● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

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AD - GIFTED | When it comes to my haircare routine, I'm always swapping and changing the products I use. I love to try out new products and new ranges that brands bring out, and when ECO Cosmetics reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in trying out a couple of new products from their hair styling range, I couldn't say no!

German-based brand Eco Cosmetics has launched its hair styling range, fully natural and organic, containing ingredients like Goji Berries and Pomegranate, a perfect combination for nourishing the hair whilst boosting the appearance, volume and shine. The range is certified by Ecocert, contains organic ingredients and is cruelty-free.

ECO Cosmetics Hair Mousse*

"This styling foam gives your hair volume and hold. No more frizz, even in damp weather! Enriched with goji berries*, it provides strength and protection all day long. It makes styling easy and leaves your hair feeling silky smooth, shiny and full of body. Precious pomegranate extracts* protect the skin and hair from drying out. Hair stays smooth and supple even after repeated use."

ECO Cosmetics Hair Spray*

"Nourishes your hair and protects it from drying out. Enriched with goji berries*, it provides strength and protection all day long. Hair feels silky smooth, shiny and full of body. Precious pomegranate extracts* protect the scalp and hair from drying out."

After trialling these two haircare products from ECO Cosmetics over the last month, I have to say I was quite impressed. I don't really tend to use hair sprays or mousses in my usual day-to-day haircare, but the Hair Mousse from ECO Cosmetics in particular was a great addition to my haircare routine.

The mousse itself was very lightweight, and not at all sticky, so it didn't weigh down my hair at all. The natural ingredients packed into the products helped my hair to maintain a healthy shine and appearance, adding some volume and I also found that my hair was less frizzy after washing and styling.

The hairspray was unlike any other hairspray I have used before. If I was to use a hairspray, it would most probably be in an aerosol sort of can, however this hair spray from ECO Cosmetics is an actual spray like consistency, similar to a facial mist, not something I was expecting or used to at all. However, when using the hair spray after styling my hair, I found that my hair was still in very good, healthy condition, and not looking dry and crispy-like some hair sprays can do to your hair.

Have you tried ECO Cosmetics before? What are your favourite haircare products?

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With Pancake Day on the way, I thought today's blog post would be a great way of sharing a little cheeky pancake recipe that combines some great flavours, that would be perfect for creating on Pancake Day as well as those cheat weekend breakfasts! Pancakes can sometimes be seen as quite an unhealthy food, but throw on top some fruit and yoghurt, and it's a win win situation..... right?!?!

From sweet to savoury fillings, a pancake is such a versatile snack that can really have literally any toppings and still be delicious!

Dark Chocolate, Blueberry & Coconut Pancake Day Recipe

I also wrote a blog post about my very own Tropical Banana Pancakes, which may be for you if you're wanting to be that extra bit healthy! Carry on reading to find out what ingredients you will need and how I made these delicious pancakes!

For the pancake mixture;

110g plain flour

pinch of salt

2 eggs

200ml milk

50g butter

To serve;

handful of blueberries

melted dark chocolate

sprinkle of desiccated coconut

2 spoonful's of plain yoghurt

drizzle of honey/syrup

Method;

1. Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl.

2. Make a well in the centre of the flour and break the eggs into it, and begin to whisk.

3. Next gradually add small quantities of the milk and continue to whisk, until all the flour is incorporated.

4. Now melt the butter in a pan and spoon 2 tbsp of it into the batter and whisk it in, and place the remaining melted butter in a small bowl.

5. Now place the frying pan on a medium heat and add enough batter to evenly cover the base of the pan. (around 2tbsp)

6. Let the pancake cook, and once you are able to move the pancake in the pan, its ready to be flipped! (the most fun part)

7. Then once flipped, and the other side is fully cooked, then simply slide it out of the pan onto a plate, and add on all your delicious toppings. I opted for blueberries, yoghurt, honey, coconut and melted chocolate. YUM!

What are you favourite pancake toppings? Has this post given you the urge to cook up some delicious pancakes?

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With 2018 being the year that I finally start taking skincare seriously, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ is a product that I decided to get my hands on. My skin can be pretty temperamental, some days its good, some days it bad, but that's life I guess. I would say my skin is fairly normal, with the odd dry and oily patches, nothing too drastic, but a harsh winter has made it enough for me to notice in day to day life. The Effaclar Duo+, "a dual action gel moisturiser for every day that minimises the appearance of spots and blackheads, controls shine and helps protect the skin" and claims to be "A blemish treatment that corrects and hydrates skin for clearer skin in 4 weeks". I've been using the Effaclar Duo+ for around 1 month, I purchased just after Christmas, and have slowly been introducing it into my skincare routine. As a first impressions, my skin definitely has been more matte and less shiny, which is the biggest improvement I have noticed since using this gem from La Roche-Posay.

Hugo Boss The Scent for Her - a new fragrance to add to my never ending perfume collection! I received this perfume for Christmas, I had never tried any fragrances from Hugo Boss previously, since having this one, I have fallen in love with it. It's a very fresh and fruity, bursting with a peachy aroma but with a slightly floral scent that would be a perfect Spring or Summer fragrance.

