Lola Loves... LIPSTICK

Lola Loves... LIPSTICK

Thursday 30 July 2015

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As yesterday was National Lipstick Day I thought I'd share my top 5 favourite lipsticks with you lovely people in honour of that illustrious day! It's no secret that I LOVE lipstick! It's well documented. It's one of, if not my actual, favourite beauty product to use. I feel like with the right lipstick on I can take on the world! If my lippie is on point I am UNSTOPPABLE!  I think that's what I love about it, lipstick doesn't just transform a look, it can completely change your state of mind. I find that this is particularly true of bold shades. For me I am all about the bold lips, go bold or go home!, and there are 3 shades that I absolutely love and come back to time and time again. I'm talking Pinks, Reds, Berries... these are my go to shades. Before I get started I'm gonna give you fair warning all of these lipsticks have been ranted and raved about before so I do apologise if I'm repeating myself.

MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Girl About Town - £15.50 from Selfridges

I know you guys must be sick to death of me talking about this lipstick because I have talked about it so much BUT in my defence it is my absolute favourite. If I had to sacrifice all other lipsticks and only wear one for the rest of my life, this would be that one. That's how much I love it! I once described this lipstick as 'perfection in sleek MAC packaging' and I stand by that!The colour is stunning, honestly it is the most beautiful blue toned fuchsia. I just love it so much. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Olé Flamingo! - £8.99 from Boots
(Not pictured above)

I wasn't sure whether or not include this because it's a liquid lipstick, but then I thought Sod it! It's still lipstick! And it's one of my very favourites. This lipstick makes me feel completely fearless! And that's a great thing. Another gorgeous pink, this time a fiery hot shade, it has a bouncy, gel like formula that adds an intense pop of colour to the lips and lasts hours. This stuff does not budge. Once it's on IT IS ON! It ain't going no where for no one. Now confession time: I have actually lost this and I am gutted! BUT I will be repurchasing as soon as possible because I love it. The formula is incredible and the colour is sexy as hell! Overall the Bourgeois Rouge Edition Velvets are amazing, I also really love Hot Pepper and Pink Pong but Olé Flamingo! is, undoubtedly, my favourite. 

Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in #107 - £5.49 from Superdrug

When Autumn rolls around this lipstick is my go to. It's a gorgeous deep berry red that is both really wearable and effortlessly glamorous. I always feel like a total vamp whenever I've got this slicked on my lips. Seriously I could be wearing sweatpants (and I frequently am!) and as long as I have this lipstick on I'll feel like Jessica Rabbit! It has a matte finish so it's really long lasting, is only the littlest bit drying on the lips and it has a fabulous price point. I seriously, seriously love this lipstick. I also love Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish in #30 which is a really similar colour with a satiny finish. Both of them are super gorgeous!

L'Oreal Color Riche in Julianne's Nude - £6.99 from Boots

This is a new addition to my lipstick collection but already a firm favourite. It's the most beautiful nude that I have ever happened across. I don't do nude lips normally but I am prepared to make an exception for this babe of a lipstick. For me it's the perfect MLBB shade. A blue toned pale pinky nude it just looks absolutely gorgeous on. It has really good very moisturising formula, but it does have a quite a lot of slip to it so it's not the most long lasting of formulas, in fact the formula really doesn't last that long at all and it definitely needs to be reapplied after eating and drinking but the colour more than makes up for it. I love it.

Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil in #520 Light It Up - £4.99 from Boots

Trust me when I say that the Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencils are among the best lip pencils out there. They are so incredible. I just love them. Light It Up is a super flattering, blue toned, cherry red that will suit most skin tones but is really flattering on us pale people. It is intensely pigmented and has a matte finish with a redonkulous formula; creamy and moisturising yet really long lasting. I mean really long lasting. Wild horses can't drag this bad boy away. Now one thing I have found with bold lips is that they can be a Bitch, with a capital B, to maintain, this isn't even an issue with these because the longevity is so awesome. I love them so much. #310 Berry Much is another favourite of mine because it is also beautiful. I love them so much. 

