May Favourites: Makeup, skincare, stationery and more!

So I realise that I haven't actually done a favourites in a whole year and I actually really love this month's favourites so I wanted to share them! Maybe I should try and do this monthly? Who knows?

First up is Clinique's Even Better foundation in the shade Alabaster. I've been wearing this foundation every single day for the past 2months and I'm in love! This is definitely my winter shade though and now I've started tanning in time for summer it's a little light for me so I'll definitely be purchasing a darker shade! It's a long wearing natural finish foundation and even with my oily skin lasts all day long. You can find it here for £24.50.  

I've been loving wearing this with the Clinique Superprimer for redness which you can find here for £20.

This looks a little scary when you first squeeze it out of the tube as it really does have a yellow tint but I can assure you it does end up clear once you've rubbed this in! This is a silicone based primer which I know is controversial but I personally love and I find this really smooths out my pores and minimises the redness I have around my nose.

Next up is everybody's favourite cleanser Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish hot cloth cleanser. I love this for taking off my makeup and I recently got a travel size in my may Birchbox so I'm saving that for my holidays! I love this purely as a makeup remover as it gets everything off even waterproof mascara, but I do still need a second cleanse after. You can find this here for £15.50.

I've also been loving the Got 2b Oil-icious tame and shine styling oil this month as my hair's been getting a bit frizzy and unruly. This just helped my lock the shine back into the ends of my hair and I love using this after I've curled my hair to define the curls. It's only £4.19 here and I've had this bottle at least a year and I'm only half way through, you literally need the tiniest amount.

(apologies for the rubbish quality)

Marbling really impressed me this month with their new Lash Sensational mascara I'm actually a massive fan of their mascara's especially The Falsies, but this one is just amazing! The brush is a spoon shaped plastic brush with tiny bristles on one side and longer on the other which allows the brush to coat everyone of your lashes. I love how defining this mascara is for an everyday look but the more you apply the more volumising it gets without being too clumpy! You can get this here for £7.99.

I really struggled to capture the beauty of this lipstick in it's true form the weather here has been awful for taking pictures today. But this is definitely my most worn lip colour of the month Rimmel's Kate Moss lasting finish lipstick in 107 which you can find here for £5.49. It's just the most beautiful matte non-drying plum/berry shade and I love it! I'll be sure to capture it in a face of the day soon!

Swatched on the left is also my £1 steal of the month! MUA's white eyeliner pencil which you can find here. This is just super pigmented for only £1 and I love using this in the waterline. Plus it comes with a sharpener on the cap!

Finally, I thought I'd add some non-beauty favourites at the end. I purchased these super cute notebooks from Home sense for £2.50 each a few weeks ago and I just loved the patterns and how they're like school exercise books. I managed to find the brand online here and they have some many cute stationery item's from diaries, notebooks and folder's.

I thought I'd also share with you my favourite Youtuber of the month and this month it definitely has to be TheSacconeJoly's. I absolutely adore their little family and I get so excited at 6pm when I see their daily vlog has been uploaded! I'm obsessed with the cuteness! You can check them out here.

Now, finally a music favourite of the month has to be Hozier I am in love with Take me to church and his new song Someone new.

Comment below your favourite's for the month and thank you so much for reading!

Lauren  x

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and I own and have purchased all of these products with my own hard earned money. No companies have sponsored this post and I am not affiliated with any brands mentioned.

Makeup forever in the UK!

Just a quick post of something I wanted to share with you guys! Makeup forever is now avaliable here online at Debenhams!

I was super excited when I saw this as Makeup forever is really hard to get in the UK unless you are a makeup artist. As far as I can see most products are online and I hope they will branch out into stores soon, or at least they haven't in my local Debenhams stores. One thing i've never seen before is this new 'try before you buy' scheme so if you purchase the HD powder, Aqua smoky lash mascara or Aqua eyes waterproof eyeliner in matte black in full sizes you will receive a free sample size to trial first. Then if you don't like the product you can send back the unopened item, such a good idea especially at these prices.

In honour of these new find I thought I would share with you the Top 5 products on my Makeup forever wishlist:

1. Beauty pro box £30

Okay, so I did kind of cheat here but for £30 this is such good value and has everything I wanted to try! Here's their description: 

• 1 HD Primer (travel size) : prep your complexion
• 1 HD Loose Powder (travel size): finish and mattify your makeup
• 1 Smoky Extravagant mascara (travel size): dramatic impact mascara
• 1 Aqua Eyes 0L (travel size): creamy long-lasting eyeliner pencil for intense non-stop matte black color
• 1 Rouge Artist 43 (full size): glamorous red lipstick
• 1 Aqua Lip pencil 8C (travel size): highly pigmented waterproof red lip liner pencil
• Reusable case
• Mirror included

2. Artist plexi gloss £16 in Golden pink

I'm not going to lie here I totally want this gloss for the wand, how cool is that?!

