Sanctuary Spa | Deep Cleanse Facial 5 minute Thermol Detox Mask

Hi my loves, how have you been? 

This is a case of “Bloggers Made Me Do It” and the blame firmly lies with Lily Pebbles. Ever since I watched her bigging it up on her channel, I knew I had to have it immediately.

I have been using Sanctuary Spa Deep Cleanse Facial 5 minute Thermal Detox Mask (£10) twice a week and I have to say, I am blown away. Even though I trust Lily’s judgement, I am always very cynical when brands promise certain things such as "draw out the impurities from deep within the skin" but in the case of Sanctuary Spa, I can hand on heart agree with them. As the name would suggest, it is a warming mask. It’s actually very soothing when you first apply as it’s a gentle heat without being over the top. Due to the warmth, it helps to open up your pores. They aren’t doors but you know what I mean.

I normally double cleanse, pat dry my skin and then apply a mask but this requires you to leave your face damp. I then apply a thin layer all over my face avoiding eyes, nostrils and mouth. I left on for 10 minutes as I end up forgetting about it and then wash off with a wash cloth. I have to say, the texture of the mask if very silky, it feels very luxurious. It doesn’t dry like a clay mask would or a peel, it’s more like a honey mask but without the stickiness.

After the first couple of times I used this, I noticed the little blemishes under my skin came out and they were horrible. I don’t really believe in purging, I think that if your skin is reacting to something in a bad way, then it’s maybe not working but I expected this to happen as that’s the reason I bought it. After a few days and a lot of spot treatment, my blemishes were away and my skin looked clearer. I can’t say that my blackheads or pores looked any different but I liked that my skin didn’t look dull anymore.

After using this for a while, my skin has felt smoother, fresher and healthier. As you know, I do love my Good Things Manuka Honey Face Mask (£5.99) but I have to say, I love this mask just as much.

Have you tried this mask?

If so let me know what you thought in the comments below. If not, I highly recommend you buy it.

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Liebster Award?
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My Liebster Award and Nominations

My Liebster Award and Nominations

Hi guys

Alice @ She Thunderstorms, Jo @ Caledonian Kitty, Rachel @ Broomfie, Sophie @ Sophie Lauren, Renata @ Speaking Beauty UK and the lovely Becky @ A Little Rosy were all of the girls who nominated me for this Liebster Award, so I just want to say thank you so much but as Alice and Jo were the first to nominate, I will answer their questions only or else this will be a 4 page spread before I know it.

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you, and link back to them.  

2. Answer the questions they sent you.  

3. Nominate 11 bloggers with under 200 followers to answer your own set of questions.  

4. Notify these 11 bloggers you nominated them.

My Questions from Alice:

1. What is your dream job? 

I would have loved to have been an actress believe it or not but that ship has sailed so I will pick accounting as I am training to be one now.

2. What is the one lipstick you could not live without?

Revolution Lipstick by Urban Decay in Native. It’s so hydrating, pigmented and does not come off easily. I love it, by far my most used.

3. If you could live in one country in the world where would you live?

I would live in Australia, I love the relaxed attitude of people in Australia, especially Melbourne and the weather is obviously better than Glasgow!

4. Why did you start blogging?

I started  blogging as I was always being asked my opinions on beauty products from my friends and family which I enjoyed so I thought I would open it up to a wider audience and state my opinions about products I have been trying out. 

5. What is your beauty bad habit?

I always forget to moisturise my body!

6. What is the one make up brand you could not live without?

I would say Mac as they have everything a girl needs.

7. What is your favourite film?

I have too many to say but I love Goodfellas, Clueless, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, The Craft, The Notebook, Up Close and Personal, Calamity Jane, Never Been Kissed & Titanic. That’s all I can remember from the top of my head but these are the films I reach for when nothing is on TV, I need to cry or I need to laugh.

8. Favourite band?

Guns and Roses! Hands down :)

9. Do you have any tattoos?

Yes one of a clover on my wrist. There is no meaning to it at all.

10. Favourite item in your wardrobe?

A khaki jacket I picked up from a cheap shop in Glasgow years ago! I wear this all the time as its light and easy to match with any outfit I am wearing unless it’s very dressy.

My Questions from Jo:

1) What Country Are You From?

Scotland, UK

2) Costa Coffee, Starbucks or Cafe Nero?

