MY MAKEUP ESSENTIALS

So if you read my post about why I'm back on inhershoes-x, you'll probably already know that I'm slightly obsessed with makeup. One of my most prominent childhood memories is raiding my cousin's makeup bag - she is 10 years older than me so always had the coolest things in her makeup bag which didn't consist of roll on lipgloss, which lets face it was basically water or blue glitter eyeshadows. She had things like compacts, foundation AND a mirror, sorry what? Lipsticks that were glitterless and so much more. I loved playing with it (I'm sure she loved it too lols, soz cuz). I also remember sitting watching my mum do her makeup. The blue liner, blue mascara and the VERY pink blushers fascinated me so I guess that's when it really started...

And tbh at the age of 26 I still can't get enough (although my dressing table would probs disagree). I was lucky enough to work for a company where I had a great discount on beauty products and was lucky enough to receive some treats from cosmetic brands and it was great as it really gave me a chance to try new things. It took my love for makeup and cosmetics to a whole new level as it opened me up to new brands, new advances in products and ermm contouring?!

So yeah, I felt like this post was a must, as I have tried ALOT of products and it seems only fair I share my pick of the favourites that have made their way into my everyday routine. (Sorry for the very worn packaging on some of them!)

1. Nars Sheer Glow

I am SO late to the party with this one, but oh em gee, am I glad I'm finally on board! This truly is the BEST foundation I have ever used. I picked this little dream boat up in Milan in Sephora (which my boyfriend was really happy about being in for at least an hour lols, soz Stu!) I had put it off for so long because of the price tag as at £39 it's a little steep, but worth every penny! It glides on like a dream, leaves me with full coverage and even covers pesky spots, I just mix it with a little concealer to really hide them. It doesn't really have a glowy finish like the name leads you to believe, but more of a satin sheen which suits me perfectly. I have nearly finished my first bottle and will definitely be buying a second and if you're put off by the price tag, believe me make the investment, you won't regret it!

2. Make Up For Ever HD Powder (Loose)

Want that almost airbrushed look? Meet your new makeup bestie! This lightweight powder looks a bit scary at first as it is completely white, but I promise, it won't leave you looking ghostly! I simply add this over the top of my foundation and concealer using my Real Techniques Powder Brush and it really helps set my makeup, plus it helps to conceal any shiny areas. I use this during the day lightly as a setting powder and in the evenings use a little more to really give my skin that airbrushed look.

3. theBalm Mary Lou Manizer Luminizer

Oh theBalm...again I only discovered this brand last year from working in my previous job and I was lucky enough to receive this highlighter. I'd seen some buzz on Instagram but wasn't entirely convinced until I tried it for myself. It is the most beautiful of champagne colours and glides on perfectly so I just use my fingers to apply this to the tops of my cheekbones, along the bridge of my nose, under my eyebrow arch and my cupids bow to really highlight. When used with your favourite bronzer, it really creates a great highlighted and contoured look. Plus you don't need much at all to create a beautiful glowy look. I've had mine 6 months and have barely made a dent! I can't see myself loving another highlighter more!

 4. Naked Palette

Well do I even need to say why?! Pigment, shades, beautiful packaging, endless looks, need I go on?! I just love these palettes, so much so I have every single one (lols). My most recent one is Naked Smoky which I am still yet to experiment with properly but my all time fave has to be the original Naked Palette. I am definitely more of a gold, brown and bronze hue kind of gal and this palette is just full of them. My go to shades are Half Baked, Side Car, Smog, Virgin and Sin. I love mixing Sin and Virgin and applying all over my eye lids and up to my brow bone. I then define the crease with a little smog to add more depth. I line my eyes with a small cat flick with my favourite ArtDeco Eyeliner and this has definitely become my go-to daytime look. For evenings or if I'm feeling extra fancy during the day, I love using Half Baked all over my lids and Smog in the crease. This creates a beautiful brown/gold smoky eye and it is definitely my favourite evening look from this palette. The pigment is great with these shadows and they really do last all day if you use them with an eye primer, I wouldn't be without my collection!#

5. Roller Lash

I really didn't think I would like this mascara at first, but boy was I wrong! I always thought nothing could beat my They're Real! but then Benefit launched this little gem and it really does do what it says on the tin. Lifting, curling and oh so black, the perfect mascara combo! It is great for a minimalist look if you don't want too much definition, but it can also be layered without clumping for a more dramatic lash look. The little comb/brush also makes application a breeze even for bottom lashes, say bye to under eye marks with this innovative design. I'm yet to find a better mascara and to be honest I'm not sure I want to!

