● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

After seeing so many Lush hauls and blog posts, I thought it was about time I tried out this stuff for the first time. I had NEVER been into a Lush Store before, I had browsed on the website a few times, but never made an order. I just didn't see why it was so popular, until I received my first order in the post...

When placing my order, I didn't want to go TOO overboard, just incase I didn't like the products or didn't really use them etc. But here's hoping that the products I chose were ones that I would love!

Here's what I ordered..

First up, we have some of the bath bombs. These are what I knew I wanted to try! They have so many amazing coloured and scented ones, I could have spent hours trying to choose which ones I wanted! But in the end, I opted for 3!

Space Girl Bath Bomb

"Once you drop this into your bath, Space Girl crackles with space dust (popping candy) as it spins around your orbit, restoring your good cheer. Grapefruit oil is refreshing and uplifting for the mood, clarifying and toning the skin, while bergamot makes you feel relaxed and mildly euphoric."

Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb

"As the white outer layer of Dragon’s Egg fizzes into a light, creamy foam, it releases a drift of dissolving dragon’s scales (rice paper confetti) and crackling popping candy. As its golden inner core is revealed, your bathwater is transformed into a shimmering amber. It's bergamot and citrus scents leave you feeling transformed and invigorated, so perfect for a morning bath."

Lord of Misrule Bath Bomb

"This bath bomb, named after the ruler of the Pagan Feast of Fools, has a strange and magnificent fragrance created by Gorilla Perfumer Simon Constantine. This bomb will slowly dissolve to reveal a wine coloured centre, with the added sweetness of the world’s first fair trade vanilla absolute, perfectly balanced by the earthy scents of black pepper and patchouli oil."

When I was browsing at other products on the website, I came across the bubble bars, and thought these would be so cool and fun to use! As I had no idea how to use them, I purchased the following 2, to see how I would get on with these.

Blue Skies Bubble Bar

"This melts into your bathwater, turning the water sky-blue, dotted with foam clouds. Patchouli is used as a relaxant by aromatherapists, while frankincense and cinnamon leaf oil add spicy, deep tones to the calming scent."

Creamy Candy Bubble Bar

"You’ll soon see how kind this is to thirsty skin when this is crumbled into the bathwater: Creamy Candy contains almond oil and butter chunks that melt onto the surface of the water, giving skin a velvety texture. Fair Trade vanilla absolute gives the bar its sweet smell."

And finally, I bought one of the cleansing mask packs. I'd heard so many bloggers review and rave about this mask, that I wanted to try it out for myself.

Mask of Magnaminty

"You can use this mask anywhere. There’s mineral rich kaolin to nourish, honey for its antibacterial properties, and we used just the right amount of peppermint oil to stimulate the blood cells just under the surface of your skin so that this mask will leave your skin looking bright and refreshed."

Have you purchased anything from Lush recently? What are your favourite products? Which products would you recommend to me?

12:54 No comments

So, I've seen lots and lots of bloggers post about their favourite products of 2013, including there favourite and most used hair care products, instead of jumping on that bandwagon, I've wanted to share with you all my Current Hair Care Heroes. When I had come up with the idea of this post, I did realise that I do actually use quite a few hair products, so I have split this little guide into two separate posts.

My hair is naturally quite thick and wavy, sometimes dry, as well as being long ( below my shoulders), so keeping it looking strong and healthy can be quite the chore. But I think I have found some great, affordable products that help tame and nourish my hair! (products were bought in either Boots or Superdrug) So let's get started with part 1, and take a look at my styling and protecting products!

(Products from left to right)

THIS ONE Light Hair Oil
This is the first sort of hair oil I have ever used, and after getting through quite a lot of the product, I am very impressed with how nourished, shiny and healthy my hair looks and feels. This oil is very lightweight and very smoothing on the hair, so you don't get product build up, tames frizz and fly aways, as well as helps to strengthen and moisturise the hair. I generally use this oil on freshly washed hair, when its 90% dry, on the lengths and the ends, to help prevent dryness, split ends and frizz, and it seems to work a treat!