Costa Coffee.

3) What was your last Blog post about?

It was a Beauty Blogger tag.

4) Whose Blog did you last read?

Vivianna Does Makeup... I’m obsessed!

5) What's your favourite time of the year?

Autumn. I love the colours of autumn and the smell in the air. I also love any excuse to wrap up.

6) Last Movie you saw?

A Beautiful Mind with Russel Crown, Ed Harris and Jennifer Connelly... I bawled like a baby.

7) Do you collect anything? If so, what and why?

Lipsticks and handbags, it makes me happy.

8) Do you prefer shopping online or going out shopping?

Online 100%. I hate shopping centres as they are far too warm and I hate wandering about town as its usually windy and raining in Glasgow.

9) Worst Customer Service Experience?

Sky is always the worst experience for me. I don’t know if you remember me mentioning that I moved house recently and was watching boxsets as I was waiting for my Sky to be installed. Well, the house I live in has a communal dish and there are other sky users in the block. I confirmed this with my neighbours. I was also under strict instructions from my landlord not to drill holes out of the building as it’s a new build and it’s distracting, something I agree with. So when the sky engineers came out, he advised it was going to be £145 to have a new dish put up. He then went away, messed about for 5 minutes and came back to tell me it would be closer to £300 as they had to drill through the wall to the outside of the building. I told him my neighbours had sky, there was a communal dish and my landlord forbid such work being carried out. I asked him to leave as this was ridiculous.

I phoned Sky immediately to inform them, they hung up on me FIVE TIMES. I finally tried again after much swearing and shouting to myself in an empty flat ha-ha, great impression for the neighbours.

Sky told me that this £300 would have to be paid if I wanted to use their subscription. I told them this was absurd and told them to cancel the subscription as I was not paying that amount of money when there was a communal dish for all persons to use. I told him I felt as though I was being bullied into paying this money. He said he would not cancel the contract, I would have to pay or else he would terminate the call. Bear in mind, I am being very calm at this point in time, especially after being hung up on not once but five times plus I`m a fiery Scot. It was hard, but I managed it.

I asked to speak to his manager, he refused and repeated to me my options again in a very condescending manner. I told him I wouldn’t pay anything including the £300 or the remainder of the contract. He hung up ha-ha. I was honestly livid.

UPDATE: 9 months later, after paying the remaining 3 months. I was called by Sky to say they would install my Sky for free and would use the communal dish. I told them to shove it up their arse as I was now with Virgin who are far superior. I then hung up the phone. Petty I know, but it felt great!

10) What was the last book you read or are currently reading?

I am still reading the Strain by Guillermo Del Toro. It’s so bloody long!

11) What was the last product you reviewed?

I recently review the Eucerin Dermo Purifier Active Concentrate

My nominees are as follows:
1. Lucy at Florals and Corals

2. Miss Ani at A Touch of Sparkle
3. Kelsey at Leather and Lipstick

4. Helen at Little Hels B

5. Rere at Makeup by Rere

6. Katie at Vanilla in November

7. Sophie at Ditsy Eyed

8. Jess at Little Jess Cat

9. Kelsey at Sparkle and Shine

10. Emily at Lynde Avenue

11. Jemma at Jemma in Words

Here are my 11 Questions for you to answer

1) Favourite blogger?

2) Favourite Season?

3) What is the meaning behind your blog name?

4) Online Shopping or making a day of it by wandering around for hours in shops?

5) What’s your favourite mascara?

6) What’s your favourite book?

7) Tell me 3 of your Holy Grail beauty products?

8) Bath or Shower?

9) The worst beauty mistake you have seen?

10) Tell me 1 random fact about yourself

11) Your dream holiday destination?

Well that is my questions guy, tweet me your answers so I can check out your answers please?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Beauty Blogger Tag?

I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |

* Some links may be affiliates but all thoughts are unbiased and 100% honest,

*Please click links on pictures for source.

Beauty Blogger Tag

Beauty Blogger Tag

Hi guys,

I just seen this tag on A Touch of Sparkle and decided to carry one out myself but head on over to her page for her answers if you are interested.

Why did you start blogging and how long have you been blogging for?

I started blogging because I was always giving tips to my friends and family on what make up would suit them and what was the best beauty products to try or give a huge swerve too so I thought I would open it up a bit and give advice to everyone. I love trying new products and giving my view on them whether it be good or bad. I have been blogging since April 2014.

