Easter with The Yorkshire Soap Company

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Imagine a shop window filled with delicious, perfectly iced cakes. Before your eyes is an array of coloured cupcakes, huge gateaux with intricate icing detail, cute little flower-topped truffles - no, we aren't talking about Willy Wonka's Chocolate factory, this is the shop window of The Yorkshire Soap Company.

It was possibly the best news ever, when Yorkshire Soap Company opened up a store in Leeds city centre, literally a 6 minute walk from my office (yes, I have timed it) and since then I have enjoyed visiting the store, where I have always found the staff to be super friendly, informative and smartly dressed, as for the products...we'll move onto them shortly.

Now, having lived in Yorkshire for over 15 years, I've come to believe that if it's not from Yorkshire, it's shyte ahem, I mean, not worth having... take Yorkshire tea for example. I rest my case.
Joking aside, I really would rather support a local, independent company and more so, one that started over 10 years ago round the kitchen table. Further to this all products are handmade, suitable for vegetarians and never ever tested on animals. The guys have it nailed!

As you can imagine, I've tried a number of products on offer and some of my favourites include the shower gels and body creams from the Blend Collection - Night Night Sweetheart & Manderella are distinctively similar to the well known and well loved Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir and Lime, Basil and Mandarin fragrances.

I was very kindly sent their Ultimate Easter Hamper and the contents reached cuteness levels of 10/10



The hamper includes;

Easter Bunny Soap (Chocolate fragrance)
Easter Chick Soap (Lemon fragrance)
Bath truffle gift box (4)
Easter Egg Half (Cherry fragrance)



As as you can see from the photos it comes packages in the cutest little hamper, which could be re-used afterwards.

All the items in the hamper can be purchased individually and there's more products to the Easter range too - I've got my eye on the Prosecco soap cake slice, because if you love prosecco as much as I do, you want to wash it in as well as drink it...you get me.

If you're not a fan of soap - fret not - I'd highly recommend the bath truffles - they are packed full of cocoa butter and almond oil and melt away in the hot water leaving the bathwater deliciously creamy and sweetly fragranced - the scent lingers for hours after they leave my skin feeling super soft and nourished.

If you can get to one of their stores, I highly recommend it they are located in York, Beverley, Hebden Bridge, Leeds and Knaresborough.
If not, don't worry, all the yumminess is available online and if you spend more than £30, you qualify for free delivery.

I'd love to hear your favourite bath time treat and if you have tried anything from The Yorkshire Soap Company!

Lauren x
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Timeless Truth Sheet Mask Regime

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While the brand is fairly new to my radar, thanks to the very generous PR team I am quickly working my way through Timeless Truth's sheet mask range, and I've been super impressed so far.

I was asked for my skin type / concerns and was sent 3 masks to use as a little regime over the course of a week;



Charcoal Detox Brightening Mask - Deep Sea Extract Moisturising Mask - Bio Cellulose Apple Stem Cell Collagen Mask

I was advised to use the masks in the above order to give the best results.


Charcoal Detox Mask

TT Masks say this is a "breakthrough in skincare technology using a totally unique and patented Timeless Truth Functionality Cloth that instantly brightens, smoothes, firms and hydrates the skin. The black powder Impregnated in the cloth is the product of Moso Bamboo Charcoal Extract created at a very high temperature (around 800℃). This particular powder has been proven to be highly absorbent and deep cleansing.

SKIN TYPE: Ideal for those with congested skin or those who live in high pollution areas.

BENEFITS: Brightening (prevent dark pigment), Reduce Freckles, Moisturising, Soft Glowing Skin"

I found this mask left my skin feeling very smooth and clean. As the masks are so saturated with serum, I kept the excess from the sachet in the fridge and used it for the next couple of days in my skincare regime - waste not , want not!

Deep Sea Extract Moisturising Mask

This mask packs some serious hydration, using a light but highly absorbent aqueous serum. Thirsty skin will absorb this where required.
I actually used this one warm by popping the sachet in a bowl of hot water and in the colder climes that we've been seeing lately, it was soooooo nice! While my skin is less oily in Winter, this is a mask that anyone with dry skin would benefit from all year round and would be lovely if it was applied cool by keeping it in the fridge.

