Getting Organised!

Since I finished Uni LAST YEAR I haven't had any proper storage to store my ever growing mountain of cosmetics.

BEFORE: A bit of a mess!!!

I finally got around to organising my stuff last week!!

AFTER

I was passing Ryman in my local shopping centre and I popped in to see if they had anything I could use.

I bought a three draw storage unit and it fits the majority of my most used make up in it.

I bought an acrylic pen pot and put all of my mascara and hair grips in it

Top Drawer: Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Bronzer, Blusher etc!!

Middle Drawer: Lip Products

Bottom Drawer: Bases & Single Eyeshadows, Pencils.

Brushes!! Sorry they're pretty filthy, but I've got them in a glass vase I bought from Tesco wrapped in ribbon and filled with brown rice.

Finally just my other pretty side of my mirror, all of my skincare, shower and hair stuff is over this side!!

Hope you enjoyed my brand new set up!!

Lots of Love, Laura xxx

TWITTER

Just A Quick One...

Hello!

It's been ages since I've done an 'In & Out' post, and I've been so busy this week, it's all I have time to do tonight :(

IN

- Lipstick.
I cannot get enough of lipstick recently, I've grown more confident with different shades, and have found some really pretty products!!

- Storage
I've finally managed to organise my make up! It looks a lot less out of control now, I'll try and show you soon!

- My New Job.
There's so much to learn and I'm looking after a million different things, but hopefully I'll settle into it and it will all be fine!!

OUT

- Clinique 3 Step
I decided to give my skin a rest from the harsh system and funnily it's got much better! My T-Zone was getting REALLY oily. So I've switched to "Yes to Carrots" cleanser and my old Garnier toner, and it's feeling much more balanced!!

- Having NO time.
I've had no time this week at all and I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel yet! Roll on Saturday!

So that's it, what are your In & Outs??

Laura xxx

ps love this!!

(www.weheartit.com)

Getting Lippy

Hey Everyone!

Sorry I've left it over a week between posts, I've had a pretty crazy few weeks, I'm in the process of changing jobs so I've had a lot of training days and paperwork to fill out etc!

I've been trying (and failing) to cut back on major make up purchases, but I appear to have bought lots of lip products in the last two weeks.

I've managed to purchase:

YSL Rouge Volupte No.2

Burt's Bees Lip Stash

Barry M 62 Lip Paint

Barry M Lipgloss in 2 (Toffee)

MAC Viva Glam Gaga

So much for cutting back!!

YSL Rouge Volupte No.2

How could you not fall for that amazing packaging! £21.00 for a lipstick is a bit obscene and I won't be getting these on a regular basis but in a moment of madness I decided to take the plunge!

I love the rose scent of this too, It's the same as the cream blush I own and I love it.

It's a lovely SUPER creamy nude and it's quite addicting when you apply it as it glides on so smoothly!

Viva Glam Gaga

Yes, I know, GaGa overload...BUT this is my perfect 'day' pink!!

Yummy!

I look gormless and weird with no hair, but you can see how it goes with a neutral everyday face here!!

Barry M Toffee Lipgloss

My lips are naturally quite pigmented so this gloss just gives it a nice healthy lift!!

It smells good enough to eat too, not unlike the Urban Decay pocket rocket gloss.

Last but no means least...

Barry M Lip Paint 62.

I LOVE THIS COLOUR

It's my favourite of the lot and it cost me under a fiver!!

I'm not afraid of a bit of colour and this hits the spot!

I wore Burt's Bees under all of these and It's lovely, review to come!!

Lots of Love

Laura xxx

Let The Battle Commence.

It's the age old question, does paying more always equal a better product?

Four products have had me pondering this question more and more over the last few weeks.

Round 1

NARS SHEER GLOW VS MAX FACTOR SECOND SKIN

This has been my constant dilemma, one costs £29, the other under £15, and they both deliver a similar result.

I realise that Nars has a much wider colour range than Max Factor, but both brands deliver the perfect shade for me.

Now here's the thing, A) I really don't need a hell of a lot of coverage and I'm blessed with pretty clear skin and B) I'm lazzzyyy when it comes to foundation application in the morning.

I've been turning more and more to Second Skin recently because for me, this stuff it fool proof, I use a clean sponge and whack it on, and it really is the business!!

Sheer Glow also provides me with a lovely finish, but I find it takes a me more time to apply, having to really work it into the skin. I've noticed I look a little funny in some pictures with this, has anybody else noticed this??

With both of these foundations I have to powder my T-Zone as after a long day I can go from glowing to shining...not desirable. Sheer Glow seems to go much quicker, and I have to be extra vigilant.

I'm on to my second bottle of Sheer Glow, and now I'm hesitant to repurchase again when I've found a cheaper foundation that works wonders for me.

Round 1 Winner: SECOND SKIN FOUNDATION.

Round 2

MAC Blissed Out vs Rimmel Pro in Beige Style.