6. ARTDECO High Precision Liquid Liner

I have always struggled with creating the perfect cat eye flick, until I found this essential! It has a fine brush tip with the perfect point making it easy to create the ideal flick. The thing I love about this, is that you can create a small subtle flick and can also create a dramatic look really easily! Plus, I used to find eyeliners would wear away in the corners of my eyes towards the end of the day, but not this one! I definitely couldn't be without it now.

7. Relentlessly Red

My go to shade! I am probably wearing this in about 80% of my Instagram pictures and I'm not even sorry, I LOVE this colour. I mean I'm a bit of a MAC lipstick obsessive anyway, but when I got this for my birthday last year, it was love at first sight. It's not your traditional red as it has an element of pink to it, but it gives the most beautiful shade. I wear this during the day with minimal eyes or team it with my bronzey eye look in the evening. It really is an all rounder and a staple in my collection. The only downside is that it is quite drying, but hey that's what lip balm is for right?!

I hope you enjoyed reading about my favourites and I would love to hear about yours! I am still yet to find the perfect brow product. I am currently using a mix of the Naked Basics palette and Benefit's Gimme Brow, but I'm still not wowed! Any suggestions, please let me know, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

TURNING 26...

It's my birthday, it's my birthday, ima spend my money (lols not, it's mid January) but I am going to talk to you about what I got for my birthday on Monday :)

So on Monday I turned 26... the wrong side of 25, the age where I'm closer to 30 and the memories of my High School Musical themed 20th are just a mild flash in my 6 year memory...like seriously where did the time go? And after a little OH MY GOD where is my life going moment, I'm ready to except my new age and my wonderful presents! So here is the low down on what I got from my favourite people this year...

1.  Naked Smoky & MAC Whirl Lip Pencil

I feel like my birthday has been really dragged out this year with my first celebrations being back on the 6th with my gal pals from uni and of course they hit all the present goals with these babes! I've been hinting about this palette for approx 6 months, so basically the launch date. But when you have all 3 original palettes, the Basics, On the Run and a whole host of UD Moondusts in your make up drawer, the shopping guilt is oh so real. BUT..... when it's a present? Come to me my little beauty! I absolutely love anything Urban Decay anyway and this newest collection to the Naked Palette range is no exception. I am planning on writing a full review once I've had more of a play, but I am already loving High, Dirty Sweet and Radar and can't wait to step out of my comfort zone and go for a more grey toned smoky eye look. 

Oh Whirl... you little pencil of pure delight, I just love this. Again i'd been eyeing this up for a while but do you know how hard this is to get a hold of? So in the end I purchased the Make Up Forever Aqua Lip in shade 3C which I also love but it is a little more pink toned than this gem. I love the warm brown tones in Whirl and absolutely love the texture. It is easy to apply and also perfect for wearing all over the lip. Of course when I received this I knew I'd have to buy Velvet Teddy to compliment it, because well, duh? And oh boy, what a power couple! This has been my go to everyday look for work recently with even my beloved Relentlessly Red taking a back seat (soz bae). Probs going to buy Whirl lipstick too and i'm not even sorry. 

2. Diptique Candle 

So I've been lusting over/Instagram stalking these beautiful candles for a while now. I love the simplicity of the design and just how chic they look within an interior. I'll admit I'd never even seen one in real life before I received the Geranium edition for my birthday from the bf. however I knew straight away that it was a new favourite addition to our home, even the box it came in is just so pretty! Also, another confession, I haven't actually lit it yet because back to my previous point, it's just so beautiful but I can already tell from the scent it is going to be increds!

3. Chanel Compact 

I have been a Chanel fan since the days of The Hills and seeing LC and Heidi strut their stuff around LA with their multiple quilted Chanel bags, it was safe to say I was hooked! I've always said to myself that I know I will know I've been successful in my career when I can afford my very own black quilted Chanel bag. But ya know, until that moment comes, Chanel Beauty is my way of getting that fix.. My cousin has bought me a Chanel compact every year since my first ever one on my 21st Birthday. That's 5 of these I have known and loved and every year I'm scraping the barrel ready for my new addition and this year was no different. It's simply a translucent powder which is perfect for popping in your bag for shine free top ups throughout the day and there really is nothing more satisfying than getting out this beautiful little compact on the go. 

