My Birthday Wishlist

Hello Beautiful!

It's my birthday on the 31st March and this year, Its on Easter - which probably means I'll be fobbed off with Easter eggs as birthday presents *sign*

However, I am going to reveal my wish list - which consists of things I'll never be able to afford & things that I hope to get! Enjoy guys!

1. A pair of Jeffrey Campbell's

Aaa, Jeffrey Campbell - How I love thee! The Alexander McQueen of the shoe world. I already have a fake  pair of the studded Litas, which I absolutely adore! I would like a flat pair & these are so nice!  The silver studs in the shapes of stars and skulls really give the shoe a McQueen edge! I found a pair of these babies on the T K Maxx website, so I'm sure there will be a pair instore. Price: £49.99 [I think] 

2. Lush Snow Fairy shower gel  

    

It has finally happened. I have ran out of the most gorgeous smelling shower gel I have ever had. And yes, I'm upset. This will probably mean that I'll have to result in buying the shower gel on eBay, I just get a little bit paranoid when I buy my hygiene essensials from there as you never know what they have done to it!

Price: £5.00 - £17

3. Macadamia Oil Healing Oil (bit of a mouthful there!)

                                

I am OBSESSED witht this! it makes my hair unbelieveably soft and I really think that it 'fixes' my hair. The Macadamia collection really is a miracle to hair as the oil can penetrate the hairs cuticle and make your hair unbelievably shiny. The catch? Its expensive. And i'm a commuting student.

Price: £30 for a decent sized bottle.

4.  A Ragdoll Kitten

                                     

Anyone who knows me knows I'm obsessed with cats! I absolutely adore them & I cannot resisit a fluffy kitten! I mean, look at those eyes! :3 in reality, I already have a gorgeous kitty - My Cookie <3

                

How beautiful is she?

5. Tickets to see The Lawson play

Probably my favourite boy band of all time. Sorry Busted & McFly! I love how there songs tell a stroy & there is so much meaning behing it! And there voices are divine. Making my heart melt!

6. Money

Money doesn't make the world go round, but it does help! I'm going to the Ark Clearance sale with my little sister and a bit of spending money wouldnt go a miss!

7. Adore Your Couture Items

                         

How cute are these items? Adore Your Couture are a small company that customise accessories such as phone cases, sunglasses and most recently bikinis and shorts, which I cannot wait to purchase! I really want to get the hair brush and a pair of spikey shorts from the brand - fingers crossed! Oh, and the 'bad' ring!

8. Just by Just Cavalli

This is probably top of my birthdat list. The smell of this is absolutely beautiful! definitly a scent I would wear!

This is all I can think of so far! If I think of anything else, Ill add it on!

What are on your wish list at the moment?

Lauren

xoxo

Make Up Review: MUA Undress Me Too! Palette

Hello my Beauties!

Everyone who is interested in make up will have heard of the Urban Decay Naked palettes - a mixture of neutral eyeshadow's consisting of matte & shimmer shades. Anyone who has ever attempted to try & buy the palette will know how expensive it is (worth the price, may be so).

However, the make up team at MUA have given them a run for their money - by creating two dupe palettes at a fraction of the price! The Undressed & Undress Me too (Naked & Naked 2)

Today's review is on the newest palette - Undress Me Too - which sold 1,000 copies in the first day (yes, they're THAT good!)

Here's some swatches:

As you can see, they are quite shimmery but the pigment of the colours are incredible for saying that the palette is only £4 from their website. Now, to compare to the actual Urban Decay Palette:

Pretty good duplication if you ask me!

In my opinion, although I do like Urban Decays palettes - not everyone can afford them & MUA have made an exceptional duplication of the product which is extremely purse friendly. Keep up the work MUA!

Lauren

xoxo

My growing love for Lush

Hello my Darlings!

For some extraordinary reason my previous Lush review has been deleted so I am going to do an all-round review on a few products on Lush (Yay!)

I first starting using the products on boxing day when I brought my first ever gift set and products. Since then, they've become an everyday essential in my beauty regime.

Vanilla Dee-lite: My ALL TIME favorite lush product. This classic body butter has the most indulgent smell I have every smelt in a product (aside from perfume) as it is infused with vanilla pods. Not only does it make me smell great, It makes my skin feel so soft!

Snow Fairy shower gel: This shower gel really does take me back to my childhood. The sweet, incising smell just makes me feel like a child in a sweetie shop! and with the lquid being pink, How can I resist?

Retread conditioner: This conditioner makes my hair feel extra soft & seems to help my split ends. This is due to it being infused with Olive, Jojoba and Avocado oils to give a deep condition. This also reminds me that I need to buy some more!

Father Christmas Ball Ballistic: Anyone who has tried this bath bomb know that it really  is a festive treat! From the way it fades from pale red to a Christmas tree green mixed with red glitter to the exotic aroma of Mandarin Oil & Orange Flower.

Marilyn Pre-wash treatment: Although I have already done a review on this (which can be found here) I really doe recommend this for any brassy blonde as, not only does it help tone the brassiness, it helps treat brittle blonde hair.

So, which Lush Product shall I try next?

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

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

 

 

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