My Basket of Forgotten Treasures...

Hey :)

I've been having a bit of a clear out recently, and I decided to tackle this basket that I have been avoiding over the past couple of months. I've had it for a couple of years now, and I tend to just ditch anything that I haven't used in a while in there to keep things tidy. As I started going through it, I was really suprised at some of the things I found in there, some of which I had completely forgotten about! There was a lot of rubbish, but I thought I would share a few things with you that were of interest...

First of all I found this barely used Indulgent Toffee Shimmer Body Oil, which is available from Asda. The most amazing thing about this oil is the smell. If any of you have used anything from this range before, you will know that no matter what product or flavour you get, you are always guarenteed to be blown away by the scent and this is no exception. If I could add a scratch and sniff here, I would. Aside from that, this is a lovely shimmer spray that I have used across my chest and shoulders if I am going out, or is lovely to add to a tan on an evening when on holiday. It is quite dark when sprayed, but once I've rubbed it in, it gives a lovely glow. I don't really where it during the winter, which is why I've stored it away, but it really does enhance a nice tan in the summer and gives a lovely glow.

I found these three body products, all of which I love. The first one is the mother of all body butters, Palmers Cocoa butter. I have to admit, this is one that I completely forgot that I had, but I was so happy when I found it! I think this product pretty much speaks for itself, and there is no doubt that it will be making a fabulous come back into my daily routine!

The next one is the Superdrug Coconut and Shea Butter Body Butter. I haven't used this as I bought 3 when they were on a 3 for 2 offer, and I am half way through my second tub, so this one is still yet to be used. I love the Supersrug body butters, they all smell amazing, are a really nice texture, and are really really good value for money. When I put it on in the morning after a shower, I get whiffs of the smell all day, which I really like.

The last one is one that I tend to use more during the summer, as it is a buildable tan moisturiser. This Loreal NutriSummer is my favourite of any products like this, as I quite like the smell of it compared to most, and it is so easy to apply, and really looks after my skin. The colour is lovely and natural, and it lasts and fades away nicely, instead of leaving me looking like a big streaky mess after a couple of days.

Next I found this lovely little pot of Prestige Skin Loving Minerals. I used to use this religiously every day, but, what with new things being bought, it got pushed to the back of my mind and make up collection. These minerals give a really lovely, softening finish to my skin - it puts everything into soft focus.

Tiger balm! Yey! Love this little pot of goodness, especially when I'm feeling ill and sorry for myself! The strong smell really clears my head and airwaves - its something I like to use when I have a lot of work to do, or an exam to get through. I know it may sound silly to some, but just rubbing some of this lovely balm on my temples really feels like I'm clearing my head.

This is actually an empty bottle of Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser that I couldn't bring myself to throw away - sad I know! It is perfect! Gentle, nurishing, effective, soft, smells amazing - ahhh I need to get me some more of this pronto!

Lola...x

My Working Weekend Make Up Bag...

Hey Lovelies :)

So as some of you may know, I am currently at Uni in Leeds studying Events Management. I live in Leeds, but I was born and brought up in york, which is half an hour down the road. I work in York once a week in a bar, meaning I am often packing an over night bag to take with me to stay at my parents for the night. I only take a small bag with me as I have to lug it with me everywhere, so I tend to only pack the real essentials on the make up front which got me thinking I could do a post on them as these are the products that I really can't go a day without wearing.

You must all be thinking that I'm mad going back home once a week just to do a shift at work, but I do it for a couple of reasons. One is that the job I have pays really really well. One shift there pays my weeks rent, so its worth going back for it. Another is that the boy lives in York, and it can be hard to see him a lot during the week as he works such funny shifts, so its a nice opportunity to see him as well.

So anyway onto the interesting stuff...

These are the things that I have packed for this weekend - but the things I pack do change on a regular basis, this collection is totally different to the one I took home last weekend!

Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation in Sand

Stila Tinted Moisturiser in Medium 01

Benefit Lemon Aid Colour Correcting Eyelid Primer

Benefit Dr Feelgood (to prime and finish)

Benefit It Stick Concealer

Sleek Blush in Pixie Pink 936

Topshop Cream Blush in Flush

The Balm Hot Mama! Shadow and Blush



Soap and Glory Solar Powder

Gosh Giant Sun Powder in 001

17 Va Va Voom Mascara in Black

Bourjois Eyeshadow in Beige Rose 08

ELF Wet Gloss Lash and Brow Clear Mascara

Rimmel Liquid Eyeliner in Black 001

Lipice Enriched Suncare Lipbalm

Clarins Colour Quench Lipbalm in 17

Like I said, this changes massively from week to week, depending on the mood I'm in and what I have planned while I'm at home. This weekend I'm working and lounging around, so little is best this weekend!

Lots of Love

Lola...x

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment...

When I was at school, before I started dying my hair, I had THE best hair. It was lovely and thick and long, in great condition and I could do anything with it. But along came my rebelious years, where I had short dyed hair, and it has never been the same since.

I've always loved experiementing with my hair, and I have had so many different styles, and every colour possible, but now I have reached a stage where I am happy with the colour (blonde) but I want the long lovely hair of my early teen years. Unfortunately, due to general wear and tear, my hair has not grown in the 3 years I have been trying. Booo!

So when I saw the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment in boots, I got a little excited! I've tried all sorts of things for normal hair, coloured hair, damaged hair, everything, but I have never tried a treatment like this.

'For hair that never grows past a certain length' - it's like it was MADE for me!

What does Lee Stafford Say?

'Hair Growth Treatment, with pro-growth complex for strength from within. Protein based complex to fertilize your follicles, creating a healthy environment on the scalp to help hair grow faster and reach it's maximum potential length.

• Vital hair and scalp complex helps to reduce hair loss
• Improves follicle health which in turn increases the ability of the hair to anchor to the scalp
• Soothing formulation reduces irritation and moisturises the scalp
• Addresses hair and scalp ageing at a cellular level
• Improvement in the tensile strength to give body and texture by penetrating the hair reaching the inner cortex
• Improves volume and feel of the hair'

Wow! It sounds very impressive, and if it actually works, I will be amazingly happy!

So it advises that you apply this with every wash, in between shampoo and conditioner, and as it starts to improve the condition of the hair, to use once a week. 

I will be blogging on the progress of this product over the next month or so - I used it for the first time this morning, so we shall see how it goes! All I can tell you now is that I love the smell! It smells just like all the other Lee Stafford products, and I personally think its amazzinggg!

Have any of you tried this yet? What do you think of it?

Lots of Love

Lola...x

Topshop Virtual Makeover...

Ok, this has kept me amused all morning, so I had to share it with you!

I have just this morning discovered the virtual makeover on the Topshop website when I was looking at make up. I'm sure most of you will have tried it already, but I made a few different looks and I wanted to share them with you.

This was the original picture I used. Please note that I'm not looking my best due to it being half past 6 in the morning, and I was up for work - nahhht good! Please also note that my hair is covering the side of my right eye - this was the best full face picture I have on my laptop, due to it recently being rebooted, so in some of the pictures below my right eye does look a little bit strange.

Look One

Skin Tint in Medium £10

Cream Blush in Neon Rose £6

Concealer Duo in light £7

Eye Mousse in Glint £8

Solid Gel Eyeliner in Etch £8

Mascara in Black £10

Lip Gloss in Glass £5

Look Two

Powder Foundation in Nude 2 £9

Blush in Pinch £6

Brightening in Moonlight £7

Cream Eyeshadow in Darkness £7

Kohl in Bolt £4

Waterproof Mascara in Raven £8

Lip Polish in Lavender £6

Look Three

Skin Tint in Medium £10

Blush in Butterscotch £6

Concealer Duo in Light £7

Eyeshadow in Tarnish £6.50

Eye Kohl in Saddle £4

Mascara in Black £10

Gloss in Glass £5

I could have carried on making these for hours! What do you think?!

You can do your own Topshop virtual makeover by clicking here. It would be great to see what looks you come up with :)

Lots of Love

Lola...x

The Bad Skin Battle - Montagne Jeunesse Blemish Mud Mask...

