The Best Skincare for When You Have a Cold

The Best Skincare for When You Have a Cold

Wednesday, 30 October 2019

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Guys as I write this I’m laid up in bed with a 38°C temperature and the worst cold I’ve ever had, complete with the kind of hacking cough that makes me sound like I’m about to die of consumption on the streets of Victorian London. I know, I'm being overdramatic, but I do feel awful. And what’s really not helping is that I look it too. Both my skin and hair are drier than the desert, my nose and lips are chapped and I have a very pleasant outbreak of spots around my jaw. Sexy thy name is Lauren! Luckily, there is a handful of products that I come back to time after time that are total lifesavers. Here’s my pick of the best skincare for when you’ve got a cold.

Some High Street Skincare Loves

Some High Street Skincare Loves

Thursday, 21 September 2017

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Skincare might be my one true love. Really. I love it. Truly, madly, deeply. It's my thing. Once upon a time my thing was all of the lipstick. Now it's skincare, although I do still love lipstick. 

August Favourites 2016

August Favourites 2016

Sunday, 4 September 2016

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This month I will not be freaking out that there are only 3 months left of 2016, what would be the point? I do the weird freak out thing every month, it's getting kind of old. Instead I'll tell you that August has been a really good month. I've been learning to play guitar, which I am loving! I saw my friends a lot, I went to Bulgaria, which was so fun and I've been going to the gym regularly, which, shockingly, I don't hate... I'm just as surprised as you are. It's been a really good month! On that note it's time to talk favourites. 

Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish in Soho Place - £14 from Nails Inc

This nail polish is an old favourite of mine, you guys know how much I love a good blue-y green polish, and like I said this is a firm favourite. I actually used it to paint my toes and tips with before I jetted off to Sunny Beach. The colour is gorgeous, a vivid aqua, and the formula is pretty lush too! Easily workable yet creamy and thick and the finish is dreamy - ultra glossy, plump and long lasting. It's marvellous. 

Pixi by Petra Hydrating Milky Mist - £18.00 from Cultbeauty

I ranted and raved about this stuff in my In Flight Beauty post so I won't bore you with the details for fear of repeating myself and boring you all to death. Instead I'm just gonna say that this super moisturising, light weight spritz is amazing, and an absolute life saver for those of us with drier complexions or to use when your travelling. I used it pretty much constantly on the flights, to and from Bulgaria, and the whole time while I was out there, and the difference it has made to my skin is amazing. I love this stuff, and I've nearly run out.... NOOOOOOO!

MAC Burgundy Times Nine Palette - £25.00 from MAC

Again I have sung the praises of this teeny little palette in previous posts (read them here, here & here) so I'll let you read those rather than bang on about it here. It's an excellent little palette for travelling because it is really tiny but has nine shadows in there, that really pack a punch in the pigment stakes, and is super versatile. I am obsessed with it and have been using it pretty much constantly. I love it so much.

The Wet Brush - £8.99 from lookfantastic

I got this in Anna & Lily's Cult Beauty box back in April and it's the only brush I've used on my mad, tangly hair since then, but I've never mentioned it on here, which isn't really like me. Anyway I love it. It has really flexible bristles that glide effortlessly through the hair, detangling any knots without pulling. Now I don't brush my hair everyday, because it's so curly that brushing only makes it frizz out uncontrollably. So I only brush before and after I wash it and that's it. It used to be an absolute nightmare brushing my hair, even with a Tangle Teezer or an Easy Tease (read more about that here), and I hated doing it because it really did hurt. The Wet Brush is so gentle yet effective, it has just solved all my hair brushing problems. I refuse to be without it, that's how much I love it!

