My Fave Beauty Products

I was talking to a friend the other day about growing better looking with age (not that I’m big headed or that) but I think a lot of it comes down to cosmetics and the gazillion tutorials available that show you how to apply them. I’m all for people wearing make up if they want to, I’m all for people who choose not to wear make up but personally it makes me feel better.

My friends and family laugh at the weight of my makeup bag and it’s a proper workout having to cart it around when I get asked to do their faces: Megan, Lauren and Linda I’m looking at you guys!

I’m all about the skincare these days as there’s little point in painting your face with a shitload of beauty products if you aren’t taking care of the basics. My go-to make up look is winged black liner and red lips but sometimes I’ll mix it up and go for a coloured eye and pink lip.

Here’s my unfiltered bare face although I do have eyelashes, semi permanent brows and a bit of a tan right now. Yes I am aware I look drunk but no I wasn’t.

To start I’m alllllllllllllll about adding moisture as my face had a tendency to be dry. Nip+Fab are amazing and I cannot live without the Dragon’s Blood Fix Hyaluronic Shot now. Honestly the difference in my skin in the few weeks I’ve been using it is immense. Mixed with Sanctuary Spa’s Firm & Smooth Gel Crewe (bargain from TK Maxx) it plumps and hydrates my face. Because I’m not getting any younger and I’ve noticed the crow’s feet creeping in I’ve been using Monu Skin’s eye cool gel that I got in a Glossybox. Lastly Urban Decay’s Quick Fix Priming Spray. It might seem excessive to some but I totally notice the difference in how my makeup lays and lasts if I don’t do this.

Yes I sprayed the Urban Decay primer but that’s more for added moisture, this Nip+Fab Viper Venom Micro Blur really does work it’s magic on the pores. I alternate between this and Benefit’s Porefessional.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I’ve no brand loyalty especially when it comes to foundation. Maybe I just haven’t found the right brand/consistency. Saying that these Revolution ones from Superdrug are cheap and cheerful and I use the shades F4 and F5. The reason for the 2 is depending on how tanned I am and can blend these easily to create the perfect shade.

That’s right I regularly use 11 different makeup brushes for my face but it’s about using the right tools for the right results. The bane of my life is washing all the brushes (I have way more than 11) but needs must. Every 2 weeks without fail you’ll find me spending a couple of hours cleaning my brushes. Time consuming yes but essential for ridding the brushes of bacteria. I’ll pop on a face mask, have a bottle of wine and watch serial killer documentaries while doing it and if they isn’t living my best life then I dunno what is.

Again cheap and cheerful but the Barry M contour duo works for me, I prefer a cream to a powder contour.

There is no way to look glam when mid contour! Once that’s all blended I’ll set it with a translucent powder, this one is another Glossybox product.

I picked up this BH Cosmetics palette when I was in New York in June and have only used it a couple of times but the eyeshadows are super pigmented and easily blendable. The lightest pink one (2nd from the left on the top row) is a mixture of pink and gold and is just dreamy 😍. The packaging is lovely and if I remember correctly this was only about $20.

The Kat Von D liner was another NYC buy and I’ll be sad when it’s finished, why didn’t I buy 2?! Although my brows are tattooed I’ll set them with Benefit’s Gimme Brow in shade 5.

I’ve been using Benefit Hoola for well over a decade and I can’t see me changing bronzer anytime soon. The blusher is another product I picked up through Glossybox and adds just the right amount of colour to my cheeks.

Another NYC buy from Sephora I’ll be stock piling this on Cult Beauty when I run low. I was recently told someone could see my highlighter from the other side of the office and I LOVED that compliment. Some folk are all about a subtle glow: not me! As you can see I’ve used all of the colours and use Marshmallow for the corners of my eyes and brow bone.

Here’s another secret: I seldom use lip liner *gasps* what a shit blogger I am! I got this Karl Lagerfeld+Model Co one from September’s Glossybox so thought I’d give it a go. Can’t say it made much difference tbh

I don’t feel like my face is finished until I douse it in the legendary All Nighter Setting Spray from Urban Decay. This travel sized one is almost finished so I need to buy a full sized one ASAP. Have tried some other setting sprays but this is my fave.

And that’s my face done! It may seem like a lot of product but it works for me!

Let me know in the comments below your favourite make up brands x

Birthday And Christmas Wishlist

I really do think I am the easiest person in the world to buy for: I like pretty things and handbags and accessories and shoes and handbags and jewellery and beauty products and handbags. Did I mention I like handbags?! So it puzzles me when my nearest and dearest complain about not knowing what to buy me for birthday or Christmas. I’m unfortunate to celebrate my day of birth a mere 6 days before Christmas. With this in mind I thought I’d put together an easy wishlist of prettiful things I’d be ever so grateful for 😉

£36 at House Of Fraser

I didn’t jump on the Urban Decay bandwagon when the Naked palettes were big news but lately I’ve favoured a neutral eye (and I need a change from my standard black liquid eyeliner) and if I’m going to go neutral then I might as well go for the best and the original.