I have raved and raved over Blissed Out, It is the most gorgeous Peach Nude you will ever find BUT the consistancy of it is less the desirable, It took my FOUR coats to get this anything like the colour in the bottle, and I really don't have the patience to sit and do this very often.

Rimmel Beige Style is a more true nude than Blissed Out but can be applied with quickly, needed two coats max and dried in minutes.

Considering I paid £8 for the MAC Polish and £2.49 for the Rimmel (on offer at superdrug now) the pricing almost seems the wrong way round.

I know many people aren't the biggest fans of MAC's polish, and it seems justified, I recently purchased Coconut Ice from MAC and couldn't even bring myself to show you all the results and it was so damn streaky even after 3 or 4 coats!!

Although you may think the Rimmel is the clear winner here, I'm going to have to call it a draw, as I really can't beat the colour of Blissed Out, it's my perfect Nude!!

Round 2 Winner: DRAW!!!

In future I'm going to be much more careful when purchasing higher end products, you never know whats out there!!!

Laura xxx

TAG: 40 Beauty Questions.

I've really enjoyed watching/reading the 40 questions that have popped up recently, and I've just finished reading Laura's (Lollipop26) post, so hot on her heels, here are mine!!

SKINCARE:

How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice, once in the morning when I'm in the shower, and then before I go to bed.

What skin type do you have?
I have combination/dry skin, It gets a lot more dry in the winter so I have to up the moisture!

What is your current facial wash?
I'm using Clinique's mild liquid facial soap, I only use this once a day though, as I think it's too harsh to use twice daily.

Do you exfoliate?
Yes, I do it as and when though, the Clinique 'Clarifying Lotion' is apparently an exfoliator too, but I love give my face a good scrub when I feel It needs it :)

What brand do you use?
I'm trying to use up my Benefit 'Honey Snap Out Of It' at the moment, I really rate Nivea Visage Radiance Boosting Daily Scrub too.

What moisturiser do you use?
I'm currently using Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion. (If you haven't already guessed I'm using the 3 Step System at the moment!)

Do you have freckles?
Yes, They used to be a lot more noticeable when I was younger, but they're very faint now, unless I go out in the sun, then they really stand out!

Do you use eye cream?
I don't use an eye cream, although I was taking a few pictures for a mascara review the other day and really decided I needed to!

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
I've been very lucky with my skin, all the women in my family have fabulous skin, If I have my nans skin when I'm her age I shall be very happy! I do occasionally get the odd hormonal spot on my chin, but overall I don't do too badly.

Did you ever have to use Pro-Activ?
Nope, see above :)

MAKE UP

What foundation do you use?
I'm switching between two at the moment, NARS Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc and Max Factor Second Skin in Warm Ivory. I'm a pale pauline this winter!!

How about concealer?
I use Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer under my eyes and If I need the occasional cover up, I use MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer.

Do you know your undertone colour?
I do, I have warm/pink undertones! I've always longed for more golden, olive undertones, but I'm afraid my Scottish roots don't agree!

What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I think they're great when you go out and want to make a special effort, but in everyday circumstances, I really don't have the time or patience!!

Did you know you're supposed to change your mascara every three months?
I did know this :) I only usually have a maximum of three mascaras on the go at one time because I think anymore is just a waste, I only have two eyes!

What brand of mascara do you use?
I'm using MUFE Smoky Lash, Revlon Fabulash & Maybelline Lash Stiletto at the moment.

Sephora or MAC?
When I get to a Sephora it's always a huge novelty because we don't have them in the UK, but I'm going to say MAC because I love so many of their products!

Do you have a MAC PRO card?
Nope! It's probably just as well because It would just increase my already ludicrous stash.

What make up tools do you use in application?
On an everyday basis I use my MAC 129, 224 & 187. I've been using a sponge for my foundation a lot lately and I really do prefer the results.

Do you use a make up primer for the eyes?
I use Bare Study Paint Pot most days, if not I'll use UDPP or another PP shade.

For the face?
I've never been sufficiantly impressed by a primer to keep using it consistantly, so no. If your using a good moisturiser, I think that's enough.

What is your favourite eyeshadow?
MAC Grand Entrance is my ultimate favourite, If anybody knows where I could source another one, PLEASE let me know!!
I adore MAC Phloof, Twinks & Orb too.

Do you use pencil or liquid liner?
I mostly use pencil I like a more messy look, but I love Blacktrack Gel Liner from MAC.

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil??
Um, I don't think I ever have?

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
I think you can get some stunning pigments, but I have to make a special effort to use them, as I usually grab my palette and pick whichever colour I fancy.

Do you use mineral make up?
No, I've never used it and It doesn't really appeal to me.

What is your favourite lipstick?
MAC Shy Girl, It's my ultimate easy to wear shade. I adore Barry M 147 too.

How about lipgloss?
Benefit Her Glossiness in Didn't Hear It From Me.

