Mini Post: PitROK Deodorant - Review

After using spray deodorants for years, I started to feel uncomfortable when I recently took a look at some of the ingredients. Most spray deos contain parabens as well as alcohol in different forms, which I just don't enjoy putting on such a vulnerable area every single day. 

Hence the swap to this PitROK Crystal roll-on deodorant. Unlike spray, or indeed even other brands of roll-on deodorants, PitROK is based on 'pure natural mineral salts', which still provide day long protection. 

On the bottle, it clearly states that is does not contain any of the following; Aluminium Chlorohydrate, Aliminium Zirconium, Parabens, SLS/SLES, Propene Glycerol or Silicone. It also states that is does not block pores.

Sounds perfect right? But, what about the effectiveness and the smell?... I think one of the most desired properties of a deodorant is the scent, hence the vast variations available on the market. You may think an all natural product may smell earthy or strange, but this includes Aloe Vera and Grapefruit seed extract, which are both fresh, invigorating and soothing.

As for effectiveness... I have not sweat more at all, and it leaves a lovely fresh feeling all day. So I am happy that I feel good, and guilt free about what I am putting on my underarms! It does cost a tiny bit more than other options around, at about £4-5, but it lasts for a long time as you hardly need any, and I don't think you can put a price on your wellbeing!

What do you think of more natural deodorants?

Love Lauren xx

Another Haul! (Oh Dear...)

A Mighty Haul

Okay, so once again I may have gone a little crazy. I keep thinking how much of an excellent idea a spending ban would be for me, but i'm afraid my willpower would do nothing about enforcing one, so i'm in a bit of a predicament.

Anyway, on with the haul...!

Zara 'City Bag'

Firstly, I got the Zara 'City Bag', I think it's called, and I'm sincerely in love. The longer I spend time with this bag, the more I come to seriously admire and swoon over every little new element I discover. It has zips and pockets for days, which I adore, so it's extremely practical as well as being a sort to look at. It's sort of like a feminine briefcase, it even has a couple of the larger compartments lined with padding, as to pop in your laptop or iPad, without casing them any harm being bashed around next to a hairbrush or scratched with the zip off your purse. It's organised, beautiful, ladylike craftsmanship, in one reasonably sized black package. Oh, and it also has a removable shoulder strap... just wow.

Maybelline Gel Eyeliner 24H

The next item(s) making an appearance in my naughty haul, are three colours in the Maybelline Gel Eyeliner 24H range. It's 3 for 2 at Boots at the moment, so I picked Black Gold, Brown and Intense Black. Each pot comes with a little applicator brush, and I will swatch and review all three of these very soon, in a separate post, where I can talk quality of both gel and brush, and pigmentation etc. I have heard very great things though, so i'm extremely excited to try each and every one!

Botanics Cosmetic Pads

As it is fair-trade fortnight, I decided to buy these Botanics by Boots cosmetic pads, rather than just their standard ones. They are a few pence (maybe 40p) more expensive than Boots standard, but this ensures better standards of work for the people who produce them, which I am very much a fan of. They are also organic, which I LOVE. I will always pick organic over anything when it comes to food, so I have started to feel the same about what I put on my face. They have not been sprayed with nasty chemicals whilst growing, ensuring a purer, more natural product. A win win I think.

Waitrose Coconut and Sandalwood Candle

Incase anyone is uncertain, I adore coconut. Perfume, Lotions, (the new Xen-Tans...), so this was a no-brainer really as it smells amazing, and is only around £4 to buy! Love.

O.P.I Expert Touch Lacquer Remover

I haven't actually tried this yet, BUT it claims to remove even glitter polishes with ease, whilst maintaining a good condition for your nails. I have a sparkly mani planned in the next few days, so when the time comes to remove my shimmery fingers, I will test, review and publish. Watch this space...

iPod Nano 7th Gen. In Pink

I desperately needed a new iPod of some sort, as my iPhone was not having anymore of my music collection, and I just thought this was insanely cute. It's literally the size of a credit card and weighs next to nothing! Not only that but it has a cool 16gb capacity, which for it's size is an amazing amount of music. I already love it, and it's so crazy light, you can take it literally wherever you go!