Whilst learning to drive with Wimbledon Driving School, I downloaded the DVSA Theory Test App to help me with revising for my Theory Test, as well as allowing me to take mock tests and practice the Hazard Perception side to the Theory Test. The app itself is very easy to use, you have a choice of launching the Theory or Hazard Perception programme within the app, with the Theory side allowing you to study and practice each topic, as well as taking mock tests with the 50 questions to answer. I have been finding it very useful in helping me to revise and practice for my upcoming test, and would definitely recommend the app to anyone revising for a Theory Test or even someone who is wanting to learn to drive, this app would be something to look out for!

Marsh and Mallow bars are something new that I have recently discovered when visiting my local Starbucks. I saw these sat in front of the tills and decided to grab a couple in Raspberry and Vanilla flavours, and was very pleasantly surprised with these, they are super tasty and a great snack for on the go! I would recommend you stock up on these on your next trip to Starbucks and keep one in your handbag when you're feeling a little hungry.

A favourite, holy grail make up product of mine has been the Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara. I've repurchased this over and over again as this has become a mascara that I know will work for my lashes. This mascara has a plastic brush with thin, small bristles that reach, grab and separate every lash, creating dramatic length without being clumpy, as well as being very black in colour. The mascara is also very buildable, applying one or more coats depending if you want more of a natural or dramatic look to the lashes. I also use this mascara on my bottom lashes, to create length to the lashes and definition to my eyes. Usually priced at £7.99, very affordable and very easy to get hold of in Superdrug or Boots, if you haven't tried this mascara from Rimmel, I would definitely advise you to give it a go.

Lastly for my January favourites, a high-end fragrance of mine that I have loved ever since I ordered my first bottle; YSL Black Opium. I think it's the perfect perfume for special occasions and nights out as it holds such a deep, musky, sexy scent that I really love at this time of year. I've found that this perfume is long-wearing and lingers on the skin all day, which is brilliant as I hate having to carry the perfume around with me for top ups. Every single time I wear it, I get numerous compliments, people asking what I'm wearing or just generally saying I smell nice. If you're after a new perfume or just want to treat yourself to something extra special, Black Opium is the one for you.

What have been your favourite things recently?

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In all honestly, I am the biggest perfume lover ever! I just can't get enough! I adore all kinds of scents, I like quite sweet, musky and deep fragrances and find it really hard to choose new ones, which is a pain when I have so many on my current wishlist! But one fragrance that I have been lusting over for a number of months is the YSL Black Opium. Previously, I had never smelt Black Opium, but with so much praise and hype from bloggers and after reading great reviews, it was something that I had been wanting to try for a while. I mean, the scent combinations just sound perfect for my fragrance tastes.

"Discover Black Opium, the feminine fragrance by Yves Saint Laurent – new glam rock fragrance full of mystery and energy. An addictive gourmand floral with notes of: Black Coffee – for a shot of adrenaline; White Florals – to instantly seduce; and Vanilla – for sweetness and sensuality. WHAT’S STOPPING YOU?"

Top notes: Pink pepper, Orange blossom

Heart notes: Jasmine, Coffee

Base notes: Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedarwood

Since ordering this perfume, I have just fallen in love with it every single time I wear it. It's become my go-to fragrance in day to day life. The bottle alone is just gorgeous. Black and sparkly, what more could you want? The scent is gorgeous. I mean what's not to love? I think it's the perfect perfume for special occasions and nights out as it holds such a deep, musky, sexy scent that I really love at this time of year. I've found that this perfume is long-wearing and lingers on the skin all day, which is brilliant as I hate having to carry the perfume around with me for top ups.

Every single time I've worn it, I received handfuls of compliments and people asking what I have on. It may be a more expensive perfume than I am used to getting but to me it is well worth every penny and most definitely a luxury treat, something I know I would definitely repurchase! I'm just upset I only purchased a 30ml bottle because it's something I could wear everyday, but it would be a great travel size perfume!

Have you tried Black Opium before? What are your winter fragrance favourites?
Leave me your recommendations!

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Every time I wander into Boots to pick up a replacement shampoo or hair mask, I always see the bright blue packaging of Maui Haircare sat on the shelf, calling my name. But at £8.99 a product, I do find that to be a little expensive when I can purchase my regular shampoos, conditioners and treatments for around the same price combined. However, I would one day love to give them a try, I've heard so much good things about them, over countless reviews. If i was to pick them up, I would definitely be drawn towards the range specific to dry hair, Shampoo, Conditioner and Oil Mist all infused with Coconut Milk, encouraging nourishment and providing moisture to hair, which is exactly what I look for in haircare products, as cold weather and using heat on hair is a nightmare whilst trying to keep healthy, strong hair.