Whose blog did you fall in love with first?

I fell in love with Caroline Hirons blog first as I love skincare and she gave the best advice, I then branched out to more beauty based bloggers such as Vivianna Does Make Up, Lily Pebbles and Pixiwoo.

What was the first blogosphere hyped about product that you bought? Was it worth the hype?

The first hyped up product I bought was the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette (£37) and it was totally worth the hype. I loved the fact that it was only £37 for 12 eyeshadows and the packaging was beautiful. I used this palette every day until I bought the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette (£37) so I have gotten a lot of use out of it and it’s still nowhere near finished! Love it.

What are your three favourite things about blogging and being a Beauty Blogger?

Writing Blogs - I love giving my 2 cents about products I have either loved or hated. I also love talking about other things such as books, movies, food etc. as well.

Reading Blogs - I love reading other people’s blogs as you always get a wide range of knowledge about products you may not have tried or heard about before.

Shopping - This is an obvious one for me, I now use my blog as an excuse to go shopping and my boyfriend is quite happy as he sees this as a good thing rather than me spending money on rubbish ha! I love new products but I also love trying out new brands or brands I haven’t heard of before.

What have you learnt from being a Beauty Blogger? 

It’s a lot harder than it looks, you have to keep on top of it at all times and keep people interested. I did go through a stage where I blogged every day but I think I will be blogging about 4 days a week from now on. I learned that social media is a great way to keep in touch with other bloggers and also users with the same interests as me. 

Have you changed anything since becoming a Beauty Blogger? 

I haven’t really changed much but I think my content may have changed slightly or the way I write about things. I haven’t really blogged every day either for the past week or so, this I will be definitely keeping up as it frees up some time.

What advice would you give to a beauty blogger just starting out? 

Write about things you are trying or have loved in the past that way it comes straight from your point of you. Don’t be put off by what others are blogging about, make yours unique and give honest reviews on any products you are trying. Look at your posts to see what ones are the most popular and the least popular to give you an insight to what people want to read. 

What are your top 3 makeup brands?

L’Oréal - I love L’Oréal products, they seem to last well and are reasonably priced. Mac - Who doesn’t love Mac? They have everything you could ever want and it’s a great place to start out. Bourjois - I have really been loving Bourjois as they have really upped their game and came into their own. I especially love their velvet lip colours, eyeliners and foundations.

Recommend your top 5 beauty products. 

Urban Decay Naked Palettes - These are really good value for money and last really well on the eyelids. I have oily lids and they last a good 8hrs on my eyes. NYC Liquid Liner – The best eyeliner I have ever tried. It glides on perfectly and Does. Not. Budge. Plus it’s less than £3. Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (£10) This gives an amazing finish to the face. I would recommend this every time. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (£36) I am in love with this foundation. It smoothes over my face like no other foundation and gives a great finish. I love the wear of this as it last for a good 6-8 hours on my face depending on what I’m doing. Urban Decay Chill Setting Spray (£21) I don’t go out without this little beauty on my face. It just keeps everything on for a little longer and your make up will not budge, I promise! 

What is your favourite Benefit product?

My favourite Benefit product would have to be the "They`re Real" Mascara (£19.50). This is amazing stuff, it grabs every little lash and just extends them and makes them look amazing! An excellent buy.

Have you checked out my latest post featuring The Eucerin Dermo Purifyer?

I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |

* Some links may be affiliates but all thoughts are unbiased and 100% honest,

*Please click links on pictures for source.

Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Active Concentrate

Eucerin Dermo Purifier Active Concentrate

Hey guys,

I haven’t heard of Eucerin before so when I saw the stand in Boots I knew I had to try something, I’m curious, what can I say? My eyes were instantly drawn to the Dermo Purifier Active Concentrate as I was in need of a serum and thought I would give this a try. I was also lucky enough to get this free in the 3 for 2 offer Boots, always winning in Boots with those kinds of deals ha-ha.

As you know, I have oily skin and am prone to breakouts, especially round my chin area so after studying the back of the bottle I bit the bullet and added to my basket. After using My Good Things products, I have noticed a huge difference in my skin but not enough.