Avon Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Leave-in Treatment -  £3.50 (on offer, usually £6.00) from Avon

This stuff is haircare heaven! If I was stranded on a desert island and could only have one hair care product this would be it! It's incredible! One pump, run through the mid lengths and ends, intensely nourishes and protects the hair (from heat, chlorine, etc.), calms frizz and adds definition to curls without weighing them down. It's non-greasy, very light weight and leaves no residue in the hair whatsoever. I used this every day on holiday to protect my hair, and it worked an absolute treat. No sun dried ends and chlorine damage for me! It does come in a glass bottle, which I agree isn't the best for travel, although I didn't have any problems with it. But seriously this stuff is magical! I would be lost without it and I'm not joking. 

La Roche Posay 50+ Antihelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid - £16.50 from Boots

There's nothing really knew in this month's favourites, pretty much all of them have been talked about before, including this one (read more about it here). I'm a recent convert to La Roche Posay's Antihelios XL sunscreen but it is amazing. It absorbs into the skin really quickly without leaving a white cast on the skin and gives my pasty skin the protection I need, from both UVA and UVB rays. And unlike a lot of sunscreens it's non-comedogenic, so it doesn't block the pores or cause break outs, which my skin will do at the slightest provocation. It's awesome stuff. 

Rimmel Kate Sculpting Palette in 002 Coral Glow - £6.99 from Boots

This is kind of a forgotten favourite because I have used it so much in the last couple of months but keep forgetting to put it in my favourites. I actually have this in both shades, 002 Coral Glow and 003 Golden Bronze, and I like and use both a lot, but I have used Coral Glow more this month because I took it on holiday with me (read more about that here). It's such a handy little palette as it comes with a blush, contour and highlight and, despite the fairly naff packaging, it is really, really good quality. The powders are creamy and smooth, they apply beautifully and they have really nice pigmentation. They're really lovely. 

Becca Backlight Priming Filter - £32 from SpaceNK

Again this is something I have talked about recently, (read it here) I feel like I'm a broken record today, just saying the same thing over and over again... I'm sorry. I have used this so much in the past couple of weeks, in fact I've nearly used it all up and will have to get a new one soon. It adds such a beautiful, beautiful radiance to the skin. I have fairly dull, pale skin but this gives me a glow that would put JLo to shame. It is stunning! And expensive, but worth it. 

Walk Off The Earth - watch them on youtube here

My bad ass friend Charlotte, who is actually teaching me to play guitar and is the coolest person I know,  introduced me to Walk Off The Earth during our first lesson, and I have been listening to them ever since. You may have come across WOTE before as quite a few of their videos have gone viral, they're the band who covered Gotye's Somebody that I Used to Know with all 5 members playing the same guitar! (Watch it here it's amazing!) Their videos are insane, they are so talented and so, so clever. I've downloaded a load of their songs but Gang of Rhythm and Hold On (The Break) are my favourites. I am also obsessed with their cover of Cheerleader! Watch some of their videos, you will not be sorry.

Working Out 

So this is a surprising favourite for all of us, especially me, but I am really, really enjoying working out. I've been working out everyday during the week and the sense of achievement it gives me is incredible. Do I still hate cardio? Absolutely, yes I do! BUT I can do it, which is amazing because up until recently I definitely couldn't. I'm feeling very proud of myself for that.

What are your August Favourites? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat -search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

June Favourites 2016

June Favourites 2016

Thursday, 7 July 2016

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We're now more than halfway through the year. How on Earth has that happened? I know, I know I do this every month, but seriously though! Anyway let's talk June Favourites shall we? Be warned I had a lot, so things will be getting long and rambly.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - £13.00 from Boots

I'm so glad this eyeliner came into my life, via the box of joy that was Anna & Lily's Cult Beauty Box, because it's incredible. It has a fine nib that makes for really clean and precise application. Plus it has an amazing formula. Oh. Em. Gee! This stuff is seriously good: blacker than black, waterproof, long lasting and not a pain in the ass to remove! It's a fantastic all rounder, that makes winging my eyeliner an absolute breeze. I'm obsessed with it.

Primark PS Velvet Matte Lipstick Crayon in Nude - £2.00 from Primark

I've said it before, and I'll probably/definitely say it again, Primark's make up range is super impressive for such a low price point. This lip crayon is another gem in their collection. The formulation is creamy and buttery soft, it applies effortlessly and it doesn't dry out the lips at all. It also has really good colour pay off and the colour itself is so nice! It's a tawny, pinky nude that's similar in tone to MAC's Mehr, which is a firm favourite of mine, and at only £2.00 it's a total bargain.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation - £5.99 from Boots

I'll be doing drugstore/high street week on my blog in the next couple of weeks or so, and have been testing out a ton of new foundations from the high street to prepare. This one has really stood out for me. I've been reaching for it on an every other daily basis, because it's a really nice foundation, with great coverage and a nice finish, matte but with a fresh, lit from within radiance to it. I like it a lot.

Simple Micellar Water - £3.00 for 200ml from Tesco

For a long time I was an avid user of Garnier's Micellar Water, but I was really put off after noticing that it had a nasty chemical smell to it. I'd heard universally good things about Simple's offering so I thought it was definitely worth a try. It was, because it's the best micellar water that I've come across. It leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed and removes all traces of make up absolutely effortlessly. Love. It.

Real Techniques Multi-Task Brush - part of the Travel Essentials Kit £11.51 from Amazon

Most of my make up brushes are Real Techniques because they're amazing quality, affordable and stand the test of time. Thinking about it I might have pretty much the entire core collection, although don't quote me on it. The Multi-Task brush is one I've had for a while but only recently used, and of course I love it. It's a large fluffy brush designed specifically to be used with powder products. Personally I love using it for blusher, as it is just the right size for my chubby cheeks, but it's also really good for setting powder or bronzer. Like all RT brushes it washes really nicely, is cruelty free, super soft, and like all the RT brushes I've tried before it, I love it.

Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in 001 Honey - £7.99 from Boots

I've been loving nude lips this month, I always tend towards nudes in the summer time because they're so effortless to wear but still give your lips a little somethin' somethin'. This is a repurchase, I first had it a couple of years ago, used it all up, and then forgot all about it. Then I got it in an awesome free gift with purchase from Revlon, and fell completely back in love with it. It applies beautifully, is nicely pigmented, smells like peppermint and feels lovely on the lips, really moisturising, it also has really good staying power. Despite the fact that it's a balm, it doesn't have a lot of slip to it. Despit

La Roche Posay Anthelios XL 50+ Ultra-Light Fluid - £12.37 from Boots

I raved about La Roche Posay's Anthelios facial sunscreen in a recent blog post (read more about it here) and I have become completely obsessed with it. I've been using it religiously, slapping it on my face and neck before putting my make up on to protect my pasty english skin from the sun. It feels lovely to apply, it is actually quite cooling on the skin and ties down to a really matte finish, making it a perfect base for make up

Bullet Journaling

I'm the type of person who can't keep a diary. I love the idea of having a diary to organise my life in, and I always start off really well, but then I get distracted and don't stick to it. Honestly I'm not really organised enough for one. Bullet Journaling is kind of like organisation for the disorganised. Like most of my obsessions this one started on youtube. After watching a ton of BuJo videos, heads up they're super addictive and really satisfying to watch,  I really wanted to start one for myself. What I love about it is how versatile it is. I've been getting down all the things I need to do and I've also been trying to keep track of all my good and bad habits and my finances and stuff like that. It's very much like a diary but better, unlike a diary if there's something else I want to add into my journal all I have to do is the turn the page and make a note of it in the index. I think it's a brilliant system, especially for people like me. Since setting mine up I've found myself being more organised in my day to day life and more motivated to work through my to do list. Plus I'm really enjoying decorating it, that's the best bit.

Boho Berry - on youtube here

This is the youtube channel that got me into Bullet Journaling. Kara's bullet journals are planning and organisational works of art. I can sit and watch her videos for hours, like I said they are so addictive and really satisfying to watch. I've also been really enjoying Carrie Crista's videos for the same reason. Definitely check them out.

