The Lo Down - NYX Cosmetics HD Finishing Powder in Banana

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Having been a beauty blogger for almost 7 years now I'm surprised that I've never tried a banana powder. To be honest I didn't really know what it did plus I don't really like loose powders but when I saw that NYX Cosmetics had a pressed version I decided to give it a go.

I'm glad I did as I love this brand and they never disappoint me. This product came in at €11 which isn't too bad at all. Banana powder is said to reduce the appearance of an oily complexion whilst brightening and highlighting so it gives that beautiful glow which everybody wants don't they?

It's not too powdery either so it sits beautifully on the skin which is amazing. I enjoy using this product and it has definitely become a staple in my makeup bag. I'm starting to run out of products to try from NYX Cosmetics so definitely let me know your favourites.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - NYX Cosmetics Matte Bronzer

Hey Guy and Dolls,

As it's getting a bit nicer out I like taking the bronzer out and doing a bit of contouring that's for sure. I have quite a few bronzers in my collection but my favourite has to be NYX Cosmetics Matte Bronzer. I use the shade light and it's the perfect shade for me. The colour in the pan looks pretty orangey but don't let this deter you in the slightest as it does look natural on the skin.

I was undecided between getting light or medium but I'm glad I went with the light option in the end. This matte bronzer just gives you the nicest chiseled out cheekbones ever, it's perfect for contouring. This product comes in at €13 mark which in my opinion is good value and is definitely worth the money.

There is also the option to buy the Highlight and Contour Pro palette. In this palette you get 8 refillable shades foi €29. I own this palette and I use it alot so it's certainly worth having a look at.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - My Beautiful Struggle by Jordan Bone

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I was recently sent a book to review that was written by one of my favourite beauty bloggers, Jordan Bone. If you haven't heard of her you must be seriously living under a rock cause she's totally amazing. She has a YouTube channel that I watch so much, I love when a new video pops up in my feed.

For me Jordan is so inspirational, when she was 15 years old she was in a terrible car accident that left her paralysed from the chest down and shocked her into depression. Instead of giving in she was like a phoenix rising from the ashes, after a long recovery because of her love of makeup she started a YouTube channel and I along with all the rest of her subscribers are glad she did

I read her newly launched book in a couple of sittings and the story is so powerful and inspiring. I actually cried a tear reading some of it. To have come through so much in your teens is incredible. It makes me realise not to sweat the small stuff and get on with my life.

I love how Jordan compares chapters in her life to her makeup routine, it is such an uplifting book and it's definitely a must read. I'm so happy to see so many amazing bloggers doing well for themselves, it's well deserved.

Laura<3 

The Lo Down - The Ordinary Skincare

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I love finding new and affordable skincare brands and The Ordinary is just that. I only heard about this brand recently but I heard all really good things so I decided to pick up some products. I bought their High-Adherence Silicone Primer and Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. and of course I'm a big fan.

This brand os so affordable I'm pretty sure that I got both products for €13 including postage which is really good. The moisturiser is really hydrating and the primer is a good backup for when I run out of my other primer.

I'm intrigued about this brand and can't wait to try some more products from the range, especially the foundations as if they are anything like these two they'll be amazing.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Primark/Penneys Silicone Sponge

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Last week I picked up a pack of the much talked about silicone sponges from Penneys. I got a pack of 2 for €2 which is pretty good value when you consider how much they usually are. I was really intrigued to try these as they seemed like a new intriguing way to apply your makeup and that they are.

I like these sponges for applying my makeup as they are something different even though they feel funny. I do use my normal makeup sponge afterwards just to blend all the edges in, sure we don't want those pesky lines anyways. I've already picked up some more of these for my makeup kit and I'm definitely going to pick up a couple more soon. They seem to be flying out of the shops as it is at the moment and why wouldn't they are only €2.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Garnier Moisture Bomb Super Hydrating ReBalancing Mask

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Having loved the Garnier Moisture Bomb  Super Hydrating Rebalancing Tissue Masks I decided to pick up the Super Hydrating Rebalancing Masks when I was in Boots recently. This one is for rebalancing your skin and it is said to give a matte finish. I have combination skin so I was looking forward to seeing what this mask was like as I was a big fan of the original one.

I love nothing more than to chill out in the evening with a relaxing face mask, it seriously is bliss. They leave my skin looking so good and feeling fresh which is exactly what I need lately when my skin is looking so dull and dry. I do tend to get problematic skin during this time of year so they work wonders in combating that.

