Thursday 23 May 2013

HAUL || Make up Edition

Since I've accumulated a few products this month, I thought I'd do a little post on what I've managed to get my paws on. I don't usually buy things over an amount of time, I usually go on a big spend on pay day, but I'm trying to be good and not buy things just for the sake of it being pay day ! I've tried to only buy things I'm running low on, or things I know I'll get use out of. My make up draws are over flowing with products I never use and never will get much out of, which needless to say, has made me penny less without getting anything out of it! Annoying!


1. No7 Natural Blush tint powder in Honey* - £8.00 Gifted - I was lucky enough to have had this gifted to me by my lovely sister-in-law! I thought I'd add it to my haul anyway! I'm so grateful that I was gifted this, as it's the perfect contour shade for my skin tone! Unlike many bronzers used to  contour, they can end up looking orange or muddy. This beautiful honey/taupe colour is just what I've been looking for in a contour shade. The powder itself isn't that horrid powdery substance that can lead to loss of pigment, it packs on to the brush nicely and the pigment is amazing, it also blends superbly. 

2. Topshop Blush in Flush - £ 6.00 - I spotted this whilst browsing the Topshop make up section, and ultimately was pulled in by the rosie peach fluorescent shade... I don't know if that's a good thing! I tested it out on my hand and it was much like a creme blush but once blended, it turns into a powder. I was sold! I've only used it once so far, and like it but trying to get to grips with the formulation!

3. Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush in Veloute De Peche £7.49 - I've already done a review, and pretty much explain everything in the post. Not too over the moon with it but it works well as a subtle wash of colour.


4. Topshop Nail Paint in Celestial - £5.00 - Picked this up in the queue to pay for my blush, and fell in love with the pretty sky blue hue. Perfect for s/s!

5. Bourjois Paris So Laque Glossy Nail Enamel in Oh So Rose - £5.99 - Really pretty nude polish but takes a few coats to get a good pigment on the nail. 


6. Garnier Pure Active 2in1 Tinted Spot Roll-On concealing treatment £7.99 - Bought this and realised it wasn't the one I wanted once I got home! Nonetheless, it's a good concealer for under eyes and to cover spots. I also like that the applicator is metal and is always cold and soothes under your eyes! 

7. NYX Concealer Wand and Concealer Jar Duo - £10.00 - Heard good things about this and caved. Really amazing coverage and getting two concealers is always a good thing, right? Review soon to come!


8. Rimmel Scandal'eyes Mascara £6.99 - I really like the brush on these mascara's, they remind me of Benefit's They're Real's wand. 

9. Bourjois Volume Clubbing Mascara Ultra Black £7.99 - I used to use this all the time years ago, and when I saw it in superdrug I had a little nostalgic moment. The only thing I hate is that there's nothing to catch the product inside, so your brush is caked in mascara.

10. Rimmel Glam Eyes Professional Liquid Liner in Black Kiss £5.29 - I was keen to try this out but not loving it at the moment. I think I prefer felt tip liners, as these sort of ones can be pretty gloopy and messy!

11. L'oreal Renewal Lash Serum £3.49 - I originally got this on Fragrance Direct but it seems to have disappeared  so I found it on Direct Fragrance. I've not used this long enough to see a difference in my lashes... I'll keep you updated! 

12. Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in Nude £3.99 - I've wanted a flesh toned eyeliner for yonks, since sometimes white can be too much in the waterline for everyday. Loving this one from Rimmel.


Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint - Stay Very Berry £5.99 - I love love love lip tints! I have so many of them! I prefer using these to lipsticks and glosses, as they're less mess and easier to use. This one comes with a balm to stop your lips from drying out from the felt tip. I want them all!


So, that's my recent purchases! Have you tried any of these products? If so, what do you think of them?

Lauren xo

Sunday 19 May 2013

Bourjois Veloute De Peche || Review




Bourjois Little Round pot Blusher in Veloute De Peche £7.49


I recently treated myself to some bits from Bourjois, and one of them being this lovely blush in Veloute De Peche, which is a peachy hue with tiny bits of shimmer in. I've wanted a nice peach blush for absolutely ages now, and thought I'd give this one a go. It costs £7.49, which is okay for a blush but the pot isn't that big at all. It comes with a little brush that you can apply the product as you go, but mine was falling apart so I didn't include it in the pictures, for some reason the hairs of the brush just fell away from it! 

