The Lo Down - My Beautiful Struggle by Jordan Bone

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I was recently sent a book to review that was written by one of my favourite beauty bloggers, Jordan Bone. If you haven't heard of her you must be seriously living under a rock cause she's totally amazing. She has a YouTube channel that I watch so much, I love when a new video pops up in my feed.

For me Jordan is so inspirational, when she was 15 years old she was in a terrible car accident that left her paralysed from the chest down and shocked her into depression. Instead of giving in she was like a phoenix rising from the ashes, after a long recovery because of her love of makeup she started a YouTube channel and I along with all the rest of her subscribers are glad she did

I read her newly launched book in a couple of sittings and the story is so powerful and inspiring. I actually cried a tear reading some of it. To have come through so much in your teens is incredible. It makes me realise not to sweat the small stuff and get on with my life.

I love how Jordan compares chapters in her life to her makeup routine, it is such an uplifting book and it's definitely a must read. I'm so happy to see so many amazing bloggers doing well for themselves, it's well deserved.

Laura<3 

The Lo Down - Face Paint by Lisa Eldridge

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Another one of my all time favourite makeup artists is Lisa Eldridge. I just love the makeup looks she creates on her YouTube channel, I just get so many ideas. My parents bought me her book, Face Paint last Christmas and it's definitely quickly become one of my favourites. This book is totally different to other makeup books I own as it tells the history of makeup so I find it ever so interesting. 

The book contains 229 pages and it's so informative it starts from when makeup was first used and continues on from there. I took alot of information from this book and I thought it was good. I love the imagery and just look at that cover, it's amazing I love it!

If your looking for a beauty book different to the norm I'd definitely recommend picking up this book. As I've said it's something different and I really enjoyed it, it's such a good read. I think it would make a great coffee table book to flick through as it's full of interesting information.

Laura<3 

The Lo Down - 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher Book Review

Hey Guys and Dolls,

The latest book I've managed to finish reading is 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I started this book in and around two weeks ago and I really enjoyed it, I seriously couldn't put it down. My Dad bought this book for me in my favourite bookshop in Dublin, Hodges and Figgis. I never leave that place without a new book or two.

I started this book right away and as I've said above I couldn't put it down. The book itself focuses on the difficult topic of mental health and suicide. I've done a couple of posts about my experience with ill mental health and of course I know how much a big epidemic it is all over the world. I think alot more should be done to support people that are suffering from mental health issues as for some it will be the hardest fight of their life.

13 Reasons Why is told through the two main characters Clay and Hannah. Sadly at the beginning of the book you learn that Hannah has lost her life to suicide. I don't particularly like the world commited as it sounds like you commited a crime or something. Hannh was at a difficult time in her life with school and life in general and she feels in the end that her only option is taking her own life. No one should ever feel that way and this should never be the only option available. I've learned in my life that suicide is a long term solution for a short term problem. Everything in life is fixable and I myself may have taken a while to realise that but it's definitely true.

Back to the story, Clay receives a box in the mail which includes inside 13 cassette tapes that documents 13 Reason Why Hannah Baker killed herself. Some parts of this book gave me the chills and it is hard to read but at the end of the day I feel like 13 Reasons Why focused on alot of issues that need to be talked about in our society right now. We are seriously losing too many teenagers and young adults to suicide every week and this needs to change. No one should be a statistic!

I really recommend giving this book a read if you get the chance and definitely let me know what you think. You can't really go anywhere these days without seeing negative feedback about the Netflix's 13 Reasons Why tv adaptation. I haven't watched the full season yet so I don't want to give my review of the show but I will be doing one very soon. I can say I do like it so far.

The Lo Down - Arnotts Style Sessions - Sali Hughes

 Hey Guys and Dolls,

Last night I went along to one of the Style Sessions at Arnotts in Dublin. The two speakers were Melanie Morris, editor of Image Magazine and Sali Hughes, beauty writer. I really enjoyed the evening and I brought along my boyfriend Daragh along with me on the evening, he had a good night aswell. The talk was really informative, Sali is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to all things beauty. The event itself was so busy, my boyfriend and I didn't get a seat but we stood and listened to the talk.

I learnt so much at the event and at the end you could ask questions. I was one of the first fifteen people to ask a question and I received a goody bag which you can see below. I'm delighted with it, it contains so many amazing products including my favourite moisturiser Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream in a beautiful tub. It was such an amazing prize.