Orange is the New Black streaming on Netflix

Okay can we talk about how incredibly sad and current this series was? It was intense but mind blowing and I sobbed, real tears, throughout the the last two episodes, and then for like an hour after. Season 4 was funny, sweet, heartwarming/heartbreaking, devastating and completely addictive. I watched it in 3 days. If you haven't watched this season, or any seasons, of OINTB then you need to get on it now! You won't regret it. Seriously, go!

Absolutely Fabulous streaming on Netflix

I can't wait to see the Ab Fab movie, I'm so excited that I've been re-watching the entire series on Netflix. I haven't watched it in so long that it's like I'm watching it with fresh eyes. I forgot how hysterically funny and ridiculous it is, and how much I love it, and I really do love it. In the words of Edina Monsoon it's fabulous! Sweetie darling! 

Tina Turner - Tina Live Tour CD/DVD £9.99 from Amazon

When it comes to female solo artists Tina Turner is simply the best (tehehe). Seriously though she is amazing. I bought my Dad the CD/DVD of her 2009 Tina Live concert in Holland for Father's Day, and it is so good that after watching it with him, I had to buy it for myself. I love Tina T for 3 reasons. 1. She doesn't have any songs I don't like. 2. She's just amazing in general and 3.  She was in her late 60's when she did the Tina Live tour and she was incredible! She was singing and dancing and throwing herself round the stage like a woman half her age, and she was 68! If that isn't life goals then I don't know what is! I've been listening to the cd pretty much on repeat for the entire month because it is so good! So good! My favourite songs, if you're interested, are: What You Get is What You See, Be Tender with Me Baby, We Don't Need Another Hero & obvs I love the classics like Simply the Best, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits & all the others that make me dance around, singing along and thinking YAAAS QUEEN!

What are your June Favourites? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat -search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

La Roche Posay 50+ Antihelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid Review

La Roche Posay 50+ Antihelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid Review

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

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Now that I'm the wrong side of 25 (Gulp!) I'm super conscious of premature ageing. I've already got a couple of grey hairs going on, and I do not want my skin to look old before it's time, thank you very much. It's so important to protect your skin from the sun, not only to prevent photo-ageing (premature ageing caused by the sun) but, more importantly, to reduce the risk of skin cancer. This is something that never really occurred to me when I was younger. I thought that because I didn't really catch the sun it wouldn't have an impact, WRONG!, and it's something that I've become so much more aware of as I've got older. Being a lighter shade of pale, as well, my skin is very sensitive to the sun and it's damaging effects.

BUT here we reach a catch 22. A lot of sunscreens, even facial sunscreens, can block pores, causing spots and blackheads to form. I suffer with acne, I don't need to give my skin the excuse to breakout, because believe me it will take it. Enter La Roche Posay Anthelios XL 50 + Ultra-Light Fluid. This sunscreen is the bee's knees! Designed specifically for the face, it has a light, non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula that forms an invisible, protective barrier between the skin and the sun, protecting the skin from UVA and UVB rays, and preventing signs of early ageing.  And the best part, it does all this without clogging pores and causing breakouts. Plus it dries down really quickly, leaving a barely there, matte finish, making it a perfect base for make up.

I've been slapping this stuff on to my chops whenever we've had some sunshine and I've noticed that my skin doesn't go red, I haven't been burning across my nose and cheeks AND there have been no breakouts. Yay! It's so good.

Any sunscreen recommendations for me? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat -search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

January Beauty Favourites 2016

January Beauty Favourites 2016

Sunday, 31 January 2016

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La Roche-Posay Serozinc - £8.50 from boots.com

I recently raved about this in my Mini Skincare Haul (read it here) but I've been using it every single day and I seriously love it. It has made my terrible skin look so much better, it's just bad skin now.  It has become an unmissable step in my skin care routine because it is so so good. It calms down any big, juicy spots, completely gets rid of little ones and gives the overall appearance of clearer skin. LOVE. IT.

Max Factor Gel Shine Lacquer in #35 Lacquered Violet - £7.99 from boots.com

I picked this up at the end of last year and it's been on my nails pretty much ever since. I love purple nails and Lacquered Violet is such a sophisticated and pretty take on that. The colour is absolutely gorgeous, the perfect blend of purple and blue, and it has a fabulous formula with great opacity - one coat! - and a high shine finish. The packaging is really pretty too. It's lovely.

Michael Kors for Esteé Lauder Blush Trio - No longer available.

For a really long time I was too scared to use this because it's so beautiful and I didn't want to hurt it. Then I realised that thought was completely ridiculous and I got over it. It is seriously B-E-A-U-Tiful! The trio is made up of a plum, a bright pink and a light mauve. The blushes are finely milled, buttery soft in texture, blend easily and are well pigmented with a subtle shimmer running through them. They're so pigmented that you need to use a really light hand with them or risk looking like you're permanently embarrassed - a lesson I learnt the hard way - even so they're amazing. Individually they're lovely, but when swirled together with my trusty Real Techniques Blush Brush they create a lovely pink-y mauve that gives the cheeks a really pretty glow. It is gorgeous AND that packaging though! It is seriously dreamy! - Sorry for being a tease guys! This blush was part of a limited edition collection and is no longer available :(

Superdrug Naturally Radiant 2 in 1 Moisturiser & Serum - £5.99 for 100ml from superdrug.com

I've been kind of obsessed with skincare for the past couple of months, hoping to find the miracle product that will give me the  flawless, english rose complexion of Emma Watson or Emilia Clarke.  Alas so far that has not happened but I have found some darn good products, Superdrug's Naturally Radiant 2 in 1 Moisturiser & Serum is one of them. It's a really nourishing serum, with a silky smooth gel like texture that sinks into the skin so quickly. It gives me a much needed burst of hydration and really brightens up my dull, grey skin. I've been using it every night and I really like it, plus it smells amazing! Seriously amazing.

Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed Super Self-Heating Deep Pore Detox Mask - £11.50 for 100ml from boots.com

I picked this up a couple of weeks ago after reading some rave reviews online and thought it was definitely worth a try with my clogged and congested skin. It is so good. It starts working it's self-heating magic the moment it applies to the skin, really getting into the pores and giving them a proper deep clean. It's been really good for my skin. I like it a lot.

Naked 2 Palette - £38.00 from urbandecay.co.uk

I've been OBSESSED with the Naked 2 palette throughout January. I've had a bit of a thing for matte eyeshadows - I blame Adele and the make up she wore on the 25 album cover - and I've been particularly loving the shades Foxy & Tease. Foxy is a slightly yellow,  creamy nude that I've been packing on all over the lid and Tease is a light, almost lilac-y toned chocolate brown which I've been using in the crease to give my eyes some smokey definition. It's a combination I've been loving all month and wearing pretty much everyday but the rest of the palette is just as heavenly. The shadows are pigmented, blendable, buttery soft and incredibly wearable, with a range of finishes including shimmers, glitters and the odd matte. They apply beautifully and there is no creasing whatsoever with these bad boys. Naked 2 is basically perfect. The obsession is so real people!

Collection Extreme Felt Tip Liner - £2.99 from boots.com

Another product whose presence here can be attributed to Adele. Back in the day I used to wing my eyeliner everyday like it weren't no thing. I could do it in seconds, no mistakes made and be out the door. Oh how I miss those days. Now it's a bit of a different story. Being out of practice and my eyelids having become curiously wrinkly (don't think about it!) I've had to go back to basics to get my eyeliner back on fleek. The Collection Extreme 24Hr Felt Tip Liner is the liner that helped me perfect the wing originally due to it's sturdy nib, long lasting, blacker than black liquid formula and it's general awesomeness. I've been reaching for it on a daily basis to get the practice in and my wings back and I still really, really love it. Maybe even more than Benefit's They're Real Push-Up Liner.

L'Oréal Color Riche Exclusive Collection in Julianne's Perfect Nude - £6.99 from boots.com

Okay it's pretty safe to say that all my make up favourites this month are due to Adele. That was one seriously amazing make up look that's all I can say. But oh man this colour is so dreamy. I'm not normally a fan of nudes (tehehe) but this is the most beautiful pink-y nude lipstick that is so easy to wear but looks like I've put a lot of effort in. It is seriously beautiful.

What were your January Beauty Favourites? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

Mini Skincare Haul

Mini Skincare Haul

Thursday, 21 January 2016

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You've all heard about my problem skin by now, if you haven't then, to cut a really long story short, it's pants, my skin is pants (that means bad for any non english people reading this). I've recently taken to browsing the aisles of boots, and the sephora website and basically anywhere that sells skin care, to try and find the miracle product that will turn my skin around. Here are some of the bits I've picked up on my travels.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc - £8.50 for 150ml from boots.com

Serozinc is essentially a water spray containing Zinc Sulfate, an active ingredient in a lot of acne treatments. The spray dispenses a fine mist, which can be sprayed directly onto the face, although this does take some getting used to, or applied to a cotton pad and swept across the skin. There is a lot of hype surrounding this particular product, like A LOT a lot, but for very good reason. It. Is. Awesome.  I really do struggle with my skin, I get breakouts, blackheads, big juicy blemishes galore - oh for the days when it was just the occasional blackhead and sensitivity -  and I have tried everything, and I really mean everything, and this is one of the first things that has made a real, noticeable difference to my skin. I've been using it in place of a toner for the past week or so and it's incredible.  It reduces redness, calms particularly aggressive spots and clears smaller spots. It is seriously amazing. Just a quick warning though ALWAYS cover your eyes when spraying on your face. I got some in my eyes and I swear I've never known pain like it. Other than it's awesome and I'm sure I'll be adding the Effaclar System to my basket at some point in the very near future. 

Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed Super Self Heating Mask Deep Pore Detox Mask - £11.50 for 100ml from boots.com

Okay so this mask is amazing. I've only used it once but I already love it. It's a self-heating mask that begins to heat up as soon as it's applied to the skin. It gives the skin a real deep clean, really getting into the pores and getting rid of dirt and bacteria to prevent new spots forming. It also reduces the appearance of spots and pores and leaves the skin looking, and feeling clearer. It works wonders on congested skin. The best part is that the mask turns blue once it's been activated which is SO COOL! I love it. 

Superdrug Naturally Radiant 2 in 1 Moisturiser & Serum - £5.99 for 50ml from superdrug.com

This 2 in 1 Serum is a seriously lovely offering from Superdrug's own skincare line. I'm actually super impressed with what I've tried so far. It's really nice quality but also really cheap which is always a bonus. This serum has a lovely silky smooth texture that just melts into the skin. Normally I'm not a massive fan of serums, some I've tried have felt really sticky on the skin, but this applies really smoothly and just feels so nice on the skin, it's also really nourishing. My skin gets really dull and grey, particularly in the winter time, and this serum has done a lot to restore some radiance, and general glowiness to my skin and make me look more alive. It's very nice. 

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Eye Cream - £5.99 for 15ml from superdrug.com

The skin under my eyes is really sensitive, to the point where if I don't moisturise regularly then it becomes dry and sore and starts to look and feel like tissue paper. The worst thing is it really doesn't take much to irritate it, so I have to be super careful with what I use. It's a bit of a vicious circle really. Superdrug's Naturally Radiant Brightening Eye Cream is really nice, and one of the few eye creams I've come across that doesn't have any adverse affects on me. It's quite rich but also lightweight and fast absorbing. It's really moisturising and oh so gentle on the skin. It doesn't irritate me at all but leaves my under eye area feeling nourished and looking refreshed and awake. I almost can't believe how good it is. Especially when considering how cheap it is. It is so good. 

What skin care bits have you been loving lately? Any recommendations? Let me know on twitter by commenting below, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates. 

Love love love xxx