JewelleryBox.co.uk

I love Jewellery box and have been a fan of them for ages. They were kind enough to give me the opportunity to pick out some pieces from their website to wear and write about. The pieces I received are beautiful, elegant and dainty, and whilst they look minimal, I believe the jewellery from Jewellerybox have the ability to add that finishing touch to an outfit.

I picked out a pair of silver and gold tiny hoops as I want my earring collection to grow with some high quality pieces and I often get fed up of wearing studs all the time. These remind me of the small sleepers I used to wear during school and I think when these are matched with some studs (as I have multiple piercings in my ears), they will compliment each other well. 

I am also really into stacking small rings at the moment as I think it looks pretty and elegant. The ones I received are small and not bulky, they really compliment each other well and remind me of the Pandora stacking rings . I received a sterling silver and moonstone June birthstone twisted rope ring, a gorgeous and well detailed ring. As well as the Sterling Silver 1mm Ring with CZ Crystal Bow, a really simple but stated ring that is pretty and subtly sparkly, and rarely wear these individually as I love pairing these two together. 

I was also kindly sent the sterling silver ship anchor necklace on an 18 inch chain. I don't own many small and dainty necklaces and so have not worn this type of jewellery much since I was a teenager. This necklace sits so nicely around the neck with the anchor sitting just in between my collar bones. I used to be really into wearing lots of jewellery, especially statement pieces, and then for some reason around the time I left school I just did not wear much jewellery anymore. By adding delicate and dainty pieces to my now small collection, I think it will definitely help me to fall in love with wearing various different types of jewellery now, instead of just simply sticking to rings and stud earrings. 

I have definitely fallen in love with these pieces from JewelleryBox and will certainly be heading to their website first in the future. Please visit their website here. Also check out their social media sites: Twitter and Instagram.

Love Me Beauty - June

This month's Love Me Beauty bag is full of Caudalie products and a few extra goodies as well. Caudalie is a brand I have been aware of for years now but for some reason I have never tried any of their products, so I am really happy to get the chance to do so this month! 

The element of Caudalie as a brand that very clearly stands out is the natural ingredients in all their products and that they are against animal testing; The vine and grape extracts used for our patents come from the vineyards of Bordeaux, Champagne and Burgundy. Every day, we are looking for the next "green" active ingredients to strengthen our Cosm'ethics'. 

Once again if you would like 20% off your first month use the code 'laurae20' at the checkout.

Caudalie: Divine Oil 15ml - This is a multi-use dry oil, with a formula made up of grape, hibiscus, sesame and argan combined with an anti-oxidant, which nourishes and moisturises. A multi-use, luxurious dry oil which moisturises, nourishes, and enhances thanks to its unique formula made with exceptional blend of oils (grape, hibiscus, sesame and argan) combined with patented anti-oxidant Polyphenols. 

Caudalie: Nourishing Body Lotion 50ml - In my opinion, this is the best body lotion I have ever tried. It is not sticky, overwhelmingly scented, and it also sinks into the skin so quickly, but leaves it soft for ages. Applying this after shaving my legs makes my skin feel the softest it has ever felt, and I have nothing but good things to say about this, it is a product I will definitely be repurchasing. 

Caudalie: Concentrated Brightening Essence 50ml - This smells so beautiful and fresh and really helps to make your skin appear brighter once applied, which results in make up sitting on the face much nicer. I found this great for my sensitive and dry skin giving it a lovely radiance to wake up to when used before bed. 

Caudalie: Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting 10ml - I found this to be really lightweight, a huge plus as I really do not like products that feel really heavy on my skin. This is an age-defying serum, that prevents dark spots and contributes to a clearer complexion by counteracting sun damage, acne and scars. After 2 weeks use, I can see results in the overall look of my skin and my small acne scars are much less noticeable. 

Perricone MD: Face Finishing Moisturiser Tint 30ml - I have never heard of the brand before; it is an American brand that on some research I found many good reviews about, and in particular this product. This is rose scented, something that I am not overly keen on, but this is not overpowering and once applied I can not smell it on my skin. It is a lightweight tinted moisturiser, that feels hydrating and has an SPF of 30. I think this would also be great for all skin tones. 


