Monday 30 June 2014

Cutting Out Face Wipes: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water


I hate to say it, I used to always be a Face Wipe kinda gal. I wouldn't always use it to clean my face as I know it doesn't do that but it took my makeup off so much more easily before I would properly cleanse. With all of the bad talk surrounding face wipes, I knew I wanted to stop using them, I just didn't think I ever would. Until the wonderful product that is a Micellar Water came into my life. I started using the L'Oreal one, but it's this Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water that I've stuck to and it's made me bin the face wipes for good. It essentially does the same job but I just find that I don't have to rub as hard and the makeup is removed a whole lot more easily. If you're a face wipe lover, and want to change too then I'd give this a go if I were you. It's affordable, it works and it's converted me, so perhaps it could convert you too.... 

Lorna x

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Sunday 29 June 2014

The Budget Buy: Volume and Texturised Hair


Flat, fine, limp hair? Issues making your hair keep any sort of volume? I know all about that. My hair just doesn't want to keep anything in. I haven't found the secret yet... but I have found the next best thing, and the bonus? It won't cost you a bomb either. My answer? A dry shampoo and texturising spray. 

My picks are the Batiste Dry Shampoo, a product that every girl has in their cupboard and the Charles Worthington Texturising Spray, a product that every girl should have in their cupboard... I don't have much to say about this, other than the fact that it's super easy. All you have to do is style your hair how you like it. Straighten it, curl it, whatever you want then spritz a bit of the dry shampoo into the roots, rub it in, spray some (or a lot) of the texturising spray and voila, your hair is super volumised. This texturising spray does have some stay, but if you do find your hair does drop a spray of hairspray won't go a miss and if you have room in your handbag then you could always take it with you. It works wonders and I love it. 

Lorna x

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Saturday 28 June 2014

Nip + Fab Yoga Blend Body Scrub


With it being the summer and this beautiful weather (here and there) in England, it means only one thing. We need to get our legs summer ready and a good scrub will help with just that. I usually love a super abrasive scrub as I like to feel the difference instantly and although you don't get that with this Nip + Fab Yoga Blend Body Scrub*, there is something I do really like about it. The scent for one is amazing, a lavender and coconut scent that allows you to 'unwind and de-stress' and it does just that. It's a beautiful beautiful scent, with a subtle scrub that feels super luxurious when you use it in the shower. It's more of a daily scrub and although it won't make a difference instantly, or perhaps a noticeable difference ever but the way it smells and makes you feel is well, just amazing. 

Relax in the shower with this scrub... It's gorgeous! 

Lorna x

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Friday 27 June 2014

The Battle of the Liz Earle Cleansers


As you all know, I'm a total Liz Earle addict. Everything and anything Liz Earle and I'm in love. The original Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser has been a staple in my skincare routine since way back. I think it was actually one of my first beauty posts on here! I've tried other cleansers but there's something about it that always brings me back. 

I was so excited to hear that there was another Cleanse and Polish being released and thought I'd give it a good go before posting as I really wanted to gather my thoughts together properly as it is a brand I love so much. I'm talking the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish with Orange Flower and Chamomile* 

To most, probably if you haven't used either before, or maybe if your not as an obsessive user like me, you probably won't notice much of a difference. The change in scent is obviously there, the beautiful chamomile and orange flower scents are right up my street and give the product a super relaxing feel. That was a nice change from the original, although I do like the original scent nearly just as much. The only thing I would say was that I found the texture to be slightly slightly different and as I said this probably wouldn't be noticeable to most. I do like it, in fact I really do like it but there's something that just doesn't meet up to my standards of the original. Perhaps I'm just used to using that one? I'm not sure, I find it slightly lighter and it's perfect for cleansing my skin when it's feeling irritated. It's not like the original isn't, it's just that this is probably a bit better for that. 

I would say that if your a massive original fan like me, then I wonder if this'll be for you but if you haven't used it or don't use it as often then I'd say give it a go. It smells amazing and feels amazing and it cleanses just as well with the muslin cloth as the original does. It's just down to personal preference. Snap it up before it goes though as it is limited edition! 

