REVIEW: Garnier Micellar Oil Infused Cleansing Water

 Every once in a while I find a product that completely ticks all the boxes for me. It's inexpensive, easy to use, delivers everything it promises to and it just makes me life easier in general. Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water does exactly that.

It can be used to pre-cleanse or as a stand alone product. Either way it effectively removes your make up without having to rub your whole face off. Let me explain how the product works.

Garnier makes use of micelles and these act like magnets to remove make up and dirt. The amazing thing about this cleansing water is that it contains oil so it's perfect for dry, sensitive skin. Not only does it cleanse without having to rinse, it also nourishes the skin. It's  efficient but ,gentle and you get a lot of use out of the product (400ml=200 uses).

Essentially there is really nothing bad I can say about this cleansing water. Apart from the fact that it smells great, you can really feel and see the difference. It retails for R89, 95 which makes it easy to repurchase. It was definitely worth the purchase. Have you used this product before?  I would love to hear from you!

*Disclaimer- the products mentioned in this post was purchased by me and not sponsored. The views expressed are completely my own.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Live Boldly : A Revlon Colorstay Review

 How often do you get to dabble in the magic of makeup while improving the condition of your skin? Not too long ago I was gifted 3 foundations and 2 concealers from Revlon and putting them to the test has been an absolute joy. I've been using the products for the last couple of weeks and the shades are 008 True Beige, 009 Natural Tan and 010 Toast and, out of the 3, the best fit for my skin is shade 009 Natural Tan. 

Let me tell you about the foundation. Imagine meeting up with an old friend after some time apart and feeling like no time has passed at all. Having been the first foundation I ever bought, I already trusted the brand. It was familiar and still had all the qualities that I loved, but somehow became even better. The skincare elements was really appealing.

The variation I received is for normal /dry skin and contains Hyaluronic acid and spf20. When you reach your thirties your skin needs a little extra help with looking after itself which is why I was happy that wearing a full face of makeup would not throw a spanner in the works. Quite the opposite in fact! The Hyaluronic acid helps skin stretch and flex and reduces wrinkles and fine lines, while the spf20 protects my skin from sun damage. The application is super easy and it gives of a  naturally flawless finish. It does not rub off: not even when I sweat. This meant I didn't have to keep re-applying during the day. Anything that saves me time gets my vote.

Colorstay Skin Awaken 5 in 1 Concealer

A concealer can really make or break your whole look so it's essential that you have a concealer that covers imperfections well, but doesn't end up being ''cakey''. I was really impressed with the Revlon concealer. The two shades I received is 055 Latte and 076 Caramel and it is  effective enough to wear on its own. Not only does it brighten and hydrate, but it also blends really well and survives the whole day. These two shades together are also perfect for contouring which is why I have started to do it recently. I like that it has a sponge applicator as opposed to the wand. 

The Revlon Colorstay Awaken 5 in 1 concealer offers full coverage for an all day wide awake look. It now contains caffeine and vitamin C and the updated formula is a game changer. In fact, both of these products have suprised me pleasantly and I will no doubt be keeping them both in my makeup routine.  It is refreshing to not have to pretend you like a product just for the sake of optics.

Foundation retail price: R325

Concealer retail price: R179.95

Available at Clicks, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Foschini Beauty, Edgars Beauty. Takealot and Superbalist

Have you used either of these Revlon products? What was your experience? I would love to her from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

LIFE : Looking forward to the new year

Hi everyone and welcome to my first look post for 2023! Last year I decided that I would post more look posts regardless of how I felt about it. This was what I was wearing for the last day (Saturday) of 2022 and I spent the day just hanging out at my mom's house.

I absolutely love this dress especially because it has shoulder pads. Dresses are really easy to dress up or down which is why it is always my go-to. This one also has a detachable belt which is an added bonus. No doubt I will be spending alot of time in this dress.

I decided to add the printed gladiator sandals and bag to bring a bit of colour to the chocolate brown dress and, because we spent the day at home, I decided that gold hoops as the only accessories would suffice. I loved how I felt in the whole outfit and I think my braided hair added to the easy casual vibe. 

Also how cute is my make up!

Dress &bag: Choice Clothing
Sandals (old) : Foschini
Earrings: The Fix

I am slowly but surely getting back into the swing of things. I'm working out so I feel a lot better in the clothes I wear and I am not focused on what other people think anymore. 2023 is definitely the year for exploring and having fun with fashion and I look forward to that. Here's to a brave new year.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

#ChooseAvonGifting

I always enter the festive season with the intention of getting my gifting situation sorted early. I plan on buying and wrapping my gifts early and not leaving it to the very last minute. Needless to say, things rarely go according to plan, and this year has been no different. Luckily for me, this year I don't have to panic. Avon has come to my rescue!

