REVIEW: Garnier Ultimate Blends Repairing Hair Food Papaya Range

REVIEW: Garnier Ultimate Blends Repairing Hair Food Papaya Range

Wednesday, 17 February 2021

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As a wise woman once said: "Hair is everything, Anthony!" It was Fleabag, so she wasn't *that * wise, But our favourite 'free-spirited, sexually liberated millennial' has a point. While hair isn't everything, it's not nothing either. For me it really is the difference between a good day and a bad day, when my hair looks bad, my mood follows. I know that's incredibly shallow but I'm definitely not alone in this.

Gif via

I believe it was the great Lady Gaga - if you don't think Lady Gaga is great then I'm sorry, I can't help you - who sang: "I am my hair!" Now, I'll say it again, hair isn't everything, and it's certainly not an entire identity, but for me it's an important part of who I am. 

My hair is one of my defining features. It's literally in my blog name: Lauren with the Red HAIR. My mass of unruly curls, both its texture - curly - and  colour - red - are markers that identify me. People use it to explain who I am: "Oh yeah Lauren, she has red hair" or "You know Lauren, she's got curly hair." It's my signifier. It's what I'm known for. If I ever pulled an early Guardians of the Galaxy-era Karen Gillan and shaved the lot off - not going to happen, I'd look like Matt Lucas -  people would still use my hair, or lack of, to identify me: "Lauren, the bald girl" or "Lauren, she's got no hair". Isn't it weird? 

I've got sidetracked, but wow! Hair as identity... what a concept! Anyway my point was I'm very particular about the products I use on my hair. 

Enter the Garnier Ultimate Blends Repairing Hair Food range, Garnier's new-ish hair care range targeting damaged hair. The three-piece collection features a shampoo, conditioner and, it's hero product, a multi-use deep conditioning treatment. I've been using the shampoo and conditioner for a couple of months now, since lockdown 2.0, and the hair mask has been a firm favourite since it was launched in 2019. 

First of all let's address the packaging of the shampoo and conditioner bottles, which are still plastic but are made from 50% recycled materials and are themselves 100% recyclable. While it's not perfect - plastic packaging is terrible for the environment - it's definitely an encouraging step. It's really hard to get a global corporation, such as L'Oreal which owns Garnier, to make changes like this. So the fact that they have is great. Hopefully, it's not just lip service and will inspire more companies to follow suit. 

Now the packaging for the hair mask is a bit of a different story in that it's not made from any recycled plastics and it's not widely recycled, although it is accepted by some council recycling schemes.  Garnier has also partnered with Teracycle to keep more beauty products out of landfill, which again is really encouraging. The packaging itself is a sturdy round pot with a lid, which I think would be easy enough to reuse or upcycle. I'd even argue that due to the packaging this product would be a good candidate for a refill initiative.  

Designed to repair damaged hair, which I definitely have, the Garnier Ultimate Blends Repairing Hair Food Papaya range boasts vegan formulas that are free from silicones, giving them a more natural feel on the hair. The products are made with 98% naturally-derived ingredients, such as sunflower seed oil, coconut oil and papaya extract. All three are designed to target signs of damage, particularly breakage and split ends, while nourishing and conditioning the hair. 

So lets start with the shampoo, a very good place to start. The Repairing Hair Food Papaya & Coconut Shampoo boasts a lightweight formula that effectively cleanses the hair without being too harsh or stripping. It only mildly foams, which means it's SLS content is on the lower side. This makes it great for colour- or heat-treated hair, which tends to be on the drier side and needs to have moisture put back into it. I've been using it for a couple of months now and have noticed that my hair feels softer and more nourished. 

The Repairing Hair Food Papaya Conditioner also has lightweight formula, with a really thin, almost watery texture that feels quite weird at first. It's actually really clever, although it does take some getting used to, as the light texture means it absorbs into the hair quickly, making washing my hair less of a faff.  It also really packs a punch in the hydration stakes, detangles the hair, which in turn prevents breakage and leaves the hair healthy-looking and moisturised. 

The real star of the show is the 3-in-1 Hair Mask Treatment for Damaged Hair, I've been waxing lyrical about this mask for nearly two years. It is that good! The multi-use treatment can be used as a conditioner, an intense treatment or a leave-in conditioner. Personally, I like to use it as a leave in conditioner as its lightweight formula conditions and tames my mad second day hair without weighing it down or making it look greasy. 

