L.A.B.2 Lash Out Loud Mascara Wands

I am quite picky when it comes to Mascara Wands and I often switch the brushes between formulas to make it work for me. For example, I absolutely love the brush with Rollerlash from Benefit, but I am not so keen on the formula, so what I do, is use the brush from Rollerlash in other mascaras to make them work for me. However, if you still haven't managed to solve this issue, then you need the L.A.B.2 Lash Out Loud Mascara Wands from beautyMART. 

The L.A.B.2 Lash Out Loud Mascara Wands are priced at £5.50 and the box contains twelve disposable mascara wands which come in four different styles. So depending on the look you want, depends on the wand you would use and of course, we all want eyelashes we were not gifted with at birth! So the options here are:

• To Lengthen - This is the orange/coral brush and it has a mixture of rounded spikes, and sharper spikes to encourage length.
• To Volumise - For this, the Yellow brush is in play and it has lots of long sharp spiky bristles on the sides as well as the tip.
• To Curl - The Pink brush is the one you need for this and it has lots of shorter spiked bristles with none on the tip.
• To Define - Last but no means least is the Purple brush which has lots of shorter spiked bristles similar to the Curl wand except it has a ‘ball’ shape at the end with longer bristles for catching the outer and smaller lashes.

The wands are made from silicone and are reusable, you obviously just need to wash them. I find they are really handy for having in my makeup bag and desk drawer at work as well as for taking on holidays and weekends away.  What's more, if you run out of spoolies for your eyebrows, then you can also use these brushes for a bit of an eyebrow groom too! 

For £5.50, I think these wands are great value for money. I really like that there are four different styles to work with and that there are three of each within the box, giving you chance to experiment and see which brush works best for you and your lashes. For me, it ultimately depends on my mood and I do switch between them, if the mascara formula I am using is quite a wet formula then it is either Pink or Purple to help separate the lashes that little bit more.

I’d love to know what your favourite mascara wand type is?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Bio-Extracts - Your @Home Lab

As part of the Thirty Plus initiative of which I am a member, a few weeks ago I was invited to dinner with Marina Shcherbinina the founder of the Bio Extracts brand. A brand up until this dinner I had never heard of or come across, but the introduction I was sent by email intrigued me. In short Bio Extracts use the latest biotechnology to develop creams and boosters for you to combine at home - pretty much giving you the chance to make your own skincare, after all no one quite knows your skin as well as you do.

Marina was incredibly passionate about her brand and what stood out during her presentation is what she is not only dedicated to making each product the very best that it can be but she will not cut any corners when it comes to the ingredients or quality. It is through using highly purified ingredients derived from plant extracts that skincare benefits are delivered in this unique skincare brand.

There are two elements to the Bio-Extracts system - Creams and Boosters, pretty straightforward and relatively easy to get to grips with.

The Bio-Extract Creams use what is called a Multi-Lamellar System which is explained as follows "the Multi-Lamellar System has a very distinct structural similarity to these natural layers in the skin and mimics the skin’s own lamellar structure. It is designed to act like a “patch” on the skin, restoring its barrier function thus preventing trans-epidermal water-loss (TEWL), improving hydration and protecting the skin from external irritants. Now for someone who isn't techy I get this.

Then come the Bio-Extracts Boosters  and they use a phospholipids-based delivery system to ensure actives penetrate deeper into the skin layers. Again it is explained that Phospholipids are essential constituents of the cellular membranes of all living organisms and they regulate cell life.

Bringing those boosters and the creams together you have the opportunity to create your own skincare product for whichever skincare concern you might. The cream comes in an airless jar and the booster are contained in syringes.  What I like about this is that the airless jar of cream dispenses a precise amount of moisturiser each time with just one pump and although you can use it on its own, the combination of using the syringes allows you the chance to address one or more concerns.

Within the range there are 3 creams and 9 boosters to choose from and for my skin type my prescription was:

 

Light Cream - This is an oil absorbing, mattifying moisturiser with uplifting scents to help people with combination, oily or problem skin. What I like about this cream is that it does absorb excess oil and does mattify the skin, something which if like me you have combination/oily skin the oil slick shine can often be an issue, so it is nice to use a product which helps to deal with it.

Antioxidant Boost – contains a powerful combination of fruit extract, minerals and flavonoids to counteract the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Rutin and Rosmarinic acid help in scavenging free radicals, while manganese, zinc and selenium support the antioxidative defence enzymes.

Hydro Boost – The Hydro Boost will enhance skin radiance and give a firmer, plumped up appearance to the skin. It also gives intense hydration with botanical Hyaluronic Acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and to prevent further signs of premature ageing.

