.Lauren's Way Clip in Hair Extensions.

I have a lot of past experience of using hair extensions, from the age of about 18 (8 yrs ago) I have been using them on myself and other people.  I started off dabbling with the glue in wefts, which at the time I loved for their easy, cheap and attainable way of getting long locks.  After a couple of years of regular use I noticed how bad they are for your hair and would give myself breaks in between and then eventually managed to ween myself off them.  Then the clip in's started to take off, which I really liked the idea of and as much as I had used them on other people for my job, I had never actually used them on myself.  After years of trying to resist them and wanting to try brands such as Halo and Foxy Locks hair extensions, I noticed that Lauren's Way were also doing some clip in's of their own.  Because of the joyful product that is their self tanning lotion, I thought, why not give these a go too!

They managed to match my hair very well from the photos I sent them, I have a kind of unintentional ombre thing going on from growing out my bleach but I thought the colour worked very well.  The quality of the hair is beautiful, very silky, thick and strong.  I think its remy hair but I'm not 100% because I don't think it says anywhere on the packet.  The wefts are double layered so if its thickness you're after then you will love these.  The ends of the hair look very natural, although them being 20 inch extensions I think I would personally want to cut them.  

Here is a before and after, I am at work so excuse all the distracting background!  I also curled them with my Diva Pro Hot Wand, blog post coming soon.

Short hair

Long hair!

The colour I have is #5 Caramel, I really liked the way they blended in and the instant thickness they give you but the one downside is that the clips have only been sewn in by the top hole on the clip and not the bottom hole, if you see the picture above you can see the holes there.  Because this hair is so thick, it unfortunately weighs the clips down so much that they fall back on themselves and consequently don't feel very secure.  A way you can combat this is to back comb at the root of your own hair and clip them in to that for more of and anchor, but I feel this would cause unnecessary damage to your own hair if you were to use them on a regular basis.  I am not sure if this is just a slight fault with the ones that I had but I feel its fairly important for them to feel secure.  Having said that, I am used to the glue in ones which couldn't feel more secure, all be it damaging, plus I have very fine hair so that could effect it too.

Please let me know if you have tried these extensions and what your experiences have been, they are by far the best quality and thickness I have come across so if the clips were more secure they would be peerrrrfect!

They are available at 

http://glamcard.mybigcommerce.com/categories/HAIR-EXTENSIONS/

x Lucy x

.What's in My Wash bag.

This weekend I have had the pleasure of popping home to Bristol to see my family and friends and thought I would do a quick post to show you what I brought along in my wash bag as most of these products are my ultimate essentials at the moment!


You may have read my blog post from a while ago slating this wash bag and I can't say I've changed my mind about it, but its just a very useful size.


My absolute favourites are:


Lauren's Way Self Tan - You know how much I love this, you can enter my give away by clicking on the picture of Lauren's way on the right hand panel!


Batiste Dry Shampoo- I use it in between washes (every other day) so I don't have to wash my hair every day.  Life saver.


L'oreal Volume Architect - I 100% need a volume spray and at the moment I'm trying out this one, I like it but I'm pretty sure I get more volume from the Innova one, and it is a lot cheaper


VO5 Heat Protect - I only bought this the other day and have used it once but I always use a heat protector and this one smells amazing!!  Like Angel perfume!


INNOVA Volumising Powder - I have reviewed this on here and I absolutely love it!  I only tend to use it for a night out but its great for an extra boost of volume.


LOVING all my skincare at the moment but that will all be explained in detail on my next post.


The nail polishes are some of my current faves, especially the Ciate one.


Thanks for reading!


x Lucy x

.Cheap Finds.

I went on a little accidental Superdrug spree around a month ago and whilst waiting for the boyfriend (who was a bit late so it's his fault) I remembered I needed a pressed powder and was up for finding a new pink blusher as for a long time I'd been sporting a peachy cheek. 

As a makeup artist one of the questions I get asked most, by friends and colleagues rather than clients, is 'whats a good affordable powder, blusher etc'  and normally for a face product, like powder, I usually prefer a high end product so I thought this was a great excuse to try a cheaper one out!  After wondering around trying not to pick up the whole shop, I remembered I had heard someone recommend the L'oreal True Match powder.  As they had 3 for 2 on L'oreal, I decided to go for that one!

I also picked up a pink blush in 115, a bronzer in 102 (the brunette one) and, because I can't help myself when it comes to nail polish, a Rimmel Pro in Aqua Cool.

I have used the powder everyday since I got it, and I love it!  I can't tell it apart from a higher end product, and would put the finish and longevity somewhere in between Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural and Mac Blot powder.

The bronzer, in a word... yuk!  Its shimmery and orange, like an old school, year 9 bronzing product from the 90's.  Looked great in the packaging, should have swatched before I bought it, but ah well thats what 3 for 2 offers will do to you!