It contains papaya and alma extracts to leave the hair nourished, while also reducing the appearance of split ends. The mask even claims to reduce up to half your split ends after just one use. Although that hasn't been my experience but maybe I just have a lot of split ends.  

It has, however, made a noticeable improvement to the condition of my hair leaving it soft, smooth and strong instead of dry, frazzled and fragile. It also smells incredible AND it's incredibly affordable. I've loved this for two years for a reason guys!

Overall, the whole range is really good, especially at the price point. So if you're a fellow hair abuser and you're looking for something cheap and cheerful to mitigate the damage you could do a lot worse that the Garnier Ultimate Blends Repairing Hair Food Papaya range. 

New Year's Resolutions 2016 Review & Goals for 2017

New Year's Resolutions 2016 Review & Goals for 2017

Thursday, 5 January 2017

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Last year I kept my goals simple (read more about that here). I wanted to be healthy, be happy and to travel, and for the most part I stuck to them - a week in Sunny Beach counts as travelling, right?!

Rimmel Fresher Skin Foundation Review & Swatch

Rimmel Fresher Skin Foundation Review & Swatch

Saturday, 17 September 2016

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The Fresher Skin foundation is the new kid on the block in Rimmel's foundation line up and one I was really eager to try. Promising 'light breathable coverage for an even, natural-looking, fresh finish that stays shine-free all day' it's whipped formula comes housed in a squat glass jar and that is just one of the many things that I don't like about it. Yep, sadly this foundation is really not for me, and I don't think it would work well for people with oily skin either.

Firstly let's talk about the packaging, which I hate. I really don't like it when foundation, or make up in general, comes in tubs or pots because it feels unhygienic to be dipping my fingers (which I always make sure are clean) in to the product. I much prefer pumps for this reason. It also makes application messy, and it's also quite difficult to gauge how much product you'll need, so you do end up wasting quite a lot of it.

So onto the product itself, I've tried it a few times now and, I hate to say it, but I really don't like it. It has a whipped, mousse-y texture that is quite creamy in consistency. It applies like a standard liquid foundation, however it goes on really patchily. Herein lies one of the biggest problems because it takes a few layers to build up to even coverage and if you're using a damp beauty blender or a brush then you're actually more likely to take off what you've just put on. I found the best way to apply it is with my fingertips but even then it doesn't go on evenly. Despite being very patchy the actual coverage itself isn't bad, not great but not bad. It's very light and natural looking and with the addition of Aloe, Sea Algae and Chamomile to the formula, it does reduce redness. It doesn't, however, cover blemishes or spots at all well. The shade range is also, sadly, limited. I picked up the shade 100 Ivory, which was a good match for me, but those with darker or more olive skin will struggle to find a decent match in this range. It's a shame when budget brands only cater to a few skin tones, but Rimmel aren't the only high street brand guilty of this. The main issue I had with the foundation, pants packaging and shade range aside, is that it doesn't sink in, it just sits on the skin and doesn't really dry down. I'll give you an example: I had some mascara smudged under my eye and when I went to wipe it off I ended up taking a load of foundation with it. I had such high hopes for this foundation and it just didn't deliver. A rare miss for Rimmel, whose foundations are some of my favourites on the high street.

Rimmel's Fresher Skin Foundation is available from Boots for an introductory price of £5.99. Rimmel products are also currently 2 for £10 in Boots.

Have you tried Rimmel's Fresher Skin Foundation? Let me know by commenting below - I always reply so check back -, 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

Nivea Men's Cooling Sensitive Post Shave Balm as a primer...worth the hype?

Nivea Men's Cooling Sensitive Post Shave Balm as a primer...worth the hype?

Sunday, 10 July 2016

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There has been a ton of hype surrounding Nivea Men's Cooling Post Shave Balm. Ever since Nikkie, from Nikkietutorials, brought it to the world's attention, it's become one of the most highly sort after primers on the high street. Even being dubbed 'the world's best primer', by the Daily Mail so let's not get too excited. After testing it out for the past 5 weeks I thought that the time was ripe to throw my 2 pence into the mix. With the hope of answering the question, with all this hype surrounding it, is it really worth it? 