THIS ONE Light Hair Oil contains a blend various oils, including, Moroccan Argan Oil, Brazilian Pequi Oil and Jojoba Oil, which helps to protect, nourish, maintain shine and improve frizz and smoothness of your hair. The packaging is simple and practical, featuring a gorgeous deep purple colour, very lightweight and easily transportable, perfect for those going away on holiday or weekends away. The bottle features a pump, which is perfect for depositing the right amount to use on your hair, so there's no waste and it doesn't spill everywhere. The oil has a lovely, pleasant smell. It has a gorgeous sweet and slightly nutty scent, which is a lovely feature as some hair care oils can smell quite chemically or just not very nice in general.

As for if I would repurchase this hair oil again, I've been very impressed with how its helped to keep my hair nourished and moisturised. Its very long lasting, as you only need 1 or 2 pumps, and it smells great. Another great feature is that all THIS ONE's hair products are suitable for all hair types, as well as coloured hair, so I'm sure you'll find something you love from the range. As I previously said, this is the first hair oil that I've used, so I would definitely like to try others, but THIS ONE has definitely become a hair care hero!

THIS ONE Blow Dry Spray
I only bought this product 1 or 2 months ago, but it has definitely helped with the maintenance of my hair. I've never used a blow dry spray before, so I literally had no idea what to expect, but again I've been impressed with this product. THIS ONE Blow Dry Spray is a lightweight heat protection, that helps keep your hair protected for up to 220°C, perfect for those times you want to straighten or curl your hair, and obviously blow dry. This Blow Dry Spray also helps to tame frizz, helps strengthen and smooth, without weighing your hair down, or causing any product build up.

THIS ONE Blow Dry Spray contains a blend of conditioning ingredients, including Rice Bran Oil which is known to protect hair against dryness and damage, as well as Wheat Protein, Panthenol and a UV filter. Similar to the Hair Oil, the bottle is a great size for travelling, again features the gorgeous purple colour, and has a gorgeous sweet, slightly floral scent to it. I generally use this spray on freshly washed hair, when its 90% dry, spray through the lengths of my hair, as well as a little spray on the roots to help add a little volume.

This product definitely is worth trying out! Its so affordable, long lasting, smells gorgeous and helps to maintain, protect, nourish and add some volume to your hair. Again, this product is suitable for all hair types and coloured hair, so if you haven't ever tried a Blow Dry Spray before, I'd recommend you try this product! As this is the first Blow Dry Spray I've used, its not something that you generally need to include in your hair care routine, but I have really noticed a difference in my hairs appearance since using this!

TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray
I've been using this Heat Defence Styling Spray for years, I have tried quite a few over the years, but this is something I always go back to, as it is great for keeping your hair protecting when straightening or curling, up to 230°C! I've recently finished my full size, large bottle of this, which you can find here, so having to use up all my travel size miniatures at the moment! This Heat Defence spray also helps to smooth any frizz and enhance/seal in shine!

I like to use the TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray on freshly washed, damp hair, making sure I spray liberally from root to tip, making sure all my hair is covered, ready for any heat styling. With using this product for such a long time, I have noticed my hair is less dry, less brittle and I haven't seen as much brittleness and split ends. Again, having the little travel size bottle is great for travelling, its lightweight and just practical! travel size bottles are also great for trying out new products and seeing how you get on with them. As for the smell of the spray, it definitely smells like a hair product. Its not a smell that I personally love, I find it can be quite harsh and overwhelming, but I am willing to pursue with it, as I know it works for my hair!

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable and affordable Heat Defence Spray that actually does what its meant to, I would definitely recommend this one. It helps to protect your hair from any heat damage and helps to keep your hair silky soft and shiny, even after straightening, blow drying and curling!

