Holiday Snapshot: The Makeup Shortlist

Today I am sharing with you the makeup that I whittled down and took on holiday with me. Anyone who is a beauty blogger or just a makeup obsessive will realise how difficult it is to force yourself to choose between certain products and choose only the necessary! I think I narrowed it down pretty well and I actually used everything, so that's always a good sign that you have packed well. I wore absolutely zero makeup during the day, because I was constantly in and out of the pool/sea and plus I just wanted to give my skin a good break. My skin has certainly cleared up a lot due to the fresh air and sea water, so this is why I restricted myself to only wearing makeup in the evenings at dinner. 

For my base, I would alternate between using my beloved Dr Jart + Water Fuse BB Cream and Bourjois Healthy Mix in shade 52. These were both perfect as they are so easy to blend and apply and required no effort, the Bourjois foundation was perfect for later in the week when my face had developed a bit of a tan as I have always found it just a tad too dark. Underneath I was using my Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser just so that my skin didn't look too shiny in the heat. This did a great job of keeping all my makeup in check. For eyes I had 5 products in total, my Sleek Storm palette which has a wide range of colours so it was the perfect holiday no-fuss product, Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze, as well as an eyeshadow base from Dainty Doll. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless was my mascara of choice as it is brilliant at curling and creating the most natural fluttery look. The Eyeko Skinny Liner was free with a Marie Claire, and although I'm a complete liquid eyeliner noob this was sooo easy to use. The formula is something to be reckoned with and definitely isn't the best, but altogether a good eyeliner to practice with if you don't wear it often.

Cheeks were defined with one of Boujois's newest releases, Cream Blush in 01 Nude Velvet and MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle. I actually picked this highlighter up at the airport on the way as it was a little bit cheaper than normal, I also bought the infamous 217 brush which I am absolutely in LOVE with. Lips was the area of packing that I had most trouble with, lip products have got to be my favourite makeup item and I just couldn't whittle it down! I took two Clinique Chubby Sticks in shades Mega Melon and and Woppin' Watermelon, these probably weren't the wisest of choices as they started to melt in the heat so they had to be kept in the mini fridge at all times.. woops. As well as Rimmel Apocolips in Stellar which was a nice brighter choice to wear in the evenings and last but not least a Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker lipgloss in Punchbowl.

All in all I think I did pretty well and didn't overpack, plus everything I took was perfect for the climate and lasted surprisingly well throughout the evening heat. Do you have any must have holiday makeup picks?

Laura

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Holiday Snapshot: Ocean Overload

Merhabaaaaaaaa, I am back from my holidays and ready to blog again in full swing. That was hello in Turkish in case you didn't already know, I went to North Cyprus which is predominantly Turkish; and in fact spoke English all week because everyone was so kind and helpful. Or maybe they just pitied us.. Anyway, today I thought I would share with you all just a few photos from my trip, sorry for the excessive water pics but how can you resist that blue crystal goodness?!? This is going to be the first of four posts that I have planned as part of a holiday series, so look out for the next few posts that will feature my makeup, skincare and SPF picks. 

I stayed in a village along the North Cyprus coastline called Lapta. The village itself is situated on the mountainside and takes 40 minutes to walk to because of the sheer altitude and the heat. Unfortunately we didn't venture into the village because it was far too hot to make the walk up there. We were based on what they call the Lapta 'strip' which is a a long road that bypasses the village and takes you straight to the nearest town and all the beaches, restaurants etc. The hotel was gorgeous and had 3 pools, a private beach, tennis courts and a gym. I had the most amazing time doing literally nothing all week, the idea of the holiday was to relax and enjoy the sunshine because our family has had to deal with a lot of personal issues lately which has led to a great deal of stress. I am now back to work, boooo, and trying to get as much overtime as possible so that I can save enough money for university in September. I received my unconditional offer last week before I went away and I am absolutely over the moon!! I am so excited about moving to Leeds and starting my new course!

Have you been on holiday recently?