In a word... Yes! It's so worth the hype! This stuff is amazing. It's a light weight, non-greasy, liquid balm that is quickly absorbed into the skin. The balm is alcohol free and enriched with Seaweed and Chamomile to gently calm redness and relieve irritation. It doesn't contain any silicon so it doesn't have that plastic-y, silicon feel to it. In fact it feels really nice on the skin, really cooling and soothing, and it dries down almost instantly to a smooth, matte base that's perfect for make up. It has a very masculine scent to it, like a lot of scented products I can see this being a bit of a love/hate thing. Personally I love the way it smells, it's kind of a generic sexy man scent, but I really like it. For those who don't thought, it doesn't stick around very long once it's been rubbed into the skin.

One of the primary ingredients used is glycerine, an ingredient found in most primers. Glycerine makes the skin tacky, but not sticky, so that any make up applied is going to stick around for a while. Since using it I have seen a noticeable increase in my make up's wear time. It keeps everything in place and looking good for ages. All day and well into the night. I've really enjoyed using this product, the only teeny tiny niggle I have with it is the packaging. It's housed in a rather hefty porcelain bottle, which is really not ideal, for travelling or if you're especially clumsy like me. It also doesn't have a pump which means that wastage is a problem, especially when you end up accidentally  spilling half of it all down yourself and onto the floor. Not that I'm speaking from experience...

Now I've read some rave reviews and I've read some really bad reviews of this product and I just think, like everything, this will work or not work for you depending on your skin type. I have very sensitive, sometimes acne prone skin that errs on the drier side of things, so it works really well for me. But for any oily skinned lads or lasses I can't see this working for you. However if you have skin like me, sensitive or normal to dry,  then it will work really well for you. I'm such a big fan of it, it really does work wonders as a primer. Nivea Men's Cooling Post Shave Balm is only £5.35 for 100ml (a fricking steal) from Boots

Have you tried Nivea Men's Cooling Post Shave Balm as a primer? What did you think? 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

MAC Eyeshadow Palettes Review

MAC Eyeshadow Palettes Review

Tuesday, 5 July 2016

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From top left: Hey, Warm Breeze, Gingersnap, Dark Brew, Dance in the Dark, Brule, Vanilla Extract, Honey Lust, Amber Lights, Saddle, Lemon Tart, Creative Copper, Butterfudge, Divine Decadence & Unwind. 

From top left: Honey Lust, Poppy Seed, Quarry, Antiqued, Embark, Noir, Haux, Star Violet & Sketch

From Left - Right: Lemon Tart, Butterfudge, Amber Lights, Honey Lust & Gingersnap. 

From Left to Right: Sketch,  Antiqued, Quarry, Heux, Star Violet.

I was feeling a bit spendy on the MAC website and accidentally bought 2 eyeshadow palettes in one hit (read more about it here). I have no regrets, especially as they were reduced, and a bit of a bargain. Well I've been using both palettes for a while now, and I'm ready to share some of my thoughts with you lot.

First up The MAC Warm Neutral palette. Neutral palettes are my jam! I can't get enough of them, a girl can never have too many neutral palettes... especially this girl,  and this beaut is the latest addition to my ever growing collection. It's also become one of my favourites and most used because it is straight up beautiful! The colour selection is gorgeous, with everything from deep chocolate browns to rich bronzes and pale pink nudes, making it oh so versatile. It has everything for every look, one wash wonders, super smokey eyes and everything in between. Plus it does this weird thing where it turns my eyes into hearts... weird. 

The MAC Times Nine Burgundy palette has become my go to for evening looks, the sultry, plummy tones create the most beautiful smokey eyes. It is the diddiest, most adorable little palette. The shadows themselves are dinky but they pack a serious punch in the pigmentation department, they're also super blend-able and have a creamy, buttery soft texture. This is the same for the Warm Neutrals palette, the quality of both palettes is insane!

What are your favourite eyeshadow palettes? Any recommendations for me? 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

L'Oréal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation Review #ad

L'Oréal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation Review #ad

Sunday, 26 June 2016

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*Sponsered post*

Cushion products, particularly foundations, are having a bit of a moment in the beauty world. It started with Lancôme's Miracle Cushion, and it seems that, once again, L'Oréal was the first on the high street to throw their hat into the ring.

The whole idea of cushion products is that it is a sponge saturated in the product. This sponge is housed in a light pink compact with a contrasting metallic lid, the compact also plays host to a (fairly useless) application sponge and a decent sized mirror. I really like the packaging, I think it's really cute and so handy for popping in your bag, as the top layer acts as a seal to the sponge to prevent leaks and to stop it from drying out. 

