Review// Loreal Studio Silk&Gloss Hot Straight Cream

 

Hello all! So once again it's review time! This time around it's one of my all time favorite products, the Loreal Studio Silk & Gloss hot straight cream. I first heard about it back when I was in college (yes, I have used it for that long!) from one of my friends. Her hair always was in such lovely condition so when she suggested I try it, I decided to grab a bottle. It is designed to protect hair from heated hair styling products while maintaining healthy condition. For once, I can say that a product does what it says on the tin.

You can apply this to your hair wet or dry before styling. For me personally, I prefer to put it in while my hair is damp and then hair dry it straight. I do section by section and then comb through and I've found this makes your hair super soft and silky. As for putting in the product dry, I don't do it too often but I would say it can make the hair feel a little greasy so I tend not to. As for how well it protects the hair, during periods when I was straightening my hair everyday, a hairdresser commented on how good the condition was and was amazed that I had used GHD's on it everyday. So I would go as far to say that the protection you get from it is rather good.

A big plus, but not necessarily an essential quality, is the smell. Some heat protect products I've used in the past have not smelt all that nice, if anything a really chemical smell. With this, it literally smells amazing and the smell stays in your hair. Having nice scented locks is just another perk that makes me feel feminine. As for price, from bodycare it's just £2.99 and it lasts ages. Other than how it works on dry hair, which isn't bad, the product is flawless. I haven't even bothered looking at other heat protect products for straightening as I can't see another highstreet product beating it. 

My last comment is that because this works so well at keeping your hair straight, you can't curl your hair with it in. They look amazing but fall out within an hour because the hair is just too silky. That doesn't bother me too much as I don't often curl pre-straightened hair because I don't really see the point. There's always heat protect products that I use especially for curled hair anyway. Well that's it for me blabbering on. I hope you've enjoyed reading.

Lots of love,

Laura.

Wish List// Christmas list contenders

CHRISTMAS LIST CONTENDERS

So I think it's safe to say that all of us have a lust list for this Christmas. When my mom asked me what I wanted I wasted no time sending her a list of clothes I am in LOVE with. But clothes is really just the beginning and so here are the rest of my Christmas list contenders.

Elf 50 Piece palate £15.99
I already have so many palates but none that include ten blushers. The blushers range from really light pink, corals and then to bronze browns. There's also 40 eyeshadow colours which have literally every colour in. Elf products are always of a high quality and so I trust the quality to be amazing.

Elf Concealer kit in light £3.25
Again, Elf products are fantastic and I think this will be no exception. This little kit provides various concealers to counteract different problems. I believe there is one to cover dark circles, one to cover redness, one for blemishes and one to highlight. As of yet I haven't found a concealer that really works so it will be interesting to see how well these work.

Sleek face Contour kit £9.99
This kit has been all over blogs recently and has received nothing but good reviews. It comes with a shimmer, contouring bronzer and a coloured blush. There are different variations of this palate for different skin tones but the light seems the best to me. Other bloggers have said you put the bronzer under your cheeks, blush just above and the shimmer on the top of the cheekbones to create a really contoured effect.

Loreal Colour Privee lipstick in Cheryl £8.99
I already own (and have done a blog post) about the Eva version of this lipstick and I love it. I wear it everyday. Usually when I'm wearing lipstick in the colder weather my lips dry out. I haven't had any of this with these products. The Cheryl colour is only slightly lighter but looks lovely none the less. 

Christina Aguilera By Night Perfume £19.95
This perfume is my all time favourite scent. I'm currently wearing Lady Million in the day (courtesy of my lovely boyfriend, thank you!) and this is the perfect evening perfume. I have currently ran out as I practically wash in the stuff but have begged all of my family for a bottle. If you haven't tried it I seriously recommed you do. I know perfume is quite a personal thing but everyone who smells it ends up loving it.

Fingers crossed you all get what you've asked santa for this Christmas. But if not, remember that the main thing is that your loved ones are healthy and happy! As always lots of love,

How to de-stress over the Christmas period

 

Images from google image searches of 'yoga', 'relax' and 'relaxing bath' and not my own.