3. HD Foundation £29

Here's what Makeup forever say:

HD Foundation is an oil-free medium-to-full coverage liquid foundation which covers skin imperfections, while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life.

4. Full cover concealer £21

A little bit pricey for a concealer in my opinion but apparently this stuff can even cover tattoos.

5. Artist Diamond shadow in Creme Brulee £13

These are really well priced and just look at that shimmer! I'm in love.

Let me know if you check anything out from Makeup forever now they're readily available in the UK!

Thanks for reading,

Lauren x

*Disclaimer- I do not own any of these products. I am simply sharing my honest opinion. I am not affiliated with Makeup forever or any other brands mentioned. These images were sourced by me from Google images and I do not own them.* Don't forget to click the follow button! x

Birchbox unboxing +First impressions- May 2015

This week I got my first ever box from Birchbox UK through the post and I couldn't wait to do a first impressions of the brand and concept as a whole.

Birchbox UK is £10 per month plus £2.95 p+p

This month's box theme was 'Free your mind' based all around the idea of being creative even in adulthood, they even included colouring pencils in the box so you can colour in the lid of this month's box. If you do upload a picture to their website you can win upto £500 in vouchers for Birchbox!

So onto what I thought of the box contents...

Wah London Nail art pen in lilac RRP £7

This pen comes with a nib end and a striper brush inside the polish. The colour is really vibrant and applies opaquely. 

On both the nib and striper brush the grip on the bottle makes it super easy to control which is a massive bonus for me.

Next up, Lumiere d'hiver by No 4 reconstructing hair masque, RRP £36

I was a bit disappointed when I saw this as there's a lot of product in this sachet but it's in an annoying foil packet. I could probably get 3 generous uses of this on my hair (which is mid-length to long) but, when I read that this was an 'extra' from Birchbox and I saw how expensive the full size is I was actually really happy! I suppose I was just being picky really.

Parlor by Jeff Chastain Moisturising Sea salt spray RRP £17

This smells amazing, kind of fruity but with a freshness to it. I love the packaging and a 30ml size of this will last me a very long time. I am yet to use it but i'm sure i'll report back when I do!

Nude Progenius omega treatment oil RRP £58

This smells like a moisturiser my mum used to use, a very classic skincare scent (if that makes any sense at all). If i'm honest I probably won't use this as when I tested it on my hand it felt really greasy which was a huge warning sign for me and my oily skin! Anyway, the packaging is really nice and comes with a cute pump bottle.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish RRP £14

Look at how cutely wrapped this came! I have to admit I already own this cleanser and I love it as a makeup remover so I was really happy to have a travel size of this to take away with me on holiday this year!

The sample is a really generous 30ml and you get another muslin cloth which I am so happy to recieve as they get so dirty with mascara and things so quickly! In a nutshell the cleanser is supposed to be applied to dry skin and is a cream formula, then removed with a warm damp muslin cloth which both exfoliates the skin and removes makeup and dirt. It can be used as a daily cleanser or just as a makeup remover on all skin types.

Finally, Jelly pong pong Caribbean sun duo bronzer RRP £15.95 and Stila lip glaze in glow RRP £15

I was so happy to receive these especially the Stila lip glaze as I'd been wanting to try one for ages!

Apologies for the rubbish swatches, this bronzer duo really doesn't swatch well but when the blush is applied to the skin it is so pigmented! I was so impressed it's a deep pink/berry toned blush and it has just the right amount of shimmer. My only downside to this product is the bronzer for my skintone is just a bit too yellowy but I do think it will work great for me in the summer. Also, it really was a huge struggle to get my brush into the one side of the compact.

(bad lighting issues :( so annoying)

The lip gloss on the other hand was really nice but does have a really strange consistency. It it's sticky at all but it does have that heavy feel which makes it last hours on the lips even eating and drinking I can still feel this on my lips. The colour is just beautiful a sheer nude with gold glitter running throughout.

Overall, my thoughts on Birchbox are mixed here's the verdict...

Pro's-

Luxury samples for only £10

Themed boxes

Luxury sized samples/full sized products

Personalised products for your skin type/hair type etc.