Sali Hughes also signed my Pretty Iconic book on the night and she couldn't of been nicer. Arnotts Style Sessions run til tomorrow and there are alot of amazing speakers so definitely check out their website for more info about this great event.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - A Small Book Haul

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I've been reading so much lately, I really enjoy a good book. I've read about three books in the last week or so that's really good going I think. I find it hard to go into a book shop without picking up a book to be honest. I always find one that I like. When I was in the Bookstation a while ago I picked up a couple of books from the same author. I don't know if you have this book shop in your country it's great though as you do get books at pretty good value so that's why I like it. It can be hit and miss sometimes but the last few times I went in was successful. 

The three books I bought are by the author Ransom Riggs you may of heard of him. He wrote Miss Peregrine's House For Peculiar Children which was recently made into a film. I haven't seen it yet but I'm definitely going to watch it soon once I finish the book because of course I want to do posts comparing them. I've started the book and so far it's pretty good I'm enjoying it so I'm glad I bought it.

The other two books I bought are the sequels Library of Souls and Hollow City which I will certainly read once I finish the first one. I do have a lot of books to read at the moment but I'll definitely do a review on them all. I really like the covers on these books they look very unusual indeed and I was immediately drawn towards them I'm not going to lie. I like a good book so if any of these are like the first one I'll be happy.

If you have any book recommendations yourself definitely let me know I love finding new ones to read so tell me your favourite books.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F***

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I recently bought the book, The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*** and I thought I'd share my thoughts with you guys. Sorry if you your a bit offended by the name but clearly it is what it is. I myself am always stressed out and care too much at times I suffer with anxiety so I thought I'd give this book a read. I think we always can overly care about things alot which isn't a bad thing but I thought I'd read this book to see if I could care about things maybe a bit less and focus on myself that little bit more.

I bought this book in Easons on special offer and the minute I saw it I knew I had to buy it. It's such a easy and interesting read so I'm glad I did. It's layed out well and there's so many great tips in there. Major kudos to   who wrote this, no wonder this book is doing so well it's really good and insightful.

I know another one of her books has just launched and it's pretty much the same idea so I'm definitely going to pick it up next week in Easons and let you know what I think.

I was super impressed with this book and it definitely has helped me care a little bit less about stressful things that are going on in my life right now which is a good things.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Fantastic and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As you probably know already I'm a huge fan of Harry Potter and Wizarding World related, I seriously can't get enough. I was so excited when they brought out Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them. I own the Comic Relief book they brought out a couple of years ago but it is nothing like the book. I finished this in a few days as it is short and sweet.

I thoroughly enjoyed drifting off into the Magical Wizarding World again, this book focuses on Newt Scamander, a explorer and magizoologist who is on his way to New York with a case of magical creatures. He plans his stay to be brief but when his case is misplaced he has to go and find all his rare magical creatures.

This book is done as a screenplay and is different to Harry Potter books as it takes place across the big pond in the United States. I really enjoyed reading it, I love reading how the relationships built between the characters in the book. Newt Scamander is probably one of my favourite characters from the all the J.K. Rowling books to date, he's quite different to all the others and that's what I like about him.

I hope they bring out another book in this series for sure as I know I'd definitely read it. I enjoyed going back into the Wizard World again, I seriously didn't want to leave this time.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Black Dawn by Mallory McCartney

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I've finished two books in the past week, I know I'm seriously on a roll at the moment when it comes to reading. The second book I've finished is called Black Dawn by Mallory McCartney. Again this is another writer I came across on Instagram which I love for things like that. I was so excited when Mallory sent me over her book to review, I haven't actually come across it yet in Ireland and it is so good.

 I literally started this book yesterday and finished it today, I really like how it's quick and easy to read. If I'm being honest I actually couldn't put this book down the story is amazing and is different to books I usually read. The story focuses on the magical and war ridden world of Keiro and three main characters Memphis, Brokk and Emory. To help Emory survive the war and evil king Adair, the boys wiped her memory and transported her to our world where she would indeed be safer.

With no knowledge of her previous, of course Emory is scared when both Memphis and Brokk turn up in her apartment and take her back to Keiro. She doesn't remember who she is and after giving her back her memories she is still pretty confused about the whole situation. She is kinda dropped in the deep end as she is the one they need to defeat King Adair in the Black Dawn rebellion and her powers aren't even fully back yet.

