The Lo Down - Loreal Glam Bronze Cushion de Soleil

Hey Guys and Dolls, 

I haven't really tried too many cushion products, I've just never been really drawn towards them to be honest. I recently started using Loreal's Glam Bronze Cushion de Soleil lately that I purchased a while back and I've been really loving it.

Basically it's a liquid bronzer in a cushion, you can get a foundation aswell which I own but I can't say I've used it much since I bought it. This on the other hand has been used lots lately. It comes with one of those sponges aswell that no one ever uses.

I apply it using my SoSu Pro Blender. It goes on so lightly can't make a mistake and gives the most gorgeous glow. I love it! It retails for in and around €16 but Loreal products are usually on special offer in Boots depends on the time you go in. If you can get your hands on this product I'd definitely recommend it.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Loreal Pure Clay Glow Scrub

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I bought this product recently in Boots as it was on offer. I purchased it for €3.99 which is pretty much next to nothing. I've used the face mask from this range and I'm in love with it so I was expecting good things from this product and it delivered.

I apply this to my face in a circular motion then rinse it off with luke warm water. It cleanses the skin aswell as lightly exfoliates. It leaves the skin super clean and glowing which is exactly what I need in my life. This product has been welcomed with open arms into my skincare collection.

For the price €3.99, I really think this is an amazing product and I love it. If you want to add a new 

product to your skincare collection I'd definitely suggest giving this a go the next time your in Boots.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Loreal Infallible Total Coverage range and Infallible Fixing Mist

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As always Boots had a great offer on when I payed a visit on my birthday so of course I couldn't say no. 

First of there's the Infallible Total Cover Full Coverage Long Wear Foundation. I really like this stuff, I use the shade 12 Natural Rose which is the perfect shade for my skin tone. I've been using this foundation pretty much all the time since I bought it and I have nothing but good things to report back to you guys. The finish of this foundation is matte but it doesn't look or feel drying on the skin which is a good sign. It's also full coverage and long lasting so it stays put all day as well as covering all those pesky imperfections. Just be wary this foundation is very thick so I blend it in a bit with my fingers before using one of my makeup brushes. I really do like this foundation and I can see myself using it alot.

Second up is the Infallible Total Cover Full Coverage Concealer Palette and boy is this amazing, it's probably my favourite concealer palette. In this palette are five shades, a beige trio of concealers and two colour correctors and they are so unbelievably pigmented. So in a nutshell this is and amazing concealer and colour correcting palette that is really straightforward to use. This is probably my favourite product I bought on this trip to Boots it's very good I seriously think everyone should have one in their collection. I enjoy using this palette alot.

Lastly I bought Loreal's Infallible Fixing Mist. This is one of the better budget setting sprays I've tried on the market. I do really think it's good. I spray a couple of spritzes over my face and viola done. It keeps my makeup looking fresh and intact all day long. It's doesn't drown my face either which is a good sign.

All and all I really like these products and I'm glad I purchased them they were on offer as well. They were on 3 for 2 so I got all these products for in and around €20 which is a bargain.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Just a Everyday Makeup Look!

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I like wearing a bit of makeup everyday it makes me feel more put together and alive, even when I'm not wearing my usual everyday makeup I slap on a bit of tinted moisturer and mascara. For my everyday makeup I like to keep things as simple as possible as I like to get those extra few minutes in bed. Sure isn't your beauty sleep very important.

The look above is my current everyday makeup and it's so easy to achieve even when your in a rush. As you can see it's very simple indeed, a nice base with a natural eye. Most of the products I used are from budget brands and are easy to find in Boots stores, they're sometimes on offer aswell which is always good to hear.

First off I applied my new favourite foundation and concealer from the True Match range. These two products are amazing, I use the shade Vanilla if your wondering. They blend seamlessly into the skin and they look incredibly natural which is always a good sign. Again I use my favourite foundation brush at the moment, the Louise Young Super foundation brush. If you can still get your hands on one of these brushes I'd highly recommend it.

