June Favourites

I know this is a little late this month, but I thought better late than never right? I have really enjoyed using so many different products this month. Much more than usual, so the video is a little rambley. June has literally flown by for me, I had my first year Uni exams at the beginning of the month so that took up a lot of my time. However, I am finally back in the swing of things with Youtube and my videos etc. Im even moving to a new blog and Youtube channel very soon.

This new blog needs a name and as much as I try, I cannot think of anything. My creativity has failed me! If any of you guys have any suggestions (silly,funny,girly or completely random) I would greatly appreciate it!

Other than that, I hope you all had a lovely June and have started the month of July off with a smiles on your faces!

Let me know what your June favourites were and link me to your posts if you have one:)

Have a wonderful day and enjoy the video!

Much Love

Lou

xx

Empties #1

Hello Lovelies!

So exams are FINALLY over. Five science exams in 2 weeks is never going to be fun really is it? I am however. incredibly excited that it is over (and after rather a lot of laptop hiccups along the way) I am back to blogging again :)

I have used up a lot of products in the last couple of months and instead of throwing them away, I have carted all the empty bottles, boxes and jars back home from uni so I can show you lovely people what I have used and what I thought of them.

Just a warning, this is a very long post...

 LUSH Creamed Almond and Coconut Smoothie

This product is described on the tub as 'a beautiful shower soap for dry skin smelling of vanilla and ylang ylang' They have in fact, got the scent description pretty accurate, it definitely has almond in there too, but although its has coconut in the name, it isn't overly obvious or overwhelming. I bought this at least a year ago now and it has taken a very long time for me to get through it, I used in conjunction with the LUSH Glorious Mud Shower Scrub to create a paste like mask for all over the body (yum...) I found that it left my skin feeling super smooth and smelling lovely. I would rather use it in conjunction with something else though, as alone it leaves that strange squeaky soap feel all over the skin - that I don't particularly like. I would repurchase this but only if I bought the mud scrub at the same time. (They have however, discontinued it, so that throws my dilemma out of the window!)

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer,

When I first applied this cult hair treatment it was to wet hair and I hated it. I had no idea what all  the blimmin'  fuss was about! It just so happens, that I then did a little research and it turns out I was doing it wrong *doh!* I reapplied it to dry, newly coloured hair (pink and purple dip-dye dontcha know ;) and it was amazing, my hair was super soft and shiny even after it had been bleached. I received this sample size in the FeelUnique beauty box before it was discontinued otherwise I wouldn't have bought it. It is way too pricey for me to consider purchasing although if you are not a penniless student then I would highly recommend it!

Garnier Intensive 7 days Ultra Softening Lotion (Dry to Extra-Dry Skin)

There is not much I can say about this product as it is fantastic. It is light weight, sinks into the skin really quickly, is very nourishing and smells divine. It is also a bargain at around £2.99 here and is a definite repurchase for my hols!

Soap & Glory Butter Yourself Body Cream

Another fabulous moisturiser. Much thicker than the Garnier one so I would recommend leaving it on overnight to sink in. I also really loved the spongy, souffle like texture to this one as it was something a bit different. As with all Soap & Glory products it smells heavenly. Its in a mid price range at £10.50 for 300ml  from Boots (often on 3 for 2). Would repurchase if I didn't like to experiment and try new things so much!

Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover

This is a pretty standard polish remover. It does the job, doesn't make a mess, smells reasonable (but I wouldn't recommend sniffing it...) and it is reasonably priced. I'm not too sold on the whole 'whitening' aspect but this is my go to remover and I have already bought a new one.

Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life

Yet another lovely Soap & Glory product. This one smells like the much loved Hand Food and Righteous Butter (I think its their 'pink' scent.) It is a very good scrub. It doesn't leave an oily residue which is a nightmare when shaving and is abrasive enough to get rid of dry skin. I would have repurchased this if it wasn't for my new love (also Soap & Glory) which a post is coming up for very soon!