I did enjoy using this mask but the original is still my favourite. The Super Hydrating Rebalancing Mask is also that little bit pricier aswell which is worth taking note of. I guess it just depends on personal preference when it comes to picking up one of these masks.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Skindinavia Facial Sprays

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I love a good setting spray me so I recently bought a set from popular brand Skindinavia and I really like all the products included in it. The set retails for €54 and it contains 3 sprays (The Makeup Primer Spray, The Makeup Finishing Spray & Post Makeup Recovery Spray) plus a little mini spray. Skindinavia are the same brand behind Urban Decay's setting sprays so there were bound to be ggood plus they are not too pricey which is great.

My favourite out of the bunch has to be the setting spray. My makeup stays in place literally all day when I use this so I couldn't be happier with it. A spray that is something different is the Post Makeup Recovery Spray, it contains zinc so it is good for the skin and my face feels so refreshed after I use it. The other spray in the set is the Prime Spray and I enjoy this step as it's a great base for my makeup.

If your looking on the market for new facial sprays definitely check these out especially when there's an offer on.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - College Update #3

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I can't believe I'm into my sixth week of college, it's a bit crazy to be honest. I'm loving college so far, I'm learning so much and it's alot of fun. I also like having a bit of a routine, that's definitely a plus I have to say.

As I told you before I had minor head surgery two weeks ago, after taking some time off college I'm all good now. I went back to college last Monday and I had an exam on Wednesday which I wasn't really prepared for. I think it went well though and I'm extremely happy about that.

Having learnt alot already, I definitely want a job in Marketing in the future. There seems to be lots of jobs going in this sector so I'm confident that I'll get a position that I like too. Fingers crossed on that one. If your wondering what course I'm doing it's a Diploma in Social Media for Business so it's definitely going to help with my blog aswell.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I never tried any products from Becca Cosmeics but I heard really good things. A while back I purchased the Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector and I really like it. I get pretty dark undereye circle and this covers them in a blink of an eye. This product comes in one shade but I'm sure this shade would suit everybody.

I haven't tried any under eye brighteners before so I have nothing to compare it to. I like this one though as it's quite a light formula and it's not too sticky at all. After trying this product I am looking forward to trying some more products from Becca in the future. I like the look of their primers and colour correctors so I may pick up some of them for sure.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Broderick's BC Bars

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I love finding new healthy food snacks to try and Brodericks BC Bars tick all the right boxes for me. I was sent a box to try a while ago and I've enjoyed munching away on them. Their so yummy! The come in 3 flavours and I really can't pick a favourite, they are all so good.

I really like this brand as it's really fun and quirky. All their products have little cartoons on them so it's something different. Of course I also like these bars as they are healthy aswell, they are full of protein and make me fuller for longer in between meals.

I'm definitely going to pick up some more of them when I go shopping next.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - MAC Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact

Hey Guys and Dolls,

MAC is one of those brands I've been using for years. I own alot of their lipsticks I'm quite a bit fan, Velvet Teddy is my favourite. Last Christmas my boyfriend Daragh picked me up one of their limited edition Festive palettes. The collection was based on the Nutcracker and everything was so pretty but of I was in love with the eyeshadow palettes. MAC eyeshadows are really good, their so pigmented. I have one of their custom palettes and I find myself reaching for it all the time.

The palette Daragh bought me is called the Nutcracker Sweet Warm Eye Compact and it's so pretty. This palette contains 9 neutral shades, there is a yellowy shade that I was a bit afraid of using but it looks nice on the eyes so I had nothing to be scared of.

I've been using this palette alot and love it, it retails for in and around €38 o for what you get it's not too bad. I actually have my eye on another eyeshadow palette from MAC so I'll let you know if I pick it up.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - My Makeup Trolley Case

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I own alot of makeup as I have a blog I get the opportunity to try alot of amazing products. Don't get me wrong though I did have a tonne of makeup before I started blogging aswell as I always wanted to be a makeup artist when I was younger. As you can imagine it is pretty difficult to store it all, I have to take a trip to IKEA soon I haven't been there in so long. In the meantime I use my Makeup Trolley Case that I got off my Nanna and Aunty for my birthday a year or two ago. It doesn't store all my makeup but it is pretty handy all the same.