I lurve the blusher, it really is fabo.  Gorgeous colour and lasts all day, it takes me two applications on the apples to achieve the intensity of colour I like but thats perfectly acceptable. 

(bottom - blush, middle - bronzer, top - powder.  Obvs but there you go)

If you look at my last few posts I will be wearing the powder and blusher for sure, not, however, the bronzer!

I'm a big old fan of these polishes because I love the big wide brush for ease of application  and the colours always have great pigmentation.  I'm not 100% sure on this colour yet but I'm sure it will grow on me.

Hope you liked this post guys and found it useful/interesting! 

If you haven't already entered my Lauren's Way Self Tanning Lotion giveaway, please do!  Just click on the picture near the top of the page on the right for details, its a real easy to one to enter and so worth it if your a self tan fan! 

x Lucy x

p.s I just want to send my love to all people who have been affected by the recent trouble around the UK, I find it shocking and have still not really registered its all real, but it is and its pretty bloody terrifying/awful.

.Laurens Way Self Tanning Lotion Giveaway. NOW CLOSED.

YEY!  If you read my blog you will know I am already a massive fan of Lauren's Way Self Tanning Lotion, and now I am giving you lucky people the chance to win a bottle!  Woohoo!

TO ENTER:  

1. You need to be a follower of my blog, if you already are then easy peasy but if not then just click the 'Join this Site' button on the right.  

2. You need to be a follower of Lauren's Way on Twitter here

3. Comment below with a top tanning tip or anything you like really (even just a hello)!  One comment per person.  This is worldwide so anyone's welcome!

You don't have to but I will love you forever if you:

1. Follow me on Twitter here

2. Tweet 'Head to @luluduckett's blog to win a bottle of @Laurens_Way Self Tanning Lotion http://lucyduckett.blogspot.com

The giveaway closing date is 19.08.11 (midday), two weeks from today!  It will be a nice Friday treat for the winner!

I will choose the winning person using random.org

**If you are having trouble commenting on this blog post, fear not you can still enter by emailing me at lrduckett@gmail.com just type 'Lauren's Way Entry' in to the subject box!  Just make sure you follow my blog and Lauren's Way on Twitter still.  Damn Blogger, theres always issues with it!**

Discount/Coupon Code:

I you just can't wait until the closing date or are unlucky this time you have until the 31.08.11 to use my exclusive discount/coupon code giving you 25% off!!  Just enter 'blog456' in the Coupon Code section at the check out.  

http://glamcard.mybigcommerce.com/

P&P still applies.

Thanks to everyone to enters, I hope you are as excited as I am about my first giveaway!

x Lucy x

The competition has now closed, thank you to everyone who entered and well done to the winner - Jenna!!

.July Favourites.

These are the products I have been loving this past month, probably the last few months to be honest...

Sorry for the late night flash photography :/

Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine and Guava - Smell amazing, lovely nude colours and they hydrate really nicely.  My all time favourite lip balms for sure.  I will do a more detailed post on these soon with swatches.

Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara - I'm just about to purchase my second tube and I rarely do this with mascaras as I've normally heard of one that sounds better than my current one or I just feel like mixing it up but honestly with this one I can't not buy it again, its perfect.  Its volumises amazingly, also adds length, and doesn't clump at all!!

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - I bought this after hearing all the hype on youtube about it and I love it!  It gives great coverage and lasts all day.  I also have really sensitive skin under my eyes that loves to flake but this hasn't made my skin react at all.  Surprising as it costs around 4 quid!

Mac eyeshadows, in particular; Mulch and Satin Taupe - I love Satin Taupe all over the lids with a bit of Mulch blended in the centre to warm it up a bit.  Great for day or night!

Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment - I apply it just after my moisturiser and just before my foundation, sometimes after foundation too! It helps to calm down my break outs, and I love that its tinted too!

Mac Superslick Liquid Eye Liner in Defiantly Feline - LOVE this eyeliner, love love love.  Doesn't budge, gorgeous colour, quick and easy to use.  Have never found one better!

Witch Blemish Stick - I use it every night and morning!  Its helping slowly but surely to clear my recent bad breakout.

INNOVA Volume and Restructure Spray - I use it every time I blow dry my hair,  works a treat!  I prefer it over the Tresemme one as I seem to keep the volume for a lot longer.

L'oreal Techni Art Constructor spray - I have only been using this for the last week or so but I loves it!  I spray it through the lengths of my hair, whilst dry and it creates a textured, tousled effect with out adding any stickyness of feel of product at all.

Laurens Way Self Tan Lotion - Check out my earlier blog post on it for a detailed description - 
http://lucyduckett.blogspot.com/2011/07/blog-post_25.html  
I love how it hardly hardly hardly smells of fake tan at all, it doesn't streak and it turns a gorgeous olive colour!