Elnett Satin Diamond Hold Hair Spray,

I have been using this since I was around 13 and still love it. I have already repurchased this. Enough said :)

Phyto Express Conditioner for Colour Treated Hair

This was a sample in another of the FeelUnique Beauty Boxes. I literally cannot tell you my opinion on this. It's all a bit meh really. My hair wasn't particularly damaged at the time of use and there wasn't really enough in the sample to make a proper judgement on the product. I suppose it's always good to use things up though! Has anyone used this and liked/disliked it? I'd be rather intrigued to know.

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream,

I love this stuff. Its thick yet absorbs quickly, highly moisturising, great for my dry, sensitive skin and if the Pixiwoo girls love it then that's good enough for me! Wonderfully inexpensive and definitely a repurchase (when it is actually in stock!) Available for £7.65 here.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser Dry/Sensitive Formulation

I wasn't impressed with this product at all. I was actually rather disappointed with it considering how much I love the Cleanse and Polish. I will be posting a separate review with my reasoning soon. There are definitely better products out there that are much cheaper (see above!)

And finally, some products that are on their last legs so I thought I'd give them an honorary mention...

Lily Flame Parma Violets Candle

This smells just like Parma Violets, therefore I love it, therefore I am rather sad that it has about 10 minutes of burn time left. Definite repurchase if I can justify the price *sad face*. Available here, my mum has the Fairy Dust one which is also a lovely clean, fresh scent.

MAC Brush Cleanser,

This is a pretty standard, well known product. I have had it for ages and it does the job well along with disinfecting my brushes. It is pretty pricey though but it does take me a while to get through. Available here if you think its worth the £8.50 price tag. I'm on the fence really...

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner

I don't really have spot prone skin but it's nice to have something gentle, yet effective on hand for those times when your face decides to erupt over night (luverleee ;) When I feel like I'm starting to break out more than usual or I just feel like my skin needs a deeper cleanse, I use this as my toner for a couple of days and it clears my skin right up. It is also one of those clear skin products that tingles and feels as though it is actually working, which for me is always a bonus! A lovely product. It is available here for the rather reasonable £4.50.

Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Hand and Body Wash

This is yet another beauty box sample. It is a lovely luxurious shower gel that smells very earthy and gingery which I loved. A good night time bath/shower scent that I thoroughly enjoyed using. The price yet again put me off (at £18.50 for 300ml I would personally class it as extortion :P) but if you fancy a bit of luxury it is available here.

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion.

I have a love hate relationship with this product so I will just list the good and bad points that I have found when using this and you can make your own mind up...

Good

• Fabulously moisturising
• Good for sensitive skin
• Long lasting moisture
• Sinks into skin quickly

Bad

• Can do the evil 'bits of roley product that go all bobbly on the skin' thing :| (I sincerely hope that made sense) but that is never a good look:P 
• The smell isn't too fantastic (kind of organic *good for you* food shop oatmeally smell) I personally find it foul but it doesn't stay on the skin at all so I can put up with it!

Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make-up Remover

This is another staple in my skincare routine. It is just a standard, inexpensive and very gentle eye make-up remover that I find works very well :)

Phew!

Considering I haven't posted for ages I really can ramble on!

Anyhooo, well done if you made it this far :)

If you would like any in depth reviews please let me know and I will try and do them for you!

Much Love

Lou

xx

MAC Lipstick Collection

Hello Lovelies,

Today I thought I'd show you all of the MAC lipsticks I own, as it seems to be a highly requested post in the beauty community, I also love to see other peoples collections as its nice to see colours you wouldn't otherwise think of purchasing.

Now my collection only consists of 5 lipsticks, so not a particularly large amount. However, I decided to only do my MAC ones:

1. Because I wear them all on a regular basis so you may find it useful if you like the kind of make-up I like.

2.If I did my whole lipstick collection, it may get a little obnoxious :P (there aren't that many I promise!)

Anyway, without further ado, here they all are lined up looking neat and lovely :)

 L-R: Viva Glam Gaga II, Creme Cup, Modesty, Plumful and Dark Side.

Viva Glam Gaga II is a gorgeous brown toned nude. Great for when you want to play up the eyes or if you're going for a 60's vibe. I love this colour, but it requires very smooth lips and a lip pencil to make it look good.    

