MUA Lip Booms

Lip Booms are the result of a collaboration with MUA and X Factor winner Alexandra Burke. When I first heard about these I was really intrigued to see what they were like. Sometimes these sort of products can be hyped up so I wanted to test them out for a while before I reviewed them. I'm hear to tell you these impressed me a great deal. As you can see from the pictures coming up these are double ended products, lipstick on one side and gloss on the other. They are great to have in my handbag or for travelling as they create such a nice look. I got pretty excited when I seen these in the post and started opening them like a mad woman, when the coloured top came off. I thought I was after breaking the tube but surprisingly it was actually another mini solid lipstick. The range consists of eight lovely shades which I think is great as it means there'll be something to suit everyone. I love how the packaging shows how the lipsticks look on Alexandra Burke, it's a nice touch. I got the chance to try Cheeky! (pale pink), Doin Good (coral) and It's A Situation (plum). I've been using all three for a while now and my favourite has to Doin Good. It's such a gorgeous everyday shade which I could see myself rocking alot over the Summer. I do have quite dry lips generally and as this is a matte lipstick so I do find the need to use lip balm before I apply it. When applied they have such good staying power and I wouldn't feel the need to reapply more product regularly.

The highlighting gloss can be worn on it's own but personally I prefer to wear it over the lipsticks. The reason being is that it contains large chunks of glitter and alone without the lippy underneath doesn't look to well on me. The highlighting gloss has a gorgeous sweet scent which reminds me of honeycomb ice cream (yum!). I could happily sit here and smell it as I write this post. I only have one fault to mention about this product, I used it on a recent night out and I got so many compliments. When I got home I was taking it off, and I ended up with glitter around my lips and on my chin which isn't a look I usually go for. For me, this is only a small issue with the product, it wouldn't stop me buying more of these in the future. For the price (£3), I think these are amazing and worth every penny. I think if you were going on holidays over the Summer and wanted some alternative lipsticks to the ones you already own, I'd definitely recommend them.

Here's two photos of me wearing my favourite shade Doin Good. The top picture is of the lipstick alone and the bottom is with the gloss. I think they do make a lovely combination if I do say so myself. The bottom picture turned out a tad blurry on my computer and I have no idea why.

Have you tried MUA's Lip Booms? What's your favourite shade??

Laura<3

A Shopaholic's Journey #12 - Last Haul Before Manchester!

As you can tell from the title, this is going to be my last haul post for a while. I'm heading to Manchester towards the end of July for nine days which means I have to start saving now. I've been twice already and I love this city. There's actually quite alot to do and I love the Trafford Centre, that place is amazing. From now until I go I'll be focusing more on doing reviews. As always if you see anything in this post or previous ones that you'd like to see reviews on let me know. I didn't buy all these products all at once so this is more of a collective haul. I feel like I've been treating myself more to new products lately as I'm doing so well at Slimming World. I've had another amazing month, so be sure to keep an eye on for my update next week.

There was a Summer event on in Harvey Nichols were they offered 15% off all beauty products. It was for one night only so of course I did take advantage. I've seen alot of great reviews on Laura Mercier's Mineral Powder, I caved and bought it along with one of their lip glosses in Orange Tulip. I'm sure both products will last me ages so I'm happy with the purchases. I've yet to try Bioderma but I have been using alot of micellar solutions lately. I picked up This Works Clean Skin 5 in 1 water, I've used it a bit so far and I really like it. I do use up micellar solutions awfully quick though so at €26 I don't know if it's something I'd repurchase. I'll have to wait and see. My skin has been acting up lately so after chatting to the Bliss sales assistant, she recommend the Clog Dissolving Cleansing Milk. This is the most popular product in their spa facials so I'm hoping this can sort out my problem skin. As I made a purchase from Bliss, I received there gift with purchase which was their Lemon + Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash. I already have the body butter in the same scent and it smells amazing. Last but not I got a sample of the Dior Forever Foundation. I like this, but I don't like the price tag it's on the expensive side. I'm still on the lookout for a new foundation so if you have any recommendations let me know. I may go back to my favourite Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua but I want to try something different.

