I was given Liz Earle's Cleanse
and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser for Christmas - what a brilliant gift huh! It's
the limited edition a Winter Rose which contains Rose and Cedarwood and retails
at £23.50. Read my thoughts on it below…
Liz Earle Packaging
As you know I’m a sucker for
packaging. Liz Earle’s isn’t the cutest around but its certainly got a feeling
of luxury and quality.
The cleanser comes in a thick cardboard tube with two
cotton cloths to use with the cleanser. I like the design of the rose and cedarwood
wreath too – clean and crisp product and packaging design.
Liz Earle Product Quality
The Hot Cloth Cleanser boasts
naturally active ingredients with cocoa butter, rosemary and chamomile and it
shows.
I was surprised how deliciously
rich and creamy it is and love its floral scent. It smells gorgeous and feel
luxurious to use.
I also love that I can apply it to dry skin and how easily it
removes makeup.
Simply apply two pumps of the cleanser to dry skin, rub in and
then use the pure cotton cloth in hot water to wipe away.
The circular motions
and slight exfoliation of the cloth makes it incredibly easy to remove make up –
even mascara. I was shocked by how easy it was to remove without irritating my
skin. What’s even better is it’s perfect for all skin types.
Liz Earle Review
I would definitely buy Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth
Cleanser again and have been using it far more than the Micellar Water which is
usually my go to quick makeup remover.
Naturally the Liz Earle Cleanser takes a little more time to use
as you need to wait for the water to get hot etc but I prefer using it now as it
actually removes ALL my makeup.
Sometimes I find the Micellar Water can just push
my makeup across my face rather than actually remove it!
Soft on my skin, removes all my make up and totally worth the money.
It's our first week back and I'm desperate to start sharing some of my thoughts on pregnancy products I've been trying out over the past few months. One of my favourites has to be Mama Mio's The Tummy Rub Butter. I started using it around 6 weeks ago. I'd currently been using Boots Stretch Mark Oil Spray which works a treat too.
The Tummy Rub Butter is fair pricey but as I'd been gifted it by family it was a glorious treat as I started to get bigger... and bigger.
Mama Mio Packaging
As a more luxury skincare brand their packaging really attracts the eye. I love the bright pinks and the quality of product presentation.
Mama Mio Pricing
The Tummy Rub Butter is certainly not cheap. It retails at £23.50 for a 120g tub and after 6 weeks of use on my chest, hips and bump I'm more than half way through the tub already. If I followed their recommended application amount of twice a day it would already be finished. However, it is a luxury item and does feel like a treat to use rather than just another baby bump chore.
Mama Mio Product Quality
The ingredients are high quality. Mama Mio use 'Omega-packed organic oils in an organic Shea Butter base'. That's a combination of organic coconut, avocado and shea. They're free from parabens, petrolatum, colourants, xenoestrogens, PEGs and phthalates and cruelty-free too.
The thick white cream feel luxurious too. it's easy to rub in and dissolves in the skin quickly- perfect when I was applying just before bed as I could hop straight under the covers without waiting around to dry! The smell is delicious and one of the things that make this product feel are luxurious as it is. It's a subtle creamy and refreshing scent that you just don't get with basic oils. I loved going to bed smelling great.
Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter Results
I'm 30 weeks pregnant and I still don't have one stretch mark! I've been applying The Tummy Rub daily + whenever I get an itchy bump and it seems to be doing the trick.
The Round Up
An Expensive 9 month habit - I'd only start to use this product in the late 2nd and 3rd trimesters when your bump really starts to grow
An added boost of luxury when you're feeling extremely pregnant - helped turn nightly bump maintenance into a more pampering experience
After 6 weeks it has worked for me - I'm pleased to report that at 30 weeks pregnant I'm yet to have a single stretch mark. I've loved using The Tummy Rub Butter and have actually been given another tub ready for my last few months so I'll update you of the final result when it comes!