Lorna x

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Thursday 26 June 2014

Sponsored Video: NIVEA #BRINGITON



Nivea have launched a new campaign to inspire women to #BRINGITON to celebrate the confidence and spirit of all of us lovely ladies and to get us to embrace life in every way shape or form, just like you can see the women doing in the video. I don't know about you but the film has got me feeling head over the heals for the sun and I just want to get out there and do a bit of hand standing and sunbathing myself... Perhaps with a cocktail or two, what are we thinking ladies? Mojito, Pina Colada, or perhaps my total fave... the Pornstar Martini (I really wish this wasn't the name, but damn, the drink taste so good!). 

Embrace everything that comes towards you girls, and make the most out of everything. And with all of life's trials and tribulations... the message of this video is to let you know that Nivea will always have your back and honestly, I'd agree with that. It's a household name, everyone knows it, everyone uses it. Whether it's for your daily moisturiser (or in-shower moisturiser!) or sun cream, they've got you protected and will always be there for you and everyone around you. So don't worry about burning in the sun (uber pale gals like me will know all about this!) just pop on a bit of Nivea and you're sorted! 

I'm feeling like writing a bucket list for the summer after watching this video, it would just be perfect. I'm thinking road trips, trips home, being spontaneous... etc. May have to get back to you on the actual list but for now, my summer consists of blogging, my dissertation and working for the wonderful BeautySpotter. I'm their Digital Brand Manager, don't ya know! Exciting, eh? 

What are your plans for the summer? Has Nivea inspired you to do anything? 

Lorna x

*This post has been sponsored by NIVEA, but all views are my own, as always!

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Paul and Joe Favourites



I've always known that Paul and Joe existed. Their pretty packaging always appealed to me, but for some reason or another it never made it into my collection. I had the chance to go to their latest blogger event, and it's made me fall deeply in love with the brand and I now have a wish list as long as my arm and leg. I'm usually the kinda gal that steers clear of glitter, but some of the glitter bits are unbelievably beautiful. I need them all in my life. Paul and Joe has converted me! 

For now, the products I do own are the beautiful palette in 04* in one of the interchangeable packaging, this gorgeous floral one (I've got my eye on the cat one! Super, super cute!). There's a gorgeous gold, white and green all with a hint of sparkle. Super blend able and perfect to jazz up any eye look. I love using the green with my fave MAC shadow, Sumptuous Olive... The perfect combo! 

On to the lips and I've got the Glossy Lip Colour in 01* a beautiful muted pinky red nude. I usually only wear a bright lip but when I gave this a go, I was totally converted. It goes with every look, the colour payoff is great as is the finish. A definite fave. I'm so impressed by these products that I just need to add some more to my collection... I've got my eyes on those glitters and the cat palette! 

What Paul and Joe products do you have? 

Lorna x

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Wednesday 25 June 2014

To Epilate, Or Not To Epilate...


I got this Philips Satinelle Soft Epilator way back, years ago, for Christmas. I used it once, couldn't bare the pain so put it back in its box and never looked back... Until recently. When one of my best friends and housemate Dina started using hers, I thought maybe it was time to give it a go again all these years later. I hunted for the box, gave it a quick dust and put it back to work. At first, I really thought I'd get into using it. We were determined to do it together and we did. 

When you first do it, oh my god does it hurt but it almost gets addictive. The more you do it, the more you you want to do it. I always find that once I restart again another day, it goes back to being awful. That was when I started, but now its okay. The pain isn't as bad, the finish is better but it does still take forever to do it. The main issue is ingrown hairs, but I find if you use a good abrasive scrub  and moisturiser it sorts it out, mostly... I've heard about the benefits of epilating, and obviously I haven't been doing it long enough yet to reap the full benefits, but I'm persevering through and have put the razor to the side for now. Will update if I carry on/if I give up and the effects I can see. Summer legs, here I come! 

Do you epilate? Would love to hear your experiences/tips!

Lorna x

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Tuesday 24 June 2014

The Lazy Girls Guide: The Perfect Manicure


I am a lazy girl through and through. We all know that I love my beauty, I mean, you must too if your reading this? But if there's a few corners we can cut through to achieving just a good if not better look then we will, right? I am always on the hunt for products that'll make my life easier and this post is helping you achieve a mani with little effort. 

Shaping the nails is something I usually try and skip if I can. I know, I shouldn't but I just hadn't found the tool that'd make it easy enough for me not to skip. The Stylfile is something I thought was a big gimmick when I first saw it and steered clear of trying it until I was invited down to meet the inventor Tom Pellereau (the winner from the Apprentice a few years ago, remember? Yep, that's the one!) and learn all things Stylfile I thought it was probably time to give it a go and honestly, I am so impressed. Pictured here is the Stylfile Nailcare Collection* and the pack includes a nail file, 4 way buffer and a travel nail file. Each product is shaped in an 'S' and it actually makes it so much easier to shape and buff your nails, I'm so surprised. They're super affordable so why not give it a go? It could make doing your nails less of a chore, definitely. 

