June Favourites

1. MAC Duchess Palette

I've really been enjoying using this palette this past month. I love all the warm, natural tones in it, and rhymes really seem to suit my eye colour and skin tone. Unfortunately, this was part of a limited edition collection and is now unavailable. I've been loving the gold tones eyeshadow as an all-over lid colour.

2. Beauty Blender

This came in my June Birchbox, and since I've had it, I've really been enjoying using it to apply my foundation with. I've noticed however, that it works a lot better when it's clean. When it's dirty, it doesn't leave as such a nice finish to the skin

3. Soap and Glory Kick Ass Concealer

Ok, so it's not actually the concealer that I like about this product, it's the powder that comes with it. I'm really not a fan of the concealer (no coverage and clings to every dry bit!), but I have really been liking  it to set my under eye concealer with. It's a light, transparent powder, which is perfect for the under eye area, and concealer in general.

4. Maleficent

Sleeping Beauty is my all time favourite Disney film, so as soon as I heard about this new take on the classic, I knew it was one of them films I just couldn't say no to. And it definitely didn't disappoint. I loved it! It really made you question the original film, and made you sympathise with the enemy. I'm not a big fan of Angelina Jolie, but I think she did an incredible job!

5. Endless Love

This was a film I wanted to see at the cinema when I first saw it advertised, but somehow never ended up going. But it's recently been on SkyMovies, so when I saw it, I downloaded it. I really liked it! Ok, so it's your typical bad boy love story, (girl falls for bad boy, parents don't like him, boy leaves girl, girl and boy get back together) but sometimes you really can't beat these type of films!!

6. The Fault in Our Stars

I think this is probably going to be on everyone's favourites these next couple of months, but I'm jumping on the bandwagon! After reading the book earlier in the year, I've been really looking forward to the film coming out. And I think it really did the book justice, and portrayed it honestly. Even though it was a sad film, it really makes you question just what's important to you, and what's worth stressing out over. Shailene Woodley is my favourite actress, and I loved her portrayal of Hazel Grace in the film.

7. Gossip Girl

June was the month I got my Gossip girl back on! I loved it when it was first on the TV, and I love it even more now!! I'm currently on season 3, and love it getting in from work and watching an episode (or three) tucked up in bed. The only problem with falling back in love with this show, is it's really, really, really fuelling my need (nope, not want) to visit NYC!

8. Love by Jana Kramer

I think 2014 is going to be a good year music wise for me, as a lot of my favourite singers/bands are releasing new albums this year. And to start the countdown off, Jana Kramer (Alex Dupre from OTH) has released her new single off her second album called "Love". As soon as I heard it, I had it stuck in my head! It's such a gorgoues song, and the storyline is what I love the most. It's a really feel-good song for those who still dream and believe even if life has beaten them down. It's one of the few songs that if someone asked me what song best describes you/your view on life, I would immediately pick this song. I would highly recommend it when you're feeling uninspired and need a pick me up. 

What have been some if your favourites this past month?

P.S. Can you believe we're already half way through 2014?!

Oh Yes, I Jumped... Birchbox June 2014

I've gone and done it again and jumped on another bandwagon! This time it's the beauty-box-subscription-service bandwagon. This seems to be staple in the lives of every beauty blogger/vlogger I watch/read, but I've never tried any out until now.

I had been thinking about joining one for a while now, and then I saw the PR samples that had been sent to bloggers for this month's Birchbox, and decided to bite the bullet and sign up. I only signed up for the one month, just to see what it was like, and if I'd get the products I was particularly after. Turns out, I did! And I'm so pleased with the service and the box!

For those new to this service, Birchbox is a monthly beauty box where you sign up for a certain amount of time (1 month, 3 months or 12), and they charge you £10 (+£2.95 p&p)  and deliver you a box each month made up of 4 or 5 sample size products for you to try. The website explains it in more detail, here.

When it's delivered, the box comes in a cardboard outer-box with your address label on etc. And then you open it up and the actual Birchbox is inside. I was slightly surprised at how small the box is; a great way of cutting down on cardboard etc, I suppose. The lid is made up of a recycled cardboard type material, and the bottom is just a white thick cardboard. Once you open the box up, there is a drawstring bag inside (reminds me of a handbag dustbag, that sort of material) and that's where your samples are.