It's big and spacious which will be perfect when I start my Makeup Artist course in September, I'm sure they bought it in Salon Services. As I've said before I have this trolley case for quite a while and I always use it. I like how theres pull out trays and a deep centre which is really good for storing bigger products. It has wheels and a big handle so it's pretty easy to transport this from A to B. It's doesn't take up too much space either which means this definitely gets two thumbs up from me. I'm already considering buying a mini one of these to put on my shelf so I'll keep you posted. I seen that NYX Cosmetics have one so I may get that.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #14

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Another week is almost over and you know what that means another weightloss update of course. I could never have imagined in January that in May I've accomplished so much in such a short period of time, it's pretty unbelievable and I almost can't believe it myself. Losing weight isn't easy for me it's an extremely hard thing to do but once you get into it it's plain sailing from there on in. You just have to be commited and everything else will follow suit. Before I started my weightloss journey I was so unmotivated but now I can proudly say I am alot more so.

This week I lost 2 pound which brings my total weightloss to date to 3 stone 5 pound which is amazing and I'm really happy about it. The support I get is unreal and I know alot of people are trying to lose weight so I'm going to do what ever I can to help them out. If your in the same boat definitely email me and I can write you out my weightloss tips and trick. It's exactly what I'm doing myself so it definitely works. I still treat myself on my weighin day and enjoy food so that's a good thing cause I know it's hard sometimes to cut out the food you like.

It really is just making some small changes and this could really change your life for the better. I was always a confident person, that being said I am much happier now in myself and you could be like that too. I think at the end of the day you get out what you put in.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - La La Land Review

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Last night I came home from Daragh's house and my parents had picked me up La La Land on dvd, I was beyond excited. I grew up looking at lots of musicals like 7 Brides for 7 Brothers and Westside Story to name a few so I love them. Of course I couldn't wait to watch La La Land so I watched it on my laptop last night and it was amazing.

I love the pairing of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, it's hard to believe that they've already been in 3 movies together and I love them all especially Crazy Stupid Love. It's a classic! Back to La La Land though I was expecting really good things as it got so many awards and it definitely delivered that's for sure. I can see why it was so popular when it came out.

If you like musicals you'll love this, it's just that with a modern twist. It's about a man and a woman in Hollywood who both have big dreams, Gosling is a musician who wants to open his own Jazz bar and Stone is a aspiring actress, this movie is about their story and their relationship.

I can't talk about this movie without talking about the soundtrack, it's excellent and I think it definitely makes the movie. I love the opening song and City of Stars, they are definitely my favourite. La La Land came out last week so if you are having a quiet weekend I'd recommend picking it up you won't regret the purchase that's for sure.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Avonmore Chocolate Protein Milk

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As you all probably know I did a review a while ago on Avonmore's Protein Milks and my brother & I were really big fans of this product. It has alot of protein in one carton plus it doesn't have a protein taste, it actually tastes amazing. I'm not a big fan of protein foods that taste really strongly of protein but this stuff I can handle.

My brother and I were sent out some samples of the new chocolate flavour to try and yes we love it. They already have the normal and vanilla flavours available but chocolate is something different. It doesn't taste really artificial like some milks can so that's a good thing. Both my brother and I are on our fitness journeys at different stages and we both drink this stuff alot as a part of our eating plan and we wouldn't drink anything but this.

Our favourite flavour was Vanilla originally but that has now changed to chocolate so if you see this in your local store definitely give it a try.

Laura<3 

The Lo Down - Chill Out Day with the Boyfriend

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Yesterday morning I was in college, I was working on c.vs and what not, I was finished at 1 so it was all good as it was such a long week, Afterwards I called over to Daragh's house. We've been going out 11 months now and the time has really flown by. We're mad about each, I can talk to him about anything and he makes me so happy everytime I see him. We don't get to see each other too much, just on the weekends as we're both so busy with work and college but when we do see each other we always have such a nice time. Daragh lives a hour journey away from my house so I do have to get two buses but it's worth it. I stay over in his house on those days because it's such a long journey it wouldn't be worth my time going home to be fair.

When I went over yesterday we chilled out for a while then we had some yummy food and watched some tv. I'm not going to lie cause I was so nackered from college I feel asleep for two hours. Daragh could tell I was tired so he left me be and I slept for ages. After that we went down to his local pub for a few drinks which was much needed after such a long week. I usually drink gin and tonic as I'm on my weightloss journey and I wouldn't want to ruin my good work so far.

