Current Favourites.

Despite 'favourites' being one of my most favourite things to watch/read from fellow beauty bloggers, I've really fallen off the bandwagon when it comes to putting my own out into the world. This is mainly due to a dire make up rut I found myself in and a self inflicted spending ban whilst I worked my way through the mountain of products that were spilling out of my drawers like nobodies business. After a thorough clear out and a stern talk to myself I've finally managed to pull together a little bunch of beauties that I've thoroughly been loving recently. 

I'll begin with the lesser favourites. Still favourites, but I'd much rather bang on about everything else. The weather recently has driven my hair BANANAS. Enter Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shine Spray* & Umberto Giannini Hold Me Curl Spray. The former has done wonders to add a little weight to my freshly washed hair once I've styled it. Without this ginger smelling wonder I'd look far more frizzy than is acceptable. Bringing up the rear in the hair parade is the pink bottled wonder, UG Hold Me Curl Spray. Despite being specifically for curls/curled hair, I find this does an amazing job at keeping my hair in check without being too overbearing or 'crispy' (shudder). Let's face it, nothing can stop my hair from naturally migrating back to its fluffy self but these two can at least help it wear a little better. I salute you. 

Can I quickly get a shout out for Estee Lauder Double Wear Light? It's been solely responsible for dragging me out of my BB cream rut without scaring me with a bunch of unnecessary coverage. The shade 'Intesity 1.0' is just about hanging on in there, a bit of bronzer or blush peps it up and it's a winner. 

Now, we're stepping into rave territory. Instead of repeating myself, just go and look how pretty these two polishes are here. They're simply bright summer & classy summer in a bottle. J'adore. 

Keeping with the summer in a bottle theme. Body Shop Vineyard Peach has stolen my heart. It started with a Body Lotion and it's grown into a whole range obsession. The Shower Gel is addictive, buying back ups like a hoarder addictive. I'm also in love with the scrub but it's in my shower. Sorry not sorry. 

Finally, this Elemental Herbology Watermelon & Cucumber Body Moisturiser* is divine. The bottle makes me want to put it in a boutique bathroom with a couple of rolled up flannels next to it...The scent it fresh, herbal and ever so classy. I should probably add that lotions in general are floating my boat at the moment. Far less stress than a richer cream and less fuss than an oil, I'm all over that. 

Tell me your favourites! 

xx

Current Hair Favourites.

I will admit, I've never been one to get particularly obsessive about my haircare routine. If my hair isn't greasy or frizzy and reasonably manageable, I'm A-OK. 

But recently I've noticed that my hair felt very weighed down and didn't feel fresh even after I had washed it. There is nothing worse than forging on with lank hair if you're in a rush. Yuck. Considering I am an incessant  hair fiddler/tosser (rude)/flipper having lightweight, bouncy hair was leaving a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. 

So, behold, my current hair favourites that have saved the day. 

I used to be a big fan of Toni & Guy hair products, but they really slipped off my radar over the last few years. I decided to pick up the Cleanse and Nourish for Fine Hair Shampoo & Conditioner as I really just wanted a very lightweight formula. It's a pleasant S&C to use and the Shampoo gives insane amounts of lather. The Conditioner also delivers a punch of moisture without being too heavy. Winners. 

I've been using Berber Oil for an age and It's still going strong, I far prefer it to it's Moroccan cousin. I know I've talked about not weighing hair down, but this is absolutely fine used on the ends of my hair for heat protection and then the remnants are just swept through the rest of my barnet. Glossy not greasy my friend. 

I do altenernate with the Umberto Giannini Frizzi Miracle Worker* but I do use this sparingly on the ends. 

As I previously mentioned I like my hair to be touchable, but a little bit of control is always nice especially in the current blustery weather we're experiencing...

I've been plumping for the Toni & Guy Glamour Firm Hold Hairspray as A) it smells delicious and B) provides a nice hold without being too crispy (blurgh). The little mini wonder from Umberto Giannini is the Rock 'n' Roll Extreme Hairspray*, it also smells amazing and it perfect to pop in my handbag.  

With the power of these products, my hair has returned to it's preferred state. It's about time! 

xx

Friday Favourite.

I was originally going to name this Friday, Friday, Gotta Get Down on Friday. But I resisted. As a) I would never get Miss Black out of my head and b) I'm actually writing this on a Thursday, wild! 

This weeks quick Friday Favourite is this snazzy Toppers bag that I've been toting around for the past few weeks. 

