American Drugstore Beauty Haul

American drugstores are my absolute favourite. Everytime I come to the states I bring with me a hella long list of beauty products we can't get here in the UK. This time however I had a small list, consisting of four maybe five things, but as you can see in the below photo, that clearly didn't work out...

The products:

• Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream
• Maybelline Baby Lips in Quenched, Cherry Me, Peach Kiss, Peppermint, Pink Punch
• EOS Lip Balm in Strawberry Sorbet
• Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes mascara
• Physicians Formula Happy Booster blush
• Covergirl Lash Blast mascara
• Wet n Wild Color Icon Trio in Walking on Eggshells and Silent Treatment
• Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso and Rose D'Oro
• L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows in Amber Rush, Iced Latte, Eternal Sunshine, Perpetual Purple, Continuous Cocoa and Bronzed Taupe
• Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Collection in Petal Pusher and Comfort Zone
• Maybelline Full n Soft mascara
• Wet n Wild Mega Last lipsticks in Stoplight Red, Dollhouse Pink, Bare It All and Think Pink

Yeah, I spent quite a lot. And yes I do realise the Maybelline Baby Lips are now available in the UK. Expect future reviews on some of the products and a few monthly favourite mentions I'm sure :)

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer in Nude Review

Before going away I ordered a couple things off the House of Fraser that I needed - brush cleanser, (another) Clinique moisturiser and also this which I clearly didn't need but wanted to try nonetheless.

I've never tried anything from them before but the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer impressed me. It's a lightweight, sheer coverage foundation that controls oil produce throughout the day whilst protecting and hydrating the skin. It can be layered for additional coverage without a cakey appearance. And I really like it!

I'm far too used to full coverage bases so switching it with a tinted moisturiser(!!!) is a big change. However as I was on holiday during July and August I needed a light base and I now thank the Gods at Laura Mercier for this beauty.

Yes it is a little pricey, but the smallest amount goes a long way making it thoroughly worth the splash. 

I have mine in the shade "nude" which had a slight yellow undertone, perfect for an NC15/20. Bare in mind the shades differ from the various versions (normal, oil free).

Overall, I'm really pleased with this product. It worked well during the summer months and stayed put all day (with a few touch ups, mind you) when I was in Las Vegas when the temperature went way over 110 degrees. I know. I do think this has become my new summer favourite base, sorry Garnier, even though summer is practically over.

Try a sample before buying as you may prefer the regular version as a pose to the oil free version. I think I'll try the most talked about foundation now it's getting a little cooler...

The Best Fitness/Workout Clothes and Shoes

With any fitness activity or form of exercise you're main priorities include feeling comfortable, secure, cool (as in temperature!) and perhaps for some, looking good. Obviously it depends on what type of exercise you are doing when deciding on what to wear - some require loose-fitting attire whilst others may need more fitted and tight clothing. I'm going to run (no pun intended) through my favourite, and what I think are the best, fitness/workout clothes and shoes that are out there.

Regardless of what I'm searching for, whether it be clothes or shoes or general equipment, the main brands I gravitate towards are Nike and Sweaty Betty.

Nike are my go-to for shoes. They offer a range of types of trainer to suit particular sports and activities.

My favourites for running which I love are the Nike Air Pegasus+ 30 iD (£115). As it's by the Nike ID range, you can customise the shoe depending on the surface you run on. It has two traction options for either the road or trail. They are really comfortable to wear and feel secure around the ankle especially which makes it easier to run. For no extra charge you can create your own design by changing the colours which is good.

I love also love the Nike Air Max Fusion (£75) for other training activities such as dance. It has thick cushioning and flexibility specifically designed for indoor traction workouts. You can move easily in these - it feels as though you aren't wearing a shoe. It's made out of mesh/synthetic upper area for comfort and breathability.

For gym workout shoes, I highly recommend the Nike Free TR III Printed (£85) ones. Not only do they come in super fun patterns they are amazing for training at the gym. The flexibility promotes natural movement for a more barefoot-like feel. The upper material is thin for more flexibility and natural movement without any restrains. They are definitely the most comfortable workout shoes I own, hands down.

Clothing is important depending on what activity you're doing. These are my general favourite items that can be used for a multitude of sports and activities especially the gym, running and dance which are my favourites.