Obviously a cult classic. There isn't a person I know in the beauty blogging community that doesn't own this. It's a gorgeous baby pink that is really easy to wear due to the cream sheen finish. A great everyday colour.

 For me, Modesty is one of those 'your lips but better colours'. I use it as an everyday shade for when I just want a more polished finish without any obvious colour on the lips.

 Plumful is by far my favourite shade of MAC Lipstick. It is a gorgeous plummy pink on the lips that just lifts the entire face. It's not too bright for everyday wear due to the Lustre finish, but can be built up for a more dramatic evening look.

              Dark Side is by far my most dramatic lipstick colour. It looks lovely on, when paired with a really simple eye for a night out, or can be used as a subtle stain for more formal events.                                                        

L-R: Dark Side, Plumful, Modesty, Cremecup,Viva Glam Gaga II

Without Flash                                                                       

With Flash.

Hope you enjoyed this rather long post!

Until next time.

Much Love

Lou

xx

Tread Gently

Hello Lovelies,

You can probably guess what this post is about due to the ever so imaginative title. Yesterday I nipped into MAC and purchased yet more things *Oops!* 

My first purchase was a MSF natural, my first one I might add (Review coming soon,) and the other-more exciting purchase- was a MAC Tendertone from the Cook MAC collection. 

I've never owned a Tendertone before, mainly because the last time they were around in a collection I wasn't aware of the hype around them or what they were all about. I must say though, I'm glad I know now! 

The consistency of this is absolutely gorgeous and only a small amount is required to leave your lips feeling super soft and moisturised. I have the shade Tread Gently and I love that its a kooky yellow colour in the pot, yet it leaves a subtle shimmery gloss on the lips. 

I would definitely recommend these, I'm also considering purchasing one of the other colours. This was my favourite but I also have my eye on Hot n' Saucy as I feel it would leave more of a tint to the lips.

Have you purchased anything from the latest MAC collections?

If not do you have your eye on anything?

Much Love 

Lou

xx

P.S. The giveaway will still be happening (I know its been a while) I'm just really busy with Uni at the moment and I want the prize to be a good one, so I'm collecting things slowly! I'm hoping to be able to run the giveaway in a few weeks. Thank you for your patience! xx

MAC Haul and Review

Hello Lovelies,

In my recent post on what I bought in the boxing day sales, I gave you a sneak peak at what I bought from MAC. I was so excited to finally pick some things up. The makeup artist was absolutely lovely, she chose some beautiful colours that really work well with my skin tone too.

Here's what I bought...

Paint Pot in Groundwork

This is the loveliest bronzy/brown shade. It gives a lovely wearable wash of colour to the eyes, or works as an amazing base for a neutral eye.

Lipstick in Plumful

Hands down this is my favourite lipstick EVER. Not that I own an enormous amount, but this is simply beautiful. It has an amazing formulation (its a lustre), feels good on the lips and really complements my skin tone. It is a gorgeous plummy red shade that is just dark enough to have an effect, but not too dramatic either. It can be dabbed on the lips for everyday wear, or worn opaque for a night out. Bloody love it!

Eyeshadow in Coppering

I bought this as a slightly more dramatic edition to my neutral palette, it is a gorgeous red/copper shade that is surprisingly very wearable.

Blush in Blushbaby

This was one of those 'I shouldn't buy anymore so ill leave it, but then you go back to the store later and pick it up' purchases :) Dreadful as that is, I do not regret it at all. I don't think I own a blush like this. Quite simply, it is soft, matte, contouring loveliness.

Writing this post, I realise just how much I bought :P. I must say though, I am very pleased with all the products and have already used them multiple times in the last week.

Have you bought any new makeup items recently?

Much Love

Lou

xxx

Boxing Day Sales

Hello Lovelies,

Being the dedicated shopper that I am, I dragged myself out of bed at 8am Boxing Day and tootled off into Leeds City Centre to brave the sales. Boy o' boy am I glad I did:)

Not only did I get to spend (too much) of my Christmas money, I also managed to pick up a few things I really wouldn't have expected to buy. (I may also have picked up a few cheeky 'non sale' items :P *oops*)

I'll start with the beauty related items as I feel this may interest you most.

