L'amour de Caitlin: Loreal

Its All About The Eyes- L'oréal Color Riche, L'ombre Pure Eyeshadow

10:30Unknown

Down Time Evening Essentials

10:20Unknown

I am such a girlie girl at heart, I like to make out like I'm not that much of a princess of pamper, but lets face it, if prince Harry asked to marry me tomorrow the answer would 100% be yes with cherries on top and trip to that spa to celebrate thank you very much. Today, therefore I thought id share my little pamper and chill time routine I try and do once a week if I have the time, that always puts me in a nice chilled out happy mood. I usually try and do this on a sunday night because its the perfect way to end the week.

First things first I like to have a nice big bath with lots and lots of bubbles, if i've had cheeky shop in lush I love to use one of there bath bombs, to create lots of bubbles I use the: Pop in the Bath, Bubble bar slice. I then usually add something moisturising and soothing too like the soap and glory Calm One Calm All, as this smells super good and makes my skin feel all lovely!
If I'm going to fake tan I then exfoliate, for this I use the Soap and Glory - Pulp Friction and then go on to use my favourite smelling shower gel Clean on Me, this stuff smells so good, and is extra moisturising, this is my secret weapon for super soft skin!
After washing my hair I sometimes like to use a hair mask, at the moment Im using one from the Loreal Ever Sleek range and this gives my hair good deep condition, leaving it all super silky and soft. If I feel like a real chill out bath sesh I then either read a magazine or a book, and just really chill out!

Once out of the bath and dried, I then light my favourite scented candles, at the moment I'm loving the Bath and Body Works Bellini Cafe which is really rich and comforting, I've also just discovered one from Next called Apricot Blossom which is more of a fruity and pretty spring scent. I then moisturise up using Clinique Deep Comfort.
If I'm going to fake tan I tend to use a mix of both gradual and instant tan, because I like to see results straight away, (yes I'm very impatient) and for this I used the Dove Summer Glow and the Rimmel Sun Shimmer Instant Tan in Matte, I only usually do my legs if I'm going to get them out, which is very lazy but maybe its just because we haven't totally hit summer hard yet.
I then love a good old face mask, my favourite at the moment is the Lush BB Seaweed, which is a really good all rounder for dry to normal skin, and also minimises redness and doubles up as an exfoliator when you wash it off! I love the fact you keep this product in the fridge as its so nice and refreshing when you apply it to your face! To finish off I love to use Full of Grace, another Lush product which is a beauty bar which if you run under hot water and apply to your face turns into a really beautiful serum which give me really nicely moisturised skin in the morning, I didn't include a picture because mines nearly finished and looking a bit worse for wear!
I then give my self a little manicure and pedicure, Ive already done a post on this if you want to go check that out: Perfect Manicure from Home
This week I'm loving Essie's Bond with Whomever which is a beautiful pastel lilac tone!
For the rest of the night I just chill out in my favourite PJ's, eat lots of chocolate and catch up on Gossip Girl or a good film, my last fav was Breakfast at Tiffany's, oh how I love Audrey! I really hope you liked this post, if anyone else has done ones similar please link them below so I can have a read and see what products your loving!

Caitlin B
x

Fibrology Hair Loreal

L'oreal Fibrology and The Reverse Wash - Worth the Hype?

09:10Unknown

I am a total sucker for advertising. Just show me Blake Lively's hair looking all gorgeous and shiny in an advert and I'm sold! Which is the exact reason I went out the very next day especially to trial L'oreal's new Fibrology range, that claims to thicken the appearance of your hair. Being someone with quite fine hair I was all over this concept and couldn't wait to give it a go. I begun using the products in the usual way shampooing, washing out, conditioning leaving for a few minutes then rising out, and although I was skeptical and thought it may be a gimmick, after a couple of washes I did feel like my hair felt slightly thicker! Result you would think! However, I did feel like my hair was heavier and weighed down, therefore harder to create volume. I then decided to trial it out using a volumizing mousse after washing my hair and used The TRESemme 24 Hour Body Amplifying Mousse, and this I felt was a winning combo! Thicker, and more voluminous hair. I would so recommend giving this a go!