These are just a few random purchases from different stores. I found it so hard to find the Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover, it was literally nowhere to been seen in my local Boots. I finally got my hands on it and yes it's brilliant, so much so that I included it in my May Favourites. I got two haircare products from Boots. I'm loving Tresemme's Liquid Gold Perfecting Treatment but I'm not 100% keen on Umberto Giannini's Scrunch Up The Volume Messy Texture Cream. It has a sticky consistency and leaves my hair looking a mess to be honest. At least it was on offer so I didn't spend too much on it. I picked up another No7  Eyeshadow Blend and Contour brush with my €7.50 off voucher. I rate this higher than my MAC 217 brush, it's brilliant. I was on the look out for a new handcream, The Body Shop's Hand and Nail Cream ticked all the boxes, it's the perfect size for my handbag, smells amazing and leaves my hands lovely and soft. I'm getting really into tanning lately, I have no idea seeing as the weather is so miserable out. The Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil is a product from The Body Shop that I've wanted to try for a while. It has a gorgeous scent and I can see myself use this alot over the Summer. I popped back into Moss Cottage which I've talked about alot on my blog. I picked up another Lily Flame candle this time around I got Coconut Grove. From the name you've probably guessed what it smells like. I love this candle it has such a nice summery scent. This candle smells exactly like a macaroon bar, and for me that's the best scent ever.

Have you tried any of these products? What would you like to see a review on?

Laura<3

May Favourites

Sorry I'm coming to you with my May Favourites a week late, everything has been so hectic lately. I can't believe it's June like where has half the year gone? I didn't do anything too exciting during May, I did get around to booking my Manchester trip, I'm glad it's finally all done. Any places you think I should visit while I'm there? During May the weather was pretty good, so I definitely made the most of it.While writing this post it's pouring raining again so it was short lived. I've been loving a mixture of products this month.

I bought No7's Blend & Contour brush ages ago and I wasn't expecting too much from it. This has become my my favourite brush for applying eyeshadow to the crease. I own MAC's 217 brush but I actually prefer this and find myself reaching for it more. It's the perfect size for travelling as it has such a small handle. If you have a No7 voucher this will only cost you in and around €2 which is a bargain. You may be wondering why the brush looks brand new, that's because it is. My other one needs to be cleaned so I thought I'd show you the nice one instead.

My nails have been peeling and breaking alot lately, it bugs me. Earlier in the month, I spotted Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength Cuticle Cream for half price so I thought I'd give it a go. Since I started using this it has done wonders for my nails, it is a bit on the tacky side which means I use it at night. The sickly sweet scent is something I can also look over as it works so well.

There's been much talk about this product throughout the beauty community lately. I bought this at the end of April and I was shocked at the price. €36!!! I've read that this can be used in numerous different ways. When I wake up in the mornings half asleep, I spritz a bit on my face. The smell certainly wakes me up and I feel refreshed. I do this every day without fail so it's definitely made it's way into my morning routine. I will be repurchasing this again but I think I'll get the small bottle off Feel Unique as it's cheaper and better size for travelling.

It took me ages to find this in Boots and I'm so glad I did in the end. The Bourjois Magic Nail polish remover makes taking off nail polish a breeze. I know on the packaging it says it works in 1 second, I'd say more 10. It's simple to use and reasonably priced at €6.99. I heard this shouldn't be used with glitter polish as it will wreck the foam inside. Another few words of wisdom, do not knock this over with the lid off you will get polish remover everywhere. Trust me I know!

This is one of those products I could sit and smell all day. It has a light sweet scent which isn't over powering in the slightest.  I got this in a set with three other body creme, Creme Brulee is my favourite along with Creme de Pistache. They both smell yummy. The product itself is really moisturising and sinks into my skin right away without leaving me sticky. I dread finishing this as I'll want to repurchase it again and boy is the full size pricey.

Last but not least I have a lipstick from MAC. I've been using Syrup on my lips pretty much everyday for the past month. It's such a lovely wearable shade for day and night. I have quite a few MAC lipsticks and this may be my favourite. I always have Syrup in my makeup bag, it has a permanent place there. I'll be buying this again once I run out, I can see that being pretty soon as I've used half already.

Do you have any plans for the Summer? What made it into your May favourites?

Laura<3