Anti-ageing Care Duo: And the Winner is....

Thanks to everyone who entered my competition to win two great anti-ageing skin care products (pictured below).

The entrants have been submitted to random.org and the winner is....

Glamourouxx

Congratulations. I'll email you asap and ensure your prize gets to you!

Don't forget to enter my current competition for the chance to bag yourself a Wonderbra.

What Happened in Vegas...

September this year would've been myself and the chap's fourth visit to Sin City in as many years.  That is if we'd not decided to shelve our holiday plans to move in together after five years of doing 'the long distance thing.' 

The initial cost of setting up home together has meant we'll be hard pushed to find the money for the holiday.

In the past, we've saved up for months to blow it all on the Vegas slotties hit the Vegas strip, but this year our cash will be going towards furniture. And with those last few words, I suddenly feel middle-aged ; )

While I'm gutted we probably won't be going to Blackpool, let alone Vegas, I'm ridiculously excited to be finally living not just in the same town, but in the same house as my beau.  That said, I'll still be holding out hope that we'll get to board the plane and do all this again....

 While I'm not a fan of poker sites, the Mr always has a job on his hands to get me off the Las Vegas gamblers. There's just something about the strip's many poker games that just lure you in.

On my first year in the city, I was worried I'd developed something of a problem - spending the night tossing and turning before dreaming that I'd put a small fortune on 'red' at roulette. I woke up the next day, hotfooted it down to the roulette table, as you do, and put my last 20 bucks (£12 to me and you) on red. The ball landed on black. 

Let that be a lesson to you; take no notice of your dreams ; ) Gambling is not big and is not clever, but it is blimming fun.

 Do you enjoy the odd flutter? Are you a Lotto fan? And will you be placing a bet on the upcoming Grand National?

And if you're thinking of going to Vegas, do it! You won't regret it.

Win a Wonderbra and Celebrate National Cleavage Day!

Oo-er, it's National Cleavage Day today (March 30)  - and let me tell you, my measly 34As need all the help they can get! I already own a Wonderbra and while you can't do much to enhance something that isn't really there in the first place, it certainly makes a slight difference.

Whether you need a lift in the boob department or not, why not enter my fab competition to win a Wonderbra? I've teamed up with the lovely ladies at the brand to give you the chance to bag this rather fetching lace strapless bra.

HOW TO ENTER:

*Subscribe to my blog

*Comment below with your email address

* For an extra five entries, tweet me at @lauren2herself letting me know you've entered.

The competition will close at noon on Thursday, April 5 and you'll be able to select your size if you're the winner.

Good luck everyone!

If you've got it, flaunt it....

and enjoy these tips from Wonderbra for enhancing your cleavage...

Inject some lace!

Lace and fabric trims are perfect to draw attention to areas where you want it. Spice up a plain outfit by using patterned and textured underwear that only you know about…..for now at least!

Make sure your bra is the perfect fit

When you’re browsing for a boob-boosting bra, ask to be measured by a professional fitter. Your bra should sit flat to your chest bone so that the support comes from the bra not your straps, therefore making the most of your assets while being comfortable at the same time

For extra oomph

National Cleavage Day only happens once a year, so why not go all out! Wear a Wonderbra with adjustable straps and cross them overc at the back – extra oomph is guaranteed

Give your skin a bit of a boost

Exfoliate head to toe, fake tan if you feel in need of some colour and add body shimmer to areas you want to highlight for extra va-vavoom

Feel confident

Ultimately choose a style that you feel comfortable in. When you’re feeling good, your confidence will be your best asset

DIY Facial

A few days before Christmas, I was lucky enough to win a hefty set of Dr Hauschka products via the brand's Facebook page. 

Amongst the products I received was this....

Dr Hauschka's Facial Steam Bath

Dr Hauschka was an unknown brand to me, up until a few months ago when I heard the lovely Poli (check out her videos, they're brilliant) raving about it on her YouTube channel.

Poli talked so enthusiastically about the products she was using, I just had to take a look at the Dr Hauschka website - which was around the time I won a stash of mini travel sized products.

It's a brand that's been around for over 40 years and it very much champions natural ingredients. Visit the site and you can even take a skin consultation to find out which products will work for you, as well as call someone direct to discuss any skin concerns.

