Fragrance Friday#4

Hello Lovelies!

Fragrance Friday is back! As you may have noticed it went a little MIA recently and of course I take full responsibility (it didn't dun away on its own:P) Anyway, I have still got a few perfumes in my collection that I want to review, so I'll try to keep up with these posts until I run out!

This week I will be reviewing...

212 VIP by Carolina Herrera

(apologies for the not so good picture. Mirrored objects are a nightmare to photograph!)

Now I know I always say this, but I think this may just be my favourite (aside from Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci which has almost run out!*sad face*) I have had this for just over a year now and it is just so scrumdiddlyumptious!

Packaging

For me this gets a HUGE thumbs up. It is really glamorous yet very simple and chic. The box matches the bottle nicely too with lovely gold detailing. The bottle is heavy and of very nice quality with a magnetic clasp (which my inner nerd and scientist loves! So satisfying when it clicks shut :') It just looks really beautiful sat on my mantelpiece.

Price

This retails at £46 for 50ml but is currently on sale here. Now this is rather pricey for a perfume, but when you take into account the beautiful design of the bottle and the fact it is an Eau de Parfum it makes it seem slightly more reasonable. I personally don't mind the price as I have only used half of it in a year. It also lasts all day on my skin.

Scent

Now I would describe this as more of an evening scent as it is quite heavily scented (yet not overpowering.) It is a very musky Vanilla scent with hints of Jasmin. So its very sweet but not at all sickly. On the The Perfume Shop website it is described as 'Oriental Vanilla' which I think sums it up perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Overall this is a lovely warm perfume perfect for evenings and special occasions. It isn't cheap but you get what you pay for and it lasts a long time.

If you haven't entered my giveaway yet you can do so here.

What is your favourite perfume of the moment? Let me know in the comments:)

Have a lovely day, Much Love

Lou

xxx

100 Followers Givaway!!

Hello Lovelies,

First of all, I want to apologise for how long it has been since I promised this. I've had to tackle exams, moving my stuff back home and being skint since then, so not much fun :P

However, I still wanted to do this as reaching 100 followers just felt mind blowing to me. The simple fact that just one person wants to read my blog is lovely. Also, since then I have actually reached 200! I cannot thank you all enough, the lovely comments you leave me always brighten my day and make blogging worth while. Lots of love and snuggles for you all!! :D

I wanted to do a little giveaway just to give something back. The items I chose are half products I already own and love, and half new releases/highly commended products. I was going to make all of them products I already have, however most of my collection consists of things that have to be matched to skin tone/colour and I wanted to make sure anyone that wins could use all of the products fully :)

So what could you win?

Kleenex Make-up Removing Wipes

These are my go to remover wipes. They featured in my June Favourites video, great for sensitive skin and remove makeup really well.

Collection 200 Shimmer Shades in Way To Glow

I don't own this but I have used it before and I love it. It was also recommended by Louise over at Sprinkle of Glitter, so that proves its awesome!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush

These have literally just hit stores in the UK. I have the same shade and absolutely love it. A lovely colour and very moisturising.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow in Permanent Taupe

I also own two of these, they are a lovely creamy texture and also really blendible. I thought this shade would work with most skin tones :) (I hope at least!)

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser

This stuff is amazing. It literally saves my lips in Winter when they're dry and is great before applying lipstick.

So, without further or do here is how to enter...

1.For one entry, write in the comments below a suggestion for any blog posts you would like to see.

2.For one entry write on twitter 'I have entered Lucy's @Makeup4Biochem 100 follower giveaway. Have you entered yet? :)'

You can do both of these for two entries however you can only enter once each way :)

Also remember to leave your twitter handle in the comments if you entered via Twitter.

Terms and Conditions

*EDIT* -You must follow this blog on GFC, Hello Cotton or Blog Lovin' (state which one in comments)
-If you are under 18 you must have your parents permission ( I will need your address and don't want to look like a creepy mc creeperson:')
-The winner will be chosen at random using random.org
-You must leave your email in the comments so I can get in touch with you if you win.
-The contest will be open from now until next Thursday the 2nd August (so 3 weeks)


That's all you have to do!
Thank you again, I love each and every one of you!
Good Luck :)


Much Love
Lou
xx

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

Versatile Blogger Award.

Hello Lovelies,

The wonderful TbateBeauty over at http://tbatebeauty.blogspot.co.uk/ has nominated me for the versatile blogger award. I  love to hear from people that read my blog, so when she told me that she had nominated me I was so pleased. Especially as I do try my best to keep my blog interesting!

The Rules

1.Nominate 15 fellow bloggers who are relatively new to blogging.

2.Let them know that you have nominated them.

3.Share 7 random facts about yourself.

 4.Thank the bloggers that have nominated you. 

5.Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your blog post.

Random Facts

1. I came second in a LEGO competition when I was 5. (cool I know;)

2.I drink way too many cups of tea.

3.I'm living with 5 boys next year.