BarryM Gelly Pots in Lychee and Greenberry

Oh buddy, these are hot. I have already done a review/tester of these here, and I am absolutely loving them. The Lychee is such a timeless nude, by contrast to the Greenberry which is a punch of vibrant, fluro colour. Add this to the fact that the whole BarryM Hi-Shine Gelly Pot range is brilliant quality, with a beautiful texture and gloss, and you have yourself a pair of winners.

Topshop Fluro Orange Jumper

No, your screen isn't broken, this jumper really IS that bright. I am so excited to wear this in the coming months, with jeans or shorts and some statement necklaces and a (fake) tan!! Taking neo-rave dressing to the everyday. Orange-mazing (sorry!).

So, that's my cheeky haul. I know, I should be locked away with no cards or internet... but let me know what you think of the stuff :). In my defence, I can smell Spring round the corner and it's making me VERY excited!!

Love, Lauren xx

No7 Purifying Exfoliator for Normal/Oily Skin - Review

I have been using this scrub for a few weeks now, once or twice a week, as a deep cleanse for my skin. As I have previously mentioned (a few times...), I have oily to combo skin, so I always get excited when products claim to be directly aimed at my skin type, be it BB creams, foundations, or in this case - a facial scrub.

From the first use, I wasn't expecting dramatic results, because a) it's a skincare product and I really feel you generally need to give them a while before you can see realistic results with your skin, and b) I got it because I had a spare £5 No7 voucher, and I needed a face scrub.

So, with a pretty open idea on what this would be like, I was surprised how matte, yet soft and refined my skin was after the first scrub. My oiliest places on my face, (nose, forehead and chin), were all baby-bottom smooth and shine (glare) free. Amazing or what?

The magic blue beads

I think the perfect balance is using this as I do, once or twice a week, because although it might be tempting with such great results from each use, to use it as a daily scrub, obviously it could do more harm than good stripping ALL the natural oils from your face and leaving you not only dull and dry, but even oilier than before. Disastrous scenes.

I love the clean, fresh smell, the small purifying beads that scrub but don't scrape your skin, and best of all I love the results. If you have oily skin, and you want a weekly pick-me-up, then this is a definite must.

Let me know if you have any oily skin saviours, or if you've tried this product yourself?


Cleansing Love, Lauren xx

Barry M Gelly Pots in Lychee and Greenberry - Review

The Finished Product

I am still wearing my sexy Shellac mani by Perfect10 London, so I couldn't test these two seductive nail  pots on my own fingers. Luckily, I have some willing Guinea pigs, in the form of my two sisters, so I did a little tester mani on Grace (featured here in my Vampy make-up look).

The Tools

I started, as always by using a base coat. I'm heavily involved with O.P.I at the moment, and I used their matte Nail Envy polish as a protective base coat. I filed her nails into oval points, as she fancied something different doing to her (annoyingly) rapid-growing nails. I love this shape, it's like a less extreme Lana or Rihanna look, perfect for everyday style.

No Flash

After the base had dried I applied two coats of each colour, then an O.P.I topcoat, and finished with some of the O.P.I Drip Dry fluid.

Flash On

As you can see, both colours are super gorgeous, I love the nakedness of Lychee, it's subtle, classy and engaging. Greenberry is a lot more vibrant, and is perfect for Spring/Summer to liven up a simple look or to clash brilliantly with a fluro jumper! I love the finish of these polishes, for only £3.99 a pop, they are exceptionally easy to apply and look so professional, you can't really go wrong!

I can't wait until I can try these on my own hands, but until then, let me know what you think! Do you like the BarryM Hi-Shine Gelly Pots? Which is your favourite colour?

Nails and Love, Lauren xx

My Facebook Page!

Hey Guys! I would love it if you would check out my Facebook page 'Cover Shoot'. It's where I pop links to all my latest posts, and you can find it here:

Link

Let me know what you think, and don't forget to like it if you want to be kept updated!

Love Lauren xx

M.A.C Brush Cleanser Review

This is just a quick post about the M.A.C Brush Cleanser. It's about £9.50 from most good counters and department stores, such as Debenhams - link, for a 235ml bottle.