I have to say, I was quite shocked on opening the box that the liquid was so dark. Still, after cleansing my face with my trusty Eve Taylor cleanser and a Body Shop muslin cloth, I added it to a bowl of boiling hot water, grabbed a towel and held my face over the steam for 15 minutes. Absolute bliss. The curiosity got the better of him and my boyfriend used my second bottle of the Steam Bath a week later - but emerged from under the bowl about a minute later claiming 'it was too hot'. Men eh?

Dr Hauschka's Steam Bath and its grimy-looking contents

I followed the steam bath with my Elemis Papaya face mask, before switching on my Clarisonic 10 minutes later and brushing it off. I then added a rich moisturiser - my Elemis Marine Cream. Absolute bliss!

What did I think?

My skin certainly felt softer after the treatment and any blemishes seemed to clear up a little quicker.

Do you ever give yourself a DIY facial? Or do you prefer going to a spa for a treat?

Win An Anti Ageing Duo Worth Over £50!

I'm only in my twenties so while I'm not exactly slathering on the anti-wrinkle creams just yet, I am aware of the damaging effects of the sun on my skin. I'm fairly pale so if there's even a hint of sun, I pile on the SPF foundation or sun cream before I leave the house.

So I was thrilled to team up with a PR company who work with Ultrasun Professional Protection to offer ALH readers the chance to win a 50ml bottle of its high 30SPF face anti-ageing formula (worth £18) - ideal for applying before make-up or on its own.

I'm a big believer that preventative measures work wonders to combat skin problems. But I'm all for  lotions and potions that also work to diminish wrinkles, lines and blemishes, without the need to go under the knife.

Also up for grabs, then, is this 15ml bottle of Transformulas Mid-Life Marine Miracle Creme (worth over £40), which has been described by the Daily Mail as a 'facelift in a jar'. I've yet to use this product but it promises big things.

Fancy winning this anti-ageing duo?

How to Enter:

* Subscribe to my blog

* Comment below, leaving your email address

* For an extra 5 entries, tweet me at @lauren2herself with the words 'I entered @lauren2herself's giveaway to win two fantastic anti-ageing products'

* The competition will close at noon on Friday, March 30th

Good luck everyone!

Never Mind the Tulisa S*x Tape; Read My Interview....

Much respect to Tulisa for posting this video regarding the recent news. I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about.

I interviewed Tulisa a few years ago (before her X Factor break) and she seemed like a really genuine, lovely girl. She told me all about her make-up tips and her favourite products and seemed ridiculously down to earth.

Tulisa. Pic: Google Images

You can read the piece here. Let me know what you think!

Friday Favourites

It's been a couple of weeks since I've shared my favourite blogs with you. I've been a busy bee of late, with job interviews and what not. I've managed to bag my dream job as Senior Beauty Writer at Boots' head office in Nottingham and I've spent the last fortnight or so packing up my flat for my upcoming relocation (I honestly didn't know how much junk I own, until now) - I can't wait for the fresh start!

I hope you've had a great week; here are the blogs I've been enjoying reading these last seven days...

Zoe previewed a new nail polish over at The London Lipgloss

Holly told all about her new foundation of choice...

Louise treated herself to some new lippies...

and...

Katy gave herself a DIY pedicure...

How was your week?

Do send me links to your favourite blogs. I love discovering new reads!

Spring Into the New Season with Lush!

It's like someone up there knows it's spring, as it's been gorgeously sunny here up north these last few days.

So it seemed quite fitting that a LUSH package - which came bursting with deliciously fruity seasonal fragrances - dropped through my letter box yesterday.

Some of LUSH's spring offerings: You've Been Mangoed  Bath Melt, Happy Blooming Bath Melt and The Comforter Bubble Bar

Like around 99% of bloggers, I'm a huge fan of LUSH. There's just something about the place, isn't there?

I'll often be wandering by the shop with absolutely no intention of popping in until I get a waft of something fruity and that's it, you'll have a job to get me out! I usually come away laden with bags as I'm lured in by the LUSH assistants' gentle powers of persuasion/excellent sales patter.

The Comforter

I'm an absolute sucker for bath bombs and bubble bars - and if I'm ever in LUSH I usually pick up the brand's Creamy Candy bar or The Comforter, largely on account of them being easy to snap into pieces I don't know about you, but I think it always seems a shame to use a full bar in one bath and some of the bomb-shaped ones are buggers to break up.

LUSH's bath melts are new to me, though - so I'm looking forward to giving these fruity-looking beauties a go.