Pixi Glow Tonic- There was also a small sample of this included in the bag, a product that I love and use in my daily skincare routine. 

There were also a few small samples from Yu-Be, a Japanese brand that I am yet to try, but as they are the perfect travel size I am waiting to take them away with me to test them out.

This has been my favourite monthly bag from Love Me Beauty so far! They have really decent sized products, if not the full size version of a product. It is an exfoliating toner that brightens dry and dull skin. 

Love Me Beauty - May

Just wing it, life, eyeliner, everything. 

This months bag is called #shinebright and is once again full of exciting and varied products to try out! 


If you have an interest in monthly beauty bags you can get 20% off your first month with Love Me Beauty with the discount code 'laurae20'. 

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Oil Gold 10ml
This is a multi-purpose dry oil for the face, body and hair which combines 30% precious plant oils and vitamin E to nourish, smooth and repair. This shimmery oil is designed to enhance the look of your skin once tanned or for use after sun exposure. I am looking forward to thoroughly using this in the summer months in hopes that it will leave me with glowing and sun kissed looking skin. I am also going to be using it mixed with my moisturiser or foundation to add extra glow to my skin and improve the look of my make up. I have always wanted to try this and am so happy it is featured in this month's bag. 

Nuxe Reve De Miel Cleanser 15ml
I am always open to trying products that remove your make up at the end of the day, and although I enjoy using micellar water as a quick and easy way to do this, I have also tried a few different cleanser gel samples that I have really enjoyed using. This is a face cleansing and make-up removing gel that can be worked up into lather to really remove make-up, but that is soap free and gentle and so does not leave your skin dry or stripped of moisture. 

Gentle Exfoliating Gel with rose petals 15ml
This is a gentle gel that removes dead skin cells and exfoliates, recommend to be used twice weekly. It can be massaged onto dry or damp skin and then rinsed with water. I have some dry skin patches on my face and after use, this left them feeling smooth and soft. Some exfoliates can be drying and too rough but this gel is perfect pick me up for your skin. 

Manna Kadar Beauty Lip Locked Stain

This is a highly pigmented, non drying and long lasting lip stain, that was smooth and easy to apply. This is a new innovation, as in it is a primer, gloss and stain in one. It is not sticky, or uncomfortable to wear and does a great job of keeping my lips moisturised. 

Once again you can get 20% off your first month at www.Lovemebeauty.com with the code 'laurae20' ! 

Until next month! 

May Birchbox

I might have been initially reeled in to buy this month's Birchbox by the beautiful marble design - I am a sucker for it! However, before actually going ahead and purchasing the box I took a look at what was actually going to be inside and was pleasantly surprised by what was on offer for this month. 

I have been so excited all week ever since I ordered the box and it finally arrived and yes it looks beautiful on the outside and the pink pull out draw insert is so cute that I will definitely be displaying this box on my vanity, but I was so delighted to receive the products inside. There is a range of different items inside, including a full size product and I am actually excited to try out every single one of them. I also love that this month, Birchbox is all about little changes that can make a big difference to your daily routine, and I have been wanting to change up my rituals and what products I use as of late. 

Marsk-Mineral Eyshadow 'Vanilla Frosting' Full Size RRP £14.49

This is a pigmented powder eyeshadow that can be used as a wash of colour over the lid or as part of an intense smokey look. I gently coated a brush in the powder and then swept it over my eyelid; it's soft and made from natural ingredients which makes it perfect for my sensitive eyes, and it is super glittery and sparkly. Before checking out, you can choose from the shade 'Fifty Shades' or 'Vanilla Frosting' and I chose the latter as I can create more versatile looks with this shimmery white shadow. 