Hello again you lovely lot!

So you all know how much I love a good facemask. People on twitter may recall me moaning over the past few days about how bad my skin is. I'm not really sure why it's so bad at the moment, but I have been trying out quite a few new products recently, so I am eliminating them one by one! When I was in Asda yesterday, I popped a couple of Montagne Jeunesse masks in my trolley to try and solve the situation.

I got the Exfoliating Masque (left in the picture) for normal, oily and t-zone skin and is supposed to 'gently exfoliate to younger skin'. The other one is the Blemish Mud mask, to 'clear, clean and combat blemishes'.

I'm suffering from both spots and patches of dryness at the moment, which is why I decided on these two, and last night I tried out the Blemish Mud mask. It contains Willow and Aloe Vera and is supposed to clear the skin. 

What do Montagne Jeunesse say about this mask?

'Why put up with blemishes? Our special mud blend of Aloe Vera, Willow, Rosemary and Witch Hazel naturally target your problem areas for a clean complexion.'

The smell of the mask is definitely a love or hate one - I personally love it. Its a very herbal smell, with the Rosemary definitely coming through. Its the kind of smell I love - a natural herbal remedy eske smell that really convinces me its going to do my skin a lot of good.

I usually put masks on with my fingers, but I decided this time to put it on with an old foundation brush. The application was a lot thinner than I would usually have it, but I didn't feel that this made any difference to the effect it had on my face.

I left it on until it was all set and then found it was really easy to remove, which I love!

My skin felt so so good afterwards, and is still feeling lovely this morning - really soft and moisturised! The dry patches seem to have gone (touch wood) which I am so happy with.

I will be trying out the other mask next week so will give a further progress report on this one then.

I got both masks from Asda, although they are available in various different places. They were the ever amazing price of 99p each - and I always get 2 applications out of each packet, so well and truely worth it!

What is your favourite Montagne Jeunesse mask?

Lots of Love

Lola...x

Lipice - Enriched Lipbalm

Heyy!

About a month ago, a company called Multibrands sent me some samples of their range of Lipice Lipbalms to trail and review.

I was sent 4 to review - Original, Strawberry Touch, Suncare and Anti-Wrinkle.

So what do Multibrands say about the product?

'Lipice is a nutrient rich, protective lipbalm made with plant extracts and natural butters to protect your lips from the extremes of nature. Suitable for all ages groups, Lipice is also a fun and funky product to use for any occasion. From fun, fruity flavours, to the more natural type, each ingredient is carefully selected for its skin softening, healing and caring properties.'

I'm always a sucker for a good old lipbalm, as one of my worst worst habits, especially when I'm ill, worried, or feeling abit down in the dumps, is biting my lips in my sleep. I need all the help I can get to look after my pout, so I was looking forward to trying these out for size.

I liked the packaging they came in. It's clean and simple, with all the lipbalms sealed up, keeping pesky germs away, as well as having all of the buzz words I look for when looking for something to pamper my lips with - 'Enriched', 'Nutrient rich', 'Effective protection' and 'Hydrates, Moisturises, Smoothes, Firms', as well as listing all of the lovely vitamins that are packed into each one. The tubes they come in are fairly standard and what you would expect, with the exception of the Anti-Wrinkle, which comes in more of a lip gloss esk tube. It would have been nice if the packaging was maybe different from other similar brands, to make them look a bit more unique and intriguing. If someone I new were to use these in my company, it wouldn't be something that I would be particularly interested in asking them about. Just pretty bog standard packaging.

As you can see from the picture above, there is lots and lots of product to work with in each one. Considering all of the lipbalms are under £2, I think they are really good value for the amount you get.

I really enjoyed using the products. The Suncare, Original and Strawberry ones gave a good moisturising coverage to the lips, but not so much so that they felt greasy. The Anti-Wrinkle product is a slightly thicker formulation, but is just as effective. I really enjoy using this one more as a light lipgloss, as it gives the same effect, and yet I still feel as though my lips are being nurished.
They are all pretty colourless, apart from the strawberry one, which has a hint of a tint of colour to brighten your lips.