Opening the bag up, I was surprised [and extremely happy] to find the BeautyBlender inside! The RRP on this alone is £26! This is the product I was really hoping to get, along with the Embryolisse Lait-Cremé Concentré (which I didn't, unfortunately). It's the original and supposedly best version of all these makeup sponges you see on the market today.

The next product was the Caudalié Vinoperfect Broad Spectrum SPF15 Day Perfecting Fluid, which is described as a multi-tasking moisturiser, that brightens, corrects and retextures skin.

The Naobay Body Radiance Lotion is "a lemony fresh organic body lotion with shea butter, olive and avocado oils for truly soft skin."

A mini size of one of the OPI Brazil collection nail polishes also came in the box. I got the yellow shade, it doesn't say the name of the colour on the bottle (I think it's You're So Flippy Floppy).

A mini size of theBalm's How 'Bout Them Apples? blush palette was also included. It actually contains just one of the blush shades that are in the palette, and mine was Pie. I actually bought this palette a couple of months ago, (review coming soon!) but this will be nice to put in my handbag makeup bag, or for travelling.

Finally, every box came with a flip flop keychain in Brazil's colours because this box was called the Global Strikers box (based on the World Cup).

I was really, really impressed with this box, and the service was great. I had to wait a few days after ordering it for it to be despatched, but that's only because Birchbox despatch the boxes in waves after a certain date, and it also depends on when you ordered it. But, after I received my dispatch confirmation email, it arrived the next day!

I think I am definitely tempted to maybe sign up for a longer time now. Or at least keep on eye out on the next month's boxes.

Have you ever tried one of these services? What were your thoughts?

MAC Sharon and Kelly Collection

Okay, so I know in my Birthday Shopping Haul, I said I wouldn't be shopping for a little bit, but then MAC came out with their Sharon and Kelly Osbourne Collection! Damn you, MAC!! I'm that much of a fan of the Osbourne's, but some of the pieces in this collection were too pretty to say no to. So, of course, I picked up a couple of pieces.

After searching for some swatches and reviews of this collection (thank goodness for Karen from makeupandbeautyblog) I ended up going for Kelly's Mineralize Skinfinish in Jolly Good, and Sharon's eyeshadow quad in Duchess.

I've always wanted to try the MAC eyeshadows, as you always hear people rave about them! But, it put me off a bit, having to buy everything separately if you wanted to create a palette, so I thought that this was a great opportunity to try them out, and it also worked out cheaper. The colours are so me, aswell. I love warm, neutral colours for the eyes, especially gold colours, as they go well with my skintone and blue eyes.

The quad is made up of four colours: top: Sweet Eyes (Veluxe Pearl finish), Sexy Eyes (Veluxe Pearl finish) bottom: Femme Fatale (Satin finish) and Embark (Matte). 

Sweet Eyes is a light, golden nude shade which has a lot of shimmer. A lovely lid colour.

Sexy Eyes is a warm rose-gold/copper shimmer colour.

Femme Fatale is a lovely warm golden brown shade.

Embark is a red-toned chocolate brown colour.

For more information about the MAC eyeshadow finishes, check out Sarah's (from Eyeshadow Addicts Anonymous) post.

I'm really impressed with this quad. The shadows are really soft and creamy (especially Sweet Eyes). My favourite shade has to be Femme Fatale. The only negative point is Embark is quite powdery compared to the rest, but that's nothing new with matte eyeshadows.  

I wasn't sure which of these to get, Kelly's version or Sharon's, but I eventually decided on Kelly's hoping to use both shades as a subtle-ish highlighter.

MAC's description of this Mineralize Skinfinish:

"Two luxurious formulas in one compact. Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in light cool beige, a luxurious velvet-soft powder with natural finish and Mineralize Blush in soft pale pink. Adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks and brows, or an overall polish to the face."

This shade is called Jollygood, and the above colour description is perfect. It is very cool-toned, and also very light in colour. Texture-wise, it is very fine-milled and silky, soft. I could see this being a good bronzer and blusher on fair skins, and a gorgeous highlighter on darker skintones.

Out of the two products, I am definitely more impressed with the eyeshadow quad. I'm not totally sure how I'm going to use the MSF, or the best way to apply it yet, so I need a bit of time to play around with it.