TRESemmé Superior Hold Touchable Finish Hair Spray
Another travel sized product, that I absolutely adore. Once we've washed, dried and styled our locks, we all look for that hairspray to keep the style looking neat and tidy, long lasting and non sticky, and for me this is the perfect one!

I'm not someone who uses hairspray all the time, mainly if I'm going out and need my hair to look good, but I always like to use one that leaves my hair feeling soft and like there's no product in it. So this one is a winner for me, its quick drying, leaves your hair feeling light and not crispy and dry, and lasts all night! It also protects against humidity, frizz and fly-aways, and easily brushes out so you're not left with nasty, crispy hair!

As I previously said, I don't use hairspray that often, so a travel size bottle is a great product to have with me. Its small and practical for carrying around on a day to day basis! I've never had a problem with this hairspray and really like this one, so a definite recommendation would be in order! If you're someone who uses it everyday, I'm pretty sure it comes in a larger size bottle, so that would suit your needs better!

TRESemmé Split Remedy Leave in Treatment
Yet again, another TRESemmé product! This is something I've been using for around 4-5 months, and so far no problems and it seems to be preventing my hair from split ends! Its a lightweight sort of creamy formula, that I pump and massage into the ends of my hair, which just helps to protect and nourish your hair, to prevent breakage and damage.

Since using this product, I have noticed that the ends of my hair are less dry and brittle, much more smooth and silky than before. The product isn't greasy or oily, and smells lovely also! I simply massage a couple of pumps in freshly washed hair before blow drying and this seems to add moisture to my hair and make my hair more manageable and soft.

Its not a product that is really something that is a must have in a hair care routine, I think it just helps to keep your hair manageable and protected. It helps to protect and prevent your hair from any split ends and helps to keep your hair silky soft and shiny.

Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Lightweight Conditioning Spray
I absolutely love Aussie products, so this one is just one of my all time favourites! This conditioning spray basically helps to protect and detangle your hair after washing. It helps to get rid of any knots or tangles, whilst nourishing and strengthening your hair.

Like all Aussie products, this spray smells absolutely lovely! It contains Australian Jojoba Seed Oil, which is great for your hair, as it helps to protect your hair from everyday wear and tear, as well as detangling when brushing! The simple spray pump helps you evenly distribute the product evenly throughout your hair, and is just so simple and quick to use. I simply use this after I've washed my hair, and its slightly dry, then spritz all over and comb through.

I absolutely loves this! I've gone through so many bottles! This product definitely is worth trying out, it's so affordable, smells gorgeous and helps to maintain, protect and nourish your hair! Aussie products are usually on special offers all the time, so this is just a product worth getting!

Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo
Pretty sure this is nearly every blogger's favourite product, and its something that is literally a miracle worker! For someone with long hair, this dry shampoo comes in handy as you can last a couple more days before you need to wash your hair, which is great, as washing your hair too often can be damaging! I'd never really heard of dry shampoos before I started blogging, so discovering this has literally changed my hair care!

Batiste is so quick and easy to use, it helps to refresh and revitalise your hair inbetween washes, helps to remove any grease or oils, to help create a clean and fresh look, with some added volume and texture! So simple to use, simply spritz it over your roots, brush it through and you're good to go! You just have to be sure not to spray it too close or brush it thoroughly as it can leave your hair looking a little white.

There are various sizes you can purchase of this product which is great, as you can keep the smaller size in your handbag when you're on the go, and spritz in your hair when you need a little touch up! There are a variety of scents of the dry shampoo which is great if you're not a fan of the tropical scent, very reminiscent of a holiday sort of scent, smells of coconut that I absolutely love! So overall, I think this product is amazing! Definite repurchase! Everyone needs to own a can of this!

So there we have my current hair care heroes, that I use to style and protect my hair with! I do tend to stick to the same or similar products or brands, as I know that it seems to work with my hair and I like the smell/effects it gives to me.

I will be doing a similar post, where I shall be sharing my Hair Care Heroes that I use to wash, condition or treat my hair! So look out for that one!