Avon gifting has something for everyone. Whether you are looking to spoil your parents or nieces and nephews: the variety of options will make the task much easier. Their gifting options range from world class fragrances to luxurious bath essentials and everything in between. I recently joined the #ChooseAvonGifting campaign and I am super excited to share the gifts I received.

I think the absolute best thing about it is that I get to forgo busy shopping malls and long queues. And so  can you. You can shop online using my link and relax while your gifts are delivered straight to your door. It's that simple!

Really liked this makeup. 

So what are waiting for? #ChooseAvonGifting right this second and spread the joy this festive season. Follow the conversation by searching for the #ChooseAvonGifting hashtag on social media and see just how many gifting gurus have chosen Avon this season.

I would love some support on my socials.

Instagram: laurenvogel

Twitter : @CkoBlog

Facebook : Cool kids only blog

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

BEAUTY: Avon Anew Ultimate Day Firming Cream SPF25

Once I turned 30 my interest in anti-aging skincare grew leaps and bounds. I've been using this firming day cream from Avon for a few months now and I am in awe of the results. I wanted to wait to do a proper review and I am glad I did. I love the texture so much. As soon as I apply it, it absorbs quickly leaving my skin feeling moisturized and not greasy.

This day cream contains Protinol. This is clinically proven to restore both types of collagen in healthy skin. It also helps with mimicking the perfect collagen equilibrium found in baby skin. That little bit of information was enough to win me over for good. I am not even exaggerating when I say my skin looks smooth and supple throughout the whole day.

Protinol is a gentle alternative to retinol although they both rank equally high when it comes to anti-aging effectiveness. I am not sure when I will introduce retinol into my skincare regime so I'm especially thankful to have gotten my hands on this product. Protinol is a game changer for me because I have never seen my skin react this way to any other ingredient. It's safe to say that this will be one of those products that I keep purchasing. 

I should mention that you might want to think about keeping it away from your eyes. I made the mistake of applying it to my whole face, eyes included, and I ended up a little teary eyed for a while. However, I am not sure if this will be the case with everyone. This month the 50ml day cream is retailing for R329 and, believe me, it is worth every cent. It is definitely one of those beauty products I plan to keep in my skincare routine for a while to come. 

Have you started using anti-aging products yet? What are some of your must have products? I would love to hear from you!

P.S you can shop Avon products using this link to my online store here

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

LIFE: Purpose

I often wonder about my place in the world. My purpose. Growing up I genuinely thought I would do something in writing. I always had my nose in a book. I loved making lists, making up my own stories and even dreamt about what my life would be like as an author. People gifted me with books and stationary and no one would frown if I ignored everyone at a family gathering to get better acquainted with a book. It seemed to be an unspoken fact in my family that writing  (or something in the field ) would be my path.

Fast forward a few years and I went to university. I got into my first choice, but I was ill prepared. Yes, as much as books exposed my to another world, I was completely out of my depth. Nothing could have been prepared me for the sinking feeling I had in my first semester. I had trouble adjusting to the classes, my peers and the course. I decided to do a BA general degree  which was my first mistake. I had no direction. Do not get me wrong, BA general is an admirable choice, but for someone who thrived on routine, this was not the best choice. Why didn't I just do a degree in journalism you ask? Frankly, in the back of my mind, I figured this degree would expose me more to the "media'' side of things. Needless to say, university did not go as planned and I dropped out. I had my son around that same time and eventually got a job in finance. Motherhood was a dream, but I hated my job with a passion. There was absolutely no room for creativity and my brain felt stifled. For six years, I dreaded getting up in the morning. For six years my creative side wilted away. I could not deal with it anymore.

Along with Covid 19 came some much needed clarity. With life hanging in the balance, there was no time to be unhappy. Life was for living! Please note, this is not me trying to encourage you to leave your job without a solid plan. I was lucky enough to have the luxury of making that choice and I had wonderful support from my family. As it stands, I have no idea where this new journey will lead me, but I do know one thing: I am going to write as much as I can. I am going to write about life and love and everything in between. Chances are I will probably end up writing some horrible stuff and develop some sort of writer's block or imposter syndrome ,but that wont stop me. 

It's too late to turn back now!

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

LIFE : Keep it moving

 

2021 has been a difficult year. And difficult is so much of an understatement. But, while it might seem easier, therapeutic even, to complain about the year that damn near brought me to my knees, I’ll take a rain check for now.  What I will say however is that 2021 was one big (albeit painful) lesson. One realization that was particularly hard to digest was the fact that most of the time; I am my own worst enemy.  I discovered that I am the only one holding myself back from living the life that I want to live. Yes, that was a bitter pill to swallow but; it was also a necessary one.