Unfortunately, both of these products are now sold out online, but there may still be some on counters. So, if you wanted anything, I would recommend ringing your local counter up, or taking a visit, and seeing if they have any in stock.

Did you manage to pick pieces up from this collection?

May Favourites

1. Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream in Light Beige

I've really been liking this on days where I don't want a heavy foundation. It has really decent coverage, considering it's only a CC cream, but it's still light and doesn't feel like you're wearing makeup. It also contains SPF15, making it a great Summer base. It leaves a lovely natural finish, not completely matte, but not dewy either, somewhere in the middle. I would really recommend this.

2. Real Techniques Powder Brush

Since picking this up in my birthday shopping trip, I've been using this to set my makeup with the Maybelline Super Stay Waterproof Powder, and it's been working so well! I notice that my makeup lasts a lot longer. I give the brush a big swirl in the powder and then just apply it all over, pushing it into the skin, though, not sweeping. The brush just seems to get just the right amount of powder, without making you look cakey, and it's great for blending blush out aswell.

3. Soap & Glory Sexy Motherpucker Gloss Stick in Nudist

I actually used this when I had a job interview, as I really wasn't in the mood for an overly obvious lip colour. I'm so glad I did! I've been quite a little bit obsessed with this since. It's a perfect everyday lip product, as it adds a hint of colour to your lips, which just makes them look healthy and alive (I don't know about you, but sometimes mine go really pale which is not a good look!). It's very moisturising, doesn't cling to dry patches, and lasts a considerable amount of time. I'll definitely be trying some more out!

4. NYX Powder Blush in Angel

This has been the only blush I've been using during the month of May. It looks very pale in the pan, but when you apply it to your face, it gives a lovely natural, warm flush colour. It seems a very strange colour (good strange), I think it's going to be one of those that looks different on absolutely everyone (even though every blush is like this). Depending on your skin tone, it can look more pink, and on other skintones, it looks more peachy. This will be another product I'll be trying more of!

5. MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighting Powder

I finally managed to get my hands on this a couple of months back now, but it got put to the back of my drawer, and I just didn't reach for it, that is until the month of May. I saw Shannon's (from RaspberryKiss) review and soon found mine out of the drawer again. It is a lovely highlighter, considering it's only £3! It's not too shimmery, but you do need a gentle hand with it,  otherwise you can look disco ball face. Colour wise, it's a pearly pink colour, and this is the only downside, in my opinion. I would prefer it if it was a more golden colour as that suits my skin tone more, but it doesn't bother me that much. This is one of those products that are hard to get hold of, so if ever you see it, pick it up fast!

6. Dan + Shay - Where It All Began

I have been in love with this album since watching Megan & Liz's cover of their song "19 You and Me". I find that this is the perfect Sunday-afternoon chillax album. The songs are really relaxed, and easy-going, but also really catchy and well written. It is technically classed as country, but don't let that put you off if you're not a fan, as it's not full of twang and y'all's.

7. Florida Georgia Line - Here's To The Good Times...This Is How We Roll

This is another album I found thanks to a Megan & Liz cover! Compared to Dan + Shay, this is a really country album, so of you don't like that type of music, this album is definitely not for you. I think that this is a perfect Summer feel-good, Saturday night album. A lot of the songs are about having a good time, and are so catchy. My favourites are "Tell Me How You Like It", "This Is How We Roll", and "Take It Out On Me".

8. The Originals

I can't believe that I haven't mentioned this in a favourites post yet! This has to be one of my favourite TV shows that has been on lately! Unfortunately, it has now finished its first season, and won't be back until about October time, but I have been slightly obsessed with this show. I loved the series finale, I think it was even one of the best finales that I've seen in a while! It is a spin-off of "The Vampire Diaries," but I don't think you need to have watched TVD to keep up with this show. I would highly recommend this show if you're in need of something new to watch.

9. The One by Kiera Cass

If you saw my March Favourites, then you'll know that there were two books that I loved, called The Selection and The Elite. Well, this is the third and final book in that trilogy. I think I read this in about two days! That's how much in love I was with it. I was desperate to find out the end, and see who America ended up with. I was surprised at how much of a story was actually in the book. I was just expected a short storyline at the beginning, and then there'd be the wedding etc, but there were a lot of twists and turns, all leading up to the ending. This was a good ending to the series, and answered any unanswered questions well. I was very satisfied with the ending, and think anyone who has read the previous books will be too.