I know that painting your nails can seem a lot longer with all of the base coat and top coat mumbo jumbo, but trust me, it makes such a difference and can save you so much time in the long run. I'm talking no staining of the nails, the polish will last longer and will look better, and so for the sake of applying just a couple more coats of polish it's well worth it. My pick of the bunch are currently OPI's Nail Envy that can also be used as a nail strengthener, it's great for your nails while perfecting your mani, perfect! For topcoat I have always used and loved the Seche Vite Top Coat, I won't mention much about it as everyone has posted about it, but if your looking for a new one then you should give it a go. 

For polish, have a look around at the quick drying and easy application ones. I had a look through my ever growing collection and found a goodn' to show you. Bourjois 1 Seconde Polish in Melon* is the most perfect shade for this season. It looks great on us pale girls and would look amazing with a tan, bonus all round, right? It has a larger brush for an even easier and quicker application. The only thing I would say is you need to be a bit careful when layering this polish as it can apply a little oddly but I found that when I applied it later at night and was super tired so would mostly put it down to that. To make it dry that bit quicker my new revelation is the Bourjois Instant Dry Nail Drops*, a drop on each nail and it makes that manicure that much quicker. 

If your not a polish kinda gal or maybe you just don't have the time, then the ImPress Nails* are your way to your perfect mani. They come in plenty of different colours and patterns and they're super easy to apply. You literally just press them on like the name suggests. Voila, pretty nails! If you're a short nail kinda girl like me then this is perfect for giving you the longer nail look that you can just take off. Perfect nails in minutes. 

When it comes to taking the polish off, that's usually where I get the most lazy. It's so much effort to take it off, don't even get me started about glitter polish removal but Bourjois have the most amazing new innovation. Now I'm sure you'll have all heard of this wonder product, the Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover for Hands and Feet* has gone one step further than its predecessor making it easy to take off your nail polish on your hands, but also on your feet. If you don't have this, you need to get it. I've converted everyone onto it that has ever tried it. It's a lifesaver and a total wonder. 

So there you have it, The Lazy Girls Guide to Perfect Nails! If you'd like to see more of these posts then let me know if there's anything you'd like to see. 

Lorna x

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Friday 20 June 2014

VIDEO: 21st Birthday Get Ready With Me




Last month I hit the big 21 and when there comes a night out... there must be the getting ready to go with it. I was kindly invited down to Rush to get my hair done for the night and I just had to take you all with me. I headed to The House of Rush in Piccadilly, the most beautiful and luxurious salon you could ever imagine. If you're looking to treat yourself then this was just the place. I had the L'Oreal Fiberceutic treatment while I was there before a trim and blow dry, and it was so great. Super relaxing before the night out which was just what the doctor ordered! 

I really hope you enjoy the video! 

Lorna x

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Thursday 19 June 2014

Birds Eye #FishFingerSandwich Party







When Birds Eye offered to send me a Fish Finger Sandwich Party pack I happily obliged as I knew my student housemates would be very happy... and as the packages arrived, we all definitely were. 

With 60 Fish Fingers, 10 packets of Warbutons Sandwich Thins, Hellman's Mayonnaise, Funkin Cocktail Mixers etc... What was left to do? Make all the sandwiches, all the fish fingers (chips on the side, of course!), cocktails - we went for a non alcoholic option though as we were a little hungover... And boy was it good! The cocktails were good, super sweet and tasty although we can definitely appreciate how great they would be with a little bit of vodka or rum in. But god, the fish finger sandwiches. I honestly can't tell you how amazing they were. We got a recipe books with the most amazing recipes in, but we went for the classic. Bread, Mayo, Salad, Fish Fingers, Tomato Ketchup, Bread. Perfect! Next time I'll be adventurous and will be trying out some of the other snazzy recipes in the book though. 

We thought we'd make a thing of it and set the dining table up in the garden with balloons, bunting and cocktail umbrellas galore! It was so nice, the food was amazing (we did have a little rain scare as we sat down but luckily it didn't!) as was the evening. The fact that a few people couldn't make it didn't dampen our mood and we ended up having a flour and water fight to round of the night... It was hilarious! 