However this post is not about my tumultuous 2021 but, rather why I am looking forward to the 2022 . I didn’t make any new year’s resolutions because I normally fall back into my old habits so easily and then I end up feeling even worse for failing at my resolutions. The only thing I want to focus on this year is radiating and attracting positive energy. There have been a lot of times last year where I have made excuses and let myself down. I have also been too focused on other people’s opinions of me and what other people had been accomplishing. I’ve decided that this year I am only going to put in the work and trust the process. We are all on our own timelines and while it might be bittersweet, learning to clap when others win is essential to one’s peace. I look forward to my journey, my process this year. Not just the end result.

I also get to plan my dream wedding this year which I am ecstatic about. I have heard a ton of horror stories about the stress of planning a wedding and what it can do to a relationship but, I am confident that my fiancé and I can both remain sane while doing this.

Then there is my little blog. Up to now it has been more of an escape to me: a hobby that’s become my therapy.  And while it will always be that, I would love to do more look posts as well as work with a few of my favourite brands. And who knows where that could lead. I feel like I should have my site redone first though. It just doesn’t fit my personality or aesthetic anymore.

Lastly, but most importantly, my gorgeous son is happy and healthy. As someone who has been battling with depression for the longest time I cannot express the wonders it does to my soul knowing that I am able to take care of and provide for my son. I’ve been a single mom for most of the kid’s life and that sh*t is hard. There are no office hours and often you receive unsolicited advice and comments from people who do not even have dogs (let alone children). My son brings so much delight and love into my life that every single struggle is worth it. It gives me such purpose.

Ok enough with the sentimental stories. My point is, even with 2021 being one big uncomfortable roller-coaster ride; there is always something to look forward to. There is always hope. And while there is hope, there is always something to be thankful for. 

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

BEAUTY: #7days7faces - Bronzed Up

Make up has always been my safe space. There is nothing I don't love about it. So needless to say when the time came for @Foyin's #7days7faces I was ecstatic to take part. It's not a new concept, but up to now something has been holding me back from participating. That something was performance anxiety. On the previous occasions I have seen the most amazing work, not only from Foyin, but also from everyone taking part. To be frank, I was worried I would suck.

Nevertheless, I decided that this would be the time I finally participate. I was beyond excited. With my skin moisturized and my make up brushes washed, I planned my look for the first challenge: BRONZED UP. I wanted to do something that I would not do on a normal day. I wanted the look to be fun and creative. So I armed  myself with tons of cream and powder bronzer and, much to my son's amusement, this is what I came up with. 

The sad part is that I got really sick and couldn't participate in the other challenges. There were a few that I was rather eager to interpret , but I got to live vicariously through the other participants. The internet can be a cruel place but this concept, the whole idea, was the exact opposite. It felt like a celebration of sorts, It goes without saying, sick or not sick, I will be going the extra mile to participate in the next one. Please enjoy some pictures from the only challenge I managed. For me,  out of 1 out of 7 was good enough. 

I would love to participate in a few more make up challenges this year. Are there any challenges you participate in without hesitation? I would love to here from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

LIFE: Boundaries

 

Why am I always tired? As an adult, this is a  question I frequently ask myself. No amount of sleep or self care can take the feeling away. Am I doing something wrong? I have been struggling to feel at least somewhat human over the last two years. I feel like the pandemic has taken everything from me, but I have personally been facing a bigger pandemic: I have no boundaries.

As a mom, being a caretaker comes naturally, but I feel my issue goes back even further than that. As the oldest sibling, I was always making sure my brother was taken care of. This is just what older siblings do. As soon as said sibling grows up or can take care of themselves, you kind of just latch onto someone new to take care of. My problem is that I don't stop. If I don't take care of somebody, I need to take care of something. In other words, doing nothing really doesn't sit well with me. I am not sure how many of you can relate, but I feel really guilty whenever I find  myself with nothing to do or simply just resting. This has been coming back to bite me in the ass lately. Like I said, I am always tired.

The last few weeks I have really been trying to be a little more selfish in terms of how I allocate my time, and how much of it I spend taking care of myself. Something needs to change drastically. I will probably always feel the urge to take care of the people I love no matter how old they are, but I need to dial it back a bit before my cup runs empty.

How I am going to do this? I am not sure. So I hope you were not expecting some sort of resolution in this post. I just needed to admit, out loud and on paper, that I lack boundaries. I am aware of that now. The next few weeks I going to actively look for ways to pour back into myself. Whatever that looks like.

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

"IT ENDS WITH US" by Colleen Hoover

 I felt every single possible feeling one can feel with this book. To say I  was not prepared for the emotions would be an understatement. With that being said, I would like to mention that the book contains scenes of abuse and sexual assault. If this topic is triggering for you, please do not keep reading.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this post are all my own. This review might contain spoilers. 

