17 Va Va Voom Mascara

Hi Guys,

So today's post features a mascara that I recently discovered from the 17 range.

The 17 Va Va Voom Mascara claims to give dramatically volumised lashes with party-proof staying power. It also states that it has an extreme volume building brush for creating a false lash effect.


Now with any mascara I use I always tend to use eyelash curlers as it makes a huge difference to my eyes. However I have tried this just on its own and I'm not sure I would call it a volumising mascara. It gives brilliant coverage and coats my lashes well so if you like a mascara that gives a thick coat of product this is the one for you.

17 Va Va Voom Mascara in Black



As you can see it has a huge brush which can be a little messy on application. However I do really like this mascara when used with my eyelash curlers. The mascara gives the coverage I am looking for and my eyelash curlers give the curl I like.

Overall I do like this mascara and it is ideal if you like to look like your wearing mascara (if that makes sense) I also really like the packaging design.

You can find the Va Va Voom Mascara at Boots priced £6.29 (currently selected 17 mascaras are £4)

Elf Matte Lip Colour

Hi Guys,

So after mentioning these in my latest Youtube video which you can check out below, I thought I would do a blog post on them too so you can see them a little better.

Top: Natural Bottom: Tea Rose

Left: Tea Rose Right: Natural

Left: Tea Rose Right: Natural

These are the Matte Lip Color's by Elf in shades Natural and Tea Rose. These are large sized lip pencils allowing exact colour application. They are twist up applicators which I really like. The colour is completely matte which can be worn on its own or you can add your favourite gloss over the top.

I apply these and then blend them in slightly using my finger for a natural look.

I have found that this lipstick lasts forever on the lips and is very pigmented too. These also contain Vitamins A, C and E and are supposed to be very moisturising for the lips.

There are currently five shades to choose from on Elf's website. Tea Rose is a purple pink shade which is quite dark on the lips and I do have to be careful of how much I apply as I am fairly pale. It is still a lovely colour and I do really like it.

Natural is a more pinky subtle lip colour which I think would suit most skin tones as it is a very wearable shade.

Overall I cannot recommend these enough. If your looking for something that is going to last all day with a non-drying formula than look no further.

You can find the on Elf's website here priced £3.50

Natural Collection Eyeshadows

Hi Guys,


So I thought I would show you three eye shadows from the Natural Collection at Boots that I have been using alot of recently.

 

Left To Right: Milk Chocolate, Asteroid, Willow

Left To Right: Willow, Asteroid, Milk Chocolate

As you can see they are all neutral brown shades. Willow and Asteroid have a lovely hint of shimmer while Milk Chocolate is a matte brown colour. They apply and blend well and considering they are only £1.79 each they last for quite a while too.

I have either been using one shadow on its own or using two together and I have been impressed with result when they are blended together.

You can find the Natural Collection at most Boots stores or online here



New Youtube Video- Elf Haul Part 1: Make Up & Brushes

Hi Guys,

So my latest youtube video is now live which is an ELF haul video. Part two will be up shortly.

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Hi Guys,

So nearly two weeks ago I finally splurged on the Real Techniques stippling brush by Samantha Chapman.

I had been eyeing it up for quite a while but could never really justify spending that much on one brush.

Until one day I found myself in Boots (yet again) standing looking at it and though sod it, if its as good as everyone says it is then it will be a good investment.

What can I say, if it's possible to be in love with a make up brush I am now!

This brush definitely lives up to the hype, it's amazing. It leaves your skin looking flawless and really gets the best out of your chosen foundation.

I also like that fact that it has a flat base so that it stands up on my dressing table. It washes really well and so far I have noticed no shedding either.

Overall a great brush and I can't recommend it enough, it really was worth investing in.
I got mine at Boots and it is priced £11.99


Have you tried this brush or any of the other Real Techniques brushes?

What do you think of them?

Today I Am.....

Hi Guys,

Today I am 32 weeks pregnant!

Only 5 weeks left until I am considered full term and 8 until our due date. It does scare me writing that a little it really flying by :)

The baby is now measuring 19 inches in length and weighs around 4.5 pounds. This make it roughly about the same size as a honeydew melon.

If you read my update post I found out last week that I am measuring two weeks ahead. This can mean nothing but it did freak me out a little lol.

I am back to how I was in the beginning now, I have no energy and also I cannot, for love nor money sleep, at night :(

But its my baby shower this weekend which my best friend is throwing me, so excited!