What are your favourite lipsticks? Are you a lover of bold lips or do you prefer a more neutral pout? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also follow me on instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates. 

Love love love xxx

Pay Day Beauty Hauling (again) #2

Pay Day Beauty Hauling (again) #2

Tuesday 28 July 2015

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It's safe to say that I may have a very slight, but very real, shopping problem. Whenever Pay Day rolls around I seem to make it my mission to see how quickly I can get rid of all my money, the upside is I then get to share these awesome purchases with you lovelies. Silver linings and all that.

So you'll notice that there's a lot of Maybelline, it was on offer that's why :),  normally I find Maybelline a bit hit and miss but they have really upped their game lately and with a buy one get one half price deal on at Boots at the moment I couldn't resist adding some of their latest releases to my collection. 

Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Pallet - £9.99 from Boots

This is a really versatile pallet, made up of 12 neutral shadows with a mixture of matte, satin and shimmer finishes that will take you from the most neutral day look to the smokiest of smokey eyes. Now I am firmly of the belief that one can never have too many neutral eyeshadow pallets (seriously you should see how many I've got) and whilst I haven't tried this out properly yet, my initial impression is a bit mixed.  The shadows are buttery soft in texture and nicely pigmented, which is really good, but there's a lot of fall out. Like a lot, a lot which means application is really messy. It also cost £9.99, which is pretty good considering the L'Oreal La Palette Nude will set you back £14.99 but when you take the amazing MUA Heaven and Earth pallet, which is both beautiful and ridiculously cheap, coming in at only £4, into consideration you have to ask is it worth it? I'm not sure yet but I'll definitely let you know.

Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Pallette in 01 Light Medium - £6.99 from Boots

I got this after seeing Fleur De Force talking about how amazing the highlighter is and just had to try it out for myself. Now before I start raving about the quality of this product (heads up, it's a good 'un!) I have to tell you I'm not a big fan of the packaging. It's clunky and clumsy and just  unnecessarily chunky (definitely could be describing myself here ;) :S), this is because, as well as the product, it plays host to a brush and a mirror. Now I know just by looking at the brush that I'll never use it so I think they could get rid of it entirely and move the mirror to the lid making the packaging much sleeker and more travel friendly. Having said that I can live with it, it doesn't bother me that much. The product itself I really like. The contour shade is the perfect ashy, grey toned brown for us paler girls and makes for a really subtle and natural looking contour. The highlighter is lovely too, really soft and subtle but gives a lovely, glowy radiance to the skin and the powder itself is finely milled and buttery soft. I have to say I like it a lot! 

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 10 Light - £5.99 from Boots

I go through tubes of concealer like I go through packs of Haribo, super quickly with no regrets. After seeing that Boots had sold out of my beloved Collection Lasting Perfection concealer I thought I'd try out Maybelline's Fit Me concealer in the shade 10 Light,  and so far I like it. It has a smooth, creamy formula that's easy to blend and gives even but buildable coverage. Due to the doe foot applicator it applies easily and effortlessly and blends seamlessly into the skin giving flawless coverage where you need it. Whilst it's not my favourite drugstore concealer, that illustrious title belongs to the already mentioned Collection Lasting Perfection, it's definitely up there.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - £7.99 from Boots 

I'm a huge fan of the Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara (read more about that here), I'd even go so far as to say it's my favourite drugstore mascara, so it was only a matter of time before the regular formula made it's way into my shopping basket. I haven't actually tried it yet but expect a comparison post soon. 

Rimmel BB Cream 9 in 1 Skin Perfecting Super Make Up in Light - £4.99 from Tesco

I've been looking for something a bit more light weight for the past couple of weeks so when I spotted this on offer in my local Tesco I thought it was definitely worth checking it out so into my basket it went. I haven't tried it out yet, having spent the last two days watching Orange is the New Black, make up free and in my comfies, but it promises to prime and moisturise whilst also minimising the appearance of pores and concealing, covering, smoothing, mattifying, brightening and protecting the skin. It promises a lot. Having swatched it on the back of my hand I can tell you the formula is really light weight and gives a nice amount of coverage whilst still looking natural. I'll let you know how I get on. 

