Top 5 MAC Blushers.

When it comes to MAC, I've really fallen out of step with new collections/products and to be frank, just don't get excited by them like I used to. 

But, there is no denying they do some good stuff. 

So, here's a quick round up of my favourite MAC blushers. 

HARMONY 

I use this not as a blush, but as a contour. It's the perfect shade to sculpt and define and doesn't look to dirty on the skin. I apply it with the Real Techniques contour brush and I rarely reach for anything else. 

STYLE 

Can you tell I bloody love this blusher? 

It's the perfect peach flush with a hint of gorgeous shimmer that gives you a glow whilst avoiding the disco ball look. The reason I love this particular blush so much is that you can whack it on in seconds and it perks your skin up and makes you look healthy. A true all rounder.

SO SWEET, SO EASY. 

This is the only cream blush I own from MAC but I do adore it. It's a lot more bubblegum pink in the flesh but is a great one to just lift your cheek colour but still look as natural as possible. 

SPRINGSHEEN 

Definitely the darker, more intense version of style. It has a pinker tone running through the blush and falls right into the NARS Orgasm family of blushers. A quick and easy blush to apply but I tend to go easy with it as the shimmer can sometimes look too much on me during the day. 

FLEUR POWER 

Probably one of my favourites. The satin finish makes it a dream for the daytime and I love wearing this during the summer when I want to look healthy but not too overdone. I also love the fact it's without shimmer as I can add a spot of highlight separately wherever I choose.

Overall, I adore my MAC Blushers but I'm not sure i'll be expanding my favourites just yet. I've got a penchant for NARS blusher right now that just won't go away! 

All available HERE. 

Laura xx

'No Make Up Make Up'

As the weather gradually warms up, I always find myself drifting away from la slap. 

I rely on a few lifesaving products whenever I want to look polished, but not 'done'. It's the perfect look if you're on holiday, having a relaxed day, or even if you want to pull off the "I'm just this naturally beautiful" look when you're with that special someone. 

I wear this look a lot, It works for me and it's a quick and easy cheat. 

SKIN:

Benefit Porefessional

Origins Vitazing

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection

BROWS:

HD Brow Palette*

HD Brow Beater*

Spoolie

EYES:

Curl!

Blink+ Go Mascara*

LIPS:

MAC Calm Mode

CHEEKS:

YSL Creme de Blush No2. 

Laura xx

*PR Sample

Good Enough To Eat: Body Shop Almond Body Butter.

It's only a quick one, but I just had to share. 

I LOVE THIS STUFF. 

I picked it up a couple of weeks ago on a whim after being drawn in by the body shops killer sale. £6 for a Body Butter...yes please. 

I was forever faithful to body butters for years until my love of body oils took over, but if you can find me a body oil that smells as good as this little gem I'll be surprised. 

To put it simply, it's like a bakewell tart in a pot. I have to do everything I can to resist licking my fingers after I've applied this to my body. It's heaven. 

The one downside is that it takes slightly longer to absorb than an oil, but I slap it on before I go to bed and wake up with super soft skin. I can deal with that. Just maybe not one to apply before you pull your skinny jeans on. 

If you want to get your hands on it, pick it up here now. It's a bargain! 

Laura xx

June Glossybox.

Products Included: 

Glossybox Serie Exclusiv Pro Beauty Brush RRP £15.00

Yves Rocher France Ultra Volume Sexy Pulp Mascara RRP £16.90 for fullsize

BM Beauty Summer Warmth Bronzer RRP £8.00 4g

Clean Start by Dermalogica Day/Night 3 Step Kit RRP £12.00

Vichy Dermablend Ultra Corrective Foundation Cream Stick £19.00 for fullsize 

This month, Glossybox have gone with a Summer theme, providing samples that can be chucked into your suitcase as you jet away. I always find that my Glossybox bits and bobs come into there own when I'm travelling, so I was looking forward to seeing what was inside.

Cards on the table time, I wasn't too excited about this box when I ripped it open. 

Without being too down on June's offering, most of the products just don't do it for me. Unfortunately, the biggest product of the bunch, the Dermalogica Clean Start Kit isn't really suitable for my skin type, as it's aimed towards more oily/problem skin. I'm sure I'll find it a good home but it is a bit disappointing. 

On a lighter note, I tried the Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp mascara and it's a lovely mascara. It's a got a really fat wand and has given me lovely full lashes. 

Again, the Vichy Dermablend doesn't excite me, simply because I already own it and is already a tried and true product of mine. One of my favourite things about Glossybox is finding new exciting products, so it is a shame when I get something I already own, but hey, surely that's the curse of the beauty blogger?! 