Thanks for reading guys!


x Lucy x

.The Talked About Tan.

..Lauren's Way..

I was given Lauren's Way self tan to try at the The Only Way is Blogging event last Saturday, which is fitting really, I suppose.  I was extremely excited to be able to try this as the hype thats been on Twitter has been some what ridiculous.  I had to see if, what people were saying was true.  For me the association with Lauren Goodger from The Only Way is Essex wasn't a bad one, OK, so no I'm not a fan of the 'Essex' look what ever that may be, and I don't walk round in skimpy dresses and high heels all the time (far from it in fact) but I do like to have a tan, and occasionally sport a hair extension or two but all in the most subtle and realistic way possible.  

A very good Makeup Artist friend of mine always says if you want a good spray tan, head to essex; they do them so often, they're experts.  Which to me makes sense and Lauren Goodger, I reckon has had her fair share of experience with fake tan....so she's done all the testing out for us and  dare I say it come up with an extremely REEM product!  I'm so sorry thats disgusting I can't believe I just wrote that?

Anyway to cut to the chase, believe everything you hear about this product its flipping amazing.

Before, with about 2 day old Bronze Ambition tan...

It applied really nicely and easily and although the product looks thick when you pump it out, it feels more like a lotion when you apply.  It dried almost instantly which I really appreciate in a self tanner and also, so so importantly, it smells LUSH, even hours after, just a light floral/fruity fragrance and in the morning.........

Straight after application...

Nice even finish, ignore the toilet :/

In the morning after showering.  
Please excuse the terrible state of my bathroom mirror *shame*

I hope this gives you a good idea of the lovely colour it gives you!  Tried to convince the boyfriend we needed to buy a new camera for travelling (that I secretly want for blogging) but he wasn't having any of it!  Soon though, next pay day I promise ;)

As a summary to all of my recent self tan testing; it was great to branch out a bit and not stick to my old faithful but I have to say whilst Laurens Way comes in a very close second, St. Tropez is still my self tan of choice!  There will be an application this week I'm sure so if you aren't stuuupidly bored of fake tan pics I will post about that too, maybe.

I had a little play with the Laurens Way Hair Extensions at TOWIB  and they were beautiful quality, might have to try those too now.....


Thanks so much for reading!

x Lucy x


*01.08.11* I thought I would fill you in on my second application of Lauren's Way, just so you have a very thorough review!  I love it even more than my second application, the colour is the most olive tone I have managed to achieve on me (I mainly always look a tad tangoed) and the best thing is that is doesn't wear off as quick as other self tan's I have used.  I'm on my 4th day of my second application and its still going strong!  Plus still no horrid fake tan smell!!

.The Only Way Is Blogging.

..the first ever TOWIB event..

I just want to do a quick post about the TOWIB event that happened on Saturday!  It was organised by LondonBeautyQueen and was a chance for bloggers to meet each other, find out some info on a few brands and also get some advice on the sometimes confusing world of blogging!

There was a makeover demonstration by Katie Jane Hughes using MUA makeup which I stupidly missed down to my own lazy, hungover, saturday self, and partly the horrid weather!  But there are some gorgeous pictures on SuperGorgeous's blog so go and have a look there!

I got there half way through the talk with a skincare expert from Dove, explaining some things about dove as a brand and also talking us through some of the products that were there, we got given a conditioner which I'm interested to try so look out for a review on that!

Please excuse my bad picture quality, my iphone can't cope with dim lighting but I'm investing in a proper camera very soon so you won't have to put up with this for much longer promise!

Next up was a Q&A with BritishBeautyBlogger, ReallyRee and LondonBeautyQueen which was probably my favourite part of the day as they were all so helpful, honest and interesting!  I was genuinely fascinated and could have listened to them all talk for hours!!  Also I wish I'd written some questions down as I realised I had so much more I wanted to ask them after I left!

Sorry, terrible pic again but just so you can at least have a nosey.

After the Q&A it was ReallyRee's turn to tell us about Laurens Way self tan and do a mini demo, this was great as I have been desperate to try this tan and hear all about it for ages, plus Ree is such a lovely lady so the whole experience was very fun!  And just as SuperGorgeous (Alice) mentioned on her blog post, the most interesting fact of the day for me, had to be that the DHA's in the self tanner actually react with the bacteria on your skin to create the tanned colour, so if you haven't just stepped out of the shower and don't have the cleanest skin in the world then this isn't a bad thing if you want a deeper tan because the more bacteria on your skin, the darker the colour will go!!  No more pre tan showering for me then haha.

I had such fun (in the words of Miranda's mother) and I'm so glad I made it down, go and follow TOWIB's blog and twitter for updates on when the next one is (i think its 15th October) and I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Thanks for reading and I have super guilt bags about this shoddy photography so please forgive me, I promise to do better next time!

x Lucy x