A Cosy Night In.

The clocks have gone back and the nights are drawing in, it's the perfect excuse to get cosy.

Autumn/Winter inevitably means the re-emergence of candles and cosy baths and Neom definitely gets my vote when it comes to getting warm and snuggly. I already had my hands on the Real Luxury Body Oil but the Real Luxury Candle* is the perfect solution to filling bedrooms and bathrooms with the chilled out fragrance that I love so much. Another old favourite is the NARS Monoi Body Oil II, perfect in baths or rubbed directly into dry limbs it reminds me of a summer holiday on a cold winter evening. 

The Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream is a great alternative to an oil if you don't have time to let it sink in. I'm a complete addict to the Origins Ginger Essence so layering this up with the actual fragrance the perfect winter treat. 

Whilst I'm languishing in the tub, I like to do a face mask. At the moment I'm in love with this Organic Surge First Class Mask. It's an affordable treat that smells like a lemon and rosemary dream. It's also a great one for pepping up dull winter skin. Is anyone else finding the lack of daylight hours affects your skin? 

What do you like the cuddle with on a cosy evening? 

xx

Ode to Origins.

As a perpetual beauty enthusiast (fickle product fiend) It's rare for me to build up a lasting affinity with a brand. If you find me going back again and again to multiple products, you know it's the good stuff. 

After an initial accidental encounter with the brand (a very generous but unrequested Christmas haul) I found myself pleasantly surprised with what they had to offer. I appreciate the no nonsense approach when it comes to skincare nasties, but It's done without the healthy dose of patchouli soaked self righteousness that often comes with it. Yes they're proud of it, but it seems to strike the balance between natural and a little bit slick. 

Now, what is there to shout about? A Perfect World moisturiser is the only moisturiser I have gone back to multiple times over recent years. I find it strikes the right balance between nourishing yet light. Throw in that refreshing brand of scent that Origins do so well and I'm sold. 

If you're even halfway familiar with Origins, you'll undoubtedly have sniffed the Ginger Essence at least once. I've banged on repeatedly about the wonders of this fresh ginger aroma but it really is a beaut. The last time a package from Origins arrived I was welcomed by the very scent when I opened the box. Dreamy. 

Last but not least is the latest addition to the family. Hello GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream. A few days in and it's already an integral part of my morning routine. A soft pearlised eye cream that's packing with light reflected goodness and de-puffing wizardry. It's a real treat. 

Origins, I salute you. 

xx

Skincare Additions/Re-Additions.

So, back story. My beloved Caudalie SOS Serum, Origins A Perfect World AND Vitazing pretty much bit the dust all within a week of eachother. It's the vicious skincare circle I always find myself in. 

Deciding to embrace my intrepid beauty blogger I took heed of Laura's advice, all in the name of research (forever fickle) and picked up the NUXE Serum Creme Fraiche de Beaute from the Escentual bargain french pharmacy sale. 

First impressions are more than favourable. I'm thoroughly throwing the product in at the deep. I'm currently battling with a post cold dehydrated mug, but it has stepped up to the plate, applies like a dream and leaves my skin feeling plump and hydrated. 

Now, re-additions. This must be my third or forth pot of A Perfect World from Origins, It's been a long term staple and no other cream seems to cut it like this one does. But, I'm currently foxed. Without getting too autistic about a cream, It feels slightly different and It's thrown me off. The pot definitely feels like it has a cheaper lid (too rain man for you yet?) but more importantly the cream itself feels thicker, smells slightly different and just seems, well, reformulated. I can't find anything to back this up and it may just be me. To be investigated. 

What are your skincare staples? 

xx

Ginger Nut.

It is safe to say, I'm having a bit of a renewed love affair with Ginger at the moment. It just yields the perfect balance between a warm inviting scent but the fresh, spicy slap in the face the scent provides is why it will always score highly in my book. I caught myself last night applying the products above, whilst burning the candle above and eating a ginger oatcake. It has no boundaries. 

In particular I've been obsessed with these three products. 

Origins Ginger Souffle. 

I'm an existing lover of the Origins Ginger Essence, I was more than happy when I received this at Christmas .Almost like a hybrid between a cream and a lighter lotion, it sinks into the skin leaving it soft and most importantly smelling like the good stuff. I've been using this on my legs in particular as it's the perfect solution if you're in a rush and need to pull on skinny jeans in an instant. I mean, have you tried doing that with a Body Butter? No Bueno.

Origins Ginger Essence Rollerball. 

My sister knows me well. After toting around a full size bottle of the stuff in my handbag, I was forever complaining about losing the lid. Enter the rollerball. I'm a big fan of rollerballs as they just make sense when you're travelling. Light, easy to use and if you're in a public situation, not everybody appreciates a spritz of your latest fragrance in there mouth/eyes/general direction. The slight hint of citrus makes this the perfect scent to perk you up after a hard day or apply straight from the shower. An absolute winner. 