Although I think it's a really nice colour, it hardly comes out on my skin at all. I don't know if it's because I'm darker than usual but I find that the powder is very powdery and the colour doesn't transfer well. I think this would probably be okay if I didn't tan and was paler, so it's worth a try if you're fair. Like I said though, I wouldn't bother if you're tanned, it just doesn't show up! boo!

I want to try out some more of these blushers, though! Have you any ideas about what colours I should try? 

Lauren xo


Tuesday 14 May 2013

Wishlist || May 2013



We all know what it's like when you're lusting after products. Your iphone notes start to overflow with lists upon lists of products that you can't wait to get your mitts on. Unfortunately for my bank balance, this has been the case for the past month and these are the products I would happily empty my piggy bank for.

1. Nars Blush in Orgasm £21.50 - Well if the name doesn't make your head cock to one side then I don't know what will but my oh my look how perfect that hue of pink is! I was under the impression from other bloggers posts on Orgasm that it was slightly coral which made me want it more but nonetheless, it's a beautiful colour.

2. Nars bronzer in Laguna £26.00 - I really really really like the look of this bronzer although I think £26.00 is a bit much for a bronzer. A lot of ladies rave about Laguna, and I believe that many use it as a contour powder? I need I need I need.

3. Nars Sheer Glow foundation £30.50 - Goddamnit Nars you're making me want to throw my bank card at you. I've heard fantastic things about this, it seems like the perfect foundation for summer. It's light-medium coverage that makes you look healthy and ready to go. I think this product will be the first to be snapped up on my list come pay day.

3. Taylor Swift Wonderstruck perfume £29.00 - I'm not a fan of Taylor Swift by any means but I do recall a trip to Boots not too long ago where a lovely sales assistant gave me a sample of this perfume which lead to me dousing myself in this amazingness for the good part of the day. It smells like candy and unicorns and just pure amazingness really. I am terrible at describing scents so that's all I can say, but it is rather sweet so if you don't particularly like sweet scents, I'd steer clear of this one.

4. Benefit's Fake Up £18.50 - I've read a lot of good things about this product and I've also seen it at work via Youtube, so it's been pretty much sold to me already. It looks amazing.

5. Bioderma sensitive 250ml £9.99 - What sort of beauty blogger would I be without having had Bioderma in my life?! I know this product has been around for donkeys but I've never really gave into it, plus not to mention is was practically unobtainable in the UK until very recently. Since I'm trying to be more conscious of how I prep my skin before makeup and also before I go to bed, I did a bit of research and this seems to be one of the best cleansers/makeup removers on the market. I am very intrigued and can't wait to give it a whirl.

6. Benefit's Watt's Up Highlighter £24.50 - Thanks to the lovely Sammi aka Beauty Crush, I have been lusting after this ever since her mention of it on her Youtube channel not too long ago, and another review on her blog, I really want to give it a try. I am addicted to highlighters and use them everyday. I only own one non powder highlighter, and It's nearly run out and I'm also unable to buy it in the shops anymore so I'm buggered. What better excuse than to buy Watts Up? 

What have you been making notes of to buy recently? Any recommendations for me?!

Lauren xo

Sunday 12 May 2013

St. Moriz Instant Fake Tanning Mousse Review!





I don't know about you ladies but, doesn't this time of year make you extra paranoid about your pasty milk bottle legs?! I know it does mine! So what better way to rid the pastiness than a nice bottle of instant fake tan? I love how more confident I feel in dresses and sleeveless tops when I've tanned! I feel healthy looking and did you know... fake tan gives the illusion of a slimmer body? Well if these aren't reasons to give it a go, I don't know what is!

I Purchased this self tanner whilst shopping on good old Fragrance Direct, and was pretty excited when I found it! I've heard a few good things about this self tanner, as it's obviously meant to be a St. Tropez double but for less, and whilst it's on Fragrance Direct it's further discounted to only £2.99!!! I also bought the St. Moriz tanning mitt for £2.99 to help apply the product, without getting horrible orange palms/hands.