3. Polar FT4 Watch

Ermmm... so someone should probs call emergency services or something because I don't even know who I am any more! If someone had told me a year ago I would own one of these I would have literally lol'd in their face, but low and behold, Lauren Dougherty age 26 has a fitness watch and ya know what, she bloody loves it! As I mentioned in my previous post, I've got more into healthy eating and into my exercise and something that really spurs me on is seeing me burn away that lunch time meal when I'm exercising, so the pink edition (obvs) of the Polar FT4 seemed perfect. I mean don't get me wrong, there will most certainly be days where I'm scoffing a pizza and crying into my ice cream where I'm like WTF do I need you for?! But right now I'm loving this new addition to my healthier lifestyle. 

4. A Spiralizer

I'm not even going to explain this one. It makes courgettes cooler and that's basically my reasoning, K?

5. Gift Cards

Because girl needs clothes, asap! When my friends asked me what I would like, I never know what to say, especially with a birthday so close after Christmas. But what I did know is that I want to shop bad! I want to go to a shopping centre (hey Lakeside, i'm looking at you), shop until I have clothes that don't make me want to cry into my wardrobe everyday, eat yummy food in the cliché food court and just have a nice day. I can't remember the last time I did this and I could really do with some retail therapy in my life!

I got some other little bits and pieces too which I also love and I just want to say a big thank you to everyone that made my birthday special. So i'm 26, haven't got my own house, still have no money at the end of the month, am definitely not married with child (soz 10 year old me) but I do have a great boyfriend, friends and family, two little furry babies that rely on me, a lovely flat with all of the inner possessions being ours and well I own a Diptique candle, so if 26 means all of those things, I'm cool with it. (Insert sassy emoji here)

HOW I GOT THICKER & LONGER HAIR...

Hi, my name is Lauren and I have thin hair, yep I said it. You know that one thing you’re always self conscious about and always looking to change? For me it is my hair. This insecurity has led me to buying ALL of the thickening products on the shelves, you name it, i’ve tried it. Which leads not only to disappointment, a draw full of unused products but also to distrust in the market. I’m destined to live a life with flat, thin and boring hair no matter how many rollers, sprays, lotions and potions I use. So why am I writing this post? Well, you see I may have found a product that works, like actually, really works where I saw a difference just 6 weeks into the treatment. But first I should probably tell you how I discovered it…

Six months ago I started a new job with Nanogen, a brand typically known for their Thickening Hair Fibres for thinning hair and a treatment range to encourage healthier, thicker hair. Obviously, I was eager to try the range out to finally say goodbye to my fine, flat hair. So I know what you’re all thinking, i’m biased? But I can’t explain the results I saw only 6 weeks in without words like amazing, brilliant, the best, a miracle… ok maybe that’s a bit too far, but you get my drift...

So 12 weeks ago I started applying the Nanogen Growth Factor Hair Serum for women once daily to my hair. The serum not only encourages thick and healthy hair growth, but also protects follicles from free radical damage and supports your natural balance of hair growth signals. It has a handy pipette which means you can easily draw the serum into it ready for use. You simply add drops all over your scalp and massage in once a day. The fact it is only once a day is perfect as you can just add it in with your skincare regime. I tend to do mine in the evenings and unlike some hair serums, it doesn't leave your hair feeling greasy. If I forget of an evening, I will apply in the morning and simply spray some dry shampoo on after as the only thing it does do is leave your hair a little wet and i'm always in a rush, so dry shampoo is one of my besties for this reason!

This may sound a little silly but for those of you with fine hair, I think you will understand! My hair feels heavier, weightier and dare I say it thicker. Last weekend I went out with no extensions, no help from rollers only a spritz of another Nanogen product, Root Boost, my straighteners and a little back combing and I actually didn't hate it. In every photo my eyes are automatically drawn to my hair and in this case I was pleasantly surprised. 

I guess, the proof is in the pictures huh? Well here are my results and I think you'll agree they do all of the talking for me!

