Update #3

Just a little update to let you all know what's going on. Yesterday I went to Thorpe Park and have managed to hurt my neck on one of the rides (I think it's whiplash) and so I haven't got time to plan posts for while I'm away over the weekend. Posts will resume when I get back as long as I'm feeling better. 

Hope your all okay! What have you been up to? 

Lorna

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NOTD #1 - Models Own in Beth's Blue

Models Own - Beth's Blue - £5.00

Since the sun has come out to say hello I thought a manicure was definitely needed. I absolutely love Models Own nail polishes. I bought the majority of mine quite a while ago when there was 50% off or something (and so took full advantage of this offer and bought tonnes - some of which I still haven't used) This is definitely my favourite and is definitely the most used out of my Models Own collection and would recommend it to all! It's the most perfect pastel blue with a hint of purple in there. It's great for the summer and this won't be the last time I'll be using it this summer! 

Sorry I've been a little lax on the post front lately, I just haven't really been feeling blogging the last couple days. It will probably carry on for the rest of the week as I have a lot planned (and the sun has come out!?) but my usual blogging should resume sometime next week as I am off away for the weekend. 

What are your favourite summer nail polish shades? 

Lorna

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FOTD #1

Face - Garnier Tinted Eye Roll On

Brows - HD Brow Kit

Eyes - Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara, Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara 

Cheeks - Topshop Cream Blush in Neon Rose

Lips - E.L.F Matte Lip Colour in Coral 

A quick FOTD post for you all today. It's not really the first FOTD but it's the first post dedicated solely to a FOTD so thought this title would be fitting. Sorry the posts at weekends aren't generally that interesting. I work all weekend so generally don't have that much time to post or am way too tired! 

Thought you'd like to see how I wore my make up today. I braved it without the eyeliner - shocker! Anyone who knows me will know I am a complete lover of eyeliner and generally don't not wear it. I've started not wearing it to work as I just find it irritates my eyes a bit there and generally becomes a huge mess. If I do wear it though I generally just wear it on the top and then for the shorter shifts will put a bit (or a lot in my case) on the bottom waterline. I just love the effect that eyeliner gives. 

Any other eyeliner lovers out there? 

Lorna

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Wishlist #2

Underwear - Topshop (here and here)    Leather Jacket - Topshop    Perfume - Victor and Rolf  Flowerbomb    Necklace - Molten Store    

YSL Rouge pur Couture Glossy Lip Stain

1. I'm really loving the underwear on Topshop at the moment, it's amazing! Since La Senza went down I've not really liked the stuff they've had in store and so have started loving Topshop even more. These sets are stunning, I know they're the same but I have no idea which colour I'd go for - I love them both. (Would probably go for the black though, if in doubt always go for black - my theory anyway!)

2. I really want another leather jacket for when I go to University, just to be able to throw on over the top of anything. I've got one at the moment but only wear it out as I think it's a little bit too much for during the day as it's quite structured and the sleeves are shorter. I want a longer sleeved one that's quite fitted and this one looks great! Little bit too pricey for me at the moment. Really hoping there's some as nice as this around when I have the money though. 

3. I've always been in love with this perfume ever since I smelt it! I always use Marc Jacobs Daisy but this is definitely next on my list. It's just very pricey and could not justify paying that for a perfume at the moment, when I've already got perfume. One day... 

4. I really want a chocker type collar necklace at the moment, and this one is perfect. As much as I like it I know I could get a much cheaper one else where but a girl can dream right?!

5. I remember looking at these in Gatwick Airport before jetting off to Zante, I very nearly purchased one. Wasn't sure between one of these or one of the Rouge Volupte Lipsticks but they didn't have the shade I wanted in either so didn't bother in the end. They are beautiful though! Still wanting one. 

What is at the top of your wishlist at the moment? 

Lorna

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Make-Up Review #2: Benefit High Beam

Benefit High Beam 13ml - £18.50

 Benefit's High Beam is a "satiny pink highlighter" that "accents cheek and brow bones for a radiant glow". I couldn't agree with this more. It's a beautiful product that does exactly as it says on the tin. The glow it gives is beautiful, it can be made quite subtle by not applying too much of the product but also can be built up if you want more of an exaggerated highlight. I usually go for the more subtle option. 

