Skin Care Review #5: Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic 200ml - £12.50

I bought this small bottle of the Instant Boost Skin Tonic in my most recent and first ever order from Liz Earle. I was repurchasing a larger version of the Cleanse and Polish (my review here) and decided to purchase some small versions of products that looked nice. I had heard a lot about the tonic through the blogging world and also through a friend who also loves Liz Earle and so had to try this out. 

The website says: 

"This heavenly floral-scented, non-drying toner refreshes, soothes and brightens your skin. Gentle and alcohol-free, it also adds a fine layer of moisture.

Pour onto a cotton wool pad and sweep over face and neck after using Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. Alternatively spritz over face and body to revitalise at any time."

I use this after using the Cleanse and Polish like suggested and use a cotton wool pad to apply it to the face. It is quite heavily scented which I really like, it refreshes the skin and wakes it up at the same time - this is lovely to use in the morning! It definitely does moisturise your skin slightly like it says which is something that I'm constantly after as sometimes my skin can be quite dehydrated and this helps in combating that. I use this before I apply a moisturiser. 

I obviously can't guarantee that this will work well for you but through all of the good reviews of people with different skin types I'd definitely say that it's worth giving it a go - even if you just purchase the smaller bottle when ordering from the site like I did. 

Have you tried this? Does it work for you? Any good alternatives? 

Lorna

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Skin Care Review #4: Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion

Triple Performing Facial Emulsion 50.3ml - £19.50

I also got the Triple Performing Facial Emulsion SPF 15 within the set of samples that I got off of ASOS. I'm pretty sure they don't sell it on there any more but if you see one around I'd definitely recommend picking one up since they're only about £10 and you get to try all of the products! 

On Benefit's website it says it "hydrates, protects and comforts the skin with an oil-free, lightweight formula." 

I'm not going to lie, I'm not the biggest fan of this moisturiser. I much prefer a thicker moisturiser and this ones really runny. You can see in the picture above how its quite quickly running off of my hand. I do use this moisturiser in the morning if I am wanting a moisturiser with an SPF in it and so I'm not worried that this won't get used. 

I definitely won't be repurchasing just for the fact that I wouldn't ever use a full size version of this, as I don't use the sample size enough to justify it. If I was going to repurchase one of their moisturisers it would definitely be the total moisture one that I talked about briefly in my previous skin care post about the It's Potent! Eye Cream. 

If your looking for a light moisturiser with an SPF then I would recommend picking up a sample of this to see whether it's right for you or not but I definitely won't be picking up any more of this product. 

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts? Any others to recommend? 

Lorna

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Skin Care Review #3: Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream

It's Potent! Eye cream 14.5g - £23.50 

I bought this product in a sample set of some of their skin care products. I would have to say that this and their total moisture facial cream were definitely my favourites! Unfortunately I finished my pot of the facial cream a while ago and have since moved onto the Clinique Moisture Surge and so unless I purchase a new pot there won't be a review for that. 

The It's Potent! Eye Cream is described to "fade dark circles and help smooth fine lines for brighter, younger-looking eyes." I'm not completely sure whether it does do exactly what it says on the tin because these sort of things aren't exactly going to be sorted over night, but I definitely do like the product. 

The cream is thick and moisturising but feels as though it's the right amount for the delicate eye area, some creams can be too thick for this area but with this one I feel it is just right. It sinks in easily which is also something you would want for this area as it is close to your eyes and therefore you wouldn't want product hanging round there for a long time. 

It's nice but I don't really think it is anything special and as I'm quite new to eye creams I assume there are much nicer products out there that are worthwhile investing in. I will definitely be finishing up the pot but highly doubt that I will ever purchase the full size product. 

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts? Can you recommend any good eye creams? 

Lorna


P.S Just a reminder - I'm going on holiday tonight and so all my posts while I'm away will be scheduled! 

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Make-Up Review #1: Topshop Lip Stick in Clueless

Topshop Lip Stick in Clueless - £7

I am a really big fan of Topshop's make-up range, especially their lip products. They have a great shade range while also having a number of different finishes which hopefully means there's something for everyone. One of my most recent purchases from the range would be this lip stick called Clueless. 

It is a bright pink with blue undertones which I am completely in love with. The finish is quite matte, which means it could be quite drying on some people's lips. I would actually say I have quite dry lips and so I'm quite surprised that I don't actually find it drying. I have actually read somewhere that it's meant to be one of the more moisturising ones from the lip stick range and as I have 2 of them, I would actually agree with this. 

