Laura Geller Beauty Waterproof Gel Liner - Review

I'd say I'm not very adventurous with my make up choices; shed load of concealer, foundation, standard black mascara, cream blusher. Done. But on the days I'm feeling particularly adventurous/have spare time in the morning, eye liner is on the cards, and to no surprise it's a standard black liquid liner.

But this eye liner is different, it's purple and also by a brand I have never heard of before: Laura Geller Beauty. I quite like that risk of trying out an unknown brand, or at least one that's lesser known, you don't quite know what to expect.

The aim of this brand is to simplify make up application to achieve maximum results, and this is evident  in the design of the product: the brush in concealed in the top of the lid and can be changed from brush to standard lid very easily. The bonus of this is that it's also pretty good at keeping the brush clean too, I mean it's not getting mixed up with foundation brushes and the like. It's also pretty efficiently in that I only need to take the product with me and I don't need to take additional brushes about for touching up. Even though it's a tad bulky for an eye liner, the idea certainly works for me. However, when I received the liner, the brush was slightly frayed which is mega annoying for applying precise thin lines. Hopefully after I cleanse it and it dries it will be a bit more orderly. I hope!

Eye liner: Laura Geller Beauty Waterproof Gel Liner in Purple
Mascara: YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking in Pure Black
Concealer: Collection Lasting Perfection ConcealerFoundation: YSL Touche Eclat Foundation

Onto the actual gel, honestly, I didn't think I'd like it. I expected a really vivid purple shade, almost garish, but I was surprised. Instead it was a more subtle purple tone and was actually quite flattering to my eye colour. Maybe in the end I wanted a more vivid purple to show that I was trying something new, but in reality, this is far more wearable  and elegant and would go perfectly with a smokey eye shadows for day time and fancy evening looks. Also, who in actual real life wears bright purple eye liner?! It's lucky that I don't get what I want sometimes.

What I also like about this gel is that is was very soft and doesn't feel like it's going to dry out as soon as I leave the lid off of it for more than 20 minutes and that gave me hope that it's going to be kind to my skin too. When on my eyelids, which by the way tend to be oily and usually result in eye liner smudged everywhere in under 3 hours, this formula is genuinely lovely, crease free and smudge proof. 5 hours later and it still has a staying power.

I guess that's where you get what you pay for, this product retails on Birchbox for £24.50 for two and seems pretty steep for an eye liner or at least one in my kind of budget. So I doubt that this will be repurchased but it is a very nice formula, and has definitely opened my eyes to other eye liner colours out there and that even a subtle change makes a great difference.  

Ted Baker Washbag in Drina - Review

A post Christmas splurge for one of these bags has been on the cards for a while now. Ted Baker, to me, as a brand emulates quality and general gorgeousness. Initially, it was on my Christmas list but because my Mum is somewhat sane, she decided not to spend out on a simple wash bag. But me, well, I'm not.

In the sales this bag was £15, knocked down from £22. Bargain! Ok, ok, so in hindsight spending over a fiver on a make up bag is pretty obscene for a 17 year old.  To give reason to this insanity I have to argue that it's so pretty and the sales are just an excuse to get presents for yourself as a sort of 'well done for surviving the festive period'. So this was mine.

Buying online meant shipping was £4.50, which is ridiculous. Totally mental. Luckily the powers off the internet saved me of that with a free delivery discount code. Thank god! But, the packaging, oh the packaging, it turned up in a lime green box and 'Ted always delivers' printed in swirly writing as you lift up the lid. I like the effort, its different from the bog standard recyclable plastic bags that my purchases usually turn up in.

On to the bag... its miniature, perfect for travelling with basics or just to slip into your hand bag for everyday essentials. Although, I'm not really one for taking make up out with me, mainly in fear of losing it. I don't think I could deal with myself if I lost the only things that stops me from looking like one of Fagin's children on a daily basis.

The pattern on the bag is dreamy, the sequin print is just pretty and dainty. I think that's how it can be described; pretty. The little touches on this bag like the rose gold zip and the pearly pink satin insides, just complete the luxury of the bag. Am I in love? Almost.

I think I'm now living with the fear I have is ruining the gorgeous insides with my clumsy make-up stained hands. I'll best be on my best behaviour when using this!

Birchbox March 2013 - Unboxing

Whenever I get a parcel in the mail I get very very happy, even if I've expected the delivery and have received ninety thousand emails in the days prior to the parcel's arrival. Its the little things that make me the happiest. It may be one of the main reasons I decided to subscribe to Birchbox. But aside from that, I'd been eyed up similar beauty subscriptions and after much deliberation and with the help of my paycheck, I thought Birchbox would be a great contributor to my hoarding obsession.

Birchbox is a monthly £10 (plus postage and packaging) subscription, and you receive 4 or 5 fancy beauty or skin care products in sweet little box. Quite clearly, right up my street. The products are often sample sized, but once you've tried them out and you decide that you like the products you can pop onto the Birchbox website and purchase the full sized thing and also receive points to save up and spend on more luxury beauty things.

