my monthly favourites and although this is also a clay mask it is slightly different. This isn't as hard and harsh, feeling me gentle and nourishing.
The berry extract gives the mask a lovely fruity smell.



After using this a couple of times I wouldn't say it has done anything amazing to my skin. After washing it off it does leave your skin feeling softer and cleansed but I don't think it deeply detoxes my skin. Overall this is a nice face mask but nothing special. If you aren't looking for something deep cleansing just something to leave your skin softer and cleaner than this is for you but if you need something more deeper and clarifying.



This is normally £4.99 but I think at the moment you can get a 1/3 off this! Have you guys tried this or any other Dirty Works products, let me know!


                                                                         L xxx

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Mini Revlon Haul


It is no secret that when it comes to make up I constantly buy unnecessary items that I really don't need but this time I did need these things (sort of). Whilst in Boots the other day I was about to check out with just 1 product when I suddenly saw the Revlon stand and there was an offer of 2 for £10 on nails, lips and mascaras. Now I have wanted to try to Revlon Lash Potion Mascara for ages and this is normally £9.99 so the second product I got I was going to get for 1p!! Such a bargain!! My friend also picked up this mascara as well as a Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain  which are normally £7.99 I think, so we both saved over £7.

I really didn't need anything else but as I love my Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya so much I decided to try another one. I was swatching colours for ages and so many of them are so pigmented and lovely. I eventually decided to get Sorbet which is a dark pink colour with an almost purple undertone. 


I only bought these products the other day so I can't give a review of any sort yet but after I have tried the mascara for a while I will do a review. Have any of you tried this mascara, if so what do you think of it?

I am not sure if Revlon are doing this 2 for £10 deal everywhere but it was on in the Southampton branch if not then there is a buy 1 get the 2nd half price deal on in all Boots across a lot of make up brands on at the moment!


                                                                             L xxx

P.S I have just had a look at the mascara I bought and I accidentally picked up the shade 03 Blackened Brown and I wanted Black so make sure you always check the colour!! Silly me!

Friday, September 6, 2013

Back To School Make Up Essentials

I luckily don't start uni again for a couple of weeks but I know loads of people do go back this week so I thought I would pick a few make up bits that are great for school. These are either products to pop on in the morning or ones that are perfect for carrying around with you in your bag all day. Personally when I went to school/college and even now when I go to uni I tend to wear very neutral subtle make up.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation
This is the most perfect foundation for school. It gives a good amount of coverage without looking cakey but also really brightens and wakes up your skin. It is great for those early mornings where your skin may be looking a little dull and lifeless. The price tag is also really reasonable so is perfect for students on a budget like me! This foundation is also really long lasting so you don't need to worry about running to the toilet in between lessons to touch it up, a big plus in my book.

No 7 Stay Perfect Mascara
This is a great day to day mascara. It leaves the lashes looking lovely and separated without and also stays on for hours without smudging. If you love really full false looking lashes this properly isn't for you but for a super nice everyday long lasting mascara it is great. This is the cheapest mascara, I think it is about £13, but as you don't have to touch your mascara up all day it does last a fairly long time


Maybelline Baby Lips
Literally about the 100th time mentioning these but I do think they are really useful for school. I don't like wearing anything to bright to classes so something with good colour but also quite subtle is great. This leaves a lovely amount of colour on the lips but also keeps them hydrated all day (and there is nothing worse than dry lips!!). I would just chuck one of the colour lip balms in my bag so I can just grab it whenever needed.



Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Sticks
I mention these in my drugstore starter kit and I am going to mention them again because I think they are just awesome. When you are in a rush for school in the morning you don't want to spend ages doing a complicated eye look where you have to blend colours together for ages so these are just great. They apply really easily and if you don't want to mix some colours together you can easily to do it with your finger, so you don't even need a brush! The two colours I have (Bulletproof Beige and Bad Girl Bronze) are really nice neutral colours which I think are the mist appropriate for school/college. If you want to see swatches for these go look at my drugstore starter kit






                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Barry M Gelly Hi Shine in Lychee and Maybelline Color Show in Peach Pie

I remember when I was at school nail polish was a real no no but at college I think it was more allowed. Either way I think neutral colours are the best for school situations, both of these are really lovely colours. Peach Pie is almost clear and gives just a glossy pink tone colour on your nails. Lychee though is much more opaque and is a nice almost nude colour. The Gelly Hi Shine paints are all super pretty and leave such a lovely gel finish. They are really long lasting as well.