Birthday Shopping Haul!

I always get slightly excited when a new month comes, but even more so when April comes around, as it's my birthday month. I meant to post this earlier, but after my little break, I'm only getting round to it now (please excuse me!). I turned 22 on the 23rd April, and had a lovely day. I received money off my parents and I had been saving some money, so I knew a big shopping day was in order! Here are the goodies I picked up! Enjoy!

First up is Next. I'd heard a while back that Next had started to stock NYX cosmetics, and after doing a bit of a scout around the store, I finally found the stand! To be honest, I was a little disappointed, as there wasn't an awful lot there and there was no testers, but I did pick up a couple of things. This was my first time trying NYX products, so I went with the things that bloggers rave about; one of their Mega Shine Lipglosses and one of their Powder Blushes. The shades I picked up were Beige (lipgloss) and Angel (blush). Then, when I was on my way to the till, this makeup bag just seemed to shout me over, and somehow just seemed to hypnotise me to buy it!

Of course I had to nip into Superdrug and Boots. I was mainly after the Nicole by OPI Carrie Underwood collection, but they didn't sell these at them, and also Tanya Burr's lipglosses and polishes! There weren't many left on the Tanya Burr stand, so I went with Chic and First Date. I didn't have a big powder brush, so I picked up the Real Techniques one, and also added the Shading Brush to my basket, as there was an offer on. After seeing many swatches and reviews of the Barry M nail polish for Superdrug's 50th birthday, I knew it would be one I had to pick up. I also picked up one of the True Colour Lipstick's from Sleek in Barely There, as it just caught my eye. Plus, it's my first time trying their lipsticks and I've heard a lot about them. Then, when going past the NYC stand, I saw that they actually had the Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny, which I constantly hear American YouTubers rave about! This is the first time I've actually seen this for sale over here, so I don't know if it's a new release or they just haven't sold it at the other Superdrug's I've looked in. They also had the VO5 Refresh Me Quick dry shampoo at half price, so I picked up one of those just as a back up. On another trip, I really fancied going ombre on my hair, so I picked up the L'Oreal Wild Ombres kit in number 2, and also some of the metal free hair bands.

Boots was doing their very dangerous 3 for 2 across all cosmetics offer, so I did take a little bit of advantage of this, picking up the Sleek Au Natural eye palette, Soap & Glory Super-Colour-Fabulipstick in Guavarama and one of the new Models Own Sticky Fingers. I had also heard that the Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce Texturising Spray was a dupe for the raved about Oribe Dry Texturising Spray, so wanted to give that a try. I also picked up the mousse aswell.

While in Debenhams, I was browsing their skincare section and saw that all of the Love + Toast range was half price! I remember seeing this a while back and really liked the sound of the Sugar Grapefruit hand cream, but being £12+ put me off, but at half price I couldn't say no! I also saw that they did a Blood Orange lip butter, which I was hoping would be like the Orange flavour ChapLips that they did years ago, because I was OBSESSED with that smell! Unfortunately, it's not.

Okay, so we're on to the exciting, high-end stuff now! I really wanted to treat myself to a Jo Malone candle, so off I went into the shop, and came out with a beautifully wrapped and beautifully smelling bag. I ended up going for the Peony and Blush Suede scent, which is a lovely Spring/Summer light, floral scent. The packaging of this though! They even sprayed the tissue paper with perfume!

So, this might be the most exciting purchase I made. It's the Rouge Coco Shine lipstick in 54 Boy. After years of lusting over a Chanel lipstick, I finally bit the bullet and went for it. I decided on a very natural colour, as I didn't want to spend all that money on a lipstick that I could only wear once on a blue moon.

Another naughty purchase here, as I wasn't actually planning on buying this. I was browsing the Debenhams website after my shopping trip and saw they did this gift set of the Touche Eclat, a sample of the Doll Eyes mascara and a mini sample of the Youth Liberator Eye Cream for the same price as the individual Touche Eclat. I then found that the YSL Beauty website sold it with free delivery and free samples, and brought it before my conscience could catch up with my fingers! Look at that mini-lipstick  that came as a free sample!!