So after reading Glamour UK, news edit of 'Reverse Shampooing', and countless posts on the latest trend, I decided to trial it out for myself. The concept is simple; you use the conditioner first and then the shampoo. The theory being that you won't be left with that nightmare of 'is my hair just this smooth or have I just not washed the conditioner out' in the shower- 21st century girl problems ay? Meaning that when you don't quite wash the conditioner out you are left with residue that weighs down your hair making it flat and harder to create volume. The reverse wash therefore aims to eliminate this problem.

I tried this out half way through trialling the Fibrology, hoping to create nice bouncy hair without it being weighed down! However I was not convinced, I felt it made my hair more tangled than usual, my hair is naturally on the dryer side so if you have hair that is heavier and gets greasy easily this might be worth giving a go, but I was not sold! Massive thumbs down right here, Ive been reaching for the hair mask to try and get it back to norm. Very disappointing.

Let me know if you've tried this method, or if you've tried the Fibrology range!

Caitlin B x

Beautifying Benefit Bobbi Brown

The Minimalist Illusion: Makeup That Will Fool The Boyfriend

10:46Unknown

How many times have you heard a guy say, 'I prefer the natural look' and 'Girls don't need to wear make up' but you just don't feel as confident without the make up to hide behind? Or the other worst fear is when a guy tells you your wearing too much make up (this has happened to me and I was mortified- guys just don't appreciate experimental trends do they?) So the concept behind today's look is subtle makeup, with a few little beautifying tips and tricks, that will totally fall the boyf to thinking you don't have much on.

The Base:

To start I used the Benefit Porefessional (1), this ensures that my base is totally smoothed out, which means I should require less foundation, and will make the base last longer! I then decided to highlight under my foundation to make it more subtle but still give me an ever so slight glow, for this you will need a liquid highlighter, I opted for the Bobbi Brown Face Highlighter Pen in Opal (2), and used the tinniest amount on the tops of my cheeks then blended with my fingers. I then went for my trusty Nars Compact Foundation, as I can just use this to create a really light coverage with a dewy finish. Just make sure you blend really well down to the neck and up into the hair line. Alternatively I would opt for a BB cream, but sadly I have run out *cries a little* as this will be totally cake appearance free and no risk of the orange line under chin look. I also concealed any blemishes I had with the Collection 2000 concealer (5) and blended with my finger.
The Brows
I decided to keep the brows really natural and not too strong. For this I used the Mac Charcoal Brown eye shadow (4) and an angled brush to fill in any sparse areas. I find using a powered eyeshadow is easier than a pencil, as I've gives a more natural finish and is easier to build up.

The Eyes

I stuck to neutral colours with the eyes, although I know eyeshadow doesn't look totally natural, it can really brighten up your eyes so I wouldn't go without! Today I used the Loreal Colour Appeal Trio Pro in Golden Fidelity (6) I used the golden shade swept all over the lid on a fluffy brush (first brush from left), and then on a flat shader (4th brush) I used the lightest toned pink in the inner corners and tear duct ares to really brighten the eyes. I then used the darkest shade on a rounded blending brush (2nd brush) tapping most the product off onto the back of my hand before lightly blending it into the outer crease to give my eye more shape and definition. To thicken the appearance of my lash line, I look the same colour on an angled brush (3rd brush) and pushed this into the roots of the lashes in the outer corner. Now the next step is the most important of all, CURL YOUR LASHES! (7) This really opens up the eyes making them look bigger and more awake. I then oped for a lengthening mascara, the Clinique Lash Power Mascara (sorry forgot to photograph this!) to naturally lift and lengthen the lashes, I applied this to top and bottom.

The Bronze and Blush

Now here is when things can start to get tricky. I went for a matte bronzer with no shimmer just to warm up the appearance of my face. I would suggest not contouring for this look as its quite hard to get right and natural looking! I took Benefit's Hoola (8) on a big face brush, and just buffed it in circling motions where I would naturally get tanned, so across cheeks and temple, I make sure I tap most of the product off onto my hand so I don't apply to much! Then with blush opt for something thats flattering on your skin tone, I used the Benefit Sugarbomb (9), as it can be applied quite subtly.