When I came home, I instantly took off my makeup by double cleansing and patting dry. I then added toner and waited for it to dry before adding this serum. The first thing I noticed was the smell, it isn’t strong but there is a definite aroma. The texture is very smooth, very much like any other serum but it’s quite watery. I rubbed this between my fingers before applying to my face so that it would be evenly distributed. I loved how quickly it absorbed into my skin which allowed me to apply my moisturiser quite quickly.

After a month of using this day and night, I haven’t noticed much of a difference. It hasn’t blown me away at all. It does feel nice on the skin and absorbs beautifully but that’s all it does. Usually when a product says something, I don’t believe it but I really wanted to believe this would calm down my blemishes but I have still got them. I know its most likely hormonal acne but still, I want to use products that will calm the effects of this. One thing that has changed is the fact that my skin has felt less oily. I noticed that my makeup lasts a lot longer than normal before it starts to get shiny on my tzone. Normally I get a good 8hrs or so with my makeup, but testing it out after using this, I am now getting an extra hour, sometimes two.

Overall, I didn’t fall head over heels. I like that my makeup lasts longer, but any primer and setting spray could do that job. In a serum I want it to do what it promised and this didn’t.

Have you tried anything from this brand before?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Mid Week Movie #2?

I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |

* Some links may be affiliates but all thoughts are unbiased and 100% honest,

*Please click links on pictures for source.

Soap & Glory | Love At First Blush

Soap & Glory: Love At First Blush

Hi guys,

I thought I would review the Soap and Glory Love At First Blush (£11). I spoke about this briefly in my recent haul post but I wanted to give more of a review rather than a first impressions with this post.

First off, the design and packaging is just beautiful isnt it? I love products like this with multiple colours that add colour, depth and glow to your skin without being over the top. Saying that, this blush didn’t really add much of these things if truth be told. Although it is a great looking product, I feel as though that’s all it is. For £11, I didn’t get a lot of colour payoff for my dollar and the highlight was miniscule. I think this would be great over a cream blush and highlight as it would add a subtle sheen but not enough for me to continue using.

At first I liked this blusher but then I realised I couldn’t see it. I think I was just so excited at the thought of a new S & G product that I didn’t take the time to really look at it. After wearing it for a while now, I can safely say that it gets a big thumbs down from me and I wouldn’t repurchase it again in the future *Insert sad emoji*

Have you tried this? If so, let me know in the comments below. 

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Mid Week Movie #2?

I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |

* Some links may be affiliates but all thoughts are unbiased and 100% honest,

*Please click links on pictures for source.

Mid Week Movie #2

Mid Week Movie #2

Hi guys,

This week has consisted of boxset after boxset as I am still waiting on Sky installing our TV and broadband. Knowing Sky, there will be a charge but I am ready for them. Every house we have moved into, we have had to pay over £100 to install a new dish. I am beginning to wonder if Glasgow had any satellite dishes before we moved into the houses. Anyway, enough about a shit company and more about this week’s blog post.

I’ve actually enjoyed “researching” this week’s blogpost as I haven’t watched any old films for ages. One that I haven’t watched since it first came out was The Blind Side. I finally got Liam to watch this and he loved it too.

This film is based on a true story about a Texan family who befriend and take in a rather large, and I don’t mean overweight, I mean large as in giant size boy named Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). He is a homeless and traumatized teenager who has drifted in and out of the school system for years before going to live with Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) and her husband, Sean (Tim McGraw). The Tuohy’s eventually become Michael's legal guardians, transforming both his life and theirs. Through his own hard work and the love of his new family he becomes an American football star.

I adored this film when I first watched it but I actually forgot how good it was. I like all the little touches that the film brings and how each character is a role model, whether it be good or bad, for Michael which goes onto shape his life. I loved the contrast between Michael and the Tuohy’s as they are so different and just knowing each other really opens their eyes. Michael comes from a really poor background in the projects with a mother who is a drug addict and can’t even remember his surname and the Tuohy’s come from a conservative background.

I'm not gonna lie, I cried like a baby at this film, not because it’s really sad but the happy parts really made me appreciate my family and all that we do to support each other. The casting of this film was also spectacular, I felt they all carried out their roles perfectly and made you fall in love with the characters.

If you want to see a great feel good film with some really good heart tugging scenes then I would 100% recommend this.

Have you seen this? Let me know in the comments below.

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Summer Foundations?

I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |

* Some links may be affiliates but all thoughts are unbiased and 100% honest,

*Please click links on pictures for source.

