Benefit Rollar Lash Mascara

Mascara is my absolute must have beauty product - something I wear every day without fail. This is why I was so excited to try out Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara after I got a sample with Elle Magazine. Although, I have heard many great things on Twitter and Instagram about Benefit makeup, this was the first of products their I have tried - mainly because they are a little on the pricey side and because nowhere near me seems to sell it without going into the city! 

This mascara is based around Velcro hair rollers and although this may sounds strange it means that it will act a little like an eyelash perm that's only temporary. The brush is curved and is smaller than that of any other mascara I have used before - making it perfect for smaller eyes and also to reach all those tiny lashes. The wand also has tiny 'hooks' which grip onto lashes to encourage them to stretch both outwards and upwards, giving the curl you want without the use of eyelash curlers.

Now, the packaging and brush may be novel, but the question is, does this mascara actually work and do what it says? Bit of a tricky one this in all honesty. On my lashes which are quite straight, it did give a slight curl and a bit of uplift but nothing on par with an eyelash curler. I also found that brush didn't really separate lashes that well and I feel that may be because of how small the brush actually is, as it is just a sample size. It does add some length and doesn't seem to flack of or leave lashes 'crispy' any more than any other mascara which is defiantly good. I feel it looked slight better and gave more of a lift and curl the more layers that are applied, but it did increase the amount of lashes that stuck together.
Personally I would prefer it is the colour was a darker black, meaning you wouldn't have to use quite so much. Roller Lash is probably not a mascara that I would go out and spend £19.50 on simply because I don't feel it really did much for my lashes as in curling, volumising and uplifting. However, because of the size of the brush I did find that it worked on my lower lashes and did catch every lash.



Mascara used on right eye, none on the left

What do you think of Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara?

Love Laura x

Fitness - Who Do You Trust?

Now, this isn't a post I would normally write, but it's been on my mind for the last few days and I feel it really has to be said.

I have seen quite a few posts on both Instagram and also on Tumblr about fitness and it is clear that these people don't actually know what they are talking about, but others are paying attention to what they say, especially young girls. Fitness is something that should be taken seriously, as doing it wrong can result in injuring yourself and doing more harm than good. You should only take advice from either; someone you know and trust or, someone who is working in the fitness industry. Not someone who posts pretty pictures with captions saying how much they apparently know. It's just ridiculous! These people post images of themselves showing their bodies (no, I don't have a problem with this at all!) and then saying that 'body goals' shouldn't be what is on the outside, eg how you look. Kind of contradicting yourselves there! Also, comparing doing a work-out to seeing your friends/family or eating a meal in regards to time management. All are important but you still need to see people and more importantly, eat. If you miss a work-out for whatever reason it is not the end of the world, you just make time when you can and, if you don't want to, you don't have to prioritise fitness over anything, it is completely your own choice.

Another thing that is being said on these posts is that you can only have a happy and good life if you exercise. This could not be further from the truth. I mean, yes fitness is good for you and it can make you feel good about yourself, but it is not the 'key' to a happy life. That comes from a mixture of things, such as just being generally happy within yourself and fitness/exercise to everyone is not a fun or enjoyable thing to do and doesn't make everyone feel good.

These same people also promote certain 'wonder' products which are suppose to make you have the 'ideal' body and make you feel healthy. In reality, you don't need such things, as having a good and balanced diet can do this! These products that are meant to beat bloating, to be hones your are probably wasting your money! You could do ab work-outs and also change your diet such as cutting down on bread/pasta along with some vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage as the sugars and starches in them can cause gas and bloating. See, not extra products needed!

I know these people have a huge following on their chosen social media platform but after looking, a lot of them seem to be young girls. These girls are being roped into believing that what they are being shown in the posts are the correct things to do in  regards to fitness when it couldn't be further from the truth! What these young girls should be shown is how to find a fitness professional who can show they exercises which they can do and how to do them correctly. This way they will get a work-out but hopefully without the rise of injury.

I'm sorry if some of you may feel this is a bitchy post, but you will also notice that I have not mentioned any names and neither will I if asked. These are my own opinions about something I feel strongly about and while I am not an expert on fitness myself, I know to go and ask someone knowledgeable to find out, whereas the people who do these types of posts are targeting youngsters in order to simply gain popularity and followers without thinking of the consequences and injuries people my occur by following what they say.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't follow what someone says on the internet, not matter how pretty their pictures are or how knowledgeable they may sound. Find someone who is a registered professional who can show you the correct and safe way to perform work-out routines.

Leighton Denny Nail Polish

Nail polish is the one beauty product I can't go without and I am always on the look out for new colours, and more importantly, new brands to try. This is what lead me to buying a Leighton Denny nail polish when I was having a browse around John Lewis. I have never seen this brand before other than on instagram either so it was all new to me! The shade I chose is called 'Where's My Limo' and it is a pale grey shade and is so gorgeous and perfect for adding a hint of colour while still looking sophisticated. This polish their Hollywood  Collection, which is inspired by glamour of both old and new Hollywood and it was on sale at £5.50 (normally £11). It is easy to apply and you only need 2 coats and seems to dry quite quickly too which is amazing if you are doing them in a rush. I have also found that it stays on well without chipping, around 3-4 days. I also love the bottle, as it looks so expensive and luxurious, with the double effect lid and simple brand lettering.

I can't wait to buy more shades from the Leighton Denny, as they have so many gorgeous colours to choose from and with the staying power they have, I feel they are defiantly worth the money.

Have you tried any of these nail polishes and what did you think?

Love Laura x

PINK and Skater

Crop top - Victoria's Secret PINK

Skirt - Miss Selfridge (similar)

Shoes - New Look

My go-to outfits normally include a skater skirt, as they always seem to fit me so well and of course you can do the girly twirl! They are also great for wearing with crops as they are high-waisted meaning, you don't show off too much skin. Hence the reason I paired it with this gorgeous crop from Victoria's Secret PINK. With the elasticated bands being so similar, I feel they go so well together. Slightly deterring from the sports luxe feel, I paired the outfit with pastel blue heels to add some colour.


Let me know what you think!

Love Laura x

F.B.L Quick Tip #27

Heat your eyelash curler with a hair dryer for a few seconds (don't over do it!)

It will help lock the curl in place all day

 

 



Sports Luxe Like A Pro

Sports luxe is still one trend that is going strong, with brands and celebrities alike still using it. The person that inspired this post was Leona Lewis on The John Bishop's Show where she was performing her new single. Her outfit was perfect for sports luxe, but slightly more polished rather than looking like something from a gym (where the luxe part comes in!)

 

The outfit consists of high-waisted joggers which have a leather effect for the waistband - defiantly makes them a little different. A bralette is pretty much an essential for this look and I love Leona's as it has a different band underneath the main part of the garment. The blazer (looks like it could be made from 2 different ones?), complements the whole look and adds a sophisticated edge to balance it out. This is also the same with the heels, as they are simple but on trend with the caging. As the entire outfit is monochrome, it means that it isn't too much and in-your-face and would be perfect for a night out while still feeling comfortable. 

 

 

What do you think of this look and is it something you would wear?

Love Laura x

ESMIE STYLE

Lookout salons of Manchester, there's a new one in town - ESMIE STYLE! Set in the heart of Manchester at Piccadilly House, just 5 mins walk from the station, it is in a perfect location and also, who has been to a hair salon situated a grade two listed office block before? I certainly haven't! Defiantly something unique and exclusive, when you are inside you completely forget you are in a busy city. Director and founder Rebecca Gladstone has worked and trained at Toni&Guy and Trevor Sorbie, so she certainly knows her stuff when it comes to all things hair and this has been shown by the salon, as a business, achieving goals which were set for 6 months time in as little as 3 months - how amazing is that?!

Compared to how the salon space looked when Rebecca first got it to now is such a huge transformation. It did have lime green walls with purple carpet (who ever thought that the colours would go together is beyond me!) and filled with desks. Now, it is a big open, clean space with black and white walls and wooden floor. Big mirrors with gorgeous, classy fames are placed along one wall with comfy leather chairs situated in front. Love the fact that they all have cushions too which defiantly adds to the luxury element. The black and white theme runs thought-out the space and into their social media so it all links together nicely and you know straight away that it is the same brand.

Rebecca's aim is to 'change the way we perceive our hair one step at a time'. This means that your hair will be seen as part of your health rather than as just a cosmetic extra. She is also offering bespoke, but still fashionable and on-trend cut/style, so you will never have exactly the same hair as someone else.

While I was there, I was treated to a gorgeous, super sleek blow dry! Using own brand shampoo and conditioner, Rebecca took the time to make sure my hair blow-dried to perfection before I left. At other salons where I have had this done, it has always felt rushed and also like ever hair was being pulled from my head - OUCH! But at ESMIE Style, Rebecca took her time and remember there was someone attached to the hair - at times I almost forgot what she was doing! My hair has never felt as soft or looked as frizz-free, I was so, so happy with the result and had some lovely comments from people about it which is always nice. It also lasted for the next day too and still looked as amazing as it did when it was first done - a sign your hair has been done well when it's a day old!

Day after - still looks amazing!

 
After spending some time with Rebecca, it is so obvious why ESMIE STYLE is doing so well, as she is friendly and welcoming but not overbearing as I have found some hairdressers can be. You can see her passion and drive for the business and also the hair and fashion industry as a whole. She is combining the two to make a high end, luxury brand.

I can soon see this becoming THE salon to be seen in!

Love Laura x

*This product has been gifted/sent

for review by PR and/or the brand

Wimbledon Lovin'

As Wimbledon is happening right now, so it seems the perfect time to use it as a little inspiration. There are so many items around at the moment which fit in with the tennis theme, so here are a few of my favourites. All of these items can be worn all year round however, but pairing white on white is just for this tennis event. (unless your feeling brave!)

Let me know what you think!
Love Laura x