The box is also accompanied by a little magazine/booklet type thing, where there are a couple of tutorials and interviews with the lesser known brands - which I thought was a bit of a god send, I'm a bit pants at the whole make-up shebang but I like to pretend that I know what I'm doing. 

Here's what arrived though my postbox from Birchbox this month...

 

Beauty Blender Sponge and Cleanser
I think in real life I would never ever ever spend £24 on a sponge, despite the gorgeous fluorescent pink colour. I really can't wait to try it out after reading such great things from pro make up artists and bloggers about it. And plus, the cleanser means that the sponge will last a hell of a lot longer. Nice pairing of products, 10 points to Birchbox.

Laura Geller Beauty Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liner

I'm quite the fan of winged liner, flattering and timeless. However, I'm more of a traditional black eyeliner girl, so vivid purple is a bit of a change for me. I think it's a welcomed change, but we'll have to see what happens.

Molton Brown Valbonne Fragrance
Eeeeek, I'm never sure about scent. Your perfume is something quite personal. I like something that smells clean and light and basically, Armani Diamonds and I can already tell Valbonne is going to be a heavy scent. More mature? Maybe. This might be one for my mum.

La Sultane De Saba Body Lotion With Argan Oil (Left)
Argan oil is flipping everywhere! Hair, skin... Well, that's about it in my household. But still, from experience, I like it. It works well, its hydrating and although I'm super rubbish at remembering to use body lotion and moisturisers, I have high hopes for this product.

Yu-be Moisturizing Skin Cream (Right)
A handy moisturiser  I can already tell that this tiny tube is going to be in my handbag as a bit of a cold weather survival kit. My skin dries out BIG TIME in the winter, especially on my cheeks. So with a little hope, this tube will work wonders.

Lindt Lindor Heart Tin Filled With Chocolate Truffles
I think for most people the way to their heart is through Lindor. Sickly sweet, smooth and an extra gift from Birchbox. As the theme of the box was role models (and Mother's Day) I think the general idea was to give them away to someone you appreciate (unfortunately I had a bad day yesterday and these were gone in, I kid you not, a blink of an eye). Cute idea.

There we have it, no doubt I'll review the bits and bobs as I get round to them, so keep an eye out for that!

Fashion Fridays: Monochrome

Black and white hit the spring/summer catwalk shows like a speeding train and is still pretty hard to avoid. Whether it's in chequered, polka pots, stripes, or just plain and simple, it's such an easy trend to jump on board with.

What I like with this trend is that's so versatile and can also be done with little money spent for the same result, added bonus! So here's my high street must haves to achieve this style.

Doesn't this just scream 'bad sandy'? I really love the vintage style slash neckline.

Pair this with white Dr Martens, white nails and matching white clutch bag. Perfection.

Motel

Comfy, gorgeous and classic. 

Asos

A cute twist on a sophisticated crisp shirt.

Pair with leather skater skirt, sky high heels and hot pink lips.

Selected Femme

Big prints are a style after my own heart,

I definitely need this Bomber Jacket in my life asap.

Topshop

I thought i's end on something,that I'm not 100% convinced by:

hidden wedge trainers, despite being right on the monochrome trend,

I'm not sure they're quite my thing.

Although, they would look perfect with the Topshop bomber jacket.

Kurt Geiger

5 Songs for Spring

It's safe to say I got a little over excited when I was at work the other day; dressing the mannequins in the window usually means I can have a good look at dreary suburban life and the seriously deranged locals (that no matter what the weather is like, never fail to wear shorts). But, this Saturday was very very different. It was sunny, and that can only mean one thing, spring.

Now, I've finally sat down and really started piecing together this post, it snowed yesterday. And I mean, blizzard. I'm partial to a bit of snow but I'm definitely ready for spring now, so for the mean time here's 5 songs to remind me it's not going to be -1 degrees forever.

HAIM - Falling 

The 1975 - Chocolate

Bastille - Pompeii 

Jake Bugg - Lightening Bolt

Foals - My Number

There we have it, 5 songs that are going to be played non stop on my iPod for the next month or two to see me into the new season. So tell me, what are your 5 songs for spring?

Fashion Fridays: Neon

They (Vogue and the elderly lady that I work with) say 'fashion repeats itself', but this one I might not be ready for. When I was 12 I went through a stage of wearing garish neon socks: yellow and pink, polka dot knee high socks. Urgh, it's one of those things that I'd rather not remember, but it's all relevant.

This spring sees splashes of neon just about everywhere, but especially in accessories - thank God socks are not the main feature in any S/S13 round ups. Personally, wouldn't go all out head to toe in neon, but a small hint here or there in a necklace or clutch bag makes a plain outfit gain a new dimension. If you're feeling super adventurous and a sudden mood takes you, mix neon with floral. It's a serious match made in heaven. If you need evidence have a look at Lianne La Havas on the cover of Company this March 2013. Need I say more?!

