Sephora Haul: From my trip to Venice ^^

Hey everyone!

I went to Venice for a few days with school and I was determined to go shopping in Sephora, as we don't have any in the U.K. *crys* I just wanted to show you all the few things that I bought, including two things I picked up at the airport. 

I will be doing a post with a few of the pictures I took in Venice so stay tuned for that ^^

I tried to only look at brands that we can't get in the U.K. but they had some reduced high end products and I just couldn't resist xD

Pupa "Like a Doll" Cream Blush in 202 Doll Peach (made in Italy :3)- 

Damn this blush is puuuurrtttyyyyyyyy (pretty), a stunning orangy coral with golden shimmer which I'm hoping will give a lovely radiant finish. A gorgeous summery colour ^^

Of course I had to try a Sephora product! These were both reduced to 3 euros each.

Sephora Liner Electro in 02 Metal Electro-

A nice metallic silver kohl eyeliner. I actually thought it was a grey colour but oh well, silver is always nice.

Sephora Kohl and Liner Waterproof in 03 Keep Brown-

This colour is so pretty! It's a really nice brown that has a bronze sheen, I've been really into brown eyes lately ^^

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Waterproof Eye Pencil in Oil Slick-

I have wanted one of these pencils for sooooo long! It was reduced to 12 euros in Sephora so I couldn't resist. I got Oil Slick which is a grey/black with a silver shimmer, it's really nice, I can't wait to test its durability ^^ My first Urban Decay product :)

Benefit Silky-finish Lipstick in Skinny Dip-

I got this reduced to 12.50 euros which I thought was a great deal, but when I got home I saw you could get it on the website for £7 because they are being discontinued -_- oh well. It's a lovely natural pink brown, my perfect lipstick shade! And my first Benefit lippie.

Testers- Lily fragrance by Stella McCartney-

Why don't Boots give you free testers? It's such a cool idea. Anyway, this perfume is just gorgeous, it's sweet and floral but oddly quite mature as well.

Sephora Instant Moisturiser (unused)

Sephora Smoothing Primer (unused)

L'oreal Paris True Match Powder in Golden Beige- 

A nice silky face powder that I got at the airport because my Stay Matte one broke the day before and L'oreal had an offer on. Full review coming soon!

And L'oreal Paris True Match Touche Magique Concealor in Ivory Beige-

Got this half price ^^ I've tried it a few times and I quite like it, full review soon!

That's it! See you soon ^^

Lots of love, Laura xx

FOTD #4 and some exciting news!

Hey everyone!

My life has been so crazy right now so I haven't been able to do much blogging recently, I've missed you all so much D':

Anyway, I'm here with a quick face of the day! This is the make up I'm wearing to a social "gathering" I'm having with my friends today (it sounds so much more sophisticated than it is xD

You'll have to excuse my hair, I took this before I styled it (for some reason) -_- Silly me xD

Face-

Benefit Pore-fessional Primer

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

Technic High Lights Highlighter

FashionistA blush in Butterscotch

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Eyes-

MUA Eye Pencil in Snow white (smudged on inner corner to highlight)

Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo in Permanent Taupe

MUA Extreme Liquid Eyeliner in Black

No7 Amazing Eyes Pencil in Black

Avon Infinitize Mascara in Black
Lips-
Beauty UK Lipstick in Snob

Now for the exciting news!!! I going to be writing a guest post on Erinn Wood's amazing blog, Erinn's Beauty Blog! I'm so excited, now I just have to figure out what I'm going to write.
Go and check out her blog, it's awesome! Make sure to look out for me soon ;)

Lots of love, Laura

P.S. I'm thinking of doing a "how much is your face worth" post soon, let me know what ya think. I'm also going to pick up Skincare sundays again tomorrow, so look out for that! I love you all so much, see ya later ^^

That "no make-up" make-up look- My version

Hey everyone!

Today I am showing you my adaption of the famous make-up look which is natural and perfect for everyday, one which looks like you are wearing "no make-up" ^^ Enjoy!