Doucce-Punk Volumizer Mascara RRP £18

I am currently on a lash extensions hype so at the moment I have no need for mascaras, however soon I want to give my lashes a break from the extensions and head back into using mascaras, and this one is going to be the first one I grab for. This is described as a volumising mascara and I love big lashes and I hope this is exactly the look I will achieve when using it. There is a jumbo fibre mascara wand which looks perfect for grabbing every single lash. 

Laura Mercier-Foundation Primer Radiance RRP £29

I have actually been wanting to try this out for a long time, and this is also a big reason as to why I chose to buy the May Birchbox edit this month. I have heard great things about this from Youtubers and bloggers and went straight ahead and used this the very next time I went to do my make up. This made my skin smooth and left it with a radiant glow, preparing my skin for foundation. I am also happy to say that this made my make up last throughout my working day, so basically if this is everything you want in a primer then definitely try this out. 

Whish-Firming Body Cream Rice Milk RRP £27
This is something I am curious to try out as I am always sceptical as to how much these types of products work. The cream is described as being able to firm and smooth your skin for a toned and even result by stimulating blood flow and reducing inflammation, so I am excited to start using it. It contains organic ingredients; shea butter, cocoa seed butter and green tea.

Beauty Protector-Protect & Volume RRP £18.50
I love the smell of this, it smells fresh and clean and you can slightly smell the product in your hair during the day but you can't tell that your hair has any of the product in apart from the scent giving it away as it light and non sticky. This added a slight lift and volume to my hair as well as making it look shiny and healthy. 

I am really impressed with this months Birchbox and have already determined that I will definitely be repurchasing the Laura Mercier primer. 

April Favourites

It's that time again where the monthly favourites start springing up everywhere and again mine include a mixture of products. Some are new to me that I have only just tried for the first time and there is also some rediscovered products that I have been unable to put down over the past few weeks. 

Nyx Angel Veil Primer 

 One that I was scepitcal towards at first as I have dry skin and as this is an oil free primer I wasn't sure if it was going to work well for me. However recently, my t-zone has been increasingly oily throughout the day and this primer has helped to combat that by contributing to making my make up last throughout my working day. It sinks into the skin nicely, leaving it smooth rather than sticky which creates a nice base for my foundation. I also really like the packaging. 

Pixi Glow Tonic

A product I have been wanting to try for a long while now and I finally picked up a small bottle test out. This has made my skin tone appear a lot more even and feel plumper and firmer. It has also helped with my dry skin, leaving a nice base for my make up to sit on and  this, followed by the Nyx Angel Veil primer, helps to make my foundation blend nicer and last throughout the day. 

Soap and Glory Scrub Of Your Life

After rediscovering this it has made me want to make more of an effort to exfoliate and moisturise my skin because of how well it actually works. Immediately after us my skin feels softer and smoother, with no dry patches. I also like using this to remove any left over tan and dead skin cells. If you are going to try any Soap and Glory product I highly recommend that you make it this one! 

EOS Lip Balm

The second one that I am now onto as I loved my other one so much. I get quite dry lips throughout the year and much prefer lip balms that I can apply straight to my lips from the tube so I don't have to involve my fingers in any way and avoid getting sticky. This moisturises my lips and it is gluten and paraben free. There also loads of different flavours to choose from. 

Love Me Beauty - Spring Edit & Discount Code*

I love trying out new products, or being introduced to ones that I have not heard of or tried out before. Love Me Beauty is a fantastic way to receive products to your door monthly, at a subscription cost which makes it easy to navigate your way through tons of brands!
Once you sign up and after filling in some details about yourself, Love Me Beauty tailors your experience by creating the best recommendations for you. Then browse the month's edit and customise your order before having your products delivered to your door. 

This months edit is 'The Spring Edit' and in my bag this month I received a number of EcoTools products, some skincare products and a hair care product. Some of the brands I had heard of before and others were new to me. 

If you have an interest in monthly beauty bags you can get 20% off your first month with Love Me Beauty with the discount code 'laurae20'.

