My Travel Makeup Bag

The other weekend, I went away for a mini-break to the Cotswolds. It was a lovely weekend, and we stayed in the grounds of an old stately home. Gorgeous! Anyway, it seems that one of my most popular posts is my Everyday Makeup Bag, so I thought I would show you what was in my travel makeup bag.

This makeup bag is from Primark (£3). I'm also giving away one of these bags in my 100 follower giveaway (here). It was perfect for a weekend away, as it's not massive, so it really made me just take the essentials.

Soap and Glory Glow All Out face powder

My favourite highlight product at the moment.

(Full review here)

Maybelline The Eraser Eye concealer in Light

My all-time favourite under-eye concealer. It doesn't crease, and it's got decent coverage.

Maybelline SuperStay 24Hr Waterproof Powder in Ivory

I use a thin layer to set my makeup. It's an alright powder. Not completely sure about the waterproof claims though.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation in #53

I've recently got back into wearing this foundation, and I've been loving it! It gives the perfect Spring-time finish; lovely dewy and natural.

Soap and Glory Kick Ass concealer in Light

I'm not overly keen on the concealer in this, but I love the powder for setting my under-eye concealer.

Stila Custom Colour Blush in Self-Adjusting Pink

This is perfect for getting that lovely bright pink flush.

MAC Blush in Fleur Power

A more natural pink blush, but I've really been loving this lately.

(Review here)

Collection Volume Sensation lipstick in #13 Satin Bow

Been loving this peachy-nude colour. It's lovely for Spring-time, as it's different from my usual pinky-nude. 

This is another product I'm giving away (here).

Soap and Glory Super-Colour-Fabulipstick in The Missing Pink

My go-to all occasions lipstick. I love this lipstick so much!

(Review here)

Naked Basics palette

This is mainly for the Naked2 shade, which I use for my eyebrows, but also doubles for when I want to do some sort of eye look.

(Review here)

L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara

I really like this mascara. Unfortunately it's been discontinued, so you can't get it anymore, so I wont go into details.

MUA Clear Mascara

My brow setter. I've been liking this. It keeps my brows in place, and doesn't leave them crispy or sticky.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow in Juju and Sin

I only put these in just as an extra eye product. They're great for an easy eye look, as you can literally just apply them and blend them out and you're done. Plus, they last a really long time and don't crease on me.

MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork

I tend to use this as an everyday eye colour. I'm not a big eyeshadow wearer on an everyday basis, so I just swipe some of this one, and go.

(Review here)

Shu Uemera Eyelash Curlers

These are so good! The eyelashes on my left eye are really stubborn, and are a really pain to curl, but these do really help to curl them.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero

This is probably the only eyeliner (that I've tried) that hasn't smudged on me. I've got really watery eyes, so find it difficult to find eyeliners that don't end up running down my face. I rarely use eyeliner though. It's something I haven't completely got into yet.

There we go. What are some of your go-to travel products?

The Liebster Award (#4)

So, I've been nominated for another Liebster Award! The first nom comes from Mary Ann, over at angelflicks, and the second from Laura at londonandlouboutins. Thank you, both very much!

If you don't know what the Liebster Award is, then check out my other posts which explain it in more detail (1, 2, 3).

Mary Ann's questions were:

1. Liquid, pencil or gel eyeliner?

I'm really not much of an eyeliner girl. For one thing, it's just not me. And another, I haven't exactly mastered how to put it on properly yet! If I had to choose one though, probably pencil.

2. Organisation or chaos?

Oh gosh, organisation all the way! I really can't stand chaos.

3. What is your favourite makeup brand?

Ooh, tough one. Probably Maybelline or Rimmel. They both do quite a lot of stuff that I really like.

4. What is your favourite style?

I'm a big fan of basic pieces with more fashionable accessories. I love the look of skinny jeans, a basic top and a coloured blazer with a scarf and handbag.

