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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

I’m pretty sure that if we all could spend hours a day on hair care, skincare and makeup, 9 times out of 10 we would, but it’s definitely not practical or realistic these days! Busy lifestyles can really reduce the amount of time we have to look after ourselves and for this, we are all seeking beauty products that we can use quickly and easily, but still give the same results as if we were to spend ages.  After a little research, as well as browsing products that I already own, I’ve come up with a few beauty essentials that are perfect to use for the lazy ones amongst us!
First up is the Batiste Dry Shampoo. This stuff is definitely a miracle product and a perfect hair care solution for those with a hectic lifestyle. Ever woken up one morning and noticed your hair isn’t looking its best but you have no time to wash it? Yes? Well grab a can of this and those days will be over! This dry shampoo is a great way to refresh and revitalise your hair instantly, removing and excess grease or oil. Just spritz into the roots and massage into your scalp, to leave clean and fresh hair, with a little added volume and texture! Batiste comes in a variety of scents, my favourite being the ‘Tropical’, so there will definitely be a scent you will love! You can buy this in a range of size cans, so perfect if you’re always on the go, just put a mini travel version in your handbag and you’re good to go! 

If you’re looking for something quick and easy to add to your skincare routine, look no further! The Garnier Pure Active 3 – 1 Wash, Scrub and Mask is a perfect ‘all-rounder’, multi-use product that can save you time and money. This beauty product can be used in 3 different ways; a face wash, a face scrub or a face mask, meaning you don’t have to have millions of other products to use in conjunction, when this can do all 3!
Thirdly, a Cheek ‘n’ Lip Tint from 2True, which is an affordable make up product that has 2 uses. These are quite a new addition to the beauty world, but I definitely think they could come in handy! This would definitely be a welcome addition to any beauty bag and perfect for those who want a matching cheek and lip make up combo!

Next up is the Rimmel 5 Pan Eyeshadow in Brixton Brown. A small, travel sized palette perfect for eyeshadow, eyeliner, highlighting and filling in those brows! The shade range that is included is pretty good, and would most likely suit many people’s brow shades and gives a perfect smoky eye eyeshadow look for an evening look, or you can create a more neutral daytime look!

Finally, the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle! For me this is the perfect hair care product ever! All Aussie products smell amazing, and this is no exception! The main purpose of the 3 Minute Miracle is for a deep treatment to the hair, to help maintain healthy hair. This comes in a variety of types, including a heat protecting version, one to maintain shine and one to prevent frizz, so it’s perfect for all types of hair! You can also use this hair product as a simple conditioner after shampooing your hair and if you’re feeling extra lazy, use this instead of a shaving gel for extra super silky legs!

All the products I have featured are super affordable and can all be picked up in your local high street stores and supermarkets! So hopefully you have been introduced to some new products that can save you time in the mornings, also save you some money, and help you look your best without spending all day with a few multi-use product ideas. 

What are your lazy beauty products? Do you use any I have featured in today's post?
13:00 No comments
I've decided to write about something slightly different from my usual fashion or beauty related posts, and share with you some of my hair care tips. Looking after your hair doesn't have to be a time consuming, expensive and a laborious task, as simple tips and tricks can help minimise weak, damaged hair from everyday wear and tear. 

As I am someone with long, thick hair, it can be difficult to maintain and keep looking its best, but using some of the following tips helps to keep my locks in the best condition. I've also included a few of my own personal recommendations of products that I have tried or using at the moment, that I really love and think help to keep my own hair looking strong and healthy.

Arty photo of women hairstyle

1. Protect Hair Against Heat
Protecting your hair from the likes of blow drying and straightening are a must for healthy hair. Without any form of defence, the hair is subject to breakage and splitting, a definite no no! Heat Sprays are essential to keep hair away from damage and burning, and are a must for anyone using any for of heat styling!
I'd Recommend: TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray

2. Use A Good Shampoo and Conditioner Suitable For Your Hair Type
Using a good shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair is a general must! This tip allows you to focus on your hair and make sure you're buying the right products. Most brands offer a selection of products that cater for all hair types, for example dry, damaged, coloured, long, frizzy etc.
I'd Recommend: Aussie

3. Don't Let Split Ends Spoil Your Hair
Split ends occur from everyday wear and tear, and can have your hair not looking its best. With visits to the hair dressers being pricey, using a split ends treatment can keep them minimised and disguised for that little bit longer. These treatments contain proteins that help to repair and rebuild the hair, helping to maintain luscious locks!
I'd Recommend: Bondi Boost Rapid Repair Serum

4. Don't Tie Hair Up Too Tightly
This tip may come as a bit of a surprise to some of you, but tying hair up too tightly encourages damage and breakage to existing hair, as well as growing hair. This also can lead to weak and damaged hair that no one wants!
I'd recommend: Metal Free Hairbands

5. Have A Good Hairbrush
Having a good hairbrush is an essential part of maintaining beautiful healthy hair. When picking a hair brush, go for one that good at tackling everyday tangles, as tugging on hair causes breakage and damage. Also, brushing from the ends helps keep hair healthy and damage free, as this helps to ease out an tangles.