I was actually in the MAC store the day the new Alluring Aquatic collection was released in store, so when I saw that there, I knew I had to pick something up from it, because the packaging is absolutely gorgeous! I ended up going for the Cremesheen Lipstick in Mystical, which is a deeper natural your-lips-but-better shade.

So, I think that's me all shopped out for the next 6 months!! You may not see any hauls for a little while now!

What's on your beauty wishlist?

April Favourites

 

1. TRESEmme Keratin Smooth 7 Day Smooth

This was a new product that came out sometime in April, and as soon as I saw the advert, and heard 7 days smooth, frizz free hair, even after washing, I knew I had to try it. To be honest, I'm not particularly impressed by the shampoo and conditioner, they just seem any normal one, but I do like the special treatment. It does keep my hair smooth and frizz free, especially the first couple of days before I wash it again. After I wash it, it is back to being a bit frizzy, but not so much.

2. MAC Hue

This has been one of my go-to lip looks this last month. This month I was more experimental with lipstick and lipgloss and really started getting into wearing it, as previously I was lucky if I wore a tinted lip balm. I've been using this with the other products I'm showing, and it creates a gorgeous spring lip colour.

3. Collection Volume Sensation in 13 Satin Bow

This is my favourite as I think it is a drug store dupe for the above MAC Hue. Next time you're in Superdrug or boots, swatch it. It's a gorgeous nude colour, that's on the peachy side.

4. MAC Fleur Power blush

I've been back to loving this blush to add a lovely natural, spring time flush. It's not too dark, not too light. I think it's a great one for a no-makeup-makeup look, as it's a perfect your flush but better shade.

5. Seventeen Lip Gloss Stash particularly coral one

I got this set in the Boots New Year sale, and have just come around to using some of the lip glosses in it. My favourite is the coral shade one. Unfortunately the colours don't have names, so I don't know which one it is. And I don't know if these are in their permanent line. But I've been wearing this over MAC's Hue or the Collection lipstick, and it creates a lovely spring/summer time coral lip. Plus, this colour really seems to suit my skintone.

6. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

On first use, I wasn't that impressed with this sponge, but after sticking with it, I have begun to love it! It creates a really flawless, natural base, and makes it look as if you're not wearing foundation. Plus, if you suffer from dry patches, like me, then this just helps foundation glide over them, and doesn't make the foundation cling to them. It really is a great product!

7. Simple Moisture Boost Hydro Mist

A rediscovery for me this month, and one I'm so glad I found out again! I was applying my usual makeup one morning and noticed that my skin was looking extra dry that day, and it just didn't look nice. So, upon searching for something to try to fix it, I came across this in my drawer. I sprayed over the top of my makeup, and my goodness! The change! Goodbye dry, dull, cakes face, hello, glowy, radiant skin! I now use this over the top of my makeup whenever I apply it. It doesn't move the makeup, but it also doesn't set it. Just a couple of spritz and my skin looks so healthy! I would highly, highly recommend this if you suffer from dry, dehydrated, dull skin, and want an added glow.

8. Botanics Hydrating Night Cream

I picked this on a whim really, as it was on offer, and I needed a new night cream. But since I been using it, I've really been enjoying using it. It's another an overly fancy night cream, it doesn't claim to do much, just to hydrate the skin, and that is exactly what it does. It sinks into the skin quickly, and doesn't leave any residue or sticky feeling.

9. Game of Thrones season 4

April was the month that Game of Thrones came back on our screens. I only got into this show about this time last year, so I'm quite new to the world of Westeros, but it's such a good show!  It's one of those edge-of-your seats, OMG shows. I've so far been liking the series, (especially episode 2 (I won't give any spoilers). However since getting into the series, I have found it slightly action-less compared to the other series. I think it needs to start getting going now.

10. Divergent movie

I have waiting and waiting for this movie to come out, and it finally did this month! After reading the book, I was so excited to see the world of Divergent come to life on the big screen, and I definitely wasn't disappointed! It stayed true to most of the book, and I loved the actors! Theo James made a great Four, and Shailene Woodley is probably my favourite actress right now. She portrayed Tris perfectly, showcasing her selflessness, her bravery and also her vulnerability. I now can't wait to see how the next films turn out. I would highly recommend this film for anyone.

What have been some of your favourites during April? 

Catch Up!