I try to wash my brushes every week or two, especially for liquid foundation and concealer, because it's hygienic and also because the build up of make-up can sometimes effect the structure and hence effectiveness of a brush. And a painter is as only as good as her tools... or so they say.

You basically just rinse your brushes, rub this product through, then rinse off thoroughly, or until your happy with the cleanliness of your best brushes. You then just lay out to dry naturally and Voila; perfectly fresh and conditioned, ready for your next look. This prevents shedding, and is super gentle on the brush hairs themselves.

It also smells nice and 'clean', and not at all chemically or harsh, which I would find intimidating and frankly a little scary.

 I basically love this product and highly recommend for those of you looking to invest in a Spring clean for your brushes. Imagine Johnson's body wash, for your brushes... no tears and no fuss.

Happy cleaning Girls!

Love, Lauren xx

Superdrug Conditioning Cuticle Oil Pen - Review

Superdrug Cuticle Oil Pen

I heard about this a couple of weeks ago, shouted down the blogosphere grapevine, emanating from a very exciting source indeed. The Vogue beauty team, thank you very much. They claimed that it perked up pesky nails a treat, and at a smidge (under £3!), it was a no-brainer for me to test.

The pen itself is nicely designed, with a lid that doubles up as a cuticle pusher (probably not the technical term...), and a brush which you apply to your cuticles after a cheeky squeeze of the pen's body. 

Vitamin E is known for being a moisture hero, and this claims to not only soften unruly cuticles, but strengthen and help growth of you talons themselves. I have only been using it for a few days (and I have a Shellac Mani atm, courtesy of Perfect 10), so I can't judge the growth or appearance for a while, but it definitely softens my cheeky cuticles and dries without being greasy or sticky, so perfect for an on-the-go digit dressing.

Multi-tasking Lid

Easy to Use Brush

I am loving this product, definitely so far so good, and it's great knowing it won't break the bank to try it! If it's good enough for Vogue...

What are your best nail tips (pardon the pun)...? Have you tried this too? Let me know... I love hearing nail tales.

Love Lauren xx

Liebster Award - Take Two

I have been kindly nominated by the lovely Jess from a Dot of Daisy and Jennifer from HoneyBeige  for the Liebster award again, so this time I will keep the same facts about myself, and the same questions for my nominated bloggers, but obviously pick new bloggers and answer both sets of questions from the girls :). I really do think this is a great way to showcase up and coming bloggers (with under 200 followers), and it is so much fun to find out crazy facts about everyone!

What you have to do:

• You must post 11 facts about yourself
•  Answer the questions set by the presenter who nominated you
•  Nominate 3-5 bloggers and link them to your blog
•  Create 11 questions for your nominees to answer
•  Go to their blog and let them know they've been nominated
• No tag backs

11 Facts About Me!

1. I have been a Vegetarian for 17 years, and I've JUST started eating fish to be healthy in the last couple of months.
2. I am 5'11 and wear at least 2/3 inch shoes in the day, and sometimes 5 inch heels at night. Well i'm tall already right?
3. I have a scruffy, little Jack Russell Terrier called Ruby, who I possibly love too much, even though she is slightly on the mad side...
4. I love writing and studied English at University, being involved in a magazine would be my dream job.
5. I don't mind snakes or rats at all, but I am seriously terrified of spiders. As in...WILL cry.
6. I think i'm totally G when i'm driving, and look like an idiot rapping along to songs, thinking people can't see me. They definitely can.
7. It sounds extremely cringe, but my mum is my role model. She is 51 and doesn't look a day over 40, a true lesson to not smoke or sunbathe. An absolute natural goddess.
8. I am addicted to herbal tea, I have at least 6 (giant mugs) a day, and a Pukka Night Time tea every night before bed. Caffeine makes me go crazy...
9. I love Moustaches. I don't know why, they are just incredible.
10. My favourite chocolate is Green and Black's 85% cocoa, I like it really really dark.
11. Oh, and I'm an absolute make-up and product junkie. Beauty is my obsession...

Jennifer's Questions:

• Who is your favorite blogger? There are so many that I love! Tanya Burr is my favourite for Vlogs definitely.