Mini Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - £1 each from Asda

I saw these in Asda and actually couldn't resist, what is it about mini's that make them so darn irresistible?! They're just so cute! I love Garner's Micellar Waters (read more about that here), they get rid of all traces of make up without being harsh or drying on the skin and the size is both adorable and so good for travelling. I'll definitely be popping one of these in my travel bag if I do any unexpected jetting off this summer. (Sorry guys I couldn't find the minis on the Asda website but you can get the full size here)

Lucy Bee Extra Virgin Organic Raw Coconut Oil - £9.95 from Amazon

Last week I got my hair cut, and due to dryness and split ends I had to have way more off than I was happy with. Enter Lucy Bee's Extra Virgin Organic Raw Coconut Oil. It's common knowledge that Coconut Oil is the super-est of all the superfoods and has a laundry list a mile long of health and beauty benefits. Encouraging growth and improving the overall condition of the hair being just one of those benefits, so when I saw my newly shorn lengths I knew I had to give it a try (desperate times and all that... ps I'm totally over-reacting, it's really not that bad) and headed to Amazon where I hastily added a 500ml jar to my basket. As I write this I have a tablespoon of melted coconut oil in my hair and it smells awesome, just like bounties, and is making it feel really soft and nourished. I'll be posting a full review soon so keep an eye out for that. 

Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham & Caitlin Moran's How to Build a Girl - £3.85 or 2 for £7 here and here

These two have been on my wish list forever so when I spotted them in my local Tesco I snapped them up. I've heard excellent things about both so I'm really excited to get reading. I can't wait to get stuck in!

Cup & Saucer - £2.50 from Asda

I saw this adorable turquoise cup & saucer in Asda and couldn't resist. I love the colour and I just think it's so cute! And being a total Tea Addict I am definitely going to be getting a lot of use out of it. 

What beauty bits have you been splashing the cash on lately? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest to stay updated. 

Love love love xxx

July Favourites 2015

July Favourites 2015

Sunday 26 July 2015

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Right I'm not gonna freak out too much but where the f**k is this year going? Wasn't it Christmas like 10 minutes ago? I mean seriously this is ridiculous!  Time is really getting away from me at the moment, honestly it feels like I just sat down to write my June Favourites a moment ago and boom here we are. It's a bit of a mixed bag this month, there's a little bit of everything. So let's get to it.

Nails Inc Gel Effect in Regents Place

Of all the blue nail polishes I've bought this month, I bought 5, Regent's Place is my favourite. It's a beautiful lilac toned cornflower blue with a long lasting, super shiny, gel like finish. It's so pretty and summery and makes me stare at my nails like the polish obsessed weirdo I am. Love it!

L'Oreal Paris Color Riche in Julianne's Nude 

Or the most beautiful nude to ever grace my lips. I'm not a big fan of nude lipsticks usually but this one is the nude to rule over all nudes... there's something I never thought I'd say. Julianne's Nude is a pretty, soft, blue-toned pinky nude, a MLBB shade for us paler girls, that looks absolutely beautiful on. It has a lovely, moisturising formula and smells a little bit like parma violets which is so good. Due to it's nourishing, albeit slightly slippery formula, it needs to be reapplied after eating and/or drinking, it also has a glossier finish than I would normally like, I'm all about the matte, long lasting formulas, so I like to pat it in with a finger tip for a more natural finish. By my normal standards I should not like this lipstick but it's been one of my go to's this month and I just love it.

Everyday Simple Summer Make Up

I've been loving this simple summer make up look lately. I've been wearing it pretty much every day because it looks so nice but is really easy to do, it takes no time at all in the mornings and I still look like I've made an effort, bonus! If you'd like to know how I did it then you can read more here.

MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Girl About Town 

This lipstick might just be (whisper it) my favourite lipstick ever. I've been switching between this and Julianne's Nude all month and I have been loving it. Girl About Town is the perfect summer shade! A stunning blue toned fuchsia with a beautiful formula that is super moisturising and whilst it's not the most long lasting of beasts it's definitely worth the effort of reapplying. Plus it smells like vanilla/cake. This lipstick is perfection in sleek MAC packaging!

Orange Is The New Black

Okay so I am about 2 years late to the party with this one but I have finally discovered OITNB and I'm obsessed! I can't stop watching! I've even stopped watching Breaking Bad to watch it, that's how good it is! I haven't decided who my favourite character is yet, at the moment I'm kinda leaning towards Crazy Eyes, Crazy Eyes is everything! but I love Sophia as well and Yoga Jones (and Daya and Bennett is EVERYTHING! I ship them soon much) ... I'm torn. Anyway OITNB is amazing.

Black Primark Sandals

I was in serious need of some work appropriate sandals when I spotted these in Primark for something redonkulous like £6. They're just really simple black  peep toe sandals with an ankle strap but I really like them, they're so pretty and really comfortable. I like them so much I actually picked up another pair of the black, Primark not exactly known for being long lasting, and a pair in mint blue  and navy as well. They're so nice. 

Pink

After writing this post, where I referenced Pink, I've been re-living my angsty teen years, listening to a lot of Pink (and Green Day and Avril Lavigne :S) and reminiscing about my teenage self. Man I loved me some panda eyes! I also loved those fishnet wrist things, anyway I've actually really enjoyed it. Girl can sing! 

What are your July Favourites? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - and pinterest for updates.

Love love love xxx

Thunderstorm by The Library of Fragrance Review #spon

Thunderstorm by The Library of Fragrance Review #spon

Thursday 23 July 2015

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Hi Guys! This post comes to you from my brand new laptop. I finally have my very own macbook and honestly I'm a little bit in love with it, I don't quite know how to use it yet, but I'm in love with it. Anyway... today I thought I'd talk to you guys about the scent Thunderstorm by The Library of Fragrance. I was actually sent a sample of this to test out a while back and ever since I've been collecting my thoughts and trying to find a more eloquent way of describing the scent, other than "it's nice!" although it is nice. Seriously though guys there are few things I hate more than trying to describe smell, it's IMPOSSIBLE!, but hey ho I'll have a whack at it, just for you lovely people.

The Library of Fragrance, Demeter in the US, is a brand that specialises in unique, almost novelty scents -they have a pizza scent which sounds awesome! - The Library of Fragrance/Demeter's aim is to highlight the beauty of the scents that surround us in our everyday lives, which I actually think is a really lovely idea... I mean I'm not sure how they're going to achieve that with the scent Funeral Home(?!) but who doesn't appreciate the smell of freshly baked cookies? Or pizza? Exactly!

So let's ask the obvious question: does it actually smell like a thunderstorm? You know that amazing smell before the heavens open and it chucks it down. Petrichor is it's actual name. Anyway the answer is yes. Yes it does. I wasn't actually expecting it to smell so much like an actual thunderstorm but it does. It really does! How they've managed to bottle that scent I will never know! When you first spritz it on it smells really earthy which immediately makes me think of sheets of rain, jumping in puddles and heavy, grey clouds, but it also smells really fresh and quite grassy. After a couple of hours that initial grassiness wears off and it leaves behind a really nice, masculine fragrance which I like a lot. It lasts really well too, normally my skin likes to eat perfume for breakfast, lunch and dinner but this has some serious lasting power. I also like to use it as a room spray for this reason, this stuff sticks around. I like it.