What are your hair care heroes? What hair styling products are you currently using and loving? Have you tried any of the products I have featured today? Would you be interested in trying any I have featured?

12:30 No comments

With over a year of blogging, and I haven't even reviewed what could possible be my favourite drugstore mascara?! I have chosen to write about the Accessorize Volumising Mascara in Jet Black, as this is probably my favourite, go to, and most used mascaras and I have been using it for so many years, it's never let me down! You can pick up this mascara for £4.95 in Superdrug, which is such a bargain price, and I have repurchased it so many times because I think it's the perfect mascara for me!

First of all, let's just admire how cool and quirky the packaging is! I absolutely love the leopard print and roses design that covers this mascara, its so bold and bright, and definitely helps you to find your mascara easily in your makeup bag! It's quite a girly design, with a quite wild and sexy look! Even though Accessorize isn't a makeup brand that has the same popularity as the likes of Bourjois, Rimmel or Sleek... but this mascara is probably the best mascara I have ever tried!

I find that the brush on this mascara is the perfect size, which helps you to coat all the lashes, from root to tip, without any clumping or flaking, and also works really well at separating the lashes! It has a bristle type brush that gives just the right amount of product to apply, so no gloopy splodges on the end of the brush, and I feel that this really works well with my lashes.

As you can see from the above photo, this mascara is definitely a good one for giving your lashes a lengthening boost, which for someone with quite short lashes, is something I look for when choosing a mascara. Another bonus is that it is super quick and easy to remove - I normally use the L'oreal 3-1 Micellar Water on a cotton pad, and its removed in seconds!

This is what the mascara looks like just after one coat (excuse my messy brows), giving you quite a natural look, but with super long, volumised and black lashes! The mascara can easily be built up with more coats to give you a more dramatic eye look, without any clumping, which is perfect for a night out! I love that it really helps to open up and frame my eyes and make me look a lot more awake and alert!

So there we go, I have shared my thoughts on one of my all time favourite mascaras with you all! I hope you all liked reading my review and I would definitely recommend this mascara to all of you!

Have you tried this mascara before? What are your favourite mascaras? Would this be something you would like to try? What are your favourite Accessorize Products?

13:00 No comments

I'm pretty sure that every girls dream is to have long, healthy flowing locks, which can be very hard to achieve and manage, but I have devised my top 10 tips that I follow to help promote and help with hair growth. Now, I am no expert when it comes to hair care, but these 10 tips are factors that I like to take on board to help look after my hair and keep it healthy and strong.

1. Try Not To Use Heat / Little Heat As Possible

First time, and I'm sure we are all aware of this one! We all know that heat is one of the most damaging factors to our hair and is something you shouldn't use or try to use as little as possible. Heat can cause damage to your hair, breaking the strength of hair, causes dead ends, and ultimately breaks off you hair. When blow drying my hair, I like to make sure my hair is around 80% dry, before blow drying on a low, cool setting for a couple of minutes to prevent heat damage, as well as straightening on a low temperature. Yes, there are time we want to blow dry, straighten or curl our hair, buts its so important to use a heat defence treatment to help prevent damage to our locks. I like to use the TRESemme Protect Heat Defence Styling Spray, as this protects my hair up to 230°c, as well as smoothing any frizz and sealing in shine.

2. Get Your Hair Trimmed Regularly

Getting your hair trimmed every so often, allows you to get rid of all the dead, split ends, which is an essential must for healthy looking hair. Trimming your hair also reduces hair breakage and damage. I usually get my hair trimmed every 8 - 10 weeks, removing about half an inch from the ends, which gets rid of any damaged, broken hair, as well as any split ends, which could travel up your hair, if left untrimmed and untreated. In-between trims, I like to use hair oils and treatments to help prevent split ends and damaged hair.

