Autumn Nail Polish Picks

One thing you will slowly learn about me is that my nail polish collection is some what out of control. I'm not as bad as I used to be for it and I'm quite happy with drugstore polishes. I love deep shades and nudes so Autumn is my favourite time of the year for nail polish. I've tried to link as many as possible but some shades are no longer produced. So here is my favourite nail polishes for Autumn..

Firstly please excuse the window reflection on the nail colour (at least we know which ones are high shine)!

From left to right: | Avon Matte Nail Enamel (£6) - Red Velvet | Barry M Nail Paint (£2.99) - Raspberry | Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish (£2.99) - 195 Perfect Plum | Avon Nailwear Pro (£6) - Night Violet | Natural Collection Nail Colour (£1.89) - Lunar Haze | Nails Inc Limited Edition (£11) - Parsons Green | 

From right to left: | Leighton Denny Polish (£11) - On The Rocks | NYC Nail Colour (£1.79) - Park Ave | Barry M Matte Nail Paint (£3.99) - Vanilla | OPI Nail Lacquer (£11) - Glamour Game | Collecton Hot Looks Nails (£1.99) - Milkshake |

Do you have any favourite shades for Autumn? 

October's Birchbox

I'm always on the hunt for new products to try out whether it be beauty, health or hair related. After looking around at different monthly beauty boxes available I settled on Birchbox. It launched back in 2010 in New York and soon spread across to the UK, France and Spain. As a girl on a budget it's perfect to find out which high end products could work for me without purchasing a full size and not liking it. It's priced at £10 per month plus P+P. You get a selection of well known brands to brands who are looking for a little recognition and fan base!

First off the packaging is super cute. I love the fact the little box comes inside another larger box (especially when a naughty post man leaves my package outside in not so nice weather!) The packaging where the goods are kept is super sturdy and will definitely make a good storage box! And now what's inside? 

So 7 goodies to play around with as well as cute little cards with tips and tricks and all that on there! Yes that is Laura Mercier you are spotting as well..

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser (£33) - Sand

Akane Mask Cocoon Nocturne (£18)

Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips (£11.50)

KMS California Hair Play Makeover Spray (£15)

theBalm cosmetics Stainiac (£10) - Beauty Queen

Plus I got in October's box Birchbox Eyelash Curlers (£10) and 3 sachets of Egyptian Magic (£29)!

You can get your hands on November's offering at Birchbox here.

October Favourites

So my first monthly favourites post on my blog! I've finally hunted down my camera after the house move, only my standard digital camera for now as I'm having problems with my DSLR, grr! None the less I've just got the five things this month as I haven't really tried a lot of new things out.

| Rimmel's Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick (£5.49) - Shade 19 |

Swatched! A real subtle shade.

I adore all of the Rimmel lipsticks by Kate Moss. I'm not going to lie the reason I tried them out was not because they are brilliant but just because I love Kate Moss, how naughty of me! Anyway, I really love this shade, I'm not very experimental with colours in my make-up as I am so so so pale. This colour though is a few shades give and take of my actual lip colour without any products on them. It just adds a little something and I've just enjoyed wearing this for a darker lip in autumn. 

| Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner  (£10) - Shade Black |

This actually came free in a magazine recently (I can't remember which one now, sorry!). I already can't wait to repurchase it, how bad is that?! I have never been an eyeliner fan until now. Usually opting for a shadow liner out of an eyeshadow palette or something like that. I find this amazingly easy to use and the nib just glides easily. I've needed a long lasting make-up look this month quite a lot as I've had a few parties and gigs and I needed my make up to last the whole night (maybe even into the morning) and this is what I turned to. I was even more pleased to know Alexa Chung is a fan and she's bringing out her own range for Eyeko this month. I must get my hands on that!

| Barry M Matte Nail Paint (£3.99) - Vanilla |

I'm surprised Barry M hadn't brought this out sooner. I adore the look of matte nail polishes and this is no exception. The only downside is they usually chip after a day and top coat just ruins the effect.  I've been loving this colour though so I can deal with a applying another quick coat. I find it has a slight lilac hint to it. As I mentioned being pale comes with its difficulties and finding a nice nude shade that doesn't ridiculous on me is hard so congrats to Barry M!

| Clinique Facial Soap (£14.50) - Mild |

Now I can't remember the last time I used anything in a bar of soap form until I was recommended this at the Clinque counter. As it gets colder my skin gets drier. I wouldn't say I suffered with terrible dry skin but it does get a little flaky around the t-zone area. The saleswoman said 'mild' would be the one for me and she was right. You are told to use it twice a day, so for me in the morning and evening shower. My skin has been left feeling super soft and keeping any dry areas at bay. I noticed a difference after the first time of use. It also comes with a cute little soap dish as well.

| The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner (£3-£8) |

I had a little haul of The Body Shop last month and picked up a few bits and bobs. One being this toner. Now I've got the cleanser as well but with toner I find it's what leaves me feeling fresh and awake so it's perfect for in the morning. Now what I love about The Body Shop is that you can pick up smaller sizes of products which is perfect for exploring new items. I've nearly used up this toner so I will most definitely be repurchasing the larger bottle. It's left any blemishes at bay as well!