Bath and body care aside, I'd really recommend LUSH's Ocean Salt face scrub and their Grease Lightening Tea Tree Treatment - both an absolute pleasure to use and less than a tenner each!

And seeing as it's spring, I've been making more of an effort to wear lighter, prettier make-up shades. My normal shocking pink blush has been replaced with a soft coral one by No7 and MAC's Ravishing (an orange/coral) and Please Me (pale pink/nude) are my go-to lipsticks.

Do you change your make-up routine in spring? Are you a fan of LUSH? Any favourite products from the shop?

FTC Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for review consideration. I have not been paid to write this post; neither am I affiliated with the brand in any way. All opinions are my own and 100% honest, as always.

Beauty Faux Pas? We've All Made Them...

A work colleague admitted that she shaves her eyebrows into shape. This was met with shrieks of shock from the ladies in the office. But it got me thinking; how many of us commit a big beauty faux pas every day?

When it comes to eyebrows, I know I'm guilty of plucking above my eyebrows (BIG mistake) and I've certainly overplucked them a good few times before now. The aforementioned colleague shaves her eyebrows as it's 'what works for her' and there's nothing at all wrong with that, is there? She has light hair and doesn't suffer from quick regrowth. So what's wrong with it?

Much to my hairdressers annoyance, I have a habit of re-dyeing my whole head with colour, rather than just the roots. I've always thought it seemed a waste not to use the whole bottle of dye up. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

And don't get me started on make-up. I often go to bed without taking it all off, fill in my eyebrows with a dodgy old eyeliner and wear A LOT of blush - by my own admission.

Lipstick on the teeth? Yum. (Google Images)

Drawn on eyebrows? (Google Images)

So, come on....own up ladies. What do you do? Make me feel better.

Who's Braved it Today?

Hands up who's left the house with a clean, fresh and make-up free face today? Hats off to you! I have a small confession. Despite it being National No Make Up Day today (March 22), I shamelessly left my flat with a full face of slap. And I call myself a beauty blogger - TUT, TUT!  I'm just not confident enough sans make-up. Are you?

Do you need this to get through the day? Pic: We Heart It

According to the results of a survey prior to my No Make Up Day blog post this time last year, the following celebs should be handed a make-up wipe

Katie Price (61%)

 Lady Gaga (29%)

 Cheryl Cole (28%)

 Christina Aguelira (26%)

Jessie Wallace (25%)

 

Katie Price came out on top in last year's poll, as the celeb who wears the most slap. Do you agree with last year's list? Who should make the list this year? And do you ever go without make-up?



Just a Note...

...to say thank you to Tiff, who's awarded me (in a virtual fashion) with the Versatile Blogger award.

I have to say, I'm quite unprepared for such an elaborate show of recognition. But I'd like to say thanks to my Mum, Dad, the kitchen sink, my friend's dog, etc etc, blub blub, sob sob.

Thank you Tiff!

In true blogging fashion, I shall pass the award onto a few of my favourite bloggers.

And here they are:

Big Beauty Blog

Championing all things plus size, Clare is a breath of fresh air in the blogging world. I met Clare at an Aussie event and since then we've been the best of blogging buddies (blogging buddies? Cringe!). I'm sure lots of us can relate to her posts about healthy eating, too. If you only do one good thing today, make sure you subscribe.

Love Audrey

An absolute domestic goddess, Franky's posts about her recent retro-style wedding kept me hooked for over a year. A fan of Audrey Hepburn, she loves all things vintage and has recently bagged her dream job as an intern for a top wedding blog! Go and have a peek.

Smooch Blog

Formerly May Loves Make Up, the blog - run by the lovely May - is your one stop shop for all things beauty. With a lovely, relatable writing style and beautiful photos, May's blog is well worth a look. Have a peek at her beautiful balayage hair or swoon over her latest nail polish love in her frequent posts.

A Thrifty Mrs

What Mrs Thrifty doesn't know about snagging a bargain isn't worth knowing. She updates her blog regularly and it's always brimming with ace money saving tips. A must read if you love a good old rummage in a charity shop or a casual gander around your local car boot.

What are your favourite blogs? Do post your links below!

Project Facepack: Round Two

Anyone who reads my blog regularly will know all about Project Facebook - my ongoing mission to find the perfect face mask.

In the Project Facepack spotlight today, then.....

Elemis' Papaya Enzyme Peel

So while it isn't a traditional face mask (more a really good exfoliating treatment), this product works in much the same way as a mask and should be left on the face for around 10 minutes.