All in all I had a great day I'm heading back over to Daragh's today later on to stay the night. I don't really know what we have planned yet but I'm sure it will be good.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Face Paint by Lisa Eldridge

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Another one of my all time favourite makeup artists is Lisa Eldridge. I just love the makeup looks she creates on her YouTube channel, I just get so many ideas. My parents bought me her book, Face Paint last Christmas and it's definitely quickly become one of my favourites. This book is totally different to other makeup books I own as it tells the history of makeup so I find it ever so interesting. 

The book contains 229 pages and it's so informative it starts from when makeup was first used and continues on from there. I took alot of information from this book and I thought it was good. I love the imagery and just look at that cover, it's amazing I love it!

If your looking for a beauty book different to the norm I'd definitely recommend picking up this book. As I've said it's something different and I really enjoyed it, it's such a good read. I think it would make a great coffee table book to flick through as it's full of interesting information.

Laura<3 

The Lo Down - Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask

Hey Guys and Dolls,

My face has been unbelievably dry lately, I think the change in the weather is partially to blame to be honest. This has resulted in me trying to find a cheap and affordable face mask. Of course I headed to Boots and after looking through all the skincare that was on offer I found exactly what I was looking for. I picked up the relatively new Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask. I have to put it out there I'm absolutely in love. This mask is the exact same as the ever popular sheet masks and I can't get enough of it.

It is such good value at under €3 for one so of course I had to buy two. Sure I had to treat myself after all. I've been using these on my face alot I definitely will be repurchasing a couple on my payday this week. One sheet mask contains a weeks worth of hydrating serum so if you have dry skin like me at the moment this is definitely something to check out next time your in Boots. It's just amazing and gives a nice shot of moisture to the skin.

My skin has never looked so good since I started using these mask, I seen alone that they have brought out another version of these too so I definitely want to pick them up aswell the next time I'm in Boots.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #13

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Sorry that my weightloss update is a little late, I've just been so unbelievably busy with college it's been unreal. I've been loving it so far though so I guess that's the main thing. Back to my weightloss update though I'm down another 2 and a half pounds which brings my total weightloss to 3 stone 3 pounds which is incredible. I've been working so hard so to be smashing my goals like this has been amazing.

I'll have to start buying new clothes as some of my clothes are looking that little bit too big which is a good sign and I'm delighted. I've been so busy with college lately rushing around so I think that has had a big impact on my weightloss this week to be fair I really haven't had a minute to myself but all is good. I'm still working on the weightloss tips and tricks folders for those of you that wanted one so don't worry I haven't forgotten about you, I'll get them to you as soon as I can.

I do feel that I'm not on a diet now I'm more making a permanent lifestyle change which I feel is a better way to look at it. I feel much healthier right now and I think it is amazing how small choices can make such a big difference to your life. I'm going to keep this short and sweet as I have to get some college work done so until my next post, keep smashing your goals I bet you are all doing amazing.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Nyx Strobe of Genius Palette

Hey Guys and Dolls,

The other palette Daragh picked me up last week is the NYX Strobe of Genius palette and god it's a beauty. Boy I think I'm in love! Like the Sweet Cheeks palette I wanted this for a while now and I'm so happy he got it for me, he really is the best boyfriend I could ask for. I'm very much into getting that beautiful everyday glow and this palette does just that, I've been using it quite a bit since I got it off Daragh I'm not going to lie.

This palette is multi purpose which is good aswell, I've not just been using this a highlighter palette but as eyeshadows too. They work perfectly as both and I seriously can't get enough of this palette. For the price in and around €21 you can't go wrong as you get 7 shades that are so pigmented and they are all so wearable too. I've been using the shade in the bottom left hand corner the most and it just gives a beautiful natural glow that would be perfect all year round. 

NYX Cosmetics are definitely my favourite budget brand at the moment, other budget brands will have to take note as they are killing it right now. I already have my eye on other products from the brand that I will probably pick up on payday so watch this space for sure.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - NYX Sweet Cheeks Palette

Hey Guys and Dolls,

My boyfriend Daragh went on holidays a week or so ago and we met up the day after he came back. We went to Dundrum and he bought me some bits and pieces from NYX Cosmetics, the beautiful Sweet Cheeks palette was one of my gifts. I've always wanted to purchase this palette so I was delighted when Daragh bought it for me.

The palette contains 8 shades and retails for in and around €23 which I think is a good value for what you get. This palette is so pigmented, it's amazing. I'm in love with all the shades, their so pretty. I don't think I could pick a favourite to be honest. I think this palette would be great for travelling as it contains so much and the packaging is very sturdy which is really good.

