Top of the Products: 2011.

Instead of subjecting you to yet another rave about my favourite products of 2011, I've simply named them awards style, and linked you to the appropriate rave! 

Foundation.

Winner: Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation 

Small Brand.

Winner: Connock London

Bargain Skincare Buy.

Winner: Oilatum

Essential Tool.

Winner: Sigma F82 Round Top Kabuki

Bargain Brand.

Winner: Collection 2000.

Everyday Essential.

Winner: HD Brow Kit in Vamp

Hair Must Have.

Winner: Moroccan Oil

Nail Varnish.

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark

Models Own Pink Fizz 

Bargain Blush.

Elf Mineral Blush in Coral  

Scent.

Molton Brown Alpudre 

Jimmy Choo 

Honourable Mentions.... 

MAC 130 Brush 

Prestige My Blackest Lashes Mascara 

MAC Fix + 

17 Mirror Shine Beehive

NARS Penny Lane 

I hope you've all had a brilliant 2011, let's see what 2012 will bring! 

Laura xx

Make Up Lesson.

Santa obviously knows me well, as he decided to treat me to this little box of tricks this Christmas. 

The little set contains: 

Zoom Lash 

Graphblack Technakohl

212 SE

275SE

Carbon Eyeshadow

Ambience Eyeshadow

Bisque Eyeshadow 

I haven't indulged in anything new from MAC in months, so it was a lovely treat to play with some bits and bobs. 

The brushes excited me most as I am a brush fiend. They'll be perfect for travelling and I don't own either of these or anything similar. 

As far as the eyeshadows go, they're all no-brainer shades. Not exactly pigmented, but decent matte shades that will definitely get used. As for Graphblack, you can't go wrong with black eyeliner!

However, the winner in this box is Zoom Lash. 

I've never touched MAC mascara, as they never seem to get good press. But I'm actually really loving it. If you like the longer, separated lash look. Give this a go. It's becoming one of my new favourites. 

I'm going to attempt to give this little lesson a go in the next week on video...so watch out for that! 

Laura xxx

Quick Fire Review: MeMeMe Seventh Heaven.

So, What Is It?! 

Seventh Heaven bills itself as an 'Enriched Moisturising Facebase' - Decipher that one if you dare! I was unsure whether it was masquerading as a primer, moisturiser or just general glow giver. Apparently it's attempting to be all three... 

First Impressions?

It packs a  fresh, citrus punch that may leave those with more sensitive skins running for the hills, but in the name of beauty blogging it was slapped all over my face. 

It feels smooth, soft and definitely gives your skin the sort of glow that is very much appreciated during the depths of winter. It's not greasy, which is a major bonus for a product like this, and sunk in pretty quickly. 

How Did It Perform? 

It certainly gave me a glow, but did almost tip into oily by the end of the day. How it wears on your skin is a real case of what your pair it with. I wouldn't dream of trying this with a face & body foundation and I won't be pairing this with MUFE HD again anytime soon, but if your skin is feeling a little bit de-hydrated, this really is the ticket. 

I can't say I noticed a huge improvement to how my foundation applied, but It certainly didn't leave it streaky or clogged.

How Much? 

It costs £15.00 for 30ml, which I was quite surprised at. It isn't out of the ordinary when you take MeMeMe's usual pricing into consideration. But I just don't think I'd splash the cash. My Glossybox sample was more than generous and unless It manages to change my mind as I use it more, I don't think I'll put this on the must have list. It is however, a nice little product. 

Did you get this in your Glossybox, what did you think?? 

Laura xx

Festive Nails: Deborah Lippmann Razzle Dazzle & OPI Bastille My Heart

If you haven't noticed, I've been loving a bit of glitter on my nails. This OPI/Deborah Lippmann combination is the perfect festive treat. 

Just stick a coat of OPI's gorgeous red shimmer on as a base coat, then slick a coat or two of Razzle Dazzle on top...then sit back and marvel at your sparkly digits. 

You may recognise Razzle Dazzle as one of Glossybox's December Box treats, I love it! More importantly, I adore this month's Glossybox. It's my favourite yet. Even trumping the HD Brows Box, and you know how much I adore that palette! 

Expect mini reviews on most of the product in the next few days, there are some corkers in there! 

xxx

Christmas Sparkle: Metallic Eyes.