Hi lovelies, It's been a while! I'm totally sorry but as usual life.. and mega wedmin... has been getting the best of me. All the same, I wanted to jump onto the blog as I was sent a really cool hair product that has solved a real dilemma I was having about my wedding hair in December. To walk down the Aisle with grey hairs or not to walk down the aisle with grey hairs? Ah such a dilemma! In the last few years I've been seeing more and more of these pesky little white hair sprouting up, and in truth, I've sort of grown to love them. Yet, I also would like my hair to look #flawless on my wedding day, and the greys do seem to stand out like mad in photos in particular. I intend to be in ALOT of photos on my wedding day. haha I dabbled with the idea of getting them dyed professionally but I didn't like the OOT-ness of it all.. I've got maybe 10 max and it seemed a bit too much effort. A home dye kit? possibly, even henna? a natural alternative but still, so permanent.
So, when YoungHair asked to send me The Root Fix I jumped at the chance to try their temporary root cover. They have three colours to choose from: black, light brown and dark brown... naturally I chose the latter. I applied the temporary colour just like you would do dry hair shampoo and it leaves a similar texture as dry hair shampoo too. I have to say that I didn't really know quite what to expect. But once I'd sprayed the few white whisps of hair I did have I couldn't believe how simple and easy it was to temporarily cover the greys. The dark brown Root Fix colour matched my hair colour seamlessly.
What I also liked about it was that I was in control of how much coverage I wanted. A few sprays made them less noticeable but still present. And I liked that. My greys are a part of me, a part of who I am right now and, as much as I want to look and feel great on my wedding day, I also want to look and feel like me. For me The Root Fix by YoungHair is the perfect non-permanent grey cover-up that allows me to take control of how I want to look on my Wedding day without changing who I really am... greys and all! I'll most definitely be using it too... you can buy The Root Fix on Amazon in Light Brown, Dark Brown or Black.
So, was contacted by GSK a little while back about their latest campaign to get us all to focus on our oral health. Not a particularly sexy topic I know but it really intrigued me, what with all the hype that goes on with teeth bleaching and whitening. I swear every other vlog or post is about how to get brilliantly white 'Hollywood' teeth. Yet whilst everyone is trying to make their smiles look stunning but aren't really focusing on what they should be... looking after the health of their teeth.
My teeth are naturally very white. They always have been and I guess I'm pretty lucky for that. So I've never had to or wanted to think about buying teeth whitening kits. However, with white teeth often comes weak teeth as my enamel isn't as strong...that, pairing with an embarrassingly sweet tooth has meant that I've had more fillings than hot dinners and had to have a root canal at Uni. Not a pleasurable experience I must say!
So I do try to think about the health of my teeth and I think it is important that we all take some time to look after them.. they're the only set we've got! This is where the Love Your Mouth Challenge comes in. Firstly I answered their short Mouth Check survey which then used the answers I've given to recommend the right products for my mouth.
My answers recommended I use Sensodyne ProNamel toothpaste and mouthwash so when they were sent to me in the post I started using them straight away. I've been using both for the past three weeks now and I'm pleased to be focusing more on my oral health.
The toothpaste is different from Colgate, my usual brand but I quite like the taste, it's nice to have a change. Hubby on the other hand isn't too keen on it and prefers the minty taste of Colgate - I think it depends on your preference! I like the mouthwash the most as its tinglingly refreshing but doesn't start to burn your mouth after 10 seconds like many if tried.
I think it's good to be using the right type of oral health products for my mouth and..... for my sugar-filled diet!
Find out more about Oral Health advice at the Love your Mouth site.
I'm so pleased to be able to tell you about a new beauty aid product that was sent to me the other day by Beauty Essentials.
Let me introduce you to Shadow Switch the neat little tool that lets you dry clean your make up brushes in seconds. The cute little tin contains a scouring sponge that is washable and re-usable and in a few sweeps of your brush on the sponge it is clean again. How simple is that right. It's as light-weight as you'd imagine too so just perfect for popping into your make up bag on trips.
Over the years I've gathered an impressive collection of eye shadow brushes and kept a strict 'colour type' policy for them so as to avoid the dreaded colour-merge (especially important when going from darker shades to lights as I've experienced a little too often than I care to say #clownface). Yup, that means I have a specific brush that has only been in a long term monogamous marriage with my MAC Shroom eye shadow.
This works perfectly when you're home and can stand in front of truck-load of makeup - not so good however, when you're travelling. This is really when Shadow Switch works a dream.
