You may remember the last time I worked with HelloSkin [check that post out here, if you fancy it] and how impressed I was with their products, knowledge and helpfulness when it comes to helping others with skin conditions. You might have oily or dry skin - or you may have a condition such as Psoriasis or Eczema - but no matter what your issue, HelloSkin's website gives you access to professionals and a community of others who can recommend products to help you. And boy, do they stock a lot of brands!!

I had an outbreak of Psoriasis a few years ago, and I only wish this fantastic resource had been around then. I've never found such a wealth of information and helpfulness all in one place before; when it comes to this common yet somewhat life-changing condition. At the time I was affected, the woman in Boots couldn't really help me as there were very few products I could buy over the counter, and I felt like an outcast; like noone understood my condition - not even myself! I really want to help remove the stigma of talking about skin conditions such as Psoriasis and Eczema - some people's ignorance towards the two is pretty worrying. So I'm super happy to be working with HelloSkin again; to do just that.

HelloSkin Westlab Epsom Salts Review

I've got three posts coming up for you in collaboration with these guys - highlighting different products, problems and brands that HelloSkin can help you with. I'll have this post [for chronic pain], a post for oily skin and one for extremely dry skin, too. These are all issues I deal with on a daily basis, so I felt like the perfect guinea pig for the job; haha. Keep your eyes peeled for these over the next couple of weeks; why not follow my Bloglovin' so you never miss out on a post?

HelloSkin Westlab Epsom Salts Review

Unfortunately, recently I've been suffering with horrendous pain in my back, hip and knee [following the surgery I had on my hip joint in 2014.] It's weird, it'll go through phases where it's back to normal and I don't have any pain at all; but for the past few months, the pain has been some kind of a sick joke. Daily. 

Some days, I've been struggling to walk; all the tendons and muscles around the area just feel so stiff and weak. It sucks ass. And as I have hyper-mobile joints, even the non-broken can sometimes get a bit achey from time-to-time too - I'm clearly living the dream. But these Westlab Epsom Salts from HelloSkin have been providing me with masses of relief after a long day, soldiering on and waddling about like I've sh*t myself. So if you suffer from chronic pain, muscle strain or perhaps like to hit the gym hard, you should totes see this.

HelloSkin Westlab Epsom Salts Review


Epsom Salts have been used for their health-giving properties for hundreds of years. They're nothing new - but something I hadn't tried for pain relief purposes before. I've used scented bath salts prior to this experience [yeno, the ones that turn your bath water pink], but the more I read about Epsom Salts, the more ideal they sounded for my pain probs.

Epsom Salts are well-known as a bath additive to help relax tired muscles and recover after sport and exercise. They're supposed to draw the pain and impurities out of your system; making them incredibly useful for chronic pain sufferers like me - or for those who go a bit west at the gym. They're not a one trick pony by any means either - they can also help with dry skin, sunburn or insect bites.


HelloSkin Westlab Epsom Salts Review

The Magnesium Sulphate ingredient found in Westlab Epsom Salts is a naturally occuring substance; which creates a soothing and detoxifying bath [be this a full body bath or a foot bath] that aids general skill health and wellbeing. Westlab's salts are pure, pharmaceutical grade standard; with no additives or fragrance. So if you have sensitive skin, they won't cause you to flare up.

Even the smaller bag of salts [1kg] is pure massive, making it super good value. I've definitely seen an overall improvement in my skin since incorporating this product into my daily bath routine; it's much softer, hydrated and any rogue patches of dry skin are pretty much banished. Adding a generous sprinkle of these salts to a hot bath after work has also worked wonders in terms of easing my pain. My back always feels easier and my joints feel looser and less stiff after soaking in this Epsom Salt goodness for a while.


HelloSkin Westlab Epsom Salts Review

Granted, bath salts can't provide a permanent solution for chronic pain - but for a few blissful hours after my soak, they definitely help. The first time I used these Epsom Salts, I felt like a whole new woman when I got out of the tub haha - the pain was legit gone! I rang my Mum in amazement to tell her - which I think is a fine testament to how great they are. 

I'd definitely recommend trying these Epsom Salts if you have dry, irritable skin or suffer with muscle pain / fatigue. I've literally found them that useful, that I've finished the whole bag - and at 1kg, it was a beast! I'm also keen to try more of Westlab's products, as they're not a brand I've heard of before but have been very impressed by. Have you tried any of their products before?