Birchbox point's system*

Con's-

I'm still not liking the surprise element, for me it's like wasting money until I know what i'm getting

The drawstring bag inside (currently in the bin)

As a whole I really do like Birchbox and especially like their *Birchbox points system where you can review products, refer friends etc to gain points towards money off your next Birchbox which I have been using and really enjoying collating points. (sad, I know) I suppose I just can't get my head around the surprise element of these boxes but if I were to subscribe to one of these boxes fulltime I would definatley choose Birchbox. They have the best range of products and best service I have found, I also have to add that unsubscribing was fuss-free and I can still use all aspects of their site even the shop. 

If you would like to try Birchbox I would appreciate very much if you could use my link which means I receive some points and a very big smile on my face:

https://www.birchbox.co.uk/invite/53ph6

Have you tried Birchbox UK?

Thanks for reading!

Lauren x

*Disclaimer I purchased this Birchbox with my own money and I am not affiliated with the brand in anyway. All opinions and pictures are my own and are 110% honest. I would appreciate very much if you would like to use any of my images from any of my posts if you could ask/notify me first.* Please don't forget to press the follow button it means alot, thank you x

My New years resolutions!

Firstly, I have to start off by apologising for the lack of blogging recently but i've currently been studying for my mock exams this month. So, I couldn't think of a better post than this to start of 2015!

1. Become more organised with college work
I'm totally guilty of this i'm a really organised person but when it comes to college work I seem to leave everything until the last minute it's awful!

2. Start blogging properly!
This one is a big one that I really do hope will go well this year I hope to upload a new blog post every Monday and Friday at least. I really do struggle with this one as I don't want to upload content that isn't wanted on my blog. This starts this week! So stay tuned!

3. Increase exercise
Over the Christmas period my exercise and diet routine has completely been ruined so this year I want to really focus on my health. I've been really inspired by Youtuber's like Cassey Ho from Blogilates and Karena and Katrina from Tone it up! Would you be interested in seeing a diet and exercise series?

4. Eat Fruit at least once a day
I'm terrible with this I just love my carbs too much. But this year i'm really going to try and eat fruit every single day, especially blueberries mmmm!

5. Update my wardrobe!
This year I really want to focus on fashion and constantly update my wardrobe whilst taking my old clothes to the local charity shops or collections.

What are your New year's resolutions this year?
I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and New year and I can't wait to start blogging again this year!


Lauren x

You beauty discovery box unboxing: September 2014

Happy Birthday You Beauty! This month You Beauty are celebrating their 1st birthday and giving away a free box with a coupon which I think may have expired now.

(L-R: Crabtree and Evelyn tea, Hello Fresh £25 gift card, Mavadry Polish, Toni and Guy Volumising Plumping Whip, Makeup sponge, Eyeko Hydrogel eye patches.)

I'm super happy with the contents of this months box and i'm definatley going to be ordering next months; so let's get into whats in my actual box...

You beauty is a unique beauty box that works differently to others. First of all you get to choose 2 products from the monthly list that you will recieve and the rest are all free gifts!

So this is the first thing I picked; Mavala Mavadry, a quick dry top coat. However, I can confirm that this is the best top coat I have EVER bloomin' tried!!! Such a time saver within about 5minutes your manicures complete, amazing!

The second product I chose were these Eyeko Hydrogel eye patches which are basically face masks for your eyes and I cannot wait to try them!

Now this is the main free gift this month; Toni and Guy's Volumising plumping whip. This smells, just, ahhhhmahhzingg! I love the smell of Toni and Guy products and this one has the same scent! Another thing that really excites me is that RRP this product is £7.19 and the whole You beauty box plus postage is £6.95!

And here's the other free gifts, don't get me wrong i'll probably use some of these but these are the let down of the box. I'll probably give the £25 Hello Fresh to my mum, never use the makeup sponge and i'll definatley try the herbal teas from Crabtree and Evelyn. Oh and i've already read the nifty lil magazine that comes with the box, what a nice touch!

So the You beauty discovery box is £6.95 a month whereby each month you choose 2 products to receive and a few freebies.

Have you tried any beauty boxes?

Lauren

x

*Disclaimer- in no way am I bias/sponsored/paid for this post this is a completely individual post written by myself*

DIY- Duck Tape Notebooks!

I hope it's not just me whose bored out of their minds with plain notebooks. I'm fed up of seeing the same ones in my bedroom and the struggle to find cheap AND cute ones is just bloomin' impossible!

So when I saw this Duck tape in Asda I had a brainwave...

Duck tape notebooks!

I got this hardback notebook from Wilko for £1.25 but you can use any notebook you have, I prefer A5 but the size is completely upto you, I also find hardback works best but any notebook is fine.

The duck tape is avaliable in Asda for £3 or here there are other designs but this was my favourite.