First off, the smell as you apply is pretty much like soap and not repugnant or anything which makes the application experience less revolting, as I've used some tanners that smell like biscuits straight away. Unfortunately it does develop the dreaded biscuit smell overnight and you'll start to smell it up to 2 hours after application. I think it's just the product doing its thing, so I don't mind smelling awfully sickly for one night, as I tend to shower when I wake up to get rid of excess product and the smell! 

The product itself is dispensed through a pump which is easy to use. It's all very standard for a self tanner in a pump. 



One thing I loved was the little directions at the back and top tips. I thought it was a nice touch and since I'm a little bit of a newbie to fake tan, it's always nice to have something to help make me less confused as I'm applying. All of the information is laid out in simple and pretty amusing terms, so it's okay, you won't  be confused further with directions made for Einstein  It's just nice having information on the back that is straightforward and easy to follow.


This is the outcome after a few days. I feel it looks better after a few days and once it's had a few washes off to fade it out. I am naturally very fair, so if this is a bit dark for you, there is a normal tone tanner by St. Moriz, although I'm not sure on the difference. I did apply a few coats so that could be why it has come out dark, so if you only want a subtle colour, apply only the one coat. The product is easy to work into the skin, and dries VERY quickly. It didn't leave me sticky or tacky at all, and I could get dressed (into loose dark clothing!) about 5 minutes after application. I tend to crack the window in the bathroom and stand near it so the cold air dries my skin faster, you could also put your hair dryer on cool settings and go over your skin with that to dry it further. Like any tanner, I wouldn't recommend any sort of activity that makes you sweat, or anything that involves water for up to 4-6 hours after you've applied the tanner. You'll end up streaky and looking more like a hot mess than hot tanned goddess. I'd also strongly recommend bathing/showering the morning you wake up (if it's been more than 8 hours since you applied the tan) so you can get rid of extra product that may still be on your skin. I went out in the evening one night and didn't shower beforehand to get rid of extra product since I was in a hurry and unfortunately it rained, I didn't have a coat and I ended up looking like a tiger with stripes of lighter brown and un wet patches of dark brown, so please avoid this happening to you and get rid of anything that hasn't sunk into your skin before you venture out into the world! 

Another tip I can give is to not apply this or any tan meant for your body, onto your face, as it tends to make you look really dirty and patchy. I don't tan my face because it  breaks me out so I embrace a white mask face without makeup, but it means you will have to apply a darker foundation to match your body for the times you leave your house. I also have dry skin in places on my face and the tan tends to latch onto that, not matter how much I exfoliate. If you really need to tan your face, then purchase a tanner for face only. I'm sure that it's not only easier to apply but better for your skin.

 Don't forget to exfoliate! Pay special attention to exfoliate your ankles, knees, elbows and YOUR NECK! I've learned that fake tan tends to build up around the folds in your neck, especially the crook between your shoulder and neck, and leaves it looking dirty. I'd also recommend to mix the tanner with moisturizer to play down the colour on your feet and hands/wrists and palms, fingers and ears. Your fingers can look a bit dirty if the tan decides to sink into your lines and knuckles so remember to only apply a small amount and to mix with moisturizers and buff the colour in really well.

Okay... I think that's it!

Over all, I am so happy with this instant fake tanner. I am pretty sure it's my holy grail tan! I'll never turn back! I'm going to stock up on it whilst it's at £2.99.

Have you tried St. Moriz? what did you think?

Tuesday 7 May 2013

MUA Power Pout Lip Tint Review


I've been craving one of the MUA Power Pout lip tints for absolutely ages! They look pretty much like the clinique chubby sticks but for a huge fraction of the price at only £3.00. I bought mine in the shade Broken Hearted, which is a stunning watermelon red shade. It's a shade that would compliment all skin tones. 


The formula itself is sheer but buildable and works well as an everyday lip or if packed on, can work as a pretty evening lip. I really love these sort of products as I'm not the sort of girl that loves always applying lipstick, which can be pretty drying on the lips. I find that this product wears off really well and doesn't leave a line of colour around the lips and nothing in the middle, which isn't a good look! It also smells like mint chocolate ice cream (?!) and I sometimes have to refrain from putting it on my tongue... it smells that nice! Can't say that it would taste as good if I did, though!