Laura

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Work Makeup.

Since starting my new job I have had to totally re-think the make up that I put on in the morning. Working in a factory in this heat is DIRE to say the least, the last thing I want is a face full of heavy make up that will melt throughout the day. Niceeee. There's no way I can get away without wearing any makeup because my skin is in no way good enough to brave a bare face. So I have whittled it down to a trusty 6 products that I know will last, plus it means I can have an extra 10 minutes in bed!? Always a bonus ;) 

After my moisturiser I slap on the Dr Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream which is the perfect shade for me, this covers the majority of redness but still doesn't mask my pesky spots, so in comes the infamous Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. Looking in tip top condition there? My new favourite blusher from Bourjois is next in line, I apply this with my hands and it has the loveliest cream to powder finish that doesn't need topping up at all through the day. Score.

For eyes I use my beloved Naked Basics palette, at first I didn't get a lot of use from this and started to regret the purchase. But after persevering with it, it is now my favourite palette of all. I change it up each day but keep it very subtle. For a slick of mascara I opt for my forever repurchased tube of Soap & Glory Thick and Fast, this just gives the most perfect fluttery look without looking un-natural. And finally for lips, I use my much loved Clinique Chubby stick in Mega Melon, which just gives a very natural pinky glow.

So there we have it, my tried and tested work makeup that is still in tact come 4.30pm..

Are there any products you swear by for work?

Laura

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Tweet Tweet.

Just a quick post today to mention my new twitter account. Last year I started a blog at the beginning of the summer holidays and stupidly posted the link on my personal twitter account, to people who don't read blogs or even know what they are, the blogging world can seem a very strange concept. There were people who saw my blog and made comments, not nasty ones, but enough to make me feel like I had to justify what I was doing. So for this blog I have started up a new twitter account so I can interact with you guys without feeling liked I'm being watched and judged. 

You can follow me at @tealoaf_

And also on bloglovin' here: http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/9321943

Anyone else feel the same?

Laura 

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Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask.

Before I start, can we just take a moment to appreciate how I managed to get this product to balance on this plant for a grand total of 3 seconds? ;) The amount of times I had to save it from falling through was ridiculous, the extremes we go to for blogging eh?

I am in love with all things Origins, they never disappoint and I would quite happily repurchase everything I've bought from them. This overnight mask is no exception. I have been getting a lot more use from this in recent weeks due to a bout of dehydrated skin. As I mentioned in my last post, I am currently working in a factory and the industrial fans, fumes and working on the machines are playing havoc with my skin. This mask is designed to be used a couple of times a week, as a thick hydrating treatment at bedtime. However I have been using this in a slightly different way and using it as an everyday night cream but using about a pea size amount instead. It gives just the right dose of moisture and I wake up with soft and brightened skin. 

It is perfect for when my skin needs a pick me up and is feeling dull and lack lustre, I don't think I could be without it now! It has the most gorgeous smell, the only way I can describe it is like peach yogurt, it is so fruity and delicious! It also feels very cooling, perfect for this heatwave we're having at the moment here in the UK. What is this weather all about?! Don't get me wrong I'm loving it, but we seriously go from one extreme to another over here! 

You can pick this mask up from the Origins website or some larger Boots stores for £22, pricey but definitely worth it!

Have you tried this mask or anything similar?

Laura

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Life Ramble #1

How pretty are these pink roses??! We have the most beautiful rose bush growing in our new garden at the moment and I couldn't resist cutting a few buds to have in my bedroom. I moved house just over a week ago now and am finally getting my room into shape. It is such a chore unpacking boxes and sorting through 18 years worth of junk! Plus my bedroom is at least a quarter of the size I used to have as we've downsized due to my move to university in September. *fingers crossed* I have such a terrible habit with hoarding a million and one things that I don't need or even want, but just find it so difficult to part with everything. I just have to keep telling myself it will make the whole moving process to uni a hell of a lot easier! 