I like wearing capris when running or to the gym and, the best ones I have found are the Nike Explore Running Capris (£45). They are the perfect length, stay put, easy to move in and feel super lightweight on. I even use these in the warmer months as they are super airy.

For tops I love the Sweaty Betty range - they are super flexible, come in so many styles and bright colours and are made of really good quality. The best thing about the store is that they have specially designed attire for various sports - running, training, dance, gym, cycling and many more and it's super easily to navigate around the site, especially if you don't have a store near you.

Pictured are my two must-haves. First is the Sweaty Betty Finalist Workout Tee (£34) which can be used for any sport. It's loose-fitted so perfect for dance yet also comfortable to wear for running in the heat and also at the gym. The length is perfect and it's super flattering. I have three of these in white, black and purple! Next is the Sweaty Betty Athlete Workout Vest (£29) - these are great basic workout vests. They are slim fitted and are much longer than regular vest. They aren't clingy which I love as some I've tried are. I love the colour range, especially the coral/orange shade pictured (it's called "supernova pink" if you're interested). They look great with black capris/shorts for any activity. These are slightly pricy for a simple vest yet are worth it as they keep you cool and refreshed-feeling.

Another favourite store of mine for workout gear is Lulu Lemon however there is only one store in the UK which is near Coventy! If you've just started getting into fitness, I hope I've covered the best starting pieces to get. Xoxo

Bourjois 3 for 2 Mini Haul

I was in Boots the other day and there were so many offers on various brands. I took advantage of two of them: 2 for £14 on L'Oreal and 3 for 2 on Bourjois. The L'Oreal items were just repurchases (True Match foundation and False Lash Telescopic mascara) so I thought I'd share the most exciting Bourjois items.

First item on my list was the Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons. They come in four shades and I went for "Peach on the Beach" a coral/peach. I think I'm gonna have to go back and buy the other three, they're so nice!

Another product that's been around for a long time are the Bourjois Cream Blushes which are the cutest little things ever! They also are only available in four shades and I went for "02 Healthy Glow" which is similar to the lip crayon when I look at the swatches! It's such a lovely shade that I think will look great on pale skin tones right up to medium/tan skin.

You can't go wrong with eyeliner. I've nearly finished my favourite brown eyeliner (MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Stubborn Brown) so I thought I'd try the Bourjois Liner Stylo in 42 Brun before getting the MAC one again. It's got a little glitter in it so I think I'll just be using this on my lower lash line instead of waterline. It's really pigmented and doesn't drag whatsoever.

I'm really happy with my purchases - especially the lip crayons! Xoxo

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L'Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Caramel Comfort Review and Swatches

I picked this up ages ago and forgot to review it! When I saw ages I literally mean last October.

The L'Oreal Colour Riche Balms are available in 8 shades each of which carry the sent of it's particular name. I picked up "Caramel Comfort" which does in fact smell like sweet caramel - it's really nice.

Colour Riche Balms are tinted lip balms and, to be honest, are actually quite nice. The colour of the one I picked up is a soft peach/nude shade - it is sheer but it is a lip balm after all. The colour doesn't appear as pigmented on the lips as the swatches below show, however it does give shine and a glossy finish. The colour doesn't last that long but the hydration sure does so their "8 full hours of continuous hydration" claim isn't totally wrong.


Overall, they are nice lip products but I'm not too keen on the "lip balm/colour" hybrid. I'd rather just stick to a lipstick over a lip balm, if you get me! Yet for what they are, I'd definitely recommend you give them a go, especially the berry shades.

Unfortunately they're only available in the States so if you live there you can them at any drugstore for $5.99. Xoxo

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The 5 Product Face

If I'm in a rush and don't have time to spend the full hour doing my makeup, these are the products I use.

I can't leave the house without a base, whether it be a tinted moisturiser or foundation. My holy grail foundation is L'Oreal True Match buffed in with a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. I also add a little cream blush to bring some life back to my skin. I've been loving using the Bourjois Cream Blush in Healthy Glow as it's a gorgeous nude/peach that suits all skin tones.

