The Summer of '15

Well, I was going to be really motivated and blog loads this summer, but with so much going on, it completely slipped my mind so I have decided to do a summer update. Loads of good things have happened this summer, but instead of boring you with the details of my six weeks off, I will give you my 5 highlights.

1. Passing my driving test! Now, I know most people have driving lessons as soon as they are 17 but that honestly did not appeal to me at all. I started learning last September and passed at the beginning of the summer. I was more nervous than I can explain but I managed to pass my test and since then I've developed a love of driving. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Being Bridesmaid! On the 1st of August I was bridesmaid for one of my close friends, Laura. My boyfriend, Elliott was my plus 1 and it was such a lovely day. As you can see from the photo, I wore an orange strapless dress and had my hair in curls with the front sections plaited. This was the first time that I have ever been bridesmaid so that made the day even more special for me.
   
3. Boyfriend/Girlfriend time! Both Elliott and I work in a primary school (that is how we met!) so it can be tricky to get time to spend quality time together. This summer, we have been on various days out and done loads of lovely things together. Without sounding soppy, he's made my summer perfect. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Girl time. It's been so nice to be able to go out for meals and do various things with the girls. My girls are super important to me and it's been lovely to spend time with them, especially as we are usually so busy with work/uni.
   
   
   
5. Family time. Usually I do not get much time to spend with my family, with us all working full time/going to sixth form, we only see each other for a couple of hours a day but this summer, Dad took a lot of time off so it's been lovely to spend time with them properly and celebrate my parents 25th wedding anniversary.
   
   
   
   

I have had an absolutely amazing summer holiday, but now it is back to reality with my second year of uni! 

lots of love,

Laura. 

Kiko Cream Crush.

For ages, I have seen Youtubers and Beauty Bloggers raving about Kiko and I have wanted to try their products, but just never gotten round to it. On a recent trip to Nottingham, I noticed a new Kiko store, so of course I had to go in. I chose a Cream Crush Lasting Colour Eyeshadow in the shade 01 -Pearly Vintage Rose. The Kiko Website (http://www.kikocosmetics.co.uk/) describes this product as "Highly blendable, long-lasting cream eyeshadow. The silky and soft texture goes on easily for bold eye make-up that stays on for up to 10 hours. The formula applies perfectly to the eyelids and feels weightless. The bright shades with velvety finishes add a touch of style to every look."

A very cute little package!

The gorgeousness of the colour doesn't show on camera.

Such a beautiful shimmer.

I definitely agree with the description which is given on the Kiko website, this cream eyeshadow is a lovely creamy consistency which glides on with ease. It is beautifully subtle on its own but would also make a perfect base for a bolder eyeshadow look. I have also used this product as a brow bone highlight and it looked fab. I already know that this cream eyeshadow will be become one of my staple makeup pieces, it's quick and easy to apply but looks gorgeous. I will definitely purchase more of these Kiko Cream Eyeshadows.

Have you ever used Kiko?

lots of love,

Laura x 

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation; My Thoughts...

Well, I am converted! L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation is the HOLY GRAIL of foundations. At first, I was concerned by the slightly runny consistency, but the consistency of the foundation actually helped for it to blend onto my skin nicely. The colour match is perfect for my pale skin, there is no "tide mark" round my jawline. (I got shade 10 Porcelain). Now usually, I use two concealers and foundation to cover my dark circles, but as you can see from the photo, my dark circles are barely visible with just the foundation! The coverage is high, which I like and it is definitely build-able. However, even though the coverage is high, the foundation feels light on your skin. I honestly feel like I've got no makeup on at all, it's weightless.

After using this product, I can now see why it has received so many excellent reviews online. I will definitely be recommending this foundation to everyone! 

Have you tried any new products recently?

lots of love,

Laura x

May Favourites.

I cannot believe that I am sat at my laptop, about to write my May favourites. This year is going by far too quickly... 