Tutorial-

1. First I used Benefit Porefessional to create a smooth skin base.

2. I used my fingers to apply a bit of Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Light Porcelian, focusing on my t-zone and forehead, blending it out with a fluffy foundation brush.

3. I dusted a bit of Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transculent over these areas.

4. I concealed my under-eye area with Collection Lasting Perfection in Fair.

5. I lined my upper lash line with Avon Smokey Diamonds eyeliner and smudged it out slightly.

6. I applied my NYC Showtime Mascara to curled lashes.

7. Used MUA Powder Blush in Shade 4 on my cheeks and highlighted my cheeks and browbone with the MUA Shimmer Highlighter.

8. I finished the look with a slick of 17 Mirror Shine Lipstick in Beehive. 

Done! Nice and simple :3

That's it!

Lots of love, Laura xx

A little (rather large :L) wish list!

Hey everyone! This is my first "wish list" post on my blog. I was inspired by the posts that Sophie does on her blog, it's such a cute idea and it always looks really funky when she does it ^^.

The things on my list are-

1. Smashbox Halo Blush in shade "In Bloom"- The idea of these blushes/powders are so nifty (with the whole grinder function). The shade "In Bloom" is a gorgeous peachy pink that would be perfect for spring. They retail at around £23, which is WAY out of my price range...but I can dream right?

2. MAC Creme in your Coffee Lipstick- I have wanted this shade for SO LONGGGGGGG. It's the perfect pink/brown shade lippie which is a colour I adore! I want it so much D':

3. Benefit Watts Up Soft Focus Highlighter- I love me a nice cream highlighter. This seems so lovely, I love the packaging and the golden colour would look great on my yellow toned skin ^^ It's £24.50 so again, WAY out of my price range...but OH WELL (Anyone love me enough to buy me one? I'll pay you with love and cookies :3)

4. Real Techniques Core Collection- Another one of the products I've wanted for ages. The brushes look so perfect! I'll probably ask for these for my birthday xD Everyone and their mother's cat seems to love them

5. Paramore's new album, "Paramore"- I have been a fan of this band since their "All we know is falling" days and this album seems incredible (what I've heard so far). It's quite different to their usual stuff, which a lot of fans are annoyed about, but I always love to see bands evolve ^^ Plus, hopefully, this means a new tour! :D

6. Lush Big shampoo- I have really limp and flat hair and have heard a lot about how samazing this is at volumising hair. I keep looking at it when I go into Lush but I can never quite bring myself to get it. £11.25 seems like a lot, but apparently it lasts ages.

7. Sleek Blush in 3 in Lace- I saw this in Nikki Phillippi's beauty favourites on Fleur's latest video on youtube (here). The colours look absolutely stunning! Sleek is such good quality and for £10 it's a steal!

8. L'oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Excess mascara- This is DEFINITELY going to be my next mascara purchase. It gives amazing length and definition which is what I always look for in a mascara ^^

That's it! I hope you enjoyed this post.

What are you lusting over?

Lots of love, Laura

P.S. I'm visiting my mum in Cardiff for a few days so I may not be able to post much in that time. See you soon ^^ x

March Favourites ^^

Hey everyone! So today I'm going to be posting my favourite beauty/skincare/general items of this past month. Enjoy :)

1. Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Daily Nail Treatment- £4.75

2. Lush "No Drought" Dry Shampoo- £6.50

3. Maybelline Expression Colour Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow in "Permanent Taupe"- £4.99 

4. "She's so...Jetset!" Set by Benefit- I think around £23.50- It was a limited edition set by can probably be found on amazon or ebay.

5. Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub- £5.25

6. Natural Collection Lipstick in Raspberry- £1.99

7. The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Tint in Rose Pink- £10

8. NYC Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer- £3.49

9. Natural Collection Liquid Eyeliner- £1.99

10. Nivea Creme- £3.39- So great for moisturising my dry post-winter hands

11. Lush Jungle Conditioner- £2.95

The Make-Up ^^

From left to right-

• "She's so...Jetset!" Set by Benefit- I got this set for Christmas last year and I have been using it A LOT lately. The set contains a mix of products for eyes, cheeks, lips and face, which makes it a really nifty set to have. This is my first Benefit set and I hadn't used any of the products inside before- it includes a mini POREfessional, 4 eyeshadows, mini They're Real...Mascara, a pink lipgloss, and a pink/peach blush/highlight duo with a square fluffy applicator- therefore this is great for those who want to experience a variety of Benefit products. I LOVE the eyeshadows, the blush, the mascara, and the POREfessional primer- I've been using the eyeshadows everyday. They all feel so glamorous ^^.
• Maybelline Expression Colour Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow in "Permanent Taupe"- Such a gorgeous taupe cream eyeshadow. This is my eyeshadow staple, a lovely nature base that I'll wear alone or as a base. If you don't know already...I LOVE TAUPES.
• Natural Collection Lipstick in "Raspberry"- This is such a lovely pink raspberry (funny that xD) lipstick. I got this last summer and wore it all the time. It's so cheap but so smooth and creamy, as well as a really flattering, bright collection. Perfect for spring/summer!
• The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Tint in "Rose Pink"- I use this mostly on my cheeks which gives a stunning pink flush of colour, so pretty! It is also lovely on the lips as a stain.
• Natural Collection Liquid Eyeliner- Another winner from the Boots Natural Collection make-up range! The colour is actually jet black (and actually stays put!) with an applicator that is really thin and easy to apply. I will definitely be re-purchasing this when it runs out. 
• NYC Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer- It's taken a while for me to fall in love with this, but I've finally got there. I've been using this as an all-over primer under foundation which gives a nice glowing (almost dewy) finish, but I also use it sometimes as a liquid highlighter. It's gorgeous used either way and so affordable! Plus it makes my make up last ages, even on my oily skin ^^

Swatches

1. Permanent Taupe cream eyeshadow 2. Raspberry Lipstick 3. Natural Collection eyeliner 4. Body Shop Lip and cheeck stain 5. NYC primer

"She's so...Jetset!" Set by Benefit

From left to right-

•  Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub- This has been a favourite of mine for ages! My lips love it and it tastes divine. Plus it lasts a very long time- definitely a great purchase :)
• Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Daily Nail Treatment- An absolute SAVIOUR for my terribly weak nails. They feel strong and healthy and I can really see that they are growing.
• Lush "No Drought" Dry Shampoo- You know those days when you wake up to have a shower before school/work and just feel like getting an extra 15 minutes in bed? Yeah, this is great for those days. The citrus scent leaves my hair smelling fresh, non-greasy, and doesn't leave that dreaded white tint to your hair.
•  Lush Jungle Conditioner- I got this for my birthday last year and I've only just rediscovered it. And THANK GOD. I'd forgotten how amazing it leaves my hair! They've redesigned the look of this and it's under £3! For how many washes you get out of it, it's an absolute bargain!!

I hope you liked my first EVER favourites post!

If you have done one this month please put a link for it in the comments- I love reading them ^^

Also please follow me if you want more :)

Lots of love, Laura xx

Going back to the past...a classic 40s make up look

Hey everyone! There is something so elegant and sophisticated about the classic 40's look, think Dita Von-Teese ^^ This look is really simple yet gorgeous, a lovely cat-eye paired with a bold shiny red lip, so I'm here to share my version of it.

Her classic make up will be the inspiration for this look.

The finished look complete with "Von-Teese" beauty spot (that's dedication ^^)

*Cough* Poser *Ehem* ;)

Admittedly this isn't a look I sport very often (as a socially-awkward student I don't get many chances to wear red lipstick, but I take every chance I can xD). The key to this look is a matte, flawless complexion (I tried my best), thick jet black gel/liquid eye liner  a defined eyebrow, and the lipstick- I think my effort ticked most of these boxes, so I'm happy with it ^^

Products used-

Foundation- Max Factor Colour adapt in shade 40 Cream Ivory

Concealer- Collection Lasting Perfection in shade 1 Fair

Powder- Rimmel Stay Matte pressed translucent powder 

 Eyeshadow- I used Tranquil from my MUA Undress Me Too palette to cover my lid and line the lower lash line. I also used Estee Lauder Pure Colour Eyeshadow in shade 10- Ivory Box to highlight my browbone and shade 64 Espresso Cup to fill in my brows ^^ and shade 61 Tea Box to add a slight contour to my cheeks

Eyeliner- Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Black

Mascara- Benefit They're real!

Lipstick- Avon Extra Lasting Lipstick in Eternal Flame

Lipgloss- Rimmel Shock Gloss 3D Magnifying Lip Gloss in shade 208 Amp'ed (not sure if this is discontinued or not in store but it's still avaliable on Amazon :)

*Blows kiss* :3

I hope you liked this post! Have a great evening everyone and I hope I did the "classic" 40's make up look some justice. Stay tuned (figuratively) for more reviews/tutorials/raves/and other great stuff and thank you for reading! Feel free to leave a comment with any views/questions/suggestions, all are welcome! ^^

Lots of love, Laura xx

Boots and Superdrug Haul (what I bought in town today)

Hey everyone! Today I'm going to be sharing with you a few make up and skincare products I purchased in town today mostly from Boots and Superdrug, as well as a couple of things I've been given randomly recently. On with the haul then...

Skincare (YAYYYY!)

Skincare

Clearasil Ultra Overnight Wash- I've been having some "blemish" issues lately, so when I saw this wash was reduced to £3 in my local Boots I jumped at the chance.

Boots Skinclear Oil-free Mattifying Lotion, £2.99- I have REALLY oily skin so when I saw all the amazing reviews for this "miracle product" I was so excited to try it! Even more excited when I saw it was half price in Boots (£1.49!!!) which it doesn't seem to be at the moment (however, the range is currently 3 for 2). 

And finally Boots Essentials Fragrance Free facial sponge, £2- Ever since I saw the budget "essentials" for various bloggers on The Sunday Girl's blog, which mentioned using a facial buffer, I was intrigued to try one as I've never considered it before. I'll have to update you on what I think of it.

Make up ^^

I have wanted to try some products from NYC (New York Colour) for a while so I decided to try a few :)
NYC Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer, £3.49 but on offer in Superdrug for £2.49- I have seen SO MANY good and bad reviews about this product so I was so eager to get it and find out for myself! Will definitely do a review soon.
NYC Showtime Volumising Mascara, £1.99 (!?)- For £1.99 can you really go wrong? I needed some new mascara and this looked promising ^^
NYC In a New York Minute (see what they did there ;D) Quick Dry Nailpolish, £1.79 in Shade 246 Park Avenue- On the website this colour looks grey but it's really a GORGEOUS taupe colour (if you don't already know...I LOVE TAUPES!!!! :D) This was really an impulse buy...I literally picked it up and ran to the counter, I regret NOTHING.

Some more Make up (yay)

MUA Lipstick in Shade 2, £1- My fourth MUA lippie...enough said xD

W7 Lipstick in Kir Royale, I think around £3 from Amazon- I bought on a whim but really like it, the second W7 product I've tried (I really like them!) It's a gorgeous plum red/pink ^^

MUA Pressed Powder Blush in Shade 3, £1- I already have Shade 4 which I LOVE so I can't wait to try this!

Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr Eyestudio Gel Cream Eyeshadow in 40 Permanent Taupe, £4.99 - What can I say, I'm a sucker for taupe shades ^^

Random stuff I've been given 

Benefit Prrrowl Lipgloss & Mascara Duo- My friend got this for her birthday and didn't like it so she gave it to me (was I ever going to say no to a free, practically unused, benefit product?? :D)

A really random pot of Nivea moistururiser- Can you actually beat this stuff for hydrating dry skin?? I don't use it on my face as it's quite heavy (however, I do used the Nivea Light one on my face in the evenings), but it's really good for dry hands or elbows etc.

A little Estee Lauder bag- My step mum received this with her last order and I thought it would be good for taking my make up essentials in when I'm on the move. It's just so cute!

Look at that shimmer xD So snazzy!

That's it!! That was a very long post, I apologise, I got a bit carried away. I'll be reviewing some of these products in the very near future ^^ I hope you enjoyed it.

Lots of love, Laura xx