Real Techniques at Cocktail Cosmetics £29.95

I really am in dire need of some decent make up brushes and everyone raves about the Real Technique ones so I’d like to give them a go. This Sam Chapman Picks set is an ideal starter kit.

Michael Kors at House Of Fraser £310

Ever so slightly expensive for a birthday or Christmas gift but I would love, love, love to own this Bedford satchel. It’s just a classic shape that will NEVER go out of style.

Converse at Schuh £43

This may come as a shocker to my friends and family but I REALLY want a pair of cons. I wore a pair of my mum’s Converse during the summer with maxi dresses and liked the look. Plus I have found the ideal pair of jeans so would be able to rock a casual look more often.

Rich & Reckless £20

Would prefer this tee in black but would be great as I’m a massive Marilyn fan.

Obscure Couture at ASOS £45

I blogged about this tee aaaaaaaaaaaaaages ago and still didn’t get round to buying it so I’m putting it on my wishlist.

In Love With Fashion £30

I really don’t need another LBD but the netting and dots make this unlike any other black dress I own.

Sugar & Vice £20

I kind of NEED this necklace in my life!

So there we go, the pretty things I’d like!

L   x

Lash Republic Event

On Friday 5th October I was invited along to The Make Up & Beauty Studio on West Preston Street for the Lash Republic Event. It’s been a while since I’ve attended a blogger event so it was nice seeing Jade, Gillian and Lynne. One of The Make Up & Beauty Studio’s founders, Christine, was on hand to give us the scoop on Australian brand Lash Republic after giving us a tour around the premises.

The Make Up & Beauty Studio is the exclusive UK stockist of Lash Republic lashes so we were overjoyed to get a sneak peek of the hand-made, human hair lashes. With a choice of 20 styles in the studio we set to finding our favourites. The great thing about Lash Republic lashes is the demonstration applicator – the lashes are attached to a clear plastic wand so you can put it along your lash line to see the effect. Genius!

Being a packaging junkie the outer packaging is a sleek black and gold design, which was a major plus for me – a welcome change from plain white (Eyelure) or gaudy pop art (Katy Perry). The lashes also have great names including Lady Caviar, Manhattan Mistress and Sophisticata with all different effects including demi lashes for those of you who always struggle with those tricky inner corners. From natural to lengthening to dramatic there really is something for everyone.

After choosing our styles, I opted for London Chic, Christine demonstrated just how easy the lashes were to apply especially with a nifty little Lash Republic tool which keeps the shape of the lash and stops it from sticking to your fingers.

Then it was the turn of us bloggers. I wear eyelashes on a fairly regular basis but get so frustrated when the inner corners pop up. Not so with the Lash Republic lashes, these were amazingly easy to put on, the applicator really makes what used to be a tricky task surprisingly easy. Jade was amazed at how quiet we were when applying our lashes! London Chic have a decent bit of length with some volume but aren’t too much, they looked like my lashes but better. Meeting some friends after the event for a drink my lashes were given the approval, my mum usually says my lashes make me look like “Daisy the coo” not with these bad boys though 😉

Before

After

The one thing that annoys me about some lashes is how hard they feel on top of the natural lash, like if you fall asleep drunk with them still on (not that I’ve ever done that… ahem) your eyes are sore in the morning. I can safely vouch for how soft these are and even when wearing them throughout the night they didn’t hurt my eyes or shift at all. How much more can you ask for from lashes?!

 After taking numerous photos of the applied lashes we enjoyed a few glasses of fizz and had a good natter, all in all a great night.

Fancy checking out Lash Republic lashes? Well you are in luck, Christine and the Make Up and Beauty Studio are holding events on Saturday 12th October and Sunday 13th October. To get involved and check out these well made lashes please click here for all the info you’ll need.

L    x

Bargain Beauty Shopping Splurge

Poundland isn’t usually a store I would go to for beauty products but after seeing several bloggers picking up some brand name cosmetics I decided to venture in and see what goodies I could get.

My local store had some NYC lipglosses as well as Rimmel and Dainty Doll eyeshadow kits. I don’t wear eyeshadow all that often and when I do I tend to stick to Sleek or Benefit. The Revlon nail polish looks slightly lighter than my Rimmel in Purple Rain but for £1 I can’t really justify NOT buying it! I’m a fan of the Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation so I’m eager to try the radiance shimmer touch in Radiant Rose.