So here's my wishlist of neon accessories to brighten up the dreary days and prepare yourself for (fingers crossed) a gorgeous spring time!

How could I not include the Queen of eccentricity?! 

Vivienne Westwood + Melissa Skyscraper II Fuchsia 

Obscure bag-within-a-bag concept, weird, but cool.

Zara 

Lime Rebel, a mix up of classic swatch style.

Swatch/The Watch Shop

If stopping traffic is your thing, then so is this skirt

Statement embroidered skirt from Simone Rocha SS13 collection 

Maybe something a little more subtle...

ASOS

The general rule for neon, I believe, is that if it makes you feel a bit sick, it's probably a good thing. 

Advanced Style By Ari Seth Cohen - Review

I read an article about this book sometime in 2012 in The Times Magazine, and completely fell in love with the whole concept of older women really pioneering fashion to a whole new level.

Spawning from Cohen's blog ADVANCED STYLE of fashion by older ladies and gents, this book is a compilation of the individuals he has met on his travels and primarily in New York. He describes Advanced Style as 'a celebration of life' and I couldn't agree more.

Naturally, working in a charity shop, I hear the phrase, 'I couldn't possibly wear that, I'm far too old' too often, and it absolutely does my head in. I'm serious, I can't be the only one, does it get to you too?

I genuinely feel like this book should be given to every woman - and man - as they step into Marks and Spenser into the jungle of pastel coloured cardigans and ill flattering skirts. Women need to know the potential that they hold within them and personally I found a serious amount of inspiration in this book.

I mean, I found inspiration in two ways when working my way through the pages. The first for clothes, obviously, there were tonnes of different style combinations and strange hats to gaup at and to put on my wish list. Initially this is the first thing you see when you look at these women, the eccentric clothes. But then you find a new kind of appreciation, for their confidence and true love for life. The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas (I know, try saying that 3 times), said this, 'young woman, you're gonna be an old woman someday. Don't worry about it,  don't sweat it...every era it builds character' and it really resonates with me. I'm not scared of being old or ageing but for the people who are, I recommend this book. If I've learnt anything from it is that acceptance, at any age, comes from within. I like that a lot. 

The whole book is finished perfectly; matte finish with gold reflective text on the cover and a gorgeous font throughout. The pictures are gorgeous, each one bringing a little smile to my face - either by the outfit, the pose or the quote from the person. Each one celebrating life and fashion as it should be.

I got mine from Amazon for £16, and although may not have been the most frugal of choices, but it will be a book that I'd recommend for any fashion addict (I want to say 'fanatic' but I risk being too cliché), like myself and It would make a perfect (and most unusual) gift.

So, what's the most obscure thing you've ever worn that's made you feel on top the world? 

St Ives Naturally Clear Facial Scrub - Review

There is no other way of putting this: when it comes to a skin care routine I just fail. I want to have a really regimented morning of cleansing and toning and moisturising and faffing about with all sorts of products, but even when I set my alarm extra early to do a bit of exercise, I automatically reach for the snooze button and flop back into bed and wake up at quarter to 8, 15 minutes before I have to leave for school. It's safe to say every single day is a rush.

So skin care for me is reserved for the evenings, and this product has certainly made an impact on that routine. I was attracted to this product because of the apricot scent. I recently tried an Origins Drink Up Face Mask which you leave on your face all night and it smells so super delicious, it's unreal. Regrettably, I didn't smell the St Ives scrub before I brought it, and due to the packaging I assumed that it would make my face smell of apricots. That's me, all for the aesthetics. If I'm honest when I first smelt it, it was a bit like strong cleaning product. However, I've asked some other people what they thought of the smell and there seems to be a unanimous 'its quite nice' opinion, so maybe that one's just me. Regardless, It's definitely a clean smell.

As its a scrub it's obviously got quite a rough, sandy texture when its in your hands which I was worried about. I have somewhat delicate skin on my face, particularly cheeks, which is also partial to redness. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how gentle this product was, it washes off easily and my skin felt super soft after. As an added bonus, my cheeks weren't any redder than before I used it. Yay! However, I would only recommend to use in the evenings 2 or 3 times a week as I've found it is pretty difficult to apply make up on after I used this product and moisturised, which is annoying.

This product specialises in clearing skin and I think it does the job. I've seen a reduction of blackheads, and in general, less oils on my face in the T zone area. I feel very refreshed after using this. 

Despite the smell I think this is a really great scrub and no wonder St Ives have claimed to be the UK's number one scrub brand. I've not used any other St Ives scrubs or face masks before, but I've definitely been swayed. I feel like there is a definite repurchase on the cards for this one!  

RRP: £4.99

Overall Score: 8/10
Repurchase? Yes