♡ A Quick Review - CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

January 28, 2013


I'm a huge fan of mascara in general - I think that if I could only ever use one type of product, it would most likely be mascara. So of course, considering its well founded status as popular yet affordable, I had to try CoverGirl's Lash Blast Volume mascara. 

The formula of this mascara is great - it left my eyelashes looking full and thick with a little bit of added length (though I did find that it added a lot more volume than it did length). Best of all however, it didn't smudge or flake at all. It stays in place all day yet isn't too much trouble to remove with a little bit of Bioderma. What more can you ask for?!

My only slight disappointment with it is the size of the brush. Despite separating and adding volume to my lashes wonderfully, I found it impossible to apply the mascara without getting smudges from the brush on to my brow bone. However, I am particularly clumsy so this might not bother everyone, and even though it was a bit of a pain, it was nothing a cotton bud couldn't fix.

Overall, I've really enjoyed using this mascara and would happily purchase again, though it hasn't quite knocked L'Oreal's volume million lashes off it's podium as my most favorite mascara!

As CoverGirl isn't a brand available to buy in shops in the UK I bought mine for around £8 (including shipping) on ebay. 

♡

♡ A walk in the snow

January 25, 2013



So first things first, I would like to apologise for all the major squinting going on. The snow was a lot brighter than I expected, and sunglasses just didn't seem quite right...

These photo's were taken a couple of days ago when the snow was starting to melt, though despite 
being almost completely gone this morning, a fresh blanket of the white stuff has just landed tonight...lucky me. As much as I think fresh snowfall is beautiful, i can think of better ways to spend my mornings than digging the car out of the driveway and freezing my toes off despite layering on 3 pairs of socks!

Anyway, my 'love-hate' relationship with snow aside, I quite enjoyed my little walk with the boyfriend the other day. Perhaps this weekend I might stretch to building a snowman, or even break out the sledge!

 On a side note, I also decided to test out Richard's tartan scarf (which is why i'm sporting two different scarfs here, in case you were wondering!) and I've decided that I quite like it - I might have to 'borrow' more often...


Jumper - Mango
Jeans - Zara
Black Scarf - Zara
Tartan Scarf - French Connection
Peter Pan top - Mango
Watch - Michael Kors
Charm Bracelet - Links of London
Necklace - Tiffany & Co.

♡


♡ What's on my bedside table

January 21, 2013


  

My bedside table is a set of three draws, and if I'm entirely honest, I usually keep most of my things (lip balm, hand cream etc) inside the top draw - I'm a bit of a 'neat freak' like that! Though as an empty table wouldn't make much of an interesting blog post, I've neatly arranged the items that usually make their way onto my bedside table by the end of the night...

Essentials: my favorite mug, lip balm, l'occitane hand cream and yankee candle (in holder).

♥


Cinema Night Outfit

January 18, 2013


Due to the below freezing temperatures recently, i opted for taking outfit photos inside... what can i say? I'm a wimp! 

Granted, this was my outfit before i adorned Ugg boots and mittens, but as i spent most of the evening sat inside a cinema i didn't bother with too many layers or a heavy coat (there also wasn't any snow a couple of days ago... oh how things change!)

Top, Scarf and Jeans : Zara | Jacket : Hollister (old) | Bag : Mulberry | Watch : Michael Kors


♥



The Ultimate Lip balm - Nuxe Rève de Miel

January 14, 2013



I've been using lip balm since I can remember and its slowly grown into an undeniable obsession ( I won't even attempt to justify my draw full of little tubs and tubes of the stuff!) and I can't leave the house without throwing some form of lip balm in my bag (or several - i like choices!). So it's safe to say that I've tried many of the balms the UK has to offer. Though once Nuxe's Rève de Miel lip balm landed on my doorstep, I've been more addicted than ever. It is, without a doubt, the best lip balm I've tried...ever!




When i first heard about Nuxe Rève de Miel i wasn't sure if it could live up to the amazing reviews and high price tag, though eventually i caved and decided to give it a go - and obviously i'm so glad that i did. 
Unlike many lip balms, it doesn't just coat the lips making them feel soft until it quickly wears off and leaves them more dehydrated than before, but actually continues to hydrate your lips hours after application.
 The matte finish of the balm is also something that has quickly made it my all time favorite. It leaves your lips looking natural (so you can avoid the 'I just layered a whole pot full of shiny balm onto my lips' look) and provides the perfect base for lipstick. I'm also a huge fan of the sweet and refreshing citrus scent (something between oranges and lemons).
This little pot of miracles now sits in prime position on my bedside table, and I think that's where it's going to stay for a very long time.