Muji Spiced Ginger Candle.

The perfect balance between the woody Christmas scents I've been burning and the fresh floral scents I don't yet feel ready to embrace, it's a warming scent that almost has a spa quality about it. Herbal but clean. Unfortunately I can't find this on the website and I presume it's gone MIA as I bought it a little while ago. One quick note about MUJI candles in general, they smoke like a bitch if you don't keep an eye on the length of the wick. My ceiling can testify... 

What's your favourite scent of the moment? 

Signature Scents of 2012.

I'm all about a signature scent. I may be fickle when it comes to a whiff of the good stuff, but deep down I'm a loyal old soul and always return to a few perfumes. 

The rag tag collection of bottles above are just a few of the scents that have wafted in and out of my life over the past year and they have all served me well. 

When I think of a signature scent, I just can't imagine sticking to one fragrance day in, day out, for every occasion. I think perfume is the final device that when getting ready can really set your mood. I wouldn't dream of spritzing the ever refreshing Origins Ginger Essence for a night out on the town, as I associate it with feeling clean, fresh and ready to face to the day. Similarly with Vivienne Westwood Boudoir, it's overwhelming powdery notes wouldn't feel right in the office .  

This year, Tom Ford has come crashing into my life. Black Orchid has been a dominate player in my fragrance collection and has by far garnered the most compliments. I almost feel like it's a bit of chameleon, it settles well on the skin so it's not too overpowering for daytime, but has dark enough notes to be a sexy night time scent too. If I had to pick the signature scent of 2012 for me, this might be it. 

I've really enjoyed Molton Brown's offerings this year, Valbonne hits the nail on the head when it comes to unisex fragrances and Alpuldre was a summer stallwart. Highly recommended for sure. 

Jimmy Choo EDT rushed in and out of my life like a whirlwind, it's an addictive sweet scent but it hasn't left me craving more once the bottle ran dry. This surely gets a blogger hype award! 

Finally, a recent rediscovery in the form of an excellent Glossybox sample, is Burberry body. I received a sample of this quite a while ago and whilst it was a lovely fresh fragrance, passed me by. The small perfectly formed bottle has re-awakened by love of the perfume. It's fresh, clean and makes the perfect post gym shower scent. If an award existed, it'd be the start of something special award. 

Which fragrances have coloured your 2012? 

Laura xx

Wednesday Wishlist #1

It's that time of year when we think of others and have to put our own feckless desires on ice (sob) so in order to keep the shopping for myself bug at bay, I've put together a little Wednesday wishlist. 

1. Topshop Croc Quilted Bomber Jacket: I've wanted to invest in a leather jacket for the longest time but I'm really not down with the whole easy rider style. I am however very much down with a bit of mock croc. Yes Please. 

2. Topshop Aztec Fairisle Snood: Can you tell i've been stalking the toppers website like a woman possessed? It's festive, it looks warm. I'll take it. 

3. Yankee Candle Red Velvet Cake: Are you kidding me? Red Velvet Cake in a candle...having thoroughly sniffed this to the point of looking a little bit mental, I can confirm it is the best thing since Mango Peach Salsa. Maybe, probably. 

4. Loakes Brogues: Yes, there are for the males. But I really want a pair. I've been keeping a beady eye on eBay for some and they will be mine. I just need to find a seller with tiny little man feet. 

5. MAC Russian Red: I already own Lady Danger, but Russian Red just feel so much more festive. Despite my embarrassing mountain of lipsticks I just don't own anything remotely blue based. I'm as shocked as you...

6. Origins Ginger Essense Rollerball: I already own a bottle of this nectar, but I want to carry it around with me all the time. Do we really need to discuss my love of ginger anymore, see previous post...

Let me know what's on your wishlists.

Laura xx

How Much Is My Face Worth?

I've seen this post floating around recently and I found them all really interesting. I decided this might be a good motivator for my self imposed beauty spending ban. 

So lets see how expensive my everyday face is! 

Origins Vitazing £27.00

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer £4.19

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural £21.00 

YSL Creme de Blush in Rose £29.00

ELF Mineral Blush in Coral £5.00 

*HD Brow Palette in Vamp £16.63

*HD Brow Beater £14.95

*Blink + Go Long Lasting Mascara £12.95 

*All for Eve, Eve's Balm £4.95 

Grand Total: 

£135.67

I must admit, I'm a little shocked by how much just a very basic face of make up appears to cost! If you added in the eyeshadow/primer/lipstick etc that I usually chuck on if I'm going out, the cost soon escalates. 

A definite motivator to keep using up my products and downsize my collection! 