How to de-stress over the Christmas period

I think that I am one of the worst people for being a worrier and a stress-head. Sometimes I'll be going about my business and one too many things can be on my plate at once and cause me stress. I have some reviews in the pipeline to reduce appearance of stress such as under eye bags and bad skin. It got me thinking, what is the point in having all of these fantastic products if you can't get to the root of the problem and solve it. Now by no means am I saying that this is what you should do and your stress should magically disappear. However, these are the things I do that help me reduce and sometimes remove my stress.  These are things that are cost effective (big plus for poor students) and things you can do in your own time. 

Take a long bath

Unfortunately, it has taken not having a bath in my new student accommodation to realise how much difference a bath makes. Whenever I'm visiting home, I take a million baths to help me chill out. I tend to buy a nice smelling bubble bath, light some candles (safely and away from anything flammable obviously, safety first!) and even put music on if it helps me chill out. Then, I get the water as hot as I am comfortable with and soak until I feel my worries melting away. Often when I get out, not only do I feel fantastic, but my skin feels better for it too. Two in one!

Do Yoga

My sister Sophia is a yoga fanatic and incorporates it into her everyday lifestyle (you can check out her surfing blog here.) I was a little reluctant to get into yoga because I always thought I needed to be super flexible in order to do it. It's the yoga itself that makes you flexible! You don't need some heavy, expensive yoga how to book or anything of the sort, just a reliable internet connection. I looked up on Youtube yoga 'How to' videos and was flooded with them. The yoga I do is the Sun salutation cycle. It's easy for novices and not really strenuous. However, when I'm done it is amazing how chilled out I feel from just ten minutes of low activity.

Listen to music 

I think this is a fairly obvious point to make but it really does help. Whenever I have the time, I stop everything, clean my bedroom and lie on my bed with just my music. I lie flat and play a playlist I have already made with relaxing music. One of the best songs to chill out to is Rob Thomas - Little Wonders. You can find the link here and I recommend you have a listen, the lyrics really help. Another song to chill you out is I see Fire by Ed Sheeran (Link here) If this song doesn't chill you out, nothing will. It's that good, I promise! Music is a very personal thing and everyone has their own taste so I say listen to anything that makes you relax. I listen to music on my bed until I feel chilled out and calmer. 

Make lists

In my 'What's in my bag' post I included my trusty day to day diary/planner. Without this, I would be a lot more stressed than I am. I can write in everything and anything I need to remember and plan how to make the best of my time. Time management is one of the most difficult things to do at university and also one of the most important. I also make use of the 'notes' section in the back to put anything from helpful song lyrics to tips on how to get stains out your dressing gown. Any tips at all that will make my life easier go in. The same sort of system can be put into calendars you hang up and even just plain paper you can put on the wall to jot things on. Anything that means you can get it out of your head is worth trying.

Keep a Diary

This may not be for everyone but for me it's essential. A diary is a truly personal possession and what you do with it is up to you. In mine, I write the things I feel I could never tell anyone, things I need to rant about and the things you need to say but don't really mean once you have calmed down. There is also a lot of artwork in my diary, some of it is highly symbolic of things that are going on in my life. Just to write/draw/paint in it is an activity that de-stresses you (is that the right phrase? Hmm, not sure). Even just doing artwork is quite a therapeutic activity that you might enjoy. It hasn't got to be a Picasso worthy painting, just something that helps you or is symbolic of your mood.

Well that is how I relieve stress and make a happier Laura. I hope over the Christmas period, when you're stressing over what to buy your boyfriends mom and your sister, you remember these tips and put some into action. Anything to make a happier you is something you should make time for in your day to day activities. 

As always, love and best wishes,

Review// Garnier Moisture Match Lotion

 

 So As mentioned in my 'Monthly Favourites' post I've been doing my usual and buying things I don't reallyyy need. This time in the form of Garniers new Moisture match lotions. I tried the Illuminating light lotion for normal skin. Usually, around £5.99 (in Wilkinsons) but was on sale for £3.00 which I couldn't resist.

The lotion promises to offer Tailored texture, formula and 24 hour hydration with an SPF of 20. My usual foundation doesn't contain SPF, so even though I do have an oily T zone, I decided to go for this one. On first appearances, there isn't really anything special about the packaging, just a simple box and then a squeeze tube for the lotion. I did notice that the box it comes in disguises how small the bottle is. To me, that is false advertising and just plain annoying.

The lotion is of a creamy texture, thin for light coverage and it smells amazing. The first time I used it my skin had a sort of shimmer. Though I haven't read it anywhere, I assume the product is supposed to be used early morning before you put on your makeup, so your face is protected by SPF. Under my everyday foundation (Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid in Sand) the slight shimmer came through and gave a dewy look to the skin. I found that after use, my foundation generally applied more evenly and had a better finish.

Generally, the price and the quality of the product were good. As mentioned earlier, I was a little annoyed over how deceptive the size of the box was. Also, if you rub your face with this product on, if it gets in your eyes it can be quite painful, not good! Overall, I probably will invest in another bottle again purely for the SPF.

As always, it's been a pleasure,

Monthly Favourites // October

 

Good Afternoon blog readers! I have seen a lot of blog writers doing these sorts of posts lately and I thought that I would jump on the bandwagon. I love these sorts of posts because they highlight products that are better for the different seasons. Sometimes your usual moisturizer in summer just doesn't cut it in winter and so a different product is needed. They are also really handy for doing short reviews on a lot of items all in one go. So here's my monthly favorites for October!

Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Wash

At university, whether you are the most chilled out person or not, you will get inevitably stressed. I stress about work, money and all sorts of things when at uni. That and all the partying you do as a student takes it's toll on the skin. I usually have quite clean skin (Thank you mama for that!) but I am no stranger to spots around stressful times. This wash is really creamy and makes the skin feel so smooth after use. It even gives a tingly, clean feeling after use which makes me feel super clean. For winter clean skin, it is a must and at under a fiver there really isn't any reason not to buy it. 

Garnier Moisture Match Illuminating Light lotion

For all of the reasons mentioned above, my skin becomes lack lustre in winter so when this was on offer I picked up this one. They come in a colourful range with each one specifically tackling one skin problem. This is the only one I've tried but I love it. I wont say too much more as I will be doing a full review soon.

Loreal Studio Silk Gloss Heat Protect Cream

My hair gets really dry and brittle in winter and as I use a lot of heated products this is a must for me. It smells incredible, costs £2.99 (depending on where you get it from, I buy it from Bodycare) and is the best I've used. Some heat protectors make the hair a little sitcky and feel limp. This product makes hair shiny and oh so soft. It's perfect for people who straighten their hair on a daily basis like me. Again, I will be doing a full review so I won't say too much here.

Paco Rabanne Lady Million Perfume

I love love love this perfume. It is the perfect scent for everyday use and the packaging is oh so slick! I went on a cruise earlier this year (I did a 'What I wore on Holiday' blog post) with my boyfriend and his family and had a great time. My boyfriend made use of the on board casino and won. He treated me two bottles of this so whenever I smell it it always takes me back to my holidays. The other perfume I adore for everyday use is Christina Aguilera By Night, it is my all time favourite perfume, I just didn't have any bottles to photograph as I have exhausted my supplies (come on Christmas!)

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 'As You Want Victoria'

This is my new favourite 'going out' lipstick. It's bright and comes with a matching nail varnish by Rimmel called urban purple. I have done a full blog post on both last month so check those out. However, I am still obsessed with it and wear it whenever I can to go out. Simple eye makeup and this lipstick is great for a colour pop makeup look. Not going to be chucking it out anytime soon!

Loreal Privee Colour Riiche Nude Lips in 'Eva'

My last blog post was all about this lipstick. Whilst the Rimmel lipstick is very much a 'going out' lipstick this is the one I'm using for everyday. It's moisturizing, covers dry skin and gives a really healthy colour to the lips. There is also a whole range of nude lipsticks to match all skin shades and eye colours. What's not to love?

