Make-up and skin care haul

Is it just me or does everything seem to run out at the same time?
This week I've been doing some re-purchasing of my favourite make-up and skin care items. I'm heading to Sydney this week so definitely "needed" them. Speaking of Sydney I can't wait to head to Sephora and see how it compares with American Sephoras. The exciting life of a make-up addict. 

Kate somerville Goat Milk Moisturiser - Indeed Labs Hydraluron - Ren Clarifying Toner

Stila One Step correct - Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe - Nars foundation pump.

I especially can't live without my Nars foundation. It's so easy to apply and gives great coverage for my skin. I asked to be colour matched again, because the last time I bought the foundation was more than a year ago and I was given punjab. Interestingly the sales assistant at Mecca Cosmetica chose Santa Fe which has pink undertones. I've been out in the sun more this summer and am much more tanned. Hopefully it works out. 

Any way, enough rambling. 

Enjoy your week. I'll try to post when I'm in Sydney, otherwise follow me on instagram or twitter at laurabirch25

Love Laura x

Ren Addict

I think we all have that one favourite skin care or make-up brand. The brand we can always rely on and who's products we are always repurchasing. 

For me that brand is Ren. 

Ren products are well priced, they have a great range for different skin types and their products deliver where it really counts, making my skin blemish free and hydrated. I know if I try a different skin care product or my skin is breaking out I can always turn to Ren to fix the problem. 

So these are a few of my favourite Ren products currently in my collection.

ClearCalm3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser. Wow what a mouthful, but this is probably the best cleanser I have ever used. When I say cleanser I mean not as a make-up remover, a 2nd cleanse. It's targeted at blemish prone, oily skin but can be used for all skin types. It clarifies and cleanses my skin thoroughly without my skin getting dried out. And it's a massive bottle, so you won't run out for ages and ages. ($36 from Mecca Cosmetica). 

No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm. So I had run out of my forever favourite cleansing balm by Emma Hardie (You know the one..) and I thought I'd try something new. The lovely Lisa Eldridge posted a cleansing balm video and this was one of the first balms mentioned. From the first moment I used the No. 1 Purity cleansing balm I loved it. The smell, the consistency, it's amazing. My skin feels plump and clean afterwards and it hasn't broken me out. So I use this product as a 1st and 2nd cleanser and to be honest I think it's beating Emma Hardie.. possibly. ($46 from Mecca Cosmetica). 

Clarifying Toner. A firm favourite of mine and an every day essential. I first read about this product on Caroline Hirons Blog. It's a good acid toner to use day and night. It's definitely on the low scale of acid toners, so it's gentle enough to use everyday. If you follow Caroline's skin care routine this would be used as the 1st toner. ($24 from Mecca Cosmetica).

Glycolatic radiance renewal mask. A firm favourite of mine which I like to use if my skin is dull or I have any prominent scarring. It's great for that extra exfoliation my skin sometimes needs. It also helps to give my skin a glow, make it smoother and it also helps to fade some of my acne scars. Great for all skin types except though with sensitive skin. It says to leave it on for 10 minutes but usually I'll just leave it on for around 5 minutes and it does the job. ($59 from Mecca Cosmetica). 

Omega 3 optimum skin serum oil. Possibly my favourite serum ever. I use this day and night under my moisturiser and it just simply helps my skin stay hydrated and heal. It doesn't make my skin feel excessively oily and it's fine to wear under make-up. I simply love it. ($46 from Mecca Cosmetica). 

Global Protection Day cream. Let me firstly say this is the best smelling moisturiser ever. It smells like turkish delights. It is beyond delightful. This is a great every day moisturiser. Nothing fantastic, it just works, keeps my skin hydrated and works well under my make-up. It's the perfect everyday, no fuss moisturiser. ($54 from Mecca Cosmetica). 

I would love to here what some of your favourite Ren products are too. 
Have a great weekend :)

Laura x

A little haul

Well I haven't had a good shopping day for a while. Since Hawaii I've been a bit poor (Louis Vuitton store...) then Christmas came.. But a few weeks of pay later, some encouragement from some Feel Unique emails (SALE, SALE)  and my lovely Mother, yep I went a-shopping. First on the list was a toner. I've needed a good toner for a while and the online consensus seems to be this lovely Ren clarifying toning lotion. And it does not disappoint. Review to come. Staying on skincare I ran out of my beloved Emma Hardie cleansing balm pre Hawaii. Honestly how have I lasted this long without it. It was welcomed back with open arms and it was on sale. Wooohoo! It's just the most luxurious cleansing balm I've tried which makes my skin feel clean and plump after using it. Another returning love is the Loreal silver shampoo. This is a purple shampoo which does wonders for blonde hair. I defected to the Joico purple shampoo but it really isn't the same. I also picked up the Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation. I tried out my Mum's earlier in the week and loved it. It stayed put, even through a hot summers bike ride and gave a good, natural coverage. And it has sun protection. Winning. I think its a must buy if you live in Australia or any other sunny climates. And lastly the Real Technique's core collection. Need I say more? My favourite make-up brush brand. I really don't know how I've lasted this long without the buffing brush. Sorry stippling brush there's a new sheriff in town. And it's here to stay. 

Have a great week everyone. I'm heading to Melbourne and Sydney this week, so be prepared for some picture heavy posts when I return. x