My summer essentials!

It's summer, it's summer! It's been sweltering over here in the UK and around London this past week or so. Whilst my dad complains about the heat and my mum goes into hibernation, I can't help but take in the sunshine and embrace the happiness that it brings to everyone! Everyone just seems to be in a good mood when the sun is out and since I'm a summer baby, it's when I feel most calm, free and motivated! I also have a holiday to Greece planned at the end of this month so this is when the preparation gets started - over packing, thinking of every possible scenario and occasion to dress for, and buying too many bikinis when realistically I'll only wear one or two. I just love it. 

Here are a few bits I've accumulated over the past couple of weeks and over my birthday that I will certainly be taking with me, or I'll keep by my side throughout this gorgeous British weather! 

(The Virgin Mojito Happy Hour Collection - comes with a Mojito Body Butter, scrub, shower gel and Mini Green bath Lily)

The launch of The Body Shop's new Virgin Mojito range has had everybody talking this season and I was lucky enough to receive pretty much the whole range for my birthday to try out. I was obsessed with the Fuji Green Tea range earlier this year and I just know I'm going to be obsessed with this one too *she says sniffing away at the body scrub like no tomorrow*. I've been trying so hard to keep my mitts off all the products because I really want this to be my holiday scent this year - but I don't know how long I can last! It's super fresh and sweet with bursts of lime and mint extract. I basically smell like my favourite drink, and I have this incredible image of myself laying on a beach in Greece, smelling like a Mojito whilst drinking a Mojito.. urm YES.

The Body Splash product is a lovely addition to the range. A light splash of this stuff after a cool shower on a hot summers day would be so refreshing and gorgeous. A worker in my local store said a Coconut base (i.e. a body butter, lotion or spray) would enhance the scent and make it last longer. I haven't tried this yet but let me know your thoughts!

This is the Organix Coconut Water weightless hydration oil and to say I love it is an understatement. For so long I've been using my coconut Ultimate Blends oil, but I've recently been finding it too heavy for my hair this summer. Since my hairs had the chop (I will be writing a post on this soon), I have been embracing its natural thickness; I finally have no more split ends and I really want to start looking after my hair - it has been prone to breakages, damage and dryness in the past. This oil gives my hair hydration that feels weightless whilst smelling a-m-a-zing. If ya love the smell of coconut, give this a sniff! It's like summer in a bottle.

I've spoken about these two babies before but they're my go to drugstore products for when I'm in need of a pop of natural colour. The Max Factor Creamy Blusher in 14 Soft Pink gives the cheeks a gorgeous natural flush and it's creamy consistency makes it look really pretty and dewy on the skin.
This goes perfectly with my old faithful and much loved Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 09 Happy Nude Year. It's a fuss free, matte pinky nude that lasts all day on the lips - no need for top ups whilst you're enjoying the sunshine!

Who doesn't love flowers in their hair?! I've been embracing my inner hippy recently and at the moment they seem to be a festival season statement that anyone can get their hands on. I picked up this pretty floral headband from Primark for just £3/4 - absolute bargain! You'll definitely see me sporting this at Brownstock this month! (another hint at posts to come in the next couple of weeks) : - )

And last but not least, who can go through summer without an ott beach bag? Not me. My lovely mum got me this for my birthday from Accessorize and it's so gorgeous. Covered in vibrant neon elephants, Aztec stitching and A BIG TASSEL. Anyone who knows me would know that tassel's are my thang!

I'm loving all the summer posts right now on everybody's blogs, leave links below so I can see yours and let me know one of your summer essentials this year! Over and out : - )

My top tanning and bronzing must haves!

Having bronzed skin throughout the summer is a trend that will never grow old, but as we become more aware of how harmful the sun can be to our health and to the condition of our skin, it has never been more important to take care on those beautiful sunny days, leaving beauty gurus like myself to search for affective alternatives for women looking for that healthy glow!

Of course, sitting in the sunshine has it's health benefits but too much can be damaging for our skin - it may only be a burn now, but this is causing permanent damage to our skin that will become more noticeable in the future! So although many take to the sun for a non-patchy, all-over tan, I thought I'd show you a few of my healthy alternatives in a can/bottle to get that glow all year round without the risks!

