Friday, 27 September 2013

Empties Spring/Summer '13 - Skincare/Random

Today's post is the continuing post from my haircare/shower empties. These are skincare and random products that I have used up in Spring/Summer 2013.

Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner - I don't really have an opinion on this toner. It didn't wow me, and I didn't dislike it. I never really noticed it did anything for my skin, but it was soothing and didn't dry out my skin. I may repurchase in the future, but I'm not mad for it.

B. Pure Micellar Water - I brought this when the brand was first introduced in Superdrug, at a discounted price. This removed my makeup okay, but I did have to use quite a large amount to make sure everything was off, so it didn't last very long. I haven't repurchased this, but if it was offer again, I may.

Lush Tea Tree Toner Water - I do really like this product, especially on days when my skin is oily. One swipe of this, and it removes the oil and keeps it away most of the day. The one thing I will say about this though is, I really don't like spraying it straight onto my face. It doesn't spray very well, not like a mist but more like a water pistol! Your face seems to get soaked in some parts, and not in others, so I would recommend spraying it onto a cotton pad and then wiping that over your face. I have and would repurchase again.

Simple Kind to Skin Moisture Boost Hydro Mist - I love this product!! It's basically a hydrating facial mist that you can use over makeup or on bare skin. I use this after I have applied my makeup, and it stops it looking cakey, and adds a nice dewy finish. I also use this at night before bed as an extra hydration boost, and any time that my skin is feeling and/or looking down in the dumps as a nice pick-me-up. I have repurchased this so many times, and stock up on it when Boots have it on offer.

Garnier Soft Essentials Complete Cleansing Milk for dry and sensitive skin - I brought this as a cheap alternative for my beloved The Body Shop Vitamin E Cleansing Milk, and I was quite impressed with this. It removes eye makeup well, and that's what I mainly used it for in the end. Again, there was nothing I hated about this, but it didn't blow me away. I haven't repurchased, but I may do when my Vitamin E cream cleanser runs out.

Lush Ocean Salt Facial Scrub - I used to really like this product (this is my second tub), but lately I have really gone off it. I used to use this on my face, as I get a lot of dry, flaky patches. There are really big grains of salt in this, and I think they just too harsh for the face. Plus, just lately I really can't stand the smell, it's got a very distinct sea smell to it. I agree where it says it doesn't dry out your skin, and it doesn't because of the avocado butter in it. I think this would be a good body exfoliator, just keep it away from your face! I won't be repurchasing anytime soon.

Simple Kind to Skin Moisture Boost Hydro Cream x4 - Again, I really like this moisturiser. It leaves your skin feeling and looking hydrated, but sometimes it can feel slightly sticky on the skin, so be careful how much you put on. The only bad thing about this, is there's no SPF in it, so it doesn't leave your skin protected during the day, but this also makes it a good night time moisturiser. I will probably repurchase once I have used up the moisturiser I'm currently trying out (a £1.99 one from Aldi, which I'm really liking!!).

Taylor Swift Wonderstruck Eau de Parfum 30ml - Oh man! This is one of my all-time favourite perfumes! Anyone who knows me, knows I adore Taylor Swift, and her first perfume really does not disappoint for me. I've gone through so many bottles of this! I think I've gone through one of each size bottle (100ml, 50ml and now a 30ml). I have repurchased a 100ml bottle, and will continue to repurchase it for as long as they make it probably.

TRESemme Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo - This is all time favourite dry-shampoo. I could not live without dry shampoo, and I go through so many of these bottles! I use it on every other day, when I haven't washed my hair (because I don't like to wash my hair everyday), and just to add a bit of volume to my roots. I also stock up on this when Boots or Superdrug have this on offer, so I have repurchased this, and again, will carry on repurchasing it until I find one I prefer.

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector - My favourite hand cream aswell here! I've gone through so many tubes of this stuff! It's not like your typical hand cream, it's very thick and takes a bit of working in, but once it is, it's so moisturising and protects your hands really well, especially in the winter weather that is soon around the corner. I get cracked/chapped knuckles in the winter, and this really helps to heal, protect and moisturise them. I would highly recommend this for people who suffer from really dry hands and dry skin in general as The Body Shop do a whole range in this line. I will repurchase.

So, that's it for my Spring/Summer empties. A bit of a mixed group, but I feel that the most of these were products I love, and can't live without. That's it for empties until the end of Autumn/Winter!

Monday, 23 September 2013

Empties Spring/Summer '13 - Haircare/Shower

As Sunday was officially the first day of Autumn, I thought I would celebrate by showing you the products I have used up during Spring/Summer. This is part one, and part two will be up in the next couple of days. Some products I have loved, some others were okay, and some were not good at all.

This post will be focused on the haircare and shower products I have used up:

VO5 Gloss Me Smoothly Shampoo and Conditioner - This is my all-time favourite shampoo and conditioner combo. This really does help smooth out any frizz, and makes my curls look smooth and frizz-free! Would and have repurchased.

