My Bad Hair Experience

Hello my Lovelies!

I wanted to tell you - well, really warn you - about a recent bad hair experience that I encountered.

Before this time, I have never had a truly bad hair experience apart from when I bleached my hair and it was green, orange and yellow! But this has well and truly scared me.

I recently started using the Tresemme Keratin Smooth. I've never had any problems with this brand before but, for some reason, this shampoo and conditioner doesn't agree with me.

After one wash, my hair started to malt a little bit more than usual. My mother, as a hairdresser, just thought that it may be getting rid of the dead hair as it has so much more protein in it. However, as the days carried on, more and more hair began falling out and I got really worried. It was the only product that I had changed in my routine.

Since then, my hair is so much more thin (I used to have a lions mane) & I've had to have a hair cut, which I hate :(

After some research, I found other people with the same problem such as this blog and a list of harmful ingredients commonly avoid. Funnily enough, Tresemme has 2 of these ingrediants.

I really DO NOT recommend this shampoo!



Lauren

xoxo

When Lauren went shopping in Nottingham ....

Hello my Darlings!

I am constantly going backwards and forwards to Nottingham, and even when I'm not at University i'll still end up there!

I don't know what attracts me so much to Nottingham; the mixture of new buildings with the iconic town hall, the overflowing population that seems to fill market square ... or it could be the amount of independent shops, designer boutiques and variety stores that are placed around the city.

I live in the neighbouring city of Derby - which is quite quaint and known for it's rural landscapes - so when I first start to discover the city, I was very much overwhelmed with the amount of shops available! They even had a MAC (yes, this may not sound like alot to people but I LOVE MAC products!)

And so, I've become quite attached to the city - and it is my main focal point when it comes to shopping. I managed to pick up a few bits when I needed to round up a few sources;

Peacock Notepad:

      

Isn't it stunning? This little notepad by Punch Studios was found amongst other notepads in T X MAXX for a bargain price of £4.99! Just the artistic, exotic look of the whole journal totally won me over! the vivid purples, the focus on the peacock and the delicate flowers (I would like to say they're jasmine or a lotus?) really is beautiful! and the pages are great quality too. I thought that it would be a good time to get a good, sturdy notepad for all the reports that i'll have to do (abit late, huh?)

Soap and Glory Super-Colour Fabulipstick & Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick:



Since I saw this product in my local boots store, I've been dying to try it! and ended up buying it the other day. I chose the Fushsia-ristic shade as I really am a lover or deep pink and red lip colours (being so pale, I believe it compliments my skin!)



Just tested the product on the back of my hand and, unlike the gloss, the consistency is alot less stick! which I really like. And it smells like chocolate! yummy!



I was very fortunate enough to get the 'wowed' lip set in the boxing day sales and fell in love with 3 of the shades. Guava Rama is one of them!



I love this deep reddish pink with it's hint of shimmer, It really looks nice for as toned down red lip look.

So what have you brought recently? anything special?

Lauren

xoxo

p.s. I'll have some more exciting reviews coming soon, watch this space!

DIY Hair mask

Hello my Darlings!

My time as a trainee/student journalist has really took it's toll on me:- having to write 4 court reports & a patch story in one week is not good! and I feel quite run down! including my blonde locks!

I was searching on the internet for some good, home-made hair masks when I came across one on AndreasChoice. The mask uses 2 key ingredients:

• Coconut oil


• Honey

The effects:

The reason behind using coconut oil is because it is one of the oils that particles are small enough to be absorbed by the hair, and with it's moisturising properties it's perfect for any hair type! The oil can be purchased at any hair retailer, or in local markets.

Honey is also great for your hair:- it helps prevent hair loss and baldness, it makes your hair shiny and the hair follicles more healthier.

What to do:

Firstly, heat up your coconut oil:- coconut oil is a solid at room temperature so, in a microwave or putting the bottle in boiling water, warm the oil up unit it goes into it's liquid state.

In a bowl, mix 50% honey 50% oil together (as much as your hair needs really! I didn't measure) mix until it's a thick consistency.

The mask can be used on both wet and dry hair, although I personally would recommend wet as the mask can lock in more moisture that way.

Slather the mask on your hair, making sure it is completely covering your head, stick either a shower cap or plastic bag on your head and relax! I left mine on for an hour :) The consistence is rather sticky so stick a towel round your shoulders.

After this time, wash your hair out with cool water & a gentle shampoo - this will make sure all of the product comes out your hair & doesn't leave it looking greasy.