EcoTools Make Up Brushes

Eco Tools Full Powder Brush - This has to be the softer brush I have ever used. I have been wanting to try a new powder brush for a while and this one has very quickly become my favourite. It has cruelty free bristles and made of vegan materials, it is large and very dense so the powder is distributed really well, without the brush locking in too much of the product. 

EcoTools Perfecting Blender Duo - The bigger, darker green sponge is for foundation application and it's shape is perfecting for manoeuvring it around the contours of my face and for applying my foundation well around my nose and under my eyes. It is spongy and springy and I enjoy using the tip for defining and the flat side for coverage. The smaller one is a lime green sponge that is not as springy as the bigger one, which I don't like as much, but it is the perfect size and shape for applying concealer or getting into hard to reach areas. I also love that the packaging has an application face chart on the back to show you how to use it appropriately. 

Ecotools Contour Perfecting Applicator (New) - This is a new one from Ecotools and is designed to highlight and sculpt your face easily. This has a firm sponge tip and softer edges to blend and highlight. It has a handle which makes it easy to use

Ecotools Eye Duo - I love this as it means carrying less in your make up bag; this pack is made up of four brushes on two handles and each different brush is all you need to create an eye look with flawless application and blend ability. The pack contains a shade and define brush and a blend and smudge brush. 

Living Proof Prime Style Extender Spray 15ml

This is designed to drive off dirt and oil and prime your hair for longer wear and as it is silicone free it makes it ideal for all hair types. This product is basically a replacement for your regular dry shampoo except it is a spray that preps your hair for multiple days of feeling clean. I spray it on my hair when it is damp or after towel drying it and make sure I apply a generous amount coating from roots to the ends and then comb it through and style my hair as usual. I am not really a huge fan of dry shampoo but this product involves no white residue on your hair and I didn't find that I needed to apply more as the days since washing my hair followed. 

Amie Purifying Facial Wash & Matte-Finish Moisturiser 10ml

I had not heard of Amie Naturally Kind before but I am always keen to try any new skincare products. These are made up of 100% vegan ingredients and gentle natural extracts and the small sized duo were perfect for my recent weekend away. I don't mind scents in products I use although sometimes I can find them overpowering; these were not like this at all. The smell is fresh and clean but not too strong once used on the skin, the facial wash is cleansing and the moisturiser oil free. I was shocked that I did not know about this brand after learning that the cleanser was a 2017 Beauty Shortlist winner. 

Dr Bragi Intensive Treatment Mask

The Dr Bragi website describes this mask as 'innovative' and specifically designed 'to rapidly target redness, dehydration, loss of firmness and signs of premature ageing. This is a fabric mask and after use, my skin appeared plumper and much smoother. I found this to be the best mask I have used yet, my skin is dry and dehydrated at times and this was a perfect pick me up. I used it before bed and woke up with my skin feeling fresh and looking glowy. 

Weleda Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Body Oil

This range is actually designed for women 56+ years, and makes mature skin look more alive rather than  providing an anti ageing effect. I gave this to my gran and she enjoyed using it, it moisturised and hydrated her skin leaving it feeling soft and smooth. 

I look forward to Love Me Beauty's upcoming months and you can get 20% off your first month with the code 'laurae20' just visit the website here. 

March Favourites

It's that time again where I have put together the products I have been enjoying throughout the month of March. Some are repurchases, that I enjoyed using so much the first time around, that I then repurchased and have been loving using again. 

Vera Wang Princess Perfume -  This is a repurchase and one of my all time favourite perfumes. Not only is the bottle pretty and elegant, but I would also describe the perfume as being this. It is described by The Perfume Shop as including a mixture of apple, waterlily, mandarin meringue, golden apricot skin, dark chocolate, amber musk and vanilla. They all come together nicely to create a gorgeous scent that isn't too overpowering and wears throughout the day nicely. 

Sleek Power Plump Lip Crayon in Notorious Nude - The small nib on this lip crayon makes it really easy to apply on your lips without leaving smudgy marks or running the risk of seriously over drawing your lips. It does exactly as it is says on the tin, it plumps your lips by giving a tingling sensation as well providing a highly pigmented colour. I love the shade 'Notorious Nude', it reminds me of my all time favourite 'Velvet Teddy' from Mac, except this product is half the price. It is long lasting, with a satin finish and subtly enhances the appearance of your lips. 

