Clarins Perfect Brows Palette*

Posted on 07/29/2014 by laurengdall

In case you hadn’t realized it, I should admit that I’m completely head over heels for Clarins’ Autumn 2014 Ladylike Collection. I adore the elegant but natural look that the products create, and the brow palette is a work of complete genius.

Packaged in the same glamorous compact as Clarins’ eye shadows palettes, the Perfect Eyes and Brows contains absolutely everything you need to rival Cara Delevigne in the eyebrow departments. The compact contains three powders in taupe, warm brown and rich chocolate which you can use to fill in and shape your brows.

The choice of colors means that you’re sure to be able to mix your perfect shade, and I’ve been known to swipe the middle shade over my eyelids for a quick shadow-fix. All three area perfect consistency – they feel almost creamy and the colour payoff is divine. You only need a quick swipe to sculpt brows, and the colors look so natural you can experiment with darkening your brows without it looking artificial. When I’m wearing my hair up, I’ve been darkening my brows for a more sculpted and groomed look. Once you’re happy with your colour and shape, a quick swipe of the wax (the peachy shade in the centre) keeps everything looking perfectly in place. The furthest sill pink shade is a gorgeous shadow which brightens up the whole eye area. You can use it all over the lid, or I also like to dot a little in my inner eyes and swipe a little under the curve of my brows to look wide awake.

As if all the glorious powders and waxes weren’t enough, the tools included in the palette are a complete god-send if you’re on the go. Usually I dispense with the dinky little brushes and foam pads which come with compacts, but these are something else! A mini spoolie brush is perfect for getting brows under control, whilst the angled brush is great for applying colour evenly.

I think the star of the tools show, however are the tweezers. I’m a bit of a tools-snob, and always have a pair of Tweezerman on hand, but I have to admit, these are amazing. I used them for a quick tidy up, and despite their dinky size, they grabbed every little hair with ease.

This is a complete must-have when it’s released in August it will cost £33

Clarins 3 Dot Liner*

Posted on 07/28/2014 by laurengdall

I first became aware of Clarins’ new 3 Dot Liner at some point last year, and mentally noted that it was something I had to check out. So, when the new brown version popped through the letterbox, I was super excited to try it.

It’s definitely the most unique looking liner I’ve ever used – instead of a regular point, the tip is separated into three individual nibs, all of which feel like a soft felt tip pen. To use it, I shut my eyes and push the liner into my lash line. It creates a natural-looking full line, and it’s easy to build up by simply joining the dots.

The brown shade looks rich when applied, and I have to admit to being a complete convert! Usually I plump for inky black pencils, but for the whole weekend I’ve been loving the 3 dot. It is just so easy to apply, and I think leaving my waterlines free of colour makes my eyes look bigger and my makeup appear more natural-looking. Even though this is part of Clarins’ Autumn collection, it’s actually the perfect liner for summer if you’re looking for a beautifully natural look. Since this is a limited edition, I would suggest hot-footing it to your nearest Clarins counter when it’s released in August – I’m definitely stocking up!

Clarins Autumn 2014 Ladylike Collection Eye Quartet Skin Tones Mineral Palette*

Posted on 07/26/2014 by laurengdall

Even though most of us are still soaking in the sun, Clarins have been super busy inventing what can only be described as the most flattering of eyeshadow palettes.

The whole premise of Clarins’ Fall collection for 2014 is the idea of ladylike beauty. The Eye Quartet Mineral Palette is beautifully thought out – two brown shadows – one taupe, one beige are supported with a glittery dark brown shadow and a soft bone highlighter.

Inspired by various skin tones, I can’t imagine anyone not falling completely in love with this palette. The shadows are all soft enough to blend beautifully, and the wear time is excellent. Like with all Clarins’ shadows, there is no problem with creasing. I tested out the shadows using the new illuminating base (review to come, so stay tuned!) and I couldn’t be happier with the results. For someone who seems to collect brown eyeshadows like I do, these have definitely become my new favorites. The simplicity of this palette is just perfect – if you’re currently in the market for a go-to, you must check this out!