Either my mother is secretly a massive blogger follower or has incredible taste, but when I unwrapped this on Christmas Day I immidiately recognised it as a bag Zoe showed previously in a what's in my bag, unitentional blogger lemming has to be my favourite!

All that aside, It really is a lovely bag. Enough room to stash your 'essentials' (receipts, receipts, more receipts?) but the over the shoulder strap makes it easier to sling on if you want to go hands free. We all love a bit of studding, and this bag fits the bill. 

I wish I could put a juicy link here, but I'm afraid I couldn't find it! 

What's your Friday Favourite? 

Current Favourites.

 Jemma Kidd Blush - Sigma Small Tapered Blending Brush E45 - The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara* -

Tom Ford Black Orchid -Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter 

Just a few current favourites that deserve a little mention. My cuticles/hands have been an absolute wreck over the past few weeks, the cold weather and heating have made them really dry and Lemony Flutter is the only thing that seems to combat it. It's not exactly one to pop on throughout the day as it's thick but applied as an overnight treatment it works wonders. 

Another product that has come back into it's own is Tom Ford Black Orchid. It's the perfect autumnal scent that never fails to glean compliments, my only gripe is that I wish I could see how much of the stuff is left, I don't think I could live a day without it! 

In an effort to use up my ever expanding mascara collection I've particularly been enjoying the Super Volume Mascara from The Body Shop. Interestingly I don't think it gives me extreme volume, but it does deliver a strong separated lash that looks lovely in the daytime. 

My blush of choice recently has been the Jemma Kidd In Vogue Perfect Blush in 5th Avenue. Whether it's swept on or just using the light pink matte colour at the top, I've used it most days over Illamasqua Sob (another favourite, but somehow missed the photo op!).

Finally, I had to include the Sigma E45 Tapered Blending Brush as it's really re-ignited my love of the crease colour. I've been using MAC Jest with Satin Taupe in the crease. Small enough to create a defined crease but fluffy enough to blend seamlessly, it's a great tool for those with smaller lid space.

Which products have you been enjoying recently?

Laura x

June Favourites

Essie Sand Tropez - L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara - No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover - Tresemme Ultimate Hold Touchable Finish Hairspray - Osmo Berber Oil - Victoria Secret Love Spell Refreshing Body Mist - Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp Mascara* 

This month, I hardly had to think about what my favourites were, as all of these were immediately obvious to me as I've used them nearly everyday, 

I cannot believe I've made it through life so far (oh the drama) without Essie Sand Tropez. It's a perfect nude shade that I keep returning to. It's a habit I'm quite happy not to break. Similarly, Osmo's Berber Oil has emerged as a product that I need in my life. I went without it for just a few days whilst I was waiting for a new bottle to arrive, and my hair hated me for it. It's quickly becoming a holy grail product. 

I've been rocking two mascaras this month, one new discovery and one forgotten gem. L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes was put in the drawer and neglected, but due to my new found determination to slimline my overflowing stash, I've realised what a lovely product it is. It gives me fluttery, separated lashes that are perfect for the daytime when you don't want to look too 'done', but you can also layer it up to create amazing doll eyes if you choose. Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp (amazing name) came in the June Glossybox, and I've really enjoyed using it. The massive brush gives lovely long lashes and can be built up to create a gorgeous effect. 

On a slightly duller note, No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover has really earned its spot this month, as I didn't think I'd find anything to replace my beloved Sephora Eye Make Up Remover without breaking the bank. Thanks to the boots £5 voucher promotion that run ever so regularly, I picked this up for £3.50, not only was it a steal but it works like a dream. It removes all traces of mascara (even stubborn waterproof) before I cleanse in the evening. It's a winner. 

Still sticking with the not so interesting products, the Tresemme Ultimate Hold Hairspray has served me well. I initially bought it to use as an emergency handbag/car/desk drawer hairspray, but it's actually been the one I've reached for most of June. It does the job and doesn't leave me hair weighed down or sticky, which is always a bonus. 

Last but not least, In an effort to use it up, my Victoria Secret Love Spell Refreshing Body Mist just takes me back to Crete whenever I spray it. So how could that not be a favourite!? 

What are your favourites this month? 

Laura xx

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

April Favourites.

This month, I didn't even need to think about what I'd been loving... 

