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?

March Favourites

1. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum here

This used to be my favourite foundation, and then I just seemed to stop wearing it. However, I found it out again this month, and fell in love with it! It is probably one of my all-time favourite founations. I love the way it leaves my skin looking, and it doesn't cling to my dry patches. I need to pick up a new tube as well, I'm pretty much to the end of my current one!

2. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water here

I picked this up this month after using up all of my L'Oreal version. I liked the L'Oreal one, but it seemed to leave some sort of residue on my skin, which I wasn't keen on, so gave this a try when it was on offer. I much prefer this one to the L'Oreal one! It doesn't leave a residue, and seems slightly more hydrating. Plus, you get double the amount for pretty much the same price! Bonus!

3. Hydraluron here

After hearing so many people rave about this, I finally plucked up the courage to spend the money and buy it! I fully agree with people that say they don't notice this doing anything, until they stop using it. I've only been using this the past two weeks, so can't give a full review yet, but I have already noticed a difference in my skin; it's more glowy and smooth.

4. Soap and Glory Scrubatomic here

I was in need of a  new scrub after using up all of my Michael Todd Fruit Enzyme scrub, and saw that FleurDeForce recommended this one in her Top 10 under 10: Skincare video. I've really enjoyed using  this scrub. It's one of the more gentler scrubs; it has little grainy bits in, but not big enough to make you feel you're ripping you're skin off! Plus, it smells so good! It reminds me a little of those fromage frais yogurts that you'd have when you were little!

5. PIXI Glow Tonic here

This is another product that has seemed to rave reviews about. I picked this up at the end of February, and have been using it for most of the month of March. I have noticed a big difference in my skin from using this. It looks more healthy and radiant. It did break me out at first, but that was just a purging stage which lasted about 2 weeks.

6. The SacconeJoly's here

I have really gotten back into watching The SacconeJoly's daily vlog. For those who haven't heard of them, they are an Irish couple (Jonathan and Anna) who have 6 dogs and a 18 month old called Emilia. Anna is also 9 months pregnant, and is due to give birth any day now. I used to watch these when I first got into YouTube, but then just sort of stopped. But I've really been enjoying watching about their lives. Emilia is the cutest baby! She is very sweet and very funny! Plus, it's exciting being on baby watch! 

7.  The Selection by Kiera Cass here

8. The Elite by Kiera Cass here

I first read this book last year, loved it, and then ordered the sequel when it was first released, but never got round to reading it. However, after reading my Christmas books, I re-read The Selection, and then read The Elite for the first time. I loved this series of books! As I said in my Versatile Blogger Award, I'm a sucker for fairy tales, so these are very much my sort of books. The story is basically a fairytale meets Hunger Games type of book. I can't wait for the final book in the trilogy to come out in May!

9. Cadbury Mini Eggs 

10. Cadbury Creme Egg

11. Hot Cross Buns

Easter brings about so many great things; Spring, pastel colours and best of all, some lovely goody treats! Every year about this time, Cadbury brings out their Easter range, and they are sooo good! My favourites are the Mini Eggs and the Creme Egg. I have also really, really loved Hot Cross Buns! I'd forgotten how tasty they were!

12. Innocent Cloudy Apple Juice

I can be very fussy with fruit juices. A lot of them give me mouth ulcers, as they are too acidic, so I do have to be careful about which ones I drink, but I have really been enjoying this one. It's not too tart or acidic, and best of all, it doesn't give me mouth ulcers!

13. E45 Cream here

I had never thought of using E45 on my face until I watched one of Sabrina's (from LoveLaughMakeup) videos, and she said that it was one of the best things for her dry skin. So, when I saw it at Superdrug, I picked up a tube to try out. I use it as a night cream, and it has really helped with my dry patches. It doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy or as if there's something really heavy on your face.

14. Once Upon a Time Season 3B

The beginning of March saw Once Upon a Time return from its Winter break, and I have loved it! I like where they're going with the rest of this season, and can't wait to get further into the season.

By the way, it's just been brought to my attention about the Boots discount codes on Voucher Cloud. There are some really good codes on right now, so if you're planning on doing some online shopping at Boots.com, take a nosey and see what they've got. You can't beat a bargain!

What have some of your favourites been during the past month?