Thanks Birds Eye and the lovely Gemma from Jam for an amazing evening and all of the food... We were very thankful! 

How do you like your fish finger sandwich? 

Lorna x

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Friday 13 June 2014

Happy 2nd Birthday Studs and Dreams


It's been 2 years and I honestly can't believe it! 

I wasn't going to write a gushy post like this hence the post earlier today, but it's me and I just couldn't resist... 2 years! Wow. I know it's been on and off, as with Uni I just couldn't commit to posts all day every day. But when I am posting I am totally loving it. Starting this blog was the best thing I ever did. It's turned my world upside down, but in the best way possible. I've had so many amazing opportunities through blogging, I've made some amazing friends and all of this wouldn't have been possible if none of you out there read what I write on my little space on the internet. I can't thank you enough, I really can't. So, here's to two years... and many many more! I hope you're not all bored of me yet, because I can promise you there is so much more to come! 

On to the celebrations and we're having a Fish Finger party this eve... Watch this space for the deets!

Lorna x

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The Boyfriend Post: Bumble and Bumble sumotech


Male beauty isn't that often talked about, I mean there are obviously male specific beauty bloggers who are fantastic at what they do but this market is so women dominated that I thought it could help to post about some of those products that are used by males to help us find the perfect gifts that do actually work and are actually great. I've started putting my boyfriend to the test by trying out some products for me. A male that enjoys treating himself right, but is often a little unknown when it comes to most things but has obviously picked up quite a lot from beauty obsessed me... Callum usually steers clear of hair product as they often weigh his hair down, but this one from Bumble and Bumble was a little different... 

The latest product I've added to his beauty drawer is the Bumble and Bumble sumotech*, a mid weight moulding compound. Just like they describe, it's not a wax, it's not a paste and it's not a creme, but something more in between. Callum described it as a thick, slightly waxy and with a gum like texture. And in his books, that seems to be good. I've noticed him using it on those days he decides not to hide his hair under a beanie and for him, that's a great thumbs up! The only thing he did say was that he needed to use quite a bit, so ladies if you do pick this up for your man (or dad, or or brother, or friend..) then make sure to give him that top tip. 

Thumbs up from Callum means a big thumbs up from me! Now, excuse me while I go shopping at Bumble and Bumble myself. If it's good for him then it'll be even better for me... 

Lorna x

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Thursday 12 June 2014

Liz Earle Love: Shampoo and Conditioner


You'll probably all know about my obsession with Liz Earle, I've loved it for as long as I can remember but it's definitely currently egged on my one of my besties and housemates Dina, a fellow Liz Earle obsessor (and her lovely mum!). I've got a few of their skincare products cemented into my routine but other than that I hadn't branched out too much and tried anything else, and honestly, I don't know why. I had heard fantastic things but for some reason I left it at the skincare. I've now branched out and tried a few more products and this shampoo and conditioner is one of them. 

The Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner for Normal Hair* is so lovely. It has the 'Liz Earle' natural scent and I love it. I recently realised that I've probably been using the wrong type of Shampoo and Conditioner for my hair in the past. I am forever using products that make my hair super soft and although I love it to the touch it isn't doing great things for my hair and definitely won't make styling any easier. This doesn't make my hair too soft which is great, it makes my hair suitable for styling after, cleans it nicely and is a really nice day-to-day shampoo and conditioner. I'll definitely be sad when they run out as I've been enjoying them so much!

Lorna x

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Wednesday 11 June 2014

Relax with Kneipp's Bath Oils


I love a good bath, it's my absolute favourite way to relax. Unfortunately I don't have a bath in my current house in London, but when I go home, that's where all the fun begins. I'm talking baths every evening and the fun part? Deciding what goes in them! 

Kneipp is a total new brand to me, but i've got their Deep Sleep* and Mandarin/Orange* Bath oils and I love them. They are so relaxing, the effect they give is amazing. My favourite is clearly the Mandarin/Orange as I have an obvious addiction to anything orange... We all know about my Mandarin addiction from The Body Shop but this is the next best thing. A bath oil that smells super strong and makes your bath turn an amazing colour? I love! The Deep Sleep one is great too, if I'm finding that I'm struggling to sleep then I'll use this one. Again it has a super relaxing scent and turns the bath water a beautiful blue shade - so pretty! 

