Review: Bourjois Volume Clubbing Ultra Black Mascara

We all have that one product that we rate above all others, right? I definitely have mine in Bourjois Volume Clubbing mascara.

I've spent years trying to find the right mascara to give me full, thick and defined 1960s lashes, and nothing has really fulfilled my wishes. Maybelline's Volum'Express smudged under my eyes constantly (even the supposed waterproof version), 17's Va Va Voom didn't actually have that much va va voom, and L'Oreal's Million Lashes ripped all mine out whenever I removed it. Considering I first used and loved Volume Clubbing four-ish years ago, I really wonder why I strayed to any other mascaras.

Volume Clubbing is a thick, gloopy mascara on a seriously thick and chunky brush - might sound like a recipe for clumpy, heavy lashes, but there is magic within. Somehow, this translates to full, thick and defined lashes both top and bottom, with no clumps or mess!

Volume Clubbing was tested for resistance by clubbers and ravers, and when I used the original version, I found that it didn't budge until you wanted it to. This version is the Ultra Black, and I can safely say it's exactly the same in terms of resistance and staying power. I have a real problem with mascara slipping off my lashes and smudging under my eyes, but this isn't an issue here. The best bit is, it doesn't hurt/rip lashes out when removing - it actually comes off very easily! Bourjois promise a dramatic look, extreme volume and ultra resistance with Volume Clubbing, and I think they deliver on every aspect. I know I definitely won't be straying again!

What's your favourite mascara?

Laura Jayne xox

Review: So Pure Argan Oil

I know we all struggle with our hair - some days mine is my favourite thing, and some days I wish it belonged to somebody else. My hair is extremely long, very thick and quite wavy; all the ingredients to stress me out when styling it in the morning! My hair was always quite shiny and in good condition, until earlier in the year when I dyed it blonde - I loved it, but my roots grew through too fast and I dyed it back brown. Unfortunately, this has left me with dry, coarse hair, with more split ends and breakage than I've ever had before.

I've been looking into hair oils for a while - I adore L'Oreal's Mythic Oil (my hairdresser's product of choice, always a treat when I go!) but I couldn't justify the £15-odd for a small bottle of it, or the £30 for the famous Moroccan Oil either. Luckily for me, when I was at London Fashion Week last month (still getting over that...!) I managed to get my paws on a mini 10ml bottle of So Pure argan oil in one of the many goodie bags I managed to get!

Keune So Pure Argan Oil 10ml*

So Pure Argan Oil says it is a "luxurious hair treatment to restore moisture in dehydrated hair". I've definitely found this to be the case so far. I use a few drops on wet hair and run it through the mid-lengths and ends, I also massage it quite a lot into the ends as this is my main problem area. I've found it definitely smooths the hair shaft and makes a smooth blowdry a lot easier to create. I'm still suffering with split ends but only a few days after I use the oil - I think I could do with a hair cut anyway! The oil is paraben-free and as far as I can tell, fragrance-free too. It leaves no residue on the hair or skin and sinks in extremely quickly. It's not cheap, retailing at around £11-12 for a 10ml bottle like this, but I think I will reinvest when this bottle runs out!

This is my hair just now, so you can see what I'm dealing with! Thinking of getting it cut into a collarbone-grazing bob a la gh0stparties - what do you think?

*free sample

Laura Jayne xox

a quick catchup

hello! i've been a bit of a naughty blogger recently - no proper posts for over a week! my absence can be very easily explained: i've just started my honours year at uni, eeek! so inbetween thinking up ideas for creative projects and business plans, and reading a mountain of books for dissertation, blogging has fallen on the backburner a wee bit. but i have lots to post about, hopefully will get some of my recent purchases reviewed and posted today and tomorrow, before i start interning again next week...! have a lovely weekend :) x

Westfield Stratford City's Student Event

If you're a student like me, you'll no doubt be highly skilled in searching out the best bargains and will know off by heart which shops give you a little NUS discount! Saving the pennies is especially helpful at this time of year - I know I've already spent more than I can afford on uni books, a new winter coat and some winter boots, and all that before the arrival of Christmas shopping...!

So if you live in London, head down to Westfield Stratford City tomorrow (Wednesday 3 October) for an all-day student discount extravaganza - the first of its kind at Westfield. From 10am until late, you can enjoy special discounts at some of your favourite shops, so you can get your new winter wardrobe for much less! Stores such as New Look, Urban Outfitters and Office will all be offering 20% discounts, alongside Cath Kidston, Topshop, La Senza and lots more, so you can get everything you need for the season ahead without the buyer's guilt that follows us (well, definitely me at least!) after every shopping trip.

As well as the discounts in your favourite stores, there will also be money off in some of the tastiest restaurants too, so you can enjoy a whole day out without counting the cash. Restaurants including Pho and Las Iguanas are offering discounts and offers on food and cocktails, so make sure you bring the girls! Throughout the day, there will be entertainment throughout the centre, from acts such as cheerleaders to gospel choirs, and t4's Georgie Okell Djing exclusively in the evening!

It's so simple to take advantage of all the deals available to you - all you need is your student card and some comfortable shoes, as it'll no doubt be a long day! Just take your student card to the concierge centre on the first floor and collect an exclusive student pass - don't forget this, as it's the only valid identification that stores will accept. You can also save time and skip the queues by pre-registering here. To get a sneak peek at the available discounts (and plan your route now!) you can head over to the Westfield page and download the offers booklet, which will also help you find out all the latest trends, as well as deciding which stores to hit first!

Westfield Stratford is taking this opportunity to raise money for Breast Cancer Care; they aim to raise £10,000 during October, so you'll be asked to donate just £2 at the student event to aid those living with breast cancer. With all the discounts on offer, it'll be so easy to spare!

*This post is sponsored by Westfield