Oh oh. I've been a naughty blogger lately. I haven't blogged for pretty much a month now! I didn't realise it had been so long! I could sit here and give some sort of excuse, but to be perfectly honest, it just started as a little break after being ill with a pulled muscle in my back, and then I started briefly getting back into, but I just started feeling uninspired, and couldn't think of any original ideas for blog posts, so I put it off, and then that carried on for a bit longer.

Anyway, ramble over, I just thought I'd let you know why I haven't been very active on here lately, and to let you know that I will be blogging again now. I'll kick things off with my April favourites, as I missed putting it up at the beginning of this month. I hope you enjoy, and don't mind that it's so late!!

Would You Rather Tag! Beauty Edition

Can I please just start off by saying I'm sorry that I haven't posted in a while! I've recently been really quite ill after pulling a muscle in my back (pathetic when you say it, but man it's pure agony!). Anyway, I'm now pretty much fully healed, and ready to get back into the swing of things. So to start us off I thought I would do a fun TAG post. The one I chose was the Would You Rather? Beauty Edition TAG! Let's get into it!

1. Would you rather lose all your mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, and lip glosses, or lose all your palettes and eye-shadows?

My palettes and eyeshadows, as I'm not big on wearing eyeshadow on a day-to-day basis.

2. Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?

Never be able to cut it again. When I was little, I always wanted hair like Rapunzel!

3. Would you rather have a coral cheek or pink cheek?

A pink cheek.

4. If you had $10,000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup?

Makeup! Most definitely! Imagine all the things you could buy with that?!

5. Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner or eyeliner as lipstick?

Ew, just thinking of applying lipstick as eyeliner is slightly making me squirm. Just the thought of putting lipstick anywhere near your eyes seems wrong to me. So, I would go with eyeliner was lipstick. Plus, look at all the colours eyeliner comes in now!

6. Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?

Sephora. You could get anything there, whereas MAC just sells MAC stuff.

7. Would you rather only use one eyeshadow colour or only one lip colour for the rest of your life?

One eyeshadow colour. As I said before, I'm not a big eyeshadow wearer, so it wouldn't really bother me wearing the same colour the rest of my life. Plus, wearing one colour, you could wear any lip colour you wanted!

8.  Would you rather wear Winter clothes in the Summer or Summer clothes in the Winter?

Summer clothes in the Winter. I really can not stand being too hot, so Winter clothes in the Summer is a definite no for me!

9. Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year round?

Bright nails!

10. Would you rather give up your favourite lip product or your favourite eye product?

Oh, does that mean things like lip balm and mascara? In that case, I'd probably prefer to give up my favourite eye product, as I need a lip balm on me 24/7!

11. Would you rather only be allowed to wear your hair in a ponytail or a messy bun?

Ha. These are both my go-top hairstyles. I rarely wear my hair down, so this is a tough one for me. But I would choose ponytail.

12. Would you rather never be able to paint your nails or never be able to wear lip gloss?

Never be able to wear lip gloss.

13. Would you rather shave off all your eyebrows or have to Sharpie them in everyday?

As much as I hate the drawn on eyebrow look, I would have to choose to Sharpie them in everyday. 

14. Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

Without nail polish. I definitely couldn't live without makeup now.

Hope you enjoyed. I tag everyone who reads this.

If I Were Going to Prom...

Now, it's been a few years since I went to my Year 11 Prom (6 years!!), but when this time of year comes around, I always find myself looking through the pretty dresses that are around. So, I thought this year, I would put together a list of some of my favourites. Not only will it hopefully help some of you who have still got to choose a prom dress, it also gives me a valid reason to be looking through the websites! Bonus!

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

Empties #4

It seems that my drawer of empty products has filled up again! So, you know what that means; an empties post.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight here

I go into this in more detail in my Empties #3 post, but I love this for when I blow dry my hair, as it keeps it more straighter for longer, and keeps frizz at bay. I have repurchased this.

TRESemmé Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo here

Again, more detail in previous Empties post, but this is my favourite dry shampoo. It doesn't leave a grey-cast (as long as you don't over do it), and has a lovely smell. I have repurchased this.

L'Oreal 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution here

This is what I use to remove my makeup before I use my cleanser. I liked the way this removed my makeup, but it seemed to leave a bit of a residue behind after using, which left my skin feeling a little tight if I didn't immediately follow up with my cleansing and toning routine. I have since purchased the new Garnier micellar water, and seem to prefer that one more than the L'Oreal one.