5. Best thing about blogging?

Sharing my love of makeup and beauty with like minded people.

6. Do you like reading? If so, what's your favourite book?

I LOVE reading! Lately I've been loving The Selection series by Kiera Cass.

7. If you could have anything, what would it be?

What? As in, anything at all in the world? This is gonna take some thinking...

8. Favourite and worst foods

I love pasta! But hate any kind of spicy or peppery food.

9. Describe your proudest moment

Probably when I graduated. I was so nervous beforehand and completely dreading it, but I was so pleased after it and best of all, I didn't fall over!

10. What's on your desert island disk?

I've never heard of this. I take it that it means a CD you'd take if you were ever on a desert island? If so, it would be anything Taylor Swift (of course!) and lately Pioneer by The Band Perry.

11. Last one - Where did your blog name come from?

My blog was originally called Beauty Beginner, but I didn't really like it, and found that there was already a blog called that. So, I came up with a new name, and Laura's Land of Beauty was born (which I think is pretty self-explanatory, it's my piece of land to talk all things beauty).

Thanks again for the nomination Mary Ann!

__________________________________________________

Laura asked:

1. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

America! Would love to travel there and live there. Especially in a little town in somewhere like South or North Carolina or Georgia.

2. Handbags or shoes?

Handbags. I have so much trouble shopping for shoes. I never seem to find a pair that fit me right. I've got really awkward feet.

3. Do you have any piercings?

Only my ears.

4. What's your dream place to go on holiday?

Same answer as above, sorry. A road trip around America.

5. Who's your favourite Disney character?

I'm a sucker for the Princesses and my favourite is Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. (PS. I've just seen the Disney socks from Primark. How cute! I'm hoping to pick some up when I go in today!)

6. Favourite TV show currently?

Currently it's Reign. But of all time, probably One Tree Hill.

7. Sweet or savoury?

As much as I love sweet things, I do prefer savoury things.

8. Favourite drink?

I know it's really bad for you, but coke.

9. Favourite scented candle flavour?

Either Soft Blanket or Clean Cotton from Yankee Candle.

10. Favourite shop?

Clothes wise, New Look. Beauty wise, Boots

11. Favourite nail colour?

I love anything pastel, e.g. Essie's Fiji, Barry M's Blue Moon and Berry Ice Cream.

Thank you Laura for nominating me!

Hope you enjoyed.

Mothers Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is just around the corner (at least in the UK, it is). I personally find buying for my mum really quite easy, as I know a lot of what she likes, whereas my dad is the complete opposite! So, I thought I would put together a little gift guide type thing, that you may find helpful if you're struggling to come up with some ideas for your mum.

1. Bouquet of Flowers here

You definitely can't go wrong with a bunch of flowers! Either one from a florist, or one ordered off a website and delivered to the door, or even one from the local supermarket, just make sure they're nice!

2. Teddy here

It's become a bit of a tradition for me and my brother to get our mum a teddy on Mother's Day. To be honest, I don't tend to get ones from places like Hallmark etc. as they seem to have gotten so expensive! I usually pick one up from Card Factory when I pick the cards up, and they are so reasonable there, and are really nice designs!

3. Lush Goodies here, here, here

Another go-to gift idea for my mum. She loves her Lush bath bombs etc. so I always try to pick a couple up. Lush also do some lovely packaged gift sets.

4. Engraved Trinket Box here

I brought one of these for my mum for her 50th birthday the other year, and she loved it! If you search around, you'll find all sorts of trinket boxes, and at different prices as well (I've found Amazon was the best priced). I love that they can be so personal, and it's such a thoughtful gift, which your mum will be bound to love.

5. Message in a Bottle here

I came across this when searching for my own gifts, and loved the thought behind it! I must admit, £20 seems a bit steep for it, but this would be a great DIY for you try. All you would need as a glass bottle, stopper, ribbon and fabric pen. You can write your own message on the ribbon, and choose your mum's favourite colour ribbon. Again, another personal present that has had a lot of thought gone into.