HelloSkin Westlab Epsom Salts Review

Remember to keep an eye out for my next two posts with HelloSkin - I'll be trying out a little something from La Roche-Posay [a brand you'll know I love] and Aveeno skincare. And if you can't wait to find out more in the meantime, head to HelloSkin's website and check out their fantastic range of brands, offers and products. 

Oh and did I mention that you can enter code HELLONIKKI2 at the checkout for 10% off!! 10% off La Roche-Posay? DON'T MIND IF I DO!

*This post contains a gifted item, sent for the purpose of review. But all opinions are totes my own and totes honest

My skin, a lot like several other areas of my life, is a bit of a joke. It's a mixture of dry and delightfully oil-prone areas; which makes no sense at all. My fod, chin and general nasal area [which I think is what proper adults call the T-Zone?] are like a genuine oil slick after a few hours; it's so grim. Otherwise, the skin covering most of my body is pretty dry; aside from my back and shoulders, which let the side down and bat for Team Shiny too.

I'm working with HelloSkin again at the moment, who have an AMAZING website full of skin products for every condition. If you've read my blog before, you'll know these total babes have helped me so much in taming the dry skin I've been suffering with - and maintaining the levels of moisturisation in my skin so that that annoying AF Psoriasis I had never comes back. But when it comes to controlling oiliness, I don't think I've ever really talked too much about the products I use. So I wanted to share a few of my tried and tested oil-bashing faves with you guys; which keep me looking almost human and not quite as polluted during the day.

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Brands, Skin Care and Makeup for Oily Skin Rimmel Powder


If there was one product I couldn't live without in life, it'd be this. It's my holy grail, my one true love and my MUST HAVE for setting makeup and keeping shininess at bay. It's the one beauty product I've used the most of and bought the most of in my life - and this doesn't look likely to stop any time soon. It genuinely works minor miracles in making my skin look clearer, more even and [almost] flawless and works to control oiliness. 


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Brands, Skin Care and Makeup for Oily Skin La Roche Posay HelloSkin

La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Sebo-Controlling Moisturiser for oily and blemish-prone skin, RRP £14.49 [but order from HelloSkin and use code HELLONIKKI2 and you'll totes get 10% off]

This lightweight moisturiser does exactly what it says on the tin - working just like a primer [I sometimes use it as one, too] it controls oil and minimises your pores. If you're prone to the occasional break-out, it definitely helps with those sneaky little b*stards too. Another lovely, super effective product from La Roche Posay.


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Brands, Skin Care and Makeup for Oily Skin Milani Primer

Milani Prime Shield Face Primer, Mattifying + Pore Minimising Face Primer, RRP £12.95

Although I've only recently stumbled across this primer, it's legit the best one I've ever tried. It leaves my skin feeling amazing and super smooth; for a flawless makeup application. It also MASSIVELY reduces shine and easily makes my makeup last hours longer; even in problem areas like my chin, where my foundation just seems to rub off for a laugh. Strong claim to make here, but this primer MIGHT just be a miracle worker.


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Brands, Skin Care and Makeup for Oily Skin Fresh Naturals


I am obsessed with Fresh Naturals' sugar scrubs; namely this one. They're the perfect exfoliator and leave your skin feeling fresh, invigorated and alive. Not only do these amazing natural scrubs buff your skin to perfection, they also leave it lightly moisturised and radiant. Perfect for all skin types - but I find these scrubs really help my oily skin and also fix most fake tan disasters!


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Brands, Skin Care and Makeup for Oily Skin Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day


This stuff works legit miracles when it comes to setting my makeup in place and stopping it melting off in a tidal wave of oil after a few hours. It's hands down the BEST mattifying setting spray I've tried to date; though I am keen to try the new Urban Decay matte setting spray too. Spraying a cloud of these beautifully fragranced mists on my face in a morning lasts me all day.


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Brands, Skin Care and Makeup for Oily Skin Kokoa African Black Soap


I first tried this brand around Christmas, and the one product of theirs which really made an impression on me is this, their African Black Soap; which is totally organic. I've been using this on my shoulders and back, and honestly; it's worked absolute wonders for me. It dries up excess sebum and closes pores; I can see an incredible difference in my skin. It might look a little bit like poo, but bear with it - it's results are anything but that.