The results were fantastic! and my hair definatly felt healthier :D

Tip: Another mask idea, leave in your favourite conditioner in for a few hours and see the results!

If you try this out, show me your results!

Lauren

xoxo

Update

Hello my lovlies!

Just wanted to quickly update you about what I shall be righting about this week! But firstly I again want to apologise for the lack of posts, I've been really busy with work and university work :/ so many court reports to write about! But I hope you are all well and will forgive me! :)

I am currently in the progress of trying 2 hair masks: Marilyn by Lush and a DIY one I learnt from YouTube :) I also have some more lush products to review but I would like your input on what YOU think I should review! Let me know! :)

Lauren

Xoxo

 

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Getting bargains in the January sales!

Hello my Darlings!

Being the bargainista that I am, I cannot resist the Boxing Day/ January sales. Although Christmas seems like a lifetime ago, the sales are still quite intense.

So a tip: Do check out the later January sales!

Everyone usually gives up with the sales as soon as January passes the first week, thinking that all the 'best deals' or 'bargains' have been snatched up. Oh how wrong you are!

Yesterday, I went shopping with the girlies and we stubbled across the lingerie retailer Ann Summers. With valentines on the way, I thought it only fitting to get some new underwear!

Wandering around I stubbles across these little gems!









I also purchased the matching g string, which cost me £3.50 instead of £10!

I saved well over £50 and I can happily say that I am proud of my bargains!

These were hidden, and there wasn't an actual sales section so make sure you check around and look for the bargains!

So, why did you get in the January sales?

Lauren
Xoxo

Review: Lush Vanilla Dee-Lite

I have dreadfully dry skin, and I'm always looking for new products to make my skin like a baby's bottom!

During the boxing day sales, I was able to get my hands on a White Christmas gift set; which contained this beautiful product!

The product not only makes my skin extra smooth, but it also smells absolutely delicious! I cannot get enough of it (mixed with my snow fairy shower gel, I smell edible!) I recommend anyone who hasn't tried this product to give it a go!

 

Lauren 

xoxo

Brand Review: MUA

Hello again my Darlings!

I just couldn't resist doing another entry! :) and today I am going to review (well, express really!) a brand that I have known for quite a while now.

MUA (standing for make up academy) is a affordable cosmetics company which is based in the UK. The brand delivers quality make up for a fraction of the expected price! for example:- a lipstick may be £1, nail polish - £1 and single eye shadows for £1! Total bargains in the economy we have at the moment!

But, It doesn't stop there! the brand also has a professional line, containing foundations, eyebrow kits, mascaras! everyone of their products are under a tenner! including the pro range :)

What makes them unique compared to the rest of the beauty companies out there is there interaction with their customers. MUA have both a Facebook and Twitter feed which helps them keep in touch with their customers; asking them what products they want, showing how to use the products & their offers when they reach a certain amount of likes/followers. For example, at the moment they have 50% of their products a free international shipping! and you thought that they were cheap enough!

I really do adore the brand; quick shipping, new products every month! Seriously, check them out online or in your nearest superdrug!







Lauren

xoxo

Review: My favourite perfumes

Hello my darlings!

I'm extremely sorry for the lack of posts, I have been overwhelmed with work at university & it has finally took it's toll. But, I thought I'd share with you my 3 all time favourite perfumes and why I adore them so much!

1. Kim Kardashian By Kim Kardashian

I went perfume shopping with one of my girl friends in Westfield & I came across this little gem! at first, I was abit hesitate to try it as I had heard quite a few bad reviews. However, the fragrance has totally won me over! it's floral, sweet scent really gives me a feeling of feminism and makes me feel good about myself! and it lasts all day long :) I believe I got it off an eBay site & it can be purchased here (cheapest I've seen it so far!)



2. Touch of Pink by Lacoste

I received this lovely gift for Christmas and, although I am more of a floral/sweet scented lover - I really like the scent. The freshness and fruitiness of the fragrance is quite refreshing, with hints of jasmine & orange giving it a modern and quite unique edge. The perfume can be brought from Fragrance Direct for a discounted price!



3. Reb'l Fleur by Rihanna

I was shopping a few months back, when the fragrance was first released and I instantaniously fell in love with it. It's floral, exotic scent really - well, I'd like to think - smells like how we would imagine Rihanna to smell. I felt sexy & sophisticated, and very glamorous! The gift set can be purchased here and is an actual steal!