So they are my essentials for going back to school! I know when I start uni again I will using all these products loads!! What are your school/college/uni essentials? comment below! 

                                                                     L xxx

Thursday, September 5, 2013

September Lust List

September is the beginning of Autumn and although I don't want to admit it with in weeks I'm sure the cold weather will be hitting us! I'm not completely ready to start buying jumpers and boots and proper winter items yet but I am ready to move on to more autumnal colours and start getting ready for the cold months. So here is my September wish list! 



  1. Mac Lipstick In Plumful- £15
  2. Topshop Lace Scallop Cami- £16
  3. Urban Outfitters Cooperative Ditsy Babydoll Dress- £48


  1. Urban Outfitters Cooperative Shirt in Geo Print- £45
  2. ASOS Trousers in Print with Zip Detail- £40
  3. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation- £32
These are the things I am lusting over the most this month, with me going back to uni this month I doubt I will be able to purchase all these things so fingers crossed I win the lottery or something! What are you guys lusting after this month? Let me know in the comments.

                                                                       L xxx




Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Get To Know Me Beauty Blogger Tag

Now no one actually tagged me to do this but I thought I would just do it and share some things with you all!!



Is your hair naturally curly or naturally straight? - I would say it is somewhere inbetween. Wavy but not really curly!

Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?- I don't dye my hair, so neither.

Do you wear the same style everyday, or do you change it?- I pretty much have my hair down and straight most days but I do varying it sometimes, either curly or natural and sometimes an up do.

Do you do your own mani/pedi or do you go to a salon?- I do my own mani but I have to admit my pedi normally gets forgotten about!!

How often do you change your nail polish?- I can't wear nail polish at work but whenever I am not working I have my nails painted so I would say I change it every couple of days.

Do you polish your toes in the winter or just the summer?- I barely do it in the summer so in winter my toes are very much forgotten about!!

How long does it take for you to put on makeup?This really varies! If I am in a rush I can get it done in under 10 minutes but if I am just getting ready at my own pace probably about half an hour!

What do you do first? Face or eyes?- I do foundation and concealer then eyebrows and eyes and then more concealer and blusher, bronzer etc

Do you collect makeup or buy what you need when you need it?- Well in my head I think I need it but I guess I probably do collect, 

How often do you wear false eyelashes?-  I have barely mastered applying them so not very often haha.

 Do you wear a full face of makeup everyday?- I try not too, on days where I am not doing much I tend to wear no make up. I don't think wearing make up everyday is good for your skin so try to have at least a couple of no make up days per week

 Do you wear makeup when you're home alone or with family?- No of course not!! My family are the lucky ones who get to see no make up Laura!!

Will you leave the house without makeup?- Of course, I have loads of days where I just feel to lazy to put make up on (sorry world)

How many high end products do you have?- Not a huge amount, I am poor little student so high end isn't in my budget. I do splurge occasionally though (who doesn't!)



Do you plan your OOTD each night or when you're getting dressed?- No I am not that organised! Normally when I am laid in bed  in the morning I get some fashion inspiration and that is when the outfit gets picked

How often do you change your handbag?- Not that often, when I buy a bag I normally get obsessed and use it for a very long time

What time do you wake up and go to sleep?- Don't hate I am a student!! Normally wake up around 10/11 ish depending on if I'm working, got uni or hungover!! And normally am asleep by 2. I have such a bad sleeping pattern, help me!

How often or when do you workout?- hahahahahaaha!! I don't work out! I go through stages. Sometimes I am really inspired to lose weight and get fit but right now I am not. Hopefully I will get some gymspiration soon

Left handed or right handed?- Right

How tall are you?- I am not that sure, I'm going to say somewhere between 5ft 6 and 5ft 8? So that is 5ft 7, lets go with that

Do you speak any foreign languages?- Well I took French GCSE but I was never that good, now I can probably manage Bonjour!

How many pets do you have?-I have 1, a little cat called Frankie. I use to hate him but since I have been home for summer he has got really cute and I just want to cuddle him all the time!! 

