● Laura Thornberry ●: September 2018

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Pasta Evangelists; a small London based team delivering some of the best pasta in the UK to homes across the country, as well as beautiful sauces & garnishes sourced from Italy. A great one-off or subscription service, inviting you to prepare a luxurious 5* pasta dish in your own home in just 5 minutes!

"We believe fresh is best. Our founder, Alessandro, hails from Genova in the Italian region of Liguria, and was disappointed with the fresh pasta available in the UK, machine-made & a world away from the pasta of his youth, handmade by his nonna. And so Pasta Evangelists was born to bring fresh, artisanal pasta of Italian quality to homes across the UK."

I recently discovered Pasta Evangelists via a Facebook Ad, and browsed through their website. They offer both One-Off delivery or they have a Pasta Subscription box that you can opt in for. I'm such a pasta lover, so this is a great way to try new dishes and flavour combinations! Pasta Evangelists deliver the fresh pasta, sauces & garnishes in insulated packaging alongside chilled ice packs, so if you’re not home for delivery, your food will stay cool and fresh until you’re back. Amazing, right?! Artisanal, five-star pasta dishes in minutes with our simple recipe cards. Alternatively, freeze your dish for up to two months and prepare it later.

Pasta Evangelists have such a range of pasta dishes that get changed every week, so there is always something new and exciting to try, great for meat eaters and vegetarians, as well as those who follow a gluten-free diet! From the weekly menu of fresh pasta recipes, I picked out the Gnocchi Tricolore with Slow-Cooked Beef Ragù, costing £7.95 a portion and using the finest seasonal ingredients and produce from Italy.

"Our chefs carefully brown pieces of marbled beef until they take on a deep, burnished hue. This is where all the flavour is. We then slowly braise our caramelised beef with red wine, onions & tomatoes to make the meat as tender and flavourful as possible. This very special ragù is served with handmade gnocchi tricolore, a beautiful mixture of white, green and red dumplings."

The Gnocchi Tricolore with Slow-Cooked Beef Ragù was a pasta lovers dream. An indulgent dish containing some incredible flavours and produce from Italy, I was truly happy with the choice I had made! The dish contained Gnocchi, an Italian favourite that I had only previously tried once when I went to Milan a few years ago, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Such soft, small dumplings that simply melted in the mouth, nothing too stodgy or heavy which was perfect!

The Slow-Cooked Beef Ragù was to die for. The caramelised beef was so flavoursome and tender, if you ask me it was cooked to perfection! Combined with red wine, onions and tomatoes, this gave the ragù such a deep and authentic flavour that really showcased to me real Italian cuisine with such high-quality, seasonal produce. Topped off with the rich and creamy Parmesan cheese, simply bring all the flavours of the dish together for the perfect Italian feast!

Have you heard of Pasta Evangelists before? What are your favourite pasta dishes?

Check out some of my previous pasta recipes!
Super Smoky Bacon & Spicy Tomato Pesto Penne
Super Speedy Vegetarian Tagliatelle
A Teatime Mac n Cheese with Batchelors

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When it comes to makeup, my one true love is definitely Mascara. Mascara has a number of benefits, these include instantly adding thickness, length, and a wash colour to the lashes. This therefore draws more attention to the eyes as they are one of the main focal points to the face, creates definition and makes them appear more prominent. Simply perfect for those natural or 'no makeup makeup days', as a coat or two of mascara is quick and easy way to make your eyes pop!

You may already have seen a previous mascara review I published a while ago, where I reviewed the hyped up BADgal Bang Mascara from Benefit. But today, I'm introducing and sharing my thoughts with you on my complete holy grail mascara - Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara. I've gone through numerous tubes of this, it's been my dream mascara for years, and when I want long, defined lashes, this stuff doesn't let me down!

Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

Rimmel Londons first ultra lengthening mascara that defies the laws of lash length!

- Length that defies limits

- Formula with Micro-Fibres

- Instant wow: Extends lashes by up to 99%

As you can see, the Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara has a thin, plastic, cone-shaped, perfect for grabbing every single lash for definition and separation. The mascara has such a perfect consistency, no too thick and not too watery, once applied to the lashes you get absolutely no clumps! Just perfectly defined and lengthened lashes every time!