The BM Beauty Summer Warmth Bronzer is a fiercely pigmented shade that will look lovely with a tan, I already love a mineral eyeshadow I received in a previous box from them so I'm sure they'll go well together. 

Finally, the Glossybox Blush Brush will be a nice brush to pop in my handbag for on the go touch ups, but It's not going to be replacing any of my staple brushes just yet. A nice idea though. 

Overall, not my favourite, but I've really loved the last couple of boxes. I still really enjoy Glossybox as a whole and I'm sure one of my friends will love a few of the products in this box, so all is not lost! 

You can sign up to Glossybox here. 

Laura xxx

*PR Sample, but honest as always.

Quick Fire Review: HD Brow Beater

HD Brow Beater. Is is really better than a clear mascara? 

Honest Answer. 

I really can't tell, but I like it. 

This product claims to set brows into place and even claims that over time it will train your brows into their correct position over time. 

It's slipped very easily into my daily routine as it takes seconds to brush through your brows. I use it with the HD Brow Palette in Vamp & I'm pleased with the results. 

My only gripe is that if you apply a bit too liberally it can cause the brow powder you've just applied to smudge, not a good look. 

I have had a few compliments about my brows since I've used it, but I'm not sure I can attribute it simply to the Brow Beater. 

It's a nice product and for a girl who never used to 'set my brows' it's a step I'll continue to keep up. Whether I'll fork out £14.95 for a replacement tube when this runs out, we'll see... 

Laura xx

*PR Sample, but all killer, no filler!

Product of the Week: Osmo Berber Oil

It came last month in my Glossybox, and It was love at first sniff (cherry sweets anybody?). 

I'm a big fan of hair oils in general. After spending many years being scared to death I'd be left with greasy, lank locks a chance meeting with a bottle of Moroccan Oil at my hairdressers about a year ago changed my mind. 

But, as a perpetual beauty blogger, I wanted to discover something I adored. After working my way through the Paul Mitchell Awupuhi Wild Ginger Hair Treatment Oil  I was on the verge of purchasing a large bottle, until the Berber Oil popped through my letterbox. 

So, Why Product of the Week? 

Even if it didn't smell like the inside of a bag of Pic 'n' Mix I'd still love it. According to the ingredients it contains, Argan, Avocado and Coconut Oil. Yummy.

It leaves my hair silky smooth and shiny, but also appears to cut down my drying time by almost half. I'd use this forever for that reason alone. 

I use about a 5p size blob and run it through the bottom lengths of my hair first before I run any remaining lightly through the top half, avoiding the roots. 

The 10ml has lasted my almost a month, and I've already decided I need to buy the big bottle. 

Praise Indeed! 

I've found it HERE for £5.90 for 10ml or £22.00 for 100ml. Definitely worth it. 

Laura xx

*PR Sample, But provided by Glossybox. Honest as Always!

Label M Summer Hair Heroes.

Despite the weather trying to trick us into thinking it's the middle of November, Festival/Holiday season has begun. 

Label M have come up with this handy Summer Hair Heroes kit that's perfect for slinging into your hand luggage for a quick trip away or your rucksack if you're off to indulge in a bit of festival fun. 

Included in the set is a 60ml Shampoo & Conditioner, Mini Dry Shampoo & Mini Hairspray. 

I've used and loved several Label M products before so I wasn't disappointed with the products, the handy waterproof/spill-proof bag is a bonus too. 

I took this away this weekend and it was the perfect size for a couple of days, my only gripe is that I prefer the coloured dry shampoo. But that's just me being picky! 

For £12.00 I think it's worth the money to take the stress out of packing/decanting large bottles. It's a real throw it in your bag set! 

Available at specially selected Label M, Toni & Guy and Essensuals Salons Nationwide. 

Laura xx

*PR Sample, but honest as always.

Current Skincare Routine.

When it comes to skincare, I'm notoriously fickle. However, believe it or not, I think I've finally found a routine that not only works for me but has left me with no desire to chop and change.

Shall we begin? 

Morning. 

When it comes to my morning routine, I like to keep my skincare to a minimum. I cleanse with Simple Refreshing Facial Wash. It's not fancy or expensive, but it leaves me with fresh clean skin, what more could you ask for? I pop a 50p sized amount onto my Face Brush and cleanse for about 2 minutes, then rinse with cold water to get the blood flowing! 

I usually spritz my face with the Caudalie Beauty Elixir before applying a thin layer of Origins VitaZing, which I may or may not apply foundation over. 