Quick, easy and super cute. Shadow Switch quite literally, does what it says on the tin! (sorry I couldn't resist)
Buy your dry brush cleaner from Amazon for £5.99 including free delivery now.
Well, my life has been insanely epic of late... In the space of about 2 months I started a new job which I absolutely love, I turned the fantastic age of 28, I went on an incredible trip to Bali and the Gili Islands and... I got ENGAGED!!
Wedding planning has well and truly begun and, as a beauty & fashion blogger, that means hair, make-up and dress planning heaven :)
With all this in mind the lovely goodies that the fab lot at 72 Hair sent me recently have been going down a treat (BTW I'm obsessed with their blow dry cream).
New Brand on the Block: 72 Hair
72 Hair are a cool new brand creating premium hair care products for salon across the UK. I was lucky enough to be sent some cheeky samples of their products before they'd even got their packaging sorted and fell in love then. So I'm super excited now to see and test the final products.
Keeping your hair in good condition is so important pre-wedding day but if your like me finding time to go to the salon for a treatment can be painful so I like to make sure my hair-care products are salon standard. I think with hair care you really can tell the difference.
Sustainability, science and totally nourished locks
So, if you read my blog often then you know what's coming next, yep it's my packaging obsession! I just think that packaging is so so important and I love the cool slick product styling that 72 Hair have gone with. The soft muted tones of their brand are gorgeous and I love their tag line 'For the Love of Hair'. What I also particularly love is that their a brand that goes more than skin deep. Their bottles and packaging are recyclable, they use certified ingredients and encourage 'green' tech.
As you'd expect from their names these products are all about nourishing your hair. All three products contain Hydrolysed Keratin which 'revitalizes the hair and helps rebuild strength. Increases hair elasticity and reduces breakage' as well as Hydrolysed Collagen which 'creates a protective shield against irritation and exposure to chemical treatments; adds body, manageability and increased tensile strength'.
I was particularly impressed with the deliciously creamy texture of the Hydrating Conditioner. So often conditioners are watered down and they feel watered down. However, 72 Hair's conditioner felt luxuriously creamy and hydrating.
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After toweling dry my hair after my last few washes using 72 Hair products I've been applying their Blow Dry Cream before drying. I always use some form of heat protector before drying or heat styling my hair so I've tried out a fair few now. Unlike some I've tried it isn't horridly sticky, something I hate with a passion. However, neither is it too watered down so that you feel like you have to towel dry your hair all over again after applying it. It's the perfect consistency that is quick and easy to scrunch into my locks and away we go!
For me, hair care should be all about moisture and nourishment and 72 Hair have smashed it where that is considered. Having long and thick hair my only query would be how long the products will last as I'm used to buying larger bottles and 250ml won't always get me that far. Yet their trio of hair care products has left my hair super shiny and I've loved the luxurious smell and texture that comes with using professional salon brands. Certainly a brand I'd use again, check out their full range.
Now I just need to sneak a budget line for 72 hair products into the Wedding spend!
Hope you're all well. I've been a busy bee and time has been ticking away on me. So much so that in only a few days time I jet off to beautiful Bali for two weeks... excited doesn't cover it!
Excited though I may be I am still obsessively organised with it. My packing list was written out, then my check list of what I had started to pack was ticked off. Outfits were planned and shopping lists prepared. Are you the same?
As I stared down at my long list I thought it high time I write a little post about all my planning and purchases!
Malibu & Piz Buin Sun Protection
So firstly and most importantly I stocked up on sun protection. Bali is going to be incredible but also roasting and looking after your skin is so important. I've used Malibu sun creams before and like their smell (mmmm sun lotion smells amazing in general!).
However, I'm intrigued to test out the Miracle Tan element to the Factor 30 Malibu lotion. It's water resistant and as well as protecting skin and promoting tanning it also claims to enhance it. Finally, I bought a Piz Buin Factor 30 lip balm. I don't know about you but my lips get so very dry in the sun and it's an item I often forget to carry in my beach bag.. prepared this time!
