Makeup Review: "B." exclusive to Superdrug

I was shopping for an all-important eyebrow pencil yesterday when I came across the B. range at Superdrug. The prices were super reasonable and upon closer inspection it turns out to be cruelty-free and vegan! (I don't think you're meant to eat it, no.)

I purchased the "B. Groomed eyebrow kit" in 006 blonde. It has a pencil tip, a wax tip and an eyebrow brush and it was on offer for £2.19 from £4.19. Bargainous, don't you think? Being the price it was I felt no qualms in also bringing home the "B. All mascara" in 001 Black for £4.99 from £9.99. I go through tons of mascara so I almost always need a backup.

I tried the wax before pencilling in the first eyebrow but felt the pencil didn't stick to the skin, rather it slipped off and didn't leave enough of a mark- this may be because of my inexcusable lack of actual eyebrow hair though. My eyebrow products need to work HARD as I actually have to recreate the whole thing and try and make them it look at least ssupernatural. If you have a decent natural eyebrow that needs only a little correcting and the hairs taming I think this would really work for you! That said the colour is really nice, it's hard to find blonde coloured pencils that actually draw on blonde and not brown!

soft n' natural

The B.All mascara I really like! I find so many inexpensive brands so disappointing. I usually end up spending on two or three mascaras the same as if I'd bought one mid-in range tube in the first place! It took five or six coats to get the volume and coverage I like, but that's the same with most high street brands for me. This one is def a keeper!

For me, this is pretty thick! I have fairly sad eyelashes as well as eyebrows so am continuously on the hunt for good products in this area!

I'm very happy with the discovery of this makeup range, and can't wait to get my hands on more while at these crazy good prices! The packaging is slick and not too "brandy", and even though it's not a designer brand I'd  have no shame if anyone was to see it in my makeup bag! I noticed some beautiful eyeshadow palettes and the nail colours look really pretty too..a new high street go-to?

Have you tried any of the B. range at Superdrug? Tweet me your thoughts! @LCseriously #B.forbeautiful

Shop the range at Superdrug B. for Beautiful .

one step ahead

The days are finally getting a teeny bit longer and I'm already dreaming of summer. Alongside these dreams is the overwhelming urge to start body prepping for those long, warm, flesh-baring days ahead. Let's start with toes:

If you haven't already, take off your toenail polish! I usually take mine off end of October, as no-one is going to see them except my husband and possibly my football friends in the change room; in neither of these instances does it matter as neither care what my toes look like. You now have a chance to grow out any staining (fan of red polish anyone??) and it gives you a chance to see the state of the nail so you can guide it into the shape you want as it grows.

If your nails are short, let them grow for 3-4 weeks before trimming them, depending on your rate of growth. Follow the natural shape of the nail and gently file any sharp edges after clipping. Don't trim too far back but neither should you let them grow longer than the end of your toes. Once you are happy with the length and shape, leave them alone for another couple of weeks!

Tonight before you go to bed get out your trusty pot of Vaseline and slap that stuff all over your feet. Rub it in to the corners that are especially bark-like, then slap on another layer. I always rub it into my hands as well; two birds with one stone and all that. Now for weirdness: clingfilm each foot before putting on socks for bed. This helps the goop soak into your foot instead of your sock.

Mmm attractive...

Tomorrow morning before you get in the shower, remove wrapping and using a foot file or pumice stone, file your heels, toes, and any other bits on your feet that need buffing! Use the file while it's dry and you'll slough off twice as much, twice as fast. (Make sure you are giving your file or stone a wash with antibacterial soap when you're done to prevent any gribblies growing on there.)

Once you're in the shower use a foot or body scrub on the whole foot and even the calf and lower leg while you're there - I like the Soap & Glory range of scrubs; they're nice and coarse and I feel like they actually make my skin soft. But if you don't have one already just use a handful of coarse sea salt or granulated sugar for each foot! Use a foot cream or a yummy-smelling body butter on your feet before you dress.

Try and do the Vaseline, file and scrub at least once a week between now and Daylight Savings Time and you'll have super soft and shiny footsies, ready for display. Once it's warm enough for your feet to be out facing the elements, you may want to scrub more often, especially before and after any sandy days out or holidays, as feet really take a beating then!

To get stains out of your toenails, soak your feet in warm water with a whole lemon squeezed in. I like to add baby oil as this helps counteract the drying effects of lemon on the skin. You can also use a whitening toothpaste. Just keep your old toothbrush, use a pea sized amount per each set of toes and brush each nail until frothy. As a bi-product both methods make your toes smell nice! Make sure you give your feet a wash afterwards to rinse any leftover product (or fruit) residue and moisturize to keep them soft.

On top of all this try to use a cuticle oil once a day. It's a good habit to have for fingers and toes; although I usually forget until I do the soak and scrub..oops! BUT some is better than none in the long run. The saying "summer bodies are made in winter" applies to beauty as well as fitness; put in a bit of prep now and you'll be sashaying along the seaside with a bag full of body confidence come summer.
xxx

Amy's Beauty Must-Haves

Amy Hamilton and I met 8 years ago at a Cancer Research UK charity shop which she was managing at the time. She has since opened her own impossibly hip vintage store, Rhubarb Jumble, in Bristol. She's a humanitarian eco-warrior with a deeply awesome sense of personal style. I've always known of her love affair with beauty products so I asked her to share her top picks with Style Surround. Here's what she said:

As Laura knows, I like my products although I'm a lot more frugal these days so I invest wisely.

I'm not too fussy with what I wash my face with, (any face wash that doesn't have microbeads in them as I heard they are bad for the environment because they never break down).

I always use oil of Olay moisturiser- cheap and cheerful! I just love Laura Mercier primer and tinted moisturiser, it lasts for ages and has excellent lightweight coverage, so is worth the investment. I've used it for about 7 years and have never been tempted to stray!
Laura Mercier primer

Max factor do a great imitation 'touché éclat' which is so reasonable and often on 3 for 2 offers! I generally think number 7/ maybeline mascara is great and well priced. I love Benefit blushed in Dandelion, and that's me!
Benefit Dandelion Blush

I really like luxurious shower gels, like Molton brown and l'occitane but don't use them all the time. l'occitane have a range in lemon verbena which is just lovely; fresh citrusy and clean smelling! I have the perfume...shower gel...and body lotion!

l'occitane Lemon Verbana

 I also love Jo Malone perfume in Earl grey and cucumber (it's the only perfume Malx has ever commented on me wearing!)
Jo Malone Earl Grey and Cucumber 

During the summer, I would really recommend Ambre Solaire gradual tanning body lotion, it doesn't smell, moisturises well and gives a really even natural coverage, even for my pasty skin!

My hair is really fine and I've recently discovered l'Oreal fibrology thickening shampoo and conditioner, I think it actually works (although I hate l'Oreal as I'm not impressed with their attitude towards animal testing, so I buy with a bit of guilt).

Hope that's enough..I could go on!

Go and say hi to Amy at Rhubarb Jumble in Bristol; you'll get a face full of vintage fashion and quirky finds in store, plus Amy is just really nice to chat to. xx