6. Charbonnel et Walker Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles here

You can't beat some really fancy chocolates! And you can't get much fancier than Charbonnel et Walker. These truffles are to die for! Gorgeous! They also do different sized boxes at different price points.

7. Sanctuary Spa Escape and Unwind Collection here

If you want to give your mum a pamper treat, than what better gift to get her than some Sanctuary Spa products? They do different scent ranges, but this is one of mine and my mum's personal faves. I'll be picking up a couple of things for my mum, and they're also on 3 for 2 at the minute at Boots!

I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful it you're stuck for something to get your mum.

What are you planning on getting for your mum?

Super-Colour-Fabulipstick | The Missing Pink

I've never really got into the Soap and Glory makeup, but after watching FleurDeForce's November Favourites video where she was wearing this (and it looked gorgeous), I added it to my Christmas List quicker than you can say Super-Colour-Fabulipstick!

Available here

This is what Soap and Glory say about the lipstick on their website: 

Featuring ULTIMELT™ lip shine & shaping technology, 3-D PLUMP™ peptide complex, Shea Butter, Monoi Butter & Vitamin E. Hyaluronic acid and Ceramide 2 (for aging repair and visible wrinkle reduction) help to give a soft, smooth, dewy, plump colour-fill pout.

I have to say, I love this lipstick! It is so hydrating, which is a necessity with my awfully dry lips! It doesn't cling to the dry patches, just somehow glides over them. When I first wore this, I couldn't get over how good my lips looked! They looked so plumped and full, and everything was smoothed out (I don't like it when some lipsticks cling to the little fine lines in your lip, and this doesn't do that at all.)

As for colour, this is a muted-pink, with a slight hint of brown, making it the perfect your-lips-but-better shade. It has a slight glossy finish, which I find is perfect, and you don't need to wear lipgloss over the top. I can't not mention the packaging either! The lipstick case feels so well made, and such good quality. Along with the embossed Soap and Glory logo, you could easily mistake this for a high-end lipstick.

I will definitely be adding more of these lipsticks to my collection. And for £9, I think I prefer this lipstick more than my MAC lipstick in Hue.

Have you tried out any of these lipsticks? What's your favourite S&G product?

Step Into Spring with Nuxe

Today, I'm bringing you a wishlist of some products from the natural skincare brand, NUXE. With Spring right around the corner, it's the perfect time to change up some of your skincare routine, swapping them heavy moisturisers with lighter ones, ready for Summer, and getting those tootsies sandal-ready.

This post is also my entry into the NUXE PamerHamper competition. More info can be found here.

1. Body 24Hr Moisturising Body Lotion (here)

This would be great to get those arms and legs moisturised and ready for t-shirts and skirts after a long winter wearing jumpers and layers.

2. Crème Fraîche de Beauté Light (here)

Spring is the time to swap out your heavy Winter face cream, for a lighter version, making sure you stay moisturised (which is extremely important!) but that your face wont feel greasy.

3.  Rêve de Miel Ultra-Comfortable Foot Cream (here)

Although, Summer is more sandal-season, Spring is the lead up to it. After a Winter of boots and thick socks, I know my feet don't get much love, so they definitely need a good cream to start getting them ready for Summer.

4. Rêve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream (here)

My hands suffer so much in the Winter, so I always invest in a good hand cream.

5. Prodigieux Eye Contour (here)

You can never go wrong with a good old eye cream, no matter the time of year.

6. Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm (here)

This is raved about so much here in the blogging and YouTube world. Again, my lips get so dry, no matter what time of year, so a very moisturising lip balm is a must for me!

What are some of your Spring wish-list or must-have items?

Get to Know Me | The Beauty Blogger TAG

I've seemed to gain so many followers lately, that I thought it was time to let you in a bit more, and get to know me a little bit further. So, I thought I would do another TAG post, and came across this one. Hope you enjoy!