I have been at my new job for 2 weeks now and it has flown by, I'm working at a factory on the edge of my village and surprisingly I really love it! I get to make perfume all day every day and it is actually really interesting; seeing the process behind a product from start to finish is amazing. I'm working full time during the summer holidays until I start university, so that I can earn as much money as possible to start me off and help to settle me in. I've been collapsing into bed in the evenings and reading my Kindle after a long day, as I just can't be bothered to do anything else! At the beginning of the holiday I had so many plans to see friends, travel and exercise more but that seems to have all gone out of the window so far due to working every week. I'm currently reading a Harlan Coben novel called Gone for Good. I'm 39% through it (love the acccuracy of technology) and it is already getting to be quite confusing! I love a good thriller that makes you think, I can't stand books that aren't in depth and thought provoking!

What have you been up to lately?

Laura 

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Current Obsessions #1

This is a little series I thought I would start to just chat about the things I'm loving at the moment. I'm going to make it strictly non-beauty and fashion related and just discuss the "normal" "everyday" things that I enjoy. 

Firstly I cannot even express how much I am IN LOVE with the TV show Gossip Girl. I am fully aware that this show ended on our screens last year (here in the UK) but as usual I was very late to the party with this one. I always knew that the programme existed but kind of stumbled across it at about series 4 on ITV 2, I figured it was pointless trying to catch up so patiently waited until season 6 ended last year and started stocking up on the boxsets. I've just finished season 3 and I am twitching over the buy button on Amazon to order the next set! For those of you who don't know, Gossip Girl is about the lives of a group of wealthy American teenagers living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The storylines are so far fetched for a group of 18 year olds but that's what makes them so utterly brilliant!?!?! Google Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford and Penn Badgely and you won't be able to stop yourselves from watching it.. 

Something else I have been addicted to at the moment are Wonka Nerds. I was in WH Smiths the other week, wasting time before I had to catch my train home and I saw these on the impulse buy stand and as usual the marketing strategies sucked me in. I'm not so fond of the cherry flavour but the watermelon pieces are delicious! They're like this crunchy tangy nugget and for £2 I couldn't really say no..

So that's just a little insight into what I've been loving at the moment,

is there anything you've been addicted to lately?

Laura 

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I've been struggling with the photography for my blog at the moment, as my camera doesn't focus too well on detail and words. I'm hoping to get a new one within in the next few months, is there any one in particular reasonably priced that you would recommend? 

Lush Ultrabland Cleanser.

Lush is a brand that I absolutely adore, but I often find their products are very hit and miss. I love their bath bombs as they never fail to disappoint; but I am yet to find a good fresh face mask to accompany my bath time pamper. I have tried a fair few and have found they do absolutely nothing for my skin. However something I have found that works wonders is the Ultrabland Cleanser.

I use about a 10 pence piece sized blob (great terminology there?) and massage it into my face and then rinse with a warm flannel. It melts my makeup away like nothing else and leaves my skin soooo soft. Occasionally I am left with a slight tacky residue but I just rinse with a flannel again before moving on to my toner. It has a lovely buttery texture with a slight grit to it and the pot lasts for absolutely ages. I have the 45g pot here because I didn't want to commit to the full size just in case I didn’t like it, however I will definitely be repurchasing! I think it is very reasonably priced too at £6.75 for 45g and £10.75 for the 100g pot. You can’t really complain when you know the product is completely natural, not tested on animals and the packaging is 100% recyclable – plus an amazing product too! I have found that the only downside to this cleanser is the smell, it isn't very pleasant but once you get used to it it isn't so bad; I completely overlook it as I love it too much!

Have you tried this cleanser from Lush?

Laura

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June Favourites.

So June was a month of sleepless nights and intense deadlines; but I've finished college for summer now and it's time to recover and enjoy what little sunny weather we have here in the UK. Going to bed late and waking up ridiculously early has taken it's toll on my face and I am breaking out left right and centre, so I can see July being a make up free month to help bring it back to a somewhat normal state.