The Lips

So to create slightly fuller and perfect lips I began by lining them with the Model Co. Universal Lip Pencil, then use your perfect nude-my lips but better shade, I went for Revlons Afternoon Tea, (10), I went straight on from the bullet then patted it in with my finger, to make it last longer!

So that was my minimalist beautifying make up, that I think can fool the boyfriend into thinking you don't have much on. Hope you enjoyed this post, let me know your tricks for naturally beautifying makeup!
Caitlin B x

Amanda Seyfried Benefit Brown

Amanda Seyfried Elle Cover: Soft Brown Smokey Eyes

09:02Unknown

So this week I've had a massive girl crush on Amanda Seyfried after reading this months Elle magazine, the interview for this by the way was so honest and eye opening so definitely worth a read! I also loved her shoot for this, it was a kind of pretty grunge look which I lovedddd, with a really soft brown smokey eye, which I attempted to re create this week. I slightly adapted the look to make it a bit softer and more day time appropriate but if you want to see how I create the look then read on!

So for my base I started with the Benefit Porefessional, one of my staple products when I want my make up to look extra flawless and want it to last! I've also heard that the Garnier Miracle Skin Cream is a great dupe for this, although I've not tried it yet myself but thats a cheaper alternative! I then go on with my new fav foundation the Nars Compact Foundation, to get a glowy, skin perfecting base. For my brows I stuck to my usual routine, using the Mac eyeshadow in Charcoal Brown just to fill in any parts that are sparse and to give more definition. I also used the Collection 2000 concealer to hide any blemishes.

For the eyes I used my staple Urban Decay Naked pallet (so worth the investment, I use it every day and have created so many looks with it!) along with the Mac Charcoal brown eyeshadow (multi use product alert!) I started by blending Toasted all over the lid, as a base colour which is slightly purpley in tone on a fluffy brush, similar to what Amanda is wearing, I also blended this all the way along my bottom lash line with a compact rounded brush, keeping it quite messy and low. To give definition I then began to blend Charcoal Brown into the outer corner and into the crease line to create definition. I slowly kept building and blending, building and blending until I got the darkness I wanted. I also blended with a clean brush into a winged shape, using the end of my eye brow as a vanishing point. I again ran the Charcoal brown under the eye, to create more intensity. One thing I would suggest it not to be afraid to go to low with the eye shadow underneath, as it create a really nice intense and smokey grungy effect. To create even more drama in the outer corners I then went in with Dark horse from the Naked Decay Pallet, and really just blended directly into the outer corners and crease to add intensity.

As I adapted this to a day look, I added Sin into the tear duct area just to brighten the eyes, making them look brighter and wider!

To thicken my lash line I used Dark Horse again on an angled brush, and just worked it into my lash line, to make them appear thicker and add to the smokey look.

Amanda went for quite a contoured look in this editorial, so I decided to use the Bourjois chocolate bronzer, as it gives a slightly more matte finish. I then sucked my cheeks in an buffed it into the hollow of my cheeks, working in a gigantic 3 shape starting at my temple round and through the hollow of my cheeks and and then along my jaw. I then opted for a browny toned blush- Clinique's Plum, and lightly added this to the tops of my cheeks rather then the apples of compliment the contouring.

To finish off I went for a peachy coral nude toned lip- Loreal's Dating Coral, I think Amanda went for a slightly lighter tone, however this didn't suit me so I slightly adapted, but any sheer, muted nude will work amazingly to compliment the soft smokey brown eye.

I'd love to recreate this as a going out evening look, opting for smog as a base colour and Dark horse used more intensely!

I hope you enjoyed this look and found it helpful, and hope your all having a lovely bank holiday weekend!

Caitlin B x

Beach Hair Loreal

Life's a Beach: Messy Tousled Waves

09:27Unknown

After getting a lil bit of insp' from this months Glamour Magazine, I decided to venture back into an old favourite territory of mine, tousled messy waves, a look I'd like to think is totally 'Cali Girl Chic' look right? Heres to hoping anyway. I love a good old messy do, because its so casual and gives any girl the opportunity to have that cute bed head look, that looks so effortlessly cool (but we know its not usually that easy- no bey I don't 'wake up like this' springs to mind).