I first tried this peel when I bought a tube via a sale over on Yinka's blog, so I was pleased to give it another go.

I slapped the mask on whilst in the bath and left for the required time. In terms of scent, it's gorgeous and it's a joy to use - lovely and creamy, it glides on the skin on application.

But is it any good?

At £28.50 for a 50ml tube, I was expecting impressive results. But while the product certainly made my skin feel soft, it seemed to do little else.

What Elemis say: "The natural exfoliating fruit enzyme action of papaya and pineapple smooth, brighten and clarify the complexion. This unique, non-granular exfoliating cream contains nourishing Milk Protein, Anti-Oxidant-rich Vitamin E and Marine algae to moisturise, repair and protect the skin. Perfect for complexions which are sensitive or mature."

A nice, luxury product that's perfect for a treat, but not something I'd splash out on regularly.

Are you a fan of Elemis? Have you tried a new face pack lately? Any high end or budget recommendations? Or tips on what I should try next?

FTC Disclaimer: This product was sent to me as a thank you gift from Elemis' PR team. I was under no obligation to review the product, neither have I been paid to write this review. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, as always.

Health and Beauty Treats from 68p? Where There's a Wilko's, There's a Way!

Ah! We all love Wilko's, don't we? As a student I was never out of the shop, picking up my toiletries, stationery and household bits and bobs.

I was intrigued to find out the budget brand has released a new range of health and beauty products from just 68p each, so I jumped on a train to London on Thursday to find out more at the company's press and blogging event.

The very generous goodie bag

But while Wilko's is clearly scrimping on price, it's not at all compromising quality. In fact, the brand's new range of sun care - including sun lotions and lip salves - offer a 5 star ? rating to ensure protection from the sun's harmful rays, as opposed to Nivea's 4-star mark (sorry, Nivea!)

The new sun care range

Sun protection starts from a reasonable £2 and there's even a handy Family Care Pack (including a moisturising sun lotion, after sun lotion and a kids' spf 50 lotion in a clear travel bag) for just £10!

Being fairly pale, I was also pleased to hear Wilkinson has made the ethical decision to sell sun protection at a minimum of SPF 15 - a big thumbs up from me!

 

 

My favourite products? The Shower Smoothies, without a doubt. These 200ml beauties are comparable to Radox's, but cost around half the price. Just £1 each, you can bag two of these for £1.50 in store and they're available in three scents - Blackcurrant, Sweet Vanilla and Honey and Fruity Berry. While they do contain small exfoliating beads, they're soft on the skin and smell great. Well worth the money! Give them a go and pop them in your basket next time you're in Wilko's - I thoroughly recommend them.

The brand's Shower Creams (250ml) are also £1 each or two for £1.50, as are the Foam Bubble Baths and Hand Washes.

Also available are the cheap as chips mini hand sanitisers, only 68p each.

The brand has added an extensive hair collection to its new range - with prices from £1.48 each or two for £2. Take your pick from hair mists, shampoos, conditioners and protecting and hydrating products.

Desperate dieters may also be interested to hear Wilkinson has launched its own range of slimming aids, with products starting from 30p.

Also worth a look is Wilkinson's new Skin Therapy range. And with items starting at just 57p, you can't really complain. Included in the product line-up are the brand's 3-in-1 Fragrance Free Facial Wipes (57p per pack or two for 97p), a cleanser, toner and moisturiser (at 99p each), hand and nail creams (starting from 59p), facial treatments (from 98p), eye make-up remover (98p) and bath and shower treats (from 89p).

A big thank you to the girls at Tangerine PR for hosting such a lovely event. It was lovely to meet the team and the buyers and people behind the new ranges; they all talked passionately about the products and their love of the new collection was clear.

Do you have your eye on any of these products? Or have you tried any? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Water Way to Raise Funds for Charity!

H20 - a necessary element or a luxury addition to your make-up bag or bathroom cabinet? What's she talking about now, then?

Let me explain...

I love perfume, so I was pleased to hear there's now a way I can spritz myself silly while doing my bit for charity.  H20 is a brand new 'Eco' fragrance that helps you do do just that!

Proceeds from the sale of each bottle will go towards funding Oxfam UK projects, which specialise in programmes to increase access to safe drinking water in situations of drought, emergencies and conflict in disadvantaged countries. An important cause, I'm sure you'll agree - and it's great to know our love of all things beauty is somewhat worthwhile.




