L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Elixir

Hello girlies! I've been excited about this one for a long time; I have finally got round to trying the apparently 'indestructible' tan which promises to last 2 WEEKS, with no streaks and no smell. Sounds too good to be true, right? But whilst the advertising provides promises that no other can make, the end product fell a little short. 

The new elixir tan has just as many positives as negatives.There is definitely a fake tan smell as soon as it's applied, although it's not as prominent as when you wake up in the morning smelling like biscuits… being a bit of a tan-a-holic myself, the fake tan smell is definitely something I try to avoid- looks like my mission to find a odourless tan isn't over yet!

However, I love the colour after a few applications (when applied for three consecutive days, the tan is supposed to last 2 weeks). I've been a little bit of a wimp and haven't tried all three applications because I fear I will be too orange to be seen and not judged in public; two days gives me enough of a noticeable glow.
BUT- whilst the colour is oh so pretty on the day of application, the product only went and migrated to under my arm pits, knees and elbows- it left me looking so streaky my boyfriend started calling me bacon. The elixir in the tan absorbs into the skin really quickly, so it's hard to find any missed spots (WARNING: PUT YOUR TANNING MITTS AWAY, USE HANDS FOR SPEEDINESS).

Without a lot of time spent exfoliating and moisturising the day before, L'oreal's Elixir tan falls incredibly short. After learning to moisturise my elbows and knees, the patchiness isn't as bad *sigh of relief as money isn't wasted*. Depending on how carefully you apply the product, will depend on the evenness and quality of the final product; do not go into this process half heartedly- be prepared!!.

On the plus side, it leaves skin feeling so soft and moisturised and it does last a very long time. However, it's incredibly annoying if a few pesky patches appear; it takes a long time to scrub off!

The colour, after two applications, lasted over a week which I was really impressed with. I swim a couple of times a week, and any budding swimmers would know that chlorine obliterates any effort you put into tanning or moisturising your body.. BUT parts of the product did remain in place! So in that respect, I am impressed. 

FINALLY: L'oreal does state that the product can be used on the face as well but I'm too scared to try! I guess a patchy face would match my patchy body but I have to step down from my role as a hardcore beauty blogger, I cannot risk it!

Okay, so there may have been a few more negatives than suggested at first, but I would probably repurchase again if I came across this unpredictable little tan on the shelves… and if it was on sale- what's life without a little risk ay!

A cleanser for every occasion

As the seasons change, so does the condition of our skin; its important to kit ourselves out with the right skincare, ready to tackle any occasion. From scrubs to oils, the list can be endless and it can be hard finding a cleanser that is suitable for you. So here are a few that have benefited my skin and made my morning and night routines a little bit more bearable.

1) L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Nourishing Cleansing wipes:

We've all done it. After a night out or hard day; when the last thing you could ever want to do is take off your war paint- the thought of going to sleep seems so much more appealing. ENTER THE CLEANSING WIPE- the easiest way to perfectly cleanse your skin without all the hassle.
My favourite cleansing wipe at the moment is from L'Oreal's skin perfection range. I absolutely love the range and when I teamed it with the Skin Perfection serum, my skin felt amazing! Quick, easy and leaves skin feeling silky smooth… fabulous quick fix cleanser!

2) Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish (hot cloth cleanser): 

After hearing my good pal and fellow blogger The Beauty Type speak so highly of Liz Earle, I thought I'd give it a whirl (excuse the cheesy rhyme). The Cleanse & Polish hot cloth cleanser promises to gently exfoliate, leaving smoother, clearer skin- a promise very much fulfilled. The mixture of natural ingredients (Rosemary, chamomile, cocoa butter, eucalyptus and essential oils) leaves a fresh, beautiful flowery smell and skin instantly feels smooth when generously massaged.
However, I'm a learner when it comes to hot cloth cleansers and it turns out I need to keep my L plates on.  I tend to be quite speedy when removing cleansers so at times I missed a few spots and indeed they turned into a spot or two- some so horrid they had their own shadow. But since learning from this little mishap I have learnt the beauty of a hot cloth cleanser. When skin feels dull and needs a quick fix, a quick hot cloth can leave skin feeling fresh and squeaky clean! Now I know what I'm doing, Liz Earle is a good friend of mine!

3) L'Oreal Skin Perfection Miracle Cleansing Oil: 

This product came as quite a surprise to me (yet again another Skin Perfection product that holds a place in my heart). At first I was a little apprehensive because I have oily to combination skin. However, clever ol' me thought that maybe if I fight oil with oil, then it would balance out and in a ideal world, I wouldn't have oily skin… maybe..yes? no? YES! As other harsh cleansers can strip the skin of natural oils that it NEEDS, the miracle oil re-balances the natural oil production, leaving skin feeling perfectly hydrated.
Since I use numerous spot gels and creams, my skin tends to feel tight and dehydrated, so this cleanser is perfect for when my skin needs a splash of hydration. After all, I reeeeeeeeeeeally wanted to get along with this product because it looks so luxurious and summery... eek!

4) Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser: 

This is another gooden. It does the job and everything you'd expect from a loyal exfoliator and cleanser! The scrub isn't too harsh on the skin so can be passed off for a cleanser as well, although I wouldn't use it every day. Like me, if you have spot prone skin, using exfoliators more than once or twice a week can in fact irritate the skin further; only use when your skin really needs it!
It buffs the skin and removes any dead skin perfectly without being too harsh on the skin, and the Orange extracts makes it smell summery, fresh and suitable for all skin types!