For this look I used my Babyliss waving wand again, however this time rather than split my hair into even sections I just selected random stands of hair and held them around the want for around 8 seconds each, alternating between large and small sections also alternating the directions of the wave.

I once I was happy with the amount of curls I tipped my head upside down and gave the hair a lil shake off, running my fingers through it and roughening it up to create a more messy look.

The secret weapon to this look however, was the the Loreal MATT&MESSY Sea salt spray, which i sprayed into the lengths of my hair, creating more texture and volume.

I really really love this product, I've tried and tested a few different salt sprays over the years and this is by far my favourite, its totally none greasy and shine free so it literally just does make your hair naturally look more wild and voluminous.

If your already have quite textured hair or layered (unlike my dead straight no movement hair) I'd suggest maybe not even curling the hair and just using the spray and alone it does achieve a tousled look but spraying it in and crumpling your hair with your hands while spraying, or alternatively defining sections of hair by twist them round your fingers.

Another bonus to this product is that it does brush out! I was able to put my hair in a fish tail braid the next day without getting the comb stuck in my hair, which is a regular occurrence with some products.

Hope you enjoy this post, and try out this beachy look ready for summer!

Caitlin B

Black Cateye Eyeliner

The Review: Loreal Super Liner

09:48Unknown

Being a massive fan girl of winged liner, I thought it only be appropriate I shared with you my favourite liquid liner to achieve the perfect 'cat eye' feline look. The Loreal Super Liner is a product I go back to again and again because its not only has the blackest finish I've ever seen, but also lasts all day, and I mean all day! I could spend all day crying watching the notebook and know my flicks will still be intact.

A couple of months or so ago, I finally decided to tag along with the gel liner craze, using the little gel pot with the fine line brush, however, since going back to liquid I can't decided why I ever thought to change, you don't get nearly the same amount of precision with the gel as you do a liquid, and the staying power is wayyy better, and bonus with a liquid you don't have to faff around with the little brush that you have to clean everyday! (Yes makeup that requires less maintanance is a definite plus for me).

So back to the liner...I opt for the Black Lacquer colour as opposed to the standard black, which I really like because it give a slightly more glossy finish, which I think really helps the pigmentation of the black. It has a flexi felt tip style applicator, which isn't too thin making it easy to work with once you've got the hang of it. In addition the formula drys really quickly meaning when you blink or sneeze when doing your make up (its happened to everyone at least once) it doesnt imprint on the top of your eyelid like a lot of liquid liners do.

Top tips for application

1. Tilt your head up while looking down

2. I then draw a line from the centre of the eye to the outer corner and then sketch a line from the inner corner connecting to the middle ( i don't know if this is the best way or just habit!)

3.Wing your winer toward the end of your brow (if your kept drawing they would connect) -this make it easier to make sure both eyes are even as they have the same vanishing point.

4. Look straight into the mirror to check both sides are even.

5. Make any touch ups with a cotton bud.

I hope this post helped, liquid eye liner can be a right bitch to apply, but with a good product it really does help, I use it pretty much every day!

If you want to see how the eye liner looks check out my Orange Lips Trend post as I'm wearing it there! http://lamourdecaitlin.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/how-to-orange-lips-trend.html

Caitlin B

babyliss blake lively Hair

Blake Lively Inspired Waves: Met Ball 2014

08:17Unknown

Is it just me or is this the most beautiful, hollywood glam inspired hair style ever?! Now we all know Blake Lively is famous for the most beautiful golden locks in show biz, but the thing I really admire is her ability to literally pull of any hair style going. Im still watching old series of gossip girl and wondering how the hell she pulls off a ponytail plait without looking 12!

Now although we can't attempt to pull off all her amazing hair do's, heres one I think is actually really achievable with the right tools, so heres how I achieve my Blake Lively inspired waves.

I started by washing my hair with the Loreal Elvive Fibrology Thickening shampoo and conditioner, mainly because Blake Lively is the spokes girl for the product but secondly because it does give my limp and fine hair slightly more body which is definitely desired with this look, should be doing a review on these soon so let me know if you want to see that!

