Current Favourites

I should probably start my latest post by only one way and that's apologising for going missing from my little corner of the internet, otherwise known as What Lauren Says. I'd constantly get urges to blog but wasn't quite motivated to turn that into words. Well, words that were actually worth reading. Never fear though as I bring you my current favourites. I want to mix it up a little from now on - instead of just bringing you beauty ramblings. So expect a little bit of everything that interests me, excites me and enhances me! 

theBalm cosmetics Nude Tude Eyeshadow Palette (£26) - I lusted after this palette for months and months, read countless reviews until I couldn't keep myself away for much longer. The pigmentation and lasting power of these shadows are up there with the best. No exaggeration in that they last all day even without primer. There's a great variety to choose from in terms of shades - making it perfect for travel purposes. I've been really enjoying pairing 'Stand-offish' and 'Selfish' together to create a smoky eye. 

VO5 Plump It Up Dry Shampoo (£3.59) - In the past I've found with other dry shampoos that they can get used up very quickly but with this offering from VO5 it seems to last ages. It does it's job as a dry shampoo when your hair wash day is touch and go but it adds volume to the hair very well. I love adding this to the roots to stop my hair from looking flat. 

Garnier 5 Second Perfect Blur Primer (£12.99) - A little on the pricier side for a drugstore primer but hear me out. I can understand where the name 'perfect blur' came from with this product. My skin genuinely appears and feels to be almost airbrushed shall we say with this primer. It helps to keep my base in place all day and concealer touch ups have become a lot less for me. 

Lindsey Kelk - I Heart New York (£7.99) - Kelk has become one of my favourite authors. This book had me hooked. When I say hooked I mean in read the whole I Heart series in less than two weeks. Her writing style is such an easy read which has me giggling when I shouldn't be. I can't wait to read more about the antics Angela Clarke gets up to once again in the next instalment. 

Courteeners - Concrete Love (£8.99) - It's no secret that Courteeners are my favourite band. Their fourth album has been on repeat for months. Concrete Love is a very different sound to their previous material but Liam Fray's relate able lyrics are very present on the latest record. My favourite tracks are 'How Good It Was', 'Small Bones', 'Saboteur' and 'Next Time You Call'. 

So that's it for my first post back in forever but fear not I have plenty of posts lined up, Also, I will be participating in Blogmas this year (I attempted last year but miserably failed but ssh). 

February Favourites

When you put yourself on a spending ban you tend to raid your mountain of samples and are forced to rediscover old favourites. There are a couple of new things that I just couldn't turn down because I was out of them so it was totally allowed and I was sucked into the blogger hype. So here's what I loved in February.

• Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in Ivory (£8.99) - I posted a more in depth review of this foundation HERE. This product has got me out of my foundation rut though!
• Seventeen Phwoarr Paint in Fair (£5.49) - This is a product I forgot about recently and then it ended back into my make-up routine and I wondered why it ever stopped. It's perfect for hiding those under eye bags but covers blemishes really well too.
• Birchbox Eyelash Curlers (£10) - I never understood eyelash curlers and that's probably because I was useless at using them but with a bit of practise and a quality pair of them I can see why they are so useful.

• Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Lightweight Conditioning Spray (£4.49) - This is essentially a leave in conditioner but it de-tangles hair really well as well as protecting from heat. An affordable price for a multi-use product. 
• Korres Citrus Showergel 50ml (£2.50) - This was part on my Birchbox subscription and had been left lying around in my samples collection. I love to use this before bed as the smell might be citrus but leaves me feeling relaxed and sleepy. 
• La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+] (£15.50) - Everyone is talking about this product. I received a sample of the original Effaclar Duo just before this newer version got released so of course I picked it up on the introductory offer. Blemishes aren't around for long with this.

So that's everything from me! What have you loved this month?

January Favourites

I've found that this month I have been trying out so many products, especially because I've put myself on a spending ban which you can read HERE. What comes with a spending ban is the fact you're forced to use a lot of products you already own - finding some old treasures in your never ending collection. Along with Christmas gifts too January has very much been the experimentation month!

• Bourjois Happy Light Matte Serum Primer (£10.99) - I picked this product up with a gift card and Bourjois are a brand I'm really starting to enjoy. I was a little hesitant about a matte primer as I have a dry skin type but still I went ahead. I'm so glad I did, it gives me an airbrush like finish to my foundation after application. I also like how it comes in a glass bottle with a pump as I often feel like I'm wasting product when using a primer from a tube.
• Clinique Lash Building Primer (£12.00) - Another primer! I actually picked this up a few months ago but couldn't get it work right for me. The mascara style wand holds a white product with the same consistency of a mascara, I swipe a few times over the lashes and it leaves my lashes with length all day, such a good purchase that was brought on a whim. 
• Carmex Original Lip Pot (£2.69) -  I actually picked this up in Primark of all places for a little cheaper with a price of £2. I often wondered why everyone raved and ranted about this lip balm and now I can see why. I suffer with terribly chapped lips and this has been keeping the dryness at bay with so much ease. I really like products when I can see an impact straight away and this offers that.
• Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain (£7.99) - Now I know I'm massively late with this product, so late Revlon have actually brought a new release out on this product but whatever. I opted for the shade Honey as I wanted something natural for everyday wear. I've been really enjoying lip stain products and this one from Revlon has become my absolute favourite. 
• L'Oreal Triple Active Day Moisturiser (£6.49) - This product I actually picked up in a gift set from the boxing day sales and I adore it. Suffering with dry skin always means I need something leaving me hydrated and keeping any dry patches at bay too. This really does do the trick. I pop it on in the morning and it also makes make up application a lot smoother too.
• DKNY Be Delicious 30ml (£34.99) -  I love this range of fragrance from DKNY. I find that Be Delicious is the strongest smelling scent I have tried from the range but definitely my favourite one. Personally I prefer to wear it in the evenings but it's long lasting and I've gotten so many compliments on the fragrance.
• Bourjois Java Rice Loose Powder (£9.99) - I have wanted to try this out for the longest time and I am sure it was worth the wait. Released as part of Bourjois' anniversary and I can see why it's a best seller from back in the day. It gives a lovely radiant glow to the skin and sets make up well too. I like to use it a highlighter as well due to it's shimmery finish. 
• Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara (£10.50) - This was part of the Yule Monty gift set from Soap & Glory and why has it taken me this long to try it? The mascara wand is like a thinner cone shape and really lengthens the lashes well giving them a thickness as well. Somehow I don't already have anything similar to this mascara in my collection making it a great addition and often reached for.

What products have you been loving lately?