6. Pamper Your Hair With A Weekly Hair Mask/Treatment
Using a weekly hair mask or treatment helps to give your hair a boost from everyday wear and tear. Most of these contain various proteins that help to repair and reconstruct hair, leaving it looking healthy and shiny, and feeling soft and smooth.
I'd Recommend: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor
                                                          
7. Let Your Hair Dry Naturally When You Can
Letting your hair dry naturally helps maintain and protect your hair, as you are using no heat. After a shower or bath, give your hair a quick pat and squeezing the hair gently between the towel. Avoid rubbing and pulling, as this causes damage and breakage. If you need to use a blow dryer, try letting hair dry naturally for as long as possible, and try to limit the temperature and time spent drying.

8. Get Hair Trimmed Regularly
Whilst you can minimise the sight of split ends, getting your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks is an essential stage in maintaining healthy hair. You can do this yourself, just getting some sharp scissors and trimming slightly above your split ends, saving yourself a trip to the hairdressers, as well as some money!

9. Washing With Warm/Cool Water
The use of warm water naturally open the pores of your scalp, which is great for removing the oil and any dirt. The use of cool water helps to add shine and to seal in the hairs moisture. Avoid using Hot/Cold water as these can be damaging to your hair. Hot water strips your hair of its natural oils and also cause hair to become frizzy, meanwhile cold water can leave your hair looking quite flat. Whilst cleansing and washing your hair use warm water, not hot. You don’t want to burn your skin and your scalp. When you’re ready to rinse out the conditioner, use cool water for a final rinse.

10. Maintain A Healthy Diet for Healthy Hair
Having a healthy diet will ensure and help to prolong better-looking, better-feeling hair. A diet packed with protein, vitamin C, iron, zinc and omega 3, are all helpful in keeping hair damage free and healthy!

Which hair products do you currently use? Are there any hair care products you'd recommend?
16:30 No comments
It's been a while since I've done a wishlist styled post,(it's actually been since January!)- you can view that post here! So with Autumn in full swing, I've put together some beauty bits that I'm currently lusting over!

autumn beauty products

- Soap & Glory Archery Volu-Boost Brow Fibre Gel -
I've been a huge fan of the Soap & Glory Brow range, they have some really amazing products, at an affordable price point.. My current eyebrow pencil is the Soap & Glory Archery 2-in-1 Brow Filling Pencil & Brush- I use shade "Love is Blonde". So when I saw that a new product; the Volu-Boost Brow Fibre Gel had been added to the range, it's definitely been something I've wanted to test out. A product marketed to build, thicken & set your brows in an instant, this seems like a total game changer and something that I'm definitely lacking in my makeup bag. Probably because I use a clear mascara for my brows and not an actual brow gel! But I'm hoping to get my hands on this product soon in an attempt to help add colour and shape to my eyebrows, especially the sparse areas.

- L'Oréal Paris Smooth Sugars Glow Scrub -
With previously using both the Nourish Scrub and the Clear Scrub, I've really loved the L'Oréal Smooth Sugars range, and the Glow Scrub is the last in the trip that I need to test out. I want to keep my skin looking as fresh and as glowy as possible. With the colder Autumn/Winter weather settling in, I'm in need of a product to tackle dull skin, and I'm hoping the Glow Scrub will just do that! 

- Lee Stafford Coco Loco Hair Straighteners -
I've recently purchased a new hairdryer (it's also from Lee Stafford), and I thought it's about time I need a new set of hair straighteners. I've had my current set for around 4 years now and I think they are starting to wear out now. The Lee Stafford Coco Loco Hair Straighteners look perfect! The ceramic plates in the Coco Loco irons are infused with nourishing Coconut Oil, this clever oil keeps your hair looking sleek, smooth and shiny. What more could you ask for?

- Revolution Skincare Superfruit Extract Serum -
Recently, Revolution have introduced a new, exciting and affordable skincare line to their range, and I definitely wanted to give some of their products a go. I'm currently using the Revolution Skin Plumping & Hydrating Solution - 2% Hyaluronic Acid, and my skin is definitely loving it! The Revolution Skincare Superfruit Extract Serum is a dual purpose serum and primer that helps replenishes the skins moisture, packed with a slight iridescent shimmer for unbeatable radiance. A must have product to help prolong that Summer glow for Autumn/Winter.

