I Heart Makeup All Day and Night Eyeliner Review | Makeup Revolution
Ladurée Treats | Paris
Hey Guys,
I'm sure you've seen a lot that I went to Paris the other week. Being very enthusiastic I have been writing a lot about it on Twitter! Today's post is a small snippet of one afternoon I spent in Champs-Élysées.
We nipped into Ladurée to purchase some Macarons, as myself nor Andy had tried them, and it seemed like one of those things you were 'supposed' to do when you were there. I'm glad the queue was long as it was so hard to decide which flavours we would want! You could choose from:
Lemon, Pistachio, Rose, Orange Blossom, Liquorice, Coffee, Pure Origin chocolate from Venezula, Coconut, Raspberry, Praline Sesame, Iced Mint, Gingerbread, Salted Caramel, Vanilla, Chocolate and Coconut, Strawberry Candy.
I went for Chocolate, Salted Caramel and Vanilla, whilst Andy chose Gingerbread, Salted Caramel and Chocolate. I really don't like 'spiced' sweet things, so ignore anything cinnamon of gingerbread flavoured like hot cross buns or a gingerbread latte from Starbucks (also pointing out that I hugely dislike coffee). I have such a sweet tooth, with chocolate and caramel being my absolute favourites. The texture of these is absolutely gorgeous. Being honest, we bought one from McDonalds just so I could show Andy that the texture would be completely different, theirs being very cakey in comparison. Despite not previously trying them, I watch enough baking and cooking programmes to tell you completely useless information, but anyway.
I adore the box they came in too, being the Limited Edition Sonny Angel box for 16.30 Euros. In a way I wish I'd bought brightly coloured macarons, just to look asthetically pleasing, but I wanted some I'd 99% enjoy the taste of. I can't wait to put bits and bobs in the box!
Goodbye BVL, Hello LauraHadley.co.uk
Trip To Paris | Exploring
Hey Guys,
Last week I went to Paris for a little city break with Andy. We were planning to go inbetween both of our 21st birthdays, as we were born 8 days apart (cue the aww's) but since our university timetables were both really different, it just wasn't possible. Instead, we decided to go in early September to avoid the busy rush of school kids and other annoying things which worked to our advantage. We did a lot of touristy things, and Andy had been looking on blogs (I have him well trained) for cute places to us to visit too, such as Le mur des je t'aime and Pont de l'Archeveche.
The Eiffel Tower was not how I had envisaged originally. I thought that when I'd be up there, I'd be swept away with the views over Paris, when instead I was nervous being up so high and wanted to be a bit closer to ground. I've never been afraid of heights, and as a child I used to jump on the glass floor in Blackpool Tower, but I think the big metal caging around it threw me off a little.
The Arc de Triomphe however was lovely. Seeing the Champs-Élysées from higher up and watching the sun set just topped off a perfect day for us. That is after I'd been to Sephora and bought some makeup of course.
Disneyland was a dream too. Andy had been before but for me, going for the first time aged 20, seemed magical yet normal at the same time. I digress, I did want to get a dress and play princess for the day, but I never. I was puzzled to see how much Frozen and Tangled in there, along with Toy Story, but barely anything from Disney Junior. My (nearly) 3 year old sister loves Sofia The First and yes her name is Sofia and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and I was incredibly eager to take tons of photos to show her back home. The only bad part of the to Disneyland/Walt Disney Studio Tours was the 2 hour long queue for the Ratatouille ride which we gave up on after technical faults and made a swift exit once it looked like we were going nowhere. Regardless, from bumpy rides to semi-long queues, we had an amazing day. I left with presents for Sofia, and a present for my best friend.
And of course I couldn't take a trip without going to City Pharma, but I'll talk about this in a haul post I have coming up! My boyfriend also knows his way around Sephora now and was pointing out where the Naked palettes were, as I said, well trained!
Laura
xxx
The Eiffel Tower was not how I had envisaged originally. I thought that when I'd be up there, I'd be swept away with the views over Paris, when instead I was nervous being up so high and wanted to be a bit closer to ground. I've never been afraid of heights, and as a child I used to jump on the glass floor in Blackpool Tower, but I think the big metal caging around it threw me off a little.
The Arc de Triomphe however was lovely. Seeing the Champs-Élysées from higher up and watching the sun set just topped off a perfect day for us. That is after I'd been to Sephora and bought some makeup of course.
Disneyland was a dream too. Andy had been before but for me, going for the first time aged 20, seemed magical yet normal at the same time. I digress, I did want to get a dress and play princess for the day, but I never. I was puzzled to see how much Frozen and Tangled in there, along with Toy Story, but barely anything from Disney Junior. My (nearly) 3 year old sister loves Sofia The First and yes her name is Sofia and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and I was incredibly eager to take tons of photos to show her back home. The only bad part of the to Disneyland/Walt Disney Studio Tours was the 2 hour long queue for the Ratatouille ride which we gave up on after technical faults and made a swift exit once it looked like we were going nowhere. Regardless, from bumpy rides to semi-long queues, we had an amazing day. I left with presents for Sofia, and a present for my best friend.