The Ordinary took over the skincare game in 2017, and I am yet to try anything of theirs as of yet. I've seen many a review and nearly every single product hyped over, so this prompted me to add something from their range to my wishlist. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is the product at the top of my shopping list from The Ordinary. Hyaluronic Acid can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water, and after these harsh, cold winter months, my skin will definitely need some moisture and hydration. With a price tag of just £5.99, this is something I am 100% going to be trying out, and if it makes a difference in my skincare routine, it would be something I would repurchase as it is so affordable!

Something on the more higher end of skincare is the much loved Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. I've heard so many good things about this product that it is something I would love to try for myself. If I'm being honest, I always forget about using eye creams and serums, but I do know that the eye area is one of the first places prone to ageing and changes in the skin. gently moisturise the delicate eye area. This does sound like a great skincare essential that would gently moisturise the delicate eye area, but at £22.50 for 14ml a pot, is it worth the hype?

Another skincare product to add to my online basket, the Soap & Glory Speed Plump Miracle Moisture Mask. I love face masks, they are the perfect pamper session essential, and the best way to relax and unwind after a long, tiring day. I really like some of the Soap and Glory skincare, especially the Speed Plump Overnight Miracle Moisture Mousse, so I am hoping the Moisture Mask could be another favourite added to my collection.

Newly released are the L'Oréal Paris Smooth Sugar Face and Lip Scrubs, coming in 3 different variations; Kiwi - to clear, Grapeseed to glow, and Cocoa - to nourish. I've used a variety of L'Oréal Paris skincare before, my favourites being the Pure Clay masks and washes, to which have become staples in my skincare routine. The scrubs look like a great addition to my collection, in order to reduce texture and create softer, smoother skin, as well as to hydrate and brighten, which is definitely what my skins need after the winter months. RRP £9.99

What products are on your wishlist? Have you reviewed any I have mentioned above?

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Beauty and Lifestyle February Favourites

Rogue by Rihanna has quickly become one of my go-to perfumes.

"Capturing the mischievous nature that lies within every modern woman, ROGUE by Rihanna has a bold yet flirty composition. Top notes of flirty Lemon Blossom and Cyclamen are mixed with Bergamot and spiced with Pink Peppercorn. The aroma evolves with Jasmine, Rose and Muguet fused together with Juicy Plum and seductive Suede. Warm notes of Sandalwood, Patchouli and Golden Amber accompanied by decadent Vanilla and sensual Musk create a bold ending." Whenever I wear it, I always get compliments and people asking me what scent I am wearing. 9 times out of 10 they cant believe it when I say its by Rihanna. I would definitely recommend you giving this one a sniff, its so fresh and dark, somewhat sexy. A must have day to night fragrance!

This month I've been addicted to Prison Break, an American serial drama television series. "The series revolves around two brothers. One brother has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, and the other devises an elaborate plan to help his brother escape prison and clear his name." I remember a long time ago watching the first season and not continuing! So February saw me basically binge watching this show. Episode after episode, I just cant keep away! If its nothing something you've seen, I'd definitely recommend. It's so captivating, interesting and easy to watch, you'll definitely be hooked on this show!

In terms of make up, there have been a couple of products that I have been reaching for more often this month and have been really enjoying using. First up is Maybelline's Brow Satin in Dark Blonde. A duo brow product featuring a waxy pencil and a powdered sponge, application is super easy and I feel that the colour is a really good match to my natural brow colour. It adds a good amount of colour, nothing too OTT, giving a very subtle, natural brow which I think is perfect for everyday. Secondly, I've been loving using the Maxfactor 2000 Calorie Mascara, especially as a bottom lash mascara. It adds length, volume and definition to the lashes, making them look very sleek and defined without the clumps, which is something I look for in a mascara. I HATE CLUMPS!

A haircare favourite this month has been the Aussie Winter Miracle Shampoo and Conditioner. As a huge Aussie lover, when I saw this range in Superdrug, I knew I had to snap it up and give it a go. The harsh cold weather we have been having hasn't done my hair the best of favours, but this haircare duo has helped banish dry ends and frizz, helping me to achieve healthier, nourished looking hair. If you're looking for some new haircare, I would suggest Aussie 100%. They have a range for all hair types, are super affordable and smell absolutely gorgeous!

After receiving my February Degustabox this month, I received a bottle of the VITHIT Apple and Elderflower Drink, and it was absolutely delicious! "Vit Hit - The Juice based soft drink with 100% Recommended Daily Allowance of 8 different vitamins, no added sugar and with fewer than 35 calories per bottle. With health giving teas and minerals for overall well being Vit Hit contains real juice and no preservatives, artificial colourings or flavourings." It was so refreshing and was something I would never usually pick up in a supermarket, so I was pleasantly surprised!

Lastly, a lip care product. I seem to always lose my lip balms and when I really need them, they just disappear and I cannot find them anywhere. Anyone else find this happens to them? Saying that, the cold weather has been really drying out my lips so I needed something to moisturise them ASAP, which is where I popped into Superdrug and picked up the Cocoa Butter Vaseline. It was super cheap and I know it will do the job, unless I lose it again!

What have been your favourites?

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