25 Beauty Questions

25 Beauty Questions

Hi guys,

It’s another questionnaire ha-ha. If you are getting sick of them, let me know but I love them. If you carry this out, please tag me on twitter (@__beautylauren) with your answers.

1. Do you remember your first make up item?

I didn’t start buying makeup until I was older, probably 16 or so but I accumulated bits and bobs from my older cousins or mum. I always remember having Avon blusher and bronzer beads ha-ha, remember them!

2. Describe your perfect mascara?

My perfect mascara would be the blackest black in colour, no smudge and have a real brush to apply it with. It would build volume and add length to my eyelashes aswel as nourish them.

3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from your foundation?

I prefer a medium cover in my foundations. Just enough to even out my skin tone and hide any blemishes I have but I like to see my skin through it.

4. Favourite high end brand?

I have loads!! But I have to say MAC, Chanel and Giorgio Armani are my favourites.

5. What cosmetic brands have you always wanted to try but haven’t?

Charlotte Tilbury, Too Faced, Makeup Forever, Tarte Cosmetics, Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford.

6. Favourite drug store brand?

I have two, L’Oréal and Bourjois.

7. Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house with?

I can’t leave the house without concealer and mascara.

8. What is your most cherished beauty product?

I don’t really have a most cherished item I’m afraid. If my house was on fire I wouldn’t pick up any of my makeup, I am a sentimental person who would pick up things that I can’t replace.

9. How often do you shop for make up? Do you like to pick up an item here or there or get lots of goodies at once?

I normally shop once a month so I can grab a few items at once but if I see an item I want mid-month I will purchase it.

10. Do you have a "beauty budget" or do you spend freely?

I normally budget what I can spend or else Liam will go crazy about my spending habits!

11. Do you use coupons or rewards cards when shopping?

Yes I use the House of Fraser rewards card, Boots advantage card, Debenhams reward card and if I get any vouchers emailed to me I will use them aswel. I also use some Youtubers codes if I am buying any items that they endorse.

12. What type of product do you buy the most of?

I buy too many lipsticks.

13. Is there a brand that you absolutely can’t stand?

No, I haven’t come across any that I absolutely hate.

14. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics?

I don’t go out of my way but I prefer it if they are paraben, talc and sulphate free.

15. Do you have a favourite place to shop for beauty supplies?

I love Boots, it’s the first place I go when I want to buy something or if I want to nosy at new releases. I love Boots because it has a good mixture of drugstore and high end products so there is something for everyone.

16. Do you like trying new skincare products or do you keep a certain routine?

Once I finish a product I like to try something in its place to see how it fairs.

17. What is your favourite bath and body brand?

Radox as their Herbal Bath Salts give me life.

18. If you could buy from only one brand, who would it be?

Holy Shit! This is a tough one. Ummm, this took me a good 5 minutes to answer but it would have to be Soap & Glory I think. They have bath, skincare and makeup products and they are reasonably priced.

19. What brand has the best packaging?

I cannot possibly pick one brand. Benefit and Soap and Glory for cutesy girly packaging. Chanel and Charlotte Tilbury for sophisticated and chic packaging.

20. 5 favourite beauty gurus?

Vivianna Does Make up, Caroline Hirons, Nicole Guerriero, Jaclyn Hill and Pixiwoo

21. Do you like multi use products?

I love them, if I go on holiday I try to take only a few items which can be used for different things.

22. Are you clumsy putting on makeup?

The only thing I have to fix on a daily basis is my eyeliner, it’s so annoying.

23. How many hair products do you use on a typical day?

I normally only use dry shampoo on a daily basis to add texture and to keep my hair as clean as it can be.

24. What do you apply first? Concealer or foundation?

Foundation.

25. What do you love about make up?

I love that it can completely transform a person. I love watching a person’s face when they their makeup done. I love that it is genderless. It’s great to play around with and can be used as a creative outlet. I love that it can frame a face and add colour where needed. I love that it can be used as art. I love how happy someone can be albeit a child or an older person when they get to play with makeup. It should be used as a happy tool, not to tear others down

Have a go at these and leave your blog link in the comments below so I can check them out :)

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Summer Foundations?

I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |

* Some links may be affiliates but all thoughts are unbiased and 100% honest,

*Please click links on pictures for source.