Now onto the eyes, today I used Urban Decay's Naked Ultimate Basics palette. I love this palette it's so handy for travelling or in your handbag cause it has an amazing array of shades plus the mirror is huge so perfect for applying makeup on the go. For this particular look I used Pre-Game all over the lid with Extra Bitter in the crease. The latter is definitely my favourite shade in the palette, it's such a nice colour and it's soo pigmented. This is probably my favourite Naked palette ever and that's saying something. Lastly for mascara I've used Max Factor Fusion mascara. I'm not going to going to harp on about this but I love the effect it gives to my lashes, incredible volume.

While I was writing this blog post I've been listening to Christina Perri's I Believe from the movie Pan. I love the movie and adore the song. If you haven't seen it go get the movie it's so good!

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Boots Skincare and Makeup Haul

Hey Guys and Dolls,

This is my second Boots Haul in a short while I have a serious shopping addiction you guys. Some of the deals are just too good to pass up though sometimes I guess and Boots have some great ones at the moment.

First off I bought some skincare. I'm a fan of Garnier's original micellar water so when I saw there 700ml bottle was only €6.50 the same price as their average size I had to snap it up. This bottle is huge and it's definitely going to last me ages. I also picked up two packets of their wipes as they were on special for €5.00 again great value as one packet is €4.50. I already did a review of these wipes on my blog which you can check out here. I already put up a review of these on my blog. Lastly with the skincare I bought the Loreal Pure Clay Glow Wash as it was on special for €3.99. I've already tried the mask from this range and it's amazing.

I then bought some makeup. I've tried alot of Loreal foundations in the past and I've found them really good. I've heard alot about their True Match range so I was expecting good things. I picked up their foundation and concealer so I'm excited to try them both. I picked up the shade Vanilla which I usually go for so I was hoping it was a good match for my skin tone and it was. I've been using this alot lately and it was my base in both my Valentine's Day Look and 27th Birthday look.

Laura<3

Loreal Elnett Satin Heat Styling Sprays Launch

I've become big into haircare as of late, when you straighten your hair as much its a must. I've been using lots of shampoo and conditioners recently, two in particular stand out so I'll have a review up on them very soon. When a email arrived into my inbox inviting me to come along to the launch of the new Elnett Heat Styling Sprays in the Dylan Bradshaw Salon, I couldn't say no. I was in a bit of a rush to get there as I had to run straight from work but I'm glad I made it in the end. I had never been to the Dylan Bradshaw salon and boy is it beautiful as you'll see in the pictures below. The atmosphere is so nice and I'll certainly be popping in there again when I get paid. I may treat myself to a Christmas haircut at the end of the month. What everyone was there to see was the new Elnett Satin Heat Styling Sprays and they certainly didn't disappoint. I know branching out like this was quite a brave move as when you think Elnett, hairsprays come to mind but I can see these products doing very well.

We were talked through the new heat styling sprays which comes in three different variations, curly, straight and volume. I think this is a super idea as if you have dull flat straight hair everyday you could try the volume or curly options. The lovely Cheryl Cole is the face of the campaign and wow she looks amazing in the ad, I think after seeing it alot of people will want to try this stuff. Keep an eye out for it on your TV screens for sure. The styling sprays are said to lock out humidity and flyways aswell as holding your chosen style be it, curly, straight etc. for three day that remains to be seen for me. Alot of products state this and most of the time they don't deliver. I'll have to test out the products a bit more but straight off the bat after trying them in my hair at the launch, I do really like them and the next day in work alot of the girls commented on my hair. The packaging looks very luxurious and the formula itself is very lightweight so it didn't weigh my hair down. The lovely stylist Sinead was looking after me for the evening and after explaining to her a bit about my hair (alot of hair but quite fine), she told me the style she'd like to go for. The look we went for was alot of volume on top with lots of lovely loose curls. In my hair she used the Loreal EverPure range which I may pick up for myself soon as I actually quite liked it. It doesn't contain any nasty ingredients either which can only mean good things for my hair. After washing my hair Sinead took all the heavy wet out of my hair and sectioned it off while using a couple of sprays of the volume heat styling spray. The hard bit started then, putting all the barrel brushes in my hair to make the curls. I wish I had of taken of photo of this as I literally had about 10 brushes in my hair but I couldn't be happier with the finished look. I wish I could achieve this look at home, I know it won't be easy but I'm still going to try to recreate it soon. The Heat Styling Sprays have already launched instores in the UK and Ireland so they shouldn't be too hard to find. At €8.99 I don't think there too pricey at all, I actually want to pick up the volume option the next time I'm in Boots.