Redness Relief Boost - helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier integrity, improving the ability of the skin to act as a physical and mechanical barrier against external factors. The bio-extract from the bark of White Wallaba, a tree that grows in the Guyanese rain forests, is a true botanical powerhouse. High in tannins, the bark and resin contain anti-inflammatory properties and have been used traditionally by local people for wound healing, toothache or ease of joint pains. White Wallaba bio- extract immediately helps to visually neutralise skin redness and restore skin clarity.

Now that I have my cream and boosters, which I have used up, I liked being able to create and tailor my own skincare in so much that I could decide how much of the booster I felt my skin needed and if you’re thinking that this might be a skin care system that you want to try for yourself then the sets that you can buy that come with a cream and 2, 3 or 4 boosters  and you can choose per issue that you have and there are even sample sets for just £5!

This brand is vegan, paraben free, non GMO, British made, not tested on animals and all ingredients are natural.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

A Guide To Wearing Flat Shoes

The morning after a night out in your favourite pair of strappy stilettos, and you’ve probably sworn never to wear them again. The blisters, the pain, yet when the next night out comes around you just can’t resist. Flat shoes however, have always been associated with comfort – but could they finally be party ready? Whilst, unfortunately, it’s still not appropriate to head out in your fluffy slippers, Daniel Footwear suggest that shoes, such as Melissa shoes and flat designer sandals are parting the way for party flats. 

Embellished sandals

Summer comes hand in hand with pastel colours, embroidery and embellishment – and your shoes are no exception. Embellished sandals are your summer alternative to heels. In fact, many A-listers have even walked the red carpet in the sparkly flats. The worst thing about them is that they can only be worn in the summer — step out in them in the winter and prepare for some strange looks and exceptionally cold toes!

Whether you’re sipping cocktails in Marbella or in your local beer garden, they’re perfect for channelling that beach-to-bar look, while their added glitz adds a dash of glamour that every night out needs. Keep the rest of your outfit formal or smart-casual at the very least — wearing them with jeans is too casual for a night out with friends. Instead, choose feminine dresses and skirts in cool colours and delicate prints. 

Backless loafers

Whilst heels in the workplace can make you look professional and smart, we all know they can also be extremely uncomfortable, especially if you’re on your feet all day. Backless loafers are a great alternative to heels for around the workplace. Originally made popular by Gucci, other brands have since replicated the trend, making the loafer one of this season’s must-haves.

These designer-inspired flats eliminate the chance of blisters and keep your feet cool. Because of their formal style, they’re the perfect addition to your work-wear wardrobe. Choose a black pair and wear with plain-coloured culottes and a chic sleeveless blouse.

You can also wear them as part of your off-duty style — a light-coloured loafer works great with loose-fitting, light wash ripped jeans and an easy t-shirt. Bring the look together with a chic tailored blazer for a look that successfully bridges the gap between smart and casual.

The pointed flat

The ballet pump has been a popular choice amongst women for years now – for comfort and casual fashion. From work to play, is there anything this super-versatile shoe can’t do? 

Apparently not. The pointed pump is the ideal choice for a night out, as it is not just comfortable — it’s this season’s must-have shape. For extra evening glamour, choose an embellished or lace-up pair to add detail to your look.

*this post contains a paid for link

GOSH AW17 New Releases

GOSH are one of my favourite high street brands and when there is a new collection to be had, it is always amazing. The AW17 Collection collectively referred to as Nordic Magic, launched on 26th July features products for your brows, to highlight, to set and prime, to colour correct, line, define, strobe and of course there is a palette!

When it comes to Primers, GOSH has three within their AW17 Collection and all three of them do something completely different!  Starting with the Primer Plus+ Skin Adaptor Anti-Pollution which is said to not only tone and enhance your skin with a healthy looking glow, but it will also smooth, hydrate, rejuvenate and protect your skin against pollution and free radicals and this is thanks to the infused anti-pollution active CITYGUARD+.  The CITYGUARD+ is a novel complex made up of two components of Marine Origin.  I suspect anti-pollution products will be on the rise and whilst I have an anti-pollution mist, this is the first time ive come across a primer with anti-pollution claims. 

On the skin, this primer is incredibly lightweight and it does leave my skin feeling smooth and hydrated.  The application of makeup after adding the primer works incredibly well as you would expect and my makeup lasts pretty much all day, just as it has done with other GOSH Primers that I have used.  It will retail for £14.99 here.

Prime'N Set Primer and Mattifying Setting Powder - With a hint of yellow, this is the GOSH take on banana powder. If you have never used a banana powder before, then this is just as good a place to start as any. As a powder it suits most skin tones and as well as colour-correcting redness, it also neutralises dark under-eye circles. 

I like that you can use it either under or over makeup and it does do quite a good job with my redness, though it isn't too pronounced that concealer would usually cover it anyway.  The powder is finely milled and applies like a dream.  It will retail for £9.99 here.