Apple Stem Cell Collagen Mask

My favourite of the trio, I can understand why this mask is award winning. With an intense dose of hyaluronic acid combined with plant stem cells and marine collagen - skin is left feeling super hydrated, plumped and glowing.
I never thought I'd be able to see such visible and instant results from a sheet mask. The mask fits like a second skin and 20 minutes sat with it on went far too quickly.


As I found with the first TT mask I tried (blogpost here) the masks were saturated in serum and fit to the contours of my face really well. All the masks had excess serum left in the sachets that would be used for the next day or so ager each mask application.

The masks can be purchased here and prices start from £4.90.

What's your favourite sheet mask?

Lauren x
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Fairydrops Scandal Queen; A Magical Mascara

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When it comes to lashes, I'm greedy. I want it all, length, volume, curl, lift... oh and all of that to last all day please (If you can't tell, I wasn't blessed with good lashes, so I need all the help I can get!)

I first saw Anna (The Anna Edit) mention Fairydrops mascara and seeing how much she raved about it meant I added it to my wish list, picked it up here and recently, it's been the only mascara I've been reaching for.

Before we get stuck in let's take a moment to appreciate the über cute packaging..


It's been named a 'pushup bra for lashes' and I totally agree with this, it does everything I want a mascara to do. No lash is left untouched and it creates a doll-like effect.

I can't say I have ever been interested to learn the background to a mascara, but a little bit intrigued by this one led me to learn that behind Japan's best selling mascara is Japanese celeb, Aya Yasuda who cut away at mascara wands at home to get to the perfect shape - hats off to Aya.


The bobbly, weird looking wand is truly wonderful, it not only lifts and separates, but lengthens and fattens lashes too.
If that isn't enough, it's enriched with five different treatment essences – squalene, jojoba seed oil, panthenol, hydrolysed collagen and moisturising hyaluronic acid – in English, this means you won't get crispy lashes, because let's face it, nobody wants crispy lashes.

Granted, it may not be the cheapest mascara, but it's totally worth it. Just one piece of advice - you'll need a good eye makeup remover!

What is your favourite mascara?

Lauren x
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Glacial Snow Algae Award Winning Mask - Timeless Truth

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Until recently, Timeless Truth Masks were new to me, but I do tend to spend a lot of time hiding under rocks it seems! They are the UK's leading sheet mask brand and most of their masks have won awards and been featured in the likes of Vogue and on The Only Way Is Essex.

When the PR team at Timeless Truth contacted me to ask if I'd like to try their new Glacial Snow Algae & Hyaluronic Acid Mask, there was no hesitation.

It has been awarded 'Best New Face Mask' at the Beauty Magazine Awards with OK! Magazine and Debenhams Beauty Club AND scooped Silver at the Pure Beauty Awards in November 2016.


The 'science'...

Snow Algae is a plant found on the glaciers in Switzerland and due to the extreme conditions it endures means as an ingredient, the mask can provide protection for the skin, keeping it plump and youthful by boosting collagen. Timeless Truth have combined the snow algae with hyaluronic acid, so this mask has serious hydration levels covered too.

This is a bio cellulose mask (bio cellulose is a natural fibre derived from coconuts that is able to hold 100x its weight in serum) The mask fits very easily to the contours of the face and allows the serum to sink into the skin, fast.

The experience...


The mask comes sandwiched between two layers of gauze (which you remove) The mask is extremely saturated in serum, so a little slippy! I found that removing one side of the gauze, applying the mask, then removing the second side of gauze was the best way to get a good, precise application.

It was extremely cooling when applied, and has flaps if you want to cover your eyes and really lie down and relax for a while. I was engrossed in Planet Earth at the time, but happily sat with the mask on for just under 30 minutes.

I removed the mask and massaged any remaining serum into my face and neck.

After just one application, I can't really comment on any signs of anti ageing, but what I can say is how hydrated, soft and moisturised my skin felt after using this mask.
While I have oily skin, it does tend to feel dehydrated and a little dry in places during Winter, so this was the perfect time to try this mask.
I used the mask as a pre-pamper sesh before a night out and makeup application after this mask was a dream and I could feel even through to the next morning that my skin had been well and truly quenched.

Warning, if there are any young children around, move the away now;


Timeless Truth have kindly given me a code for 20% off any spend on the Glacial Snow Algae & Hyaluronic Mask (they come as singles or a box of 5) The code is "WINTERBEAUTY20" and is valid to the end of January 2017. You can shop for them here.