• What is your blog named after? Well, I picked Cover Shoot, because to me it's everything that goes into making that perfect shoot; the fashion, the beauty and the photography.

• What's your favorite beauty product? Once again, so so many to choose from. If I had to pick it would probably be a Xen-Tan of some sort!

• If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Aside from England, probably America! I love the versatility (and the products...).

• What is your most embarrassing moment? Most embarrasing is difficult, I am a pretty embarrassing kind of a girl in general. The last highly embarrassing thing I can remember is making a scene in a Uni lecture by putting sparkling water in a still water bottle (it doesn't work, it popped off like a gunshot and the whole theatre turned around...oh. dear.)

• How long have you been blogging? I started my blog about a year ago, but really it's this January, so just over a month! And I am seriously loving it so far.

• What is your favorite quote? I love quotes! One of my favourites has to be Ms Monroe's 'If you can't handle me at my worst, you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best'. I think that stands true for everyone, friendships and relationships alike.

• What's the worst film you have ever seen? And the best one? Worst that springs to mind is 'One day'. The concept is great, but Anne Hatheway's fluctuating English accent just meant I couldn't even take it seriously. Best - I always love Romeo and Juliet or Moulin Rouge. Baz Luhrmann is a genious.

• If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have 1 item, what would it be? My Tangle Teezer or Xen Tan. 

• What's your favorite movie? Probably Romeo and Juliet or Titanic. I love a bit of a crier. (And Leo...)

•  What's your dream job? Beauty Ed, or Editor in chief of a magazine. That would be the dream!!

Jess' Questions:

• What is your favorite colour lipstick to wear? if any? I am a huge lipstick fan. I'd say, dark red/plum in Autumn, pinks in Spring, berrys and glam reds in Winter and orange and coral in Summer.

• Your favorite place in the world? I love travelling, but it has to be England. London is my favourite city on Earth.

• What is your next beauty purchase going to be? I need some more Real Technique's brushes and some Lush prodcuts too.

• online or in store shopping? Both! I love ASOS and the next day delivery, but I love to try on clothes and test out products in store. 

• Favorite thing about blogging? I feel like I have more of an excuse to talk beauty with like-minded people! Plus the community is so friendly and great :)

• Favorite season and why? I love them all. Each for the change in fashion and products you can wear, I get excited for my light weight jackets in Spring and my Faux Furs in Winter!

• What is your go to item in your wardrobe? Patterned Leggings, a jumper, Chelsea boots and a statement necklace. Probably with a leather Jacket.

• Favorite scent? Coconut anything! But at the moment i'm wearing a lot of Elie Saab's Eau de Parfum.

• Dream holiday? I'm craving the East Coast of America at the moment, for some sights and shopping! But, i'd love a trip to Paris soon too. 

• Favorite beauty product at the moment? Oooh, so so many. But I loved the recently launched Rimmel's Apocalips! My review here :).

• Number one beauty tip? Don't over-pluck your eyebrows! Been there, done that... and had to use a LOT of filling in before they were back to their bushy glory!

My Nominees:

• Izzy @ http://mywardrobewanderings.blogspot.co.nz
• ReNu @ http://mybeautyjunction.blogspot.co.uk
• Hamida @ http://looselytiedtofashion.blogspot.co.uk

My 11 Questions:

1. What country are you from, and what's the best thing about it?
2. What's your favourite ever magazine and why?
3. What is your favourite lip product?
4. Who is your ultimate idol and why?
5. If you could time-travel back to any period in time, what would it be? And why?
6. How have you found being part of the blogging community so far?
7. Sweet or Savoury, and why?
8. If you had one superpower what would it be, and why?
9. If you could be a Hollywood star for the day, who would you be? and what would you get up to?
10. Private Jet or Private Yacht? and why?
11. What is your biggest ambition in life?

Looking forward to reading your posts!!

Love, Lauren xx

The Body Shop Absinthe Review

Absinthe Hand Gel and Hand Cream

I got these products the other day on a cheeky visit to my local Body Shop, (see my haul post). I'm always interested in the new ranges they bring out, and I have been an avid fan of theirs for years, because of their ethics and quality products.