The only downside is that it says to use the cap to work out how much product you need to put into the bath, but it's so hard to wash it all out and when you put the cap back on the product runs down the bottle onto the surface that you put it on. I pop it onto some tissue to just make sure I don't ruin the surface but all I'd say is to just pour it straight from the bottle into the bath, be generous, you won't regret it! 

Now I'm just waiting to go home yet again to get my bath on... I'm uber excited, can you tell! 

Lorna x

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Tuesday 10 June 2014

Metcalfe's Charity Topcorn


With the new 'thing' being Popcorn, it felt only fitting that I should post about it. I wasn't sure what to write about. I mean, it's great right, but it's just popcorn? I hadn't found any really inventive flavour (although I did recently come across a new discovery and if I can find it in a store, I will buy it and let you all know more!) and that was when I found Metcalfe's new Charity Topcorn. Their usual flavour Sargent Salt* has had a charity makeover and it comes in the form of Clic Sargent. An amazing cause and something I'm so happy to get behind. As if popcorn hadn't already become a good-for-you snack, it's even better as your helping a great cause. 

Lorna x

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Monday 9 June 2014

Introducing: Vichy Dermablend



Vichy is a brand I have mostly known for skincare but when I found out about their Dermablend makeup range I was so interested to give it a go. Do you remember that film where the guy with all of the tattoos gets covered up with makeup to make him look like he hasn't got them? Well here it is... and it's all Vichy Dermablend's doing! How cool?!




Mostly very high coverage products which isn't very me, but there are a few products that are fantastic. I have tried out their concealer* and setting powder* and although the concealer is slightly too dark for me, it feels amazing. The coverage is insane and I really like it minus the shade match. The powder is a fantastic loose powder that sets the base perfectly. I didn't used to use a powder as for some reason I just thought they would make me look super matte,  and although some do, I didn't realise how much longer it could make my makeup last and I'm super impressed with this one. 

If your on the hunt for some super high coverage products then you really need to give Dermablend a go! So worth it. 

Lorna x

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Sunday 8 June 2014

Orly Nail Polish in Risque Encounter


A red polish perfect for all year round? I think I've found it. Orly Risque Encounteris a gorgeous red shade and you need it in your life. It's bright enough for the Spring/Summer months and it's a red so fantastic for Autumn/Winter too. TheHut.com kindly sent it to me, have you checked out their website? They sell everything! 

Orly polishes are some of my favourites, lovely lovely quality. This is the first polish of their new packaging that I own and I think they made a fantastic decision by changing it. I'm a massive fan of black packaging, I think it's so sleek and this is no different. Really lovely polish! 

What's your favourite Orly shade? 

Lorna x

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Saturday 7 June 2014

Nanogen Thickening and Hair Growth Treatment


Nanogen is a total new brand to me but when they contacted me I was really interested. I definitely don't have an issue with growing my hair. If you know me you'll know I very rarely get it cut. I grow it super long and then chop it straight back off again. I always have the theory that if I don't like it, it'll grow back, right? I think more of us should have that theory, but with some people finding it hard to grow their hair back I was really interested in products that could potentially help that and stop us from being a little less adventurous with our hair cuts just because we're not sure how long it'll take to grow back. 

The Nanogen Thickening Treatment Shampoo* and Conditioner* is for thin hair and is supposed to do exactly as it says, thicken your hair. I really wanted to try this out properly as I'm forever on the hunt for things to thicken and volumise my hair and thought this was a great chance to sort it out but unfortunately I just couldn't deal with the smell of it. It smells super medicated and although that probably means that it's doing something I just couldn't work through. If you can't use products that you don't like the smell of then I'll say that this is unlikely going to be for you, but if you do really want thicker hair and can work through it then I'd definitely say to give it a go. 

The Nanogen Hair Growth Treatment* was one that interested me so much, but I knew that it definitely wasn't for me as my hair grows quick enough anyway and so I doubt I'd actually be able to tell the difference and so I picked on my trusty friend Lettie who was growing her hair out and struggling and gave her the product to give it a good ol' go. She has had pretty short hair for quite a while now and recently finally came the time to grow it out, and I have noticed a difference. Her hair is growing, whether or not the product has really helped I'm not too sure, but it is growing and I can't see how using this product is hindering that. Get it and give it a go if you really do want to grow your hair, it can't hurt right? 

Lorna x

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