How much is your face worth? 

Laura xx

*Products marked with an asterix have been provided for consideration.

August Empties.

Without sounding too beauty bonkers, there is nothing quite like the satisfaction you get after hoarding empty products and throwing them away after writing about them...anyway. 

I've managed to finish up a respectable amount of products through July/August, here are my thoughts. 

Origins Vitazing.

Without going on too much about this little gem, I use it everyday without fail and haven't touch foundation for months because of it. Not surprisingly I already had a back up waiting in the wings when this finally bit the dust. 

The Body Shop Fuzzy Peach Bath & Shower Gel. 

This was a lovely product and smelt divine, but I'm a fickle creature and have far too many shower gels to explore, so I'm not sure i'll be picking up another one. It was good whilst it lasted though. 

Caudalie Beauty Elixir. 

After raving about this facial mist, I'm really not sure how much it was doing to my skin now I haven't used it for a while. It's a refreshing menthol hit when you spray it on your face, but whether it actually does any long term good? I'm undecided. 

MUFE Smoky Lash. 

I really do love this mascara and I was sad to see it finally dry up. But I think i'll wait until I've ploughed through the rest of my never ending supply before I pick it up again. Maybe it's a good thing it's such a pain to get hold of in the UK! 

Label M Dry Shampoo. 

This little travel size has come in handy this summer, but I far prefer the coloured version from Label M. I'll be sticking with that and avoiding grey hair in the future. 

Boots Gorgeous Feet Foot Spray. 

A random addition but I've been on my feet constantly recently and this is a nice little treat. I might look into picking it up again! 

VO5 Ultimate Hold Hair Spray 

Hmm, It does the job but I think I prefer other brands. I didn't particularly like it but was determined to use it up. Not offensive but not my favourite. 

What have you been using up this month? I for one feel cleansed! 

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

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. 

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! 

Summer Loving: Origins VitaZing.

Origins VitaZing is a prime example of WHY DIDN'T I TRY YOU EARLIER?! 

I've fallen out with nearly every foundation I've own/bought in the past few months because I've been craving the feeling of a weightless base that doesn't look like foundation. 

I thought i'd found an acceptable compromise in the form of Estee Lauder Doublewear Light diluted with a generous blob of Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturiser BUT I decided on a whim to pick up this little beauty after stumbling across an Origins counter. 

As you can hopefully see, as you rub the cream into your skin, it changes into a sheer base, with a hint of colour. It's enough to even out skin tone but still feel like you're not wearing anything. 

All I've needed is a little bit of concealer to combat my sleepy eyes and any blemishes and I'm set for the day. 

I'm more than happy to fork out the £26 for this if it means I can do my face in seconds.

The results really do speak for themselves.

WEARING: 

Origins VitaZing 

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer (Under Eyes/Mouth)

Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Emerge

Elf Mineral Blush in Coral 

HD Brow Palette in Vamp

Clinique High Impact Mascara 

Bare Lips

Laura xxx

In A Perfect World.

For about a year now, Oilatum has been my best friend. It's a no nonsense, simple face cream that does what it says on the tin. 

Enter Origins, A Perfect World. 

I opened up a joyous box of Origins goodies on Christmas Day and found this moisturiser alongside the Super Spot Remover (I haven't had to try this yet- touch wood) and the Origins Ginger Essence Sensuous Skin Scent - to.die.for. 

Oilatum is fail-safe, moisturising, but doesn't exactly exude the pamper power that A Perfect World does. 

It has a gentle fresh fragrance that screams 'Origins' it's slightly herbal without being offensive. One of the main reasons I adore Origins so much is the ethos behind the brand, products formulated without parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, paraffin, synthetic fragrance or colour, animal ingredients and general nasties. 

The cream glides onto and sinks in to leave ridiculously soft skin, I've noticed an improvement in the general appearance of my skin. Whether it's the miracle cream or changing up my moisturiser, I still can't get enough of the stuff. 

At £32.00 a pop, it just can't compete with the bargain power of Oilatum, but I'm beginning to think it's worth the investment. 

I'm considering taking the plunge and ordering A Perfect World cleanser and possibly a cheeky VitaZing, what do you think? 

Laura xxx

Summer Must Have: Origins Incredible Spreadable Scrub

I dug this out of my drawers last week when I decided to re-embark on the summer tanning regime and I forgot just how lovely it is.

The scrub is bursting with Ginger, a smell I literally could never get tired of. It has real chunks of Dead Sea Salt, Brown and White Sugar in the scrub too which really make it feel like it's working. The scrub is finished off with Olive Oil which leaves your skin feeling heavenly.

This has definitely taken its place in my summer skin routine again, what more could a girl ask for?!

RRP £21 for 250ml

It's available here but appears to have been repackaged.

xxxx