Jodi Picoult - The Storyteller

The little free time that I've had this month has been spent cosied up reading The Storyteller. Jodi Picoult is one of my all time favourite authors and she simply delivers with every new release. This is her latest book and I have to say it is easily one her best so far, and I'm only a third of the way through! The book tells a story of a friendship between the two unlikeliest of characters, an ex Nazi solider and a descendant of a concentration camp survivor. With several twists here and there, it is definitely a book that I have found impossible to put down! Expect a full review when I've finished!

Bourjois Cream Blush - Nude Velvet 01 -  £7.99

I bought this product at the beginning of the month after seeing rave reviews about it everywhere and I can definitely see why! The formula is a cream to powder finish and gives the most beautiful natural flush of colour to the cheeks. It is so easy to blend and has been a great product to use when I've been in a rush because I don't need to use a brush at all! The mirror is really handy too.

MAC Lipstick - Cosmo (Amplified) - £14

MAC lipsticks are quickly becoming a very dangerous guilty pleasure, I honestly don't know how I managed to hold myself back for so long. Cosmo is a really pretty deep rosy pink and is a really natural daytime colour. I've been wearing this most days whether I've been at college, work or home and the finish is incredible!

Origins Ginzing Eye Cream - Full size £21

This is a tiny sample size of the Origins Ginzing Eye Cream that I have here, which I bought as part of the limited edition Origins Christmas Bauble Set from Selfridges. It has lasted me for absolutely ages and I will definitely be purchasing a full size pot when this teeny weeny tube runs out. This eye cream does a great job of brightening my dark circles and has been perfect for the days when I haven't had time to apply under-eye concealer. 

Dr Jart + Water Fuse BB Cream - £18.00 / Or currently half price in Boots

I've had this product sat in my stash for a while now and have only just started taking a liking to it. It is the perfect match for my skintone and is so easy to apply and rub in when I'm in a rush. See a pattern here? I don't think it does a very good job of concealing blemishes or redness at all, however this doesn't bother me because I can't go a day without using my Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer anyway. I definitely wouldn't wear this alone, however it is a lovely base. 

Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo - On and On Bronze - £4.99

My last favourite of the month has got to go to my Maybelline cream eye shadow that just doesn't seem to want to end. I have had this little pot for ages and I have barely dented the surface. This is a lovely shimmery bronze colour that I have been blending out all over the lid, every day this month. I have been really lazy with make up this month, as you can tell, and this has saved me from peering indecisively into my palettes.  

So there we have it, my first ever monthly favourites post..

What have you been loving in the past month?

Have you tried any of these?

Laura

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The "Old Fashioned" Exfoliator.

Manual exfoliators seem to be a product of the past lately, due to the rise in chemical exfoliants such as Alpha H Liquid Gold and the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. I recently purchased REN's offering and after trying it out a few times, I still think I prefer my good old Origins Modern Friction. 

I bought Modern Friction whilst away on holiday in New York last year and at first I absolutely hated it. It was just after I had started reading blogs and quickly got sucked into a lot of blogger hype and wanted absolutely everything I read about. Bearing in mind at the time I had no set skincare routine whatsoever and didn't really know much about my skin or what it needed. I followed the instructions on the back of the packaging and massaged it into dry skin, this played havoc with my face and left it sore, irritated and with that horrible tight sensation. 

I have persevered with it ever since and now I wouldn't be without it! I remove all my makeup and cleanse my face and neck before gently massaging this in to damp skin. It clears my pores and leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean, but in a good way! My skin is in no way sensitive but it just couldn't handle how abrasive it was when applied dry. The product itself is a thick white creamy formula with rice beads, and does a brilliant job of buffing away dead skin cells. It is quite pricey at £31.00 but something I would definitely repurchase as it makes such a difference to my skin, and you don't need to use a lot either so it will last for ages! I use this twice a week and usually follow with a toner and Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask.

Have you tried this?

Are there any other manual exfoliators that I should try?

Laura

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