As you already know I really like NYX Cosmetics as it's very affordable and this is another amazing product from them.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Well Fest 2017

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Last weekend I attended the annual Well Fest in Dublin's Herbert Park. I was so excited as it was my first year going. The event consists of talks, workshops and classes. The weather was good for it too which was amazing. I went down early myself on Saturday to have a look at what was on offer.

Everyone that attended was in for a treat. As I've already said the event took place in Herbert Park in Donnybrook and the layout was fabulous. There was classes taking place everywhere, outside and in tents plus there was lots of workshops and talks.

The speakers over the weekend were amazing, Joe Wicks, Rob Lipsett and John Kavanagh to name a few. There was different tents that had numerous health food stands which was pretty cool as it's always good to learn about new health foods.

It was all very interesting and I had such a good time, I definitely recommend checking it out next year if you get the chance.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Our Marley Park Adventure

Hey Guys and Dolls,

The weather in Ireland at the moment has been amazing. I love a nice bit of sunshine like everybody else so of course I had to make the most of it so Daragh and I decided to take a trip to Marley Park last week. Himself had never been to Marley Park before so as Bilbo Baggins said in The Hobbit we're going on an adventure and that we did.

We went up to the park last Wednesday and we had a nice walk around and then we chilled out in the grass and listened to some music which was total bliss. I love Marley Park myself it's so nice to be in absolutely beautiful surroundings and Daragh really liked it too. We are definitely considering going to Longitude in July, I adore Mumford and Sons and they are playing on the Sunday so we're going to try get 2 tickets soon. We are going to Damien Dempsey in the Iveagh Gardens in July aswell so we are going to have to try and fit Longitude in aswell as it's usually really good craic, sure you can't really beat a festival style concert in a park. It sounds amazing and it will be my first time going aswell if we do manage to get tickets that is.

If you haven't taken a visit to Marley Park in a while definitely try to get there whilst the weather is so good, you won't regret it.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher Book Review

Hey Guys and Dolls,

The latest book I've managed to finish reading is 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I started this book in and around two weeks ago and I really enjoyed it, I seriously couldn't put it down. My Dad bought this book for me in my favourite bookshop in Dublin, Hodges and Figgis. I never leave that place without a new book or two.

I started this book right away and as I've said above I couldn't put it down. The book itself focuses on the difficult topic of mental health and suicide. I've done a couple of posts about my experience with ill mental health and of course I know how much a big epidemic it is all over the world. I think alot more should be done to support people that are suffering from mental health issues as for some it will be the hardest fight of their life.

13 Reasons Why is told through the two main characters Clay and Hannah. Sadly at the beginning of the book you learn that Hannah has lost her life to suicide. I don't particularly like the world commited as it sounds like you commited a crime or something. Hannh was at a difficult time in her life with school and life in general and she feels in the end that her only option is taking her own life. No one should ever feel that way and this should never be the only option available. I've learned in my life that suicide is a long term solution for a short term problem. Everything in life is fixable and I myself may have taken a while to realise that but it's definitely true.

Back to the story, Clay receives a box in the mail which includes inside 13 cassette tapes that documents 13 Reason Why Hannah Baker killed herself. Some parts of this book gave me the chills and it is hard to read but at the end of the day I feel like 13 Reasons Why focused on alot of issues that need to be talked about in our society right now. We are seriously losing too many teenagers and young adults to suicide every week and this needs to change. No one should be a statistic!

I really recommend giving this book a read if you get the chance and definitely let me know what you think. You can't really go anywhere these days without seeing negative feedback about the Netflix's 13 Reasons Why tv adaptation. I haven't watched the full season yet so I don't want to give my review of the show but I will be doing one very soon. I can say I do like it so far.

The Lo Down - My College Life #2

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I'm now into my fourth week of college and I'm really loving it so far. There's alot of content which means I'm learning so much! I'm going to miss a few days of college as I got minor head surgery on Thursday but that really shouldn't be a big issue to be fair. I'll be fine and I'll definitely catch up so I'm not worried at all.

My course is 18 weeks long so I'll be finished in the first week in August so if I  I get a job by then I'll definitely go away somewhere at this stage I'd go just about anywhere to be honest with Daragh for a few days. My course is full time but I'm going to be doing a part time course in Sports and Recreational Therapy in June so that sounds really interesting. Sure it's good to keep the brain active.

I'm also going to be doing a makeup artist course in September which is something I've always wanted to do so I'm excited. 2017 is going to be a really good year I know it.

Laura<3