● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

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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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AD - GIFTED | 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'Oréal 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

This 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.

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

L'Oréal 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?

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AD - GIFTED | 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, sulphates, 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 smoky 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?

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Earlier this year, L'Oréal Paris added a trio of Smooth Sugars Scrubs to their skincare range. I had already tried the Nourish Scrub and loved it, so I was 100% sure I wanted to try some more from the range. I picked up the L'Oréal Paris Smooth Sugars Clear Scrub to test out, and see if it was just as good as the Nourish Scrub.

The Smooth Sugar Clear Scrub is formulated with exfoliants of 100% natural origin, made from fine sugars and kiwi seeds. The expert blend also contains 3 fine sugars; White sugar that melts on the skin while gently buffing away impurities and dead skin cells. Blonde sugar, which is a natural moisturiser, and brown sugar which is rich in minerals that help strengthen the skin's barrier.

A perfect combination of lemongrass and peppermint essential oils are also included to help purify and detox the skin, as well as banishing blackheads.

In terms of application, I always use this on clean skin. I will use a face wash/cleanser to remove any makeup or dirt from the skin, then apply a small amount of the scrub to my face and lips. Adding a splash of warm water to help lather the product slightly and gently massage in a circular motion. The sugars really melt into the skin for a deep exfoliation and the kiwi seeds helping to tackle the pores. I use the Clear Scrub around 3 times per week to help maintain my skin and banish any blackheads or congestion.

The L'Oréal Paris Smooth Sugars Clear Scrub has quick a thick and sticky consistency, with the sugar and kiwi seeds providing the perfect amount of texture to help exfoliate the face, without being too harsh on the skin. The packaging feels very luxurious. A nice, compact glass pot, that does feel quite heavy; definitely feels more high-end than drugstore!

I'd highly recommend the L'Oréal Paris Smooth Sugars Clear Scrub for those will oily and congested skin, or those wanting to get rid of any blackheads. However, if the Clear Scrub isn't for you, L'Oréal also have 2 other products in the Smooth Sugars range that might cater for your skin needs as they are suitable for all skin types.

Have you tried the L'Oréal Smooth Sugars Scrub? Which is your favourite?

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AD - GIFTED | FLYTE; an innovative British brand, producing entirely clean energy drinks sourced from nature, powered by organic caffeine, non-GMO and has absolutely no added artificial ingredients or added sugar. Sounds crazy that there could be a healthy, clean and positive energy drink on the market, but it's 100% true and you definitely need to try it!

FLYTE is the first energy drink of its kind and is currently available in two delicious, fruity and refreshing flavours;

Red Berries; a taste truly satisfying and is a refreshing coffee alternative in the afternoon when energy levels are wavering for the evening ahead.

Green Mango; this tropical thirst-quencher is truly invigorating for those mid-morning slumps.

Each bottle contains lightly carbonated water, fruit juice, natural actives and vitamins. A drink fortified with Vitamins B & C, as well as the following ingredients;

- A double shot of Organic Caffeine, harnessed from pure and antioxidant rich unprocessed, unroasted green coffee beans.

- Maca Root is high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, Copper and Iron to aid focus and concentration.

- Schizandra is a super berry that helps with blood oxygenation, to reduce muscle aches and pains, overcome fatigue and encourage fast recovery post-exercise.

I was kindly gifted some samples of FLYTE Energy Drinks to try, and the first flavour I got stuck into was FLYTE Green Mango*. Green Mango was definitely my favourite flavour of the two that I received. Packed with grapes, passion fruit, lemons and limes, it was the perfect exotic, tropical drink! It has such a sweet and crisp flavour, bursting with fresh, juicy fruit, it was absolutely delicious!

FLYTE Red Berries* was also a flavour I enjoyed! Made with strawberries, raspberries, grapes, lemon and lime, this gave me Summer Fruits vibes and I was definitely loving it! You could really taste the fresh, juicy strawberries accompanied by the sharp raspberry taste that really made the perfect pairing for this red berries drink.

Overall, I was very impressed with FLYTE. I would definitely recommend. The packaging is simply stunning. It’s so sleek, stylish and sophisticated. Contained inside a durable glass bottle, it genuinely has a really nice look to it. So much so, it'd definitely catch your eyes in the supermarket! With each flavour branded with the corresponding colour for each bottle, i.e. red for berries, green for green mango, and the use of the bird logo playing on the name "FLYTE", it helps to make the brand and the product stand out.

I felt that FLYTE did actually help me concentrate and feel alert, giving me that burst of natural energy and focus that you really need in the late afternoon. The natural ingredients packed into FLYTE meant it was the perfect pick-me-up for when I felt tired and needed a nap. The best part about a natural, clean energy drink - I didn't suffer any sugar crashes, like a normal sugar-filled energy drink would give you!

Have you heard of FLYTE before? Which flavour would you prefer?

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AD - GIFTED | When it comes to bath bombs, you've probably been purchasing from the likes of LUSH and Bombs Away Cosmetics... But have you heard of Suezbana?? If the answer is no, keep reading!

Suezbana is a brand of Total Beauty Ltd, specialising in crafting natural handmade beauty products from scratch. A brand with A LOT to offer; from body lotions, showers gels, shaving soaps, creams, body butters, hair products, mineral makeup, aluminium free deodorant and home fragrances, there is so much variety, you'll be spoilt for choice.

I was kindly gifted the Suezbana Bath Bomb Gift Sets Series 2*. There are 6 Large Bath Bombs included, packed with added Essential Oils and Coconut milk. As soon as I opened the box I was blown away by the mixture of scents and the bold, beautiful colours. With a wide range of unique scents from floral to fruity, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Included in the Suezbana Bath Bomb Gift Sets Series 2 are the following bath bombs;

Violet - a fresh and floral Lavender based bath bomb with a deep, rich purple colour. The perfect, dreamy scent for relaxation and pampering, followed by a good night's sleep. 10/10 from me!