I'm not going to go into too much more detail as I don't want to ruin the story for you all. If you like what you've heard so far I'd definitely recommend picking up this book. It's a light read and if you haven't been reading for a while like me it's certainly a book to get you back into reading. You get transported into their world instantly and there's so many twists and turns. I also have to appreciate the cover of this book it's so eyecatching, I'm a big fan. I really like to book and I hear it's going to be a series so I can't wait to get my hands on the second one when it's released.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Lisa Fitzpatrick Enjoying Style and Fashion

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As I've been losing a substantial weight over the last two months I've been reading alot of fashion related books to get some tips and tricks. One of my favourites have been Lisa Fitzpatrick's Enjoying Style & Fashion, it's soo good and so informative I love it!

Again this book is separated into easy to read sections which you all know at this stage that I like.I love the section Style Tips from the Icons, I definitely need a trench coat in my life after reading this. I also really like the section on Body and Beauty as I picked up a lot of tips and of course I'm a beauty blogger at the end of the day first and foremost. There's also a section on Consumer Rights which is always good, I haven't seen that in many books but there great to know as we are all shopaholics at heart.

I'm not too sure how much this book retails for but I presume it retails for €20 as much books like this do. I really enjoyed reading this book, it's another great one for the coffee table that's for sure. I love the imagery and it was such a interesting read. I'm looking forward to reading more books from Lisa Fitzpatrick soon.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Probably the prettiest books I own!

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As you all know I love a good book. If I'm in town with my parents I always pay a trip to Hodges & Figgis, my favourite book shop in Dublin. It's amazing if you have never been definitely go it's huge. I'll always pick up a book or two when I'm there sure it would be rude not to I think!

A while back I bought these three beautiful books and to say I'm in love with them is a understatement. The books are fairytales written by Camilla Morton and illustrated by celebrated fashion designers which I think is such an amazing idea and it was well thought about.

The result is three gorgeous books that would look gorgeous on your makeup shelf, just look how pretty the covers are! These were expensive €18 but I'm glad I purchased them and I'll definitely cherish them for years to come.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Pixiwoo Faces

Hey Guys and Dolls,

A book I got over Christmas was Pixiwoos Faces. My boyfriend bought it for me on Amazon as one of my many Christmas presents, Daragh really is the best boyfriend I seriously love him to pieces. He even takes a interest in beauty stuff so he's definitely a keeper that's for sure. Back to the book, I was really excited when I heard the Pixiwoo sisters Sam and Nic were bringing out a book so I knew I definitely had to get my hands on it. I've been watching the girls YouTube videos for years and I love them both, there amazing!

So the book itself is hardback which I really like when it comes to beauty books for some reason. This book is so beautifully written I'm a huge fan of it I have to say. Am I the only one who likes the smell of a new book by the way? The book opens with a introduction and biographies on the girls which I found really interesting indeed. I loved the section on eyes the most as I'm always trying to make my peepers look amazing so this book helped that little bit more which is welcome. Faces is separated into easy to read sections with sections covering tools, skin, eyes etc plus a Q&A you can rest assured that everything is covered in this and not a stone is left unturned. When you purchase this book you can download a free app with exclusive content which is a pretty fun cool idea.

I really enjoyed reading this book, my Beauty book collection is definitely getting big now and I'm delighted about that. This was so amazing and I hope this is the first of many books by these incredibly talented sisters.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Taking a Chance by Becky Monson

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I love instagram, it's such an amazing little app and I use it all the time. I have my own account(@allmadeup21) and post regularly everyday. As you all know I love to read, I'd read just about anything to be honest, you can find such an array of different genre of books in my collection. That's another reason why I love Instagram I can find a tonne of new authors to me and Becky Monson. I came across her lovely page (@bmonsonauthor) after she liked one of my posts and we got chatting about her books.

Becky has five books in total including a novella and I was so lucky that she sent me four to review. I love finding new authors that I haven't heard of before as it makes reading their books more exciting I feel. The first book I started reading was the novella called Taking a Chance and I loved it.

This book contains 57 pages so if your looking for a easy read on a chilled out day this is definitely one to go for. Taking a Chance revolves around two characters Liza and Jay Sanders who meet when Liza is having a bit of a breakdown going up the Empire State Building elevator. She has a fear of heights and of course elevators so the two together are not a perfect match. Jay starts talking to her and decides to help her overcome hear fear. I'm not going to tell you anything else as I don't want to give anything away but this is such a good little story. It's so enjoyable, I read it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down, I've actually read two books in the last couple of days, I'm on a role at the moment.