This is definitely my favourite shade from this lip stick range as I love a bright lip! I actually find it surprisingly wearable as usually with shades like this I would only wear them during the evening when I go out but with this one I find that I could actually wear it during the day if I feel like jazzing my look up a bit. 

I actually couldn't find this on the website but I know that it'll be in some Topshop stores so it's definately worth a trip to your nearest Topshop with a make-up counter to have a look at this. 

Through the swatches you can see how the product works in relation to my skin tone. I think it works well and I can't actually think of a skin tone that this wouldn't go with. 


Through it being in the form of a pen, I actually find it really easy to apply and actually my preference in Lipstick's are this format as I think it allows for a much better finish. 

 I  would completely recommend the Topshop make-up line and would definately recommend this lip stick for those that don't generally find lipstick too drying. 

What are your opinions on Topshop make-up? Have you tried this? What do you think? 

Lorna 

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What's In My Holiday Wash/Make-up Bag? Part 2

Here is the second instalment to the video I posted yesterday. Sorry it cuts off at the end, it was the first time I'd actually filmed a video and so will learn from my mistakes.


Let me know what you think! Subscribe if you like.


Have you tried any of these products? Are you going away soon? What are you taking with you? 


Lorna 

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What's In My Holiday Wash/Make-up Bag? Part 1

It's my first video!

I thought I'd try and film a video since it'd be easier to show you what I was taking rather than taking the pictures. (Hopefully if all goes well with the scheduling I should be sunning it up in Zante at the moment!) The video actually turned out to be 25 minutes long and wouldn't upload, so I've cut it down into two videos rather than one. 

The video is showing you what I'm talking with me on holiday in my make-up/wash bag. This one is basically showing all of the sun care/skin care items and the next will be focusing on the make-up in the second half. 

Here is the first instalment. Let me know what you think! Subscribe to my channel if you like!

Lorna

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OOTD #7

Denim Jacket - Primark    T-shirt - Topshop    Skirt - Zara    Sandals - Topshop    Belt - ASOS    Bag - Accessorize     

Nail Polish (Toes) - Models Own Beth's Blue

This is what I'm wearing to the airport to go to Zante! This is a scheduled post as I didn't think I'd  have time to take the pictures and post and so I thought I'd show you anyway. I wanted to wear something that would be warm enough for England for getting to the airport, while I'm there and the flight there and then something that wouldn't be too much for when I get there (even though I do get there at about 4am!)

I love this skirt so much! It's actually so unlike anything I'd usually wear but I'm in love. It's quite sheer and has the smaller underskirt underneath to protect my modesty! I love this, although it is slightly too long for me so I have to roll it up once at the top but this is easy enough to cover up - which I do with my belt. 

I've had these sandals for so long, they're so comfy and look lovely! They are pretty much on their last legs but I still plan to wear them to the airport as I think they actually look so much better with this outfit than the black ones that I was planning to wear did. 

I really wish I had a cropped denim jacket as I would definitely be wearing that instead of this jacket. I do like it, I just think a cropped one would look better. I actually put this jacket in my wardrobe for about a year unworn and have recently discovered it again. I love doing this!

The flight is going to be about 3 and a half hours long and so I doubt I'll wear that much make-up and since it's at night I really don't want to have too much on my skin as flights are usually quite drying. It's likely I'll just wear my usual concealer, eye liner and mascara look. 

I've scheduled posts for while I'm away so keep an eye out for those. I've also got my first video coming tomorrow! Let me know what you think. 

What do you usually wear to the airport? 

Lorna

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OOTD #6

Kimono - Topshop    Vest - H&M    Jeans - ASOS    Boots - Topshop    Lipstick - Topshop Beguilded

Today I'm just getting ready for my holiday tomorrow. I'll be packing my bag and meeting Danielle at the train station in about an hour! Once she's here I think it's going to finally sink in that we're leaving tomorrow! We're going out for a meal tonight with my parents, so that should be nice. Thought this outfit would be alright for during the day and for out meal out. 


I love this kimono, the print is amazing. I think I picked this up in the sale quite a while ago and I haven't stopped loving it. 


I can't recommend this lipstick enough. It is Topshop's one in Beguilded and it's a really dark purple toned red. When I first got this I really wasn't sure about it. I'm still not so sure whether it suits me. What do you think? 


Scheduled posts should be starting tomorrow, so if all goes well there will still be posts coming up while I'm away. Keep an eye out for my first video!