In breezy old Dublin, I'm already all wrapped up for Winter!

What do you think of the new Loreal Elnett Heat Styling Sprays? Will you be trying them yourself?

Laura<3

February Favourites

Not many products really wowed me this month, I've resorted back to using some products I haven't been giving much love to lately. One of them is included in this months favourites. In total, I have five products to show you all so I'm going to keep this post short and sweet like February.

I have three Inglot palettes, this is my favourite one.The eyeshadows are so pigmented and for the price (€20 for the entire palette) they were a bargain. I've had this for a couple of months now, my favourite shadow is the dark brown shade which you can see I already hit pan on. I've been using this in the crease with No7's Wheatsheaf eyeshadow all over the lid, regularly for work and it looks really nice. Don't let the glitter put you off, once blended it's more like a light shimmer. I've been more inclined to use these over my MAC eyeshadows lately. If you would like to see a post with swatches and shade numbers let me know in the comments.

The Body Shop's Chocomania Body Lotion

On my birthday I got lots of lovely Chocomania goodies as a present. Out of the products I've tried so far (not many), this is my favourite. As you can see the bottle, I've used it up quite a bit already. This body lotion leaves my skin feeling nice and soft. The whole Chocomania range smells great, I wasn't expecting it to be when I first heard of it's launch. I also like how the lotion seeps into my skin quickly without leaving it greasy.

Loreal Falsh Lash Telescopic Mascara

I always switch between a million different mascaras, but I've stuck with Loreal's latest offering for the last few weeks. I'm a big fan of the original Telescopic mascara so False Lash Telescopic had alot to live up to. Before applying this, my lashes were long to begin with but False Lash gives them that extra something. I'm always left with gorgeous fluttery lashes.

Benefit Sugarbomb Blush

As you can tell from the picture, I've had this blush for a long time. I've only tried two of Benefit's box blushes, Dandelion and this. I've been using Sugarbomb everyday since I rediscovered it in my room. Ir gives a really nice pop of colour to the cheeks, it's something different. I'm tempted to try Hervana next.

Loreal Paris Superliner Carbon Gloss

In my January favourites, I mentioned Loreal's Super Liner, it has squeezed in again this month. I can't believe it took me so long to try it. Before I started using this, I used gel liners all the time. Loreal Super Liner has now taken there place. If you haven't tried this already, I'd recommend it.

What has made it into your February favourites??

Laura<3

Mini Boots Haul

Having just got paid today, I decided to pop into Boots after work to have a quick look around. There wasn't anything in particular I wanted to buy, I just love having a browse around the shops when it's payday. I was surprised to see alot of new product releases in Boots so I treated myself and picked up a few things.

No7 launched there Spring Makeup Collection and Beautiful Skin range during the week. I was drawn more towards the skincare as nothing really caught my eye in the Spring Makeup Collection. Not that it wasn't nice, I just couldn't justify buying more No7 makeup. I have so much  from Christmas Gift sets. I  like the look of the Beautiful Skin range. there are products to suit three skin types, Dry/Very Dry, Normal/Dry and Normal/Oily. No7 came out with this range for people who necessarily don't have time for lengthy skincare regimes, like if they travel alot or are rushing to work. The new packaging is actually sleek and modern which is way nicer than the previous. They have also changed the packaging on the rest of the skincare range (eye makeup remover and the 4 in 1 face wipes) to fit in with the new products.

 I purchased a few products from the Normal/Oily range, the Foaming Cleanser (€12.35), Day Cream (€17.50) and Night Cream (€18.95). I had three No7 vouchers floating around my bag so I used them up. I suppose if you were getting the Day or Night cream I'd recommend using the vouchers on them as they are expensive. I'm going to do a full review on all three products in due course, so check back.

