● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

Now that we are finally seeing some warmer, generally better weather in the UK, I think its about time I ditch my beloved berry toned lipsticks and dark pinks/reds, and opt for something much more spring/summer like. I love a good peachy lip; its a perfect all rounder colour, looks pretty both day and night I think it's the perfect colour for a spring/summer day. Two lipsticks that I keep going back to are both high street brands that are super affordable and I just definitely think they are perfect peaches!

First up is a lipstick from MUA (Shade 7), a beautiful coral peach toned shade which I really adore. Shade 7 is a very creamy and highly pigmented shade, which gives amazing colour pay off in just one swipe. They are very moisturising on the lips and I find they do not need any lip balm beneath them. This was one of the first ever MUA lipsticks I had ever tried, and at £1 a pop you can't complain, and I definitely think they give many other high street brands a run for their money!

Secondly, a gorgeous lipstick from the Kate Moss Collection for Rimmel (Shade 16), which I have previously reviewed in depth here. Shade 16 is such a gorgeous peachy coral light pink colour that just screams spring/summer to me. Many lipsticks have quite a weird, unusual scent to them but Shade 16 really does smell like watermelons, which is delicious. The lipstick applies so smoothly and easily to the lips, the finish that it creates, giving full coverage after a few swipes, as well as being well pigmented and long lasting. It was a definite favourite last year and still holds one of the top spots for my all time favourite lipstick.

MUA Lipstick Shade 7 RRP - £1

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick Shade 16 RRP - £5.49

Peach toned lipsticks will definitely be my go-to this spring/summer. I find that they really suit my skin tone and are definitely perfect for any occasion! If you have any drugstore peachy lipstick recommendations then please leave a comment as I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Are you a fan of peach lipsticks? What is your favourite shade? What brands do you consider when purchasing a new lip product?

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AD - GIFTED | As I've recently really wanted to change up my skincare routine and incorporate some new products to help clear up and help improve the condition of my skin, when the lovely team at Escentual gave me the opportunity to test out the new La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+*, I jumped at the chance as I had heard so many great reviews of this product and the brand is something I haven't tried before, but I know they are well raved about in the blogosphere!

Now I wouldn't say my skin is awfully bad, I have normal to oily skin, from time to time I do suffer with spots and blemishes, as well as a few red patches, so when I received this in the post, it arrived in my time off need! A definite miracle! Most skincare products to take while to get working and for you skin to adjust and get used to, but the Effaclar Duo seemed to have visible effects after the first week, which I was super impressed with! Since then, I've been using the Effaclar Duo+ for around 3 weeks now and it has definitely improved any imperfections and the general appearance of my skin. My skin looks and feel a lot more smooth, my redness has reduced considerably and any blemish marks are slowly becoming less visible.

"Target the key signs of oily and blemish-prone skin with La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+], a complete skincare solution that eliminates acne marks from the moment they start to form.

The product is quite a lightweight gel like cream consistency that applies so smoothly and absorbs into the skin so quickly. It has a lovely clean and fresh scent which I really like, as I have found some similar products to have quite an off putting scent which can be slightly overwhelming and overpowering. I've been using this product after cleansing my skin, both day and night, and then following with a moisturiser, which seems to be working well for my skin. It really is a delight to use, and a definite repurchase item in my skincare staples.

"This non-sticky, melt-in formula is clinically proven to correct the appearance of blemishes, while unclogging blocked pores, controlling shine and refining the skin’s texture. Anti-inflammatory Niacinamide intensely soothes, while LHA and Salicylic Acid gently exfoliate the surface of the skin. Suitable for even the most sensitive skin, the formula accelerates the skin’s repair process."

"The best selling Duo formula has now been enhanced with Procerad, a patented Ceramide that rebuilds the skin’s surface and prevents the red and brown pigmentation marks left behind by acne. This key ingredient reduces inflammation and the proliferation of hyper-pigmentation, which can become permanent if left untreated."

If you're someone who suffers from redness, spots and blemishes or uneven skin tone, I cannot recommend this product enough. I know a lot of skincare takes a while to get working, but if you want to see gradual result in a shorter space of time than usual products, I would suggest you give this ago as it has done wonders for my skin! This is the first product from La Roche-Posay that I have tried and to be honest, I can't wait to get my hands on some more of what they have to offer!

Have you tried the Effaclar Duo+? What did you think of the product? Have you tried any other products from La Roche-Posay?