So, there you have it, my October monthly favourites. I will hopefully remember to do a November favourite post so keep your eyes peeled for that. Hope you enjoyed reading and please leave a comment if there is a product you would like me to try.

Much love,

Review// Loreal Collection Privee Colour Riche Lipstick

 

 

Good afternoon all, absolutely horrible weather outside so I thought I'd get myself warm and cosy and write a blog post. This morning when I was sat doing my makeup, I found myself looking through my lipsticks trying to find a nude shade, and found none. It's a habit of mine to do my eye makeup before lips and I am guilty of using a little too much sometimes. I often worry that I look like I've got too much makeup on (just me or do other people do this?) Anywayy, I decided on nude lips as you can really get away with any eye makeup and so I made it my mission to get one. 

Recently, Loreal did a rather fabulous advert full of their ambassadors such as Cheryl Cole, Eva Longoria and Doutzen. When stood in front of the makeup stand, I desperately wanted them all. There's a colour for Eva, Doutzen, Frieda, Julianne, Cheryl and Liya. I eventually settled on Eva's shade as I thought it would look the most natural on me. It's a light, rosy shade with a hint of orange. The packaging is gold and black and it looks gorgeous, something I'll be quite happy whipping out in public (sounds almost rude there, unintentional I promise.)

 Since buying it, I have worn it constantly and I have to say I love it. I paid £8.19 in Superdrug which, for a student such as myself, is on the high cost end of the highstreet. That being said, for an everyday lipstick it's perfect. It applies on smoothly and gives a creamy finish. It also does a good job of covering dry lips which in winter is a real bonus. As far as lasting power is concerned, because it is a nude colour it isn't as noticeable as it fades. I would say it lasts around three hours but does leave a slight stain on the lips after that. Overall, I am a very happy customer.

Next on my never ending wish list is the lipstick by Cheryl which is very similar to Eva's but has a more pale colour running through it. If you fancy picking one up you can go do a simple questionnaire to find out what shade you are on Loreal's website here. Have you purchased any and if not is there a colour you have in mind? I always like to hear opinions! As always, lots of love,

OOTN / MOTN// Halloween as Little Red Riding Hood

 

 

 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I'm currently snuggled up in my armchair hibernating from the horrible wind outside. So I thought, what better time to do my first ever outfit of the night (OOTN) and makeup of the night (MOTN) post. I absolutely LOVE to dress up and Halloween provides the perfect excuse. I'd been thinking about what to dress up as for quite a while and had been scrolling through lots of blog posts getting ideas. Then I saw a post (here) talking about little red riding hood and I knew I had to do it.This costume was actually being sold by a lot of sellers on Ebay for £25.00 and then one lovely seller put this dress on for just £8.00 so I snapped it up. I also purchased some over the knee white socks to give a girly look to the costume. They also kept me warm as it is getting colder and they were the warmer alternative to braving bare legs!

Me and my university flatmates  went out to clubs dressed as Goku (A Character from dragonball Z shown in the photo above), two zombies (one in the photo above), a gothic doll, a man with half a face and then myself as little red riding hood. We made quite the sight. Some people's costumes were incredible, one girl had used what I assume was liquid latex and painted a zip ripping open her skin.I actually love seeing everyone's ideas and that people have made an effort.

 Makeup: Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid, 2 True False Eyelashes, MUA Undressed eyeshadow palate (Shades 1,3,5 and 11), Miss Sporty Studio Lash liquid eyeliner and Miss Sporty Red Lipstick shade Dream 055.

I wanted my eye makeup to be reasonably simple because I think this costume was all about red lips. I had shade one of the Undressed eyeshadow palate on the insides of my eyes, Shade 3 lining my lid crease and shade 5 darkening the outermost corner of my eyes. Shade 11 was used to line my eyelash line so that the eyeliner didn't have a harsh line. Overall, I really liked it! I can't wait until next time I can dress up again so I have a project to be getting involved in. 

Hope you liked my costume. Did you dress up for Halloween? If so post your costumes in the comments below, I love hearing about them!

Lots of love,