My first stop was LUSH, equipped with the £15 voucher from my parents. I was so excited to find all of the Christmas gifts and products 50% off. I picked up a £35 box containing 12 things, for only £17! Amazing right?

It's called the 12 days of Christmas.

All of the products smell delicious, there isn't even the usual 'not as nice as the rest' suspect.

I also picked up an extra Cinders bath bomb :)

My Second stop was Harvey Nichols (with my £20 voucher) to visit the MAC counter. There was no sale on here, but I haven't been to MAC in ages so picked up a few items that the makeup artist (who was amazing) recommended. Everywhere else in the store was madness though, I'm talking middle aged women fighting over PRADA handbags crazy :')

I then went to Superdrug and picked up one of the Rimmel lipsticks from the Kate Moss collection and two new nail polishes.

327 Heart on Fire

520 Camouflage Chic

Lipstick 008 (I couldn't see a name)

My surprise item of the trip was actually an extra Christmas gift from my mother. I've been in need of some sturdy winter boots for a really long time as my current boots are starting to deteriorate after three loving years. I decided to go for something a little different this time. Take a look at these beauties...

How frickin' cute are they!! Now I know many people will hate these, but they are honestly so so versatile and incredibly girly of course. Its amazing how many things they go with (post soon.)

I also found these cute (slightly less daring boots) in the sale at new look for £30 (down from £70) and thought they were amazing quality for the price.

I also picked up a new handbag(pictured with docs) for £6 and an adorable jewellery stand from NEXT for £4.

This jewellery stand was originally £10 and I have been eyeing it up for ages, but could not justify the price. I jumped at the chance to buy it in the sales XD. It looks so beautiful with my earrings displayed on the mantle piece :)

Phew!:)

That was a very long post.

It seems I went a little mad on the shopping front ;)

If you made it this far, congratulations and if you would like any in depth reviews on the items mentioned just let me know.

Did anyone else pick up some bargains in the Sales?

Much Love

Lou

xxx

No Glitter Here!

Hello Lovelies,

Just a quick post to show you my New Years Eve make up. Those who follow me on twitter may have already seen a glimpse of this, but for those who haven't, here it is :)

I have no idea why, but as I let my imagination do it's stuff, I seem to have ended up with a very 60's inspired look. Think twiggy lashes and pale lips. Not an ounce of glitter in sight. I really loved how it turned out though!

*Insert very large picture of Lou here*

Face:

No7 Lift & Luminate Foundation in Alabaster (Review Soon)

Garnier Roll on under eye concealer in Very Fair

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in 001

MAC Blush in Blushbaby

Eyes:

MAC Shadow in Brule

Loreal Super Liner in Carbon Black

Benefit Eye Bright

Loreal Blue Eyes Volume Million Lashes Mascara

Eylure Naturalites Lashes in 101

Lips:

Nivea Lip balm

Barry M Lipstick in 101 (yes i went there!)

MAC Cremesheen in Fashion Scoop

What do you think?

Much Love

Lou

xx

First Youtube Video Ever!

Hello Lovelies,

I was incredibly bored yesterday and for some reason decided to jump on the youtube bandwagon. I did the Fall Loves tag, having seen a few other beauty girls on youtube do their videos.

I actually really enjoyed it! I thought I'd be a nervous wreck (and I did ramble a lot) but It was a lot of fun. If any of you are unsure about starting youtube, just go for it!

Thankyou to slhxbeauty and viviannadoesmakeup for giving me a little nudge towards posting!

Anyway, here it is:

Sorry for the bad lighting towards the end, I didn't realise until it was too late :( . I will film again today so hopefully the lighting will be fixed!

Also, any feedback would be fantastic.

Rate, Comment, Subscribe ;)

Love

Lou

xx

Blushing Beauty

Hello Lovelies,

Just a quick peak at my rather small yet perfectly formed blush collection. 3 to be precise.