What is your favourite blush to use?
My ultimate favourite will always be Urban Decay 'Quickie' blush, but I've been using MAC Style like it's going out of fashion recently.

Do you buy your make up on ebay?
Nope, I like to see my product before I buy it, and I'm always a bit sceptical of make up on Ebay anyway.

Do you like Drugstore make up?
Yep! Finding new products that perform just as well as high end stuff is so satisfying! I could spend ages just wandering around the ailses at superdrug and boots :)

Do you go to CCO's?
I go if I'm near one but I've never made a special effort just for a CCO, they're fun though!

Did you ever consider taking make up classes?
I would love to take make up classes, maybe sometime in the future!

Are you clumsy at putting on make up??
I wouldn't say i'm especially clumsy, but well all make the odd mistake don't we!

Name a make up crime you hate?
Just too much make up in general, I'm talking Snog Marry Avoid amounts, heavy eyes, heavy lips, heavy blush, heavy bronzer! yuck.
More specifically I can't stand realllly clumpy lashes, it makes me gag a bit.

Do you like colourful shades of make up (lipstick/eyeshadow) or more neutral ones?
I've come to the conclusion I am a neutral eye girl, I'll never be fully confident rocking a crazy coloured eye! I like a bit of colour on the lips though, It makes a nice change.

Which celebrity always has great make up?
I really admire Jennifer Aniston, she never gets it wrong. I admire loads of people though!

If you could leave the house with just one make up item what would it be?
I only carry a lipstick with me in the day, so that!

Do you think you look good with no make up on?
I don't think I look terrible, put I prefer myself with a bit of slap on :)

In your opinion what is the best make up line?
I like different brands for different things, so I don't really have an ultimate favourite, but I have lots of MAC, so we can go with that!

What do you think of make up?
I think it's a fun frivolity that brings me lots of pleasure!!


Finished!! Well that was a monster!! If you made it to the end well done!

If you want to do this tag, please do, they're really fun to read!!


Lots of Love Laura xxx

Absolutely "Fabulash"

I'm not a great Revlon fan, I don't linger by their stand if I pop into Boots or Superdrug, and I don't tend to be caputured by many of their products.

I walked by a Revlon factory shop last week when I went shopping, and as I needed some new make up sponges, everything was at a discounted price, and I'd been wanting to try a new mascara and fabulash was infront of me for a fiver, so I picked one up with no expectations.

It doesn't look too special, it's plain and pretty standard, but don't let that put you off!!

It comes with a spiral brush, and I don't tend to go for this type of wand, but as I couldn't see it in store, I didn't know!

Turns out I LOVE this mascara, It thickens and adds length to my lashes.

I'm not blessed with amazingly long lashes, so I'm over the moon with the results of this cheapy wonder!!!

It normally retails for £7.99 but I wouldn't have any problem paying this for it, as I think it beats some of my higher end products hands down!! 

Lots of Love, Laura xxx 

"Shopping The Stash"

Over recent weeks I have been resisting the temptation to spend, I've been ignorning the hype and asking myself if I really "need" that product, Instead I've been taking a long hard look at my exsisting mountain of cosmetics, and resdiscovering a few old favourites that got pushed aside due to my latest obsession.

Some of these products have been in my collection for years, and some of them were bought then simply ignored after a few weeks!!

Benefit Hollywood Glo & High Beam

These two products were two of my first purchases from Benefit, and I can't remember how long ago that was, but I'm going to say YEARS.

They provide the most perfect 'glow' and I like to use them either sparingly under my foundation or on my brow bone to highlight.

I was watching videos by Amy (Dazzledust25) and Gemma (Gemsmaquillage) and they both included one of these products, I did laugh as I'd been thinking the exact thing before I watched them!

Urban Decay Pocket Rocket 'David' & MAC Eager Lipstick

David was a brief fling for me, we met, we briefly fell in love, and then I dumped him into the draw of no return. 

Over the last few weeks I've rekindled my affair with him, he smells DELICIOUS (think treacle tart), has great colour pay off and isn't too sticky. 

Eager was my very first lipstick I ever bought from MAC, and I believe it is now discontinued. It's my perfect 'subtle' red lip, It's a lustre finish and therefore isn't as bright as in the tube but I kinda like it that way. I neglected this for a long while, and it's melted, been thrown around generally had a bad time of it, but I'm going to be giving this a lot more love now I've rediscovered how nice it is! 

  

Smoke & Diamonds Eyeshadow.

When the "Love That Look" collection came out last summer, I went a big mental on all the shades as I love the formulation of these, I've used Grand Entrance & Ego to death, but for some reason this went unloved. I've been using this a lot over the last week or so to add a bit of depth to a more neutral eye and I think I'm going to keep this in mind a lot more now!

I've really enjoyed "shopping my stash" recently and I feel better for doing so!

Have you rekindled your love for any products lately? If so, tell me below!!

Lots of Love,

Laura xxx