I love Loreal products, so I grabbed two new products I seen on their stand. I went throught two tubes of the original Telescopic mascara so I had to try False Lash Telescopic mascara (€16.49). I have high hopes for this mascara, there's only ever been one Loreal mascara I disliked, the 4D Lash Architect. I really liked it at first but then after a while my lashes were left looking like a clumpy mess, dont buy it! I have alot of mascaras on the go at the moment so I won't be using this for a while. I also bought the Super Liner Gel Intenza (€7.49 when bought with another product usually €14.99) which is the new Loreal 24 hr gel liner. Like the Maybelline Gel Liner this comes with a little precise eyeliner brush. Super Liner Gel Liner comes in two shades, Pure Black and Gold Black. I went for Pure Black, which I guess you can never go wrong with. I'm going to pop up a review of both products after I play around with them a bit.

That brings me to the end of my Mini Boots Haul. My bank account seriously doesn't like this shop come payday at all!

Will you be trying any of these news products?

Laura<3

A Shopaholic's Journey #10 - Christmas Sales and Bits

This post has been a long time coming. I wanted to put it up before New Years but I was pretty busy so it got a bit delayed. Being sick over Christmas ment I couldn't go into the sales on Stephen's Day. I was mildly disappointed that I couldn't but there was nothing I could do so there was no point moaning. Last Thursday, I went to Boots to have a look around. To be honest I wasn't really blown away with much stuff I seen on sale. All the Christmas Gift sets were half price so after browsing for a bit, I left with these!

 

Soap & Glory Yum At Heart set 

I had seen this set before Christmas and needless to say I fell in love with it. Yum At Heart contains a full sized Hand Food and The Breakfast Scrub (my favourite). It also comes with a cute Soap & Glory apron which I think my Mom will love, so I'm going to give it to her. This set was such good value, I paid €10.75 for everything. Each product is worth more than this price so I made quite a saving.

 

Lipsy London Perfect Pamper set

This set was €6.75 down from €13.50. I would of never paid full price for this set as I don't think it would of been worth the money. All the products are minitatures that I'll get a few uses out of. I think they'd be great for my handbag and for holidays. The scent is gorgeous, very floral.

Accessorize Eau De Toilette set

I've always loved the floral scent of the Accessorize Eau De Toilette. It was €10 for the set which I couldn't really go wrong with. The set also contains a 100 ml body wash and body lotion which makes for great value.

17 Peep Show Mascara in Black
This mascara wasn't on sale but I was really intrigued to see what it's like. Peep Show contains lengthening fibres which claim to lengthen lashes aswell as adding volume. I've only used this once and so far so good I like. I'm going to pop up a review really soon.

These purchases were made better with the fact that I used my Boots Advantage points. I saved up €35 euro worth of points so I thought what better time to use them then during the sales!

I popped back into Boots to look at the perfume sets on sale and left with Vera Wang Lovestruck. I already own a bottle of this but I'm almost all out. I included Lovestruck in my favourites back in July, I  like the scent alot. The set was half price down to €24.75 so it was such a bargain.

I was disappointed that I couldn't go into the Lush Sale as I was sick. I was so happy when my parents popped into Lush when they were in town and got me all these goodies! I love Snow Fairy it has such a yummy scent. My Mom only bought me a large bottle a few weeks ago, so I'm going to keep this one for a backup for when the other runs out. Glogg is a part of the Christmas range too, I've never owned one before so I'm looking forward to trying it. Creamed Almond & Coconut Smoothie is a shower soap with a lovely vanilla scent which I enjoy using. I'm nearly all out the mini tub I got in my Seasons Greetings set so of course I was delighted with this. Last but not least another Snow Globe soap, words cannot describe how much I adore this. It's alot like Sexy Peel, even more citrusy if you could imagine. Snow Globe is just so refreshing, I wish it was available all year round. All these products are sure to last me well into 2012.

 

 

Here is some more stuff I picked up in my local pharmacy that wasn't on sale. I've heard alot of good things about both of the above Loreal products, Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara and Superliner Carbon Gloss. I also bought the Essence Circus Circus Longlasting Eyeshadow in 01 It's Magic. I thought this would look nice as a pop of colour all over my eyelid. I'm not going to go into these products too much as I want to wait and try them first. I shall let you know my thoughts soon!