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
My hair is naturally curly, but I blow dry it straight.

2. What is your natural hair colour?

I dark blonde colour, mainly, but when the sun shines, you can see golden tones.

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

I don't dye my hair. I never have. I really like the colour of my natural hair, so I just leave it.

4. How often do you wash your hair?
Every other day.

5. Do you wear the same style everyday, or do you change it?

I pretty much wear the same style everyday. I dress casual usually, but if I'm in the mood to shake things up a bit, I'll try adding something that jazzes my outfit up, e.g. a different pair of shoes, or coat, or some jazzy jewellery.

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

I do it myself. I don't really go and get my nails done. The only time I have was for my year 11 prom, and had false nails applied. It's just something I've never really got into.

7. How often do you change your nail polish?

I go through phases of wearing it non-stop, and then not wearing any for ages. When I'm wearing it, I probably change it every 3-4 days.

8. Do you polish your toes in the Winter or just the Summer?

I really don't paint my toenails at all. It's just something I've never got into.

9. How long does it take for you to put on makeup?

On an everyday basis it probably takes about 15 minutes but if I'm going out it could be half an hour to 45 minutes.

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes?

I do my face first and then go onto my eyes while the foundation is setting, and then powder.

11. Do you collect makeable just buy what you need when you need it?

Haha both probably! I do like collecting it, but when I need something I buy it.

12. How often of you wear false eyelashes?

Never! I haven't even figured out how to apply them yet!

13. Do you do a full face of makeup everyday?

No, only when I'm going out, or have got something planned. If I'm just at home, or have just got to go down the shops, I don't bother.

14. Do you wear makeup when you're home alone or with your family?

Again, same answer as before, if we're going out, then I will put some on, but if we're just at home, no I don't. It doesn't bother me not wearing makeup around my family.

15. Will you leave the house without makeup?

Yes. If I've just got a couple of errands, I'll probably not put any makeup on. It also depends on how I'm feeling and how my skin is behaving that day.

16. How many high-end products do you have?

I have a few things. A palette, and a couple of loose things. They're just too expensive for me to justify right now.

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes?
Usually once every two weeks.

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you're getting dressed?

I try to have a rough idea of what I'm going to wear, but I don't really plan everything down to the last detail.

19. How often do you change your handbag?

Probably every couple of months. It also depends on where I'm going and what I'm doing.

20. What time do you wake up and go to sleep?

I'm really bad for going to sleep at night. I go up to bed about 11:00pm, but then watch a few YouTube videos and catch up on things, and don't go to sleep until about twelve/half twelve. Then in the morning, I wake up about 9:00am.

21. How often or when do you workout?

I'm really not one for going to the gym or anything, but I go on walks with my dog, and do the odd YouTube workout.

22. Left handed or right handed?

Right handed.

23. How tall are you?

5'7"

24. Do you speak any foreign languages?

Not fluently, no. I took French and Welsh Short Course at GCSE, but it's been so long since I've spoken any, I don't think I could understand any of it much nowadays.

25. How many pets do you have?

I have a dog called Wooly. He's a orange roan cocker spaniel, and I absolutely adore him!

26. How often are you on Blogger?

Pretty much every other day; sometimes less, sometimes more.

27. Do you read comments posted on blogs?

If it means comments on my own blog, yes! It's one of my favourite things to do. I love it when people are kind enough to take the time to leave me a comment. But, when it comes to other blogs, I don't really tend to read the comments.

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?

Of course! I've always got something on my wishlist that I've seen other bloggers and vloggers rave about.

29. How did you come up with your blog name?

Well, this blog was originally called Beauty Beginner, but I didn't really like that name.  Once I really got into blogging and had a re-design, I renamed my blog Laura's Land of Beauty, which I think is pretty self-explanatory. Laura is my name, and I'm blogging about all things beauty.

