Amazon dupes first impressions!

Hey guys!

I got so excited when these arrived  this week because I wanted to do an honest review and let you guys know whether it’s worth it. Plus I wanted to see if they lived up to my expectations, and if it was worth getting more.
So I’d read a bit about these on a few blogs and Instagram. They are by ‘Tonsee’ on Amazon, and they basically sell dupes of brushes and tools, such as real techniques brushes, beauty blenders and artis face brushes. I had my eye on a set of real techniques bold metal dupes but I thought I’d try a few first than dive into a set.

So I got the fan brush, which was just over a pound I think. When it arrived it was slightly crushed and bent in the case, but after one use it fanned out to what it should be. The bristles are so soft, and the brush is sturdy and well made. I intended on using it with highlight but ended up using it to bronze and contour. It’s so fluffy and blends really well. So chuffed with this!

Next I was desperate to see if the artis dupes held up. I got it with a brush egg, to clean my brushes, which both together were reduced to 97p. I know. I wasn’t holding out much hope for the brush. But I was so wrong. There are so many soft bristles compact that it’s like velvet on the skin and doesn’t leave any streaks. It’s quite small, so is best to blend harder areas such as under eyes and nose. Yes it’s plastic handle isn’t the most fancy ever, but really what do you expect. It does the job and I don’t see why you would pay a fortune when this is so fab. I’m definitely going to try a bigger one they have, which comes with a metal handle too. The brush egg is also fab, and is sort of standard with those products so you can’t go wrong.

They took just under two weeks to be delivered, at the start of the period they suggested. They were packaged nicely and in almost perfect conditions ( just the squashed brush). 

They do a huge range of brushes and sets for such ridiculously cheap prices it’s worth having a look for some experimenting. At the end of the day nothing is going to beat unboxing sigma or zoeva brushes, but for those who don’t want to fork out that much or like me, can’t really afford it right now, then these are perfect.

Check out Tonsee Here.

Hope this review is useful! 

Comment and let me know if you have any, or any questions.

Lauren xx

Natural Skincare: Witch Hazel

Hi Guys!

I recently discovered this and wanted to share it with you. If you saw one of my recent posts about how I made my own room spray, you’ll see that one of the ingredients is witch hazel. I got it because it acts as a kind of disinfectant as its antibacterial. But when I bought it and checked out the label I actually realised that is a natural astringent, which basically means toner.

The label says “gently tones and cleanses the skin removing excess impurities and makeup”.

I thought I might as well give it a try. I usually research all my skincare so much before I purchase, and scrutinise every little detail. I didn’t expect much from this as it didn’t list the millions of benefits that garnier and Nivea usually boast.

But let me tell you, this has completely changed me. I put a tiny amount on a cotton wool pad and swept it across my face. It didn’t feel sticky like most toners, nor did it leave my skin feeling dry and lacking moisture. Literally my skin felt baby soft in the morning, and it actually helped heal some of my spots and blemishes. 

I’ve also heard that it can help bring out bruises, so it just helps benefit and heal the skin in lots of ways. 

Plus it’s literally so cheap and you can get it anywhere, you probably even have some already in your cupboard at home.

So instead of wasting my money and time on these miracle toners, I’m gunna be reaching for this! One natural ingredient sounds better to me than all these strange chemicals.

I hope this makes you curious enough to try it! Let me know what you think!

Like and comment! 

Lauren xx

Boots and Superdrug Haul

Hi guys,

I thought I’d share what I’ve been buying the last few days! Especially because there’s some really good deals on at the moment!

L’oreal Elvive Nutri-Gloss Luminiser Shampoo

I’ve been religiously using herbal essences for years now but I wanted a change. I wanted something to give my hair some life, and this states it adds shine  for full hair. It smells delicious. I’ll keep you updated on what I think! They’re half price in superdrug and boots at the moment, the whole range.

L’oreal Elvive Full Restore CICA mask

I loveeeee hair masks. My hair craves them now it’s been dyed. As I only wash my hair a few times a week I thought I’d get this instead of a normal conditioner, as I only like my hair after masks now. This claims to be a repairing mask, to add strength and density which is what I need for my damaged ends right now. This is also half price at 2.45.

Dove Derma Spa Gradual Tan Lotion

This packaging! So gorgous! This was a spontaneous buy. I don’t continuously use tan, just sometimes an instant when I go out. But I saw this also half price and was desperate to try it. Gradual tans are great to add a hint of colour this time of year. Plus it’s dove so it smells great. Hopefully it will give my pastey legs some colour! 