*QUICK TIP*

When using scrubs, masks or hot cloth cleansers it's important to remove the product with CLEAN and reliable towels or flannels. Towels can hoard tons of bacteria and if you don't wash them a couple of times a week then soak up the residue of product with a dry paper towel. They're reliable and will not spread bacteria and cause pesky breakouts! Just a few little changes can make the world of difference to your skin!

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.

MY MAKEUP LOOK TODAY… Natural, with a healthy glow

 Lancome Colour Design- Sensational Effects Eyeshadows 

I love this pallet, the colours are bold but natural and make the eyes pop.. particularly the shimmer shades which helped me to create a natural glow for my look today.

Topshops All Over Glow- Liquid Illuminator 

Applying this below the brow line, cupids bow and cheek bones create a beautiful shine when the light hits your face- illuminates and brightens the skin.

Max Factor- Wild Mega Volume- Volumising Mascara- 

I have naturally short eyelashes but this mascara works like magic!

Max Factor Creme Puff Pressed Powder- Natural 

The best powder I have ever used- affordable, flawless coverage, long-lasting and actually smells good!

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch 

This is only a recent discovery, it softens the under eyes beautifully before applying concealer- a natural finish and I would definitely recommend- despite the price.

2True- Twist 'n' Line Eye Definer 

So it's cheap but does the job! As the photographs show, putting a touch in the corner of my eyes makes a natural but bold statement, highlighting and defining my eyes. A bargain! 

2True- Effortless Eyeliner 

Yet again, another cheap one, but I get through so many liquid eyeliners because I wear it most days, so 2Trues Effortless Eyeliner works best for me. Cheap but long-lasting! Another bargain...

L'Oreal Paris Rose Radieux Illuminating powder 

*Look at my 'favourite quick fix beauty products' post to see my review*

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint- Heavy duty under eye concealer 

*Look at my 'favourite quick fix beauty products' post to see my review*

B.Cheeky Blusher- 130 Macaroon

Beautiful colour, affordable and gives a girly, rosey finish to my makeup look today. 

My favourite quick fix products!

Torn between staying in bed and getting up early for uni five days a week, I have learnt to compromise when it comes to makeup- my bed seems more appealing! 

Here are a few of my favourite quick fix beauty products that make my mornings easier but still achieve a flawless result…

 1) Seventeen Phwoarr Paint | shade: Fair | £5.49

I swear by this stuff! I only really wear foundation when going out, so I needed a concealer that would cover generously and give me the same coverage as foundation. Yes, I know it's meant to be 'Heavy duty under eye concealer' but I like to apply it on blemishes because the thickness gives reliable coverage and lasts all day. It's by far the best concealer i've ever used, and what's not to like? Look at the price! It even comes with a compact mirror so it can be carried around for quick touch ups during the day. 

2) Clarins Beauty Flash Balm | £29.99 

Okay, so it may be a bit pricey, but the results are so worth it! I haven't used many Clarins products but my mum has relied on them for years so I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I loved the effect it had on my skin, particularly after applying makeup. Softening, brightening and tightening, the cream behaves as a combined moisturiser and primer and provides a soft, fresh base for your makeup. Quick and beautiful, try it!

3) Vaseline Lip Therapy | Rosy Lips | £1.99

Surely, everybody at some point has owned a pot of Vaseline! Always reliable and does the job, the petroleum jelly provides long lasting lip hydration. But I love the Rosy Lips edition with added rose and almond oil.. not only does it smell flowery and fresh but it has an injection of colour!

4) Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm | Shade/flavour- Cherry Me | £2.99

Maybelline have developed the latest technology of lip care with Baby Lips- guaranteed to maintain 8 hour hydration and conditioning care that leaves lips feeling baby soft. I love this product, I carry it around everywhere with me! And with a variety of shades and flavours, there is one ready for any occasion! At the moment I'm using Cherry Me- tastes delicious and gives a beautiful, colourful finish to my lips- I like to lather it on top of lipstick as well to keep it lasting longer. 

5) L'Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Pearl Powder | Shade 02 Rose Radieux | £8.99

I only purchased this the other day, and I love the results. I've been on a mission to find a powder that illuminates but doesn't give a cakey, cheap look. Lumi Magique Peal Powder does this perfectly, giving me light, natural coverage but a healthy glow for when my skin needs a little.. oomph. 

 6) L'Oreal Paris Elvive Colour Protect masque 300ml | £5.09 

This isn't exactly something i'd use in the morning when i'm in a rush but it helps me to achieve strong colour protection, quickly. I colour my hair quite a lot so i need strong protection to keep my hair in healthy condition. Easily applied in the shower instead of your usual conditioner, L'Oreal deeply nourishes and protects hair colour, a result I saw in just one use! 

7) ghd Thermal Protector 150ml | £5.99

My last favourite product is ghd Thermal Protector. Now, I don't own ghd straighteners but I wanted ghd standard heat protection, and it works brilliantly! I didn't actually buy this product, my boyfriend owned it but he doesn't even have enough hair to use it so why let it go to waste! Spraying on before blowdrying, straightening or curling, it leaves a perfectly protected, shiny finish. A quick way to achieve a healthy shine whilst heat protecting.

Good luck!