What have been your favourites in the past month?

Also, has anyone got any products they can recommend for reducing redness?

Wishlist - Fashion/Beauty Edition #2

Hello again. Another wishlist as what girl is never craving new purchases. I'm typing this out lying in bed feeling sorry for myself as the dreaded sore throat/cold bug has hit me, two days before I move house and three gigs upcoming in the next week! So apologies in advance if posts are a little scattered and somewhat not very organised. I'm aiming to post every two days but you know what it's like when life grabs you with two hands and gives you a good shake, before you even realise it's Monday all over again. Anyway, enough rambling..

Motel Tabitha Playsuit  | ASOS Satchel Bag | Essie Poor Lil' Rich Girl | H&M Loafers 
| Phix Clothing Who The F$ck Is Liam Gallagher Tee |

So this wishlist is a little fashion heavy but I've been lusting after most of this for a while!

This long sleeved paisley print playsuit from Motel Rocks is soooo needed in my life. Long sleeves are a big yes in my book for Autumn/Winter for obvious reasons and you might already be aware of my love for crazy 60's prints such as paisley. Priced at £48 but I'd say it's worth it as I'd wear it so much! 

I've been lusting after this scalloped detailing edged satchel bag from ASOS for a few months now. It's got a real elegant-chic feel about it and everyone knows black goes with everything so straight away it would match up to anything in my wardrobe. I'm just waiting for the day it accidentally ends up in my online haul session - which tends to happen an awful lot anyway!

I've been dying to get myself a new shade of burgundy red polish for a while as my Barry M in Raspberry has seen better days now. This is quite a deeper red however I am so in need of it but I can only seem to find it on places like Amazon now, booooo!

As a massive loafer fan I'm always on the lookout for a modern twist on a classic. As I have to wear black shoes for work as part of my uniform as well a good comfy pair of loafers can never go a miss. I think these from H&M are reasonably priced also at £19.99!

Finally, a little bit of a risky tee but I love Liam Gallagher and I love the reasoning and musical history behind this! Keith Richards was seen sporting this a few years back now but about fellow band member Mick Jagger - and has since become something quite iconic. So when Reni of The Stone Roses walked out holding this very t-shirt at a gig back in June I knew I had to find it. Well I did just that, so I give you the kings of slogan tees - Phix Clothing.

What are you lusting over right now?

Clinique Goodies

Last week I discovered Debenhams had an offer on the Clinique range they stock. Buy any two items (one has to be skincare) and get a free gift set. I believe this offer is only running actually in stores and I think it ends the 20 something of October, my memory is lacking! Either way I'd get to your nearest Debenhams sooner rather later if you want your slice of the action! I actually took time to work out how much this free gift was worth and was slightly shocked to see around the £50 mark - for 6 small products (pretty much sample sizes) and a patterned cosmetics/toiletries bag - call it what you may.

The cosmetics bag. Simple bright pattern! 

Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion | All About Eyes | 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse Off Formula

Chubby Stick Intense - 05 Plushest Punch | High Lengths Mascara - 01 Black | 

Blushing Blush Powder - Iced Lotus

Swatched! Left to right: Blushing Blush Powder - Iced Lotus | Chubby Stick Intense - 05 Plushest Punch

So I got my hands on this just under a week ago and I've decided on my top picks:

The blusher -  A lovely frosted and shimmery shade of pink with a hint of purple tones to it, ideal for the earlier stages of the autumn season.

The eye cream - Claims to reduce puffs and circles and I've got to say applying this before my make up has left me looking more awake when I'm really not!

The mascara - Brilliant for a simple lengthen to your lashes for a natural eye look perhaps.

What are your favourite Clinique products?

Sunday Stuff #1

Usually I'm at work on a Sunday but when I check the rota and see 'Lauren - OFF' I get more excited than I should as I really do take it very seriously as the day of rest. Magazines and endless amounts of my favourite products are at the ready! People often talk about taking care of themselves by eating clean and exercising but a little time for themselves isn't always on top form. I feel it's so important to take a few hours out at least once a week. So what's my check list?

Reading materials - A glossy magazine or two (Glamour and Cosmopolitan have great freebie samples this month as well. Think Alexa Chung's go-to eyeliner from Eyeko and tanning favourite St Tropez!)

Hair care - Aussie Take The Heat shampoo | Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor | Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Hair Butter | Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Colour Deep Replenishment 

 Skin care - Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub | Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Facial Wash | Radox Shower Smoothies Soul Soother

Music - Arctic Monkeys - AM (those boys never fail me!)

So there's my essentials for my typical chill out Sunday. What's yours?

The Autumn Tag

I was tagged by the wonderful Katie to do The Autumn Tag!

Favourite thing about it?

Being able to bring all the jackets out of the back of my wardrobe. I am very much a jacket kind of girl. But I do love all the colours that come with autumn and hot chocolate, especially the Galaxy one!