3. Having a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Now you're probably thinking what does your diet have with hair growth and sustaining healthy hair, but it is a very important factor! Since your hair is made from proteins, it is very important to make sure you are getting enough protein in your diets, whether it be from chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts or pulses for example, these play an important role in keeping your hair healthy. These foods will help promote healthy keratin production, which are the building blocks of hair. Also, drinking plenty of water with help to promote a healthy scalp. Without drinking water, your hair and skin are the first places to show the most noticeable dehydration and dryness.

4. Massaging Your Scalp

Now, this is something we can all do, at any time of the day. Massaging the scalp for 15-20 minutes a day helps to stimulate the blood circulation to the hair follicles of the scalp, which helps to promote growth. This means more oxygen and nutrients are being delivered to the scalp, which is good for hair growth. Even massaging your hair whilst you are shampooing or applying your hair mask can help to increase the blood flow!

5. Avoid Washing Your Hair Everyday

This is definitely one of the most important and most useful tips if you are wanting to grow your hair! Washing your hair everyday means you are washing away all the natural oils that your hair produces that are essential for hair growth. Washing these oils away is unhealthy for your hair and can leave it looking dry and rough. I try to wash my hair every 3-4 days, and if my hair is looking a but dull or lacking volume/shine, I spritz in a bit of Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo, to give my hair a little boost, so I get an extra day without washing.

6. Switch Up Your Shampoos + Conditioners

This is a tip that I learnt about recently and it is definitely something that does help hair growth. At the moment, I currently have 3 shampoos (Aussie Luscious Long Shampoo, John Frieda Volume Shampoo and Headmasters SOS Moisture Shampoo) and 2 conditioners on the go (Aussie 3 Minute Miracle and Headmasters SOS Moisture Conditioner), in order to help me switch up my hair products. This tip stops your hair getting used to the products and helps to avoid product build up on the scalp, which would lead to oily/greasy hair.

7. Avoid Very Tight Hairstyles

Avoiding tight hairstyles on a regular basis is important for hair growth. Having your hair tightly done will increase the likeliness for breakage and hair loss. Having your hair in loose plaits or ponytails, or leaving your hair down is a lot better and relaxing for your hair. Also, if you are tying your hair up in any way, make sure to use the hair bands without the metal part, as your hair can get stuck in these, and cause damage and breakage.

8. Use Oil Treatments and Essential Oils

This is something that I've only been doing for the past few months, but already I have seen a huge difference in the appearance of my hair. Using oils on the hair helps to nourish, smooth and enhance shine, as well as taming any frizz of fly aways, all leading to stronger and healthier hair. I generally only use oils on the tips of my hair, to help heal any split ends and help my hair feel softer and smoother. Also using oil treatments/masks is a great way to add some much needed moisture and hydration to your hair. Using natural oils like Olive Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Coconut Oil or Almond Oil, and massaging it gently through the scalp, leaving on for up to 1 hour before washing, is a great way to boost your hairs appearance!

9. Brush Your Hair Carefully

Now this might seem like a bit of a no brainer, but making sure you brush your hair carefully is an important step to stop your hair from breaking and snapping. Brushing your hair to excess can actually pull hairs out of the scalp and therefore cause hair loss. Not something we want! If you are brushing your hair after its been washed, make sure you leave it to dry naturally (about 80% dry) before taking a comb through it, as well as using a detangling spray or leave in conditioner!

10. Use A Weekly Hair Mask

Using a hair mask is such an easy step into making your hair stronger and healthier. There are so many different hair masks on the market, you will most definitely find one to suit your hair type, as it is important to use the correct one. When I apply a hair mask, I like to use it on freshly washed, towel dried hair, when I take a wide comb to brush the mask from root to tip, to make sure all my hair is covered. Make sure you use a mask every week, and your hair will stay very shiny, soft, and healthy!

What are your tips for hair growth? What products do you use to keep your hair healthy and strong?

14:11 No comments

Hello lovelies! Hope you are all well!

A while back now, I asked on Twitter is anyone would be interested in seeing my guide to a pamper evening, and I've just got round to writing it up now.