This is my before eye look. I do have naturally long lashes. I have simply curled my lashes with my Primark Lash Curler, as my natural lashes are quite straight. Also, you can see have have quite fair dark blonde/brown lashes, so adding a mascara to them will just help to enhance and define my lashes more.

Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara Lashes

The result - just one coat of mascara gives me that instant wow factor, extending lashes by "up to 99%" for a dramatic and defined effect. Plus, the Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara is enriched with Rimmel’s unique Grow Lash Complex which will help keep your lashes in good condition and appear longer over time. It's definitely a mascara to add to your makeup bag ASAP!

RRP £7.99

What is your favourite mascara?

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In regards to beauty, haircare is something I have always been passionate about and something that I love to explore in terms of trying new brands and new products regularly. For reference, my hair is medium length, never dyed, natural dark blonde hair. In terms of texture, my hair isn't very fine and it isn't thick, somewhere in between, naturally quite straight with a few wavy areas, and I do suffer with some dryness from time to time in the mid-lengths and ends of my hair. In collaboration with Panasonic beauty products uk*, I wanted to share some of my current favourite drugstore haircare products that will have your hair looking refreshed, silky soft and in tip-top condition!

L'oreal Paris Dream Lengths Long Hair Shampoo, Conditioner & No Haircut Cream

A a trio of haircare products that have become a firm favourite of mine and a recent addition into my haircare routine. Designed for those with long, damaged hair, the Dream Lengths Shampoo and Conditioner work like a treat for my hair. Enriched with Keratin, Vitamins and Castor Oil; this is the perfect combination to help protect hair against breakage and split ends.
The No Haircut Cream is a total game-changer. The consistency is quite thick, but not too heavy on the hair, so it doesn't weigh it down at all. I use the No Haircut Cream on my mid-lengths and ends of my hair, and I find the product absorbs quickly without any residue. It protects my hair from the use of hair dryers and straighteners, as well we the weather outside. So if you've not tried it yet, it's definitely one to give a go!

Karine Jackson x Beauty Kitchen The Protector Multi Purpose Primer

The primer is formulated by 100% natural ingredients, which in turn shields hair from brush and heat damage, as well as protecting from UV Rays and pollution. This powerful cream is great to tame any fine flyaway hairs, to smooth thick hair and help protect hair from heat styling. It conditions the hair quite well, I use this primer on the ends of my hair after washing and you can see and feel visible effects even after few uses.

Aussie 3 Miracle Oil Reconstructor

I've already dedicated a whole blog post solely for this product. It's become a solid staple in my haircare routine, and something I will purchase over and over again! Aussie 3 Miracle Oil Reconstructor is a lightweight oil treatment designed for those with dry and damaged hair. Blended with 3 miracle oils; Australian Macadamia Nut, Jojoba-seed and Avocado, encouraging your hair to look silky, smooth and shiny. A must have product all year round to save your hair from the hot summers and cold winters.

You can read the full post here!

Superdrug Avocado & Manuka Honey Conditioning Spray
Probably the cheapest product in my current haircare routine, but that does not mean its the worst! A simple yet effective conditioning spray that I always use before blow drying my hair. Formulated with Avocado and Manuka Honey, that helps to nourish the hair and to leave it feeling smooth and soft. It leaves your hair smelling so fresh and feeling so silky. If you're after a product that lets hair looks healthier with brilliant shine, this is definitely one for you!

L'oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil-in-Cream
I've used this product on and off for a while now, but it is definitely something I always come back to due the the great results that it gives to my hair. With intense nourishment without weighing the hair down or leaving a greasy residue on your fingertips, it's perfect for those days where your hair is feeling that little bit more dry and damaged, or when you want to tame frizz and flyaways.

Maui Moisture Revive & Hydrate Shea Butter Hair Mask
This product has also had a whole blog post dedicated to it, because it's so damn good! You can view this post here. A product suitable for those with dry, damaged hair, it's perfect all year round; those hot summer days or those cold winter nights, Maui Moisture has got your back. A hair mask packed with amazing, natural ingredients; Aloe Vera Juice, Coconut Water, Creamy Shea Butter, Rich Coconut Oil and Pure Macadamia Oil, the perfect combination to improve the look, feel and texture of my hair.