And of course I couldn't take a trip without going to City Pharma, but I'll talk about this in a haul post I have coming up! My boyfriend also knows his way around Sephora now and was pointing out where the Naked palettes were, as I said, well trained!
Laura
xxx
OOTD | Tour Eiffel
Hey Guys,
Last week in Paris I plucked up the courage to take my first OOTD photos! Thank you to my lovely boyfriend Andrew for being my photographer for the afternoon.
Tartan shirt: H&M
Black cami: Topshop
Ripped knee jeans: Primark
Pumps: Primark
Navy bag: Primark
I knew I'd be walking around a lot this day and wanted a comfy outfit to be in. I bought my shirt in a size above (so a size 12) which fits lovely open, but once buttoned up drowns me a little. I'm thinking of buttoning it up and tucking it in a skirt or underneath a jumper.
I adore this navy bag (£6) and it was the most perfect travelling bag for sightseeing and shopping. My passport fitted in the inside zip pocked and my purse, keys, perfume and other bits and bobs were snug inside too.
What do you think?
How We Met | Laura & Andy
I've just came back from a little romantic trip to Paris with Andy and since to the date, I've known him 2 years today, it would be a cute little post to show how we met and where we are up to now.
We met on 15/09/2012 as we had been allocated the bedrooms next to each other in our flat in student accommodation. I'd found the rest of the flatmates on Facebook a few days before moving in and meeting everyone, but Andy didn't seem to have found any. After all the calamity of moving things in, doing food shops and awkwardly saying hello to everyone, I ended up having a conversation with his Dad, who seemed to be very proud of his son, which I thought was so lovely. He studied Law in uni like I was about to, and he was quizzing me on why I had pink hair.
I can't recall speaking to Andy that day, as we ended up going out that evening, and near enough every other evening for the next two weeks. He seemed shy at first, but very much my cup of tea. Humour, similar interests aside from football that is, and having little chats during the day made us very close friends shortly after freshers week. The third week in, it was his birthday and looking back on the pictures of us, you can tell we were close.
Andy's 19th.
I ended up referring to his as my 'best friend' despite us never saying anything. I was really fond of him and as cheese-worthy as it may sound, I felt I could go to him about everything. Now I may add, I did have a boyfriend at the time. He had been up to visit and chatted with Andy too. Once February came, the relationship ended. In January I began to get mixed feelings about everything. I'd helped Andy revise for his exams (geography is nothing like law, but he asked me too) and everything seemed like a blur. Being perfectly honest, I feel like my last relationship had grown into more a routine with friends than an adult relationship. I didn't inform Andy of everything I was feeling as depsite him being flirty, I didn't want to give him the wrong signals, or hurt his feelings.
Finally, I told Andy and the rest of the flat that I began to develop feelings for him and he was quite shocked, to say the least. Once my relationship was over, we had a little chat about things and I told him the last relationship was completely over, it was mutual and we remained friends (for a few months). He told me he liked me too.
February 2014, look how different we look!
Flirting became increasingly often and we began to hold hands and go for walks together to chat to get away from everyone. I still feel like he is exactly the same person I met and became best friends with, we laugh about the stupidest of things, for instance, he pulled out my Spanx and said "what on Earth are these" and I was keeled over laughing at his reaction. Ever since we admitted we liked each other, the time has absolutely flown by.
He took me for a walk to the Quayside in Newcastle for a 'chat', but before we'd left I knew exactly what was coming and even texted two friends haha! He asked me out and I said "yep" and it became official and on Facebook that night, otherwise it doesn't count apparently.
Now a week ago, we've moved into our first flat together as a couple, have been on little holidays together and are already planning a possible trip for next summer to America (if I get a job, hint hint employers?). It has been so nice and relaxed, no matter how many plates and bowls we've had to transport, boxes to unpack and re-pack for Paris etc. We're both pretty laid back and tend to have a laugh about most things, and he is such a genuine person. I don't want to make anyone else sound bad, but Andy definitely is right for me; I truly couldn't imagine myself elsewhere.
I know he will read this too (Hi Andrew!) but I thought it would be the cherry on top of our perfect past week and a half moving into our flat and going to Paris together, to just think back on how we first met and became a couple. I absolutely adore his family too, and it feels normal to go to his family home and stay over. It doesn't happy very often, as I'm from Liverpool and he is from Chesterfield, and we live together in Newcastle, but I'd go to any of his family members if I ever needed anything and I love the bones out of them all.
On top of the Arc de Triomphe.