Now I love blusher for that quick and healthy flush of colour. It really helps to perk up a dull complexion. I don't really wear bronzer as I have a very pale skin and find it hard to pull off. So these three beauties serve as a lovely middle ground between crazy e/s and uber bright lipstick for every day wear.

I'm looking for some new blush colours too (maybe a brighter hot pink :P), so if there are any you'd recommend. don't hesitate to leave a comment :)

MAC Blushcreme-Ladyblush        MAC Powder Blush-Well Dressed

MaxFactor Creamy Blush -Soft Murano

MAC Blushcreme Ladyblush - This is a lovely warm coral colour, that would flatter most skin tones, it matches mine perfectly and looks 'barely there' whilst still adding a hint of colour. The creamy texture is wonderful over liquid and cream foundation, really easy to blend with a brush or fingers and it stays put all day.

MAC Powder Blush Well Dressed - I'm sure you have all heard of this particular colour from MAC. It is a lovely light baby pink with Silver fleck in it. It is shimmery without being over the top and is really compliments a dark smokey eye. Also buildable.

Max Factor Soft Murano - This is a fairly recent addition to my blush family and I am rather glad I bought it. It is a deep burgundy red, great for adding a little extra colour for photos and a little more drama for a night out. Yet again the colour pay off is great and it lasts for ages on the skin. Although the packaging is rather small, a little goes a long way so it is certainly worth it.

Finally, some swatches...

        L-R Ladyblush, Well Dressed and Soft Murano

Much Love 

Lou 

xx

My Favourite Products of 2010 :)

Hello Lovelies,

I'm really excited about this post today, as I have found so many products this year that I love. I can now share them with you guys!!

I have chosen a product from each different category e.g Blush, Foundation, Cleanser which I love whole heartedly and would recommend to anyone.

Prepare for a long post. Enjoy!!

 :D

Body-care

Neutrogena  Deep Moisture Comfort Balm 

Good ol' Vaseline

Soap & Glory Clean, Girls Body Wash

LUSH The comforter Bubble Bar

Hair-care

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo and Conditioner

Aussie Take the Heat Blow Dry Cream

Lee Stafford Flat Iron Protection Mist

Elnette Diamond hold Hairspray

Tony & Guy Dry Shampoo

Skin-care

LUSH Ultra Bland Cleanser

The Body Shop Tea Tree Toner

Simple Nourishing Eye Makeup Remover Cream

L'Occitane Ultra Rich Face Cream

Soft Lips Lip Conditioner

Makeup

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation in 003 Shell

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in 001

MAC Well Dressed Blush

MAC BlackTrack Fluid Line

Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara in Blackest Black

MAC Prep & Prime Eye in Light

Nails Inc Polish in Jermyn Street

Perfume

Marks and Spencer Peruna (Daytime)

Nina Ricci, Ricci Ricci (Evening)

Phew, that was pretty epic.

I hope this has given you some good ideas about some amazing beauty products. If you want me to go more in depth with anything just let me know. 

Here's to more lovely things in 2011.

Love

Lou

xx

Mac Neutral Palette (ish) & Kooky Christmas Baubles ...

Hello Lovelies,

I haven't done a post in what seems like forever. Alas I had no working camera. However, I have acquired a brand spanking new, wonderfully gorgeously delightful camera very recently and my amazing parents have let me play with my Christmas Prezzy early :D

This may have its disadvantages when it comes to Christmas morning (I may put it back in the box and wrap it up, to open again :')) but i am a very happy bunny at present.

It is the Panasonic FZ38 and my do i love it.

Plus it's going to be sooo much easier to keep up to date with my blog as i feel like i've been neglecting you a little recently.

So without further ado...

I was in Nottingham around 2 months ago visiting the University for an open day. (I really hope i get the grades, its beautiful). 

I had to travel down there from Leeds alone and spend the entire day until I could get the bus back. 

After finishing up with meetings and presentations, I thought what better way to spend my time but to see what shopping the city has to offer. I was not disappointed!!