4.I love flowers but hate hayfever.

5.Autumn is my favourite Season.

6.I have an obsession with cute little mushroom things.

7.I hate Marmite, my boyfriend loves it (always the way!)

My lovely and amazing 15 blogger nominees

All Things Beautiful
be-YOU-tiful
Emmabeans

English Rose Rambles

houseofbeautifulidiots

Laurens Dressing Room

MILKYBONEZ

MsPurpleMakeup

MsRedsBeautyBlog

My Beauty Teacup

Radiant Makeup

Sharlxo

Sleep.Wake.Hope

The Budget Beauty Book

Whimsical Nothings

Enjoy these wonderful blogs!

Much Love 

Lou

xx

A One Minute Miracle.

Hello Lovelies,

As you may have noticed, a culmination of Uni revision and a lack of blogging motivation has left my little corner of the Internet looking a little unloved of late. It may have been a lack of inspiring new things to talk about or just sheer laziness :P 

Never the less, I have discovered an exciting new product (well for me at least) that is definitely worth sharing!

Ever since I started painting my nails, which sadly also includes nail polish remover, nail files etc. my hands and nails have become very dry. Add this to the unpredictable British weather and I was heading for hand hell! ( ever so dramatic ;)

I carry moisturiser everywhere with me and try to keep it in check however, every now and again it just isn't enough.

That's where this comes in!

It is the L'Occitane One minute hand scrub. First of all, it is bloody amazing, so technically you could stop reading here! I will carry on with some detail though, for those of you that are sensible and don't impulse buy, unlike me! 

What the box says: The One minute hand scrub has been formulated to reveal incredibly soft hands in 1 minute.

It's bi-phase formula consists of a phase of organic brown exfoliating sugar to gently scrub and eliminate dead skin cells, and of an oily phase(shea, sweet almond and grapeseed oils) to help soften and nourish hands.

And my oh my does it! This is the most moisturising scrub I have ever used. Now I'm not sure if I have ever used a scrub specifically for hands before, but I have used others instead (such as the soap and glory breakfast scrub.) This one is the best by far, it smells divine, very similar to the L'Occitane shea hand cream. It settles into two layers, the scrub at the bottom and a layer of moisturising oils at the top. There is a tiny spatula that you use to mix the two together before applying a small amount to the hands.

When I rubbed this into my hands (do it over a sink not a carpet, I learnt the hard way...) I instantly felt how wonderfully luxurious it is as the oils sank into my skin. The sugar is rough enough to get rid of dry patches yet not too harsh that your skin is left feeling sore. 

You can rinse it off straight away after scrubbing, although I like to leave it on for another minute or so, to let  as much oil soak in as possible.

Once I rinsed the product off, my hands were soft as a babies bum!

I didn't even need moisturiser.*shock horror*

I bought mine as part of a set that also included the full size shea hand cream.

It cost me £25 ( I bought it in store) which may seem steep but it has already a lasted a good few months (with many more left!)

You can buy the set for £29.76 (probably for a limited time) here, or you can buy it individually for £13 here.

Now I wouldn't have purchased this if it hadn't been in a set, as it is something I tend to overlook. I am glad I did though, as I will almost certainly repurchase this when mine runs out!

A fantastic product that I couldn't recommend enough.

Let me know if you have tried it.

Much Love

Lou

x

OOTN

Hello Lovelies,

Just a quick post to show you what I recently wore for a night out with the girls.

It ended up being a total unorganised shambles of a night, but it was really fun none the less. As long as your in good company, a night out will go well, as far as I'm concerned!!

Blouse- Miss Selfridge

Skirt - Marks and Spencer

Bangles-Next

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

NARS Orgasm

Hello Lovelies,

Yesterday, I went out and made a very exciting purchase - my very first Nars item!

That's right, I lost my Nars virginity. Which is fairly ironic as many of the product names are rather rude!

I went into Space NK to have a mosey around and ended up leaving with their Orgasm blush and £21 less well off... It was totally worth it though;)

With Flash

Without Flash

I'm wearing it today and it is the most gorgeous subtle pinky peach with golden shimmer. It lifts and highlights the face in one.

When I first swatched it in the shop it looked terrifyingly sparkly, then the make up artist applied it to my cheeks with a brush and it looked so much better. Apparently when you use your fingers to apply it, it picks up much more shimmer than a brush. So there you go, you learn a new thing everyday!

Have you purchased any products from Nars?

Which are your favourites?

Much Love

Lou

xx

Pastel Delight

Hello Lovelies,

Just a quick post to show you my OOTD from a couple of days ago. I had to take the pictures myself as my boyfriend/friends weren't around to take them. I really loved the outfit though as it was so bright and summery so I thought I'd show you anyway!

Apologies for the blurriness! Better outfit posts will follow.:)

Shoes - Converse Allstar

Jeans - H&M Current Season. Link.

Vest - H&M

Top - Marks and Spencer

Robot Necklace - River Island Accessories

Have a Lovely Day!

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