Picture 1: September 2015 - before treatment

Picture 2: October 2015 - 3 weeks in

Picture 3: November 2015 - 6 weeks in

Picture 4: January 2016 (this week!) 12 weeks in.

As you can see I am now 12 weeks into the treatment and bottle wise, I still have half of my third bottle left, but I will be honest there were days I did forget, so I think this is why as a 3 month treatment should usually be 3 bottles worth. But even with missing a few days here and there, my hair looks thicker, healthier, shinier and OMG longer and boy am I happy!

I really am so thrilled with the results and seeing this latest picture has just spurred me even more. I really couldn't recommend it enough if like me you have fine hair that makes you feel insecure. I would love to hear your thoughts if you try it too as it has definitely become a staple in my hair care routine.

If you'd like to try this product, you can purchase it here. I'd love to know if anyone else has used this before and if so what results did you see?

Love Lauren x

BACK TO BLOGGING...

So as you can see i've been a *pretty* awful 'blogger'...because ya know that little thing called life and finding every excuse in the book! No seriously, in the time since my last blog post, I have had a major back operation, rekindled an old romance, been promoted, left my job, started a new job and moved house, so yeah I've definitely been a bit preoccupied, but it is definitely no excuse and I never intended to leave my blog for this long, but before I knew it, bam, nearly 2 years on and here we are! So i'm back, with my tail between my legs and ready to invest more time in my blog to talk about my favourite things in my very own corner of the internet. 

Armed with my new Olympus Pen EPL-7 (although these pictures were not taken on it) and a makeup drawer big enough to set up a small shop, i'm ready to talk all things beauty, food, life and probably cats (soz). Going to put it out there now, I am a bit of a crazy cat lady, but it's totally justified when they're this cute...

Anyway back to why I'm back on inhershoes-x and what I want to share with you, so here are my 3 main reasons...

1. London School of Make Up 

I guess the main reason I want to blog more is because this year I have finally enrolled to do a 2 day course at the London College of Make Up in Makeup Artistry and I am SO excited. I have wanted to do it for a while now but have always been put off by the price tag, it's a little on the expensive side, but one evening I decided to just take the plunge and sign myself up and it's honestly the best decision I have ever made! I love makeup and experiementing with different looks and products so I can't wait to learn the real deal. Plus, one of my best friends is getting married this year and I am bridesmaid, AHH! Not only this, I'll be doing our makeup on the day adding to the excitement even more! I can't wait to learn new tips and tricks for my contribution to her special day. So yeah, get prepared for a whole host of makeup pics coming your way March 2016! :) 

I kind of want to experiment with vlogging, especially when it comes to makeup posts as I would love to do some tutorials for looks I like and the tips I will be learning, but there's something about it that makes me feel a little uneasy. Maybe i'll give it a go... we will see. 

Here's a look I created for my Halloween costume last year...

2. Home

I am also finally the proud tenant of a lovely new flat with my boyfriend and I just love it. I haven't lived out of my family home since uni and well let's face it, popping to Next Home, Dunelm and The Range is kind of out of the question when you're spending 80% of your life drunk and deciding if to buy that really expensive new lipstick or food. So being in my own place is the best thing I could have asked for. Not only do I have my own space, I can buy ALL the things, Next, H&M, i'm lookin at you! I love making it feel homely and adding my own personal touches on things and although we still have a long way to go, I love our little home more and more each day and will do my best to share any new home buys/inspo I like with you.  

3. Food & Exercise

Because, yeah food. I love food, every food, all food you name it, but as I am getting older (officially the wrong side of 25) I am definitely thinking more about what I am putting into my body. Pass me the green tea! However, although I am more conscious, it's not something that comes to easy for me as my mind takes over and wants all the naughty things! Therefore, I have downloaded the app My Fitness Pal to monitor my calorie intake, bought the Leanin 15 book and am going back to Kettlebells once a week and i'm actually enjoying it! I also know that for me, exercise really helps boost my mood too and feel ready to take on the world, or at least a day of work!

So there you have it, 3 of my main reasons as to why I am back and ready to conquer 2016 with the help of this little blog, I hope you enjoy! 

Lauren x

#BROWARCHMARCH

March is here and so is Brow Arch March! Haven't heard of it? Where have you been?! In support of the charity Look Good Feel Better, Benefit have teamed up with Debenhams to bring us the wonderful Brow Arch March. Look Good Feel Better are a charity who help support women of all ages who have been effected by the physical effects of cancer. From free self help skin care classes to beauty lessons, their aim is to help restore the confidence that cancer can often damage. 