Zara Haul
I have a ridiculous amount of clothes so I wanted to try to tone down my pre-holiday spending but also treat myself to a few new items I could mix and match into my current wardrobe. Making sure new items complement those in your current wardrobe is so important and something I only recently started to take into consideration.
Zara is my absolute favourite store at the moment! So my haul is pretty much just from there. I bought two super cute shorts: high waisted khaki and floaty tropical florals. Keeping to the block colour and tropical print theme I also bought two crop tops: a floaty pink floral off the shoulder and a tight fitting white crop. They're the perfect colour tones to mix and match with and either combination will suit the Primark faux ostrich leather clutch & M&S brown suede heels.
I wanted some fun accessories too and so popped to Accessorize to pick up some beaded flip flops and transfer tattoos. Can't wait to try those out!
After cleansing each morning with Garnier's Micellar Cleansing Water (which is amazing BTW!) I'll used the Janjira toner, followed by the Radiant White Day Cream. The toner is refreshing and gentle containing Vitamin C, Algowhite and moisture content boosting Sodium Hyaluronate so my skin is ready and able to retain the Janjira day moisturiser. As well as working as a UV and anti-oxidant protector the day cream is non-greasy, soft and has a beautiful delicate fragrance. I can be lazy with applying a day cream each morning before my primer but I've noticed a difference in my skin since I've used the day cream as my base - before my base haha. I find the Janjira eye lift cream fantastic in the morning - the metal applicator is gorgeously cold on my puffy morning eyes. As well as Algowhite and Vit B3 it contains Ash Bark Extract to strengthen blood capillaries - perfect for fragile skin around the eye. The Janjira Bubble Mask I tend to use once a week at the weekend. Its really fun with, bubbling up (as used expect from the name) immediately. Just like the day cream it smells gorgeous. Janjira say that is detoxifies and brightens when applied to skin and I agree. The results are smooth, soft and calm skin.
Should you include Janjira into your skincare routine?
With Janjira present on the pages of Cosmo, Mode and Tatler to name just to name a few it has the approval of the media. As well as Janjira's best selling Pomegranate and Acai Concentrate Serum heralded as 'Sienna Miller's secret to a glowing and flawless complexion'. It appears that I am not the only person to be impressed with the luxury spa products born in Thailand. Although not perhaps the cheapest alternatives I would highly recommend all of the products I tested. They don't fail to add a touch of luxury to your skincare routine and I'm very please with my results. If purse strings were tight and you had to pick one? I'd make it Janjira's Brightening Eye Lift cream. I'd be puffy-eyed without it! All products along with other ranges are available to buy online at janjira.co.uk Love LauraClaire
On the 21st of May Rush Hair opened its doors in the prime location of Nelson Street just a stones through from Greenwich Park and the Cutty Sark (ooo I'm in quite a rhyming mood today aren't I!). I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch party but unfortunately wasn't able to attend and so instead was given the opportunity to review the new Greenwich salon with a complimentary cut and blowdry.
Kieran Austen is the Franchisee of Rush Greenwich and has over 7 years of experience having trained and worked for Rush specialising in Colour. Perhaps then it's Kieran's influence with colour that has given this salon it's gorgeous style. Each room is an array of muted and dark tones which create a sleek, chilled and luxurious vibe.
I'm not a regular at hair salons I must admit. Having long hair I tend to just leave it to do what it wants and so I was really excited to get my hair cut and styled. Especially as Rush is such a well respected chain. They currently have over 70+ Rush salons across London, Essex and the South East and have won numerous awards for their work including British Hairdressing Award Winners 2015.
When I entered the Rush Greenwich salon everything was bustling. Rush salons are always filled with clients.. a good sign! However, my appointment was not delayed and I was seated downstairs in one of their luxe rooms with a juice and Lindt chocs while my super friendly stylist and I discussed what I had planned for my hair. Make sure you read the top 5 things Rush recommends you need to tell your stylist.
Parted Bangs for Small Foreheads
I love parted bangs/fringes and also wanted some of the thickness taken out of my hair (as it was beginning to take hours rather than minutes to dry it!). We opted for a chin-length parted fringe with feathering to the front, a blunt cut with soft layers. Beauty Riot give you the full lay down on the best bangs for your face shape.