(l-r) Barry M Dazzle Dust in 89 Oyster, 51 Mushroom & 24 Old Gold, Illamasqua Precision Ink in Glister, 2 True Eyeliner Dazzler, Sephora Jumbo Liner in 06 Copper, Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Surge & 17 Eyeshadow in Mardi Gras.

 

 

If there was ever an excuse to go all out with your make up, surely it has to be Christmas!

I've picked out my favourite products to create some stunning eye make up looks for the festive season...

Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Surge* & Precision Ink in Glister* are the most beautiful products to add a bit of shimmer to your lids this party season, It's obvious why Illamasqua's liquid metals are so well loved, this little pot of goodness has the power to turn you into the tin man if you desire, the most metallic of metal products! 

Glister is amazing for those who don't want to go all out, how about inverting the usual black winged eyeliner and go for a smoky eye with this gorgeous champagne liner instead? 

If you prefer warmer tones, I adore Sephora's Jumbo Liner in Copper. Use is at a base and go to town with a Bronze glitter pigment, or simply just line your eyes for an understated copper eye. 

If you're looking for a treasure trove of delectable pigments, Barry M Dazzle Dusts really have it sewn up. I wouldn't look anywhere else for an affordable, but stunning range of pigments. 

My personal favourites are 51 Mushroom, 89 Oyster & 24 Old Gold. 

For a cheap glittery thrill, 2True Eyeliner Dazzlers must be applauded. At only £1.99, it's perfect for Christmas party make up. After all, I tend to stay away from glitter eyeliner unless I'm feeling festive, so what's the point of spending big money!? 

 If you want to go super subtle, try out 17's range of eyeshadow. They come in a range of colour's and won't disappoint when it comes to shimmer. My personal favourite in Mardi Gras! 

 Finally, when else would you get to put diamante dots on your face and get away with it?! You might aswell go all out, so try these by Girls with Attitude, apply with a bit of eyelash glue to ensure you don't lose them on the dancefloor, sorted! 

What sort of make up will you be sporting this Christmas? 

Would you like to see some looks using these products? 

Laura xx

Christmas Treat Jar.

Shh...this is technically a secret. BUT, I've decided spilling the beans is worth the risk as this Christmas gift idea is just too good not to share! 

This year, I've been trying to think of cute, yet inexpensive gifts. This Christmas Treat/Pamper Jar has hit the jackpot! 

The eagle eyed amongst you may recognise some Glossybox re-use here. I've taken the stuffing and ribbon to jazz up this simple jar, and then filled with lots of beauty goodies. I've stuffed the jar with a mixture of mini samples, bath goodies and bits and bobs. It's basically a 'Girls Night In' in a jar.

I sourced some 700ml preserve jars from eBay, I've searched high and low for the exact ones but can't find them, there are plenty of similar listings though! I paid £5.00 for 5 Jars with £5 delivery. Not bad for £2 jar! 

You don't just have to go down the pamper route with your jars, maybe fill them with festive sweets, eats and treats? You can really go to town with the contents. The cherry on top is that after they've used the contents, a lovely glass jar can be filled with whatever they wish.

Now fingers crossed the secret doesn't reach the recipient....

Do you like to get creative at Christmas? 

Laura xx

The Big Perfume Project.

Everybody loves a good fragrance, and I'm definitely guilty of being a bit of a perfume hoarder. 

Enter the Big Perfume Project 2011. 

It's actually become a bit more of challenge than I originally thought, perfume doesn't diminish half as fast as I thought it did...

However, I've cleared through a few favourites and finished up some not so favourites, but it's all in the name of the BPP2011. 

  

So far Jimmy Choo, Nina by Nina Ricci & *ahem* Katie Price Stunning have been all drained. I was loathed to finish Nina as it's my all time favourite perfume, and I'm already missing squirting a bit of Jimmy on a regular basis. I must admit these three feel like the cheaters way out as they were my most used. Now the challenge really begins! 

If I can finish at least another two bottles I'm going to treat myself to something new, I've got my eye (and nose) on Vera Wang's Lovestruck, what do you think? I'm trying to plough through a large bottle of Rock Princess but wouldn't mind branching out. 