I will be writing another review later! so let me know how you find the post!

What's your favourite perfume? Let me know!

Lauren

xoxo

My First Couture Item!

Since I first discovered Glamour magazine, I've always been a huge admirer of high end fashion brands:- Chanel for their quilted handbags, Jimmy Choo for his adorable shoes and also Louis Vuitton.

I think it must have been Christmas 2009 when I discovered my love for Mr McQueen. His outrageous and fun designs were displayed in Selfridge's windows and I was completely amazed. This week, I was extremely excited to get my hands on a genuine and infamous skull scarf from the lovely Adore YourCouture!

Oh my gosh! I am completely in love with the scarf! I was sceptic at first because i wasn't sure if it was the genuine item but, after much research, I can happily say it is :) and at a steal price of £15, you cannot go wrong



What is your favourite Couture item?  or your favourite brand? Let me know!

Lauren

xoxo

Apologises & Review: Reelva Wig!

First of all, I would like to apologise for not writing a post yesterday :( I really wanted to but unfortunately, I had university deadlines & I had to hurry up home to make sure that I wasn't stranded in Nottingham!

So! this morning, when I was busy finalising the corrections on my patch stories (oh, the joys of being a student) I heard the familiar knock on the door from the postman and today I was lucky enough to receive a wig!

Now, this is my first wig and I've brought it for two reasons: because I DESPERATLY want candy pink hair & because very soon I am having a photo shoot with the lovely Tilly Kozimor (check out her work & me here ;) )



The EXTRMEMELY affordable wig is from Reelva on, where else, than eBay. The wig itself cost £8.50! bargain right?! and free P&P :D I absolutely adore it! it doesnt itch, comes with a wig cap and is exactly what it says on the tin!



And here is a picture of me wearing the wig! unedited! :D I shall definatly be purchasing from here again!

So would you wear a wig? what colour :P Let me know!

Lauren

xoxo

Make up: What I use on my face

Hello my Darlings!

I'm currently sat in one of my politics lectures, and I was thinking about what I could do next for you!

So today, I'm going to talk about my foundation routine and what I use :)

Firstly, I want to highlight my skin. I am extremely paled skin with most foundations leaving me with the dreaded orange tint so finding a affordable pale foundation is ridiculously hard to find. I also have quite dry skin, and a sort of oily nose (I think, could just be shiny!) so I always use liquid foundation :)

Before I apply make up

Before I even pick up my make up brushes I cleanse, tone and moisturise my face. For this, I use an Almay cleanser, Dermalogica toner and the Soap and Glory feel good factor moisturiser. All of these products I can happily say have improved my skin & I have noticed I have less spots! Bonus points for that!

My Products

Primer: The MUA primer - this affordable primer is extremely good! And I feel that it does make my foundation last longer. When I can eventually afford it, I will buy the Benefit That Gal primer as this is my all time favourite primer but since I am on a budget, the MUA primer works great!

Liquid foundation: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation - I discovered this foundation a few days ago and I have got to say I am totally in love with it! And shade 51 is perfect for my skin! It makes my face feel soft, and covers my red blemishes on my face :) happy girly! However, before this I was using No7 Protect and Perfect foundation in calico but I could not afford this.

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me - although the type of concealer I use doesn't really bother me I really like the coverage this concealer gives! And actually manages to cover up my dark circles around my eyes. What's more, the concealer is extremely affordable!

Setting powder: No7 Pressed powder - I generally just use this to take away the shine of the foundation & to 'smooth' out my skin. The shade I use is translucent :)

Foundation Brush: Elf Stippling brush - before I discovered the stippling brush I was addicted to using sponges. But, then I saw many reviews on this brush and with the brush being so affordable, I just had to try it! And I'm so glad I did! The brush helps me achieve my a flawless finish and I have completely fell for it!

I hope you enjoy this my darlings! And let me know what you would like me to do next, or if you recommend any foundations!

Lauren

Xoxo

How to: Caring for blonde hair

Through the years, I've been every hair colour under the sun:- black, dark brown, red ... pink! (before it was cool) but I always return to my favourite hair colour .... Light Blonde! (yes, I am barbie!)

However, being so blonde was never an easy mission. I am naturally a medium brown, which you'd think would be easy to dye blonde ... apart from my natural red tint :( I never was able to straight on bleach it without it turning a vivid ginger. But with time, patience and a little help from some brilliant products, I managed to obtain my dream hair colour!