To me, the word absinthe smacks of alcohol. Just really, really strong alcohol, (and the Green Fairy in Moulin Rouge...), so I was very pleasantly surprised with the gorgeous minty, mouthwatering-ly fresh essence this range emits. It's packed full of Shea Butter, so it moisturises a treat, but the main purpose is to conceal odour. Think chopping garlic, or gardening, it's perfect for hardworking hands (or like me, just pampering before bed).

It really does work, I have a penchant for making Thai Green curry, which I love to chop onions and garlic and anything else under the sun, before whacking it all in. Normally, as those Nigella's out there know, Garlic is a bitch to remove from your fingers. Cold water, hot water...soap?! Nothing really does the trick, but this cream is like a mouthwash for the digits, a fresh, soothing wave of odour-neautralising bliss.

I bought the Hand Gel and the Hand Cream, the gel more for travelling around, and keeping mitts clean on the go, whilst the cream for a bit of scented luxury, post cooking or not! I love them both, and I am already looking to re-purchase, especially in one of The Body Shop's crazy discount offers!

Hand Gel

Hand Cream

Let me know if you have tried this, I am in love! I think I might be addicted to minty scented mitts, mmm delicious!

Love Lauren xx

Mid-Week Haul

This is just a few fabulous products I have picked-up recently. I will be doing a Vlog about them all (probably whilst wearing the fluro jumper to be honest...), and i'll review them individually in other posts soon too, so this is just a little snippet into my mad buying ways... 

M.A.C Brush Cleanser

I am just about to use this product, to give my make-up brushes a little Spring clean. I haven't actually tried this product before, but I have seen many positive reviews, so my hopes are sky-high for a fantastic finish on my brushes. It is supposed to care as well as clean, which is essential to maintain the quality and to reduce shedding of your precious tools. I will use, test and review the heck out of this bad boy for you. So if you're tempted, but on the fence... help is at hand.

New Absinthe Range at The Body Shop

The main point of this new collection by The Body Shop, is to purify your hands. When speaking to a lovely lady in the shop, she advised that it's great for wannabe Jamie Oliver's who chop a few cloves of garlic or just want to freshen up their hands a treat. I LOVE this smell, it's fresh and minty, and it just smells gorgeously clean. I have tried the hand cream a couple of times, and its perfect for normal skin (for really dry hands i'd recommend the Hemp collection), leaving them soft and tingly-fresh. The little hand gel, is perfect to pop into your bag, as a way of waterless cleaning on the go. Perfect before eating, or just preening on public transport. 

PitRok Roll-On Deodorant

Yes, this is a deodorant. And yes, I am talking about it on my blog, and I shall tell you why. Lately, I have become a bit concerned with spray deodorants, I just don't like putting all the parabens or alcohol, which can be found in many, on such a delicate part of my body. Even most roll-on deodorant's have some little nasties that I would rather avoid. So avoid them I have. This women's roll-on, by PitRok, contains nothing nasty whatsoever. It is very gently fragranced and is made of Mineral Salts, which 'protect against body odour'. I just always think, if you can help it, the more natural the product, the better.

Superdrug Conditioning Cuticle Oil Pen

I saw on the grapevine that the Vogue Beauty team had raved about this product, claiming it improved nail strength and appearance, so obviously I had to try it for myself! It's a snip at under £4, and I will go into more depth about how and if it works when I review it soon, but I must say, so far so good. Even the fact that the lid has a little cuticle end on, really just ticks boxes for me. It's the little things...

Xen Tan Luminous Gold Tan

I love a tan. No, no let's be honest here, I love Xen-Tan. Whenever they release a new product, it's a simple click, basket, buy situation. It's soon waiting at my door to be invited in, and popped straight on my eagerly awaiting skin. I really love the idea of this tan, its a clear gel containing little gold sparkles, not enough for christmas fairy - more Victoria's Secret angel. It is applied on, with a mild instant colour, (but no way near the same depth as a Dark Lotion or the Moroccan Tan), which then develops over time, to form an envy inducing olive tan. I can't wait to be covered from head to toe in this heady tropical-scented tan. South of france who...?