- L'Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Mask -
I've previously tried some of the L'Oréal Dream Lengths range and absolutely fell in love with the products. The trio of products that I've used this were the perfect combination to help protect hair against breakage and split ends. Designed for those with long, damaged hair and enriched with Keratin, Vitamins and Castor Oil, the Dream Lengths Shampoo and Conditioner work like a treat for my hair. My hairs been on the dry side lately, so I'm hoping the new Dream Lengths Heat Mask will do the same as the other products in the range!

- NARS Climax Mascara -
New from NARS, the Climax Mascara. If you're a regular to my blog, you know I couldn't live without my mascara, a few favourites of mine being from Rimmel and Benefit. I like a mascara that really helps to separate, volumize and lengthen the lashes, helping to add boldness and definition, and making my eyes pop as the main focal point of my face. I usually like plastic, bristle mascara wands, but the NARS mascara has quick a chunky, fibre brush, that I would imagine gives you extreme volume and definition - exactly what I'm after!

- Ouai Hair Oil -
When it comes to haircare, I've always loved products from the Drugstore. Some of my favourite haircare brands include Aussie, OGX and L'Oréal. My current favourite hair oil being the Aussie 3 Miracle Oil Reconstructor - it's great!! But after hearing and reading some rave reviews, I've always been lusting over the luxurious Ouai Hair Oil. Described as a multitasking hair oil that smoothes out frizz and seals split ends for high-gloss, super-smooth finish, this would be the perfect addition for my haircare routine for the colder winter months.

What beauty products are on your wishlist for Autumn? Have you tested and reviewed any of the products featured?
10:00 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.

womens hair

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
AD - GIFTED | A while back I was contacted on Twitter with the opportunity to review some haircare products from Richard Ward, a celebrity hairdresser with a new range of innovative hair care – The Chelsea Collection – exclusively at Waitrose. So as a lover of all things haircare, I jumped at the chance of this; as anything with keratin is great for the hair and something that promises volume is a win win for me!

Richard Ward Keratin Volume Shampoo and Conditioner
Richard Ward Keratin Volume Shampoo and Conditioner
Richard Ward Keratin Volume Shampoo and Conditioner

I always mix up my haircare routine, as I feel using the same products isn't too great for your hair as the product builds up and your hair will get used to the products, therefore each wash you wont get the desired effect. Alongside my Aussie products, I was using these Richard Ward products and I was very happy with the results that I got from these.

Both the keratin volume shampoo* and conditioner* smell very lovely, really fruity and floral, not too overpowering like some salon products can be. The shampoo lathers up really well and really makes your hair feel clean after the very first wash. The conditioner on the other hand was slightly weird, not in a bad way, just a very strange consistency that I found quite difficult to squeeze out the bottle. However, once applied to the hair and rinsed out, my hair was left looking shiny and silky and feeling light and bouncy.

Overall, after using these two products for a couple of months now, I am really impressed with how they work for my hair and how my hair looks after using them. My hair is left feeling super clean, bouncy, healthy and slightly volumized, which is something I always look for when using haircare products! So if you're looking to try out some new haircare, I would definitely recommend these!

Have you tried any haircare by Richard Ward? What are your current favourite hair products?
13:00 No comments
Hair oils are still quite a new addition into my haircare routine, since using the THIS ONE Light Hair Oil, I have been hooked and oil treatments are something that I am using at least once a week to keep my long locks in the best possible condition. I recently picked up the TRESemme Liquid Gold Argan Oil, a lightweight hair oil which helps to nourish the hair, improve shine and tame frizz, whilst making your hair feel sleek and soft. 

Tresemme Liquid Gold Argan Oil Infused Perfecting Hair Treatment 75Ml
Tresemme Liquid Gold Argan Oil Infused Perfecting Hair Treatment 75Ml
Tresemme Liquid Gold Argan Oil Infused Perfecting Hair Treatment 75Ml
Tresemme Liquid Gold Argan Oil Infused Perfecting Hair Treatment 75Ml
Tresemme Liquid Gold Argan Oil Infused Perfecting Hair Treatment 75Ml

"The lightweight, luxurious formula is instantly absorbed to help nourish and reduce frizz, providing the ultimate salon indulgence to instantly transform your hair."

As for how I use this, I simply pump two or three little drops into my hands, rubbed them together then worked it through the lengths and ends of my hair before blow-drying. It made my hair feel amazingly soft, my ends are no longer straw like and dry and I found that my hair is so much more manageable when brushing, and no greasy residue is left. 

One thing I absolutely adore about this hair oil is the smell, its delicious. Think Aussie haircare products, and this is what that smells like. So fresh and fruity. Just amazing!

Have you used TRESemme Liquid Gold? What hair oils are you using currently?
13:00 No comments
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