I find this shade works really well with my skin tone due to me being overly pale. I have never tried any of the other Benefit highlighters but to be honest, I don't really feel that I need to as I love this one so much. I'm not sure whether this would suit all skin tones due to it being so light, but I would recommend it to all to go try out on one of the counters as I'm quite obviously not an expert in this area, so definitely go and check it out. 

I don't really feel that it is that expensive either. On a first glance, yes it does look like a lot of money for a small bottle of product but it lasts so long it's definitely worth it. I've been using up my mini's that I picked up in the Glamour magazine last year I think. I picked up quite a few and I think I used part of one (which I then lost) and this one, haven't even come close to finishing it, so can only imagine how long a full-size would last! 

I tried to take a picture of the product for you all to see when I am wearing it but I found it really hard for it to come out on camera since it is such a subtle glow. You can kind of see here though the sort of glow it gives! Not the greatest photo, but I really wanted to try and show you how the product works!

Have you tried High Beam? Do you prefer any other of Benefit's Highlighters? Or do you have a different brand that you prefer? 

Lorna

P.S Just wanting to say another thank you all for following and reading my blog. I reached 100 followers yesterday (and 50 on blog lovin') and I just wanted to make another point about thanking you lovely people! 

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Instagram Update #2

 Waiting for the Olympic torch last week, me and my brother waiting, free coke!

 Samsung bus, Lloyds TSB bus, the torch!

 All the people leaving the torch run, my mum's lovely shopping list, no makeup and looking ginge (didn't dye it, instagram gave the effect!)

 Reliving my childhood, finding an old shirt from primary school, guest posting on makeup savvy!! 

 Making work fun, my mum's tailor shop, winning this primer (have you tried it?)

 Florence poster, Florence is number 1! (insanely excited), The Drums badges

Need to tidy!, Stripy T, Followers (still cant believe people read my little blog, really appreciate it!)

Another little Instagram update for you all updating you on what's been going on since the last one (not all that much actually). 

Went to see the Olympic torch come through Andover last week, couldn't believe the amount of people that came to see it, some a little over the top about it I think. Seeing fully grown adults wearing face paints and having their own t-shirts printed for about 5 minutes while everything goes past is just a little too much in my opinion but think differently if you wish! 

Braved a no makeup picture, but what makes me laugh is how ginge I look. In some lights it does look slightly ginger, but never to this extent. It's hilarious, got to love Instagram effects!

So happy Florence is number 1! I'm not really one for taking notice of the charts, can still never believe some of the rubbish that manages to get there... but Florence being number 1 is well deserved! Bring on Album 3?! (Any other Florence fans out there?)

Can't believe the love I've received lately for my little blog. Just wanting to thank you all again for reading and loving it, really appreciate it! 

What have you been up to? 

Lorna

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Guest Post on Makeup Savvy!

Just letting everyone know that my post for today is actually over at Makeup Savvy! You can take a look at that by following the link here. 


I'm really excited by this as Makeup Savvy has to be one of my favourite blogs, it's amazing and so is Fee, the lovely lady who writes it! I'm sure you will all know the blog already but if you don't it's definitely worth checking her blog out. 


The blog post is all about my current beauty favourites so head on over and take a look at that! This should hopefully be the start of some more beauty posts here at studs and dreams. 


Hope you like! Let me know what you think. 


Lorna

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Holiday OOTD #8

Bralet - Topshop    Skirt - Topshop 

This could actually be the last instalment of this series but will have to check through all of my images to make sure. 

This was the outfit that I wore on our first night out in Zante. I'm in love with this bralet, it's so cute. It's got a swan print on it which is lovely! I paired it with a plain black bodycon skirt to add to the fitted look which I think goes perfectly. 

Sorry all of the posts have been fashion related lately but I guess it's just where my main interest lies at the moment but I should have something exciting coming up this weekend that is beauty related for you all. Will keep you updated on that!

What do you think of bralets? Have you liked this series? 

Lorna

P.S I'm really getting into Twitter at the moment! Follow me if you'd like to! @studsanddreams

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Holiday OOTD #7

Dress - Minkpink at ASOS

Another picture of me looking as pale as ever for my Holiday OOTD series! 

I wore this dress on a night out in Zante, and I love it. It's so comfy yet fits well in all the right places. A perfect holiday dress. What I love about it too though is that you can definitely still wear it here in England - maybe some tights, boots and a leather jacket? So many ways you could style it up!

It's actually in the ASOS Sale at the moment, just like the previous dress I posted about! You can take a look at it here. I'm really gutted about the price drop actually, such a difference since it's only £16.50 now and I paid well over that. Oh well, I love the dress anyway. Still loved it at the expensive price, so it's worth it in my opinion. There are other patterns if your not too keen on this one, just search Minkpink and they'll come up. Really good style of a dress. 

What do you think? What have you picked up in the ASOS Sale? 

Lorna 

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Keep or Send Back #1: ASOS Striped Jeans

Top - Topshop    Jeans - ASOS    Boots - Topshop

Here's the first in my keep or send back series. I bought these jeans in the ASOS sale and really do like them. They're so unusual and they really remind me of the Motel striped jeans. Really like the colour of them, think it makes them even more unusual when you do compare them to the Motel ones. I'm just not sure whether I should keep them or not. Not too sure whether I'd get enough use out of them to justify them staying with me. 

Would definitely recommend checking out the ASOS sale, picked up quite a few nice things!

What do you think of them? Keep or send back? 

Lorna

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Holiday OOTD #6

Dress - ASOS Petite    Belt - ASOS

Currently noticing how prone to wearing one brand all at once I am! I usually seem to be wearing all Topshop but this time it's all ASOS! 

I really love this dress, it's so summery. Perfect for your holidays. It's got such a cute print on it filled with palm trees and these buildings. Really love the colour and I'm not usually one for red. It's actually currently in the sale if you want to take a look here and it's only £18! So worth it in my opinion and it's made of nice material unlike some of the other things I've purchased off of there before. Really lovely dress.  

I really like this belt as well, got a thing for belts at the moment. Really liking buying waist belts - not that I even wear them that much. I got a really lovely one in the Topshop sale a little while ago with some lion's faces on it. Still am yet to wear it though. Think it may still be in the bag with my other purchases. 

I was planning on wearing this on the way home but it just wasn't comfy enough to sit around in for hours, so quickly changed into a pair of denim shorts and a t-shirt!

Also, have no idea what's going on with my face in the second picture. Quickly took all these pictures before I went away and haven't looked at them until now when I'm posting. There's some really weird shots in them, you can tell I was trying to get through it quickly before packing!

What do you like to wear on holiday? 

Lorna

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Wishlist #1

Dress, Boots, Necklace, Nail Polish, Face Mask 

Thought I'd start to do wishlist posts as there are so many things around I'd love to be the owner of at the moment. Currently trying to spend as little as possible as I'm saving for University, so unfortunately the majority of this will be staying on my wishlist. 

1. This Topshop dress is beautiful! Really loving the cut-out shoulder look at the moment. Haven't actually tried any on for myself, but I really want to! The print on this dress is stunning, really like brights and neons at the moment. 

2. These boots are amazing! They're obviously trying to look like JC Lita's but I'd never be able to afford those (not that I can afford these either!). The print on them is amazing. I'd wear them with a really simple outfit to make them stand out! Really need something like these in my life!

3. I've got a thing for collared necklaces at the moment, keep seeing them around and falling in love every time. I definitely wouldn't spend £30 on a necklace from Topshop though, not right now anyway but it is a beauty! Loving anything with spikes on at the minute. 

4. Keep seeing swatches of this around the blogosphere at the moment and I'm in love. I love anything neon and orange has to be one of my favourite shades and so this is perfect! May have to cheekily purchase this from ASOS with my premier delivery. We'll see...

5. I keep hearing so many good things about this mask, usually the normal one but the idea of an overnight mask excites me so much! I'm quite lazy when it comes to this sort of thing and so leaving it until the morning sounds perfect for me!

What's on your wishlist's at the moment? 

Lorna

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Holiday OOTD #5

Top - Topshop    Skirt - Topshop

Another Holiday OOTD post for you all today! I actually wore this on my 19th birthday too when I went out with my friends in my local town. On holiday I wore it at night with a pair of black sandals and here at home I wore it with a huge pair of wedges. I really love this top as I'm completely in love with anything that's studded but the trouble is it's a huge pain to get on - sometimes the studs pop off. I've spoke to others with this top too, and they have all said the same! It's killer, but totally worth it. 

Have any of you got this top? What do you think of it? 

Lorna

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Holiday OOTD #4

T-shirt - Workshop at Topshop    Shorts - Topshop

This is another day outfit that I just threw on before going down to the pool in the morning and also to wear for lunch. I love each of these items so much. The t-shirt is really comfy but also pretty stylish, love a galaxy print. I also realised the other day that there is actually a horse on it, making it even better! Literally no idea how I didn't notice it when I bought it, you can't actually see it in the pictures though, it's really faint. These shorts I've had for ages, I usually roll them up to make them shorter as I think they just suit my legs so much better when they're like this. I love them, they go with anything!

I'm not really doing much today, had a nice lie in and am now currently waiting in for a parcel! Possibly going to photograph some things in preparation for some upcoming posts. 

What do you like to wear on holiday? 

Lorna

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Liebster Blog Award

I was tagged by Heather of Pretty Modish (linked here) for the Liebster Blog Award. Thanks Heather, you're so sweet! I don't actually know much about the award but it's given out to blogs with less than 200 followers - quite a nice way to get to know the new blogs that are coming around!

Rules:

1. You must link back to the person who gave the award to you!

2. Post eleven things about yourself 

3. Answer the questions the person giving you the award has set for you.

4. Create 11 questions for the people to answer that you have given the award to.

5. Choose people to give the award to and link them in your post.

6. Go to their blog and tell them.

7. You can't give the award back to the blogger who gave it to you! 

11 facts about me!

1. The first place I properly lived with my parents was in Sri Lanka. 

2. I'm a vegetarian. Not because I don't believe in it, just went off it some time ago and haven't eaten it since! 

3. I went to Military Boarding School for just under 3 years. 

4. I didn't go to Primary School in England. I went to schools in Germany and Northern Ireland. 

5. I'm starting at the University of Westminster in September to study a BA in Photographic Arts. 

6. I love live music so much. Obsessed with seeing Florence and the Machine live. Want to see Ben Howard, Mumford and Sons or Lana Del Ray next! (or go to Glastonbury, that'd be great!)

7. I can't stop drinking Orange Juice right now, it's addictive! I love it so much. 

8. I'm the weekend steward in an Army Mess in the Army Headquarters. 

9. My past photography work has mostly consisted of photographing empty rooms and spaces. Take a look at my work here if you like. 

10. When I was little I used to aspire to be a "checkout girl". Aiming high!

11. I love visiting art galleries and exhibitions. The last one I went to and one of my all time favourites was the Marchand and Meffre exhibition of their work on the Ruins of Detroit. Amazing images!

The questions I have to answer!

1. How tall are you?    About 5ft 4. 

2. Are you right handed or left handed?    Right. 

3. If you could change 1 thing about yourself, what would it be? Stomach 

4. What was your favorite vacation you've ever been on? Zante!! 

5. What was the last thing that you ate? Salad for dinner! 

6. What is your dream job? I actually have no idea, sorry... 

7. Why did you decide to start a blog? To give me something to do for the summer, thought why not. So glad I did!

8. What is was your biggest accomplishment ever? I'm not too sure, getting all my grades and getting into University. That sort of thing. 

9. Heels, flats, or wedges? Chunky heels, preferably boots!

10. What is your middle name? Anne

11. What kind of phone do you have? IPhone 4S! I got it for my Birthday. 

The questions for you to answer!

1. What one beauty product would you take with you to a desert island? 

2. What's your favourite food? 

3. If you could go anywhere, where would you go? 

4. What is your favourite band/musician? 

5. What is your middle name? 

6. What time of year do you like best? 

7. What is your dream in life? 

8. Dress, skirt or trousers? 

9. What is your favourite item of clothing? 

10. What is your favourite thing to do? 

11. What is your best beauty tip?

The person I tag for the Liebster Blog Awards is Flowers at Dawn! Have fun Sarah!

Lorna

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OOTD #8

Blazer - Topshop    Shirt - Topshop    Jeans - ASOS    Boots - Topshop    Necklace - Topshop 

This is actually my OOTD from yesterday at my brother's Grand Day parade. I didn't have time to take proper outfit photos before I left so there are some shots from the day! It was raining all morning and we were quite worried how my brother's last parade would turn out but luckily just before the parade started the sun came out and actually it was pretty hot! I managed to catch the sun on my face, so that's definitely saying something! It was a lovely day overall and I'm so happy that the sun came out just in time to make it such a good parade!

Here's a little instagram shot of the parade itself. My brother is in the band which you can kind of see to the left of the image! 

Face -  Garnier tinted eye roll on, Benefit High Beam

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 

This is actually quite a general FOTD for me, it's one of my everyday make-up looks which actually you will probably see featured quite a lot on here. Might do a post on it soon and go into a bit more depth about it. 

I also definitely can't go without showing you a closer look at the necklace that I wore. I remember seeing this necklace so many times in Topshop knowing that I loved and needed it. It actually got to the point where I decided that I was going to buy it the next time I saw it and voila, I see it in Topshop, but even better in the sale at half price! It was definitely fate... and is my complete favourite necklace at the moment!

What is your favourite piece of jewellery? 

Lorna

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Holiday OOTD #3

Top - ASOS    Shorts - Topshop

I love a high waisted short and crop top combo. These shorts are amazing. They are literally the  best fitting and most comfortable shorts I own. I love the colour as it's just so flattering and goes with so many things. I loved throwing on combo's like this on holiday, so easy to put on and it looks great. I'm really gutted about the weather here, really wish I could get more use out of this!

I used to hate crop tops but lately I'm obsessed with them. Can't stop buying them. Hopefully I keep getting use out of them! 

This is a scheduled post since I'm going to be out at my brothers Grand Day parade today. Hoping the weather isn't too bad. Will let you know how it goes and hopefully will show you an OOTD of what I wore soon, doubt that will be coming up today though. 

What are your favourite outfit combinations? 

Lorna

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Holiday OOTD #2

Dress - ASOS Petite

Another holiday OOTD for you all today. This is a perfect holiday dress. I wore this on a night out when I was a little bit sun burnt on my shoulders. I never usually like strapless but since it was so hot I literally couldn't be doing with anything too thick. I wore it with a pair of these (Linked here) simple black sandals from Office. They're actually in the sale at the moment and I couldn't recommend them enough - they're so comfy! 

Today I spent the day preparing for tomorrow. I'm going to my brother's last parade at the military boarding school I used to go to. It's a huge affair and it's usually great weather but we can tell already that it's going to rain, which is completely gutting. Hoping it's not going to be rained off! Will probably let you know on Saturday. I spent the day making picnic food (not too sure it's picnic weather, but oh well) for the day! Not too sure whether there will be a post tomorrow or not. I might try and schedule a post, but I'm not too sure whether I'll have time and I have no idea when I'll be back tomorrow so no promises! Sorry! 

Just letting you know (not sure if I have already or not) but I took these outfit photos before I went on holiday, hence why I'm looking so white and pasty in them still! 

Also, just wanting to say thank you to you all for following my blog! I can't actually believe that people are reading it as I started it to give myself something to do through the summer as I'm a lover of all of these types of blog's so thought I'd start one of my own. 

What are your favourite things to wear on holiday?

Lorna

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Holiday OOTD #1

 Top - Topshop    Shorts - The Ragged Priest (Concession stand at Topshop Oxford Circus Store)

I'm going to start posting the outfits that I wore on my holiday as it is something that I'm always really interested to see on other blogs. Let me know if you are interested in them or not! Some of the same items will be popping up a number of times, since my weight allowance was tiny and I didn't really wear my day clothes that much - only for lunch and dinner!

I will be posting them at the moment, instead of other OOTD posts as I'm currently nursing the flu in bed! I haven't been up to much this week, spent it catching up on TV programmes and blog posts/youtube videos that I missed while I was away. Ran a couple errands etc. but nothing exciting. 

I'm in love with these shorts! I bought them a while ago in the amazing Topshop store on Oxford Street and they're from the brand The Ragged Priest. I have linked them so you can see what they've got to offer at the moment. I was literally amazed by all of the pieces on this stand as it was filled with literally everything I love - denim, tie-dye, studs, knitwear and leather. If I could have afforded more I would have definitely gone a bit too crazy! These shorts are Levi's which they have changed by dying them and adding the studs. They are amazing quality and can see them lasting quite a while! It was one of those purchases that when you first buy them you can't stop looking at it and literally want to show everyone! Some people were not so keen... 

What do you think of them? 

Lorna

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Instagram Update #1

I'm back! 


Sorry it's been a little boring on the posts while I've been away. I decided to do some reviews to show you guys as there are so many products I've got to tell you about. I got back from Zante last week on Friday morning and have missed it ever since! I've currently been nursing my post-holiday blues along with the flu and so haven't really had any outfit posts to show you since I've been back but before I went away I photographed all of my holiday outfits and so they will be coming soon! 


Thought I'd do a little update to show you what I got up to while I was away. The holiday basically consisted of sunbathing and drinking, but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Here are some images I've instagrammed to show you!

Waiting at Gatwick airport, Waiting again, Our view from our balcony

Our first night out at a traffic light bar crawl, dancing on the bars, one of the funniest pictures of us!

Booze cruise - view from the boat of the sea, when we left, at the 1 hour free bar

 View from the booze cruise, fishbowl -our favourite bar, the strip 

Our balcony, by the pool, the hotel pool 

 Total Karnage bar crawl race!

 At Laganas beach - not the nicest beach we've ever been to, went straight back to the pool after the wonder down there!

 Before going out, crazy photo when we were out - literally can't take a normal picture!, pizza in the tree outside our balcony when we woke up!

Night out, fishbowl!, our last meal out before we left with our free cocktails!

I had such an amazing week. Literally can't explain to you all enough about how great it actually was. Hopefully these pictures will show you a little!

Have any of you been out to Zante? Any of you off on holiday soon? 

Lorna

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Skin Care Review #6: Liz Earle Intense Nourishing Treatment Mask

Liz Earle Intense Nourishing Treatment Mask 50ml Starter kit - £14.25 

or

15ml Tube + 1 muslin cloth - £5.25

I bought this small 15ml tube when I bought my full size Cleanse and Polish as I was interested in trying out some of Liz Earle's other products due to the constant recommendations within the blogging world and through my friends. I decided to try this because I am always looking for new products to "treat" myself with every now and again and thought this could be a good one to try out. 

The mask is made to combat dry, parched and stressed skin. I wouldn't say that my skin is this type all the time but sometimes I definitely feel that I need that bit of a boost as it can get quite dehydrated. 

The website says "This deeply rehydrating ‘moisture’ mask will help to replenish, calm, condition and moisturise skin. Apply to face and neck and relax for 10-15 minutes."

I decided to use this product before I left for my holiday (which I am now back from by the way - update coming soon!) just as a quick boost in hope of getting my skin in top notch before I flew, as we all know flights can take out so much moisture from our skin. 

This is a beautiful creamy product and applies like a dream to the skin. The product stays quite creamy and moisturising throughout and I could definitely feel the benefits after using the product. I wouldn't say at the time of using the product my skin was really dehydrated and so can't wait to use this when it really is in need of that moisture boost as I can already tell that it is going to work even after using it this time. 

I really want to try the Origins Drink Up moisture mask has anyone else tried it? How does it compare with this one? Have you tried this? 

Lorna 

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