Products: 

Collection 2000 Cream Puff in Powder Puff & Cotton Candy

Murad Skin Perfecting Primer: Dewy Finish*

Origins VitaZing

Monu Rosewood Reviving Mist*

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum*

MAC Myth Lipstick

YSL Creme de Blush No.2

Figs & Rouge Rambling Rose Lip Balm* 

Although I only realised whilst I was compiling this post, there is a definite theme this month. Skin. To be more specific, fresh healthy skin. I've ditched the foundation in favour of my Origins VitaZing in the daytime, and I just pair it with a bit of my trusty Lasting Perfection Concealer & I've founding pairing it with the Murad Primer is heaven if you want a fresh dewy glow. Obviously, If you want to go minimal on the make up, you need to take care of your bare skin. I've been in love with the Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum, as it's light, smells divine and I really think has made a difference despite only getting it about a week ago. I'm so convinced I placed a Feel Unique order last night! 

Another Glossybox gem I've fallen for is the Monu Rosewood Reviving Mist, it's fresh, clean and really peps up the skin. I was days away from repurchasing my Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist, but I'm glad I held off as this is definitely kinder on the pocket. 

One of the few make up items I've been constantly reaching for this month is the YSL Creme de Blush, it's leaves a beautiful fresh rosy glow and smells like roses, it's a winner. I can't mention a YSL product without taking a second to mention you feel like a million dollars when you reach for the expensive gold packaging, divine. 

Finally, I've been loving simple make up with a nude lip. After initially dismissing the Collection 2000 Cream Puff in Powder Puff I have to admit worn over a good lip balm (I'm talking about you Figs & Rouge Rambling Rose) It acts as a brilliant base for taking brighter tones down a notch. I've found mixing Cotton Candy and Powder Puff together is the perfect midtone pink shade. 

Along a similar vein, I've also been using MAC Myth & Revlon Lipgloss in 15 Peach Petal to do a similar job if I fancy something a little less matte. Funnily enough, I have never really worked out how to get the best out of either of these products, but now i've cracked it, It's even more satisfying! 

What are your favourites this month? 

Laura xx

*Products Marked with a * were provided for consideration, but they're favourites for a reason yo! 

Shopping the Stash.

Recently, I've been on my own little project to delve into the depths of my make up drawers and drag out some well loved, but thoroughly neglected products. 

It only took a little prompt by Anna to tell you about it! 

Products I've Been Loving... 

NARS Monoi Body Glow II 

Maybelline Color Sensational in Ambre Rose 112

Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Emerge

ELF Mineral Eyeshadow in Temptress 

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer 

MAC Bare Study Paint Pot 

Random Taupe Eyeshadow. 

The Lowdown.

I've recently become a little bit preoccupied with using body oils, I've been working my way through several, (Arbonne Seasource 5 in 1 is a wonder for shaving) but NARS Monoi Body Glow is definitely the most luxurious, It has a delicate floral scent that sends me to the tropics whenever I sniff it, I'm almost considering splashing out on the full size. 

When it comes to lips, I really struggle to explore the sheer amount of products I have. In future, I must remember I only have one mouth! In my quest I've fallen upon a much raved about and previous old favourite, Ambre Rose. It's such an easy peach/pink shade that anybody could pull off, but it really does come into it's own with a bit of a tan. 

I have two cheek products that I've been enjoying, I went mental on Illamasqua's Emerge when It first came into my possession, then as always it was swapped out for other options. This applies like a dream when used in conjunction with Sigma F82 Round Top Kabuki and is amazing as a base for a peach shimmer or just simply worn alone. 

ELF's Mineral Eyeshadow in Temptress isn't technically a cheek product, but what can I say, I'm a maverick...

I adore the soft dusky rose colour and the matte texture is foolproof in the daytime. Love. 

Naturally, a couple of MAC products have found their way into the mix. The Studio Sculpt Concealer is purely here as I need to use it up, It's ok but nowhere near a favourite. Bare Study was simply left on the shelf due to my lazyness with eyeshadow, If I can be bothered at all I'll grab Urban Decay's Primer Potion so I've been enjoying getting this out! (Sidenote: £14.50 for a Paint Pot?!) 

Finally, I've had this taupe eyeshadow sitting in my drawer for an age, I can't tell you who it is or where it's from but it is bloody lovely. It's the perfect cool tones, easy to wear shade and even encourages the ultimate eyeshadow shunner to give it a go! 

Have you shopped your stash recently?

Laura xx

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

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

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

September Winners & Losers.

Winners

Konjac Sponge* (not pictured, I don't think you want to see a wet sponge!)