Frizz-Ease Dream Curls Shampoo and Conditioner - I do quite like this shampoo and conditioner, but it can be a bit hit and miss. It is full of sulphates, so if you don't like these, then this isn't the product for you. I find that sometimes it does strip the hair of a lot of the natural oils, and makes my hair even more greasy. Now and again though, it is okay to use. I wouldn't go out of my way to re-purchase these, only is it was on a really good offer.

Phil Smith Curly Locks Shampoo and Conditioner - Now, this was an okay shampoo and conditioner, it didn't really wow me. My problem was that the conditioner had a really horrible smell to it. I can't describe it, but it really wasn't nice! The shampoo was fine, but overall I won't be repurchasing these.

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel - I loved this shower gel!! It smells absolutely gorgeous! Very sweet, almost like a sweetie land! Now, this is a limited edition product that Lush only come out with at Christmas time, so you can't get it now, but you've only got a couple of months to wait, and I would highly recommend it. I even have a bigger bottle that I brought in the sale after last Christmas that I haven't used yet, I've been trying to save it!! I will repurchase this when it becomes available again.

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel - Let me tell I am glad that this has all gone! It lasted forever!! I used to love the pink grapefruit scent from The Body Shop, but since buying this, I have really gone off it. It's just too tart and strong for me. I brought this in the sale, and got it for a great price, but I wasn't really keen on this shower gel. It seemed to make my back break out, and not just the typical break out, they were really big, and sore and deep, almost like cystic acne. Not only that, it just didn't seem to clean very well; I didn't feel very clean after using it. I won't be purchasing any more Body Shop shower gels.

That's it for this section of my empties, next up is the skincare and miscellaneous products which will be in another post up soon.

Saturday, 21 September 2013

The Liebster Award!

Although this blog is now over a year old, I've only just started to get really into it and start getting myself out there. I was nominated for a Liebster Award by the lovely Evelin (go check out her blog, and thanks Evelin for nominating me!). Now, I personally hadn't ever heard of this, so after reading Evelin's post where she had been nominated and a bit of Googling, I have found out that it's a bit like a chain link thing between bloggers to get to know people, and attract followers. I have to answer 11 questions that Evelin has asked, I then create 11 of my own questions, and tag 11 blogs that have less than 200 followers.


So, on to the questions Evelin asked:

1. Who are your 3 favourite YouTubers?
I'm gonna stick with some of the most popular ones, AllThatGlitters21 (aka Elle Fowler), FleurDeForce, and SprinkleofGlitter (aka Louise [man, she cracks me up!!!]

2. What is your favourite social media site?
Twitter. Without a doubt.

3. Who is your celebrity crush?
Right now, it's Dylan O'Brien from the film, The First Time (featured in my August Favourites). He also plays Stiles in Teen Wolf which I have been slightly obsessed with lately.

4. Best activity for a rainy day?
Staying in, wrapped in a blanket on the sofa with a good film.

5. Who is your fashion role model?
Now, this is a tough question for me. I've never been one to look up at people for their fashion. I don't really look up to one celebrity or whatever, I just look at people around me everyday, either friends or just girls I see in the street, and take inspiration from there. I love very basic, classic things, and jazzing them up with good accessories; I don't think you can go wrong with this.

6. Favourite drugstore makeup brand?
Probably Maybelline.

7. What is your favourite food to cook?
Some sort of pasta dish. I really love pasta!

8. One thing you wish you had done 5 years ago?
So, 5 years ago, I would have been 16. One thing I wish I had done was to go out more with friends from school; to be more outgoing and sociable. I was very shy in school, and didn't make friends very easily. I think I just needed to get out of my own head, and just let go a bit.

9. Do you have any weird habits and what are they?
Well, I personally can't think of any (haha), but I'm sure if you were to ask my family, they would say I am slightly OCD about things. I have to have things a certain way.

10. What is your all-time favourite song?
Oh my gosh, why did you have to put this question in?! I love music so much, this is gonna take some thinking. I think that it may be All Too Well by Taylor Swift. I relate to this song so much in my own way, it's so emotional, and beautifully written.


11. What would you say to your future self who's 10 years older than you?
Make the most out of your opportunities. Enjoy life and STOP WORRYING!!

Now for my 11 questions:
  1. Are you a high end or budget beauty lover?
  2. What quote do you live your life by?
  3. Who is your favourite music artist?
  4. Who are your top 5 bloggers?
  5. Describe your style in one word.
  6. What was your very first music concert?
  7. Tell one random fact about yourself.
  8. What is your must-have beauty item?
  9. What's your all-time favourite product?
  10. What's next on your wish list/shopping list?
  11. What's your favourite movie?
I nominate these blogs:

BryanyEllen
Lauren'sInWonderland
TheBeautyFairground
It'sAllJustRosie
MissSophieRose
Clo'sBeautySpot
Kayleigh'sBeautyFix
DeesBeautifulLife
BallerinasAndButtons
VictoriaJane-Reviews
JessssicaHart

So that's it for this post. Something slightly different, but I rather enjoyed writing this.

Tuesday, 10 September 2013

Bare With Me!

Just a little post, to say that I am currently working on the design of this blog, so things are gonna look a bit hit and miss for a few days. So please bare with me as I make these changes, and I look forward to unveiling the new Laura's Land of Beauty soon!


Ahh, that's Sweet!

After my End of Uni haul, I thought I would do a post on the Sleek Blush palette I picked up from Superdrug. Now this palette is part of their Candy Collection and limited edition, but I have just looked on the website, and it is still available!

Available here for £9.99

Top: Candy Floss, Middle: Dolly Mix, Bottom: Cupcake

The palette comes with three blushes, all a different shade of pink. There are two powder blushes, and one cream blush. I've heard through reviews of Sleek blushes that they are very pigmented, and I can definitely agree with this. You only need a tiniest dap of your brush and you have more than enough for both cheeks. Wear time is good, it lasts most of the day, and because you only need the smallest amount, the palette will last forever!!

Overall, I am impressed with this palette, and am so glad I picked it up. If this shade range isn't for you, Sleek do several more of these palettes in their regular line, so there's bound to be some sort of palette for everyone!

Wednesday, 4 September 2013

End of Uni Haul!

At the end of May/beginning of June, I officially finished university! To celebrate, I, of course, went shopping! Now, just to warn you, this is a big haul, and I didn't get all of this in one go, it was over the course of several weeks. So, to begin with, we'll start with what I got from Boots:

Top Image:
Real Techniques Stippling Brush and Expert Face Brush, Simple Kind to Skin Moisture Boost Hydro Mist x2, Simple Kind to Skin Moisture Boost Hydro Cream, Sinful Colors nail varnish in Mint Apple.

Bottom Image:
No7 Stay Perfect Base Coat, Essie nail varnish in Mint Candy Apple

Next up is Superdrug:

Top and Bottom Right Image:
Essie nail varnish in Fiji, VO5 Shockwaves Curling Mousse, Witch Tinted Moisturiser in 2 Medium, Nivea In-Shower Moisturiser for Normal skin, Collection Cream Puff in Fairy Cake, Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation in True Ivory, Collection Lasting Colour Lipstick in 2 Pink Shock

Bottom Left Image:
Sleek Face Contour Kit in Light

From House of Fraser I wanted to pick up one of the Ted Baker bow makeup bags.
I ended up choosing the Black bag with light pink bow and rose gold hardware. They had so many gorgeous colours, and it took me ages to choose, but I thought this looked more expensive, and wouldn't get as dirty as say a white one.

I ordered three Essie nail polishes from Fragrance Direct, in Cascade Cool, Neo Whimsical and Bikini-So-Teeny. From Lush I picked up a new Tea Tree Toning Water, a Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly, and a Ickle Baby Bot Bath Bomb. I've heard great things about the Seche Vite top coat, so when I saw Amazon were selling it for £5.50 (£9.99 in Boots!), I knew I had to pick one up.

Lastly, this is the most exciting purchase I made. I have wanted one of these for so long, since I'd seen MissGlamorazzi and FleurDeForce wearing them. It's a Rebecca Minkoff MAC Daddy bag in the colour Coral.
I love this bag! The colour is very transitional, i.e. it looks good in all seasons, and there's so much room inside. There's even a padded pouch for an iPad! I ordered this off Amazon, and got it for such a good deal! (Coupon codes and student discount rock!) Now, of course this is an expensive item, I know but it was a special purchase/celebration for me.

Well, that's everything. I can't believe I have now finished uni all together! Now to find a job!

Tuesday, 3 September 2013

1 Year Birthday!

Hi all,

I know it's been a while since I've done an actual post. I could come up with some excuse for you, but the truth is, for some reason or other, I have been feeling very uninspired, and haven't felt like blogging.

A quick life update for you: I have now completed my uni course! I got my results at the beginning of July, and was very, very pleased to find out I got a 2:1!! Also at the beginning of July, I went down to London for 5 days, to take part in a HUGGEEE graduate exhibition, and I'm very happy that I got some interest in my work; can't wait to find out where it'll take me. To be honest, I loved it down there. I have never had so much freedom! And to spend 5 days with your friends down in the Capital, before we graduate was soooo nice!!

Well since then, I've been trying to apply for some part-time jobs, just to keep a bit of a steady income, but have had no luck yet. Mid-August I went on holiday with the family to the Cotswolds for a week. It's such a beautiful part of the world, and very fairytale-like. Would highly recommend it for anyone who wants to live in a fairytale, and loves picturesque villages.

And that leads to now.

On 23rd July 2013, this blog turned 1! I admit I have been a terrible blogger over the majority of this year, but from now on, I am going to be back on it! I'm thinking of setting some sort of schedule, so there will be at least a day where there will definitely be a new post up. What do you think?

So, now my ramble is over, and I look forward to getting back into the blogging swing of things.

For now,


August Favourites


1. Ted Baker Large Bow Wash Bag in Black
2. Rebecca Minkoff MAC Daddy Clutch in Coral
3. Wonderstruck Enchanted perfume by Taylor Swift
4. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
5. Real Techniques Stippling Brush
6. Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation in True Ivory
7. The Royals book series by Rebecca Bourdon
8. The White Queen TV show
9. The First Time film