As I have a small forehead a longer length parted fringe works best. Anything shorter would make my forehead look even smaller. So this long length fringe/bangs is the best for my small forehead. Check out some other hair cuts for small foreheads.
Once the cut was complete my hair was blow-dried into soft loose curls which looked absolutely gorgeous. I floated out of Greenwich Rush salon I must say. Friendly staff, great service and a happy customer.
My Cut and Finish would have cost around £34.00. Here's the full Rush price list. What do you think of the look?
So, the fab lot at Semilac sent me two gorgeous shades of nail polishes in the post recently. I've been loving my OPI polishes though so have only recently got around to testing them out.
Semilac Nail Polish
Semilac are best known for their Gel polishes and that is how you may know them but they also do a large range of standard polishes in the colours of the UV Hybrids which you can purchase online.
They kindly sent me two 7ml nail polish colours, 006 Classic Coral & 063 Legendary Red from their Diamond Cosmetics range. Each retails at £4.25. Classic Coral is a soft red with a gently raspberry tone whereas Legendary Red is a pure Marilyn Monroe red without any orange or cherry tones.
Both colours applied smoothly and easily although I did have to apply three thick coats to get the truly opaque colour I wanted. However, I was impressed at their drying time, all three coats dried very quickly. I've now been wearing the polish for three days... ample time for me to scratch or chip a nail trust me... and so far so good! They've lost the ultra shine that I adored on the first day but that's just standard when you're not using a gel don't you think?
All in all, very pleased with both these colours, especially as they colour combine so beautifully... Total Nail Inspo!
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Colour Combination Nails
If your anything like me the idea of colour combination nails takes you back to be being 9 years old again and painting each nail crazy glitter colours. However, colour combination nails if done correctly can look brilliant.
The trick is to be picky with your shades for a grown up take on the look that's just a little bit fun.
Voila.. easy and fashionable DIY nails right at your fingertips!
Alternate similar shades to create two tone nails
Both Semilac polishes are gorgeous red tones and really complement each other so I thought I'd put a fun twist on the classic red mani by alternating these shades on each nail. I just love the finished look - as the colours are only subtly different they create a gorgeous two tone nail look.
If you're anything like me you're guilty of coveting an enviable tan. I spent much of my teens and early twenties in constant pursuit of this rare and precious post-holiday glow.
I've tried it all, instant quick tans which ooze thickly out of their squeeze bottle and must NEVER be applied with anything other than a tanning mit (oh the horrors!). If you need a tan in 2 minutes flat I'd recommend Rimmel's Instant Tan. It's the best I've tried and it perfect for nights out when you finally let your pasty legs out for a good old boogie.
For quick mousse tans I've heard people rave about Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter One Hour Tan Mousse. I've not tried it myself but Millie Mackintosh holds it as her go-to tanner. And if it's good enough for her I think we'd all try it right? At £7.99 from feelunique.com it doesn't break the bank either.
I've also tried sun beds. Yes, I know. How could I? You're an idiot? They're so dangerous? yes yes. I did use them, and in all truth, I did like them (she won't be saying that in 5 years I hear you whisper). Many people like them too of course, simply because the tan you get inevitably looks natural.. because it kinda is right?
They're the sort of tan lines you want, as opposed to the "Oh I missed a spot" streaks of fake tans. However, I agree it's not something to do regularly or for long periods of time or without sunbed lotion. Check out this guide to tanning bed lotions for more information. Most smell delish and, because they contain bronze sheens or activating ingredients it means less time on the bed.
Yet, at the moment I've been loving gradual tan lotions. They've come a long way over the years. No more horrid smells, sticky lotions, brown-tinged bed sheets or deep tanned elbows! Or that is what I've found. Because they're very much like a body lotion you can slip them neatly into you current shower regime without too much hassle.
Although I do follow a fairly strict regime to ensure my gradual tan looks as good as possible. So here is my how to tan better guide.
How to get the best out of your tan
First invest in the right tools and products for the job. Exfoliating gloves have to be one of the best inventions of the 21st Century! They're super cheap, brilliantly simple and easy to use and work a treat. You'll find them at almost every department or drug store. Superdrug have some for sale at £2.99.