Favourite drink?

I've just mentioned it in hot chocolates. Galaxy, Cadbury's.. I could go on, add a bit of cream on the top as well to make your way through while your drink cools down.

Favourite scent/candle?

Something with vanilla, it has to be. I usually go for fruity smells so the colder months I tend to turn to the trusty vanilla. Might venture out this year though!

Best lipstick?

Kate Moss for Rimmel Lasting Finish in 19. The best way to describe this is a really deep shade of pink that just touches a hint of red. I'm not very daring with darker shades of lipstick so I love this for autumn (and I love Kate Moss!)

Go to moisturiser?

I'll have to keep it simple (excuse the pun) and go with Simple's Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser. I tend to get a dry area around my t-zone area of skin so keeping my skin in tip-top shape would be this product, hydration is exactly what is needed in the colder months of the year.  

Go to colour for the eyes?

Neutral shades are the thing for me. All year round, I don't step out of my comfort zone. But bronze and copper-like shades tend to be go to thing. Especially Sleek's Au Naturel pallete! 

Favourite music or band/singer to listen to?

Where do I start? The Courteeners, Arctic Monkeys, The Strypes, Beady Eye have been stand out for me this year but all time favourites include Joy Division, Oasis, Paul Weller.. I could go on forever so I won't.

Favourite outfit to wear (i.e. boots & a scarf combo)?

A classic parka and a  red-based tartan scarf. Simple but with the right swing dress, opaque tights and chelsea boots I can pretend in my head I am Alexa Chung. 

Autumn treat (i.e. a new scarf or bag you have your eye on)?

I have been dying to get my hands on a tan coloured satchel but I'm finding it quite the impossible to find one I like. Especially at a decent size to carry most everyday things around.

Favourite place to be?

I can't stand to be cold really so I'm quite happy in the house, curled up on the sofa or nice and cosy in bed. Not very exciting I'm afraid.

Body Shop's Rainforest Radiance Hair Butter

Last week I had a bit of a hairdressing nightmare. Usually I'd ask my hairdresser for a roots touch up, half head of highlights and a trim. However, after pondering it for a while I decided I wanted to go to a darker blonde as such a whitey-blonde wasn't for me any more, especially with my naturally quite dark eyebrows. So I've been having a mobile hairdresser for quite a while as a busy schedule at work doesn't allow me to visit a salon recently. She turned my white blonde highlighted head into a very very light yellow-ish blonde that faded into the darker blonde I actually wished for. Picture this: ombre hair gone terribly wrong. 

Getting to the point of this post anyway.. I decided to just go to a salon the next day as I had an early finish at work. Luckily the problem was solved and she matched my natural mousey dark colour underneath and but fine highlights through the ridiculous yellow blonde roots. But while at this salon, the lovely lady who saved my hair disaster commented on how good of condition my hair was. This has encouraged me a lot to carry on keeping up my hair care routine but I have added something different to it recently that I am loving A LOT. This hair butter from The Body Shop is an amazing treatment for those straggly ends of your hair.

While browsing The Body Shop website I thought I'd try out some hair butter. After reading reviews a lot of people said it left your hair feeling dry and greasy if you put too much on your hair. I chose a smaller version of the product and will definitely be choosing the bigger pot when repurchasing. So when it arrived I decided to try it out and haven't stopped using it for a week now. Firstly, the smell is amazing - something I always look for in hair products. When applying I take a small amount (depending on how much hair you have got remember) and massage it through the ends of my hair. I then tend to leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Since introducing it into my hair care routine I have felt such a difference, my hair feels really soft and silky, a whole lot lighter feel to it as well. I've even had a few compliments on how shiny it's looking.

What's your favourite body shop product?

Want to see a full hair care routine post as well?

What Lauren Says

I thought an introductory post would probably be a sensible place to start. After reading endless blogs and watching hundreds of YouTube videos for the past 8 months I decided this is most definitely something I wanted to try out. Even more so when I finished studying photography at college a few months back and felt a little lost and not sure what to do with myself. And so it begins..

So what is it that you do when you are no longer a student any more?

I decided against university as I just didn't think it was the thing for me (and the fees scared me a little bit). Mainly I didn't want to start my life as such with debt looming over me. I quite luckily landed myself a part time job as a retail assistant. I say part time, I tend to pick up a lot of hours recently to which I am not complaining at. A lot of people question me frequently asking me what I want to do with my life after leaving college and the answer is always well, I don't know. I have no idea what direction I want to go in but this is usually my reply to such questions; "I'm just an 18 year old girl who likes to earn a decent wage to cover costs of attending gigs and my habit of buying a lot of clothes/make-up".

What do you expect to see on my blog?
Well as the name of my blog states it's 'What Lauren Says'. A blog where I can discuss lifestyle, fashion, beauty and my massive love for music. Posts will feature reviews, hauls, OOTD's, music related or me just rambling on about something not even remotely interesting (sorry in advance!)

I tend to talk a lot so let's see how it goes.