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Brands, Skin Care and Makeup for Oily Skin Kokoa African Black Soap

Do you have oily skin? What are your must-have products to keep the dreaded shine at bay? Do you have any recommendations that I need to try?

Life is at least 300% better with a tan. Fact. And I was lucky enough to be sent a gorgeous goody bag* from Skinny Tan recently which totes backs this fact up. Filled to the brim with what I can only describe as GAME CHANGING tanning products; my life, day, week and possibly life were all made when Paul the Postie dropped this off.

If you weren't aware, Skinny Tan have just released a brand new tanning mousse which blows all others out of the water. It's their Express Mousse*, which promises a tan within just one hour. And you'll fall in love with it even quicker than you'll see the results.

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Skinny Tan New Express Mousse Fake Tan Review One Hour Tan

Skinny Tan are a vegan friendly, cruelty free brand, who use a natural tanning active with naturally derived skin smoothing actives in their products; to tan, contour and reduce the visible appearance of cellulite on the skin. And it really works - every product I've tried from them is so nourishing and moisturising, your tan glows from the inside out and my body confidence rockets.

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Skinny Tan New Express Mousse Fake Tan Review One Hour Tan

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Skinny Tan New Express Mousse Fake Tan Review One Hour Tan

I've tried a fair few of Skinny Tan's products in my time, but I have to say; their new Express Mousse has dethroned them all to become my new HANDS DOWN favourite Skinny Tan Product

Here's why I love it so much: 

- It's amazing. The tan it leaves you with is so soft and feels so nourished. It's like, the mousse soaks into your skin and moisturises it at the same time; so your tan looks perfectly natural, lasts for ages and doesn't start to get patchy or flaky with a few days wear. 

- It's a mousse - and I find mousse formulas the easiest by far to apply.

- Its stain makes it easy to apply and ensure that you've not missed a spot; as well as hitting you with an instant sunkissed glow.

- It smells lovely - similar to other Skinny Tan products; with that gorgeous, distinctive coconut scent - but even nicer. It's so sweet and scrumptious, [to me] its fragrance has a pinch of vanilla and cupcakes thrown in. Hands down, it's the nicest smelling fake tan I've ever tried.

- You can use it in numerous different ways. The results you can get from just this one product are varying - and due to such, one bottle suits all. Whether you're looking for a light, medium or like me - dark tan; Express Mousse has gotcha. You can tan to perfection; with a glow perfectly suited to the occasion. 

- It's super quick developing, ideal for spur of the moment nights out when you only have an hour or so to go from desk to dancefloor.

- It's cruelty free and vegan friendly.


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Skinny Tan New Express Mousse Fake Tan Review One Hour Tan

How it works

1. Leave it on for 1 hour for a light / medium tan to develop on your skin; for a subtle glow.
2. For a deeper, more sunkissed tan; leave on for 3 hours
3. For the deepest, richest tan that lasts for up to 14 days [!] leave your Express Mousse on overnight.

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Skinny Tan New Express Mousse Fake Tan Review One Hour Tan

I'd also like to take this opportunity to rave about a couple of my other favourite goodies, found nestling in this gorgeous Skinny Tan bag of tanning triumph. Used together, these two amazing products are the ULTIMATE Exfoliating duo; and the new loves of my life.

Skinny Tan Exfoliating Mitt*

This mitt is a literal genius. The orange side exfoliates your skin, to prepare it for fake tan application and the brown side offers pro-level dermabrasion to remove or correct excess tan - lifesaver.

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Skinny Tan New Express Mousse Fake Tan Review One Hour Tan

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Skinny Tan New Express Mousse Fake Tan Review One Hour Tan

Skinny Tan Pre-Tan Primer*

This stuff is groundbreaking. I use it to prepare my skin for a fresh fake tan application, and it leaves it feeling SO unbelievably soft and alive. It also definitely helps, when teamed with the exfoliating mitt above, to remove fake tan disasters and mad patches of fake tans past. It smells lovely and helps ensure that your tan lasts the test of time; with no streaking or clinging to dry patches of skin. 