I also bought a few things online (beautybay.com and Asos) last week with my Christmas money. They haven't arrived as of yet so I'll try to pop up another post when they do.

Have you grabbed any bargains during the sales?


Laura<3

June Favourites

I'm so astonished it's the 1st of July already. Where did June go?? I did quite alot last month so hopefully July is even better. There is so many birthday's in July, so I guess I'm going to be pretty broke for it. This is also going to be the month were I finally do my dreaded theory test and learn how to drive. I'm kinda nervous and excited about this all at the same time.

Being the end of another month it means I have alot of favourites. This month has a bit of a mix bag, from skincare to books to makeup I sure have been loving alot this month. 

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser 

Before I started blogging I'd never really heard much about Liz Earle products. I can't believe this as I'm such a big fan now. I purchased this product at the Liz Earle event I attended earlier this month. I can safely say I'm in love with it. My last moisturiser wasn't doing much for my skin as it was quite heavy so I was on the look out for a new one. This product is so gentle and light so it's perfect for people with combination/oily skin like me. I will definitely be repurchasing it.

Bliss Super-Sized Lemon + Sage Body Butter

This had to go into this months favourites as I got it for such a good bargain.The Lemon + Sage body butter is very moisturising on my skin as I do get dry patches on my elbows. I love the scent of this product, it's so refreshing and citrusy. The tube is so big that it's going to take me a while to finish it so that's a good thing.

Yves Saint Laurent Palette Pink Celebration- Face Highlighter

This product was a part of Yves Saint Laurent Spring Collection. I have a big collection of highlighters it's unreal, I don't know where they came from. That said I always use highlighters so I do use them up. This product is definitely a  favorite of mine. Firstly wow I love the packaging it's incredibly beautiful and it's different to any product in my collection. I just use a tiny bit of this on my brow/cheek bone and it's give me a gorgeous glow. I tend to use this sparingly as I really want it too last.

Loreal Lash Architect 4D

Surprise Surprise Loreal bring out a new mascara that I absolutely love. My mom bought this for me when she was in holidays in Spain. I've been using it so much. It's s nice mascara that leaves your eyelashes looking like falsies without leaving the clumpy which I don't particularly like. The packaging in my opinion looks super futuristic. Definitely a mascare to try if you haven't already.

Laura Mercier Mini Lip Glace in Baby Doll

I got this lipgloss in a set with 3 other minis but Baby Doll is my fave at the moment. I'm pretty new to Laura Mercier products in general and this was my first purchase. I've been using this lipgloss for the past month now and I love it. It's a gorgeous light pink shade with a hint of shimmer which shows up real nicely on the lips. Size wise, Baby Doll is perfect as it slips right into my purse.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion-Original

This primer potion has always been a firm favourite of mine. Even before I started blogging it was a part of my everyday makeup routine. This deserved a part in my monthly favourites because the product is not only amazing but I'm loving the sleek new packaging too. It is now easier to access the product as it's a squeeze tube. I think the change of packaging was much needed. There'll be no more wasted efforts to get every last morsel out with that wand.

OPI Planks Alot

Recently I did a NOTD on this mini nail polish. I've been using it so much lately as I think it's such a nice lilac shade. Planks Alot is definitely my favourite polish in the Pirates of the Caribbean Collection so far. It's such a nice shade for the summer. I am tempted to purchase it in the full size soon.

The Vampire Diaries Books
As I'm such a big fan of the TV series, I decided to purchase some of the Vampire Diaries books. I've gone through three already, one being the prequel. I am really enjoying them so far. I don't want to give away the plot, all I'm going to say is the books and the TV series are unalike. Everything from character descriptions to the plot are different. This is not a bad thing at all as if you like the TV series you'll love these books too. There are so many different stories that aren't covered in the show and it's full of suspense. I really can't wait to read the rest of the books in the collection.

That comes to the end of my favourites for this month as you can see I've had quite a few.

What has made it into your June favourites??

Laura<3