For eyes, I apply loads of Benefit They're Real, another favourite of mine, on the top and bottom lashes. For eyeliner, instead of a black or brown, I'm opting for a blue! It's an Avon Supershock Gel Eyeliner in Aquapop and looks uh-may-zing smudged along the lower lash line. It's a little more exciting that a boring neutral. Finally, eyebrows are an essential. If I don't have enough time to get a powder shadow and brush, I fill them in with the Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash. I love this thing! I've had mine for nearly a year (I have the old packaging!) and it's still going strong. I'm super happy you can buy it in the UK now.

So they're my in-a-rush products. Xoxo

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Nivea Daily Essentials Beautifying Moisturiser BB Cream Review

After finding my new favourite BB cream in the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfection, I don't know why but I though I'd try another. The one I picked up is the Nivea 5 in 1 Beautifying Moisturiser in the shade light. Nivea are a well known skin/body care brand so I was excited to try it...

Well, the word "disappointed" is a huge understatement, I'm afraid.

I've learnt with past experience that BB creams tend to run on the darker side so going with the light shade was a good choice. It does appear dark but it does blend out so it can work for lighter skin tones. At the moment I'm an NC25 and it did work.

The consistency is really thick and feels uncomfortable to wear. The swatches below exemplify the thickness. It has quite a strong fragrance smell which, for me, is a little overpowering. Normally with BB creams the undertone is fairly neutral to fit both pink and yellow skin types, however with this one is leans more pink which, for me, is an issue. When swatched I couldn't notice it but when applied to my face it definitely doesn't match. Considering how thick the texture is, it didn't cover up anything nor even or correct. Coverage: poor. Additionally it looked a little muddy and very noticeable that I was wearing something despite the illuminating and moisturising claims.

Here's how it swatched. It does blend out well and you only need a little. It does look a little reflective  on my hand but the same finish didn't apply on the face.

Honestly, I wanted to remove it as soon as I put it on. It may work for some people but for me it was not good - I 100% prefer and recommend the Garnier Skin Perfector BB Cream instead. Xoxo 

July Beauty Favourites

Happy first of August! "July went so fast!"..."I can't believe it's August already!" 

It's safe to say the surprising British weather we've been having has shaped my monthly favourites as I've been trying my best to keep my clean clear and shine free! Here are my monthly picks.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution: Hands down the best makeup remover, for both face and eyes, I have found. It's really cheap, you can get it anywhere, is an amazing dupe for Bioderma, removes all traces of makeup and I mean everything and is really fresh and hydrating for the skin. It does run out pretty quickly though - pictured is my third bottle and I only discovered it not even a month ago. Damn.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Snow Pink: I've been using this mostly everyday either on it's on or layered on top of a lipstick (red, pink, coral, nude - they all work) and it's really lovely. It isn't sticky and lasts a decent amount of time! I also love their coral shade, Kiss Me Coral.

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream: This stuff is holy-grail material for me. It has been an absolute summer essential for me this month and hasn't let me down. Read my review for my thoughts as well as swatches etc. Basically, you need to try it.

Tarte Amazionian Clay Blush in Exposed: In the pan, it's pretty boring looking, but is so natural on the skin and just looks great. It's comparable to NARS Douceur blush. Unfortunately this isn't available in the UK so if you're next in the States, UAE etc definitely pick one of them up!

Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot: I didn't know whether to mention this or the Rimmel Stay Matte. To be honest, I've used the Rimmel one for longer yet thought Soap and Glory deserved a mention. If you want seriously looking matte skin, this is the item you need. It's super matte and is amazing at removing an oily appearance. You do need to be carefully when applying not to layer it up as it can go really cakey and noticeable.

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Papaya: I wore this non stop on my holiday and despite being in the pool and sea everyday, the colour didn't come off or chip which is super impressive. All of the gelly nail paints are equally as great and are priced well.

Thank you for reading! And have a great month. Xoxo

PS. I've been really bad at posting recently! Before, I used to post on average 12 a month. Some months I'm really on track yet others I just manage one or two! This month I'm gonna be away for 3 weeks meaning I don't really have that much time to take the pictures and write the posts. Even though I could schedule them I really like checking them as I go before publishing and updating if necessary. Plus, when I get back I have to get ready for the start of college which is a massive stress, plus I have to get my results from school as I'll be away when they are officially released. So bare with my in the next two-ish months, thank you! :)