I'll keep you updated on the progress and please let me know if you're doing the same! 

Laura xx

Nail of the Day: Models Own Juicy Jules

Juicy Jules, blah blah blah, Models Own Glitter Polish, blah blah blah. 

LOVE IT. 

xxx

Products I'm Loving Right Now.

Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub

Vivienne Westwood Boudoir Perfume

Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie 

Label M Shine Spray

Prestige 'My Blackest Lashes' Mascara

Body Shop Super Volume Mascara

I appear not to have posted anything for the past week, lets remedy that with a good old favourites post! 

If you've read my post on the Dermalogica Skin Kit here, you may recognise this mini skin prep scrub. It's really done the job so far and I'm considering getting the full size when it runs out. In other news, I'm currently embarking on a massive perfume project - basically using them all up - as I really cannot justify a new scent until I've atleast drained a few bottles. The upside to this is that I've rediscovered some killer fragrances. Vivienne Westwood Boudoir wasn't a fragrance I ever thought I'd go for, but it's a lovely feminine powdery scent that, not surprisingly, evokes the feeling of sitting at a dressing table, touching up your lipstick in a mirror surrounded by lightbulbs. 

To continue with the theme of scent, I'm back on the Christmas Cookie bandwagon. When I start to burn this bad boy, you know that Santa is coming to town. 

I appear to have been leading with my nostrils in this favourites instalment as the first thing I want to rave about when I think about the Label M Shine Spray is that smells divine, like watermelons. It helps that it does a good job of keeping my hair shiny and healthy looking, bonus points all around. 

Finally, it's over to the mascaras. I'm a little bit loathed to mention Prestige's My Blackest Lashes as it has apparently disappeared from the British High Street. I've been trying to track it down online, but it's not been  particularly successful, boo! 

Body Shop have surprised me with their Super Volume Mascara, I didn't expect much but I'm sporting lovely full thick lashes today, thanks! 

I hope you are all having a lovely week.

Laura xx

The Best Kind of Advent.

If you haven't noticed, it's the 1st December, hurrah! 

If like me you've shunned the traditional advent calender, Umberto Giannini have come up with a fabulous alternative that could leave you with something far more satisfying than a mouldy old chocolate. 

If you hop on over to:

www.umbertogianninichristmas.com

You could be in with a chance of winning one of 5 daily prizes those generous people at UG are giving away! 

Prizes range from a beautiful gift set like this.

To a beautiful hair makeover session at the Umberto Giannini Salon in Birmingham! 

If that wasn't good enough, they'll be giving away 1000 prizes on Christmas Day! 

Now you can't ask more than that can you? 

Laura xxx

Video: Brow Talk.

Beautiful Thumbnail As Usual....

Just a ramble about brows, I've talked about brows loads on here, but you can never have enough brow talk! 

xxx

Try Before You Buy: Dermalogica Skin Kit.

Denouncing Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish has brought about two small, but irritating problems. 

1. C&P was one of my staple skincare items, without it I was left in the dermal wilderness, just me, a packet of simple wipes and a cry of despair. 

2. I'd gotten into a lazy, loveless relationship with C&P. I hadn't bothered to see what was on the market, and quite frankly didn't care. So, when it came to committing myself to a new skincare routine, I was less than enthusiastic about getting back out on the market. 

Enter Dermalogica Skin Kit.

It came from the most unlikely of sources. My Stepdad. Like a skincare cupid he threw this kit my way after being given it somewhat inexplicably at work. 

But, when one is handed Dermalogica, one accepts with no questions... 

The kit itself comes with 4 generous samples and a full size lip treatment. Not bad for the £18.00 price tag I've found it here for. 

Included is: 

Special Cleansing Gel 50ml. 

Multi-Active Toner 50ml. 

Skin Prep Scrub 22ml.

Active Moist 22ml. 

Climate Control Lip Treatment (Full Size).

Hidden behind the cardboard is also a sachet of pre-cleanse and a face mask, which is a nice bonus, and a sneaky surprise as I only found them today...

As far as performance goes, I'm getting on well with most of it. The Cleanse/Tone part of the kit have filled a  gaping hole and are doing a sterling job without sending my skin around the bend. I have however, refused to take a gamble on the moisturiser, I'm sticking with Oilatum for now. 