I'm currently eyeing up their Deep Sea Extract Moisturising Facial Beauty Mask..!
Have you tried any Timeless Truth masks?

Lauren x
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Stripped Skincare

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As we near the end of 2016...I'm back on the blog and have a skincare post for you all, and I can safely say, it's my favourite skincare discovery of the year!

The lovely team at Stripped kindly sent me their skincare set to try and 2 of the products have barely been out of my clutches since receiving them. The set (which is currently on sale with a £14.50 discount) consists of;

- Full size (50ml) Lavender Eye Make Up Remover Oil

- Full size (50ml) Calendula & Mandarin Hot Cloth Cleansing Oil

- Full size (50ml) Spearmint & Lemon Exfoliating Oil

- Full size (30ml) Rosehip & Mandarin Moisturising Oil

- Full size (10g) Peppermint Lip Balm



They say that pictures speak a thousand words don't they? The Hot Cloth Cleanser & the Eye Make Up Remover Oil have been well loved to say the least!

So, you may want to know some more about the company, right?
Stripped offer 100% natural, organic skincare, there are no chemicals, preservatives or synthetic ingredients in sight, and they never test on animals - if that's not enough, it's 100% British - and I'm all up for supporting companies here on our home turf.

Stripped's current skincare offerings are geared towards oily/combination skin types (for those with other skin types - watch this space!) Basically, right up my street. As a 30 something year old I was hoping the days of acne, spots and troublesome skin would have been long gone, but hey, we can't have it all can we?!

Skin plays such a big part in how I feel, we all know that 'good skin day feeling'- I do and want it as often as possible.

I am right at the front of the 'sceptical queue' for any products that claim to help with troublesome skin, because let's face it, we've all been on the endless search for the last *insert number of years here* I will also hold my hands up to not sticking with products - it's very rare I use up skincare items - especially in such a short amount of time.

So let's take a look at my two faves from the brand;



Calendula & Mandarin Hot Cloth Cleanser; £15.00 / 50ml

The photo says it all, it's an empty! This cleanser fights bacteria, tackles blemished areas and prevents breakouts. On top of that, it smells delicious and gives me spa-vibes every time I massage it in. It's citrusy and fresh.
Make up is removed effortlessly and leaves my skin feeling cleansed, smooth and nourished.
After using this cleanser over the past couple of months, I can also say that I have noticed a big difference in my skin - barely any breakouts, and just all round healthier looking skin.
A fresh bottle will be in my routines very shortly.

Lavender Eye Make Up Remover Oil; £8.00 / 50ml

I've not really been faithful to one particular brand of eye make up remover, just more so the routine of pouring it from the bottle onto cotton pads and wiping away.. so I wasn't sure how I was going to get on with a different technique (I don't like change, ok?!) Fast forward a few months (and nearly a full bottle of the stuff!) and I am a changed woman. Rubbing the oil in means no tugging at my eyes and it removes every.single.trace of mascara (even waterproof) eyelash glue, glitter liner, shadow - and I'm convinced the lavender essential oil in there has made my lashes grow longer!

I only have good things to say about this brand so far - I've got to get stuck into the Spearmint & Lemon Bamboo Exfoliator next. And as a last little note - if like me you are currently removing (and by removing, I mean eating) all traces of Christmas chocolates from the house then the Peppermint Lip Balm should just about satisfy your cravings for After Eights well into diet season...

What skincare brands have you discovered in 2016 ?

Lauren x

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Monthly Favourites | May 2016

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Back again with a (much overdue) monthly favourites, this year is flying by.

Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette
I don't think I have used a palette so much since getting it, I am in love with it. Cute packaging, 18 shadows, and the most amazing peach scent, there is nothing I can find that I don't like.. apart from how upset I'll be when I hit pan! The shadows are exactly what we've come to know and love from Too Faced, buttery, soft texture and super easy to blend.
My favourite shades are; Peaches N Cream, Luscious, Puree, Summer Yum.

Too Faced Sweethearts Blush "Sparkling Bellini"
Swirled together, this creates the perfect peach colour. Looks gorgeous on the cheeks and gives a subtle sheen. Will be lovely as we head further into Summer too.