Before:



Ta-dah!:



So, the products I use to maintain the blonde - Purple Shampoo


My favourite has got to be L'Oreal Professionnel Silver Shampoo, expensive but I really feel like it takes the horrid yellow, brassy tones. Although it's quite expensive at £11 a bottle, I would recommend searching on eBay for better results.

Deep Conditioner

My all time favourite leave in conditioner, without a doubt has got to be Aussie's 3 minute miracle in reconstructor! it is a complete god send to my hair! I will leave it on my hair for as long as I can bare it and my hair always feels alot healthier, shinier and softer. Another high end product but I know Asda or Superdrug do 3 for £10 on Aussie products all the time and a bottle of the stuff last a good few months!

How I went from dark to blonde:

Oh gosh, I would like to say now that the way I went from dark to blonde is a long process. I put my condition of my hair first before the colour. I would recommend getting a local hairdresser (or if you dare do it yourself!) and bleach your hair :( or use the Live XXL absolute Platinum hair dye to try and take out all the dark pigment out of your hair. Also, if you could get hold of a bleach with a blue tint, this will help tone down the brassy tones. y
Yes, you may go ginger but with a help of a good toner (L'Oreal PO1 is brilliant) AND purple shampoo (L'Oreal or touch of silver if you cannot afford the L'Oreal) With time, your hair WILL lighten, just don't do it every week like I know it may be tempting to!

I hope this helps anyone who wants to go from dark to blonde, we do have ALOT of fun ;)

Lauren

xoxo

Why you should always check the bargain sections ...

No one likes to overspend right? finding something you brought for a cheaper price just makes you wince :( especially when you could use the cash for something else (those shoes you desperately want or a Starbucks)

Well, I am luckily enough to have one of the most jammiest mothers in the world! she would come home with luxury items and they only be a fraction of the price! and she has guided me to become a bargainista myself (I always get called cheap because if I know something is cheaper elsewhere, I will go there)

One of the best things I could recommend (apart from looking for the best deals bla bla bla) would be look for clearance sections. Most places have them! Superdrugs, Boots ... Asda! with items that are slightly damaged i.e. the packaging or they just may be trying to get rid of the stocks. So, next time you go in ... have a gander round the shop and see if you could spot any & let me know if you see anything good!

My bargain of the week!



Enjoy my lovelies!

xoxo

Review: Soap & Glory Smooch operator Lip Butter

Hello my Darlings!

 

Browsing through the Soap & Glory health section I happened to notice this little gem! Now, I must have THE worse lips in the history of mankind when it comes to being chapped and dry. I haven't really come across any that have actually improved my lips and being such a S&G addict (and proud!) I thought it would be only right for me to try it.



 

Soap & Glory have referred to this as 'A super-conditioning lip butter moisture & repair balm for dry, cracked lips.' and I have got to agree with it completely! and the smell!! absolutely GORGEOUS! coconutty goodness! I think, this used with the Popcorn lip scrub by Lush (which I will be reviewing soon) will do even the driest lips some good.

Do you want to know what's better? The lip butter is £4.00 at the moment instead of £6, and this includes all skincare!

http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-Glory-Smooch-Operator-Lip-Butter-Balm_1283322/

 

Enjoy!

Lauren

xx

 

 

A little something about me!

Hello my Darlings!

Well, I thought I would write a little about myself for all the people who actually don't know who I am :)

As you know, my name is Lauren and I am nearly 19 years old. I am juggling being a journalist student with being (well, hoping!) a loving girlfriend to my boyfriend Ryan whom I've been dating for over 2 years. I can happily say that I am happy with him and he means the world to me. I love to read - with my favourite book being Romeo & Juliet as I would consider myself to be a hopeless romantic. I also am a part time model for the gorgeous Tilly Kozimor. Her work can be viewed here, go and have a look & like her page!





Hopefully, when I've finished this course I will end up working in the fashion magazine industry (cliché, I know!) and be living the dream :)

so tell me about yourselves? and what would you like me to do/review? let me know!

Lauren

xoxo

 

UPDATE: and an amazing sister named Elysse, go check her out on twitter! https://twitter.com/Elysse_lee

Shoe Review: Jeffrey Campbell style Boots

Since I first came across the popular boots, I knew I had to have a pair. I never really was a shoe person but something drew me to these shoes - the fact that I never saw anything like them before? the gorgeous studded heel? whatever it was, I was determined to have them. However, with me being a student I could hardly fork out much for a pair (my heart did sink a little when I saw the price tag) so I returned to my best friend - eBay - and came across this:

I

With alot of 'ooohing' and 'arrrrring' I decided to buy them, and I have never looked back! as soon as they got delivered in the post, I had to wear them. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to walk in them, but the concealed heel gave me the comfort and support I needed. J'adore!