Evening. 

In the evening, I like to spend more time on my skin as it gives products time to work overnight and I find taking time out to do my routine before I got to bed a good way to wind down. 

I've been using the NSpa Melting Cleansing Gel* for a few weeks now and it's become a firm favourite, It leaves my skin feeling super soft and moisturised but without leaving an oily residue. I then follow this up with a spritz of Monu Rosewood Reviving Mist* or Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I finish with my holy grail moisturiser Origins Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturiser with White Tea and then use the Nspa Eye & Lip Treatment.

Those Little Extras.

Although they don't feature in my daily routine, the following products play an essential part. 

If my skin is feeling a little thirsty, the NSpa Replenshing Moisture Mask* is a lifesaver, for the skin and the bank balance! 

I'm also a long time fan of both the Connock Wonderbalm* and Nourishing Hand Cream*. 

If I'm battling a breakout, Origins Super Spot Remover & Sudocrem* always give me a helping hand. 

Finally, the Caudalie SOS Serum is a wonderful addition to my skincare routine, but it's currently on order and my sample bit the dust, It really does make your skin feel amazing. 

What products do you rely on for beautiful skin? 

Laura xx

*Provided by PR for consideration. 

Essie Splash of Grenadine.

The Essie Obsession Continues...

Splash of Grenadine is a delicious mix of mauve and pink, and has photographed far more blue toned than it appears in real life. 

I'm not as head over heels with it as I am with the likes of Sand Tropez and Cute As A Button, but it's still lovely. 

Pick it Up Here 

Over & Out xx

I'll Be In The Spa: Hoole Hall Club & Spa.

Very last minute on Wednesday, I was informed that a spa day was in order. As it was my own mother informing me, I couldn't (and wouldn't, who would!?) say no. 

If I could sort it, we'd be going. I was organising it before you could say complimentary robes. 

Spa breaks can easily add up when you start to bring treatments into the mix, so I decided to search Wahanda to see if they had any deals not too far away from me. They came up trumps with a 2 for 1 Spa Welcome Package at Hoole Hall Spa near Chester. 

I had initially wanted the Hoole Hall Spa day with Lunch, but at such short notice, I was relieved they could squeeze us in at all. The only difference between each package was a mud treatment, and I could live without it. 

For £95 for two people, including a treatment of choice (we both went for full body massages), lunch and use of spa facilities. It's a steal. 

So, what's the lowdown on Hoole Hall? 

The Treatment.

First and foremost, my massage was an absolute dream. It was done by a friendly and skilled masseuse and I drifted off into my own world for the hour that she worked on my tense muscles.   

After my treatment I was given a shot of lemon sorbet and sent to relax in the Meditation Room whilst I waited for my Mother to finish. 

I had a lovely time whiling away the hour listening to the relaxing waves and getting slightly hypnotised by the ceiling...

The Facilities.

After we were reunited, we went down the basement area that houses the spa suite & pool. 

All the facilities we tried were great, but I was slightly disappointed that the steam room was out of use and all of the recliners had been 'saved' with towels/books/slippers "Like a Majorca Holiday Camp" (classic Mum quote) 

I particularly like the outdoor thermal pool, I imagine on a hot day it's bliss. 

My one slight criticism about the spa facilities is they looked a little bit tired in places, above the hydrotherapy pool the ceiling had paint peeling, not a good look when you recline directly under it. 

The Lunch.

A three course buffet/tapas style lunch on The Terrace is included and it was full of delicious nibbles that I couldn't fault for a light lunch. 

It was just enough to satisfy but not leave you feeling like you might sink to the bottom of the pool. 

The Overall Experience. 

Now, this is where issues arise. 

On arrival, the staff were competent, pleasant, but didn't shine. Unfortunately, the story continued throughout our stay. With the exception of the lovely girl who gave me my massage, neither myself or my mum felt like we'd received true service. Similarly during lunch the service was fine, ok, competant. But not memorable. 

It was all a bit lack lustre from start to end. 

The important thing to add is that it wasn't bad service. It was just OK. 

If you're going to a Spa to be pampered and relax. OK just isn't enough. 

I still had a lovely day and enjoyed escaping the world to laze around in a bath robe, but Hoole Hall didn't sparkle like it should. 

3/5 

"Excellent treatment and a delicious lunch, but engaging staff and a genuine smile would have gone a long way" 

Check out Hoole Hall Here. 

Laura xx

*Paid with my very own pennies. Not affiliated or sponsored by Wahanda or Hoole Hall.