Michael Todd Tropical Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant Scrub here

This was probably one of my favourite products that I tried from the Michael Todd Dry Sensitive skin regime. I really enjoyed using this scrub. I used it pretty much every other day, and it did really help to keep dry patches away. It is on the more grainy side of scrubs, but I think that's why I liked it so much.  I would probably consider repurchasing this in the future.

Philosophy Sugar Plum Fairy Shower Gel no longer available

Oh, gosh. I finally used this up. Considering this is a £16 shower gel (!), I really wasn't overly impressed with this product. It's meant to be a 3-in-1 product, which can used as shower gel, bubble bath and shampoo. I personally, didn't fancy using it for a shampoo, as I have really oily hair which doesn't take much to make it even more oily. It was okay for a shower gel and bubble bath. Scent wise, I didn't really notice it much. There was a hint of something sweet, but that's about it. I was really disappointed in this, and won't be buying again.

Lacura AQUA-Complete Multi-Intensive Serum unavailable online

This is part of the ALDI skincare range. For £3.49, I really can't complain about this serum. It did what it said it would. I didn't really think it did much when I was using it, but since using it up, I haven't had another one, and I have noticed that my skin is a lot drier now. I wake up with dry flakes, and never noticed this when I was using it. It could be just a coincidence, and be something else, or it could be that it really was doing my skin some good. I think I may pick up another bottle next time I go shopping.

Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm here

I've got a full review of this here, which goes into more detail, but I did really like this cleansing balm. It helped moisturise and hydrate my skin, and removed all traces of leftover makeup. It didn't break me out, and didn't leave a residue. I am thinking of repurchasing.

Lush Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly here

This lasted soooo long! I don't know about anyone else, but I tend to get sick of using the same shower gel for ages, and just start using loads at a time to use it up (anyone else?). This was one of those products. I loved the smell of it, but at first, I couldn't quite figure out how to use it. I ended up just rubbing a loofah over the top of it, which was the best way I found. It is a very weird, but fun product. It's just like jelly; but as fun as it sounds, it gets a bit messy in the shower. I found if you break a bit off, and try to rub it into the skin, it would just slide out of your hands, and end up on the bottom of the shower, which you now have to be careful not to stand on otherwise you'd slip on it. In theory it sounds so much fun, but not so sure in reality. But if you find a great way of using it, you do get your money's worth as it lasts for ages!

Fiction Addiction | Book Haul

A bit of a different post today. One of my resolutions/blog goals for this year was to write about more lifestyle-y posts, and I think this is the start of that (yes, 3 months later, I know!). Anyway, this marks the beginning of a new series called Fiction Addiction here on Laura's Land of Beauty. It will basically be about my love of reading and books. To start us off, I thought I would do a little book haul of some books I recently picked up from Amazon.

I had recently finished all the books that I got for Christmas and a few others that I had lying around, so was in need of a couple more. I much prefer to buy off Amazon as you can get them so much cheaper than a proper book shop, plus I find that it's a lot easier to find different books that you wouldn't necessarily see in a book shop.

The first one I picked up was Splintered by A. G. Howard. I first added this to my wish list after watching Elle Fowler's (allthatglitters21) January Favourites video. It sounded just like my sort of book, and I love Elle's recommendations; I tend to enjoy the same genres of books as she does. The description on the back of the book says:

Alyssa Gardner hears the thoughts of plants and animals. She hides her delusions for now, but she knows her fate: she will end up like her mother, in an institution. Madness has run in her family ever since her great-great-great grandmother Alice Liddell told Lewis Carroll her strange dreams, inspiring his classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

But perhaps she's not mad. And perhaps Carroll's stories aren't as whimsical as they first seem.

To break the curse of insanity, Alyssa must go down the rabbit hole and right the wrongs of Wonderland, a place full of strange beings with dark agendas. Alyssa brings her real-world crush - the protective Jeb - with her, but once her journey begins, she's torn between his solidity and the enchanting, dangerous magic of Morpheus, her guide to Wonderland.

But no one in Wonderland is who they seem to be - not even Alyssa herself...