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The Origins Clear Improvement Mask seems to be a well raved about blogger's favourite product. Origins is a brand that I'd been interested in for a while, and this mask seems to be renowned in the blogging world as a 'holy grail product', but at £22 a tube, to me that did seem like a lot for just a face mask! But you know, as a more "high end" skincare product that I wanted to see what the hype was, I happily parted with the cash in hope it would help unclog and clear my skin! I have combinations skin (dry and oily) so I was hoping that this would be a great addition to my skincare routine and that my skin would love the stuff!

"When environmental pollutants, dirt and debris get under your skin, its waste-filtering system gets jammed, pores get clogged, skin looks cloudy. Nature's complexion clean-up crew in Origins Clear Improvement gets to the bottom of skins overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best. Activated Charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out pore-cloggers, White China Clay absorbs environmental pollutants, Lecithin dissolves impurities. Without all that "stuff" down there, skin "breathes a sigh of relief."

Before purchasing this face mask, I was using the Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask, which I do still use now and again, and really do love. It has similar features to the Origins mask, but sometimes it can be slightly too drying on the skin and can irritate my skin if left on too long, so I opted to try the Origins mask.

Like any normal mask, I simply use this once/twice a week, whilst opening my pores with warm face towel and layering mask on so that my face is evenly covered. I then allow it to dry, where you are at the face cracking tightness stage and then rinse well with water, and cleanse afterwards. After washing it off, I could really tell the difference due to how my skin feels and looks, even after the first use. My skin felt super clean, extremely soft, and very glowing which really brightened up my usual dull looking skin. I have also seen an improvement in the oiliness of my skin, has definitely reduced, especially around my t-zone, nose and chin, which is a definite bonus!

Overall, I was very pleased with the Origins Clear Improvement mask and can see why so many people rave about the stuff! It is definitely something that has become a staple in my skincare routine, alongside a couple of other masks, but I generally use the Origins one when my skin is really bad or I have a lot of blemishes. At £22 it is a little steep, but a little does go along way with this mask, but if you wanted a similar product on a drugstore budget, I would definitely recommend the Boots Botanics Ionic Clay Mask, as I love that just as much!

Have you used the Origins Clear Improvement Mask before?

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Today I have a very lengthy haul for you from Bombs Away Cosmetics, where I purchased a variety of bath products from bath bombs, bath macaroons, fizzers, cupcakes bombs and bubble bars as well as handmade soaps and candles. They have such a huge variety on the website, it was so hard to not buy it all! So if you're a fan of LUSH, but want a cheaper alternative, keep reading!

"Bombs Away Cosmetics was born in 2014 with what started as a long personal hobby which then made it online. We carefully select the best natural ingredients that not only feel amazing and nourishing on your skin but also smell wonderful to.

All products are fresh handmade and have also been personally tried, tested and approved by the store owner."

Bombs Away Cosmetics Mango and Papaya Cupcake

Mango and Papaya Cupcake - £2.79
"This cupcake bath bomb not only smells and looks delicious enough to eat but also extremely moisturising and will leave your skin incredibly smooth after! With a sweet mango and papaya essential oil to uplift topped with heart sprinkles."

Candy Girl Cupcake - £3.30

"A delicious, juicy bubblegum scented cupcake bath bomb. With an opening scent of Bubblegum and a hint of Vanilla. This bath bomb is great for those who like sweet scents, watch as it fizzes in your bath swirling from blue to pink with extra added shimmer."

Watermelon - £1.95
"A delicious and mouthwatering Watermelon scent. With opening scents of Watermelon and a hint of vanilla oil."

Coconut Creme - £2.35

"A creamy coconut scented bubble bar coated with a fresh coconut fragrance and a hint of vanilla. Crumble or run under the water to create big fluffy bubbles."

Bombs Away Cosmetics Strawberries and Cream

Strawberries and Cream - £1.89

"The fragrance speaks for itself, a fruity bath bomb with strawberry essential oils."

Coconut Macaron - £2.19

"The Coconut Macaron has a lovely coconut scent as well as pure coconut oil which not only smells divine but will leave your skin feeling luxurious afterwards"

Coconut Macaron - £2.19

"The Coconut Macaron has a lovely coconut scent as well as pure coconut oil which not only smells divine but will leave your skin feeling luxurious afterwards"

Fresh Berry - £2.19

"A juicy scented bath macaron coated with fresh berries. With a gorgeous and fruity uplifting scent to lift your spirits."