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Skinny Tan New Express Mousse Fake Tan Review One Hour Tan

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Skinny Tan New Express Mousse Fake Tan Review One Hour Tan

My skin has never looked so naturally bronzed and I can't wait for Summer so I can show it off. The entire Skinny Tan range is fantastic and I can't recommend it enough - but honestly, if there's one product you need to try in 2017, it's definitely the Skinny Tan Express Mousse. Place your order online or pick up a bottle at Superdrug.

What's your favourite Skinny Tan product? Do you have a go-to fake tan product you'd recommend?
Lovelaughslipstick Blog

*This post contains items I was gifted for the purpose of review. As always though, all opinions are totes honest, my own and not those of anyone else

Commonly known fact: I've wanted to try Milani Cosmetics for AGES. Lesser known fact [to me, at least]: is that JustMyLook* stock LOADS of their products; which I was totes unaware ofAnd this fresh knowledge has defo altered the path of my life - forever. Thanks to the beauts at JustMyLook HQ my dreams finally came true - I got to try some Milani and to pretend like I'm an actual functioning adult with proper makeup. Yay!

Milani totally lived up to - and exceeded - the expectations I had for it; which is super exciting news for the blog [& the sad state of affairs which is my face] but not such good news for my bank balance. Soz Natwest. Again.


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review

Here's a cheeky summary of the Milani items I tried out from JustMyLook. And be warned, if you're not familiar with Milani products and their STUNNING packaging; brace yourself to witness the fitness and hold onto your self-control. You will want to buy it all.


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review


Is this not the prettiest blusher you've ever seen in the entirety of your life? Cos it's definitely the most beautiful blush I've ever clapped eyes on. Milani have absolutely slayed the packaging game here - the stunning gold casing makes this already babein' blush look even more lux. Doesn't it look proper high-end?! 

I think I possibly picked the wrong shade for my skin in this product, as I'm quite dark-skinned really [lots of people seem to think I'm Spanish or Turkish at the moment, especially when I have fake tan on?!] so it doesn't have quite as much of an impact as I'd usually like. It's gorgeous though - shimmery, pigmented and also acts as a pretty highlight; as well as a cute blush. I'll pick a deeper shade next time, but will still definitely get some use out of this.


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review

Milani Prime Shield Face Primer, Mattifying + Pore Minimising Face Primer* [RRP £12.95, JustMyLook]

Strong statement to lead in with, but totes true. This Primer is legit the best one I've tried so far in my adult life. It leaves my skin feeling amazing and super smooth; for a flawless makeup application. It also MASSIVELY reduces shine and easily makes my makeup last hours longer; even in problem areas like my chin, where my foundation just seems to rub off for a laugh. And it smells great. I can't fault it.

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review



I love the minimal packaging of this setting powder. As an oily beast, I rely heavily on mattifying setting powders to keep my makeup on my face; so I was excited to try a brand other than Rimmel to see how it measured up. Pretty well, to be fair! A lovely soft powder which is fantastic for baking. Also suitable for all skin tones, which is fab. Defo worth a try.

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review


Milani Amore Matte Lip Créme, in Shade 26: Fling* [RRP £9.95, JustMyLook]

Normally I'm that basic bitch who's like 'OMG I CAN'T USE THIS UNTIL I'VE PHOTOGRAPHED IT FOR THE BLOG' but in the case of this liquid lipstick, I couldn't not have a play about with it. It's unreal. It lasts for ages, isn't pure drying and the pigmentation is fantastic. It's one of my all-time fave matte lipglossesGranted, you need to have made sure your lips are exfoliated before using and you may have to top it up once or twice to maintain its brightness; but I'm still super impressed.

Fling is a gorgeous mauve-plum colour - I wore this on the last night out I went on and actually felt like a presentable human with an okay face. So DREAMS CAN COME TRUE. 

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - JustMyLook Milani Cosmetics Review

Have you tried anything from Milani yet? With their beaut packaging, cruelty free products and huge range; I can't recommend them enough

I'm so glad that the reality lived up to my expectation with this brand. And also super glad that I discovered JustMyLook - with their huuuuge range of brands [did you know they sell Urban Decay, Real Techniques, Tangle Teezer, Ardell and Sleek, to name just a few blogger faves?], free UK shipping and cheap express postage; they're the perfect online store to rinse next time you feel like treating yourself.