Lorna

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OOTD #5

Denim Shirt - Topshop    Top - Topshop    Skirt - Topshop    Socks - Topshop    Boots - Topshop    Lipstick - Eyeko

Can you tell that I love Topshop? Ooops, everything is from topshop! At least I didn't put Topshop lipstick on I guess! 

I've been quite busy today sorting stuff out for my holiday and running errands, my best friend comes tomorrow ready for when we leave! We're pretty excited to say the least. 

I love this top so much, it's a pitty you can't actually see it that well in the pictures. Will make sure to show you it better next time I wear it! 

I still can't believe they've discontinued the Eyeko lipsticks. I actually got the 3 of them just before they did and completely regret not getting more of this shade - just as a back up. Sorry for keeping on showing you! I just can't help myself!

I love wearing denim shirts, they're just so comfy. Usually what I go for if I want to look nice but at the same time still be really comfy, plus they go with just about anything. 

Lorna

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OOTD #4

Shirt - Topshop    Leggings - H&M    Shoes - Topshop    Rings - Tophop and Clothes Show London    

Sunglasses - Tophop    

Garnier BB Cream, Garnier Tinted Eye Roll On, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer, HD Brows Brow Kit, Topshop Lipstick in Clueless, 

Topshop Blush in Neon Rose, Barry M Eyeliner Pen, Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara, Bobbi Brown Lash Lengthening Glamour Mascara

Today I haven't been up to much. I'm starting to prepare some posts for you guys when I'm away in Zante. I leave on Thursday and plan to have some posts scheduled for when I'm away and then I'll update you when I get back and show you what I wore when I was there etc. 

I filmed my first video today! I'm not too sure what the quality is like since I filmed it on my webcam as my SLR doesn't actually have the video option - I didn't think I'd need this when I bought it as I hadn't planned to blog then. I filmed a "What's In My Holiday Wash/Make-up Bag?" but it actually turned out to be 25 minutes long and so wouldn't let me upload something that large! I have cut it down into 2 videos, the skincare section and the make up section. Will see whether it uploads or not! Keep a look out on my youtube channel for it here. I will definitely upload it to the blog while I'm away sometime! 

Sorry there was no outfit posts over the weekend, it's likely that this will happen most weekends since I work all weekend and when I come home I either just put on my Pyjamas on or something that isn't exactly interesting for you to see. It's likely I'd only put any posts on if I was going out in the evening or something but I'm not too sure. Sorry guys! 

Tomorrow I'm going to be preparing myself for my holiday as my friend Danielle (who I'm going to Zante with) is coming to stay on Wednesday ready for when we leave Thursday. 

These are the sunglasses I bought recently for when I go. I love them! I'm so prone to breaking sunglasses so I've made sure I've got 2 pairs to take with me. I was actually finding it really hard to find a pair I liked, but when I was looking for these I found 3 pairs I was completely in love with! I just couldn't justify buying them all as there's no way i'd need 4 pairs for 1 week! 

I'm off to prepare some more posts for you guys now and have some lunch!

Lorna

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Skin Care Review #2: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish 100ml Starter kit including 2 muslin cloths - £14.25

I started using this product after the endless recommendations on basically every blog out there. I was always unsure about wanting to start using it because I thought it could be quite an expensive habit to keep up. I tried it out when there was a sample size version in a magazine. I was previously using the No. 7 Hot Cloth Cleanser as I heard that it was very similar, I will post a  review of this product soon. After trying this I shortly realised that really they could not be compared and that this one was definitely worth the money! 

The website says:

"Cleanse daily morning and night using this two-step process:

Step 1: Massage one or two pumps onto dry skin over face and neck twice a day.

Step 2: Rinse the pure muslin cloth in hand-hot water and wring out before gently wiping off the cream. Rinse and repeat.

Splash face with cool clean water and follow with Instant Boost Skin Tonic and your choice of moisturiser."

It's a really easy process, so for that I would recommend it to anyone since I'm very lazy with this sort of thing and if it's too complicated then that would definitely stop me from using it regularly. I usually only use it at night or before I'm going out or going anywhere important, just due to the fact that I'm quite lazy with it. I usually go through phases of using it all the time and then phases when I don't. 

The smell of the product is really refreshing and so could see that it would be lovely to use in the morning just to wake yourself up and refresh your skin. Its a really creamy product and so it's beautiful to apply to the skin, it applies like a dream and through wiping off with the muslin it gently exfoliates your skin which makes your skin appear even more vibrant and full of lustre. 

I usually use this after removing my make up and even so my face feels so clean after using the product. Sometimes it's so soft I cant help myself from touching it in disbelief! 

Through the constant love for this product through the blogging world I would assume that it works well on most skin types, but again I can't guarantee this as I only genuinely know what works well for me. 

Through that assumption, I would definitely recommend this product. 

What are your thoughts on the product? Any good alternatives out there? 

Lorna

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Hair Care Review #1: VO5 Miracle Concentrate

VO5 Miracle Concentrate Elixir with Argan Oil 50ml - £5.19

I'm going to start off by saying I completely love this product! I decided to purchase this after reading so much about the Moroccan Oil and wanted to find a cheaper alternative to try. I'm not sure how similar this is to the Moroccan Oil since I haven't tried it and all I can go on is my views of this product. 

I usually use this product before I blow dry my hair - which actually isn't that often. I much prefer to let my hair dry naturally to keep it away from as much heat damage as possible. Or sometimes I just put it on the ends before leaving my hair to dry if I feel it needs that little boost.

The product is an "intensive leave-in treatment" oil. I put a bit of it on the back of my hand for you to see what the product looks like out of the bottle. The product comes with a pipette applicator making it very easy to get the product out. I put a few drops in the palm of my hand and rub my hands together and then apply the product through the ends. 

It makes my hair soft and since I've bleached the ends this is a much harder task than it was previously. Obviously it's not as soft as I used to be able to get it but I really think that this does help with maintaining the condition of my hair as I would say that my hair really isn't in as bad condition as it could be. I got my hair cut last week and I'm really not the biggest fan of this, but it has to be done. I'm planning to re-ombre my hair after it has grown back slightly and I start to like it more!

Another point to make is that this smells amazing! I think that even if it didn't work as well I'd still use it because it smells amazing. It reminds me of parma violets, but I'm not sure whether I'm way off and am the only one that thinks that. Whatever the description of the smell is, it is amazing and I would definitely recommend it for that. 

I'm not sure whether I paid £5.19 for my bottle or not but I do know that it is quite often on offer. It's included in the 3 for 2 offer in Boots at the moment and so if your looking for another product to pick up, I would definitely recommend this one, it does everything it says it does. 

Lorna

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OOTD #3

Shirt - Topshop    Jeans - Primark    Boots - Topshop    Bag - Accessorize    Rings - All Topshop    Necklace - Topshop    

Lipstick - Elf Matte Lip Colour in Tea Rose

I didn't really do that much today, popped into college to give some of my lecturers wine and chocolates as a thank you. Still can't believe I've left it there after being there for 3 years now! 


Felt like wearing something slightly brighter than usual. I really love this shirt. I'm not usually the biggest fan of pink but lately any super bright or neon shade and I'm in love! 


I love wearing rings so much but my trouble is generally my fingers are too small to fit any on and so can usually only wear them on the fingers in the picture. What I'd do for some smaller rings! 


I bought this handbag to take as my carry on for when I go on holiday next week. I'm off to Zante with my best friend for a week next Thursday. Excited doesn't begin to cover it! The thought of getting away from this horrid weather is amazing. I have planned most of my outfits for when I'm away and am thinking of taking some outfit pictures of each outfit when I'm home and letting you see what I wear when I'm away. Will also make sure to show you plenty of other pictures too and keep you updated and so I might be a little short on posts while I'm away but I'm trying my best to make sure I've got some scheduled to go up while I'm gone. 


Is there anything you'd like to see in relation to my holiday? Make up/wash bag? OOTDS? Let me know!


Lorna

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OOTD #2

Top - Urban Outfitters (Truly Madly Deeply)    Jeans - Topshop    Boots - Topshop (Ambush)   Rings - All Topshop    Lipstick - Eyeko

Hello, 

Today was the day I took my exhibition piece down at college and got my results. I got a distinction! I'm really happy with that since it's the best grade you can get on the course and I worked really hard for it. Really sad to see the end of college though, it's been a long three years and it's weird to think it's all over now. 

I just felt like wearing something casual "ish" today since I wasn't too sure how long it'd take for me to get my work down and how long I'd be waiting around for. Turns out I wasn't actually waiting for that long and now I'm back home to post on here! 

I spent so long lusting over this t-shirt on urban outfitters but just couldn't justify the £28 price tag plus postage for a t-shirt but as soon as I saw it had gone down to £20 in the sale and postage was only £1 I knew it was fate and it had to be mine! I think it may be the first leopard print thing I own actually. 

Thanks for reading,

Lorna

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Skin Care Review #1: Clinique Moisture Surge

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief - £30 for 50ml

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief is my moisturiser of choice. I actually picked up a few samples when the Clinique samples were free with a magazine and ever since I haven't looked back! I always make sure to pick up plenty of the samples when these freebies come around - just like with the Benefit ones. 


The Clinique website describes the product:


"Light, comfortable cream/gel plumps skin with hydration for a full 24 hours. Fine lines, flakiness and tightness are washed away. In their place-a sense of supple, firm, vibrant well-being, even through shifts in humidity. One 'drink' and skin looks and feels happier, healthier."


I completely agree with this. Since using this product I generally only moisturise my face before I go to bed at night as I feel that it isn't completely needed in the morning. I'm not going to lie, I am also trying to save the product as I only have a few tubes left before I'm going to have to fork out the £30 for a full size pot!


It's quite think and I would say that it is in the middle of a cream and a gel. It's so moisturising and it works really well for my skin. I apply the product after cleansing and toning and just rub the product into my skin. I usually use quite a generous amount and just let the product sink into my skin. 


The Clinique website says that you should apply it daily for "immediate moisture" which is what I do and think it definitely delivers this. It also says that for a "midday boost" you should tap on over your make up. I have never tried this so can't say how this would work but I would just think that it's slightly too thick to do this and so I could just imagine it smudging your make up everywhere. It also says you can use as a 5-minute mask where you massage onto clean skin and then blot off excess with a clean tissue. I haven't necessarily tried this either, but I suppose it would work in the same way to when I apply slightly more product on and just let it sink in. I would assume that this would work well. 


I would say my skin type is normal to combination, I have some dehydrated and dry parts on my skin but the rest would be defined as normal and this works so well to combat this. I have some flaky parts of skin, generally underneath my nose and this doesn't work to get rid of this but it moisturises it for the time being which is good enough for me because of the other great aspects the product has. After the product has sunk in my skin looks so much more vibrant and doesn't appear to lack lustre as sometimes it would before. 


I'm not a skincare expert at all and I only know what works for me. I would definitely recommend this product for those with dehydrated skin types but I'm not too sure about the others. If you are unsure I would recommend to go to a Clinique counter and ask them about it. 


I would definitely recommend this product!


Have you ever tried this? Do you like it? Any other recommendations? 


Lorna

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OOTD #1

Blazer - Topshop    Dress - Topshop    Tights - M&S   Boots - Topshop (Allegra's)

Hello all, 

This is really an outfit of the other day, Monday to be exact, but I thought you'd like to see anyway. I wore this to my final exhibition show at my college as it was a "smart" affair. I wasn't really too sure what to wear as there is always that feeling of not wanting to be too overdressed, but I went with this anyway. I felt like wearing the dress as I hadn't worn it in so long and realised that it looks much better with the blazer! I think I look pretty young as it is but just with the dress on, I think it makes me look even younger! What do you think? 

Here's a little Instagram picture of my final exhibition piece for anyone who's interested in seeing the outcome! If anyone wants to know anything more about my work, or wants to see more let me know and I can explain or link you to other sites. 

Thanks for reading, 

Lorna

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Welcome to Studs and Dreams

Face - Garnier BB Cream, Collection 2000 lasting perfection concealer, Garnier tinted eye roll on  

Brows - HD Brow kit    

Eyes - Urban Decay Primer potion, Urban Decay Naked palette; Naked and Buck, Barry M Intense Eyeliner Pen; Black, Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara, Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara

Cheeks - Topshop Cream Blush; Neon Rose

Lips - MAC Lipstick; Shy Girl

Thought I'd add a quick instagram snap of myself to this post to introduce myself to whoever may stumble across my new blog. 

I'm Lorna and I'm 19. I'm currently a student doing the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at my local college, I have basically finished now and get my results on Thursday! I am going to Westminster next year to do a degree in Photographic Arts which I'm really excited about. 

I have been reading fashion and beauty blog's for a really long time now and have always been thinking of starting one of my own. I was never really sure where to start or what to talk about but today I just decided to bite the bullet and start one, otherwise I never would!

I'm planning on posting the usual outfit photos, face of the days, beauty products reviews etc. but I guess I'll just go wherever the blog ends up taking me. I don't want it to be too planned out or too structured otherwise that wouldn't be me at all. We'll see!

Hope you enjoy reading my blog, whoever you are.

I'm planning to start posting properly tomorrow. 

Thanks for reading! 

Lorna

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