I then went to Superdrug where Maybelline had a 2 for £10 offer on some of their products. As I intended to buy the Rocket Volum’ Express mascara which would have cost me £7.99 on it’s own, I snapped up the Dream Satin Liquid. Not the best foundation I’ve ever used but it’s not bad, certainly better than the mousse which does not like my skin. Jade of Diamonds & Faith has raved about the mascara, even claiming it’s better than Benefit‘s They’re Real! so I have high hopes for it, I’ll let you know my thoughts soon.

After complaining about a brassiness to my hair this silver shampoo was recommended by several people. Hoping it will tone down the yellow!

Do you know of any surprise places in which to pick up a beauty bargain?

L    x

May Round Up

This month has mostly been spent eating and drinking lots!

Black and Blue Pasta from Frankie&Bennys. My favourite meal but annoyed that it is only on their lunchtime menu.

I’m a creature of habit when it comes to food so whenever there is eggs benedict on a menu you can guarantee I’ll order that!

Pigging out on honeycomb ice cream from Luca’s in Mussellburgh, also ate ice cream from Thorntons a few days later and have pretty much been living on orange ice lollies for weeks!

I drank an obscene amount of alcohol with Carla one night and subsequently morphed into the blair witch

That also being the same night I thought it acceptable to walk home (a 2 minute journey) in my pyjammies.

I attended the Edinburgh Spa in The City day where many different beauty retailers gave free treatments and/or demonstrations from marquees erected in St Andrews Square. I initially wanted a Molton Brown facial but they were fully booked so opted for a Lush facial where you actually make the face treatment using fresh ingredients. As I had pre booked my treatment my goody bag was different from Yvonne and Jade’s and I was delighted to receive this Label M Split End Sealer. Haven’t really noticed a difference on my split ends but it’s great for adding texture to layers. Although all natural products were used my face definitely did not like the treatment and I took a reaction to it! My face was rather red, sore and hot for a few days but I’ve never heard of anyone else suffering like this. Just my skin being ridiculously sensitive again.

I didn’t know that Lush sell cosmetics – the coloured pigments are suitable for eyes/cheeks/lips apparently. The consultant spun the wheel and told me to choose the first 3 colours I was drawn to, she then picked accent colours. Each colour has a trait and mines were rather amusing! Ambition, Focus Motivation,Perspective, Sophisticated.

After Spa in the City I checked out the Bebaroque pop up shop where I lusted over the beautiful embellished tights

I drooled over the ever handsome Leonardo DiCaprio in The Great Gatsby. Such a beautiful movie, was in awe of the styling.

The month of May also saw me attempt my first PowerHoop class where you use a weighted hoop to enhance your core muscles and slim waists. All I’ve got to show for it is a very bruised middle section but I shall battle on in the hope it gives me a waist.

What have you been upto this past month? Have you ever taken a bad skin reaction to any products?

L    x

My Morning Skincare Routine

I don’t consider myself high maintenance at all when it comes to my skincare routine (in other aspects of my life YES) but then I started counting how many face/body/haircare products I use each morning. The answer to which is a staggering 9. Yup 9 products I have to use each and every morning and that doesn’t include shampoo & conditioner or any cosmetics. How has it come to this?! I blame the world of blogging. Although my blog isn’t very beauty focused I tend to read ALOT of beauty blogs and get sucked into the latest must haves and miracle products. Years ago I used whatever shampoo and conditioner was on offer, was quite content with Nivea face cream and happy to dye my hair at home, remember those days?!

Anatomicals Body Scrub

A great bargain buy, I like my scrubs quite gritty.

Murad Age Reform Cleanser

Received this in my goody bag from the Zen Beauty Event. Having used the Murad eye cream before, I am a fan of the brand. This cleanser may be aimed at mature skin but it works perfectly with mine and it’s pretty good at removing eye make up without stinging the eyes.

Dermalogica Daily Exfoliant

 Almost completely out of it now after being one of the lucky souls to receive via Glossybox months back. I may actually shed a lil tear when this runs out as to buy it would set me back £40 and I just can’t justify spending that amount on one skincare product when my finances are in such disarray.

Stri-Vectin Eye Concentrate

Another Glossybox goodie, I used this a couple of times then lost it and have only recently rediscovered it. A miracle product right here but comes with another hefty price tag at £41.75. I previously used Murad’s Hydro Dynamic Ultimate Eye Moisturiser. Eye cream is essential especially for a smoker like me (I know, I know, naughty Lea)

AVON Hyrda Radiance Day Cream

I quite often try different day and night moisturisers but this cheapy from Avon really does give some much needed radiance to my skin.