*This post contains items I was gifted for the purpose of review, but as always, all opinions are very much my own.

The struggle is real, when you're an actual peasant but you also have a burning shopping addiction that won't quit. And this problem is intensified about a million times when you're regularly exposed to the Blogisphere and press releases - you guys all have such amazing stuff and I'm sat here with my Smart Price Baby Wipes and a bowl of pasta, weeping at the state of my life. 

Every now and again, I fall spectacularly off the wagon and buy stuff I can't afford. Beauty Bay has become my biggest downfall in life. Like, I might not be able to eat, but at least my contour will be on point, you get me? Well that's what happened [again] to inspire this post. I did a boo-boo and three new liquid lipsticks ended up in my possession. Soz NatWest. Blame the bloggers who totes influenced / enabled me to buy these sexy new products - two of my faves actually, EmmysBeautyCave and FrannyMac.

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night

I mean, just look at them. They're that beautiful, it kinda nullifies the pain of having literally one pair of leggings to wear and Smart Price pasta for tea everyday. And they are, hands down, some of the most pigmented rich formulas I've ever tried - especially the Velour Liquid Lipsticks from our Jeffree. I know Jeffers has a pretty dodgy rep and some of the stuff he's said is defo not okay, but after reading Fran's review on his products [and realising they're cruelty free] it was like my brain ruled out all sensible thought processes and just went for gold. And that's how Prom Night and Masochist ended up in my life.


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night


At £16 each, they ain't cheap - but their formula and pigmentation is so insane, it kinda justifies it. They apply pretty liquidy and then settle on the lips for a gorgeous matte finish - and because of this, they're not super drying; so your lips won't be left looking like some mad, scaly-ass dragon. They also last for AGES - there's no amount of Jáger you can slurp to make these bad boys shift - I've very kindly tested this theory out for you.

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night


Prom Night is my fav. It's the brightest, girliest shade of pink ever - it's almost fluorescent. It applies a bit more liquidy than Masochist but dries into a lovely matte finish. A little goes a long way and the applicator is perfect for a precise application. I'm obsessed, impressed and deeply in love. Jeffree, you might have made some questionable life choices, but holy sh*t, you make a good lippy.


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night


Masochist is a totally different shade than I'd normally go for - I was expecting it to be a bit more magenta toned than it actually is, but it's so vampy and amazing that I will make an exception time & time again for it. It's a sexy, deep rose / red colour, with [I think] slightly blue undertones; so it doesn't make my teeth look pyarrrr yellow. It's pretty amazing and I can totes see why this particular shade is one of Jeffree's bestsellers. An out-out kinda lippy.

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night


Laguna Beach is the most perfect everyday nude liquid lipstick ever. I knew I'd love it after spotting it on Emmy's blog - we are ridiculously similar and I can always rely on her to find the latest and greatest in beauty [and then totes enable me to buy it, haha.] Since it arrived with me, I've worn it most days with my Mac Soar lip liner; for that extra bit of definition. It's a slightly drier formula than our Jeffree's offerings, but it definitely lasts the test of time and applies evenly / easily.


Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night

The only bug-bear I have with this Ofra lipstick is its fragrance. It has a very sweet, vanilla ice cream scent - which smells like the Ice Cream Chewits I used to devour and make myself sick off as a child. 

For this reason, the fragrance does make me feel a little bit sick every time I apply it. But once it's on, the fragrance fades and normality resumes. The end results are worth the smell. It's not unpleasant at all - this is totes just a personal preference of mine, but I couldn't not mention it; in the interests of total disclosure and all that. You might love it. I'm just an overly sensitive old bag.

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night

Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night

There we have it - three very different, yet equally striking matte liquid lipstick shades. All purchases influenced by bloggers. And do I regret them? Not at all - I've worn Laguna Beach pretty much every day since it arrived with me [holding my nose during application] and the Jeffree lipsticks are a thing of beauty which I can't quite believe I even own. AND WHO NEEDS TO EAT ANYWAY!Lovelaughslipstick Blog - Jeffree Star & Ofra Liquid Lipsticks Review with Swatches Laguna Beach Masochist Prom Night
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