How often are you on blogger?- Quite a lot, I get so excited when I have comments or even page views so I am constantly keeping up to date with that!

Do you read comments posted on blogs?-  Yeah all the time, people leave such good advice in the comments section!

Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?- Yes and the list is completely out of control, literally 50 or 60 products on it!! 

How did you come up with your blog name?- When I first decided to start my blog I had no idea what to call it! My boyfriend really helped me though and together we came up with the name!

What kind of camera do you use for your photographs?- * Calls boyfriend and asks him*- Some kind of Nikon or Canon!! - Ok I asked him and he told me it is a Nikon Coolpix L310! It was actually his but after I got in to blogging he gave it to me and he bought a better one for himself!!

How often do you clean your house?- When I am at home never, mama does it!! But when I am at my house at uni I clean more as she isn't there to do it!

What's your favourite colour?- This is actually really hard!! I think either Coral or Teal though

Do you swear?- I really try not, especially with my parents, but I just can't help it! So yes I do

What are you doing with the rest of your day?- It is the night time right now so probably a combination of YouTube videos and sleeping.


So that is all, I don't really know who to tag so I will just tag anyone who reads this!! If you have or want to do this let me know in the comments!! 

                                                                              L xxx




Tuesday, September 3, 2013

August Favourites: Random

My final part of my August favourites and these are actually properly the things I have been using and loving the most!! Like my previous posts I don't have that many things but lets go!!


Dexter and Breaking Bad
This month two of my favourite every shows have both come back for their final series! Mentioning a TV show in my favourites seems to have become a thing and although all the programmes I have mentioned I love these two are by far my favourite!! If you don't already know Dexter is about a serial killer who kills only 'bad' people and also works on the Miami police force as a forensics guy. The show is absolutely great and this season seems to be one of the best in a while. This season is the last ever and I can't wait to see where the writers are going to go with story. If you watch Dexter then let me know how you think it is going to end? Breaking Bad is a show that I may have actually mentioned before? It is about an ex school teacher who discovers he has cancer and turns to cooking crystal meth (sounds extreme I know). Last season ended on a massive cliff hanger and so far this season has been filled with so much fast paced drama I can barely contain my excitement!! I will be upset to see the end of both these shows and if you guys watch them I'm sure you will be too!!  The current season of Breaking Bad is available on Netflix if you want to check it out!




My Fitness Pal
Healthy eating and me go through many stages but in the last week or so I have been trying really hard to eat healthy and watch my calories. This app I have had for ages and it is really really helpful. You simply add what you have eaten and it works out the calories for you. You can download this app on Blackberry, Android and Iphone but it also has a website if you would prefer that!! This is one of the most useful apps I have and I know so many people that also use it and I would highly recommend it! 






Dunelm Mill
This has become my favourite shop recently! I went there about a month ago for the first time and feel in love! I got a new house in Brighton which I am properly moving into this month and I have been looking for some lovely house things. The prices are really reasonable and the stuff seems a really good quality. On my last visit I picked up a lovely floral pillow as well as a super cute Love sign (I may do a new home haul soon??) and I am sure I will pay this shop some more visits before I move in. 

August Favourites: Skincare and Beauty


For me the beginning of each month means only one thing and that is monthly favourites, so whilst the men in my household get excited for transfer deadline day I am locked away in my room reading/watching everyones monthly favourites. So here is my skincare and beauty picks!!

Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser
This has been my moisturiser for a couple of months now and I have been really really loving it! My skin can be quite sensitive so for me a brand like Simple is absolutely perfect. This is great for normal to combination skin types, I'm not sure how great it would be for really dry skin but it would be worth giving it a try. This has loads of vitamins in as well, so although it is a hydrating it also really good for your skin! It is a really great drugstore moisturiser that almost feels high end! Normally this is£3.50 but at the moment I think Boots are doing 3 for 2 on all Simple skincare products!!