So what is Brow Arch March I hear you ask? Throughout the month of March, you can visit your local Debenhams Benefit Brow Bar and get your brows waxed for a small donation of £5! Amazing right? Not only will your brows look fabulous but your donation will help support the thousands of women left scarred by the emotional & physical effects of cancer. 

Want to be a part of it? Spread the word with #BrowArchMarch and visit browarchmarch.com, where you can donate via the website or head to your local Debenhams Benefit Brow Bar for your £5 brow wax. Today I will be taking part in the London march, so I will keep you posted on this great cause! 

Fabulous brows for a good cause? It can't get any better than that. 

PRIMARK SPRING HAUL

With the first glimmer of spring and the prospect of finally putting away my scarf and gloves in sight, it seemed the perfect time for a little shopping spree to add a dash of spring to my wardrobe. What was meant to be a few self treats turned into a rather large haul, but they're all far too beautiful for me to feel the purse guilt...yet.  

I'm a huge fan of pastel shades and this time of year is ideal for these delicate feminine shades to make an appearance for the first time. I always find Primark a little hit and miss, but I have to say my eyes lit up today as I saw the ocean of beautiful floral prints, ditsy boohoo dresses and a flurry of pastel coloured goodness hanging from the rails. I couldn't resist and picked up some rather lovely bargains! 

I am visiting Southampton in a couple of weeks for a night with the girls which obviously warrants a new outfit (or two, ahem) and I found this baby pink floral shift dress for only £13! With black detailing along the neckline and the sleeves, this extremely girly dress is given some edge and makes it every bit suitable for a night out. I'm still debating which necklace to wear, but teamed with a pair of black strappy heels and a clutch bag, this could be my new favourite going out purchase.

Dress, check! Bag not so much...I've been meaning to buy a new clutch for ages but haven't had any luck finding the right one. Although initially I was looking for a black one, this cute pink, mint green and white number caught my eye and once again my excitement for spring took over and I had to have it! It's perfect for a dinner date or even a night out and has a handy compartment for the all important lipstick.

As I headed to the changing rooms, determined not to pick up anymore, these striking shoes caught my eye. They're definitely more for my edgy side but I am completely in love with them. Teamed with these cute pastel frilly socks, these beauties are set to become a staple in my spring wardrobe. 

And last, but not at all least, the SCRUNCHIE! Okay...so I must admit, I have been quite unsure about the return of these 90's gems, however in recent weeks I have found myself eyeing them up in the shops on more than one occasion, so today I caved and am now a self confessed scrunchie lover and I'm not even a little bit sorry. 

Have you been lured into the shops by the eager spring sunshine too? Which cute fashions have caught your eye? 

MAC PREP & PRIME HIGHLIGHTER

So with contouring being my newest of obsessions, I had been eager to get my hands on the Mac Prep & Prime highlighter pen and I have definitely not been left disappointed! After reading up on so many different ways to contour I was left a little overwhelmed with the amount of choice I had, however this highlighter was a product I had seen crop up more than once and as a huge MAC fan I decided to give it a go. 

The pen in itself is glorious, I'm not sure if it was the sparkly packaging or the bright white tip, I almost didn't want to ruin by twisting the top, but whatever it was I was hooked straight away! I went for shade Light Boost as it had an almost yellow tint to it, which do not fear will not make you look like Lisa Simpson! It does however, really highlight the specific areas of your face even if used over the top of your foundation, which can be hard to achieve with other highlighters. 

I find this works best when applied under my eyes, along the bridge of my nose, the top of my forehead and on my chin and when combined with Benefits Boing in Shade 05,  these two make the ultimate power couple. As my contouring days are still very much in the early stage, I will hold off on the how to photos for now, but watch this space as I hope to be a contouring pro in no time, with this little number as my very handy sidekick! 

And as I was in MAC I couldn't resist topping up on my favourite Bronzer in Medium. This matte bronzer can be applied both for a subtle or deeply bronzed look. When contouring, I always like to go over the darker sections with this bronzer as it creates even more definition whilst giving me a sun-kissed glow. 

Lauren x

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