Garnier Ambre Solaire dry body mist - 

This is a fairly recent purchase for me and I have to admit, my laziness when it comes to applying fake tan was the driving force for this buy. The idea of being able to quickly spray gradual tan on your body without having to wait ages for it to dry or that awkward stickiness that cream formula tans bring, is great, but of course it has its downfalls. As I was spraying myself with this new purchase, whilst dancing around my room and getting prepped for going out that evening, I suddenly thought - wait, this was way too easy.. surely there's a catch? It wasn't until 3/4 hours later that the catch became evident. STREAK ALERT. It's very hard to apply dry mist tans liberally and without missing a spot or two - or hundreds in my case - so it's probably best to apply this a day before actually going out to an occasion or event, because after a second coat it seemed to all blend in and look socially acceptable.
The colour was great though, natural and not too orange and even though I did have a little disaster on the first application, I think I will get to grips with it after a few attempts. The easy application makes it still very attractive for someone like myself who hates that stickiness of tanning lotions, but be warned! Expect to visit streak city until you get the hang of it - unless you're a tanning mist expert in which case, please comment some tips!!! : - )

Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter - 1 hour tan mousse: 

I actually love this tan, and I have to say, it's really wiped out my ol'faithful Garnier Summer Body tanning lotion off the top of my holy grail list. I usually leave my favourite till last but thought I'd mix it up for you guys and keep you on your toes!! hehe. Of course it's a tanning mousse so application is quite fussy, but its so worth it for the beautiful result! It's such an affordable alternative to more expensive tanning products on the market but its finish is just as good!
Simply apply all over your body and on your face for an all over bronzed look - don't be alarmed by how dark the product looks, it needs to be washed off after a couple of hours (I usually leave it for 3/4 hours) but after you've hit the shower, the colour and evenness of the product is lovely and really natural. And in case you're wondering, Cocoa Brown is made from a vegetable derived tanning agent, it's suitable for sensitive skin and it's moisturising and kind enough to be used on the face - WIN! This saves the trouble of having separate tanning products for the body and face which I know many brands haven't sorted out yet for people on a budget like myself!
I've really fallen in love with this tan and I know other big names in beauty like Tanya Burr have raved about this product too so it's definitely worth checking it out - and in case you're interested, this tan saved me from my little palaver with the previous tan I mentioned so I managed to leave the house with an all over, streak free tan! : - D

Garner Summer Body moisturising lotion:

I mentioned this product on my blog last summer and it's still up there with my favourite tanning products (it's been knocked off though by Cocoa Brown.. sorry Garnier!) but it's still a very reliable go-to tan for me because most of the time if I've prepped - exfoliated and moisturised the day before that is - it develops evenly leaving me with a nice deep but natural looking tan. However, the smell is very love it or hate it. I know some people who don't mind the smell of fake tan, but I happen to fall in the 'hate it' category and it becomes unbearable sometimes. However the even finish makes this product worth it and I think it's a definite must-try for anyone on a tight budget and wants a fuss free tan.

Click HERE if you want to see my other review and some other thoughts on this product from last summer!

Now onto bronzers! I know sometimes it can be a little daunting applying fake tan onto the face because it's harder to cover if something goes wrong and a lot of tanning products (apart from Cocoa Brown) are not suitable for face application and can sometimes cause break outs. So, to be safe, I like to apply a nice bronzer to match my fake tan to the colour of my foundation, and there are plenty of options out there to try and explore! Here are my two favourites right now : - )

 Hoola by Benefit:

Hoola is every girls best friend, and no she's not a human or a tub of ice cream, she's an old faithful bronzer that has graced every beauty gurus vanity table at some point. I can only describe this as your basic matte, fuss-free, brown bronzer. No shimmer or glitter or all hues of orange - just a brown powder. It's like a LBD for example, every girl needs one! I think the simplicity of Hoola is what makes it so popular; it's easily blended into the skin and perfect for an all over bronzed look when swept across cheekbones, nose and forehead. The fact I've hit the pan as you can see in the photograph is a BIG thaaaang, normally products don't even make it to being half empty before I'm bored and interested in searching for better or more exciting alternatives!

The Body Shop Honey Bronzer - 02:

And last but not least, The Body Shop's Honey Bronzer has been in my makeup bag for a little while now and it's compact mirror has become a must-have for my handbag and it's always on hand when I'm out and about. In my opinion this is a a great alternative to Hoola for girls with fairer skin and want a lighter bronzed look, because sometimes when I haven't applied tan, Hoola can be a little too dark for my skin tone. Yet again it's a matte brown powder which isn't too pigmented so perfect for anyone who wants a light bronze or a buildable bronzer for any makeup look. You can probably tell that I'm not into all of the shimmery bronzers out there with crazy patterns and blocks and wheels of pinks, yellows shades etc. A basic brown powder allows me to control and personalise my makeup so much easier with my choice of highlighter if I fancy injecting a little brightness into my makeup look! 