One of the best things about Thunderstorm, I think, is that you can layer it! This is what separates The Library of Fragrance from other brands (that and the pizza fragrance... I'll stop mentioning it now I swear!), the individual scents are designed to compliment and contrast against each other so that you can create a bespoke scent that is entirely your own, and that is so cool. I haven't actually tried layering Thunderstorm with any of the other scents yet but I definitely have my eye on Fresh Laundry, Orange Blossom and Moonbeam, so I'll keep you posted.

If you're interested in picking up Thunderstorm or any of the other fragrances, The Library of Fragrance retails at £15 and is stocked in Boots in the UK or you can pick them up online here or you can get Thunderstorm here

Have you tried Thunderstorm? Or any of the other scents from The Library of Fragrance? What did you think?

Let me know on twitter, by commenting below - if you do comment I always try to reply so check back :) -  or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - and pinterest to keep updated.

Love love love xxx

*Disclaimer* The fact that this was a free sample in no way changes my opinion of the product. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own, this is a sponsored post.

FOTD Everyday Simple Summer Makeup

FOTD Everyday Simple Summer Makeup

Tuesday 21 July 2015

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Hey Guys! I hope everyone's having a good week so far. Today I thought I'd tell you guys about the make up look I've been obsessed with lately. I've been wearing it pretty much everyday because I seriously love it. It's really pretty and summery and quite glowy as well which I really like. It's so simple to do and it's not too heavy either. I don't know about you but the last thing I want in the heat is loads of make up or really heavy formulas so this is perfect for me for everyday, which is good because that's how much I've been wearing it.

To start off I use the L'Oreal Paris Infallible Mattifying Base, which I love, to keep things nice and shine-free and to lock my make up in place. I then apply Rimmel's Lasting Finish Nude Foundation in Ivory with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush. This foundation is A-MAY-ZING , one of my drugstore faves, it gives a nice amount of coverage without being heavy on the skin or looking cakey in anyway and has a beautiful dewy/satin-y finish that I am obsessed with. To warm up my pallid complexion and carve out my non-existent cheekbones I use the Lord + Berry bronzer in Sienna which is a matte, light chocolate brown that looks really natural and pretty on. I then use my old favourite Mac blusher in Dame to add a flush of rosy pink to my cheeks. To highlight I use another old favourite of mine: Kryolan for Glossybox's Cream Highlighter in Cashmere, it's a really beautiful, pale gold highlighter that blends into the skin seamlessly while making my skin look really fresh and dewy. I just pop a bit under the arches of my brows, on the tops of my cheekbones, down the centre of my nose and on my cupids bow. Normally I love Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade in Medium Brown on my brows but for this look I just give them a quick brush with a spoolie and leave them to it, which works pretty well surprisingly. On my eyes I use Rimmel's Scandaleyes Eyeshadow stick in 011 Bluffing, a really pretty, silvery-bronze, which I apply all over the lid and under the lash line before blending it out with a fingertip. I then use the eyeliner from Primark's P.S. Love range, which is actually really nice; creamy, pigmented and long lasting, to tightline and fill in the waterline. I never fill in the entire waterline as this makes my eyes look quite small and piggy, instead I go from the centre of my eye to the outer corner as this makes my eyes look bigger. I finish the look with lashings of Maybelline's Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara and a slick of Mac's Girl About Town, my favourite lipstick ever, on my lips, and that's all there is to it!

Would you try this look? If you do let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also tag me on any instagram or facebook pics of your version of this look, also give me a cheeky follow ;) and check out my bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - and pinterest to keep updated.

Love love love xxx

Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish in Mercer Street & Regents Place

Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish in Mercer Street & Regents Place

Sunday 19 July 2015

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I'm a sucker for a blue nail polish, we all know this, I might even go so far as to say that blue is my favourite nail colour. Ever. Well it's a toss up between blue and blue-green/turquoise (read more about that here and here). I'm also a sucker for a gel formula, and a huge fan of Nails Inc, so when I saw these Nails Inc Gel Effect Polishes in Mercer Street and Regents Place in my local T.K.Maxx, for a fraction of their normal £14/15 price tag (I paid £3.99 each) it was an actual no brainer and they had made their way into my basket and to the till before you could say Lauren do you really need another blue polish? Let alone two? The answer, of course, being yes brain. Yes I do.