May has been a really good month on the whole. This month, I handed in my final uni assignment of my first year which was obviously a stressful time, so I'm very glad that that is over, I've also been spending time with some different people and focussing on healthy eating - so far so good (mostly!) I had lots of things which I loved this month, so I chose four favourites. One beauty, one fashion, one music and one random.

Acrylic Nails are my first May favourite. Now, I know they're not good for your nails but I love having them on, especially as my natural nails are so short. I've been to a few various nail salons in my town, but my current one is the best yet. This month my nails are "Blueberry" a gelly shade by Barry M. This shade is a gorgeous blue/purple hybrid. 

Patterned Trousers are another favourite from the month of May. I love how effortless stylish they are. The pair in the above photo are from New Look and cost £17.99, they're super comfy and fit me perfectly. These trousers are going to be much loved this summer, whether it is with my denim jacket and sandals or with a cami and chunky heels, they're amazingly versatile.

Taylor Swift: 1989 has been my favourite album this month. I am a sucker for a good pop album, I just love how easy it is to listen to. This album has fun songs, love songs, sad songs and most of them are "singing into a hairbrush" songs. Taylor is definitely my guilty pleasure and she's definitely been my saviour this month. 

TruGym Membership is the most unexpected favourite of the month. I actually love going to the gym, I love that feeling when I walk out and I know I've done something good for myself. I really enjoy challenging myself, I want to run faster and for longer and my ultimate goal is abs! I'm definitely going to keep going to carry on with my gym loving over the rest of the year. 

What have been your favourites this month?

Lots of love,

Laura x

L'Oreal Paris: infallible 24h-Matte Foundation.

Now, I am always slightly skeptical regarding foundation, particularly drugstore foundation.  I am a very pale skinned and I struggle to find foundation which is light enough for my skin. I am quite lucky with my skin, I rarely get breakouts (apart from that one week of the month, I'm sure you can all empathise with me there), my skin is dry but my T-Zone gets oily in the warmer weather. For, well, forever, I have used L'Oreal's True Match which I cannot live without, so when L'Oreal released their "Infallible 24HR Matte Foundation" I just could not resist. 

The Boots website describes it as : Introducing New Infallible 24HR Matte Foundation by L'Oreal Paris. A matte result that lasts up to 24 hours. Clinically proven; waterproof, steamproof. All the comfort, none of the shine. Perfect coverage. No Cakey effect. Easy to apply, enriched with perlite technology, and reduces the appearance of shine up to 24 hours.

The packaging is simple, but I like it. It is not "gimmicky" and looks more expensive than it's £7.99 price tag. 

I cannot wait to try out this new product, it has 4 & 5 star ratings online and hopefully it will live up to my high expectations! I will be reviewing this product very soon!

lots of love,
Laura x

Real Techniques: Sculpting Set.

I seem to spend all my time browsing Instagram and lusting after various products. A while ago I saw this brush set on Instagram but could I find them anywhere? NO! But, after lots of searching and browsing, I found them in my local Superdrug store for £20.99. Now, some people would never dream of spending £21 on make up brushes, but I am a complete Real Techniques addict, so I, of course, had to have them!

As you can see, the brushes are a gorgeous metallic bright pink - they look fantastic in any makeup collection!

The set features three brushes:

• sculpting brush: features a wide, angled head specially designed to help create defined contours

• fan brush (set exclusive): softly sweeps on powders + whisks away any excess makeup for an even finish

• setting brush: the key to completing any look with a controlled dusting of powder or highlighter

I have not yet had a chance to use this set as I only purchased them yesterday, a review post will follow in the next few weeks.

Which are your staple makeup brushes?

lots of love,
Laura x

Life Update.

I have, admittedly had a tough few weeks. It's been an emotional roller coaster, juggling uni and full time work on top of relationships and family and everything.

I felt like I was losing control. 

But now, I've made a few changes and decisions. I've cut out an extremely toxic person from my life, I've joined the gym, I'm making a conscious effort to save money and I'm taking care of myself. I've been focussing on myself, I have a completely new mind set and attitude as well as a new found happiness.