I only had a little money with me as i wasn't planning on buying anything, but i did pick up something I had been lusting after for a long time...

Behold my MAC Palette.

I LOVE the fact it is in no way fussy. Many people think its too plain or boring but I think it makes it ten times easier to organise into my small collection.

There is one dilemma though...

It only has one Eyeshadow!!! (Woodwinked)

Gorgeous Yet Lonely.

Now this problem was brought to my attention by the lovely Lauren over at Laurens Dressing Room who recently posted about the fact she had owned her palette for several months and had not added anything to it.

Well Lauren, you have inspired me to start increasing my collection ahah!! (any excuse :P)

Any suggestions as to which colours to go for would be great, Im already eyeing up All That Glitters, also check out Lauren's Blog, Its rather spiffy.:D

In other news, the family Christmas Tree was introduced into the household earlier this week and considering I'm feeling very festive I thought i would share it with you. (Im very lucky in my house because high ceiling=bigger tree)

Spot my awesome Shaun The Sheep footstool 8-)

I also wanted to show you the most amazingly adorably wonderful baubles in the whole entire world.

MUSHROOMMSS!!!

So pretty.

I feel like this is an absolutely mammoth post :/

Ahwell may as well add in a quick OOTD (ish) to make it longer :D

Cardigan - Matalan

Top - Select

Braclet - Birthday Present

Beads - Claires ( ribbon and bow attached my yours truly)

More of a 'Top Half of the Day' really lol.

If I don't manage another post before Christmas I hope you all have a wonderful day and get everything you've dreamed of :)

Merry Christmas

Much Love

Lou

xxx

First OOTD and FOTD :)

Hello my lovelies :D

Boy have I missed this!!
I feel like Ive been gone years although its only a few weeks :(.

So as some of you know my beloved camera decided to pass away, it was very old and i was in need of a new one for Christmas. However, it would have been nice if lovely Mr Camera was able to last until I received a beautiful new model. Alas!! This did not happen, so after a fair few weeks of blog writing urges I have decided to attempt some rather bad quality (in other words 'quirky' :) pictures with my webcam.

Blog posts will dramatically increase in quantity after Christmas. I promise!!

Thank you for sticking with me, here is the simple outfit I wore today along with a quick FOTD...

OOTD

PERIODIC TABLE FTW!! :D

Jeans - Jane Norman

Top - Select

Headband- Matalan

Bangles - Next

Ring - Dorothy Perkins

Necklace - Culture Vulture.

My hair is naturally a couple of inches below shoulder length. I tried to be adventurous today and attempt a fake bob/updo. I was rather pleased with the results if I do say so myself :D

FOTD

Peak a booooo :')

Face

 Benefit Playstix - Jax

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer -NC15

MAC Blush - Well Dressed

Eyes

Soap and Glory's Trick and Treatment (on eyelids)

Benefit Eye Bright

MAC e/s - Woodwinked

MAC Fluidline - Blacktrack

Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara - Intense Black

Hope the quality wasn't too bad :)

Until Next Time

Much Love

Lou

xxx

The Dreaded Annual Family Fortnight...

Now I know it sounds absolutely ridiculous that im complaining about going on holiday, but MY GOD, just a couple of days with my family and im going crazy!!. Anyhoooo, i got through it :P the scenery was beautiful and the sea made it worth while. I feel so much fitter now im back and have continued with my daily swimming sessions at the leisure centre (although its a far cry from beautiful blue sea). I also managed to pick up a few things while i was there.

Beautiful view from our Villa

My new friend Mr Tortoise

Another fabulous villa view :)

I got lots of lovely new things including a gorgeous new perfume :) Its certainly my favourite.

MAC Eyeshadow in Silver Ring

MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study

Softlips lip balm in Rasberry

Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci Perfume

2 Necklaces, 2 Bracelets from a market in Mostar.

and the AMAZING Button Bracelet also from a market stall :)

I hope you enjoyed my purchases:P

Any questions let me know, ill be doing a review on the perfume pretty soon.

Have you bought anything on holiday recently?

Or even just been on holiday?

Love

Lou

xxx