Mercer Street is a gorgeous cobalt that calls to mind a perfect, cloudless blue sky on a swelteringly hot day somewhere over the south of France (not that I've ever been). Whilst the long lusted after (seriously I've wanted it forever!) Regents Place is a stunning lilac toned cornflower that is more reminiscent of bluebells and spring time. My personal favourite is Regents Place, which is currently adorning my toes and tips, but both are seriously beautiful and really pop against tanned skin, which sadly I don't have.

Now let's talk application, formula and longevity, you know the technical stuff. The application is ridiculously easy, the brush is fairly standard, nothing special but really easy to use. The real star is the formula which is both thick and creamy yet easily workable and leaves a glossy, hi-shine finish which I love. It does take 3 coats to get opaque coverage but that's fairly standard with Nails Inc. I only picked these up on Friday so I haven't had the chance to check out what the longevity is like but other blogger reviews promise a good 5-6 days of wear time before needing to reapply, so I will definitely let you know if this is the case.

*Post Update:* Regent's Place has lasted really well on my toes and is still chip free 5 days in but it didn't last as well on my finger tips, chipping after 3 day on my fingers. 

Nails Inc had a bit of a revamp last year which included redesigned packaging, which I really like, it's so sleek, and an increased price point, which I don't think is justified as you actually get 2ml less product but hey ho. Overall I am really impressed and will be adding more to my ever growing and now quite frankly ridiculous nail polish collection. 350 and counting... it's pretty bad guys!

Have you tried any of the Nails Inc Gel Effects? What do you think? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com, Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - and pinterest to stay updated.

Love love love xxx

P.S. My mum picked up the daisy dish (in the pictures) for me for £2 in the Next Sale, she got it for me in white as well and I'm OBSESSED with them. Be prepared to see them in way more blog photos. Also let me know if you'd be interested in seeing any homeware hauls or anything like that.

L x

Don't Let Me Get Me...

Don't Let Me Get Me...

Thursday 16 July 2015

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If you've been reading me for a while now you'll know that I've been trying to change my junk food eating ways in a bid to lose weight and improve my confidence. When I first started I was super motivated and really hopeful of what it could mean for me to finally battle my comfort eating demons and ultimately get over all the emotional crap that makes me reach for food and break that habit for good.

Now that's all well and good at the beginning BUT 16 weeks in and I'm floundering. I've become complacent and honestly it sucks and I'm really disappointed with myself. Instead of thinking about the long term benefits of losing weight and feeling better about myself I'm thinking 'F**k it' and eating stuff I know I shouldn't. Like pringles and also cookies. 

I guess it's easier for me to attack myself for the things I do wrong then celebrate the things I've done right. Since I started I have lost the best part of 1 & 1/2 stone (21 pounds for any American readers) and that's awesome. It is. What isn't awesome is the 2 pounds I've put on in the past two weeks. It seems like such a small number but what a massive impact it's had on my state of mind. 

I mean you can see in my before and after pictures how well I've done but I've still got such a long way to go and at the moment I feel like I've hit a brick wall and completely lost my motivation. It's really important that I get that back.

Pink once sang 'Don't let me get me!' In my angsty pre-teen years that song was my jam! Well that and sk8er boi... Anyway my point was I am constantly fighting myself and it's not just my weight I'm fighting against either. It's everything; it's my eating habits, my skin, my hair, my clumsiness, my personality... I am at war with myself! Constantly! And like all wars it's exhausting and pointless and I'm sick of it.  So I'm going to try really hard this week to get my mojo back, because I so want this to work for me. I'll let you know how I get on.