The foundation itself is amazing, I've been using it for the past couple of weeks and I really, really like it. I've found that the best way to apply it is with a damp beauty blender, because it applies so quickly, and absolutely beautifully. It also feels really soft and light against the skin. It has decent coverage, t's more medium but can be built up for something more full, and easily covers redness and minor blemishes. It also has a lovely finish, glowy, but in a lit from within kind of way and lasts reasonably well on the skin. 

I only have three teeny tiny niggles about this foundation, these are: 

1. The shade colour/number is not on the packaging, so things can and will get a little confusing.

2. Mine has already started to dry out 

3. The foundation claims to hold 30 ml, roughly the size of an average bottle,  but I  don't think this would last as long as regular bottle of foundation. 

I would also say that this is not the best for oily skinned lads and lasses, due to it's finish. However these are only minor concerns. Overall the foundation performs really well, it is an excellent colour match for me, I have the shade 03. Also due to the way it's dispensed you do tend to waste less product, so I do think it does balance out. I really like it a lot.

Have you tried L'Oréal's Nude Magique Cushion foundation? What did you think? 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

*Disclaimer* I was fortunate enough to receive this as a free sample to review, this is no way impacts my review of the product. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own

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.

Barry M Coconut Infusion Nail Paint Review & Swatches

Barry M Coconut Infusion Nail Paint Review & Swatches

Tuesday, 10 May 2016

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The beauty industry is having a major moment with coconuts, coconut oil, coconut water, the numerous benefits of this humble nut - is it really a nut? - means that it is everywhere these days. And it looks like it's finally made it's way to our nails, including Barry M's latest release.

My love for Barry M's Nail Paints is seriously well documented. For me they're up there with some of the best on the market and I've even known them to out perform their high end counterparts. The overall quality is excellent, they have an incredible colour range and a really affordable price point. What's not to love? In the past few years Barry M has added a ton of new formulas to the line up - Gelly Hi-Shine, Speedy Quick Dry and Daylight Curing to name but a few - and I've loved them all, although it does have to be said that the Gelly Hi Shine formula is my favourite. So when I saw their latest drop of coconut infused polishes I was intrigued and a purchase was inevitable.

The range is made up of nine polishes: five summer ready shades and four beachy nudes. Now I'm not a huge fan of nude polishes and the other two colours in the collection, whilst pretty, aren't something I would normally go for.  But the three I did pick up are right up my street. I chose Laguna: a sky blue, Bikini: a bright turquoise-y green and Surfboard: a light pink-y lilac. The colours are lovely, but very similar to a lot of my other Barry M faves, not that I'm complaining. Now onto the important part the formula. Described by Barry M as 'a unique and caring blend' the polishes are formulated with Coconut Oil, Coconut Water and Vitamins B & C to both condition and hydrate the nail with High Reflective Resin for a super glossy, high shine finish. The polishes are designed so nourishing on the nails that Barry M advises against using a base coat so as to feel the full effects of the new formula.

After trying out Laguna I'm happy to report back that they're really lovely! I used two coats in the above picture, mostly out of habit but the finish was pretty much opaque after just one coat. They apply beautifully and I can already see an improvement in the condition of my nails. I really like them.

Coconut Infusions retail at £4.99,  a pound more expensive than the regular paints but definitely worth the increase, and are available at Boots and Superdrug.

Have you tried any of Barry M's Coconut Infusion Nail Paints yet? What;s your favourite? 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.

L'Oréal Elvive Extraordinary Clay Re-Balancing Shampoo & Conditioner Review

L'Oréal Elvive Extraordinary Clay Re-Balancing Shampoo & Conditioner Review

Thursday, 28 April 2016

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When L'Oréal released their Extraordinary Clay Re-Balancing range I was intrigued. A hair care system designed to combat greasy roots whilst conditioning, instead of stripping, dry ends... what is this magic? The range is made up of a shampoo, conditioner, a pre-shampoo hair mask and a dry shampoo. I only picked up the shampoo & conditioner, because Superdrug had sold out of the mask and dry shampoo, but I can't wait to try them out.