Rimmel London Kate Moss Lipstick in Boho Nude - A very similar shade to the Sleek lip crayon and this 15th anniversary range from Kate's collection with Rimmel are packaged in a gorgeous rose gold colour. This range is made up of nudes and reds and from the one I own and having swatched the others in store, they are really pigmented and long lasting. It has a creamy texture which sits nicely on the lips and there are six  shades to choose from overall. 

Colosrpop Super Shock Shadow in Kaepop Sunset BLVD - This is a lovely satin warm golden bronze shade, which I found best used when applied with my finger at this gave me the most product coverage than when using a brush. It then blended really well with a fluffy brush. It is a creme powder formula and has next to no fall out, and whilst it is nice worn on its own I personally enjoy using it with a light brown shade in the crease. 

Seventeen Wow! 3 way Skin Highlighter -  This really is an every day make up product for me at the moment. It can be used as a primer, mixed in with your foundation or worn on its own. I personally like using this with my foundation for an extra glow as well as applied with a beauty blender on the top of my cheeks and below my brow bone. It is a shimmery, but not glittery, iridescent shade that is creamy and silky with a pearly sheen, and blends out well without removing any under layer of foundation. It lasts on the skin, and doesn't lose it's shine and is also great when topped up with a powder highlighter. This is only £5.99, and for that price I would definitely recommend giving this a try!


Vaseline Spray and Go Body Moisturiser - This a convenient spray lotion, making it quick and easy to moisturise your skin. I actually find it such a chore, but want to get into the habit of regularly moisturising my skin after a shower and this product makes it so easy to do so with little effort involved. It does not leave my skin sticky or greasy, buts leaves it feeling soft and hydrated. There are a few different versions and scents of this moisturiser to choose from and its super inexpensive. 

Spring / Summer Wishlist

I am so glad that Spring is on its way, my skin needs warmth and sunshine and when this time of the year comes around I usually have a long wishlist of clothing and beauty items to take me through these seasons. I have out together some of the items on my wishlist together, shown above and I hope to get my hands on some of these to use during Spring and Summer. 

H&M Beauty Blender

I have never tried the original beauty blender but I hope to in the future, the one sponge I choose to use and rarely stray from is the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. However, recently on a complete whim whilst I was browsing the make up section in H&M I came across a black beauty blender type sponge for £1.99 and decided to buy it, with honestly not much hope for it and I ended up being pleasantly surprised. So impressed with it I was that I have not stopped using it since I bought it. 

It has a tapered tip so it is easy to use around the nose and under the eyes and blends out my foundation so well that it leaves my skin looking flawless and evenly covered. I have tried it with a number of different foundations and it does just as good a job as the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. For the price of this one over the Real Techniques one I will definitely be repurchasing this more often! 

What do you use to apply your foundation? 

Primark Precious Metals Metallic Lip Crayons

I have not used any Primark make up before and to be honest it is because I really did not have any high hopes towards it. However, when I saw these Metallic Lip Crayons I did not hesitate to pay closer attention to them. There were three to choose from and when I swatched them all I was so impressed with how easily they glided onto the skin and how pigmented and metallic they actually were. For only £2 I quickly decided that I was going to purchase a couple and I chose a gorgeous rose gold, pinky shade and the gold shade. They also had a deepish brown shade that looked a bit too dark for me but was equally as gorgeous.

They were easy to apply and needed about two coats to get a good colour pay off. They lasted for a couple of hours as I was eating and drinking and did not dry out my lips at all. They actually felt like a gloss when on my lips as they were so moisturising and hydrating. 

Overall I am really impressed with these and it has made me want to try more Primark make up! 

Gifts for her

1) Soap and Glory Hand Food Trio - A cute package of mini hand creams in three different scents.