For an easy yet elegant day look, I have been blending the soft beige shadow (top left) over my lid, with a little of the taupe (bottom right) in the crease. To create a more dramatic look for evening, I then line a little of the sparkly brown over my lash line, and continue it under my lower lashes to create a sort of V-shape, then a touch of the highlighter at my inner eyes and under my brows keep me looking perky. If that seems a little too subtle for you, since the shadows are all mineral-based, they can also be used wet for extra intensity.

Like most Clarins’ eye palettes, the Skin Tones comes packaged in a glamorous golden compact. I love the old Hollywood glamour of the shiny case and the large mirror tucked in the lid is super convenient for on the go touch ups.

The palette will launch in August, and it will cost £32

Gummy Bear Lip Balms*

Posted on 07/25/2014 by laurengdall

I have to admit that I am quite the lip balm addict. I hate the feeling of dry lips, and I have multiple balms stashed everywhere from my glove compartment to my bedside drawers.

Since I like them spread out, I’m always looking for cheap-ish options which feel as luxurious as their more expensive counterparts, and these new Gummy Bear lip balms are my newest pick!

Available from Primark, there are four fruity flavors to choose from, and the adorable bright tubes are perfect for beach bags, or just enjoying in the sun. They smell like Jolly Rancher sweeties, and they feel lovely and rich when applied.

The lip balms cost a teeny £1.50 each from Primark.

Halo Headband*

Posted on 07/24/2014 by laurengdall

The weather over the past few days has been really beautiful – bright blue skies, and warm temperatures which make me want to spend every second enjoying it. Because of this, I’ve been sidelining working out in a stuffy gym, and instead enjoying what nature has to offer with long walks (and some slow jogs) along the beach, and some hiking around the trails where I live.

Since I’m no longer in my little air-con bubble, I’ve been able to fully test out my gorgeous new Halo II Pullover Headband. It’s made of black Dryline fabric, which means no matter how sweaty you get, it stays out of your eyes, and it means that my hair stays put too! I have longer layers around the front, which usually frizz up and get in my eyes when I’m exercising, but my Halo keeps everything tidy, and it looks super sleek with a ponytail. Around the inside, there is a bright yellow band of silicon rubber which keeps the band in place without feeling too tight or uncomfortable.

The brand was developed by two competitive athletes in the US back in 2001, and you can tell that they really know what they’re doing! The headband looks sleek, and it stays in place no matter how I bob my head around or how hot and sticky I get. I also love the fact you can get a couple to match your workout gear or sneakers – I chose black so it would look pulled together with my regular wardrobe of Lululemons and Nikes, but they also have the most gorgeous pinks, greens, blues and oranges if you want a fun pop of colour!

The hairbands cost £12.95 each and are available here.

Weleda Minis*

Posted on 07/23/2014 by laurengdall

If you’re lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere sunny this summer, or you just like to be prepared, Weleda has made it incredibly easy to be ready for anything with their range of Minis. I also love picking up a selection of new products in miniature form, so I can really decide if I love something before purchasing. Basically everything Weleda make is available in miniature form, so there is absolutely no excuse for not stocking up – my handbags, car and gym bags are all super well stocked!

The miniatures start at only £2.95 and are available here.

A’Kin Macadamia & Wheat Protein Conditioner*

Posted on 07/22/2014 by laurengdall

For the past couple of weeks I’ve been at the gym nearly everyday; and even though I am super happy about my fitness levels improving and all that jazz, it also means I’ve been washing my hair everyday without fail. I know every single hairdresser in the world says you should’t suds-up on the regular, but my hair looks absolutely awful unless it’s squeaky clean. Couple this with the intense sweat sessions (insert ewe here) I have to be super careful to really look after my hair.