The next book I picked up was The Selection Stories by Kiera Cass. This is a series of books starting with The Selection, then the sequel The Elite. I read these after I had finished my Christmas books and just fell in love them! I suppose the best way of explaining the basic plot of these stories is a fairytale meets The Hunger Games. Anyway, this book contains two short stories based on two of the characters in the series. It also contains a sneak peak of the final book in the trilogy, The One, which is out in May. (Can't wait!) The first book is called The Prince, and the description of this book is:

Before America arrived at the palace to compete in the Selection, there was another girl in Prince Maxon's life.

'The Prince' opens the week before the Selection begins and follows Maxon through the first day of the competition.

A captivating view into the heart of Prince Maxon before he fights to win America Singer's love.

The second book is called The Guard:

Raised as a Six, Aspen Leger never dreamed that he would find himself living in the palace as a member of the royal guard.

In 'The Guard', readers get an inside look at Aspen's life within the palace walls - and the truth about a guard's world that America will never know.

A captivating view into the heart of Aspen, one of the men fighting to win America Singer's love.

Another fairytale-esque book here! You're really starting to see what type of books and stories I like! This is Briar Rose by Jana Oliver. I read the description of this book, and knew it would be one I would enjoy!

Briar Rose believes in fairy tales...

And now, because of a family curse, she's living one. Doomed to fall asleep for one hundred years on her sixteenth birthday, Briar has woken up in the darkest, most-twisted fairy tale she could have ever dreamed of - miles away from the safe, boring small-town life that she has left behind.

Briar must fight her way out of the story, but she can't do it alone. She always believed in handsome princes, and now she's met one her only chance is to put her life in his hands, or there will be no happy ever after and no waking up...

Next up is The Girl in the Mask by Marie-Louise Jensen. I bought this on a bit of a whim, as it sounded a little like something I would enjoy, and was under £4. The description is:

Sophia's duty is clear: look pretty, behave well, and find a husband as soon as possible. But Sophia hates the social whirl of balls and masquerades - so under the cover of darkness, she secretly swaps her ball gowns for breeches, and turns to highway robbery.

When one man begins to take a keen interest in her, Sophia must keep her distance - or risk him unmasking her secret life...

The last one in this haul is Witch Finder by Ruth Warburton. I'm not so sure about this now I re-read the description, but we shall see.  The description of this book is:

London 1880.

Witches killed Luke Lexton's parents and he is determined to avenge their death by becoming a Witch Hunter.

But first he must prove his loyalty and pick a name from the Book of Witches to track down and kill within a month or face death himself.

Luke picks Rosa Greenwood, a young witch-girl who is almost impossible to kill...

What are some of your favourite books?

April/Birthday Wish List

April is an extra special month for me, because it's my birthday month! This year I turn 22 on the 23rd April. I know that this looks like a ridiculous amount, but I have been saving up for a big shopping trip for my birthday, and I'm also receiving some money off my parents. And bear in mind, I am definitely not planning on buying every single thing off this list, just the things that really take me eye and I love the look of.

1. Botanics Radiant Youth Hydrating Eye Cream

2. YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick

3. Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne

4. Chanel Nail Varnish

5. Flamingo Candle

6. Jo Malone Sweet Almond and Macaroon Candle

7. TheBalm How 'Bout Them Apples? Blush Palette

8. Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Mischievous

9. NYX Powder Blush

10. NYX Cream Blush

11. NYX HD Concealer

12. NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss

13. NYX Butter Glosses

14. The Body Shop Vitamin E Serum-in-Oil

15. The Body Shop Honey Bronzer

16. Models Own Sticky Fingers in Pastel Petals Lilac

17. Models Own Sticky Fingers in Bows

18. Maybelline FitMe Concealer

19. L'Oreal False Lash Flutter Mascara

20. L'Oreal True Match foundation

21. L'Oreal Eau de Teint foundation

22. Stila Smudge Stick in Turquoise

23. Soap & Glory Super-Colour-Fabulipstick

24. Clinique Cheek Pop blush

25. MAC Brush Cleanser

26. MAC Blush in Melba

27. MAC Fix+

28. MAC Lipstick in Costa Chic

29. Topshop Makeup

30. Tanya Burr Lips and Nails

31. Smashbox Full Exposure Palette

32. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

33. Zoeva Rose Gold Brush set

34. Ted Baker Bow Pencil Case

What are some of the products currently on your wishlists?