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Facial Washt
This will for sure be in the empties pile after a few more uses. I've been using this pretty much every morning, it's really refreshing and wakes me up. It doesn't sting my eyes, lathers up to just the right level of 'latheriness' too. I can't really say that it's helped my skin, I've still had the odd breakout, but all round it's a good, zesty scented facewash.

Niod Photography Fluid Opacity 12%
The name is strange, I have to just get that out there. The product is lovely. It's described as having light reflecting prisms which tone hue & irregularities.
I've been using as a primer and I really do find that it evens out my skin tone, reduces the appearance of pores, gives a lovely glow and a bit of an airbrushed effect too - who doesn't want that? Exactly. A must have for the upcoming Summer months. This would be a fab product to take away on holiday to wear alone to give a J-Lo glow.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick "Sexy Sienna"
A gorgeous warm, coral shade. Another one that's got me excited for Summer, holidays and tanned skin. The formula of Charlotte's matte lipsticks are perfect. They are lightweight and comfortable to wear and have a smooth, almost creamy texture. I get about 4 hours wear before I need to touch up/re-apply.

Nuxe Prodigieux Le Parfum
Without being super cliche, this is Summer in a bottle, literally. I put this on and I'm transported to the beach at sunset, I'm wearing a big floppy beach hat, bare feet, walking across bright white sand.... ahem, apologies, got a little carried away there! If that isn't enough to encourage you to have a sniff, I don't know what is!
Head notes; Orange Blossom & Plum
Heart Notes; Rose, Geranium & Magnolia
Base Notes; Coconut & Vanilla

Maybelline, The Eraser Eye
A great under eye concealer. Good coverage, no creasing, glides on really nicely. My only gripe..... the foam applicator. If I stop and think about the germs hibernating within the applicator I'd possibly never use it again, however let's not think about that and concentrate on the fact that it's a great product, very affordable, and let's never speak of the applicator business again.....

Creightons Vanilla & Macadamia Bath & Shower
A Lidl special, coming in at less than £! - this is one of the best bubble baths (aside from Matey, obviously) that I have ever used. The scent is gorgeous, nothing too overpowering. It makes the perfect amount of bubbles / lather too. It's worth socking up if you spot it instore - their Avocado and Almond hand wash is also a winner.

Marc Jacobs Re(Marc)Able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate
Mention 'full coverage' when it comes to foundation and I am all ears. This foundation amazes me every time I use it. The applicator is like a dotting tool - you need the tiniest amount and it goes a LOOOONG way. It;s insanely pigmented. Even with it packing all this punch in coverage, it feels completely lightweight on the skin and gives a very natural finish. Pores blurred, conceals all blemishes, too good to be true you say? It is THAT good. The only drawback for us in the UK is having to order it online from Harrods - I took a gamble on the shade Bisque Medium which is a perfect match for me. This foundation has taken top spot above my Etee Lauder Double Wear and is 'The One' I save for 'special occasions'

Would love to hear if you have tried any of my favourites and what you've been loving throughout May!

Lauren x
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Monthly Favourites | February 2016

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So another month has passed and this month I really feel that I've dedicated myself to certain products and found a lot that I've loved!


Patisserie de Bain Sugared Violet Handcream


If you like hand cream and you like the Parma Violet sweets, you will love this! I've had this a little while but been strict on applying it every night night before bed and it's now an empty. The smell is divine. The other reason I like it so much is it doesn't leave a film on your hands afterwards, it absorbs straight in. I reviewed the range separately a few months back, I still another 2 scents to use up so I will crack open another one now!


Wet Brush

I have been using a Tangle Teezer for a little now but recently I found it just wasn't cutting it. I had heard a few people mention that the Wet Brush was a better alternative, so I popped one in my basket when I was shopping on Beauty Bay and I'm so glad I did - this gets through my hair so much better than the Tangle Teezer and doesn't seem to make it as frizzy by brushing through the knots.


Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub

We all love a bit of Soap & Glory, right?! I think the Sugar Crush range has got to be my favourite. It smells sweet and sour at the same time! I love it. It's taken me a while to get through this large tub, but with my skin being a little more dry in Winter I've found having a good scrub 2 - 3 times a week and then using a really thick body butter has kept things feeling nice and soft.