I cannot wait to meet our daughter now she is going to change our lives forever :)

Update :)

Hi Guys,

Hope you all had a fab bank holiday weekend and didn't eat as much chocolate as I did :(

So I just wanted to say sorry for the lack of posts recently. The pregnancy has kind of over taken things a little.

At my midwife check up last week I was told I am two weeks ahead of schedule e.g I am 32 weeks but measuring 34. This sometimes doesn't mean anything but I wanted to make sure everything was ready just in case she decides to make an early appearance.

So I have been focusing on the nursery and my hospital bag and trying to slow down abit.

I am going to aim to blog on a Monday and sort out posts for everyday for that week.

Laura xx

17 Supreme Shine Lipstick

Hi Guys,

So over the weekend I picked up another lipstick (yes I think I have a problem).

This is 17's gorgeous Supreme Shine Lipstick in the shade Barely Blush

This shade is a lovely rosey pink colour, a prefect spring shade. I like the mirrored packaging that this lipstick comes in as its very different to most others currently out at the moment.

Now to me this doesn't give alot of shine on the lips and does go matte after a while so I have been adding a touch of clear gloss over the top. It is also slightly drying so I recommened putting on a lip balm/ vaseline before applying it. However I have to say for staying power this lipstick lasts forever!

I will definetly be trying out some other shades from this collection to see what they are like.

You can find 17 at Boots and the Supreme Shine Lipstick collection here priced £4.99

Today I Am.........

Hi Guys,

Today I am 31 weeks pregnant.

The baby is approximately now 19 inches long and weighs around 3.9 pounds.

It is safe to say the tiredness has kicked back in and its unreal.

But after going to the 4d scan last week and having such an incredible experience its so worth the exhaustion.

If you ever get the chance to go for one then I would thoroughly recommend it. its just amazing.

I have my check up with the midwife today and my next lot of blood tests to make sure I am not anaemic or creating any antibodies.

Only 6 weeks until I am classed as full term and 9 weeks until my due date.

New Youtube Video - March Favourites

Hi Guys,

My latest Youtube video is now live. You can check out my March Favourites below :)

Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer

Hi Guys,

So as I have just purchased this for the third time I thought it was about time to do a post on it.

Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer In Fair

Now I know this product has been raved about for quite a while now and I can see why. There are not many products that I actually bother to repurchase but this one is a different story all together.

I have quite bad dark circles which unfortunately is a hereditary thing for me. I had always struggled to find a good concealer to cover them and more importantly to keep them covered all day.

This concealer claims to last for 16 hours, now I'm not sure it lasts that long but it definitely lasts longer than most. It also covers redness and blemishes well which means it doesn't necessarily need to be used with foundation too.

It blends well and a little goes a long way. It is available in four shade fair, light, medium and deep.

It is available at Boots and is £4.19. Go check out what all the fuss it about!



New Youtube Video - The get to know me tag

Hi Guys,

New video went up on my channel last night, a little something so you can get to know me a bit better :)

Lilac & Glitter

Hi Guys,

I have really got back into doing my nails recently and I am loving all the spring colours that are currently available.

After placing a rather large ELF order I have been playing with the different nail varnishes that I purchased. Two of them being Lilac and Twinkle.


I apologise for the bad photography.

Above: Lilac & Twinkle on ring finger

Above: Lilac & Twinkle on every finger

Left: Lilac   Right: Twinkle

Lilac took three coats to get a good colour which was a little disappointing but three coats did produce a lovely colour and applied well to the nail. Twinkle is a clear varnish with specks of pink, blue and green glitter. It's stunning on the nail and one coat leaves a good amount of glitter. My nails went around two days before any chips or signs or wear appeared.

These nail varnishes are priced at £1.50 each and you can find them on ELF's website here

Sleek Brow Kit

Hi Guys,

Hope you all had a great weekend!

So it may seem I am a little behind on this next product but rest assured I have been aware of it for a while it has just been permanently out of stock in my local Superdrug.

The item in question is the Sleek Brow Kit which I purchased in dark.

I have always stuck to using my good old eyebrow pencil but I was looking for something with more staying power.

The Sleek Brow Kit consists of a pigmented wax which you can use to define and shape the brows with the angled brush which is provided. Also there is a powder and a blending brush to set the wax in place. This nifty little kit also contains a mirror and a mini pair of tweezers which make it perfect for using on the go.