Ella - bursting with fluorescent pink and green colours, this scented bath bomb has subtle hints of florals and Watermelon, a perfect summer bath bomb scent. Personally for me, this bath bomb could do with a stronger Watermelon scent that would make it even better.

Ava - If you're a lover of Raspberries, this one is for you! Packed with a super sweet punch, this bath bomb has it all; sweetness, sourness, freshness and fruitiness, it's one not to be missed.

Gracie - a bath bomb bursting with aromas of juicy fresh Peaches and exotic Papaya - it'll have you dreaming of sun, sea and sand as you are whisked way to a tropical paradise.

Lily - for me, this bath bomb didn't really have a distinct scent that I could pick out, but described on the box as Tantalising Pinacola, it would have creamy and coconut-esque aromas.

Lexi - a bath bomb with such a bright, bold and vibrant blue colour, it'll definitely turn your bath into a beautiful ocean! Packed with subtle hints of Blueberry and some fizzy sherbet; this bath bomb is like sweet heaven.

Have you heard of Suezbana before? What are your favourite scents for bath bombs?

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Some new additions into my skincare routine that I have been using for around 2 months now have been from the Superdrug Detox Skincare range. A selection of skincare products infused with Vitamin C; claiming to help brighten, revitalise and detoxify your skin. For me, these products have been perfect to suit and care for my current skin needs.

The Superdrug Detox Skincare range have some very natural and powerful ingredients that really help to boost and hydrate the appearance of the skin. These include;

Kakadu Plum – highest known ‭concentration of Vitamin C of any food on the planet.

‭Goji Berry – a superfruit known to induce calm, ‭wellbeing and energy

First up is the Vitamin C Brightening Eye Gel. A lightweight eye gel with a cooling rollable applicator, great at helping to brighten and de-puff eyes, and to get rid of dark circles and tired looking eyes. The gel feels hydrating and adds a subtle glow under the eye, perfect for those who want a brightened, and more highlighted under-eye area.

I simply roll the applicator on my under eye area in light circular motions until fully absorbed, and lightly pat in any excess gel.

The next product I have been using is the Vitamin C Nourishing Gel Moisturiser. ‭Upon application, the moisturiser has a super light, refreshing and cool gel texture that absorbs very quickly into the skin, helping to provide an instant glow and added hydration. The perfect moisturiser for those with dull, tired skin, giving an extra boost of radiance to your routine. It hydrates, softens and plumps my skin without making my face feel clogged up and greasy, has such an amazing fresh citrus scent and gives you that fresh faced look that is perfect for Summer!

I like to use this after cleansing in the morning. I apply a small amount of the moisturiser to my face, I use a small dot of product on my cheeks, forehead and chin, and gently massage upwards and outwards using a circular motion until fully absorbed.

Superdrug Vitamin C Orange Peel Jam Mask

The final product from the range I have been using is the Vitamin C Jam Face Mask. A thick and sticky textured face mask that contains natural White Sugar and Orange Peel; helping to gently exfoliate, purify and brighten the skin. Again, this skincare product is formulated with Goji Berry and Kakadu Plum that really helps to give an extra boost of Vitamin C to your skin and give you that fresh glow. A great product for all skin types.

I've been using the Jam Mask twice a week. The scent is fresh and fruity but not too overpowering. I would spread a thin layer of the mask onto cleansed skin and leave for around 10 minutes. After the time is up, I use a small amount of warm water and gently massage into the skin before rinsing.

Other products featured in the range include Superdrug Vitamin C Booster 30ml and the Vitamin C Facial Cleanser 150ml.

Have you tried the Superdrug Vitamin C Detox Skincare range?

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If your hair is in need of some serious TLC, you need to get your hands on the Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask; the perfect summer staple, and a real treat to add to your haircare routine. A silky and thick hydrating conditioning mask, this is suitable for those with extremely coarse, dry and heat damaged hair, a great product to try for that added hydration and nourishment, to keep your hair looking healthy and shiny all summer long.

"Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask is particularly effective for dry, thick and coarse hair as it tends to be extremely dehydrated and requires added moisture to stay healthy."

This hair mask has a super rich and creamy formula, suitably designed to hydrate and nourish dry and damaged hair. Concentrated with Argan Oil; this naturally and effectively adds hydration and shine back to dull, lifeless locks.

Directions for use are super easy to follow...

After shampooing, apply a generous amount of Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask all over the hair and comb it through so each strand of hair is covered with the mask.

Leave for around 5 to 7 minutes, which is plenty of time to help recondition and reconstruct the hair, I sometimes leave on for around 20 minutes for a more deep condition so I know it will add the much needed moisture and elasticity back to my dry hair. Make sure to rinse out well, and finish with cold water to help keep hair looking strong and shiny.

I've used the Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask for a number of weeks now, and it definitely does a great job for the hair. My hair has definitely felt a lot stronger, looked healthier and more moisturised, as well as being more manageable and shiny. The condition of my mid-lengths to ends have improved 100% since using this mask, no more dry, straw-like hair! If you like to splurge and treat yourself when it comes to haircare, this is a great product to add to your haircare routine.

However, if high-end haircare isn't for you, and you are looking for a hair mask that does a similar job to the Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask, is more easily accessible and has a more affordable price tag, I would definitely recommend the Maui Moisture Revive & Hydrate Shea Butter Mask!

Have you tried the Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask? What other hair masks would you recommend for dry and damaged hair?

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