The range is formulated with three different types of clay to revitalise and balance the hair. White clay to cleanse the roots of any grease, blue clay to condition dry ends and green clay to hydrate and invigorate. After using the shampoo and conditioner for the past couple of weeks I'm really impressed. My hair feels really clean and so soft, my roots are grease-free and my ends are no longer dry and battered, but hydrated and smooth. Plus that squeaky clean feeling lasts really well, letting me go an extra day between hair washes.

On a more superficial note the packaging, whilst standard for L'Oréal, is pretty gorgeous. I think I'm naturally drawn to it due to the dreamy turquoise hue, which looks nice in my shower AND is my favourite colour. Overall I'm a big fan and will definitely be picking up the pre-shampoo mask and the dry shampoo asap to see if they perform as well.

The range is available online at Boots.com or in store and is currently on offer for 3 for £10.

Have you tried L'Oréal's Extraordinary Clay Re-Balancing range yet? What did you think? 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.

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Sculpt Contouring Base & Contouring Palette Review

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Sculpt Contouring Base & Contouring Palette Review

Thursday, 21 April 2016

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L'Oréal has gone and done it, and released the cream contour kit that the drug store/high street desperately needed, and a ton of other contour related products, pipping every other affordable brand to the post. I'm talking about L'Oréal's new Infallible Sculpt Range. The new range is made up of 5 products including a mascara, a nifty double ended contouring brush, Infallible Sculpt Blushes, the Infallible Sculpt Contouring Base, and, the clear star of the show, the Infallible Sculpt Contouring Palette. All are designed to ensure that your contour is on point, with the added bonus of being really affordable and, knowing L'Oréal, really good quality.  So let's talk about the two products I actually picked up shall we? 

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Sculpt Contouring Base in Light - £8.99 from boots

As a rule L'Oréal foundations are some of the best on the high street, but personally this base is not for me. The problem is coverage,  it's incredibly light and I need more of a medium to full base due to my crappy, hormonal skin. Sadly L'Oréal's Infallible Sculpt Contouring Base just doesn't deliver. Another niggle I have is the shade, which despite being the lightest colour available, is quite dark.  It does have a nice finish, kinda glowy but natural and it contains new 'grip technology' designed specifically so that your contour will stick to your face like glue, which actually works and is definitely a good thing. It does have its good points but I'm not really a fan. 

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Sculpt Contouring in Light/Medium - £9.99 from boots

Now on to the true star of the show: the Contouring Palette. Contouring products on the high street are few and far between - off the top of my head I can think of maybe 4 or 5 drugstore/high street contouring kits, and all of them powders - so when L'Oréal added this cream to powder offering into the mix the online beauty community let out a collective cheer, or at the very least I did. Simply put it's amazing. The formula, as I've already mentioned is cream to powder, and has the longevity of a powder with the natural finish of a cream. The contour kit is available in two shades: Light/Medium and Medium/Dark. I opted for the lighter of the two as I'm a pale lassy, and I like it a lot. It's one of the darkest contouring products I've used, and before blending, can look quite scary on my pasty skin. But once blended it looks so natural. I've been applying it with the Real Technique's Contour Brush, in a 3 shape from my temple, to my non-existent cheek bones and under the jaw line. before blending it out with a beauty blender. It's amazing. Like, seriously. 

Have you tried L'Oréal's new Infallible Sculpt range? Thoughts? 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.

Look Good Feel Better The Makeover Brush Set

Look Good Feel Better The Makeover Brush Set

Tuesday, 12 April 2016

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I can't be the only one who would rather  buy all new brushes than actually wash my brushes?! It is a long, arduous and utterly boring task that needs to be done. So to put it off, for another week at least,  I thought I'd get some more. You can never have too many make up brushes can you?

Look Good Feel Better is a charity that supports women and teenagers dealing with the physical impact of cancer, helping them to look good and feel better.  After hearing good things about their make up brushes I decided to try out The Makeover Brush Set. The set contains a finishing brush, a powder brush, a blending brush and a detail brush. Each brush is made of synthetic taklon bristles that are precision cut for a professional finish. The bristles are also cruelty free, hypo-allergenic, suitable for sensitive skin and are so soft it feels like you're applying your make up with a small, fuzzy kitten... not that I do that. It costs £24.99 for the set, with 12% of each purchase going directly to the charity.