Starry Surprise - £1.49

"The Starry Surprise has a lovely citrus scent with Cinnamon Orange and a hint of Coconut oil with surprise cocoa stars."

Coconut Dream - £1.49

"The Coconut Dream has a lovely coconut scent as well as pure coconut oil which not only smells divine but will leave your skin feeling luxurious afterwards."

Purple Rose - Free Sample (Usually £1.89)

"Purple Rose has a lovely scent of Vanilla and Rose oils, perfect for those who like floral scents."

Have you heard of Bombs Away Cosmetics before? Which of these products appeals to you the most?

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AD - GIFTED | If you're a regular reader of my blog, you will understand that I am probably the worst at nails and nail art, and to be honest I am just lazy! I find nail painting and nail care such a laborious, messy task that I just don't have the time to do it, hence the lack of posts!

I recently received some gorgeous Violet Jewel nail art stickers* from Sparkly Nails, a business that began in 2004 by Ali, and has grown in to a successful business, stocking over 100 different nail art gems!" So I thought I would give the whole nail art another go, even though I am definitely not an expert, I hope that you get the idea and like what I have done!

So as we are heading into spring, ditching those berry and dark polishes, I thought it was time to use a gorgeous, pastel peachy shade on my nails, which is Mavala Sweet* is a perfect springtime colour! What I love about the Sparkly Nails range, is that they are so easy to apply, the products are so cheap and such good quality, as well as looking incredible!

The application of these nail stickers was so easy and quick, even an amateur like me could do it! Simply paint your nails in your desired shade and allow to dry. Carefully peel off sticker using a pair of tweezers and place onto nail and press down in your preferred place, and seal with top coat.

Products Used

Nail Polish - Mavala 397 Sweet*

Violet Jewel Floral Nail Art Stickers - Sparkly Nails*

Sally Hansen No Chips Top Coat - Superdrug

So hopefully this short post has given you a little inspiration or something to think about when thinking of what to do with your nails next. If these Violet Jewel stickers aren't to your taste, Sparkly Nails has 100's of other nail art products for you to choose from, which are sure to not harm your bank account!

Have you heard of Sparkly Nails before? What do you think of my attempt at nail art? Would this be something you would be interested in doing? What other nail polish shades would you use these stickers with?

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AD - GIFTED | So what seems like ages ago, the lovely people over at Oqibo had sent me a little email giving me the chance to test out one of their moisturisers, as a lover of trying new skincare, I obviously accepted this kind offer!

When it comes to skincare, I do tend to keep it quite minimal, as this allows your skin to get used to the products you're using and usually helps promote better results. My skincare routine stays the same most of the year, unless I need to address some other skin care needs. In the warmer months of the year, I usually opt for lightweight products that hydrate my skin, help to brighten and promote glowing skin. In the colder months of the year, I usually need more hydrating products, usually these are slightly heaver and thicker skincare products, helping to keep my skin from getting any dry patches.

"Our story is very simple, we make great skin care products that celebrate how remarkable you are. Our mission: Happy. Remarkable. You."

I opted for the Oqibo Hydra Restore Cream*, a lightweight moisturiser that helps to restore, hydrate and protect the skin, for smoother, more radiant and healthier appearance. I felt this would be a perfect match for my skin type, as I didn't want something heavy that would clog my pores, but something that would cure my tired, dull looking skin. I've got combination skin (dry and oily) so I can sometimes struggle to find a good morning moisturiser that doesn't end up leaving my skin oily or dry, but with over 2 months use, this Hydra Restore Cream has been perfect!

The Hydra Restore cream was really gentle on my skin, and absorbed easily and quickly, which I really look for when choosing a moisturiser, and I have really been enjoying using this in the mornings, after gently cleansing my skin. The texture is just the usual light cream product, which has a lovely smell, which isn't too perfumed or overpowering! The packaging is simple and sleek, a great size for travelling and a perfect handbag sized product. The simple black and white theme is very eye catching and appealing to me.

- Delivers immediate hydration

- Restores & restructures skin with regular daily use

- Maintains & improves moisture reserves long term

- Improves texture, suppleness and strength

- Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Glasswort oil and Jojoba

The products that Oqibo have to offer are the Hydra Restore Cream and the Intense Moisture Defence, as well as a Purifying Cleanser/Toner and a Skin Refining Exfoliator, which I also received samples of, which I thought was a lovely touch from them, as I would be able to test out the other products in the range!

Have you heard of Oqibo before? Have you tried any of their products? What are your thoughts?

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