From time to time, we all have those long, miserable days where we've been stressed, whether it be from work, school, college/uni or just general life problems. Now and again, I think its important to make ourselves feel better and give yourself a little pamper to perk us up! A little "me time" is definitely in order as a way to de-stress, relax and refresh ourselves.

I've devised my 10 tips for My Guide to The Perfect Pamper, so lets get started!

1. Run a Nice, Relaxing Hot Bath
This is probably the best way to relax and take a time out from life! With a few luxurious bath products, some gorgeous scented candles and some dimmed lights, this creates the perfect calm and relaxing atmosphere.
I love using the Radox Bubble Baths! They have some absolutely gorgeous scents and all help to make you feel calm and relaxed!

2. Remove your Make Up

Removing your make up after a long day is a must! This allows you to remove all the dirt and grime you skin has had to deal with and puts the day behind you. Its also important to cleanse and refresh your skin, and give it a little boost!
I generally remove my make up with the L'oreal Micellar Water and the L'oreal Cleansing & Perfecting Milk.

3. Use a Hair Mask

We all want soft, silky and healthy hair, and using hair masks is a great way to help achieve this. There are so many different hair masks on sale, each doing a different thing, each smelling differently and each specifically for certain hair types, so this is something that EVERYONE can do! Using a hair mask once or twice a week gives your hair a luxurious condition and helps make it healthier and stronger!

Hair Masks that I've been loving include the Naked Rescue Repairing Hair Treatment, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle and THIS ONE Hair Replenishment Mask.

4. Apply a Face Mask

I absolutely love using face masks! They help to improve the appearance and feeling on the skin and helps to remove all the dirt, impurities and extra oils. Again these come in all sorts of variations from gel masks to clay masks etc, all different scents and all different skin types.

I've been loving the Una Brennan Tea Flower Clay Mask and the Boots Botanics Ionic Clay Mask.

5. Cosy Loungewear

I think that cosy loungewear is a must for a pamper evening! We all want time to relax and de-stress, and some cosy pyjamas or a onesie is the perfect attire! These just allow you to be warm and comfortable and enjoy the evening ahead!

6. Paint your Nails
This is pretty much an optional step in a pamper session, but its one that can make you feel happy and make you feel good. Painting your nails can be quite time consuming, but when you have an evening to relax, this is the perfect task to carry out when wanting to relax and be calm!

7. Grab a Nice Drink
Enjoying one of your favourite drinks is the perfect way to relax and feel comforted! Whether it be a cheeky glass of wine, a warm drink or whatever tickles your fancy, having something you like is a great way to feel relaxed and is a perfect way to feel pampered.

8. Treat Yourself

Whether its doing some online shopping, ordering your favourite meal from the takeaway or indulging in your favourite food and drinks, treating yourself after a long and stressful day is the perfect way to make you feel better!

9. Skin Care Routine

Having a continuous skin care routine is the best way to keep your skin looking great and healthy! This is perfect for refreshing yourself and revitalising your skin. Maybe for a perfect pamper evening, try choosing a product you wouldn't normally use or buy, to give your skin that extra boost of hydration and moisture!

10. Cosy up in Bed

The best way to end a perfect pamper is to cosy up in a nice, freshly made, warm bed! This is by far the best way to feel relaxed, comfortable and to end the day. Whether you like to read a book, watch a film, write up a blog post or just generally browse the internet, this allows you to settle down and create a nice atmosphere ready to sleep. Maybe lighting a few scented candles, having some comfy cushions and a super soft blanket throw is the perfect way to feel cosy and warm!

So these are my Top 10 tips to the perfect pamper evening! Obviously these don't all have to be used when you need a little pick-me-up, but including a few of these after a long, stressful day is the perfect way to make you feel better and to cheer yourself up!

What are your tips to the perfect pamper evening? What products do you use when pampering yourself?

Have you checked out my blogger of the month "A Simple Melody"?

** All images used are from Google.co.uk/not my own photography

20:04 No comments

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