Tom Ford Noir


This scent is heaven. I love it. It has a real edge to it and is super sexy and seductive. I am yet to develop my 'blogger' skills in describing a fragrance, so I will just leave you with the words of Tom Ford;

"Fusing decadent floralcy—the signature of a refined sophisticate—with mysterious Eastern delicacies and sensual amber and woods. Opening notes of citrus and spice form an enticing prelude to the dramatic sensual heart which pulsates with a provocative bouquet of florals. A warm and addictive background emerges from the feminine florals. Delectable vanilla and seductive amber add a compelling allure, with smooth sandalwood completing the signature, sensual warmth. The complete impression is of a femininity that is both elegantly assured and daringly sensual: an intoxicating dance of refinement and intimacy"


RMCA No Color Powder


I picked this up after I heard Wayne Goss & Kathleen Lights saying how good it was, and not only that, but it was a alternative to the Laura Mercier Loose Translucent powder, which I have used for over a year. I ordered mine from love-makeup.co.uk where the 3oz bottle is £8.95 - compared to the LM powder at £29.00. I have been using it to set my under eye concealer and my entire face and it's just as amazing as Wayne & Kathleen said it would be. My only gripe is the packing, to be fair most loose powders don't have the best form of packaging. I'm not complaining too much as the product and the price more than makes up for it!


Colab Dry Shampoo "Monaco"


I am a dry shampoo junkie, I use it every day - even if my hair is freshly washed as i like it to have some texture to it. I was super pleased with one of my favourite You Tubers, Ruth Crily (A Model Recommends) launched her own line. Out of all the scents, this is my favourite - again I am rubbish at describing, but if Ruth's description isn't enough for you to go buy it, I don't know what is!

The Monaco scent, by the way, was inspired by some of my favourite summer fragrances; those heady, unisex ones with classic cologne notes. Think Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino, some of the lighter and fresher Acqua di Parma scents, the solid, original 4711 cologne… I wanted that absolute headiness that you get with neroli fragrances and then a lovely lightness from the citrus and a bit of sexy warmth from the amber – glamorous but completely wearable. And I must say, very moreish.

The fragrances come in 2 different versions, Sheer & Invisible or Extreme Volume. I have tried both and love them both. I get some white casting from the Extreme Volume version, but nothing that can't be fixed when you rub it into the hair, I have bright red (coloured hair) and it doesn't alter the colour of my hair to the point you'd know I'd sprayed dry shampoo.
They are availalbe in large and small cans, and I like the small ones as they are easy to throw in my handbag.


Loreal False Scuplt Lash Mascara

This mascara has such a unique brush, I've never come across one like it before. When you apply the mascara, the shape of the brush creates a tight-lining effect and acts as not only as a mascara, but a lash sculptor, Loreal say. It's super black, makes my lashes appear fuller and adds length and volume. Everything I want from a mascara. 1 coat would be enough, but I like 2 as I perter a more voluminous, verging more towards the clumpy / 60's lash look, which this mascara will give if you build it up.


Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil "Milk"

For priming my eyes before eyeshadow this works really well, but more recently I've been using it to line my water line and it just pulls everything together and makes my eyes look super bright and awake. One of the best NYX products I've used.


Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer

This is light, creamy and hydrating and brightens up the under eye area like a dream. It has a doe foot applicator which I like for the under eye area and Bourjois they say use water from the glaciers of Mont Blanc and hyaluronic acid which provides 24 hour hydration.


Barry M Mani Mask "Birthday Suit"

Barry M have launched their first nail care / treatment products and I was excited to try something from the line. The Mani Masks come in two shades, Bashful and Birthday Suit. I'm not a fan of pink shades so Birthday Suit was right up my street, a neutral barely there shade. The Mani Mask conditions your nails whilst leaving them looking manicured. They leave a semi matte finish, like a concealer for your nails and this product would be perfect for people that cannot wear coloured polish to work or school.

Mac Blush "Springsheen"


I have pretty much used this blush throughout February and at one point I had to ban myself from it and start using something else! It's a golden peach with a sheertone shimmer finish and just so pretty. These are the type of blush shades I like to go for because they go with any look and you don't really have to worry about it clashing with eyeshadow, lipstick etc.

Would love to hear what you've been loving throughout Feb and if you've tried anything I've been loving!

Lauren x



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