LauraHadley.co.uk: bloggers

Interview with a blogger: Natasha Paris Blog

Hi Laura's lovely readers, I'm Natasha and I blog over on www.natashaparisblog.co.uk. I used to joke that I was 19 going on 90..but now I'm 20 that joke doesn't really work anymore, haha. To be honest I'm not great at talking about myself but I thought I'd push myself to come out of my comfort zone and join in with Laura's interview series. I'll end this little intro by saying I'm really quiet when I don't know you but when I do I can be a right chatterbox. PS I'm definitely the kinda person you'll catch singing (and dancing) in the car whilst stuck in traffic..*guilty*. I hope you enjoy reading my answers :)

1. How did you start blogging? Did anything or anyone influence the decision? How long have you been blogging for?

I started natashaparisblog back in May 2014, around the time when I was having a pretty rubbish time in my personal life. Without going into too much detail I had my heart broken and it left me feeling very down about myself. I knew I had to do something to try to make me happy again so I decided to start my blog.

2. What do you blog about? Is there a particular thing you love writing about the most?

My blog is primarily beauty based - just to justify the amount of beauty products I have haha. I'm trying to broaden my blogging horizons this year though and introduce more fashion and lifestyle content as their posts I always enjoy seeing/reading.

3. Have you learned any new skills from blogging?

To be honest I'm fairly rubbish when it comes to the technical aspects of blogging - such as coding and I SEO. However I have learnt some technical things such as how to schedule content and photo editing. Blogging has also played a big part in helping me to rebuild my confidence and I'm less afraid to start conversations with people now.

4. If you had to start blogging about something else, what would you pick and why?

This year is the year when I'd like to blog about anything that takes my fancy - whether that be an outfit,a day out or a new blusher. However in a dream world I'd love to travel and blog about it, as I love visiting new places and experiencing different things - however unless I become a millionaire overnight unfortunately that's not very likely to happen ;)

5. Do you have any advice for people who want to start blogging but aren't sure what to how to or what it involves?

If you're reading this and you're thinking about starting your own blog then go for it. Blogging is very very time consuming, but if you enjoy it then those hours are definitely worth it. The blogging community is absolutely amazing and I know there's plenty of people to offer help and support to you if you need it.

Thank you for taking the time to read my little ramble, if you'd like to visit my blog you can click here. Or you can connect with me through Social Media here:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/natashaparis_ox

Instagram: www.instagram.com/natashaparisblog

Facebook: www.facebook.com/natashaparisblog

Thank you for the opportunity to get involved in your interview series Laura.

Lots of love,

Natasha x

A Bit of Blogger Love!

Hey lovelies,

I've noticed a bit of a downer on the blogging community lately and would like to emphasize how much I love blogging and talking to new people. There are probably hundreds of lovely bloggers I've never had the chance to talk to but I thought if I've learnt anything from blogging, it is to support one another, not try to get ahead of others. The bloggers I've listed here are either bloggers I've had some lovely chats with or read their blogs regularly.

Sally and Sally Says Beauty

April at Beautiface Blog

Meg at Beautiful You

Hanna at Hanna Talks

Gemma at Sunshine On A Cloudy Day

Becka at Becka's Beauty Blog

Alice at Annie Writes Beauty

Kelly at Live Love Travel

Beth at Beauty In Beta

Danni at Gingerbread Smiles

Gemma at Touch Of Belle

Bekka at Forevere Bekka

Bex at XO-BBB

Bethany at Bethany Worrall

Kirstie at A Yellow Brick Blog

Antoinette at Letters To A

If you've not came across them before or wish to have another read of their blog then clink the links above. Everyone loves a bit of positivity and I'm hoping my little blog can help put a smile on at least one person's face today!

Love,

Face to the name!

Hey guys, thought I'd include a cheeky half-pic to put a face to the name of BVL. Realised it looks a bit Barbie-like but I am far from it!

Hope you're all okay!

Lots of Love,

BVL

xxx

BVL's makeup essentials

I thought I'd share what I wear on an everyday basis with all you lovely people!