I think it's cute to remember how you and your boyfriend/girlfriend began your relationship. We started off as complete strangers living together in student halls, to flirting together, being in a relationship and then living together just us two in our own little home. It feels perfect and I wouldn't change anything (apart from when you move my things).
Nanshy Blending Brush Review
Hello All,
Today I'll be talking about a brush I have recently had a thing for. I was kindly sent Nanshy's Blending Brush* to review. It has a pearly, shimmery handle which looks so lovely next to my other makeup brushes. I'm a typical girl who loves a bit of shimmer where I can get it, so the colour of these brushes really appeals to me.
As for the brush, the texture is incredibly soft. You can tell the hairs are good quality from how soft they are, and I wouldn't want dry bristles on my eyes regardless. For starters this stands out from a lot as you want to invest in makeup brushes that you know will last you a long time, no matter how many times you use and wash it.
Going with the name of the brush, it fulfills it's job. It blended in my Urban Decay Naked 3 eyeshadows lovely. For me, it is the right size for a blending brush and I wouldn't expect a huge difference in sizing. You don't want a giant brush that will sweep your smokey eye all over your face.
For applying eyeshadow, I like a small brush. I'm swapping between brushes based on colour and how I'm applying the powder, so for the small size of this it works really well. I'm so overwhelmed by the subtle shimmer and the soft bristles. I love the name of the brand Nanshy too, I don't know why, but I do.
I'm definitely going to have a nose at what other brushes they have to offer, as this has impressed me. I'm quite fussy with makeup brushes, particularly due to the quality and how long it will last, but I'm confident that this will remain with my others for quite a while.
Packing For Paris: Beauty Essentials
Hi Guys,
Just a quick one! At the moment I'm in Paris with my boyfriend in (early) celebration of our 21st Birthdays! I knew I wanted to blog about my trip, so what better way than to start before I've even gone!
For me, packing makeup is a chore, I want to take all of my makeup, but it is bulky and everything coming in different shape/sized packaging doesn't make packing a doddle now, does it. I have to take basics, with a bit of extra room for those products that are a bit more special to me,
Of course I am taking foundation: my latest fave is Rimmel's Match Perfection Foundation which gives me full coverage with a mostly matte finish. I'm weird, and love to wear CC cream at the same time, they are just a perfect little match. I'm taking Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream to make my dark circles from travelling magically disappear.
Onto powders. I need to powder, multiple times a day. For me, I like using Maybelline's 24hr stay powder! Never had an issue with it an I have repurchased! Same goes for my Benefit The Porefessional which is the primer of my choice for this trip. Both products add a little colour and set my makeup.
I'm taking false lashes away with me, as sometimes on travelling pictures I prefer my lashes to always look full and curled. Aside this, Rimmel's Scandaleyes Mascara in Black is coming on it's holidays with me! The curved brush lengthens my lashes and adds volume.
I'm taking an old favourite with me too. I have Benefit's Hoola Bronzer and Dandelion Blusher as they work a dream together when contouring and adding a pop of colour to my cheeks. I certainly don't want to look washed out on my travelling photos.
To add a healthy glow, I've packed Mac's Crew Highlighter, which gives a pinky sparkled flush to my cheeks, which also works lovely under your brows too. It really makes me look like I've had the perfect night's sleep.
As for lipstick, I'll be taking tons! My favourite is my YSL Rouge Volupte in 17 which is a berryish colour, a perfect transitional colour!
For my eyes, I've packed a few Makeup Revolution palettes along with my Benefit "They're Real" Push Up Liner as I couldn't just choose one look to go with! I'm also priming my eyes with the Stay Don't Stray eye primer from Benefit.
Do you have any beauty products that are essential to you for your travels?
Guest Post: Rediscovered Products | The Beauty Archive
Hello Lovelies,
First off I want to thank Laura for letting me write a post for her blog, I had a lot of fun doing this, not onto the post!
If you’re a fellow beauty blogger, or just the makeup obsessed then you know that there are always new product launches about ever week. Each of them entices you into wanting to buy some of their products, or maybe you just add it to your ever-growing wish list of products. I feel like everyday I see some kind of product either on fellow blogs or featured in a Youtube video that sparks my interest and it usually ends up on a list of products that I would love to get my hands on.
While purchasing new beauty items is completely fun, after a while you may notice a bit of a problem(s): running out of room to store all these items, your bank account looking a bit thin, or if you’re like me you notice that products you used to be obsessed with have gotten pushed to the side lines in favor for something newer and flashier. So today instead of spending my time looking at the ‘New In’ page on Sephora, I’m opening up my drawers and taking a look at some items that may be collecting some dust. Here are some of the things I rediscovered!
Too Faced Natural Eye Palette (old packaging): This was actually my very first eye shadow palette, most of the shades either have a bit of pan showing or they have a hefty dent in them. It’s the perfect blend of matte and shimmer shades for anyone who loves a bit of a bronzey eye. This will definitely be back in my regular rotation!
Stilla Collage of Color Lip and Cheek Palette: This was a gift from my lovely friend Michelle, and I used to use it all the time last winter when my skin was a bit dry – but looking at how these are swatching and blending on the skin, I know I’ll be getting a bit of cream blush on in the coming weeks.
Philosophy the present: This primer is absolutely lovely – like a one stop shop. It hold your makeup in place (almost too well), smooths over lines and pores, and has a bit of a skin care punch so it’s actually good for your skin. I’m not sure why this always gets cast aside, probably due to my own laziness of not wanting another step in my routine. But with this heat I know I’ll be getting use out of this little guy!
These are just a few things that I’ve pulled from the depths of my drawers, next time you go to make a purchase, maybe take a second look at what you already have at home, you never know what you may rediscover.
Until next time . . . XOXO Veronica
Guest Post: Natural Lip Glosses | Speckled Beauty
Hello everybody. I'm Emma from Speckled Beauty, a beauty and lifestyle blog. Huge thanks to Laura for letting me guest post for her blog! Today I'm going to review three natural coloured lip glosses I've been loving lately.
L-R Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfecter 03, NARS Lip Gloss Dolce Vita, NYX Butter Gloss Tiramisu
I did intend to write about my top three nude glosses but they all looked a bit too similar so I thought I'd show three muted, natural lip glosses that are really wearable and aren't too dissimilar to more nude shades. I like this glosses when I want something more natural looking and more appropriate for work or school.
Bare lips
Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector in 03 (£18) is a sheer, peachy nude gloss. It's very creamy but doesn't have much pigmentation to it. I usually wear this over nude lipstick to give it some extra shine. It smells like caramel and I love the foam applicator.
NARS Lip Gloss in Dolce Vita (£18.50) is a reddish dusty pink. I love the pigmentation and creaminess of this lip gloss. It's almost like a lip lacquer because it hasn't got any stickiness to it, it just feels quite creamy, thin and glossy. The shade is gorgeous and easily worn alone. The formula is great although I usually prefer more sticky lip glosses.
NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu (£5) is a light more brown towned nude. The formula is very thick and buttery and can sometimes look a little patchy because it's too thick to sink in to your lips. I do love this shade and it's a great budget option for a natural lip gloss but I feel like the formula is too thick and creamy so I tend to only wear only a tiny amount of this, most of the time over a lipstick. I also own a few other butter glosses are they are all gorgeous and very well loved.
Thanks again to Laura for letting me guest post for her blog. I'm over at Speckled Beauty where I have a MAC lipstick giveaway running here. It's international and anyone can enter so please do!
Twitter: speckledbblog
Instagram: speckled beauty
So...? Dry Shampoo Review
Hey Guys,
Have you ever wondered what your life would be like without dry shampoo? I can't imagine it. You have those days where you wake up and your hair just isn't right, you need it to last one more day or you're in a rush to get ready. You've heard of some common dry shampoos but don't know what ones are right for you? Look no further, So...? is here to make your hair look as good as new.
The So...? Dry Shampoos in Fabulous* and Va Va Volume* were lovely to try out! I've only ever used Batiste Dry Shampoo but it sometimes made my scalp and hair feel cakey and I wanted something to make my hair feel fresh and lovely.
The Fabulous Dry Shampoo is fruit smelling, with notes of Bergamot, Lemon and Mandarin with hints of summer scents like Strawberry and Apple. This was my favourite out of the two. It didn't make my hair feel thicker or cakey, and I had several compliments on my hair smelling lovely! I found it easy to apply, without huge patches of white on my hair, like I have found with other products. I really enjoyed the smell of this. I'm rambling now, but it is a lovely scent to have in your hair!
I didn't enjoy the Va Va Volume Dry Shampoo as much, purely biased as my hair is thick, and definitely doesn't need more body! The notes are similar on paper, but they don't smell the same once sprayed. The top notes are Mandarin, Mango and Hyacinth, with heart notes of Tiare Flower, Orange Flower and Jasmine. I did like the scent, I'm just unsure how to describe it.
Overall I'm definitely impressed with these and once I run out I will be purchasing them. The winning element is the smell and the texture, I can't stand my hair feeling like it has tons of product build up in it. My hair feels clean and smells yummy with the Fabulous dry shampoo!
That's all for now, I'd love to know what your favourite dry shampoo is?
Overall I'm definitely impressed with these and once I run out I will be purchasing them. The winning element is the smell and the texture, I can't stand my hair feeling like it has tons of product build up in it. My hair feels clean and smells yummy with the Fabulous dry shampoo!
That's all for now, I'd love to know what your favourite dry shampoo is?