Sorry guys! I know this post has been a bit on the moany side. I hope you don't mind, I did say when I first started this - for lack of a better word - 'journey' that I would be completely honest with you guys and yeah sometimes it's really, really f**king hard to make myself eat carrots instead of chocolate, but I just need to keep the bigger picture in mind so that I step away from the jaffa cakes and regain some self control.

How do you guys get your motivation back? Please let me know, because I am dying for some inspiration/encouragement, get in touch on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - and pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Review

St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Review

Tuesday 14 July 2015

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I have another product review for you lovely lot, I'm sorry I know I've been laying these on a bit thick recently but I've tried a lot of new stuff lately and I've just had to share my thoughts with you.

When it comes to St Tropez's latest release there's been something of a divide in opinion in the beauty blogging community. It seems to be something of a marmite product, you either love it or you hate it. Personally I love it. It promises a natural looking, streak-free tan and boy does it deliver. Now I am something of a tanning noob. The extent of my experience includes a few tanning mishaps in my misspent youth and a spray tan for my brother's wedding about 5 weeks ago, that is literally it. Having said that I found this ridiculously easy to use and it left me with an even, natural looking and streak-free tan.

The St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower is a thick, mousse-like cream that you apply in the shower after cleansing as normal. The tan itself is sunkissed and very natural, leaving just a hint of colour on the skin, which for me is perfect, what with me being so incredibly pale. However I honestly can't see this doing much for olive skin tones but for us pastier skinned gals it's great, giving a lovely natural glow to the skin.

Like all of us it's not perfect; it does leave a slight biscuit-y scent after application, nothing too offensive, but you can definitely notice it. Application seems to be the main problem and whilst it's ridiculously easy, it's not particularly comfortable.

So let's talk application. You apply the foamy, mousse-like formula in circular motions, leaving your hands and feet until the end and then washing your hands, leave it for three minutes before rinsing off. Sounds so simple, and it is,  the discomfort comes in when you're standing freezing and starkers in the shower with the water off for three minutes. And trust me three minutes is a long ass time when you're cold and naked. It's also really difficult to measure if you don't have a clock in the bathroom, I used the timer on my phone, but it is amazing how long three minutes can take. Personally I didn't find the actual application process too stressful, whilst it wasn't comfortable at all, it was easy. I know for some people application has been a bit of a deal breaker but for me it's a small price to pay for the end result.

I really, really like it. It's easy to use and left me with a really natural looking golden glow. A 200 ml tube will set you back £14.50 but I think it's totally worth it. Finally a tanning product even I can use!

Have you tried the St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower? What do you think of it? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - and pinterest to stay updated.

Love love love xxx

Pay Day Beauty Hauling #1

Pay Day Beauty Hauling #1

Sunday 12 July 2015

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Hey Guys! I hope everyone has had a fab weekend! Personally I've been holed up in my room doing some uni work and watching netflix, mostly I've been watching netflix but I certainly thought about doing uni work. Anyway I got paid on Friday and went on a bit of a shopping spree, clothes and make up, and I thought I'd share all the beauty bits and pieces I picked up with you lovely lot! 

L'Oreal Paris Color Riche in Julianne's Nude

Usually I'm not a fan of nude lipsticks, I like my lipstick bright and bold, but after my mum got this and I saw how good it looked I just had to get my hands on it. It is the most gorgeous blue toned pinky-nude and I am actually in love with it! It's nude without being too nude, a classic 'my lips but better shade' suited to us english rose types. Whilst it's not the most long lasting of formulas, it is super moisturising and the colour is incredible, it also smells lovely, like parma violets. I can see this becoming my go to lipstick, Me? Rocking nudes? Who'd have thunk it?!