I hope this has given you an idea of a few tanning products to try this Summer ladies and please let me know in the comments your holy grail bronzing and tanning products so we can look like effortless bronzed goddesses! : - )

P.S: I also reviewed L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Elixir last summer and it claims to be 'indestructible', lasting for two weeks with no streaks or smell!!! See what my thoughts are after I put it to the test! Click HERE to read my review. 

Summer Skin Saviours!

As the British summer cranks up the heat, we need to turn up our skincare game. Naturally the condition of our skin can change with the seasons so its important to make sure we maintain its healthiness whilst striving for that beach girl glow. Whether your skin becomes more dry or oily in the heat, these products will kit you out for the months ahead! : -) 

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish (hot cloth cleanser)

You know what’s coming. I’ve mentioned this product on here quite a few times now and I have to say, judging by the amount of empty tubes I’ve hoarded over the past year, it’s become a holy grail of mine! For anyone who hasn’t jumped on the Liz Earle bandwagon yet, hop on RIGHT NOW although I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon!

I’ve tried other cleansers but I can’t help but come back to this one. It’s so gentle on the skin and the beautiful mix of naturally active ingredients always leaves my face feeling smooth and fresh - compared to other cleansers anyway, it’s the only one that leaves my face feeling squeaky-clean. Either way, I don’t think this baby is going anywhere out of my skincare routine and in case you’re wandering, it’s for all skin types so suitable all year round!

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate Facial Oil

This is a product I’ve had my eye on for aaaaaaages since developing my loyalties to Liz Earle as a brand but I have always assumed that having oily skin meant that introducing facial oils into my skincare routine would make the situation worse. However this particular oil is suitable for all skin types and has in fact counteracted the excess oil that I’m constantly trying to battle.

Firstly, the scent is overwhelmingly soothing and I can’t pump a drop without someone commenting on the aromatic waft! It’s quite a rich oil so can only be used at night but I really prefer this because our skin is continuously regenerating and repairing every night so it’s important to find the best product to enhance this process.

However, when applied at night (I like to take some time to massage the product onto the face) the oil doesn’t sink in straight away but continues to sink in throughout the night, allowing me to wake up feeling fresh; my skin always feels smoother and plumper the next morning! Give it a whirl if you’re looking for a boost of radiance this summer! : - )

No.7 Purifying Exfoliator

Everybody needs an exfoliator! It’s so important to get rid of all those dead skin cells to avoid congestion and potential breakouts and I’ve recently taken a liking to this No.7 exfoliator in particular. Since clawing my way through university exams, my skin has been all over the place and it feels like the dead skin is making a come back every night! So although it’s not the best for dry skin types, this more abrasive exfoliator has been doing the trick.

I’d describe it as your everyday exfoliator that is an essential for any skin type – but sensitive and dry skin types only stick to once a week application! Any form of exfoliation will do but this is the one I’ve been trying to use up – plus I thought I’d include it in this post because the colour of the packaging matches the other products and looks cute in my perfectionist mind (please don’t say it’s just me who does that… hehe).

The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Body Butter

In this case I really am saving the best till last. Believe the hype but until you have a sniff of the Body Shops green tea range, you’ll understand why everyone’s been raving about it. Obviously my favourite thing about this product is the scent – super super fresh, and most of all hydrating. I’ve always thought that the other body butters were overrated because apart from the potent scents, they weren’t actually that moisturing. However the consistency of this body butter is more of a light gel formula that sinks into the skin quicker leaving long-lasting, comfortable and non-sticky hydration.

I have yet to purchase the rest of the range but i’m sure I won’t be able to resist much longer!

P.S Does anyone know why the Fuji Green Tea body butter is a different formula to the other Body Shop butters? Is this a thing now? (pls)

Comment and let me know! : - )

Have a lovely day guys and I hope you’ve taken away some ideas to add a little sunshine to your skincare routine!

I'M BACK - October favourites!

A quick little first impressions post

Hello my sweets, because I've had a little splurge recently on bits and bobs for my holiday, it's just been an excuse to buy some beauty products that have had people talking- some negative feedback, some positive; curious little me had to try them for myself! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! I've probably said this a gazillion times today but I just can't help it; it's the one day of the year that being a complete diva is acceptable! 

But I've been an incredibly lucky girl this year and I feel truly blessed for all the lovely and thoughtful birthday messages and presents, I have the best family, boyfriend and friends ever. 

This post is dedicated to my pretty presents and purchases that I couldn't help but treat myself too… after all, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! 

Get summer body ready!