So far I have to say I love this kit and highly recommend it. On some days I just use the wax on its own to keeps my brows in place and to add a bit of colour while the rest of the time I use the powder along side the wax too.

I purchased my kit from Superdrug and it was around £7.

Today I am.........

Hi Guys,

Today I am 30 weeks pregnant.

The baby is now approximately 18 inches long and weighs around 3.2 pounds or is the size of a head of lettuce.

This week the baby's eyesight continues to develop even though it's not very sharp just yet.

I have definitely experienced the baby having hiccups this week which was very strange. I have not had any braxton hicks that I have been aware of yet although I know they can start at pretty much any time now.

As the birth draws closer I am feeling some anxiety every so often but I am also so incredibly excited to meet our little girl.

Tomorrow we are having our 4d scan which is said to be an amazing experience.

Natural Collection Pink Cloud Blush

Hi Guys,

Hope your all having a lovely weekend.

Today's post is on a blush from the Natural Collection which I recently purchased.

I have a bit of a love hate relationship with this brand of make up. I love their mascaras but a few other things I have tried just haven't worked for me.

But I have to say I love this blush. Pink Cloud is a pretty, girly, dusky pink shade and gives just the right amount of roseyness to my cheeks. When I first got it I thought it was going to be far to bright as with my pale skin I normally go for a darker shade of pink on my cheeks. It also looks lovely with my highlighter too. I believe it is a good dupe for a particular MAC blush but I am not 100% sure which one.

You can pick it up at Boots for £1.99

No7 Vital Enlightening Highlighter Powder

Hi Guys,

Just a quick post on my current favourite make up item.

I had been looking for a highlighter for quite a while but could not find one that I really liked or that was worth paying that extra bit for.

You have probably heard about the offer that is due to end on Sunday (25th March) at Boots were you spend over £5 and you get a No7 £5 voucher.

Well I decided to spend mine on the No7 highlighter and I have to say I am so pleased I did.
I have had so many comments since I started using it, like wow you have got that pregnancy glow and I have said nope that's just good highlighter!

The packaging is quite chunky and you feel like you are buying something of good quality.
It gives a gorgeous wash of a translucent gold/pink colour that still looks natural. I have used this just underneath my brow bones and on my cheek bones with my normal blush and when the light catches it, it makes you look awake and fresh.

Absolutely love it! I got mine for £8 with the voucher but normally it's £13. You can get it here at Boots.

New Youtube Video - Yankee Candle Tart Burner

My latest Youtube video is now live.

Yankee Candle Tart Burner & Tarts Haul/Review

Check it out :)

Website of the Week

Hi Guys,

After we moved house I realised I have alot of clothes that I just don't wear anymore.
One because I am pregnant and two because before I got pregnant I had lost alot of weight.

So I really didn't want to fill new wardrobes up with clothes that were just going to sit there and not be worn etc.

Every Tuesday I buy Look Magazine and featured in last week's issue were clothesforcash.com.

The idea behind this website is that you can make cash from your unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories. It can either be paid to you by paypal or by cheque which you can keep or give to your favourite charity.

You request your free collection bag online which is big enough to take around 8-10 black bags worth of items.

When your are ready you log on to their website and arrange a convenient date and time for it to be collected by City Link. Your payment is then normally processed within 24 hours of them receiving your sack which you can track on their website too.

They will normally pay around 60 pence per KG or up to £18 per full sack.

Everything they will take is listed on their website along with any other questions you may need answering.

Latest Youtube Video - Huge Primark Haul

Huge Primark Haul - Youtube

                                             Latest Youtube video is now live! Check it out :)

Today I Am..............

Hi Guys,

Today I am 29 weeks pregnant!

I can't believe how fast it is going by, quite frightening really!

According to What To Expect When Your Expecting the baby is now the size of a butternut squash which is approximately 17 inches long and should weigh around 3 pounds.

Now that I am in the third trimester the tiredness is slowly starting to rear its ugly head again. I am also very achy and generally just feel like an 80 year old by the end of the day!

For those of you who don't know we are having a girl and her nursery is now finished, it's stunning.

We are having a 4d scan done next Wednesday which we are both so excited for.

I think she knows I'm talking about her as I'm getting a right kicking in the ribs as I type this!

Rimmel - Lasting Finish By Kate Lipstick

Hi Guys,

I have always been very wary about trying red lipsticks. I normally go for easy to wear pinks and nudes.