They all smell divine, especially the original one, which I was really surprised at, as I am never a fan of the smell of other similar products.

I've had one with me for the past month now, and my lips are considerably better - a lot softer, meaning I am less likely to pick at them in my sleep, which is always a bonus! I really like using them under lip stick and gloss, as they seem to stop my lips being dried out by them, especially through these horrid winter months.

Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to try out the Suncare product to its full potential, what with all this english weather, but I have been using them, as SPF is something that is useful all year round, and it will definitely be going in my case in the summer, as I've been really happy with the others from the range.

Lipice are available in Tesco stores. I would say they are a nice alternative to other similar brands. They have a product to suit every occasion, as well as being extremely affordable, and smelling so scrummy. Although the packaging of the actual product was slightly disappointing, considering they are under £2, I don't think it is too much of an issue at all.

If you would like more information about these products, and others that are available in the range, click here.

Have you tried these? What do you think?

Lots of Love

Lola...x

My Favourite Post of the Week...

I came across this great post from Lily at Beauty's Bad Habit, about how she made her own palettes.

How amazing is it! Its a double sided palette, and cost her a grand total of £7.99 - BARGAIN. I total agree with everything she says about some palettes being totallyo over priced.

Anyway go over and have a look to see more pictures and find out how she did it by clicking here. And while your there, have a good old mooch around the rest of the blog - it's one of my favs!

Lots of Love

Lola...x

Oh hello strangers! Lets start off with a lovely big haul!

We Heart It

I'm sorry. I am so so sorry. Its been 2 weeks and I am getting major major withdrawals!

I've had a pretty rubbish couple of weeks to put it nicely, and although this is no excuse to not keep up with my blog, I've been pretty down in the dumps. I've attempted a couple of posts, but my bad bad week has definitely reflected in the post, and this is not fair on my lovely readers!

So here I am, feeling a lot better, a lot happier, and with a great big whacking haul to share with you all :)

So a couple of weeks ago, the lovely Welsh Beauty Blog had a blog sale, and I literally could have bought everything from it! I decided to limit myself to these three little gems. 

I got the Revlon Photo Ready foundation in Shell. I hadn't tried the foundation before, but I've heard so many good reviews about it, I couldn't resist. The colour is probably a bit pale for me, but mixed with a little tinted moisturiser, it fits be just fine! I haven't used this foundation enough to give a ful review, but so far, so very very good. The consistancy is lovely - I think I'm going to really enjoy using this. 

As with the foundation, I have never actually used Dallas before, but being a life long Benefit fan, I knew you could never go wrong with one of their boxed blushes. I have been using this almost every day since I got it. It is a lovely deep colour, but not so dark that it doesn't suit my fairly pale skin tone. It is really suitable - but I've found that nothing else is needed with it. I absolutely love it, and is unlike any colour I have had before - which is saying something taking into consideration my unhealthy cheek colour obsession!

The third item I got was the Mac Eye Duel Minerlize eyeshadows in Engaging. This is another item that I have used almost every day since I recieved it. They are such pretty colours, really really great for a lovely day time look. They are great on their own, as well as with other colours, and I've found myself reaching for them again and again.

When I first saw them together, I didn't think they particularly went together, but they really complement each other really well.

I must also say that the whole service was perfect. The invoice came to me pretty much straight away and the delivery was fast. Everything was packaged beautifully and you could tell that a lot of care and attention had been given to each item. I think in total I paid £18 including postage, which, considering there is so much product left in the items, is a bargain. I highly recommend you go have a look at Welsh Beauty Blog - it's fabulous!

I've been looking for another tinted moisturiser for a while now, so when having a look at the AMAZING sight Cheap Smells, I found this Stila one in Medium 01 for just £4.95. I think these might retail at about £17, so I was very impressed with finding this. As tinted moisturisers go, this is probably thicker than ones I have used before, which suits me down to the ground as I prefer a good coverage. But although it is thicker, it still doesn't feel like I'm clogging up my face, and it's really great to wear around the house, or on a day when I don't feel I need to make much effort. I love wearing it with a bit of cream blush, mascara, and some clear gloss. Understated but pretty.