Crabtree & Evelyn Botanical Body Lotion

Same with my facial moisturisers I like to chop and change with body creams too. This morning I used this hence the photo. Not a fan of cucumber smells at all but the grapefruit overpowers it.

So that’s my body and face scrubbed and moisturised next it’s onto the hair:

Milk_Shake Conditioning Whipped Cream

A little of this leave in conditioner goes a long way and the smell is absolutely divine, actually smells like a strawberry milkshake.

Fish Heat Protection Spray

Previously used a Trevor Sorbie spray but found this one works just as well plus I managed to buy it in a discount store for £1 a can – bargainous!

L’Oreal Mythic Oil

Once I’ve blow dried my hair I rub a little of this through the ends of my hair for some nourishment and shine.

There’s also different hair products I’ll use once I’ve either straightened or curled my hair. Then it’s onto make up and choosing an outfit. And this is on non fake tanning days. No wonder I’m always late for everything!

What are your skincare staples? Do you think beauty blogs and magazines have made it more acceptable to spend large chunks of money on skin/hair care products?

 

INAA.com Bloggers Event

Any event titled “Bloggers Do It Best” was always going to be a winner in my eyes so I was delighted when the lovely peoples at Alison Jameson PR invited me along to an INAA.com bloggers event. Held at the exclusive 29 in Glasgow, the members club was a bloggers paradise with decadent interiors and an absolutely stunning roof terrace.

As I’m such a crap fashion/beauty blogger this is the only photo of my outfit from that night! I wear black ALOT but felt an event such as this required colour so I went all out with the skinnies from H&M paired with the pink chiffon Primark top and my trusty Jasper Conran bag and then added my standard black items – blazer by H&M, shoes from Peacocks.

Handed a Belvedere Long Vodka as we entered, the many Scottish bloggers listened to the INAA.com founders talk about it’s concept and how Scottish women don’t treat themselves often enough when it comes to hair and beauty treatments. INAA.com is an online salon booking site meaning you can go onto the website and check in real time what appointments are free in selected salons.  The event was sponsored by Bumble and Bumble, Bare Minerals, GHD and Laurens Way. Lauren Goodger was on hand to talk more about her range of tanning and hair products. Many bloggers posed for photos with her although I opted not to as I’m Casper-like as it is so to be stood next to a bronzed goddess….

The lovely Bee from Bumble&Bumble gave THE most amazing hair demonstrations and despite having to wait until the end of the night for my turn, I left the event with BIG hair.

Jade‘s hair transformation was even more amazing

Before

After

The 3rd annual Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards or SHABA for short (admit it, Shaggy just popped into your head) will be held on 26th May at the Glasgow Hilton and we were lucky enough to be given the shortlist of finalists. For the full list of finalists please check out INAA.com’s Facebook page.

The night ended with us receiving fab goody bags containing items from the sponsors. For a full look please check out my Vine video on my Twitter.

A great night all round and so lovely to meet more Scottish bloggers especially Carlyn, Sarah, Fiona and Victoria.

Massive thanks to INAA.com and AJC PR for a wonderful night, hope there’s many more to come.

L    x

Harvey Nichols & Grazia Beauty Event

I do like a wee beauty event at Harvey Nicks so I jumped at the chance to attend the Harvey Nichols and Grazia event at the Edinburgh store on Wednesday 8th May. I browsed the store with Jade and our friend Charis although both girls had their cars so it was just lil ole me enjoying the free fizz!

We spoke to a Grazia makeup artist who told Chris to try a MAC eyeshadow to fill in her brows. Usually at these events I buy MAC lipsticks cos let’s face it, a girl can never have too many lipsticks and I love the matte version. However I opted for something different and splurged on Benefit products. As a packaging whore the Benefit products always appeal to me and I’ve been using their Hoola bronzer for years. I blogged about the cabana glama kit here and love it so when the lovely Benefit lady told me about it being reduced from £29 down to £19 I HAD to snap it up! Also because our tickets to the event were redeemable against a purchase I ended up getting the kit for £9. Yes you read that right. £9!

I also bought one of the ultra plush lip glosses in a gorgeous coral colour called Poutrageous that I’ve worn everyday since buying it. The art deco style packaging is a nice touch.

Because I bought 2 products I was given a Benefit goody bag which consisted of decent sized samples.

Jade and Charis posed at Fifi Lapins and we had the chance to win a bumper goody bag by colouring in drawings of the uber stylish bunny.

Our goody bags were Fifi Lapin shoppers with various perfume samples and skincare. To have a full look at it check out the Vine video on my Twitter page.

L    x

Related articles

• Join us at the Exclusive Beauty Events at Harvey Nichols… (graziadaily.co.uk)

A Treat For Your Hair

In February following our trip to Stobo Castle (which you can read about here if you haven’t already done so) Jade made up gift bags of cosmetics and skincare products for us to recreate a spa at home experience. Amongst the goodies was the Neal & Wolf Harmony Intensive Care Treatment which I waxed lyrical about, I may have even referred to it as a miracle product. Following my glowing reviews you can imagine my delight when Neal & Wolf sent me their Ritual Daily Cleansing Shampoo and Ritual Daily Conditioner to try.

 The deep purple and design of the packaging look very sleek and what I love most about the products, apart from the heavenly smell, is the size difference. Nothing bugs me more than finishing a bottle of shampoo and still having half a bottle of conditioner left over. This shampoo is 250ml whilst the conditioner is 200ml. A marketing winner in my eyes!

Hair freshly washed with the Ritual Daily Cleansing Shampoo and Conditioner.

The products gave life to my dyed blonde hair, left my tresses silky smooth and the divine smell lasted for hours. Recently I was asked by 2 different people what scent I was wearing when I didn’t have any perfume on, these honestly smell that good.  In fact after a male friend used my shampoo and conditioner, even though he was told NOT to use “the good stuff”, he was teased in his work for wearing perfume!

Neal & Wolf brand their products as “Indulgence Redefined” and I have to say I totally agree! The shampoo, conditioner and intensive treatment all feel like a luxury or a treat for the hair but the prices are affordable enough for every day use. My hair has never been in such great condition.

Other Neal & Wolf products available to buy include: Super Shine Spray, Volumising Lotion (which I’m dying to try next) and Smoothing Blow-Dry Balm.

Available online at Neal & Wolf and from professional salons, prices start from £10.95

*PR sample but views are 100% mine

Empties: Yay or Nay

I’ve been meaning to do a beauty related post for ages so here we go: Products I’ve used up and whether I’d buy them again or not.

(ignore the wrinkled duvet please!)

What: Happy Hair Days Rosemary & Mint Thickening Shampoo

Where: Sainsburys. Also available at Boots and online

Price: £3.99

Pro’s: Pleasantly surprised with the results, worked better than many more expensive volumising shampoos. Also for those of you who are concerned about what chemicals you put in your hair this is not 100% natural but almost! It is paraben and SLS free. Although this is mint scented it isn’t overpowering like some mint product can be.

Cons: Use much more shampoo than conditioner, I’ve still got almost a full bottle of the conditioner left.

Repurchase? : Yay! A great value buy.

What: Dr Jart + Water Fuse BB Cream

Where: Glossybox. Also available at Boots

Price: £12

Pro’s : One of the best BB Creams I’ve tried! SPF25 coverage without feeling too heavy on the skin, this BB cream has become my daily go-to. Have even tried this under foundation for a night out with great effects.

Con’s : Not really suitable for those who prefer full coverage.

Repurchase? : Yay! Love this product.

What: Garnier Skin Perfector BB Cream

Where: Superdrug. Also available at Boots, Sainsburys, online etc.

Price: £7.99

Pro’s : The first BB cream I ever tried, was initially impressed with this until I used the Dr Jart + one. I can use either the light or medium shade.

Con’s : I found this quite drying so moisturizer immediately before applying is a must.

Repurchase? : Nay! I’d rather pay a fiver more and buy the Dr Jart+ BB cream.

What: Beautiful Movements Dewy Perfection Finishing Powder

Where: Glossybox. Also available at bmbeauty.com

Price: £8

Pro’s: Used either under or over foundation I LOVED the finish this gave my makeup. The brand says all their products are vegetarian suitable and free from chemical nasties.

Con’s : The size is a little small but you don’t need to use a huge amount of product.

Repurchase? : Yay! A makeup bag staple.

What: Rituals Cherry Blossom & Rice Milk body cream

Where: Glossybox. Also available at rituals.com

Price: £5

Pro’s :  The smell is heavenly and the rich cream is very hydrating. Used this before my spray tan and I wasn’t left too streaky!

Con’s : Though I had finished this product  but when I cut it open to get the last drops there was still quite a bit left.

Repurchase? : Yay! For the smell alone!

What: Fat Hair Thickening Spray

Where: Superdrug

Price: £5.99

Pro’s : Smells very sweet. Thickens hair.

Con’s : Feels sticky

Repurchase? : Nay. Prefer the Fat Hair shampoo and conditioner.

That’s what I’ve been using up. Have you tried any of these products? Any thoughts?

L  x