I was most excited about the Skin Prep Scrub as the absense of a daily polish with a muslin cloth had left my skin as dull as a tramps pants. 

The 'Climate Control Lip Treatment' isn't anything to write home about, but it's a good one to chuck in the handbag. 

Overall, if you're sticking a tentative toe back into the skincare pool after breaking up with a beloved, or just fancy a change. Dermalogica have got it all wrapped up. 

Laura xx

Lush Rose Jam.

I went in for Snow Fairy, I left with Rose Jam. 

What Do Lush Say About It? 

A bath that helps you get out of it feeling better than when you got in. With lemon to bring clarity and alertness and rose to lift the spirits. The geranium oil in here will balance the skin, whilst the coconut oil and shea butter will leave you feeling smooth and soft.

This smells of roses, with the sweetness of jam – it shares the same fragrance as Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner.

The fragrance in Rose Jam was invented by Simon. Every year he visits Turkey during the rose harvest to see our rose absolute being produced. He talks about the smell of roses in the fields in the hot Turkish sun and the lunchtimes sat out eating rose jam with Hassan, our rose grower. The rest of us here at Lush think he’s jammy to have this aspect of the job - and we notice that it is always tales he brings back to us, not pots of the actual jam!

The Verdict?

Lush have really hit the nail on the head with this little sweet treat.

If I could eat it, I would. Seriously. 

Where do I get it?! 

Well, Lush of course! 

or

HERE 

xxx

Video: November Glossybox.

Instead of the usual post, I we go all lights camera action with November's Glossybox! 

If you're interested in Glossybox, check it out here.

Laura xx

(PR sample, but as always, I'll tell it like it is!)

Cupcake O'Clock.

Yesterday I went to Lakeland and picked up a few baking bits and bobs, I couldn't help it! 

Obviously that meant today was a baking day...

The results were Vanilla Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream Icing & Victoria Sponge Cupcakes! 

After trying a few cupcake recipes in the past, I decided to go with Milly's recipe, she always whips up delicious treats so I knew they'd turn out well! 

I gave the Victoria Sponge cupcakes a jam core, yum yum yum! I again sneaked the idea from Milly here! 

I'm going to sit down with a cupcake and cup of tea... 

Laura xx

Striking A 'Cord'.

We may have just reached a new low in title related puns...

If you haven't guessed already, I'm dedicated this outfit post to my new love. A pair of Topshop High Waisted Black Cords. 

I went in with the full intention of buying some black 'Leigh' jeans, but on a whim took these into the changing rooms as well, I obviously left with these instead. They just felt more 'sturdy' and according to the Topshop lady in the changing rooms, were less likely to go baggy like most of  the Topshop jeans I've had.

I can't appear to find the exact pair I bought online, but these appear similar! The ones I bought weren't 'Jamie' cords but how different can they be?

Cords: Topshop 

Shoes: Primark 

Jumper: H&M 

Waistcoat: F21 

Scarf: Topshop 

Laura xxx

Video: Shopping the Stash

Enjoy xx

Hot Shots 006.

Getting My Delia On - Chocolate Heaven - Cherry Scones - Cinema Outing - Juicy Jules Nails - Reem Tee - Wrapping Up In The Cold - Mirror Shot - It's A H&M Ring Thing.

Laura xx

Video: Favourite Lip Products

Products Mentioned: 

MAC Rebel 

MAC Lady Danger 

MAC Shy Girl 

NARS Barbarella 

Collection 2000 Cream Puff in No3 Fairy Cake 

Barry M Touch of Magic Lipstick

xxx

The Fail-safe.

In an ideal world, I'd create some sort of inventive and interesting look to wear everyday. Yet as we all know too well, life just gets in the way! Recently, I've fell into a very lazy, yet pleasant routine. 

It's just one paint pot, and one eyeshadow. You can't get any easier, and this my friends is why it's a fail-safe...

The two products in question are MAC's Paint Pot in Bare Study & MAC Jest Eyeshadow. 

Both greatly loved, and never let you down. 

It really is a case of slapping Bare Study over the lid, then pressing Jest over the top. It pretty much doesn't even warrant an explanation, you could probably do it in the dark. 

What's your fail-safe eye combination, I'd love to know! 

Laura xx