2) Pandora Sparkling Open Work Heart Charm - This one is perfect for Valentine's Day, but any Pandora item is a winner for this occasion.  

3) Morris & Co Strawberry Thief Bodycare Set - Another cute trio perfect for bath time. 

4) Too Faced Love flush blusher - Perfect and cute packaging with a number of shades to choose from. 

5) Pandora Linked Love Ring - Again, another fitting purchase for Valentine's Day. 

6) I Heart Makeup Blushing Hearts Blush - This has such cute packaging, is pretty cheap for what it is, and is still an amazing product. 

7) Nars Satin Lip Pencil - Easy and precise application and an amazing range of colours.

8) Michael Kors Sunglasses - An expensive gift, but gorgeous none the less, and with Spring and Summer on the way, a lovely pair of sunglasses will definitely be a winner. 

9) Diptyque Eau de Toilette - A perfume is a gift that in my opinion, you can not go wrong with, particularly for a perfume obsessed girl like myself. 

10) House of Hackney Pineapple Candle Holder - An expensive example, but cute home decor is also a good idea, and anything candle related is a winner I believe. 

11) Skinnydip Hip Flask - Useful and very cute. 

12) Chokers may have been all the go last year, but I still enjoy wearing them and this one is a gorgeous statement piece. 

13) Tom Ford Perfume - Pricey, but gorgeous and even in a gorgeous bottle. 

14) Rip Curl Chile Hat - There are loads of these hats about at the moment, and are a real statement piece, that is a great addition to any wardrobe. 

15) Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick - There are so many different shades to choose from and this range leaves your lips smooth and protected. 

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day everyone! 

My Completely Dreamy Wishlist

Unfortunately, most of these items I will never own, but there is nothing wrong with dreaming right? If you had enough money to splurge, what would you get?

Beauty Favourites 2016

There were some amazing products released in 2016, loads that I liked, and some that I just happened to discover throughout the year. I have listed below the ones that I loved near enough since the first use and use pretty much on a daily basis. 

Nivea Men Post Shave Balm 
I purchased this at the beginning of the year in 2016, and a full year later I am still using it. If you have not heard about this being used as a primer as part of your make up routine, then where on earth were you in 2016. This does not really blur imperfections or pores, but it smooths the skin and keeps your making looking fresh and seated in place all day. 

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipsticks
I have three of these now, as they are long lasting, non drying, and have an amazing range of different shades. 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer

Simply the best highlighter that I have ever used. After the first use I new I loved it, as it was the first one I had tried in ages that really did cover and brighten the dark circles under my eyes. It is creamy but blends out really nice and does not crease. 

Urban Decay Afterglow 8 Hour Powder Highlighter 'Sin'
This is something that I had to wait a while for before I could get my hands on it, as it was always out of stock and when I did finally purchase it, I was so glad that I did, and the wait was definitely worth it. I get comments every time I wear it, it is quite intense but not overly glittery or shimmery. 

Freedom Eyebrow Pomade 

The product I use every day to fill in and shape my brows. It is such an amazing dupe for the pomade from Anastasia and this one is pretty much a quarter of the price. The shades are great however as far as I am aware, the lightest shade is 'blonde' which I use, which to me is definitely not a light shade. 

Make Up Revolution Pro Fix Fixing Spray
I have re purchased this so many times in the past year as it just never fails me. There are two versions of this which is great as you can buy the one perfectly tailored for your skin type. It does not have an overwhelming scent, it dries quickly and helps my make up stay in place all day. 

Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette
 I reviewed this product here, the packaging is beautiful and luxurious looking, there are four different shades with different formulas, and all are highly pigmented.

Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eyeliner
I was really impressed with this, as I can be quite picky when it comes to liquid eyeliner. The pen is very black, easy to use, and does not dry out quickly. I just wish there was more product actually there, as I have used eyeliners before that have more of a felt tip end than this one, but the product itself is great. 

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

My favourite foundation, that never lets me down and gives a dewy, lovely finish to my skin, covering up my imperfections and pores. 

What were your favourite beauty products of 2016?