The beautifully packaged Tous H20 eco fragrance



Oxfam water projects has so far raised over £160,000 for this great cause.

The inspiration behind the 'fresh, aquatic scent' is a single drop of water. But what's most striking about this product is its beautiful bright blue tear-shaped bottle - simple stunning.

I've been lucky enough to try a handbag sized bottle of the scent and I have to say, it's lovely - light, clean smelling and not too flowery, with notes of rose, lavender, mandarin and white amber.


Available from Boots, Tous H20 currently starts from £26 for a 30ml bottle.

Sshhhh! Want to Know a Secret?

The clever folk at John Frieda have created a brand new hair care range - and they'd love to tell you more about it.

But in the meantime, take a look at this exciting teaser video. All will be revealed very soon - watch this space!

Jean Paul Coke-ier!

Okay, so that's possibly the most ridiculous blog post title to ever grace/disgrace (delete as appropriate) ALTH. Do forgive me ; )

So, what exactly is Jean Paul Gaultier doing with a can of Diet Coke on his head?

A series of short films starring the international fashion designer are the first phase in a very special Diet Coke partnership.

Mr Gaultier takes on a different role in each film and guest stars in each one - playing a therapist, a journalist and even a private detective.

Intrigued? The films - which are available to view via Diet Coke's Facebook page - give more clues into the collaboration, so keep your eyes peeled!

What do you reckon to this new collaboration? Are you a big Diet Coke drinker?

You're Invited...

....to a fun make-up focused virtual party, hosted by the folk at Boots' 17. Mark this Sunday (March 11th) in your diary as you're in for a real treat!

Anyone who 'attended' the last live Twitter event will know what's in store. If not, let me fill you in....

Got Twitter? Simply log in from 7pm to 8pm and join the fun over on 17's page - @official17. Hosted by the following lovely ladies: @vanesaguallar @reallyree @maysmooch, the event celebrates the launch of the new Peep Show Mascara and also welcomes a special guest - @becadreams - star of 17's new make-up song's promo 'Who's Checking Out Who?'

At least there'll be no mess to clean up at this virtual party  (Pic: We Heart It)

Slip your party shoes in. You're in for a treat.... (Pic: We Heart It)

The last 17 Twitter event went down so well that its fans asked for another one - and the people at the brand happily obliged.

Join in the fun and there'll be a chance to win a goodie bag crammed with 17 products - there'll be one given away every 10 minutes. Just make sure you include the hashtag #17cosmetics when you tweet.

 Don't miss it, ladies!

Nanoblur: Believe the Hype?

I was out shopping yesterday afternoon when I spotted Nanoblur on the shelves of my local Boots. A well marketed product, you really can't escape the hype at the moment. But does it live up to its claims?

Well, I can't say I've tried it myself - I'm only in my late twenties and while I'm conscious I'm not getting any younger, I don't think it's time for anti-wrinkle products just yet. But a colleague of mine came bursting into the office yesterday, boasting of its benefits. She'd popped into Boots, tried the product on her hand and promptly purchased a tube.

Nanoblur: Look 10 years younger in 40 seconds...

She couldn't believe the effect it'd had on just her hand, saying she saw her hand 'magically' transform there and then - lessening the appearance of any veins and generally smoothing out any marks and wrinkles. If you've ever seen the film Death Becomes Her, you'll know what my colleague's talking about.

The colleague in question is now gearing up to try the product on her face. She was so pleased with the results it gave to her hand that she's almost of the opinion that it's got to be too good to be true, believing she'll come out in a rash as soon as she applies it to the delicate skin on her face.

I'm certainly looking forward to hearing her thoughts when she finally takes the plunge and tries it at the weekend.

And here's a US ad for the product...

Here's the product blurb:

"Nanoblur is not skincare. It is quite simply tomorrow’s high technology, today. It is not a cream. It is a suspension of millions and millions of particles that refl ect light perfectly in billions of directions to make the skin’s surface appear completely flawless. Within seconds, pores appear to disappear. Fine lines appear to vanish. The skin texture appears nearly perfect. With one application on any skin surface (even on your hands), you will be convinced that Nanoblur will make you look up to 10 years younger in a matter of seconds. It’s just that simple."

Sounds too good to be true, but is it? Have you tried Nanoblur? What did you think? Is it as good as people claim?