What are your current favourite haircare products? Have you tried any of the ones featured in the post? Do you have any recommendations for me?

ad* | This post has been sponsored by Panasonic

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Organii; a UK based brand focusing on all things organic and natural launched the Intensive skincare range for dry and sensitive skin, that is prone to skincare issues including Eczema, Psoriasis and Rosacea. Teaming up with Hannah Pearson; a health practitioner, to create the range, which is 100% vegan, cruelty-free and certified organic. A great household product as it is suitable for the whole family!

Organii Intensive Organic Face and Body Oil

"Organii Everyday Organics has the best Organic Skin Care products which include, shower gels, liquid hand soaps, sun protection, cream soaps, organic cotton plasters and mouthwash. All Organii products are free from SLS, Parabens, Phthalates, Silicone, Mineral Oils and have not been tested on animals."

Benefits

- A light oil for daily use

- Suitable for dry, sensitive and allergy prone skin

- Helps to ease itching and reduce inflammation

- Suitable for all ages

- Suitable for vegans

- Certified Vegan

- Certified Organic by Soil Association

The Intensive Organic Face and Body Oil* contains the such high quality organic seed oils; a powerful blend of Sunflower Seed oil, Rosehip Seed oil and Nettle Leaf extract, that are naturally packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals which helps support healthy and glowy skin. This face and body oil would be ideal for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin, as well as those who have dry skin and are in need of some serious hydration and moisture; especially in the colder, winter months.

I've been using the Organii Intensive Organic Face and Body Oil for a number of months now, the appearance/texture of my skin has drastically changed and I definitely would recommend this product for a number of reasons. The Organii oil feels very light on the skin and is easily absorbed without leaving any sticky or greasy residue. It has quite a watery, light texture; so a little goes a very long way! It glides so effortlessly across the skin. I like to use the Organii Intensive Oil mainly on my face as I do have a few drier patches of skin. I include this oil in my evening skincare routine, as I feel the oil needs overnight to fully absorb into my skin. This oil helps to improve the texture and appearance, and in the morning my skin feels refreshed, brightened and plump.

RRP £29.95

Check out my review of the delicious Organii Strawberry Shower Gel!

Have you tried Organii products before?

ad* | Gifted PR Sample from Pravera

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If you remember from a few blog posts ago, I recently gave my first impressions and product review of a pair of Esqido 'Unforgettable' False Eyelashes* that I was kindly sent by Esqido. I'd never applied false eyelashes until then, and found them to be a great addition to my makeup bag. Since then, Esqido have now launched their Gel Eyeliner Pencils*. I thought this was the perfect product to go hand-in-hand with their lashes range and I was excited to give them a go!

Key Benefits
All day wear, pigmented formula, continuous even flow that covers in one perfect coat, dries matte, retractable and sharpenable gel pen.

Safe Formulation
5-free and latex-free. Formulated WITHOUT formaldehyde, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Fragrance free. Suitable for sensitive eyes.

Making the most of your Esqido Eyeliner:
Apply on inner lid to seamlessly blend in with your Esqido false lashes
Apply and smudge/blend before it sets for a smokey effect

Packed with product in a retracting mechanical body, combined with a silicon ring closure to provide an airtight seal, the eyeliner is made to last. The Liner includes a built-in sharpener, so it's perfect for on the go, convenient and you never have to worry about not having a sharpener with you in your makeup bag.

The Esqido Gel Eyeliners*; available in a jet black and dark brown shades. The black pencil would be perfect for creating a super defined and dramatic eye look with a smoky finish, whereas the brown pencil would be great for everyday use as the colour is more natural and would just enhance a simple makeup look.

These are specially formulated to be waterproof, super long-lasting and to deliver continuous flow of colour all day long. With a creamy and smooth consistency, a highly pigmented formula and an intense colour payoff, these eyeliner pencils simply glide effortlessly over the eye for the perfect winged liner or application to the upper and lower lash lines. Suitable for even the most sensitive eyes, they wore comfortably all day without causing any irritation.

With a retail price of $16.00, the Esqido Gel Eyeliners are a great staple for creating day-to-night makeup looks. They come in the super sleek white and gold packaging, like the other Esqido products. They look and feel so luxurious and high quality, that they are definitely your new holy grail product for your makeup bag!

Have you heard of Esqido before? What are your go-to eyeliner pencils?

ad* | Gifted PR Samples

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