The brushes themselves feel so luxurious, they are densely packed and have a long, elegant wooden handle that makes them feel super fancy. All the brushes are really good but my favourite is the finishing brush, which is really similar to the RT stippling brush and buffs foundation into the skin effortlessly, leaving a flawless finish in it's wake. I've been using the powder brush for blusher and bronzer as it doesn't pick up too much product so you can't over do it and it blends really nicely, leaving a really nice natural flush to the cheeks. The blending brush is exactly that, a really good blending brush, smoking out eyeshadow like it ain't no thing. My second favourite in the set is the detail brush, it's a little bit of a multi-tasker. It's excellent for applying eyeshadow in the inner corner and under the eye, but I also think it would work really well with concealer. Overall I really like the set. I think the brushes amazing and I really recommend picking them up. I know I'll definitely be adding some more to my collection. If you want brushes that are excellent quality, affordable and donate to a good cause these are the brushes for you.

You can out find more about the work Look Good Feel Better does here and can pick up the brushes here

Have you tried any LGFB brushes? What did you think? 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.

L'Oréal True Match Foundation: Then & Now

L'Oréal True Match Foundation: Then & Now

Tuesday, 5 April 2016

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L'Oréal's True Match Foundation in Rose Ivory - £9.99 for 30 ml from boots

L'Oréal's True Match Foundation is a firm favourite of mine, one could even say it is my favourite foundation. In fact I have said that... many times. So when they reformulated it last year I was a bit put out, my thinking was if it ain't broke don't fix it, and I was reluctant to try the new one. But with my last bottle of the original formula running low I figured it was time to bite the bullet and try out the new formula.

L'Oréal's True Match is a classic! It's long lasting with a medium but buildable coverage. It mimics the skin leaving a really fresh and glowy, but most importantly, flawless and natural finish. It's a good great skin day in a bottle. The original formulation was so good that L'Oréal didn't feel the need to change it in 10 YEARS! As in an actual decade! So why the sudden change of heart and formula? And more importantly what's changed?

To answer the first question I don't know why the change of heart. Maybe the market's changed. Maybe L'Oréal felt like shaking it up a bit. Who can say? But what I can tell you is that I LOVE the new formula. It's not as long lasting or as covering as the original but there's really not a lot in it. It's lighter on the skin due to the addition of oil, which has seriously improved the level of moisture, making it so comfortable to wear. It has the same finish, natural, glowy and gorgeous, and new pigments, or shade enhancers, have been added to create a perfect match for both tone and texture. The formula is a little bit more liquid than the original, and, as I've said, is less covering but it makes for the perfect everyday base.  The original formula was my go to for an evening look (and still is)  due to it's lasting power and general awesomeness, whereas I am more inclined to rock the new one during the day due to it's lighter feel and flawless finish. It's a really lovely foundation.

I'm still a HUGE fan of the original True Match, but I have to I am really loving the new version.

Have you tried the new True Match? Thoughts? 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

Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation Review

Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation Review

Thursday, 11 February 2016

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It's been a while since I changed up my foundation but with skin that can at best be described as tricksy, and at worst acne riddled, I thought it was about time I mixed it up when it comes to bases. And as my bestie - the Ann to my Lesley - has been raving about this stuff for ages, like seriously ages, I thought it was time to give it a try, PLUS there was a free gift so obviously I wasn't able to resist.

So let's get down to the nitty gritty. Miracle Touch is a compact foundation that comes in a small glass tub with a black lid that plays host to a very basic make up sponge. I understand why it has to be stored this way, due to the super thick formulation of the product, but I have to say really not a lover of the packing. It doesn't feel particularly hygienic to dip my fingers into something I'm putting on my face, regardless of how clean they definitely are... but maybe that's just me.

The product itself is lovely, it has a really thick, almost waxy formula in the pan but when applied to the skin it becomes really liquid-y - I'm sure there's a better way of saying that.. fluid maybe? No not fluid! - and applies seamlessly. I've found the best way to apply it is with fingers, because they warm up the product and really work it into the skin but it does apply nicely with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush as well, shockingly I haven't used the sponge.

The formulation itself is lovely, it gives excellent coverage without looking cakey or giving you creepy-mask face. It's also really buildable, so you don't necessarily need a concealer, you can just pile this on the places that need extra coverage. The finish is also really nice, particularly for something this high coverage. I would expect it to be quite matte and a bit flat but it's actually quite dewy and fresh looking. Really my only complaint is the packaging, which is pants, but seriously other than that it's a great foundation.