MUA Makeup

I’m not gunna lie, this is cheap makeup. I was buying the lip liner which is great that I’ve had before.  It’s the shade caramel nougat and is a perfect nude and kylie Jenner dupe. It’s a pound also which is fab. I thought I’d try a lipstick to go with it as it was only a pound but ew. No. It’s like almost white and is so dry. Grim. The highlighter is okay, not very pigmented so I add a white powder underneath. You get what you pay for basically.

That’s it for now! The moral of this post… Run to boots for hair products!

Like and comment! 

Follow me on Instagram- @laurenfairfax

Or snapchat – lauren.fairfax

Lauren xx

How to make homemade relaxing (room/yoga mat) spray.

Hi guys!

I’ve been so busy this weekend, seeing my family and celebrating a birthday in London. But just before all that madness I decided to attempt to make my own homemade spray. This was initially to clean my yoga mat, and I saw a YouTube video on it. But after doing a bit of research and experimenting, I ended up making a delicious spray that can be used for a number of things, including a room spray, fabric spray, cleaner or for aromatherapy use. I love choosing yummy scents, and they all have different benefits and make everything smell delicious.

You will need:

• Spray bottles – plastic or glass doesn’t matter, just something that will create a fine mist
• Distilled or boiled water
• Witch hazel – this is used for its cleaning properties and is so good for the skin
• Essential oils- one with antibacterial properties (tea tree or eucalyptus) and whatever scents you like

I used eucalyptus and vanilla in mine, but I’m trying to get my hands on lavender for its relaxing properties. I spritzed a bit of my lavender room spray in for now.

You need about 3/4 of water, 1/4 of witch hazel and then 5 drops of each of your oils.

Then SHAKE!

Then boom. Spray made.

For use on yoga mats, spray and wipe with a cloth.

Let me know what scents you think would work and I hope this gives you some inspiration!

Lauren xx

Empties!

Hi guys!

Hope you’re all okay and enjoying the (never ending) rain! I’m going to share my empties with you today because I was having a much needed clear out this morning and realised I have quite a few gathered. It’s also gunna be a bit of a review post, so grab a cuppa and get comfy.

Herbal Essences Rasberry Hair Mask

I bloody love this stuff. It’s made my hair so so soft which is much needed when my ends are getting so bad. I got this from some sort of pound shop cause it’s in a different language but they do it in boots and supermarkets. I use it when I want my hair super glossy and soft. Love.

Rating: 9/10

Would I repurchase? Definitely 

Loreal Skin Perfection Toner

I’m in two minds about this. It does what it says, leaves your skin velvet soft, and feels very refreshed. But it’s so sticky! The bottles all gross and sticky and sometimes the skin feels a bit urgh too. So atm I’m still loving my garnier one as my skin does feel tight and clean afterwards… Which is what a toner is supposed to do.

Rating: 5/10

Would I repurchase? Maybe, but probably stick with my garnier.

Yuzu and cocoa lush shower cream

This is so weird in the shower. It’s like putting yellow paint on. You look like a Simpson. It does smell good though. It promises to put you in a better mood… Bit of a bold claim. But it doesn’t lather. A bit disappointing.

Rating: 6/10

Would I repurchase? No, I’m gunna stick with my cheaper lathery ones.

River Island paradise perfume

I loveeee this scent. For a highstreet shop perfume it’s so good. It’s sophisticated and quirky scent. Perfect for spritzing everyday as its so cheap.

Rating: 8/10

Would I repurchase? Maybe, definitely as presents.

Rimmel match perfection foundation

This was my everyday foundation before I found the gem that is revlon Colourstay. I must say though, this is a great foundation for the price, the only thing that lets it down is the lack of range of colours.

Rating: 7/10

Would I repurchase? Probably not now.

New kid mascara

I got this free out of a magazine which is pretty good considering its around £20. It is good, but now I’ve got my amazing Lashsensational which is a lot cheaper and magic. 

Rating: 6/10

Would I repurchase? Nope, just because of the price.

Extreme felt liner by collection

This is amazing. I’ve raved about this before so I won’t bang on but let me just say… It’s 3 quid. Just go and get one.

Rating: 10/10

Would I repurchase? Already have.

L’oreal true match concealer

I’ve also previously mentioned this. At first I loved it but now I wish I hadn’t wasted my money. The worse thing is I’ve had it like five minutes and it’s ran out. And it’s dried my skin and causes little spots. 

Rating: 2/10

Would I repurchase? Nope.

That’s it! Hope this has given you some inspiration.

Let me know what you think and what else you’d like to see!

Lauren xx

8 tips to getting Health and fitness motivation…

Not gunna lie, the past week I’ve pigged out. Crisps, cake, bacon. Yum. The reason was mainly down to boredom, I’ve been on my own all week and the wifi broke (the horror) so all I had to do was stuff my face. 