So it's summer and even though British weather can be unreliable, us girls always have to be prepared.
For my skin I have always relied on the Garnier Body range- pocket friendly and does the job brilliantly! Being a bit of a tan-a-holic I have spent so much time and money finding the right gradual tan for me and the Garnier Summer Body moisturising lotion is the only one that has fit my criteria- and my budget.
Yes, you will still wake up smelling like biscuits but I guess every tan on the shelves at the moment will leave you smelling like a tasty snack (although I'm planning on trying the new L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Elixir which promises to have no self-tan smell and last two weeks!- if anybody has tried it please let me know what you think!) However, I love the natural glow it gives me rather than the typical blast of tangerine and when applying, it smells all summery and apricoty.. (if that's even a word). Streakiness can be avoided by applying with a tanning mitt and the glow can last up to a week if looked after properly! If you want a natural looking tan without splashing the cash, this is definitely the one for you!

To look after my tan and avoid streaks, I love using Garnier Intensive 7 Days Ultra-Replenishing Lotion with Shea Butter. Not only does it smell fresh, but it really does fulfil its 7 day promise- although I have recently been using it more than once a week, so my skin has been feeling amazing! It's  important to moisturise skin before applying any form of tan because streaks are usually caused by the product clinging to dry skin; it's best to moisturise 24hrs before otherwise your tan will not develop!
I've only been using this product for about two weeks but I'm loving the results! My skin feels nourished and has a glow that lasts for days!

Exfoliators are also crucial for glowing summer skin and can keep a tan looking even and natural. I recently found this Clarins Soothing Body Scrub For a New Skin in my draw (along with plenty of other beauty products I never knew I had) and I thought I'd give it a try.
I'm pretty lazy when it comes to looking after my body so I thought I'd see what all the fuss was about. After the first use, my skin felt instantly smoother and when teamed with the Garnier Ultra- Replenshing Lotion, I literally wanted to show off my summer skin to the world- very rare considering an over sized baseball top is my best friend. It's also very rich and luxurious so I wouldn't use it regularly, I'm thinking I need to search for a Soap & Glory scrub for a summery treat and for more regular use!

Another reliable Clarins beauty product that I always carry in my purse is Beauty Flash Balm. It's a must have for any time of the year, but particularly when on holiday for a fresh faced, natural look. It can be used as an intensive moisturiser when skin needs a splash of hydration and it's a perfect base before applying makeup. A must have for tightening and brightening, buy and try for yourself!

Before completely my uni exams last week, I felt really nervous and apprehensive so my lovely mum went into town and purchased these beauties for me to cheer me up! I was soooo excited to use them because Benefit is my favourite beauty brand and even better- it's for tan-a-holics like me!

This really cute 'totally tantalising' kit came with Benefits oh so famous Hoola bronzer and Bene Tint, my new favourites as they add a tropical holiday vibe to any look.
They say to sweep Hoola bronzer across chin, cheeks and forehead for a natural looking tan, but I just go crazy… I mean crazy. I also sweep it across my neck, chest or maybe even to highlight non-existent abs (don't judge me) for when my bikini makes an appearance.
It's a new and permanent addition to my makeup bag and I can't wait to take it on holiday! Even though I won't be wearing much makeup, I can still achieve a glowing summer look.

The Bene Tint is lush- a very much needed change after overusing my Sleek powder blush for so long. The girly posy pink compliments Hoola perfectly and they are quite the pair; particularly for a fresh faced look with minimal makeup; the liquid tint adds a pop of colour.
However, for those girls who like to spend a long time on their makeup, you'd be surprised by how speedy you need to be to apply this product. If it isn't blended seconds after it's applied, then you may have to sport two clown-like circles of unblendable blush- not a good look and a lesson I have sadly learnt.
However, I love the results and this kit is definitely a must have for this summer; a brilliant way to try both products in one go!

If you have any summer favourites or newly discovered must haves then let me know! 

Summer Style- Prep for Barcelona!

Yank out ya faithful bikini and shorts you know are too small for you- a bit of cheek would never hurt anyone; Laura is going on holiday!!. After my first year of university and dipping my toes into the harsh realities that adult life brings, (i.e.spending my money on noodles and beans instead of clothes) a holiday with Sam in Barcelona is like music to my ears! 

My first thought was 'finally I can have a natural tan!', but of course every girl needs a Summer wardrobe to compliment the new bronzed complexion.

You know it's true. A holiday is every excuse to go shopping, and I made it my mission to get myself a few bargains. 

My first purchase was this cute floral, high-wasted skirt from River Island, and a sale item at just £12! 

I absolutely love the bold print. Orange and clashing patterns scream the style of Summer! With a plain tee or body, this skirt is the perfect key piece for a bold but girly ensemble. 

Okay, this denim beauty wasn't in the sale but I couldn't resist. Originally I thought a light wash would be a bit risky because I don't have airbrushed pins like Miley Cyrus but hey ho, they'd look great with a tan!

I also love the high-waisted aspect of these shorts. Look cute on the beach in a bikini top or wear them tactfully to hide a midriff harbouring a food baby (me all the time). 

What a way to make shorts look more badass than to add a gold lion to a black chunky belt… BADASS! 

(Excuse the orangeness but Lady Gaga had more of a tan than me at the time)
I teamed my new fave shorts with a bright peach tee (also from River Island). I can't wait to wear them on holiday with some glads or flip-flops but why not go all Miley Cyrus on the world and team with some Docs?

I desperately needed some sunnies for my holiday because unfortunately my last ones cracked… from the heat of the sun… oh the irony. But I loved this tortoise shell pair from New Look- at just under a fiver, why not! *grabs a few more pairs*.

Quick little catch up and a few pretty purchases!

Hello lovelies, so this isn't a post about one item in particular but a few recent purchases that have been lucky enough to make it into my collection! But first of all.. what is going on in the world of Laura? One word: Business. Me and my lovely boyfriend Sam have decided to start a little business; a health and nutritional programme named Herbalife. I love taking care of myself, inside and out, and my family have lived off of the Herbalife products since 2011 so it makes sense to carry the flame and share it all with you!

So, I'm not a whizz kid about nutrition but because of my Journalism degree, it makes sense to go down a root driven by social skills and meeting new people. Sam also happens to be doing a Sports Science degree, so just this once… just this ONCE, I'll let him take the reins (a very rare occasion I have to add). With his knowledge and my social skills, it's a match made in heaven- although with two very bold personalities, it will definitely put our relationship to the test! I will be getting a kick start on our new Herbalife blog very soon, so I will keep you posted- whether it will be LAURA & SAM or SAM & LAURA is another question. 

Secondly, this may be first in beauty blogging history.. but me and my lovely friend Lisa at The Beauty Type  (and fellow beauty blogger) are planning on moving in together for our second year of uni- how exciting! I can tell our passion for all things beauty will bully our bank accounts, but I can't wait! 

Onto my little purchases...

[these photographs have not been taken by myself] 

These Primark beauties are, well, beautiful! And the price is even better… £6!!! They were in the sale (whoever knew Primark has sales?!), I picked these up today and I can't wait to wear them already. The bright, Scarlet red adds a pop of colour to any outfit; wear with jeans to transform a casual look into a quirky number or your favourite LBD to add a little personality. So they're from Primark, and from personal experience, any shoes I've had from there have crumbled within a couple of weeks, but oh well- look how pretty they are! 

I absolutely love this Glamorous Floral Shirt from Bank Fashion! I just couldn't resist and anybody who knows me would know that buttoned up, collared shirts are my thang.

It's floral, bold and just perfect for spring- whoever said you can't prepare for your spring/summer wardrobe already? That's organisation in my eyes.
Team with jeans and some pumps for a casual look or your favourite wedges, leather look leggings, and over sized clutch for a sexy evening ensemble! I'm even thinking of teaming this with a knitted jumper; perfect for the winter chill but with a little hint of spring…ahh!
It's a piece I can't wait to go crazy and experiment with and I will post soon my outfit choices, look out!

So it's a favourite for many, but this Sleek Blush by 3 Palette in Lace was a very obvious purchase for me after my previous post on Sleek's famous contouring kit. The deep pink and orange blush are matte whilst the middle rose shade has a hint of shimmer, perfect for the upcoming spring. The middle shade looks gorgeous if you are trying to achieve an understated natural look whilst the brighter shades inject a bit of colour for those nights when you hit the town! A fab purchase and a definite recommendation!

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer
As you can see, my Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer has seen better days. The poor  condition of the packaging says a thousand words, or just three… I love it! I've seen many blog about this beauty so I thought i'd see what all the fuss was about, and I am now making a fuss. It's definitely long lasting and gives perfect coverage throughout the whole day. It has achieved what hundreds of concealers promise but fail to do- the majority I have tried- and I absolutely love it! For such a good price, if I were you, I'd jump on the Lasting Perfection Concealer bandwagon right now!

L'Oreal Paris- Mega Volume Miss Manga
Finally, The new L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga mascara is kinda growing on me. On first application, like many mascaras, it's clump city- not a good look if you want your eyelashes to look… well, human. But after a little while, it does what it says on the tin, bottle, tube or whatever you want to call it. It does give that 'manga' appearance; lashes that go on for ever and a defined look that gets heads turning. But overall, it's not a mascara I would wear during the day for a natural look- maybe for an evening do when my eyelashes need to be manga-fied.