Have you tried Max Factor's Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation? What did you think? If not what foundation are you loving right now? Anything I should be trying? What are you loving at the moment?  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.

NYX Mini Lip Haul & Review

NYX Mini Lip Haul & Review

Tuesday, 2 February 2016

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A couple of weeks ago I was feeling really spendy - nothing new there - and found myself on the boots website, gazing lovingly at all the make up, when I stumbled across NYX. NYX is a brand I've heard a ton about but never tried, and as the reviews were universally positive, I figured it was definitely worth picking up a few bits. Before I knew it I was checking out with one of the Butter Lipsticks in the shade Moonlit Night and one of the Jumbo Lip Pencils in the shade Hera in my basket.

Moonlit Night is a deep, dark burgundy that looks way scarier in the bullet than it actually is. On the lips it's a vampy but wearable, red toned, berry shade. I'm totally in love with it. The formulation is lovely, very creamy and smooth, it applies well and the pigmentation is really good. The only downside is that I generally prefer my finishes matte because they last longer and this is a satin finish which means there is quite a bit of slip to it. It lasts reasonably well but doesn't really stick around for the long haul and it does need to be re-applied after eating or drinking. Another teeny tiny niggle I have is with the packaging, which I think is so cute BUT, and I don't know if this is just my one, but it's not very well made. When you twist the bullet up mine has the tendency to fall back down, which isn't great but not a deal breaker. Other than that I'm obsessed.

Hera is another kettle of fish entirely. A bright fuchsia with a blue toned shimmer running through it, it's way more sheer and doesn't apply as evenly as the lipstick. Even so it's really pretty and has a lovely smooth formula that makes application a breeze. On the upside I love the packaging, the design is really cute and great for just chucking in your bag. I like it a lot.

Apart from a few little bugbears I am super impressed, especially at such a low price point - the Butter Lipsticks retail at £5.50 & the Jumbo Lip Pencils at £5.00 - and I will definitely be picking up a few more come pay day.

Have you tried anything from NYX? What did you think? Any recommendations? 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

Soap & Glory It's the Whole She-Bang

Soap & Glory It's the Whole She-Bang

Thursday, 14 January 2016

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I've been a fan of Soap & Glory for years now, their products are amazing quality and the Christmas gift sets are something I look forward to every year. So when this wasn't one of the presents under my Christmas tree, well I had to rush out and buy it (even though I'd been spoilt rotten). When I found out it was half price that was just the icing on the cake, when my mum offered to buy it for me... well that was the cherry on top.

For this INCREDIBLE gift set, the mack daddy of gift sets if you will - Soap & Glory collaborated with pop artist and fashion designer Philip Colbert, the man behind The Rodnik Band, for the enormous, and fabulous, vanity case. That vanity case plays host to 9 full sizes of some of S&G's best selling products.

The set contains:

Clean on Me Moisture Shower Gel - £6.50 from boots.com
The Scrub of Your Life Body Butter - £7.00 from boots.com
The Righteous Butter Body Butter - £10.00 from boots.com
The Righteous Butter Instant Sun Kissed Tint Body Lotion - £8.00 from boots.com
Hand Food Hand Cream - £5.50 from boots.com
Heel Genius Foot Cream - £5.50 from boots.com
Peaches & Clean 4-in-1 Wash Off Deep Cleansing Milk - £6.00 (currently on offer, usually £8.00) from boots.com
Thick & Fast High Definition Collagen-Coat Mascara - £10.50 from boots.com
Sexy Mother Pucker Lip  Plumping Gloss in Rose & Shine - £9.00 from boots.com

It's mostly made up of body bits but has a nice mix of everything with some beauty and tanning bits thrown in for good measure. I haven't had the chance to have a proper play with everything yet but Clean on Me, Hand Food, Heel Genius and Peaches & Clean are all old favourites of mine and I can't wait to try out the Thick & Fast Collagen-Coat Mascara. I can't praise it enough. Not only is it stuffed to the brim full of fabulous products but it's also incredible value for money. This set was £60 but has a total worth of £70 and I, well my mum, only paid £30 for it, which is half it's retail price, and less than half it's value. What a bargain! As you would expect it's completely sold out online but there might be a few still floating around in store, so it's definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of Soap & Glory.

Did you get your hands on S&G's It's The Whole She-Bang? What did you think? 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