I hope you liked this haul ladies, let me know what you've been buying lately! I'll pop a Vlog up of this soon too, and reviews of the individual products one i've tried and tested for you guys. If you want to know now, the jumper is from Pull and Bear on Oxford or Bond St, and it really is very bright yellow, but i'll show you properly soon!

Love Lauren xx

Perfect by Name, Perfect by Nature

Going to a salon to get a beauty treatment, is lovely. You relax, revive and revamp yourself, often feeling like a new woman with a glossier mane or a shiny new mani, however leaving can be a whole new ball game. Rain. Rush hour. Remorse. We've all been there, the sudden shower spotting our fresh new spray tan, the wind whipping our smooth locks into a Bridget Jones-esque poodle do. Not fun. 

The idea of Perfect10 is to provide a salon quality service to the London area, within your home. A stress-free, professional treatment, whilst you sit in your pyjamas sipping a cup of tea, if you fancy. The concept is mind-blowingly fantastic...but does the idea live up to the results? Yes, yes it does ladies, and how.

When I was invited to try the services of Perfect10 London, an ingenious creation by the super mind that is Claire Aggarwal, I couldn't have been more excited. The gorgeous Lauren from the Perfect10 team, arrived promptly with her kit at hand, for my chosen treatment - a Shellac manicure. We sat down at the kitchen bar, and she set up her kit, including a mouth watering array of Shellac polishes, yum. 

A Shellac Rainbow - Big Decisions

I picked a gorgeous coral, the sun was shining in the city, and I could almost smell Summer round the corner, (ambitious maybe, but if it rains, I'll have a little sunshine on my fingers...).

Lauren got to work and professionally applied the Shellac treatment, buffing and shaping my nails into a gorgeous set of sunset-coloured digits, I couldn't have been happier. The nails are dry from the last time you take them out of the light machine, and last until you think they are grown out. No chipping, no smudging, and beautiful nails for weeks. Oh yes. Perfect10 will even remove them for you, free of charge, with your next manicure. Fantastic.

Perfect Quality, Right at Home

A Happy Camper

The Perfect10 of Salon Treatments

The Finished Mani - Heavenly

Coral Perfection

Perfect10 do a whole range of treatments, including Elemental facials, Massages and Sienna X spray tans. Big event? Pamper and prepare yourself at home without the worry of the elements or putting your clothes on after a spray tan, just go to bed gorgeous! They even do special parties and hen nights, perfect for a girly get-together with a bottle of fizz and some seriously magic manis. 

I for one, cannot wait to try out a whole range of treatments from Perfect10, it's gorgeousness at home and I'm in love. Truly Perfect.

Love Lauren xx

New Vlog! What's in my handbag?! #1

This is a link to my latest vlog, taking a sneak peak into my handbag:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MznnSj9FrWo

Enjoy, and let me know what you think,

Love Lauren xx

Face of the Day - Violet Vision

A Bold Purple Eye

I was really pining after a purple pick-me-up this Saturday, so I reached for my trusty Urban Decay Book of Shadows, and got experimenting, with some blues and purples from the palette, to create a bold eye, suitable for day or night.

I used my TooFaced waterproof liner in Moss to line about a third of the way across my bottom waterline, to bring an element of definition, without making it too 'evening' of a look.

I simply applied the shadow, all the way up to the crease, with darker colours nearer the lashline and lighter, more shimmery hues settling in the middle, for a lovely light-reflecting glow. I then used my trusty Rimmel liquid liner to trace a thin line up into a cat's eye flick, to define and line, whilst giving extra size to my less than generously sized peepers.

I finished the look with a few brushes of mascara, and was good to go. Simple yet effective, and beautiful on every eye colour. 

I hope you like this mini purple-infused post, what is your favourite purple product? Lipstick, mascara?...Liner?

Let me know, i'd love to hear about your purple infatuations!

Love, Lauren xx

Polyvore - Spring Pastels

Spring Pastels by laurenwigley featuring topshop

My first Polyvore! A musing of Spring pastels which are making me excited for a spot of warmer weather. Bring on the sun :)

Love Lauren xx