However I really fancied a change and to try something new.

I typed into google red lipsticks suitable for pale skin to see if it would bring up any suggestions as I didn't know how to even begin looking for one that would suit my skin tone. Even though I have dark hair I am very pale which I have inherited from my Mum's side of the family.

The results brought up an article on Boots's website which you can find here. The article details red lipsticks suitable for pale, olive and dark skin.

For pale skin it stated I should go for a lipstick which has blue or brown undertones and one that was suggested was the Lasting Finish Lipstick By Kate Moss for Rimmel in the shade 12.

This is what it looks like and also how it swatched:

Now I have to say to me this definitely has more orange undertones than the blue/brown suggested.
However I do really like it and it does appear to suit my skin tone. I normally wear it with a neutral eye so that the focus is on the lipstick.

It is slightly drying but lasts for such a long time that it didn't put me off from wearing it.

This lipstick is part of Rimmel's Brit collection which also includes nail polish, mascara and eyeshadow.

I picked mine up from a Rimmel stand in my local Tesco but you can find it at Boots priced £5.49

Hello Cotton

Hi Guys,


I am now on Hello Cotton. You can find me here, come say hi and follow me :)

Collection is 25!

Morning Guys,

Hope your all having a lovely day so far!

So tonight I was supposed to be attending Collection's 25th Birthday Party. To my horror this morning I checked my diary and already had an appointment at the same time. Queue disappointed sigh :(

However in honour of their birthday I wanted to do a post on my most recent Collection purchase which I shall get to in a minute.

As you may have noticed in celebration of their milestone, Collection has dropped the '2000' from there name. They also have a fabulous website which you can find here.

So on to the item in question. Here is is:

This is the Collection Smokey Eyes Palette.

I first got this in January from an offer Boots were doing at the time. I think it was spend over £5 and you got the smokey eye palette free. Anyway at the time it got put in my draw and I forgot all about it. That was until the middle of February when I was doing a clear out of my make up collection and re-discovered it.

And how happy I am to have found it again. This palette is a brilliant little combination of light, medium and dark eye shadows and also a cream for adding brightness to the inner corner of the eye.

It comes with a helpful 'how to use' guide on the back so that you can follow the simple steps to creating the perfect smokey eye.

I now use this palette at least four times a week for both day and evening looks. Love it!

You can find it at Boots priced £4.19

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLLECTION!!

Natural Collection Juicy Lips

Hi Guys,

While in Boots the other day I picked up two lip glosses, one of which was a re-purchase.

Here they are:

 Above: Sherbet Fizz     Below: Caramel Shortcake

Above: Sherbet Fizz    Below: Caramel Shortcake

Juicy Lips lip glosses are by Natural Collection, a Boots own brand budget make up range.

They are of intense colour and shine and smell amazing. They are priced at £1.99 each.

Sherbet Fizz was a re-purchase for me as I first used it quite a while ago. It is a girly pink shade with no shimmer and is perfect for spring.

Caramel Shortcake is a darker, pinky brown lip gloss also with no shimmer and is a very wearable everyday colour.



The juicy lips lip glosses are not sticky and considering they are only £1.99, last quite a while on the lips and are available in a range of shades.

elf Nail Varnishes

Hi Guys,

So I recently placed an order with elf, which included six fab nail varnishes.

Here they are:

From left to right: Lilac, Nude, Light Pink, Champagne, Desert Haze and Dark Navy.

These nail varnishes are priced at £1.50 each and you can find them on elf's website here

Lilac - Is a lovely shade of purple with no shimmer, perfect for spring.

Nude - Exactly what the name says, a great everyday wearable colour.

Light Pink - Another colour perfect for spring with subtle undertones of silver shimmer.

Champagne - This is a lovely pink, brown colour with subtle shimmer.

Desert Haze - A slightly darker nude with a hint of brown

Dark Navy - An amazing dark blue with gorgeous blue shimmer running through it. ( Can't wait to try this one!)

They claim to have colour-lock technology which creates a chip resistant shield for long lasting colour. They also contain active vitamin E for stronger healthier nails. They are toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) free which are the three nasties found in most nail varnishes.

I have to say I am very impressed with these. They apply smoothly on to the nail and two coats gives a good even coverage. For a £1.50 nail varnish they dry very quickly. I have had desert haze on my nails for two days now and considering I have been unpacking boxes etc there are no chips or any signs of wear to be seen so far.