Once a week, usually on a Saturday (I'm not sure why) I exfoliate my entire body. It's a habit I made a while back and one I've always stuck too. Getting rid of dead skin whilst boosting your circulation prepares your body to soak in the tan - evading blotchy patches.
Next choose the right tan. Personally I prefer creams to gels - they absorb better into my skin and are less drippy and gloopy. I'm currently loving Dove's Derma Spa Summer Revived Gradual Tan Lotion for Medium to Dark skin. It retails are £6.99, smells lovely and builds a 'people will ask how you did it' glowing natural tan. I can say that because people really did ask!
I apply my gradual tan throughout the week. Every time, or every other time I shower (dependent on how my tan is looking of course). In truth you should notice a new glow to your skin after the first few applications. However, after consistent use of gradual tan lotion I was able to build a tan that was natural, even and easy.
Top 5 Gradual Tanning Hacks
Although it's gradual and you can apply it with your hands be sure to wash your palms with soap and water afterwards to avoid dreaded tanned palms. By washing palms and finger creases only you can still maintain a tanned look on the backs of hands.
Pat, instead of rub gradual tan onto your face. It will go on just that little bit thicker giving you a deeper glow. Focus on forehead, tops of cheeks and bridge of nose to mimic where the sun would naturally kiss you skin.
Don't forget your feet! Rub a little lotion onto each foot and up your ankle.
Gradual Tanning lotion doesn't mean Sun tan lotion. If you're heading out don't forget to apply sun protection over the top. Tanned and protected perfection.
Apply lightly but never lather over dry skin areas like elbows and knees. Although there are less tan blotch issues with a gradual tan build up in these areas will still cause you a fake tan faux pas.
If you’re planning a fabulous day out followed by a glam evening (preferably with cocktails!) choosing the right makeup to match both day and evening can be tricky.
In this ‘how to…’ I’ll show you how I turn my day make up look into a night look with just a little prior planning.
The day makeup look
Think of your makeup application in the morning as applying your base.
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Eyeshadow daytime look
This is the important bit. This look should be soft and subtle. I like to use muted colours like taupe, beige, light pinks and soft browns. This creates the perfect setting to pop a key bright colour into as evening hits.
However, be mindful of your colour scheme. A daytime look of soft blues, greys and beiges for example will pop brilliantly for the evening with a bright gold or yellow, or look dramatic with a dark blue.
Always think about what your key bright or dramatic evening colour is going to be and plan your daytime base colours around it.
My go-to daytime eyeshadow look includes MAC Shroom as an all over base. I love using Vapour in the corners of my eyes to make them pop. I use Mulch in the outside crease of my lid as it’s a darker and finish off with a little Mythology blended into the centre of my lid for its beautifully warm pinkish tones.
So you’ve had a brilliant day and the sun is finally setting. With so much action going on you need an evening look that is elegant and dramatic but can be created quickly and easily (and after a few too many glasses of Prosecco perhaps? Am I right?).
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With your base set, apply your key evening eyeshadow colour. Chosen a bright colour? Apply it to the very centre of your eye lid. Chosen a dark dramatic colour? Apply this to the outside crease of your eyelid. Blend well whilst topping up your daytime eyeshadow colours.
I chose MAC goldmine which is a gorgeous bright yellow gold for the centre of my lid to make it pop. I also added depth to the MAC Mulch colour I had used at the outside creases of my lids previously.
Next use your contour kit or bronzer to sculpt your face. Apply in a line underneath your cheekbones, either side of your nose and chin and finally around your hair line. Blend as required. I use and love Benefit’s Hoola bronzer. If your kit contains a highlighter use this along the ridge on your nose, your brow arches and the top of your cheekbones.
Finally, prime your lips with your balm then line and fill them with your evening liner and lipstick. I used here a really dark dramatic lipstick from MAC called Cyber.
Voila!
What you’ll need in your purse
A transparent powder
A tinted lip balm for day use
An evening lipstick (and lip liner if you wish)
A small eyeshadow palette containing at least 1 of your daytime colours and your evening colour. (I use MAC palettes in various sizes – they’re so handy!)
2 eyeshadow brushes
A contour kit or bronzer
A black eyeliner (for those who can’t live without one!)