I then go on to spray in some Aussie Miracle Colour Insurance leave in conditioner, as I have highlighted hair, I use this every time I wash my hair, firstly to stop my colour from fading but also because it makes my hair much softer, and easy to brush, as I have very knotty hair! I then used Loreal Elnett Satin Heat protection spray, something I always use before applying heat to my hair.

Finally I spray Charles Worthington 'Turn Up the volume blow dry spray' into the roots just to add extra body and hold to my hair when blow drying.

When blow drying I start by tipping my head upside down and just giving it a good old blast, this gives a bit of volume, and the hair is easier to work with the barrel brush when its not sopping wet! I then use my barrel brush to give volume to the roots, working the brush from the root then slightly twisting my hand as i bring the brush to the ends to give my hair a slight bounce.

I then take the left upper front section of my hair and give it a little backcomb with a paddle brush to create volume and hold similar to Blakes in the pictures from the Met Ball 2014. I give it a slight twist before pinning it in to make a softer prettier look.

The key ingredient to achieve this look however is the Babyliss Waving Wand, it gives beautiful soft vintage style waves, which can be worn in a glamorous precise curl or can be messed up to create beachey surfer girl ready waves.

I then section off my hair and wrap each section around the wand holding it for 12 seconds.

Once I've taken the curl out of the wand I like to hold it for a few seconds to let it cool off before letting it drop, as this can cause the curl to drop.

Once ive curled the whole head and let the curls cool down I very gently brush the curls out with a paddle brush, as I feel this gives a softer prettier look.

I then like to use the Aussie Colour protection serum, to give my hair extra shine. I just pump a pea size amount onto the palm of my hair rub it between my fingers, then run it through the ends of my hair, to add extra shine and a glossy finish.

I then spray a small amount of Mark Hill's Style Secrets hairspray (the best hairspray I've ever used!) to hold the look throughout the day.

I really love this look and feel is could work as a pretty day time look or can be glammed up with beautiful makeup, accessories and a killer dress!

I styled my hair in the morning and it literally stayed in all day, which is rarely happens when I curl my hair with any other product, as I have such poker straight hair! So I love using this wand as I know it won't let me down and fall out as soon as the british weather hits me!

I hope this has been helpful! Let me know if you like posts like this and want to see more of them!

Caitlin B

Garnier Loreal Maybelline

The Ultimate Pamper Evening

20:00Unknown

So as exams are coming up for a lot of people (myself included) I thought I'd give you a run down of my favourite way to de-stress - a pamper evening!

So after fully cleansing my face, my first step would almost always be a bath, my favourite way to relax! But as I'm currently living in student halls, that's sadly out of the question! So I began with a shower instead. I washed my hair with a new purchase, the Garnier Ultimate Blends shampoo and conditioner. I have the one with coconut oil and cocoa butter, which leaves my hair feeling so smooth and looking so shiny. Definitely what my hair needed! I followed up with the Loreal Elivive Smooth and Polish hair mask to give my hair an extra treat! Whilst in the shower I also used the Palmers Cocoa Butter body scrub, the smell of this is like chocolate heaven!

Once out of the shower I moisturise both my face and body using the Boots Botanics Triple Action Day Moisture Cream and The Body Shop's body butter in the mango scent - again, another smell I can't get enough of!

The next step is all about feet (I know, not a body part we love to touch, but needs to be taken care of!). The Body Shop sells great skin care products for this type of job, I love using the Spa Wisdom Africa Honey & Beeswax Hand and Foot Butter, and finish with lashings of their Pepper mint foot spray. You can't say no to great smelling feet!

You can't have a pamper night with out a face mask; there are loads that I love but the one I used here is the Super Facialist by Una Brennan Tea Flower Deep Clean Pore Purifying Clay Mask. This does wonders for unclogging your face of anything nasty and leaves it feeling nice and smooth!

Whilst the mask is getting to work, I usually use this time to paint my nails. Keeping with the spring theme, today I went for Maybelline's Color Show in Urban Coral, I'm loving this!