And then the next day you feel so guilty and unhealthy. Having that much crap didn’t suit me and I was desperately craving my avocado lunches and the smug feeling after a day of eating healthy. But that never lasts and I’m back to craving chocolate after my dinner. 

But the suns out today and in three months I’ll be heading to Vegas so now is the time I need to start working on my summer body so here’s some tips I’m gunna try and stick to to motivate myself.

1. Aim for 8 glasses of water

I’m so bad for not drinking enough during the day and then wonder why I’m tired and have headaches. There are apps that help you track how many you have, including plant nanny which grows a little plant every glass you drink. Try different drinks to encourage yourself, including fruit juices to also get some added vitamins. 

2. Read magazine articles

Women’s health or Cosmo are good ones to go to. They offer the best tips and make you actually believe you can achieve your goals. It also shows you how to mix it up a bit, different workouts and recipes.

3. Try a new workout

I don’t know about you but the thought of doing the same run or circuit every day is bleak. Trying new workouts adds some excitement to our exercise. If you haven’t tried yoga, grab a mat. If you’re new to jogging grab your shoes and get some fresh air.

4. Try one new healthy food a week

When I was younger I detested fruit and veg and all things healthy. I nearly died if a pea made its way on to my plate. But now I’m more willing to try new things. And after trying avocados I’m absolutely addicted.

5. Make a weeks plan

Don’t set your goals too high, like doing a 10k run every night isn’t going to happen. But make a realistic plan of exercise and food for the week ahead and stick to it. If you’ve wrote it down your more likely to do that workout than put it off for another time.

6. Get nice workout clothes

Ah, I wish it was socially acceptable to wear gym stuff all day everyday. It’s so comfy and flattering. When your have nice sexy gym gear your more likely to want to put it on and head to the gym to show it off. Treat yourself to Beyoncés new range in topshop or some fab printed yoga pants.

7. Make healthy food you’ll actually like

There is no point forcing rabbit food down your throat just because you think you have to. There are so many healthy but tasty recipes out there that are good for you and don’t taste of cardboard! Don’t torture yourself! 

8. Reward yourself for hard work

If you’ve stuck to your weeks plan all week, sweated your ass off in the gym and limited yourself to two kitkats, then treat yourself. Whether it be a pamper day or a takeout or a lie in. Everyone needs to relax and indulge from time to time. Knowing that pizzas waiting for you on Friday night is enough to get through those extra squats.

I hope this has given you some motivation and determination! If you’re anything like me you’re needing any encouragement you can get to prise yourself off the sofa.

Like and comment, let me know any other tips.

Lauren xx 

MOTD: Wearable Navy Smokey Eye.

I wanted to try something different with my makeup today and once I tried this I instantly loved it. It’s quirky and something different to try. It may seem scary… Blue? Really? But yep, just make sure you get it right…

Firstly I ran a bronzer along my crease, to warm up the look and as a good crease colour. I then chose a matte, navy blue and applied it across my lid. Apply it sparingly, it’s easier to build up then blend out. Blend up to the crease colour and blend out. I applied another layer to intensify the colour. 

I then ran a black eyeshadow accroas my lash lines above and below, not being too neat to create a smokey look. I then ran a highlight under my brow.

For the rest of the look keep it simple. A flawless matte base, with extra concealer. I added a little bronzer and highlight. Then I kept the lips nude.

You can amp up the look for night time by adding a glitter on top and a winged liner. 

Hope you liked this, let me know if you’ll be trying it! 

This pallete was the kardashian kardazzle pallete.

Like and comment!

Lauren xx

10 reasons why it’s fab to live alone!

Hey guys! Hope you’ve had a lovely bank holiday weekend! I went back home this weekend which I love because it means I can see my family and actually spend time with other human beings which I do rarely now I’m on my placement living on my tod. 

Not gunna lie most of the time I struggle being on my own. Mostly because my anxiety flares up and I start going crazy talking to myself. But there are some perks which you start to miss when you go back to living at home. 

1. You can spend all night having a huge Netflix binge and with no judgement.

2. You can eat what ever you like…. Ice cream for dinner anyone?

3. Your rooms can be as messy as you want…you know your phone charger is under three layers of clothes.

4. You can spent 80% of the day in pajamas.

5. “Omg I’m so busy tonight” means emerdale and kardashians is on

6. You can sit doing you makeup with nothing on and be fine with it 

7. You can leave your washing up for when you can actually be bothered… Meaning your not gunna do it after a manicure.

8. You can have a mini rave to Craig David, complete with hair brush and dancing in your pants.

9. You can do a few sit ups and “yoga breathing” and call that your workout for the week.

10. You can go that extra day without washing your hair because there’s nobody there to smell it.

I hope these make you feel better if you live on your own. And if you don’t… Look what your missing out on!

Like and comment!

Lauren xx