Seche Vite

Lincoln Park After Dark

Illamasqua Skin Base

Molton Brown Apuldre Scent*

Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower Gel*

Connock Wonderbalm*

Moa Green Balm*

HD Brow Kit*

F21 Owl Ring

Firstly, major props to my Konjac Sponge this month, it's carried on doing the job and I'm using half the cleanse & polish I would usually consume so it's a winner for the bank balance too. I literally haven't taken OPI Lincoln Park After Dark off my nails this month, I tried to switch it up but took off the lovely peach I had on after about 10 minutes, of course you can't do a glossy dark nail without a healthy coat of Seche Vite. I finally got around to buying Illamasqua Skin Base in full size, and surprisingly when I got the counter, I realised that Shade 6 was perfect for me, unlike the 4/5 mix I had been using.

Molton Brown have really been proving themselves to me this month, I'm obsessed with Apuldre & Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower Gel is to die for. I've also been fully converted to balms this month, Connock Wonderbalm has taken up residence in my handbag for lips, cuticles etc and I've loved Moa Green Balm when I fancy a change, Moa has far more of herbal/medicinal feel to it and it's just the ticket. Finally I haven't touched my beloved MAC Espresso for brows since the HD Brows Kit came into the picture.

A final random favourite is my Forever 21 Owl Ring, it's so dainty and I haven't had the hint of green finger from it, even in this unseasonal heat! I think I paid £1.50 for this, by far the best buy of the month.

Losers

Revlon Colorstay

StriVectin Tightening & Sculpting Face & Neck Cream*.

Now, I don't want to blame this entirely but after giving the sample of StriVectin a go, I had a bit of a strange skin reaction, very red, spotty and not nice. Considering this is the only new skincare item I've put near my face this month, I'm going to have to blame this. Sorry StriVectin!

I haven't used Revlon Colorstay for ages, but, I used it yesterday and It felt vile, smelt vile and I can't remember why on earth I loved this before, unless it's gone funny in the bottle, it's a big thumbs down. 

What are your favourites this month? 

Laura xx 

(PR Samples have been marked with a *, but they wouldn't be in this post if I didn't love them!)

Products I Am Loving Right Now...June Edition.

So, It's July, the sun is just about out and I'm traditionally late telling you what I've been obsessed with over the month of June.

Skincare:

Arbonne FC5 Oil Absorbing Day Lotion SPF 20+: I'm a little bit in love with this cream, it's a brilliant lightweight base for the summer that prevents me from being on constant shine patrol. I've been trying out a few new Arbonne products & this has clinched the top spot.
Liz Earle C+P: This is always a favourite, I don't think i'll ever use another cleanser. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a Holy Grail Product!
St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse: I FINALLY took the plunge and decided to take a gamble on this £2.99 wonder last week and boy is it a little gem, application with a mitt is foolproof, it dries in minutes and leaves you with a natural olive glow. I applied it on Saturday and it's still looking even and hasn't dried my skin out. It really is an amazing cheap alternative to other higher end tanning products, ahem, St Tropez Bronzing Mousse...
Xen Tan Face Tanner: I'm very picky about what I put on my face as I live in constant fear of reacting to the unknown, so I've stuck with Xen Tan Face Tanner, it's the bees knees. It look natural, blends flawlessly. job done.
Exfoliating Gloves: Believe it or not, I bought some exfoliating gloves for the first time a few weeks ago...god knows why I waited so long. I think it might be the idea of wearing gloves in the shower...shudder. Or the mental image of Mario & Lisa (Veteran Big Brother Cretins for the uninitiated) indulging in mutual exfoliating wearing these little wonders...double shudder. BUT they're genius, paired with Origins Ginger Scrub they're a match made in smooth skin heaven.

(I'm considering a career in glove modelling...)

MAKE UP:

MAC Style: This is a repeat appearance for Style blush, it really comes into it's own during the summertime and makes me love it even more.
Urban Decay Naked Palette: Despite having this for a while, I felt I neglected it slightly. I've made a conscious effort to indulge in a bit of nakedness during June and it's living up to it's cult status...my favourites? Buck for eyebrows, Virgin for lazy days and Darkhorse for a gorgeous smokey crease.
Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation: I'm going to say no more on the subject, just read HERE to get why I'm obsessed.

Comment Question: What's been your stand out product(s) this month?

Laura x

PR Samples: Arbonne Face Cream, Xen Tan Tanner & Illamasqua BB Cream, Everything else was purchased with my own pennies!