The third primer in the set is one which I am really enjoying and it is the Eye-Shadow Primer. Formulated with polymer technology, the primer preps the eyelids for all-day wear and it glides on just effortlessly and smoothly and is invisible when dry.  

I have, in my time, used a few different eyeshadow primers and this one is so far, though I have only used it a few times, proving to be a great little makeup bag addition. It retails for £8.99 here.

Colour Correcting is something I think I have mastered quite well and this kit from GOSH is a handy size to carry around and it has five shades rather than the usual four because there is a concealer, which I think is a brilliant idea to have. 

Alongside the concealer is Yellow to perfect or cover up purple/blue bruises, veins and under-eye bags, Green which neutralises redness, Purple to eliminate yellow undertones and Peach which is ideal for brightening the eye area and cover up signs of fatigue.  The shades are easy to blend and are not too pigmented that they show through your foundation or concealer. Retailing for £11.99 here.

Not too ready to give up the strobing yet? Well GOSH have a choice of two Strobe and Glow kits on offer! Each kit contains four shades and one is for highlighting and the other is blush, the textures are not only light and creamy, they apply like an absolute dream to the skin.  

I have kit 002 Blush which has a white/rose holographic highlighter, two highlighting blushers and one matt blush. They each retail at £12.99 here.

Lumidrops are an underrated GOSH product as far as I am concerned and I absolutely love the new releases.  They first launched back in 2016 and as a liquid highlighter, they are incredibly easy to work with and use.  

The AW17 release sees the inclusion of 012 Rose Gold and 014 Gold which are said to dress the skin in an illuminating vale of beautiful radiance.  You can use them on bare skin or over makeup and my one piece of advice is shake well before using and a little goes a very long way.  Priced at £7.99 each here.

Still with highlighting we have Lift & Highlight - an ultimate duo pencil which highlights, lifts and defines.  A double ended pencil which is available in two shades 001 Nude and 002 Rose, the formula on each end of the crayon is creamy and therefore blendable. 

I have shade 001 Nude and have found it an easy product to work with especially when applied to my brow bone, cupids bow and even the inner corner of my eye.  The crayon retails for £9.99 here.

If Mascara is your thing and I am a bit of Mascara fiend, then My Favourite Mascara from GOSH is formulated to deliver perfectly separated natural looking lashes with volume and definition. Infused with Oak Extract, an active with antioxidant properties which helps ensure your lashes maintain their healthy appearance.  

The brush for the mascara is a fibre brush which gets between the lashes with relatively easy and doesn't clump or give the spider legs look, featuring a mixture of long and short brushes, each lash should be coated to not only give length but to also add that volume. I like this mascara, I like the brush more than I expected too but as I have fairly long lashes, I didn't notice much of a difference in the lengthening, but what I do like is the no clumping natural look.  Priced at £8.99 here.

If brows are your thing right now, then there are two brow products from GOSH.  The first is the Brow Shape & Fill dual-ended pencil which contains a retractable brow pencil and powder.  The sharp end of the pencil is used to define the outer shape of the brow and the powder, which is really soft, is used for filling in gaps and creating that fuller brow look.  

I think having the 2-in-1 product is quite a good idea and there is the option of the more natural looking brow or the defined and bold version. It is currently available in three shades 001 Brown, 002 Grey Brown and 003 Dark Brown.  I have 002 which is not quite the shade for me, but I do love the concept. Priced at £8.99 here.

The second brow product is the Growth Serum and something my brows definitely need as they just do not grow! Using the proven ingredient SymPeptide XLASH, the serum is said to fuel the natural growth of the eyebrows. 

By stimulating the keratin genes, it enhances the appearance of length and thickness of the brow. You need to use this twice a day on clean, dry eyebrows and allow it to absorb before applying any other products.  I have just started using this, so I can't comment on whether or not it lives up to its claims, but watch this space! It is priced at 16.99 here if you want to give it a try.

The one thing I am not a master of is the application of eyeliner and I am not afraid to admit it.  With the AW17 releases from GOSH comes the 24h Pro Liner. Described as being a wax based multi purpose pencil, it features a smooth, soft and creamy textured nib which allows for blending before setting. The smudger on the opposite end is perfect for blending and well... smudging. This is the one item which doesn't feature in my box but it can be found here for £7.99.

Finally is probably the product most of you have been waiting to see and that is the 9 Shades Eyeshadow Palette - To Party In London. 

The Palette features both pearly and metallic shades in different textures and has everything you need from soft rose and nude shades to Copper and Greys.  Each one of the shades is pigmented and easy to use and blend and the colour payoff is as good as the other palettes I have had from GOSH. With a mirrored lid, this is a great palette for being on the go and it retails for £11.99 here.

I think this is such a good launch from GOSH and I absolutely love the palette (obviously) and the whole collection is just so easy to work with and use!  Has anything caught your eye?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise. Please see my Disclaimer page here for more info.