My first time using the mask, I was a little nervous!!
Botanics Ionic Clay Mask Shine Away
Now the idea of clay masks do actually quite scare me but in the last couple of months I have really warmed to this face mask. I bought this a couple of months back because Boots were doing double club card points with any Boots Botanics purchases. I wasn't sure what product to buy but as I had recently run out of my favourite face mask I thought I would give this a try. I use this about once or twice a week and it is really amazing. The mask leaves your skin feeling really clean and clear (which is what you want from a clarifying mask).  Also this does mattify your skin so if you are oily this going to really help!This does feel quite heavy on your skin so I don't use it all the time but when I do my skin feels fabulous after! If you are looking for a clay face mask but don't want to spend big bucks I would really recommend this! 

What skincare and beauty products have you guys been loving this month? Leave a comment below and let me know! Hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading,


                                                                        L xxx

Monday, September 2, 2013

Another Body Shop Haul


I was naughty. I went shopping. Again. Whoops!

Instead of just wandering around Body Shop picking up anything that took my fancy I went in with a purpose and a list, and well done me because I stuck to that list (almost!). I wasn't going in for any skincare or body butters, I just wanted some make up.


I have been googling away so much recently looking for Mac eyeshadow dupes! I'ma  student who likes to eat rather than spend loads on make up so dupes are great for me. I stumbled upon many different websites and blogs and Body Shop Eyeshadows kept popping out so off I went to pick up a few. First I picked up Chocolate Linger, this is an ashy brown colour which I'm hoping will be a great all over lid colour but also one I could use for my eyebrows! I have only swatched these so far but I am hoping that this works (I shall keep you all informed). This one is supposed to be a dupe for Mac's Omega, which I know loads of people use for their eyebrows.


Next I picked up Moonlight Kiss, this is a black black colour and so far it looks a lot more pigmented than the other black I use (from my MUA palette) so I am excited to use it! This is apparently a dupe for Mac Carbon and like that one you can use it with a wet brush as an eyeliner. Whilst browsing these I noticed the new Colour Crush Lipsticks were in stock and decided I needed to try them! There are so many pretty colours so picking just one was very very hard. But in the end I stumbled for a bright almost neon pink 205. I am so excited to wear this as it looks really super pretty and I am loving bright pinks at the moment. 



I had noticed that everything was on 3 for 2 so I got all of this for an amazing £17. I'm excited to try all these products and I will let you know how these all measure up to the Mac ones. Hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading!

                                                                             L xxx

Sunday, September 1, 2013

August Favourites: Make Up Edition


I know this is super cliché but I seriously can not believe that today is September 1st! Where has the year gone. August has been a weird make up month, I have gone from loving make up to hating make up and then right back to loving it again. So I shall stop rambling and get on with my favourites.

Maybelline Baby Lips
Cherry Me and Coralista
I have already mentioned these lovely lip balms too many times on this blog so I'm going to keep this brief but basically I love them! My favourite is Cherry Me, it leaves a super pretty dark pink slightly red colour on your lips and leaves them feeling hydrated for hours. These are great for when you are on the go and just want something quick and easy to apply. I always keep one of these in my bag at all times.



Vichy DermaBlend in 15 Opal
Another product I have already mentioned this month when I did a full review about 3 weeks ago. I am happy to say I am still loving this foundation and although I am not using it everyday (trying out lots of new foundations at the moment) I do still find myself reaching for this more than any other foundation. The finish is lovely and my favourite thing about it is that when you have it on you feel like you have nothing on your skin at all. This is quite pricey for the drugstore so I am trying to ration it out to make it last longer!!

Collection Shimmer Shades in Blushalicious 
I know I know the name of this is cheesy and cringey but please look past it! This blusher quad from Collection I have had for ages but have rediscovered it this month. I tend to just put my brush into the blush and mix all the colours together but you can also treat this as 4 seperate blushers. Mixing all the colours together makes a beautiful pink colour which adds a great flush of colour to the cheeks. This is so cheap and would look great on so many different complexions.

Benefit Coralista
Another blush and this time a high end blush. The Benefit box blushers are a favourite of so many people but are quite pricey. I got this sample size blusher in a mini set from Boots which also came with Sun Beam Bronzing Highlighter. I didn't really like the liquid highlighter that much but Coralista is amazing!! It is a lovely coral colour with a subtle shimmer in it, on the cheeks it leaves a pretty natural looking pop of colour. This blush is fast becoming my favourite blusher.

So that is all for my favourites, I haven't got that many this month but the ones I have picked I really do love!! What have you guys been loving this month? Hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading

   
                                                                        L xxx