Primer - No7 Shine Free Primer "stops shine for a matte finish". This stuff is amazing. My mum gave me it a few years back, and I'd never even heard of a primer before. If I put it on and wait 5 minutes, then apply my foundation/concealer, it makes my makeup stick all day without fail. It also reduces my red patches for some reason! It is my must have. This is the first and only primer I've ever used! I'm currently saving for Benefit's porefessional primer.

Foundation - Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid in Ivory. Over the years I was very on and off with foundations. When I was 13 I had Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse and it was the worst foundation I could have chosen for my skin type but because everyone had it I thought I would use it for ages. Oh dear. This however is nothing like the matte mousse. The only thing I would say is that it does sometimes highlight any scars/blemishes you may have so sometimes I fight a losing battle with this. I want to try Estee Lauders Double Wear foundation next, but again, student probs - I'm skint :')

Concealer - Maybelline Super Stay 24hr Concealer in Light Beige. Here you can see my problem. I bought the wrong shade. If i apply it before my foundation, you can't tell, but if I apply it on a blemish after foundation you can tell so much in the difference! I have learnt my lesson.... But it really does stay and it is quite a thick formulation so I love it, just not the shade.

Powder - Maybelline Super Stay 24hr Waterproof Powder in Sand. I know what you're all thinking, why is your foundation, powder and concealer all by the same company but different shades. The answer to that is because I was desperate for this powder and just picked a shade. It wasn't available in Ivory so I grabbed this. Until about 4 days ago, I didn't notice a colour change at all. This was until I did some OOTD pics down by the river and it looked like I had an orange face and a white neck. ASAP I am buying this in Ivory ahhh.

Mascara #1 - Maybelline the Mega Plush Volume Express Mascara in Very Black. I love the thick wand on this which makes my lashes look super long and a bit thicker without looking clumpy. I just wish the end of the wand didn't pick up loads of product because I end up sometimes blobbing a bit on my nose and using a wipe..adding more foundation bla bla. That's annoying. But I love this mascara. I have been through so many and this is one I'm not bored of.

Mascara #2 - Rimmel Scandal Eyes Rockin' Curves in Black. I bought this before I even knew there was a big rave about it which pleased me as I bought it because of the wand not because of what a lot of people say, which I have learnt my lesson about! The wand is curved which means it picks up your lashes easily and makes them look longer and fuller. The wand is amazing but as with a lot of mascaras, it picks up a lot of product on the end of the wand which does annoy me. However, it feels very wet which I like if I have spare time to wait for it to dry as the effect is better. I'd recommend this to people who like longer and fuller looking lashes.

Eyeliner - Maybelline Master Duo "thin or thick glossy line" in Black. I have now seen there is a bit of Maybelline loving here! I have issues with this eyeliner and is due to my lack of experience applying eyeliner rather than the product. I always seem to make one line thicker than the other. It is great for applying either a thick or thin line, it just depends on how you hold it. It lasts all day and doesn't smudge when you first apply it if you blink which is a huge bonus.

Brow Pencil/Highlighter - Soap and Glory Arch de Triumph. I have gone through so many of these beauties! The shade is perfect for people with blonde or light brown hair as it doesn't make your brows look too full on compared to your hair colour. As a natural blonde, I have translucent eyebrows which is SO annoying. This is my perfect eyebrow fixer! The highlighter is also amazing too. The only problem is, if like me, you use it mainly for the brow pencil, you find out it can run out pretty quick. On the other side it is a product I re-buy every time and lasts long on the eyebrows without making them look too fake and drawn on!

Lipstick - Rimmel in Sloane's Plum. This is my go-to lipstick for a vampy sort of look, which is often considering I'm so pale and don't use fake tan. It is a smooth formula which compliments any lip shape. I've never gone to any other plum lipstick, this is my rock and I shall remain forever in love with it!

Blusher #1 - Benefit Powda Wowza in Coralista, Hoola (bronzer) and Bella Bamba. As you can tell by the packaging, I've had this quite a significant time. Apart from my one other blusher, this is my favourite powder blusher as both blush shades are gorgeous on any skin tone. I hit pan ages ago but the powder has never broken and it comes with a small brush to make applying it easy. I don't really use the hoola bronzer at the moment, but I'm going to make it my next mission to start contouring.

Blusher #2 - Benefit Mousse Blush in 04 Dist. I don't even know if Benefit still make this! It is a lovely creamy blush that gives a natural flushed look. I think it looks best on pale skin personally, as it wouldn't give off such a natural look on medium-darker skin tones but it suits my just great!