So to make up for all of my ill-treatment, when I’m in the shower, I’ve been smothering my poor ends with A’kin’s Macadamia & Wheat Protein Conditioner. The brand is Australian, and they focus on making the purist, closest to nature, safest and most effective products they can. Since I’ve been using the conditioner super regularly, I’ve really appreciated the lack to synthetics and irritants. After getting my hair thoroughly cleansed, I slap on the conditioner to my ends, and let it get to work as I continue with my shower. The formula feels lovely and rich, although not too heavy. I adore the scent that it has – I would say the wheat protein is the most prominent, as it smells almost like oats and cinnamon – it’s lovely!

I leave the conditioner on for around 10-15 minutes, I shower everything off, then get on with my styling. The conditioner is perfect if you’re battling dried out ends – it hydrates without feeling heavy or weighing hair down, and my hair is left feeling silky soft. It also looks and feels a whole lot smoother too, meaning I don’t need to be quite so vigilant with the straighteners!

The conditioner costs £10.00 and is available here.

Bomb Cosmetics Lip Care*

Posted on 07/21/2014 by laurengdall

Whenever the weather picks up in the summer, I’m quick to down-size my makeup routine. My lip glosses are relegated to my storage containers, and I dig out my favorite balms. I always think it looks and feels so much better in the heat to have a subtle glow rather than full-on-sticky glosses. Recently, I’ve been reaching for my newest two balms which come courtesy of Bomb Cosmetics. They come in the cutest little pink pots, and they smell delicious – just like candy. Whenever my lips are feeling a little parched, a quick slick of the balm really works to hydrate and smooth, and the scents are just so fun!

What I also love is how affordable they are – they only cost £2.49 each, which means with such delicious flavors you don’t even need to choose!

The balms are available here.

Elemis Advanced Brightening Even Tone Serum*

Posted on 07/20/2014 by laurengdall

Whenever a product promises to even skin tone and brighten complexions, I will be first in line to try them. Despite the fact I love makeup and I love getting all dolled up, I think there is nothing nicer than when my skin is in good enough condition for me to leave my tinted moisturizers and foundations squarely on the dressing table.

Elemis’ Advanced Brightening Even Tone Serum is a new release, and it promises big things. Basically, if you’re looking to brighten up your skin, reduce pigmentation after 28 days, and reduce previous scarring, this serum is for you! It comes packaged in a nifty blue tube, with a top button which keeps everything nice and tidy. After cleansing I use a pump or two and cover my whole face and décolletage with serum. It sinks in quickly, and it feels lovely and cooling to use.

Like most people, the serum’s claims of brightening complexions really appealed to me. I mean, who doesn’t want that glow? I’ve been using it religiously for just over a week, and I have to say, I’m completely loving the results. My skin just seems to look fresher and more rested than normal. It’s such an easy addition to my skincare regime, and I have to say, I’m super impressed!

The serum costs £59.00 and is available here.

Dr. Ceuticals Firm & Sculpt Arm Gel*

Posted on 07/19/2014 by laurengdall

Since the weather is heating up, I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been hitting the gym harder than normal. No matter how many weight routines I do, I’m always looking for a quick fix to get Michelle Obama-esque arms.

Thankfully Dr. Ceuticals is making my quest a whole lot easier with their Firm & Sculpt Arm Gel. Designed to be used alongside regular exercise, rubbing the gel into upper arms using a circular motion to firm up skin and increase circulation. It’s recommended that you use the gel twice a day for three months to achieve the best results, and although I’ve only been using it for a week or so, I am loving the results. After showering, I apply a little of the gel, then let it sink in for a minute or so before getting dressed. It’s not greasy or sticky, and the main difference I’ve noticed is in my skin tone. My arms feel like they’ve gotten firmer, and my skin feels moisturized too!

It’s currently 1/2 price at Boots, so grab it while you can here.

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