PLOT

Lily hasn't always had it easy, but that's never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She's come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up- she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily's life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He's also sensitive ,brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily, but Ryle's complete aversion to relationships is disturbing.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan- her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. 

When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened. 

Some moments in the book are very light and easy to read while others are really dark and traumatic. This is something you need to prepare for mentally. As you can see from the synopsis there is no trigger warning, but the book tackles issues such as rape and domestic abuse. I wish there had been some sort of indication as to what I was getting myself into, but I couldn't put the book down nevertheless. It explores the idea that essentially love has two sides: one side is beautiful and fulfilling and the other is destructive and toxic. This was certainly the case with Lily and Ryle's relationship. The contrast was so stark at times that it felt like I was reading about two different relationships. Needless to say, sometimes  I could relate to the characters (especially Lily) and other times I was furious. How much do you take in the name of love? Where do you draw the line?

I really enjoyed that the author took the time to write from young Lily's perspective as well. It was insightful to see how her friendship with Atlas started  and also the kind of relationship she had with her parents. These relationships essentially shapes how she reacts to Ryle when things are not so great between them. For the most part I spent my time really angry at Lily ,but there was a side of me that could also relate to how she was justifying certain things. Acknowledging unsavory behavior somehow made it real.

I felt uneasy about Ryle from the moment his character was introduced. You get the feeling that there was always a storm brewing or something sinister was always bubbling just beneath the surface. He seemed lowkey manipulative  and slightly forceful. I felt like he had a bit of a superiority complex because of his job and, at times in the book, he proved me right. As the book progresses ,his better qualities do come to light , but it never quite dispels the initial weird feeling you get about Ryle.

IT ENDS WITH US is a book that no doubt will stick with me for a very long time. It forced me to confront how much I had accepted in the past and how very often I have adjusted that limit for the sake of a loved one. Ultimately it is a story about standing up for yourself and ending the vicious cycle of abuse. It left me feeling hopeful. Like, no matter what I have been through, I can always start over. 

Rating 4/5 ****

Have you read this book? I would love to hear from you! 

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

One of us is Lying!

 I love books that become series. Especially if I really enjoyed the book. My new favourite thing to do is to check whether a series I want to watch has a book by the same name or not . Yes I know, I need to get out more. I was delighted to discover that this was the case with "One of us is Lying". From start to finish this book captured me, so much so that I decided to completely abandon the series in fear of it spoiling the book.

Disclaimer: This book review may contain spoilers so if you wish to avoid them, do not keep reading. Otherwise, let's dive in. All views in this post are my own.

FIVE STUDENTS WALK INTO DETENTION. ONLY FOUR LEAVE ALIVE.

Yale hopeful Bronwyn has never publicly broken a rule.

Sports star Cooper only knows what he's doing in the baseball diamond.

Bad boy Nate is one misstep away from a life of crime.

Prom queen Addy is holding together the cracks in her perfect life.

And outsider Simon, creator of the notorious gossip app at Bayview High, wont ever talk about any of them again.

He dies 24 hours before he could post their deepest secrets online. Investigators conclude it's no accident. All of them are suspects.

Everyone has secrets, right?

What really matters is how far you'll go to protect them.

Although the book was published a while back, May 2017 to be exact, I only discovered it recently and I think it definitely deservers a review. Young adult fiction is slowly starting to become one of my favourite genres.

So by now you have probably gathered that this is a teenage thriller of sorts. I was not too excited  about that being an adult and all, but I was pleasantly surprised. Although a bulk of the story is set at Bayview High school, their is nothing childish about the dialogue. I could relate to and understand the actions of the characters.  They were all dealing with situations that most of us can still relate to and I found myself wondering a handful of times how I would react in that moment.

 My favourite character was Nate. Even though he had an amazingly difficult  childhood, and still has to deal with demons of his past everyday, there is a softness to him. I enjoyed seeing how the relationship between him and Bronwyn developed because they were such polar opposites. There were so many issues that were discussed in the book that I wish was exposed to as a teenager. I was certainly triggered by the role social media plays in everyone's life in the book. Things that did not seem so bad at first were amplified by this gossip site that Simon ran and the consequences were dire.

 I had my suspicions about who the killer was (although I doubted that with every chapter), but I never could have predicted that ending. I loved seeing how events from the past were all tied together. Overall, I am really happy I gave this book a chance. I have given up on the series because it differs so much from the idea I had in my head. I suppose that is not such a bad thing, but because I like the book so much, I would like keep it the way I had it in my thoughts.

I realise this book review might differ from the ones you normally read or might not seem as formal but, since I'm new to doing book reviews , I really wanted it to sound like I was just chatting to a friend. I look forward to doing many more in the future. What are you currently reading?

TILL LATER,LAUREN!