So Boots have an offer on at the moment where it is 3 for 2 on 17 products, as well as the offer of the new 17 Photo Flawless Skin Primer coming free with the Photo Flawless Foundation. So out of the 4 items I bought, I got 2 free - very happy bunny!

I have mentioned the Mascara in a Wednesday Wish List before, so I was really happy to have a try of it. It really didn't disappoint - it is AMAZING! I'm so fussy with Mascara's, but I have been using this one religiously everyday. It lengthens, volumizes, you can build it up for day time and night time looks - it literally ticks all my boxes and I certainly be repurchasng. I can't recommend it enough. I think this retails at around £6.99

The Primer is great - really velvety and silky smooth, giving a great base for my make up. My only niggle is the size - although I got it free this time, I think it retails at around £4.50 - and it's only a tiny 15ml tube. I feel that this lets it down some what.

On the the blusher, which I think is really lovely for the price! The lighter colour can be used as a great highlighter, and the darker can be used to give a more intense colour. But I much prefer to mix the two together - as you can see in the bottom picture - as it gives a really sheen and brightness to the face. This retails at around £3.49

I like the foundation - it gives a lovely finish and, with the primer lasts all day. I do, however, have a big issue with this foundation. When shopping in boots that day, it was during my break and I was in a hurry, so i picked up everything tested very quickly, and went on my way. When I got home and after closer in spection, I thought that I had picked up the wrong foundation colour as it was so so dark. But I hadn't. The colour I picked up was Fair, and I have been back in to Boots since to check this, and it wasn't a mistake.

Although the lighting in the picture above is a little bright, it gives you a better idea. So on the left is the 17 Photo Flawless Foundation in Fair, and on the right is Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation in Sand 030, which I would consider to be the best matching foundation I have found for my skin tone. I by no means have light skin, but I would describe myself as fitting in the middle of Light and Medium skin - the 17 Photo Flawless Foundation is far to dark for me. I love the foundation for all the other reasons, and it could be something I could maybe take on holiday with me, or mix with another foundation - but I found the whole situation really odd. Have any of you tried it? What did you think? Is it just me?

The next think I have bought is the Maybelline Dream Creamy Foundation in Sand 030. I wanted to try this as my friend has been raving about it, and my favourite favourite foundation, as I mentioned earlier, is the Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation, for the colour, the texture, everything, so I was excited to see if this one impressed me just as much. I was a little disappointed in this one. I don't feel that the coverage is as good as the satin version, it doesn't sit very well on my skin, and I don't feel like it lasts. I would maybe use it as a base for another foundation - but I think that would be about it. I'm really disappointed - I wanted to like it sooo much as I love Maybelline, but its just not for me. This retails at around £8.99.

This is one of my most exciting purchases! I got this blush and eyeshadow from TKMaxx for £5.99, with the retail price being £19. I LOVE everything about it, the colour, the shimmer, the way you can build it from being quite sheer, to being a fabulous night time blush its just lovely. I love the packaging - EVERYTHING! It is really quite pigmented, but if applied with a light fan brush, it gives my face a lovely finish.

The last thing on my very long list is this little Topshop Beaut. I have been dying to get this for ages, and I finally did. It is the cream blush in flush. I decided to go with this one instead of the ever so popular Neon Rose, and I found this shade to be a little more pinker and in my opinion pretty, as well as suiting my skin tone a little better. I love how soft and creamy the formulation of this is, unlike other cream blushes which can be a little sticky for me (I'm looking at you Mac!)

I'd loved to hear what I have missed over the past couple of weeks - let me know!

Lots of Love

Lola...x

MAC Wonder Woman Collection...

Mac Wonder Woman Collection

Mac Wonder Woman Collection

Mac Wonder Woman Collection

Mac Wonder Woman Collection

USA and Canada - 10th February

Internationally - March 2011

Plenty of time to save up :)

Lots of Love

Lola...x