Like I said previously, it looks exactly like the Clinique Chubby Stick. It's nothing too amazing or in your face, but still looks sleek and cute.


This is it applied :) I like to build mine up! I really want to get my paws on the other shades, I think I'm getting addicted!

Have you tried the Power Pout lip tint yet?



Saturday 4 May 2013

April Empties



1. Revlon Photoready Foundation in Vanilla - This foundation has lasted me months, although I'm not sure if that's a good thing?! I loved the coverage and how long it lasted throughout the day. I would repurchase again for sure. 


2. Organix Moroccan Argan Oil shampoo- When I first purchased this, I did like it, but all of a sudden my hair went into chaos and became really horribly dry and unmanageable. I eventually decided after accessing all my hair care that it must be the shampoo, which I was surprised at because it's meant to have such good oils in it. Once I cut it out, my hair went back to normal. I've honestly only used this to wash my makeup brushes in. I wouldn't repurchase again.



3. L'OREAL Triple Active Nourish Moisturiser- I borrowed this from my mum as she has a vast collection of face creams... and I was in desperate need! This is amazing. It's thick and creamy without being oily and makes my skin feel so smooth and hydrated. I ran out pretty quickly though, and now my skin is really really dry so I'm going to have to get this again asap. Amazing quality!



4. Batiste dry shampoo for dark hair - Not much to say because it's only a dry shampoo but I do generally like this because of the added colour, it doesn't leave ghastly white in your hair. I did purchase the lighter brown colour but it's too light and still leaves white so if you're dark like me, I'd opt for this dark one!


5. Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation- My all time favourite foundation! I seriously will always buy this, as i feel it's the only foundation that works well with my skin. Its coverage is amazing as most people know, and the longevity is amazing and really does last all day. 10/10!


6. NYC Eyeliner- One of NYC's basic liners, it's pretty good and cheap, it does what it's suppost to! Worth trying out :)

7. Benefit They're Real Mascara - Although I really enjoyed using it, it dried out SO quickly (and I don't pump my mascara so no air really gets into it), and although there's still tons of product in there still, the product distributer/catcher thing broke and is now swimming around at the bottom! I can't even use it now, because too much product comes out and I can't get rid of any excess... really not happy, especially as it cost near enough £20. I thought I would buy it again, but I don't think I will now! 

Lauren xo




Thursday 2 May 2013

Cool and Carefree


I've had this mist for around 2 years now and when I first purchased it, I fell completely in love and devoted to spraying it constantly anytime I could. It lived in my bag for months as my trusty body spray for a little pick me up! Then suddenly we broke up and I just kind of stopped using it for no particular reason... until recently. I was sifting through my perfumes and sprays and this little beauty appeared back into my life. I have officially rekindled my love for this magical body mist.

Victoria's secrets PINK always has beautiful body mists and body butters among other body related items, but unfortunately the only way you can get a hold of them in the UK is in little shops dotted around that sell all beauty related items (such as Paks Cosmetic store in Finsbury Park, North London - I bought this there), I've honestly only seen them around North London and East London - You'll have to have a little google to find your local beauty store. I know Ebay and Amazon sell them but they're being sold for really silly prices along with an even worse postage cost. I know that there are Victoria's Secret stores in London now, but I personally haven't ventured into one so I wouldn't know if they sell PINK, too. I'm guessing they do?

The VS PINK lotions and potions are always packaged beautifully. They're VERY girly and the scents are divine. They always usually have complimentary Lotion for a perfume, which I think is lovely... it's always nice to have just one scent all over and not a mish mash of lotion in coconut for example and then a fragrance in mango....could probably cause a headache! I have yet to purchase any lotions but they are most definitely on my list.

Cool & Carefree smells just like its name. It's the most cooling, fresh scent whilst still managing to smell light and girly. I am no good at describing scents, so I won't bother trying! Just trust in the name ladies!

I have another body mist by VS that I will do a review on very soon, as I'm flitting between the two.

Have you tried any Victoria's Secret Lotions and potions? What's your favourite?

Lauren xo