So, here goes:

Step1: Measure out a strip of your duck tape either the length or width of your notebook.

(Apologies for the bad quality, I have no idea where that shoe lace has come from :/)

Step2: Cut the strip with a pair of scissors, make sure your line is straight though.

Step3: Place down the strip starting at the spiral end with the strip on the edge of the spirals or end of your notebook.

Step4: Smooth down your strip so there is no air bubbles.

Step5: Fold over the excess tape onto the inside of your notebook to make the edges neat ( you can always stick a piece of card over it at the end).

Step 6: Continue this until you get to the bottom where you will need to create another neat edge at the bottom of the notebook by folding it over the inside again. The corners can be tricky, cut a slit to stick them over each other.

Step7: Continue this on the back of your notebook.

ANDDDD.....

TAH DAH! 

Duck tape notebooks! Cost me £4.25 to make and I still have 3/4 a roll of tape left!

Let me know if you try this craft,

Make sure to follow my blog for more posts like this,

Lauren 

x

Beauty blogger tag!

Whilst searching for ideas on what to blog I stumbled across beautyguide101's beauty blogger tag and I found it a good way of introducing myself again into the blogging world, so here goes...

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
It's naturally quite straight but has a mind of it's own and is sometimes wavy

2. What is your natural hair colour?
Dark Blonde

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?
I go to a salon

4. How often do you wash your hair?
Every other day but sometimes I try to go three days, my hair's really greasy :s

5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it?
I live in black leggings but I've recently been loving my Topshop jeans but I change up my style all the time!

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?
I've never been for a manicure or pedicure but I have gotten acrylic nails at a salon a few times

7. How often to you change your nail polish?
I tend to pick my nail polish off, whoops! So most of the time every 2 days or so. Although I can't have nail polish on for work so it all depends on my shifts that week

8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer?
I'm so lazy with toe nail polish, mine tends to last a good month but I do paint my toes in the winter

9. How long does it take to put on your makeup?
Usually around 15-20 minutes but if i'm going out usually around 30-40 minutes

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes?
I've always done face first, well foundation and face concealer then I do eyes then the rest of my face :s

11. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?
I only buy products I will use but I do have an excessive amount of makeup haha!

12. How often do you wear false eyelashes?
Hardly ever, only if I go out

13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day?
Most of the time yes but, it all just depends what mood i'm in and what i'm going to be doing that day

14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)?
If family are coming round i'll put a bit of mascara on but that's about it

15. Will you leave the house without makeup?
Yeah, I don't have a problem with wearing no makeup but if i'm going out I generally have makeup on

16. How many high end products do you have?
I definatley have more drugstore than high end products but I have a fair few Mac, Urban decay, Bobbi Brown etc products

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes?
I used to religiously wash them every week but now it's hardly ever :s

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed?
If it's a special occasion or a planned day out I generally decide the night before, however on a day to day basis I decide as i'm getting ready

19. How often do you change your handbag?
I have two main handbags that I use on an everyday basis one's black and one's a pastel pink so it completely depends on my outfit

20. What time do you get up & go to sleep?
For school/college I used to get up at 7am but for college i'm going to have to get up at 6am :( and I typically go to bed anywhere between 10pm-1am depending how tired I am

21. How often & when do you workout?
Whenever I can be bothered, whoops

22. Left-handed or Right-handed?

Right-handed

23. How tall are you?
5'2"

24. Do you speak a foreign language?
I took GCSE French but I am no where near fluent

25. How many pets do you have?
Currently, none :( but we used to have lots of fish

26. How often are you on Blogger?
I read other blogs every single day but recently I haven't been dedicating the time I should to my own blog, but that's all going to change!

27. Do you read the comments on posted blogs?
Yeah

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?
Not really I have a pretty good memory so usually just keep an eye out in Boots

29. How did you come up with your blog name?
My blog used to be called Salute a eclat which is french for salute to sparkle but it didn't fit me so when racking my brains for a new blog name it just came to me, what better name than a story about my life? After all that is what blogging is?

30. What kind of camera do you use for photographs?
Fujifilm finepix Z90

31. How often do you clean your house? (Daily, weekly, other)
I tidy around the house everyday and we deep clean it every week

32. What is your favourite colour?
Pink, Pink and more Pink!

33. What is your favorite beauty/fashion magazine?
Glamour magazine

34. Do you swear?
Ermm.... sometimes...

35. What are you doing with the rest of your day?
I've actually booked into get my eyebrows done then i'm off to shop for a few new items for college and a back to school haul!

So, I tag every single one of you to do this tag!

Lauren

xoxo