30. What kind of camera do you use for your photographs?

Usually my Canon Powershot A810, but lately I've started using my Fujifilm Finepix S1730. 

31. How often do you clean your house?

Is it just me, or does this question seem really random?! Anyway, I still live with my parents, but I help out with cleaning the house, which is done pretty much everyday.

32. What's your favourite colour?

Lilac!

33. Do you swear?

Yes, I do, but only now and again. I never swear in front of my dad though, even now, and I'm nearly 22!

34. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

Well, as I am typing this, it is 6 o'clock on a Saturday night. I don't really have any plans for tonight (I know, what a jet-set life I lead!), so will probably just have some tea, and have a night in watching some Saturday night TV, i.e. The Voice, Casualty and The Jonathan Ross Show.

February Favourites

1. Victoria's Secret Sheer Love Fragrance Mist

This has definitely been my go to scent of February. It's a very fresh scent, but has a sweet-ness to it aswell. It reminds me a lot of Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh.

2. Urban Decay Naked3 Palette

I've been loving this ever since receiving it for Christmas. The colours are so gorgeous, and flattering. I think that this may be my favourite Naked palette. If you want to read more of my thoughts on this post, then check out my post here.

3. Soap & Glory Glow All Out Powder

I have really been enjoying using this powder throughout mid-January and all of February. It's a perfect, everyday highlighter. It's the perfect product to add a glow to your face, that isn't glitter-ball. I've got a full review here.

4. MUA Clear Mascara

I picked this up when I was in Superdrug one day. I have never been one for filling in my eyebrows, or doing much with them other than brushing them out. But, I saw this and  thought for a £1, I would try it out. I have really been liking this. It's nothing special, but just keeps my eyebrows groomed and in place all day.

5. Soap & Glory Super-Colour-Fabulipstick in The Missing Pink

This has absolutely been my favourite lipstick over the past month and half. I have got a full review coming up in the next couple of days, so I wont go into too much detail here, but I love the way this makes my lips look. It also doesn't cling to my dry patches, just seems to glide over them. As for colour, it's the perfect your-lips-but-better-shade.

6. Stila Perfect and Correct Foundation in Tone

I have really enjoyed using this foundation, ever since buying it in the January sales. I've got a full review here, which goes into more detail, but what I love most about this, is that it's a very moisturising foundation, and leaves a lovely, dewy finish. It doesn't look as if you're wearing anything either; it looks like your skin.

7. Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Contour Brush

I've been really liking this brush to apply the Glow All Out powder and just any highlighter in general. As it's duo-fibre, it doesn't pick up as much as a normal brush, so I don't need to worry as much about being too heavy-handed with the highlight, which I sometimes can.

8. Lanolips Lemonaid

I have fallen in love with this lip balm over the month of February! It is so moisturising, and I haven't had half as many problems with my dry lips as I used to have. A full review can be found here.

9. The Band Perry - Pioneer

I don't what it is, but I have been hooked on this album! Some of my favourites include: 'Don't Let Me Be Lonely', 'Pioneer' and 'I'm a Keeper'.

10. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - Naked2 shade

I've really been loving the Naked2 shade in this palette for filling in my eyebrows. This has been the perfect shade for my blonde eyebrows. I only use a little of this, as I'm really not a fan of the really filled in brows. I use the Real Techniques Brow Brush with this powder, and then finish off with the MUA Clear Mascara.

11. Kacey Musgraves - Same Trailer Different Park

Again, this has been a go-to album I've been hooked on during February. I tend to put this on when I'm having an afternoon blogging. My favourites are 'Merry Go Round' and 'Follow Your Arrow'.

12. Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Face Brush

This has been my favourite powder brush, really for the same reason as the contour brush. It doesn't collect as much powder as a normal brush, so it doesn't make your makeup look cakey, and overly powdered.

What have some of your favourite products been the last month?