I'd definitely recommend picking up this novella you won't regret it, you can get it in paperback or on your Kindle on Amazon. I've already started another book by Becky, Thirty-Two Going On Spinster and I can't wait to see what it's like. I'll definitely put up a review of it aswell soon.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Pretty Iconic by Sali Hughes

Hey Guys and Dolls,

So I got a really great offer in Eason this week. I bought Sali Hughes Pretty Iconic for €13.99. Yes €13.99!! It's usually €35 here in Ireland so it's pretty pricey alright so this get it at such a good price was amazing.

I was so glad I picked up this book as it's beautifully written. I already own Pretty Honest and I love it, it's a treasured part of my beauty book collection. They both look so well on my shelf. Like all beauty beauty books I love that this is separated into sections which makes for easy reading. This book looks at beauty products that have changed the world, with sections  named The Icons and The Gamechangers this book makes for a very interesting read.

I love books like this as you can pick it up, open it and start from anywhere. This is such a great read and a nice addition to my beauty book collection. I'd definitely recommend picking this up if you can while it is on special offer. At the price of €13.99, it's not to be missed.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - About Face by Aisling McDermott & Laura Kennedy

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I'm a big reader I have so many books but I love beauty related books in particular. Most of my collection is made up of beauty books. Not only are they great to read but they also make amazing coffee table books. I can't wait to get my own apartment with my boyfriend Daragh.

A book I got a couple of Christmases ago was About Face by Aisling McDermott and Laura Kennedy. This book is basically described as the Smart Women's Guide to Beauty and it's so so good, I love it!If you don't recognise the authors names already you must be living under a rock this book is written by past Beaut.ie founder Aisling McDermott and Irish Times columnist Laura Kennedy who make a great combination with all their knowledge combined.

Like every great beauty book it's split into easy to ready sections e.g makeup, skincare etc. I love the imagery in this book it's so beautiful and all the pictures look really well. I think good pictures make a book for me to be honest. This book is huge, it has in and around 200 pages which means it's jam packed with lots of beauty tips and tricks, just what I wanted. It's just so informative.

About Face retails for €22.99 which I think is amazing value and you'll take so much from this book, I guarantee it. I'm definitely going to do more book reviews in the future as I really enjoy doing them.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Essie Button/Estee Lalonde Bloom Book

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As you all know I love when bloggers are doing well for themselves. Another beauty blogger I adore is Estee Lalonde, most people will know her as Essie Button. I've been a huge fan of hers since she broke into the YouTube scene a couple of years ago. It wasn't long til her views were going up in the thousands and she grew in popularity. Her and her boyfriend Aslan do amazing YouTube videos and I love when they come up in my subscription box. From day to day vlogs to how to beauty videos, everyone is always kept entertained that's for sure. I was so excited when she decided to launch her own book. I knew right away that this would be something I'd love. I hadn't got time to purchase or to be honest the funds so I held back on getting it for a while. That changed a couple of days ago and I bought it on Easons website. Just to let you know the postage was super quick in that site aswell. I don't think it's one people think to use that much, well I haven't. 

So back to the book, it arrived yesterday so I haven't had time to read it as of yet so this is going to be somewhat of a overview post but I'll definitely do another post which of course will be a review once I finish reading it. First off can we just appreciate the cover of this book. It's beautiful! I love the colour of it and I think the cover photo of Estee is so pretty.

The book itself is jam packed, it includes sections on travel, fashion, food and of course beauty. I'm only a couple of pages through so far and I find this book so interesting. It's full of snippets from Estee's life and it has beautiful pictures aswell. It's definitely a page turner that's for sure. I'm really enjoying it so far and I can't wait to see read some more. It's such a miserable day here in Dublin so day will pretty much consist of reading some more of this and watching Season 2 of Once Upon a Time I think. It seriously sounds like the perfect day to me a good book and a great tv series that I'm loving. I'm actually going to bring it over to Daragh's house later aswell so he'll be stuck with it too but I think he'll like it like how couldn't you it's amazing.

I like how this book is a perfect coffee table book. Daragh and I are talking about moving out maybe the end of this year/early next year when I eventually get a job so I'm already building my collection of coffee table books. Well I have most of them for a long time and this book will definitely be added to that collection. I think being hardback it makes the book look really fancy. I bought this book for €22.99 which I guess isn't so bad as it looks like it's going to be a good read and it just looks amazing. I don't mind forking out on books because if it's a good one I always cherish it as there's nothing better than a good book for me. You can always catch me chilling out most days with cosy socks reading one of my favourites that's for sure. As I'm a avid reader I'm definitely going to be doing more book review posts in the future so if that's something your into check back soon.

Laura<3