Now, for the best bit: the price tag. I was willing to spend a good amount on these pair of beauties and I was pleasantly suprised at the price tag. £18.95!! yes, you read that correctly! and £4.95 P&P, how could you go wrong?!

go shop my darlings: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251210516597

truly recommended!

So tell me, what are your favourite pair of shoes/heels/boots? and why?

Until tomorrow,

Lauren

xoxo

Review: Soap & Glory Motherpucker in Punchbowl

Since I met the brand 3 years ago, I have been a HUGE fan of Soap & Glory. The smell of absolute luxury, the comical names & the 50s theme. So girly!

The controversially named lip-glosses 'Motherpuckers' have always been a favourite of mine - although I know people are not keen on its sticky texture and the tingling sensation it causes your lips. Personally, I love these qualities - it what makes these lip-glosses so unique. I was very lucky this year & got given the big gift set which contained the 'punchbowl' lipgloss. This is a swatch and the actual lipgloss:



If any of you lovelies have followed the development of the brand, you'll know how this lipgloss has developed. Compared to the original 'candyfloss' gloss, the gloss is more pigmented & very fashionable with it's baby pink colour & also now has a longer staying time. 10 points S&G!

The Soap & Glory brand have knocked down their prices at the moment at boots so go and grab a bargain!

Lauren

xx

Clothes review: Dorothy Perkins and New Look

I love the festive season: the food, the family time where no arguments will take place, the joy across people's faces when they open their presents ... Always a feel-good factor. With all this being said, there's nothing better than the Boxing Day sales/ January sales. This year, most of my Christmas money went on my favourite bath range Soap & Glory (which I will be reviewing soon) and my new addiction Lush (again, I shall be review a few of the products soon).

I struggled however to find any clothes or shoes I desired, which is odd for me seeing as I would consider myself a shopaholic. Everywhere I looked I couldn't find anything I wanted. So I turned to the Internet and managed to find some gorgeous items at Dorothy Perkins (with an extra 15% off every sale Item, how could i resist!):



Both of the tops were £10, knock down from £26(ish) and the dress was £12 instea of £45. Total bargains if you ask me!

They arrived promptly in the post and I can happily say that I am happy with my purchases! I shall be hopefully wearing all my clothes this week :)

I also managed to pick up some GORGEOUS leopard print ankle boots from New Look for just £12! (bargain!)



Usually heels give me terrible footache (damn size 4 feet) but I can safely say these did not give me any such ache! a total pleasure to be in :)

Stay tuned darlings!

Lauren

Xx

Review: 'Bling' eBay phonecase

Anyone who personally knows me knows that I love my phonecases and always tend to go for extravagant and unusual covers. Today this is no exception. Browsing through my favourite site eBay and I came across this gorgeous phonecase:





With a price tag of £7.95 and free postage, I thought it would be only fair that I have it a shot.

The package arrived 2 days after the purchase, which is a bonus seeing as the postage was free. The package contained the phone case, a protective cover for your screen with a cloth, and extra gems to stick on the front - something that I know will come very handy.

The phone case is extremely beautiful, with diamantés and pearls covering the clear case. The detail is brilliant- with the edge holding what I call dangly bits (harhar) which holds a little Eiffel Tower.

Pros: The detail on the case is gorgeous
Handy extra gems given for free
Quick delivery
Cons: After having the case for a day, half of the dangly bits came off due to a 'O' rings came loose, easily fixed but still quite annoying.

Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Purchase from the line below:

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=350664265715

The case is called 'I love you'

Enjoy my lovelies!

Lauren
Xx

Reviews

Good morning my darlings!

I have decide that by Sunday I will have reviewed 3 new products that I have received over the last week:- a pair of leopard print boots, a phonecase and 20 inch extensions

If there is anything else that you would like me to review, let me know!

Lauren
Xx

The Beginning of Something New ...

Hello there my darlings!

Being a trainee journalist I thought it only fitting that I started my own blog. I shall be writing in my blog every few days, updating you on my life, my course and hopefully reviewing some products when I get the chance!

Hopefully there will be better things to come :)

Lauren

xx