Please don't shout at me for getting the wrong shades in concealer and powder! I seriously would buy more but money is tight being a student sometimes and I simply can't afford to! (sob). I'm excited to save and buy some higher end products, but I have no issue with drugstore makeup in the slightest, as long as you test the products and get the right shades to suit you, you can pick up some amazing bargains!

I know this is a bit different to usual, but I wanted to show you guys I do like beauty blogging too!

Much love, BVL x

Living in Newcastle

Most of you won't know, but I'm currently studying in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. I'm originally from Liverpool, and chose a city that I thought wouldn't be too different from where I'm from. How wrong was I! It is so different, but for all the right reasons.

This is the river Ouseburn, which is 5 minutes away from my student house. It is my boyfriend and I's "spot" where we sit and chat on the edge of the river, eating our lunch. It's such a break away from the city and you wouldn't suspect it would be close to student houses.

Now little did I know, if I carried on walking for 5 minutes, you end up in Jesmond Dene. It is an amazing park with a little "Pets Corner" with sheep, goats, rabbits etc! It also has this amazing waterfall which is part of the river. We came on a day where it wasn't that sunny (being February) and wasn't far from sunset, so I can't wait to go out in the sun.

I also love the Quayside. It has some hotels, restaurants and a lovely ice cream place! It's where Andy asked me to officially be his girlfriend and it just holds so many memories. It's beautiful at all times of the day and connects Newcastle to Gateshead.

I love coming here at night. It does get quite cold but seeing the lights makes it worthwhile. If you ever want to visit Newcastle don't be afraid to ask me anything! I love being a city gal, a little town would be so different for me I wouldn't be able to cope! Anyway I hope you enjoyed a little insight to where I live.

New In: Boohoo

KATE HEART SHAPE VELVET CLUTCH £18

This is the definition of beauty! Blue + velvet = favourite. Boohoo sells this in black and red too. It looks the perfect size for nights out or going to a lovely meal out. I can't even describe how gorgeous and girly this looks. I love the silver detailing and the clasp.

OLIA OVERSIZE SLUB KNIT CARDIGAN £20

This gorgeous speckled effect cardi comes in black and grey as well as denim and is perfect from the transition from winter to spring. I can just picture this going with almost any outfit! I personally favour this 'denim' colour and I adore how Boohoo how styled it too. This would look really cute with a dress and sandals, or a dress with tights and boots. This is a staple piece every girl should have in her wardrobe.

JODIE MONOCHROME GINGHAM CHECK LEGGINGS £10

MAYA GINGHAM CHECK MINI SKIRT £8

Monochrome is one key trend this upcoming season and Boohoo have came up with two perfect (and affordable) pieces to show off this classic style. The check pattern reminds me of my school summer dresses in Primary school, and the nostalgia strangely makes me more interested in these items. Monochrome looks perfect alone as two single colours, but looks amazing if you pair it with one block colour that stands out. Nobody can complain they can't love this style, as black and white fabrics suit anyone. Boohoo have done us all a favour introducing these, I love them!

BOUTIQUE EVIE BIRD BROCADE JACKET £40
BOUTIQUE LACEY BIRD BROCADE TROUSERS £25
BOUTIQUE LUCY BIRD BROCADE SKIRT £25

The gold sequin and silver bead embellishment really shows how amazing the detail is on these items! Although I might not style them together all the time, I love how Boohoo have paired them up with a white cami. It just highlights how gorgeous the pattern and attention to detail there is. I'd pair this style with nude heels to make the style even more classy.

MIA EXTREME PLATFORM AND TREAD ZIP UP BOOTS £50

Is it possible to have love at first sight? I think so! The detail on the sole reminds me of Jeffrey Campbell's Mulder Platform boot but at a much more affordable price. These are outstanding! I'd definitely go for the all black look with some sleek leggings and a loose cut black top with a thick chain necklace. The boots are a staple piece if you like very high heels and will go with almost everything, giving even the daintiest look a bit of a rebel vibe which I think is so good.

I hope you liked my Boohoo picks! Boohoo currently has 20% off "Best of British Style" so check it out!

BVL x