Nuxe Rève de Miel lip balm retails for £9.50 (worth every penny) and is available at Feelunique, Marks and Spenser and Space NK. 

♥


My Life Recently via Instagram

January 09, 2013


1. Bath time.
2. Bought a charm for my new charm bracelet (present from my lovely mum this christmas).
3. My mini white Christmas tree in my bedroom. I'm always so sad when Christmas is over and you have to take all the decorations down!
4. Festive doughnuts from Krispy Kreme.
5. Little Lindt Reindeer from my advent calender.
6. Delicious Pret A Manger lunch.
7. New chocolate discovery.
8. In my Pj's ready to watch some Vampire Diaries before bed.
9. Bedtime reading.

If you would like to follow me on instagram my username is laurathroughthelens.


 ♥






The Best of 2012

January 04, 2013



At first I thought that making a manageable sized post about my favorite products of 2012 would require hours of list making and re-making. Though, in the end i found it quite simple. The best products i encountered in 2012 were the ones that have found a permanent place in my life...





1. Simple cleansing facial wipes
I use these everyday to help take off my makeup and i'm not sure I could survive without them! They're perfect for my sensitive skin yet remove makeup really well. Something I've repurchased (and will continue to repurchase) uncountable times. 

2. Jo Malone Vanilla and Anise Cologne
Not only my favorite scene of 2012, but quite possibly, ever!

3. Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique
As mentioned in my November favorites, this is the best heat protector I've ever used. It not only saves my hair from relentless heat damage but leaves it soft and de-frizzed. 

4. Orly Rage
I have been in love with rose gold throughout 2012 so this polish is perfect. I love quite neutral nail colours, and i adore anything with sparkle.

5. Essie Ballet Slippers
I found this in summer and have almost used up the whole bottle. It's the perfect nude pink shade that looks lovely on its own or as a base under glitter based polishes. 

6. Soap and Glory Hand Maid
This has been my life saver. Being a bit of a 'germ-aphobe' I'm always using hand sanitizer when i'm out and about. This one is the best I've found as it doesn't have the awful alcohol tainted smell that most do (oh yeah, and it's pink!).




1. L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara
I've used so many different mascaras throughout 2012 but this is the one i keep coming back to. It lengthens and adds volume without any clumps or smudging - what more could you ask for?! 

2. Collection 2000 lasting perfection concealer
This is an amazing product, especially considering the price. It's great at covering blemishes as well as under eye circles. 

3. Bare Minerals Touch up Veil
I found this in June and have been addicted ever since. It sets my makeup and banishes shine without looking 'cakey'. As it's a compact it's also really handy for throwing in my handbag for touch ups throughout the day.

4. Urban Decay Naked 2 Eye shadow Palette
Well what can i say really?! I loved the first Naked palette, and when this one was released I fell in love again. Gorgeous choice of neutral colours and perfect for travelling. 

5. Mac Painterly Paint Pot
I bought this in January last year and have used it almost everyday. It's the perfect base for eye shadows or worn alone for a very flawless, natural look. 

6. Chanel Emerveille Illusion D'ombre Eye shadow
I don't think I can say enough good things about this. It's the perfect product for an effortless yet beautiful eye  colour that again can be worn alone or as a base. 





1. Mac Pinch o'peach Blush
This has been my most used blush in 2012. It gives a gorgeous flush of pink to my cheeks and on days when I'm wanting a more natural look it's the perfect blush as it has no detectable shimmer. 

2. Nars Orgasm Blush
I bought this in February and have been in love with it ever since. It adds warmth to my pale complexion and a touch of shimmer. 

3. Mac Shy Girl Lipstick
This has been my favorite everyday lip colour throughout 2012. It gives a lovely wash of peachy pink colour to my lips and the cremesheen formula means that it doesn't leave my lips completely parched either. 

4. Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (02)
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with lip gloss - though it looks lovely, I can't stand the whole 'hair stuck to my lips' thing. However, this gloss makes my lips look (and smell) amazing without being at all sticky. 

5. Korres Lip Butter
I have a bit of an obsession with lip balm in general but this has definitely been my favorite in 2012. Read my full review here. 

6. Mac Tendertones (Hush Hush)
I simply can't get enough of these. Somewhat between a balm and a gloss, they leave the lips hydrated and glossy. Best of all though is the delicious strawberry/kiwi scent. I only hope mac re-releases them again before i run out...


For me, 2012 has been an amazing year filled with wonderful new product discoveries. I can only hope that 2013 is just as good, if not better.


♥