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Sky Blue and Barry M Speedy Quick Dry Nail Paint in Eat My Dust

I love me some blue nail polishes (read more about that here) and these two were irresistible. Sky Blue is a really beautiful sky blue, funnily enough, it has that whole is it blue? is it green? it doesn't matter because it's so gorgeous thing going on and I love it.  Eat My Dust is a very pretty pale lilac-y cornflower blue shade. Eat My Dust has actually been on my list for ages but it's always out of stock, so when I finally spotted this bottle hiding away in the shampoo aisle of my local boots I snapped it up. I really love both of the Hi-Shine Gelly and Speedy Quick Dry formulas; the Hi-Shine Gelly formula is really thick and creamy yet easily workable and has a gorgeous shiny, gel-like finish. Whereas the Speedy Quick Dry formula does exactly what it says on the tin, dries super quickly and has an amazing rounded brush that hugs the cuticles and makes painting your nails a breeze. I am so happy with these purchases, Barry M is my absolutely fave for high street/drug store nails.

Essence The Gel Polish in Electriiiiiic

Yes another blue nail polish, I may have a bit of a blue nail polish problem, Electriiiiiic is currently adorning my nails and I have to say it is gorgeous! It's a beautiful royal blue that really pops against tanned skin, not that I'd know anything about that #palegirlproblems. I'd never actually tried any of the essence polishes but they are really good, with a thick, gel-like formula that applies easily and lasts really well on the nails. It was also a total bargain, setting me back a mere £1.90.Yep you read that right, this tiny bottle of bright blue joy cost less than £2! I'll definitely be adding more to my collection.

Superdrug Vitamin E Skincare Facial Oil

Ever since I ran out of the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil there has been a noticeable difference in the condition of my skin, it's been drier and more blackhead prone than ever, so whilst I'm waiting for a new bottle of that to arrive I thought I'd give this facial oil a try to see if it would give my skin a much needed moisture boost. I haven't actually tested it out on anything other than the back of my hand yet but from that I can tell you it smells gorgeous, like coconut, and is both fast absorbing and super moisturising. I'll let you know how I get on.

Witch Naturally Clear Blemish Stick

The Witch Naturally Clear Blemish Stick has long been a favourite of mine for drying out big, juicy spots and blemishes, so when I ran out I had to get a new one. It's one of the best on the spot spot treatments that I've come across as it gets to work instantly on breaking down any excess oil and fighting spot-causing bacteria. I have quite dry, sensitive skin but witch hazel is a natural astringent that clears up spots without being too harsh on my skin. Having said that I would advise those with particularly dry skin to steer clear as it does dry out spots and the surrounding skin but for me it's a life saver. 

What have you guys been spending your hard earned pennies on? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - and pinterest for regular updates. Also let me know if you'd be interested in seeing a post about the clothes and fashiony bits I picked up. 

Love love love xxx

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara Review

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara Review

Thursday 9 July 2015

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Mascara is one of those products that the drugstore does really, really well and whilst a lot of higher end mascaras can be completely out of this world amazing (I'm looking at you Clinique High Impact Mascara!) you don't have to drop a shed load of cash to invest in a good mascara. Case in point this mascara set me back £5.97! - it was on offer in Asda but it normally retails at £7.99, which is still a total bargain -

Now I'd been on the look out for a new mascara for a while and thought that it was definitely time to give the much talked of and universally loved Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara a try. Annoyingly they'd sold out of the regular formula so I picked up the waterproof version instead and honestly... I super love it.

It's really volumising and defining with a curved rubber brush that seperates the lashes for a fanned out effect whilst adding some serious omph to my lashes. The formula is pretty awesome too, blacker than black and stays in place ALL day.  I'm serious it does not budge. Which is great because no one wants racoon eyes, apart from actual racoons obvs, but this does mean it doesn't come off easily. Wild horses and all the bioderma in the world would have a hard time dragging this bad boy away. Having said that I really, really like it. It has the right balance between volume and definition but at the same time looks quite natural, usually I'm not overly keen on waterproof formulas but this one really holds a curl and is perfect for the hot, sweaty summer months because there's literally no smudging or flaking. Overall it's a fab mascara and I'll definitely be picking up the non-waterproof version soon.

Have you tried the Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof mascara? What did you think? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email to lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx