Laura Darling

Aapri exfoliating Facial Cleansing Pillows

2012-02-12T05:37:00.001-08:00

Oh my days, what a discovery I made when Lee & I moved house! Packing up an old cupboard, hidden right at the back is this box (pictured below) of Aapri cleansing pillows. I had never heard of them before and I was so intrigued to try them.

Taking one of the pillows you add a few drops of warm water to the beaded side to activate the cleanser and rub all over your face.

Next, flip the pillow over and use the smooth side to cleanse after the exfoliation. My skin feels squeaky clean after doing this, like I've stripped it of everything so I like to use a rich moisturiser following. It is unbeatable at removing hangover makeup or deep seated fake tan!

Best thing of all, you can pick these up at Body Care for under £2!!!

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Georgina Dorsett on TOWIE in Celeb Boutique

2012-02-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

After seeing new face Georgina on The Only Way is Essex sporting a pelpum tuxedo jacket on the latest episode, I wanted one!!!

Luckily, I tracked it down at celebboutique.com... £84.99

Louboutin Appeals Against the Decision in YSL's Favour

2012-02-08T05:22:00.000-08:00

The well documented legal battle concerning design or trademark appeared to come to an end late last year when it was held that the red sole, inherently displayed on Christian Louboutin heels, was not awarded to be a trademark of which, YSL were not breaching copyright.

Louboutin has taken the case and the ruling the the Court of Appeal to contest the decision. I'm no lawyer (yet!) but if I were YSL, I wouldn't even use the colour - it gives out some sort of desperate impression. Diane Von Furstenburg attended with Mr. Louboutin as both friend and advocate for more stringent copyright laws. It surprises me that even in this day and age, very complex legal decisions and precedents are still taking shape.

LUSTING

2012-02-08T04:10:00.000-08:00

Absolutely got to get this Le Breve gilet for walking the dogs this Spring, so cute!

http://www.lebrevejeans.co.uk/Product.php?id=208

Barcelona snapshots

2012-02-07T05:42:00.001-08:00

I took Lee to Barcelona for his birthday at Christmas and it has become our favourite city - so far!

Coat ~ Miss Selfridge

Scarf ~ A McQ

Glasses ~ Topshop (100 seasons ago)

I treated myself to some Chanel Aqua Lumiere Foundation from Sephora whilst I was there ... Review to follow :-)

We used Unlike to Discover amazing places like La Alcoba Azul to eat and find underground salsa clubs to dance in! (http://barcelona.unlike.net/locations/307224-La-Alcoba-Azul)

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My bathroom looking cute...Non?

2012-02-07T05:17:00.001-08:00

French plaque ~ EBay
Pink glassware ~ TK Maxx
Perfume ~ Jimmy Choo

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Art Deco & Livvy P

2012-02-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

Having just moved house, it is natural that I am all-house-related-things obsessed! Casually watching old re-runs of MTV's The City reawakened a deep love of Olivia Palermo's Tribeca apartment. The gorgeous gal lived in a clean, neutral space which gave room for quirky one off soft furnishings and accessories. But it was the CHAIRS that my heart beat so quickly for....

I googled around and found www.made.com do an amazingly similar style chair for a breathtaking £169 - Interior design problem - SOLVED!

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

2012-02-06T06:00:00.001-08:00

The release of the new version of this "classic" has prompted me to purchase and discover what all the Internet hype surrounding this foundation is for. I didn't buy the serum version, I'm a sucker for originals!

Hailed as the high streets most loved foundation, it had a lot to live up to... And it did not disappoint.

I actually got really excited again this morning when I remembered that I got to use it again! It oxidises really well, reminding me of BB 'Skin', which I loved. But at a third of the cost and a better colour match for my skin, I can feel this becoming one of my all time favourite foundations - and that says ALOT. The hype is so worth it, it really is a cult product!
EDIT: My boyfriend asked me that night (after wearing it all day) if I had done something different to my face, did I have new makeup as my skin looked nice and fresh! More of a thumbs up!

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The Journey....

2012-02-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

Life began in a dark world... well, ash brown to be fair. It took me the length of my older teenage years to nail the perfect colour of blonde to swish around Liverpool city centre with. Once I got there, I was utterly convinced I would never tread back to the dark side, I didn't even contemplate it without shuddering.

However, as I ploughed into my twenties, too little toner and too much fake tan made me feel brashy. I swam in a sea of girls looking exactly the same, and it became time to experiment. I meddled from a honey brown to a purple brown, everything in between and I am still attempting to perfect my mop this side of peroxide!

I thought I would share some pictures of my journey for anyone else having a mid-twenties crisis. My learned wisdom is GO FOR IT! I have now developed a total hatred for anyone who says they have a "type", 'I only date brunettes' etc.... I was one last week, but I probably won't be by next pay day so don't pigeon hole yourself or other girls!

Platinum Ash Blonde

Honey Blonde (7.3)

Dark Ash Blonde (6.3)

Ash Brown (5.53)

Chocolate Brown

'Chocolate Truffle'

30 day Mascara xxx

2012-02-05T07:03:00.001-08:00

Trying out Coloursport 30 day mascara today, a perfect snowy day for staying indoors and having a true pamper session - guilt free!

I fill out and colour my brows to look like this in a day to day basis... Fingers crossed!

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TREGGINGS xxx

2011-08-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

I have just treated myself to an M&S Autograph pair of Treggings.... J'adore!

They are a mixture of Trousers and Leggings (obviously) and this pair, at £39.50 ,are my going back to University in September staple! Very chic, very wearable and totally comfortable!

Love, Laura - Darling xoxo

17 Adapt-itude Skin Match foundation

2011-08-12T05:34:00.000-07:00

Gone are the days of my Infinite Barclays' credit card when my beauty bag was something that a Selfridges counter would be envious of! I am now beauty bargain chick whilst training to be a Solicitor! It has become an interesting concept and twist. I love beauty and I love bargains so I have set about swapping some of my much loved make up designer classics for high street versions.

This particular post is about Boots 17's latest foundation, 'Adapt-itude'. I loved the concept of it coming in Light, Medium and Dark - how easy to choose but I don't love the product. First of all I thought maybe it was just the coverage (as it is very light) but since then I have realised that it's major downfall is when it oxidases. It leaves my face patchy and colour stained - it has no lasting power at all. It looks okay, and only okay when it first goes on but I want some commitment from my base!

It has got to be my least favourite foundation I have ever tried ... 0/10.

Stay posted for more bargain beauty help from the Ex- Queen of Chanel and Nars!

Love, Laura - Darling xoxo

White Nail Varnish?

2011-08-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

I just saw these candid photographs of Kim Kardashian sporting white nail varnish on her hands and toenails, I loved it. I'm heading on holiday with Lee in a couple of weeks so I am going to buy some to try with my tan :)

I think it looks really clean and fresh, especially against her olive skin - best get the Vita Liberata tan out!

Love, Laura - Darling xoxo

Louboutin Sues YSL...

2011-08-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

Christian Louboutin, the man behind the trade mark devil red sole adorned by so many in the 21st century, has taken to the Courts to affirm himself as the 'sole' provider of these iconic heels.

Louboutin, established in the heart France made shoes in his childhood and teens. It was not until later on in his life that he realised something was missing from his designs. He adorned the bottom of his heels in lipstick red as a finishing touch. This red paint has become symbolic of luxury and fashion forward footwear and identifies a heel as a Louboutin.

Yves Saint Laurent's chief designer Stefano Pilati has commissioned the 2011 cruise collection sporting a red sole and claiming that C.L should not have a monopoly on one colour.

I really hope Louboutin has judgement awarded in his favour! Red has become his natural monopoly and their attempts to produce similar designs only makes their design team appear to be lacking in inspiration, Non?

Love, Laura - Darling xoxo

Hens on Tour 2011

2011-08-01T14:18:00.001-07:00

Outfit Snapshot !

Dress: Topshop

Shoes: KG

Bag: Chanel

Foundation base: Armani Luminous Silk Fluid

Cheeks: Nars Orgasm

Eyes: Topshop liquid eyeliner in 'Rook'& Ardel 117 lashes

Lips: Barry M Lip Gloss Wand in strawberry Milkshake

Nails: Orly varnish in 'Naughty'

Love, Laura - Darling xoxo

The Secret, Rhonda Byrne

2011-07-22T05:33:00.000-07:00

Has anyone read, 'The Secret'? It is a form of self help book which boasts the interesting theory of The Laws of Attraction. This is the idea that the more you think positively, the more you shall attract good things into your life. It draws on these 'theories' and the idea of thinking and living on a frequency which you can alter with your thoughts. I rather think the book is a good wake up call for people who have a tendency to think negatively. The book reminds you that you determine how you feel, despite external factors which is a practice often used in life. I really recommend it, I enjoyed reading it! And so did the other 21 million readers who have purchased the book. Also, makes a great coffee table addition!

Love, Laura - Darling xoxo

Chanel Eyelash Curlers

2011-07-22T05:22:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting oh-so patiently for the UK release of the Chanel Eyelash Curler.....

where is it? As a Shu Uemura devotee, I certainly won't be throwing my fail safe curlers in the beauty bin but I can't resist have a little piece of Chanel fantabulous for my make up bag!

It seems however that the release was put back due to the Tsunami and nothing has been mentioned since the release of the gorgeous publicity images. If anyone knows their whereabouts, please let me know!

Love, Laura - Darling xoxo

"I want to smell like I am on holiday... even if I'm not!"

2011-07-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Yves Rocher Malaysian Coconut Eau De Toilette

*UNDER £10.00*

"The pleasure of Malaysian coconut with an exotic, voluptuous fragrance. This irresistible eau de toilette with an exotic fragrance leaves a luscious hint of fleshy, mouth-watering coconut in the air.
The scent on your skin is attractively appetizing…"

This is the most fabulous perfume, its 100ml of coconut delight for £8.70, it smells like your on the beach drinking pina colada's and there is not a care in the world. Quite an amazing feat for pocket change!!!

Website is easy to use with lots of complimentary products, already excited to re-order!

WWW.YVES-ROCHER.CO.UK

Love Laura - Darling xoxo

Colours Restaurant St. Helens xx

2011-07-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

Lee & I dined out at Colours Restaurant in St. Helens a couple of weeks ago.

The restaurant employs students from the college Catering department to learn their silver service trade and the art of etiquette. The food is out of this world and with a free bottle of wine included in the offer we selected, it is real value for money. I started with the vegetable bahji, the trio of fish on a bed of risotto for my main and the cheese board for dessert. It is a must try if you are local, I cannot find anywhere else that does grub this good!!

See their website for the opening times and latest offers http://www2.sthelens.ac.uk/colours/index.asp

Love Laura - Darling xoxo

Fresh Faced Make-up xxx

2011-03-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

Afternoon do's that mingle into the night are so hard to get right! During the day your make up needs to be light and fresh but when the lights dip low, it never looks enough!

I created this look to combat this problem....

I did a winged eyeliner on the eye make up in the day so that when it turned dark i could add more blush and bronzer to add depth to the look.

Nude lipgloss during the day keeps it looking fresh then I applied a pink lipstick for the evening.

Just an, FYI! x

Love, Laura - Darling xoxo

My new dressing room taaa daaa!

2011-03-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

With Love, Laura - Darling xoxo

Vita Liberata Fake Tan Review

2011-02-21T13:31:00.000-08:00

Say hello to The One.

I have discovered my ultimate fake tan, may I introduce you to Vita Liberata, the 'A-List Odourless Tanning Company'

I nipped into my local town on Saturday with the aim of nipping to Superdrug and picking up Beyond Bronze lotion, I got distracted and had to nip into Boots instead - I am so glad!

I stood there with my bottle of Beyond Bronze looking at the Vita Liberata stand with a morbid fascination. I love fake tan, I have been wearing it for years and I write a blog about beauty products - it would have been insane not to try this!

The extra rich chocolate (the darker version) was sold out so I picked up the Rich Silken Chocolate for about £20.00 for 200mls. I noticed straight away it was slightly more for my money than the more established brands on the shelves.

It claimed to be odourless, and I thought that to be another false claim (like Xen Tan).

Girls, let me tell you, this tan is absolutely fabulous!!!!! I have not been this excited about a tan since I tried Rodial Brazilian Tan. I have been wearing it since the weekend and my boyfriend can smell my perfume, not the tan. I cannot smell it at all, it smells of nothing! The colour is divine and it goes on smoothly and streak free. I love pump dispenser - all fake tans should have them.

I cannot rave about it enough, I give it 20 out of 10 - try, try, try!!!!

Love, Laura - Darling xoxo

Benefit High Beam

2011-02-20T13:04:00.000-08:00

I have just recently re-discovered Benefit High Beam and it once again sits proudly at the top of my make up bag! A little tip of a sleepy Monday morning it to mix with your concealer and pat underneath your eyes in any dark shadows!

Love, Laura - Darling xoxo

Hearty Leek and Potato Soup xxx

2011-02-19T03:55:00.000-08:00

Lee and I made Leek and Potato soup from scratch one night this week for tea. I say from scratch, which sounds amazing, but the reality is, this recipe is so simple to follow. It make it really enjoyable to cook as there is a bit of preparation, but not too much after a long day in work. Another bonus is how cheap the ingredients are and how well the soup freezes. So if you love it when you make it, make sure the next time you cook it you double up!

WHAT YOU NEED: 2/3 Good size potatoes, 2 large leeks, 2 tablespoons of butter, a good chug of milk or cream, salt/pepper, garlic and chicken stock cubes (or vegetable).

WHAT YOU DO: Chop your leeks into thin slices and your potatoes into small cubes.

Fry your leeks the garlic and butter. Keep stirring them, you don't want them to go brown.

Once the leeks are nice and soft, add everything else to the pan apart from the milk/cream. Throw the potatoes in, the chicken stock cubes (made up in water) and your seasoning. I just used Tesco's own brand stock cubes - they were 10p!

Let the whole thing simmer for about 15 minutes. You want it to start to thicken up. To help it along, add the milk/ cream around ten minutes in to this.

One your happy with the consistency of the soup, take a potato masher and gently mash the potato and leeks into each other so that the soup is nice and thick.

Then, pour into your bowl and serve with crusty bread! Done!

We also helped our selves to a glass of rose to complete the evening ;)

Love, Laura - Darling xoxo

Smells like home to me!

2011-02-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

I have created the most amazing combination of soap and fabric conditioner by mixing these two brands and smells..... Surf Twilight Sensations 'Jasmine and Black Gardinia' with Lenor Pure Care 'Orange Blossom' Yum!!!!xxxx

Love, Laura - Darling xoxo