Thursday 29 October 2015

Lipstick Queen Liquid Assets Vesuvian Collection: Review & Swatches

Lipstick Queen Liquid Assets Vesuvian Collection: Review & Swatches
Thursday 29 October 2015
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Lipstick Queen's Liquid Assets Vesuvian Collection - available individually from £13.20 from feelunique.com or £12.99 for the set in store at T.K. Maxx, subject to availability. 

On one of, now weekly, excursions to the beauty aisles in T.K. Maxx I discovered Lipstick Queens Liquid Assests Vesuvius Collection. Having never tried Lipstick Queen before, and being a self proclaimed Lipstick Queen,  I was curious so into my basket it went. Containing three liquid lipsticks in three versatile shades: Vesuvian Blush - a peachy nude, Vesuvian Fuchsia - a sassy hot pink and Vesuvian Red - a rich and beautiful scarlet, the Vesuvius Collection is a complete lipstick wardrobe, catering for all occasions. Now when it comes to bold lips I like my finishes matte and my colours cool toned. So the red and fuchsia are right in my blue-toned lipstick loving wheelhouse - the nude wasn't really my thing so I ended up giving it to my mum - the high shine finish,  although not normally my cup of tea, did make a nice change. 

Whilst not the most long lasting  the formula is quite lovely; moisturising and comfortable to wear, with unbelievable pigmentation and a high shine but non-sticky finish PLUS it smells like peppermint, which is amazing. It claims that the formula 'protects and pampers the lips in a single moisturising, and stickiness free slick' and I have to agree . However the finish means that it does have a lot of slip and movement to it, occasionally bleeding into the lipline, and it doesn't stick around for long if food or drink is involved.I really liked the packaging as well, as it is sleek and slimline, with the product being twisted up and dispensed through a nylon brush, for an even and tidy application and a neater finish. 

Overall I really liked the lipsticks. No I probably won't be reaching for them on a daily basis, matte formulas being way more my thing, but I will definitely be using them on special occasions or a night out. 

Have you tried Lipstick Queen's Liquid Assets? 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 for updates. 

Love love love xxx




Sunday 25 October 2015

The Weekly Round Up #5: Fleur De Force's Make Up Range, Grace and Frankie &The Girl on theTrain

The Weekly Round Up #5: Fleur De Force's Make Up Range, Grace and Frankie &The Girl on theTrain
Sunday 25 October 2015
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Fleur De Force Make Up Line - available exclusively at feelunique.com

Last week I made a feel unique order specifically so I could try out some of Fleur De Force's new make up line, and I have to say I am a fan. The collection consists of two eyeshadow quads - Lunar Rose & Cosmic Bronze - and 6 lip glosses, I picked up the shades Lucky Star and Starry Starry Night. I'm not usually a lipgloss fan, but the glosses are more like a high shine liquid lipstick than a traditional gloss and the eyeshadows are finely milled and butter-y soft in texture. I really like the collection and will be doing a proper review soon so keep an eye out for that.


The Girl on the Train - £6.00 for hardcover or £5.70 for kindle from Amazon

Tipped as this years Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train tells the story of Rachel, who looks out on a couple, who she has named Jess and Jason, everyday on her way into London. Without ever meeting them she has created a fantasy life for them, but one day Rachel witnesses something that changes everything, and gives her a way into their lives. A gripping thriller, with some shocking twists and turns that you just won't see coming. I was hooked and finished it in a couple of days. It's perfect for curling up with on a cold winter night.



Steve Madden Leather Satchel - £22 from T.K. Maxx (not online, you can find similar here)

I've been looking for a smaller handbag for ages, to stop me from carrying everything and the kitchen sink around with me. When I spotted this leather fringed satchel in T.K. Maxx (my happy place, read more about that here) it was love at first sight and I had to have it.  It's made of textured leather so won't mark easily, is a decent size so I can fit all my bits and bobs in and the fringing and gold hardware is gorgeous and so on trend for Autumn/Winter. But the very best part is it cost a bargainous £22. I love it. 


Grace and Frankie - on Netflix

After finishing Orange is the New Black I was left at a bit of a loss as to what to watch next, even though my to watch list (I like love lists! I have one for everything!) is a mile long, when my best friend Jade recommended Grace and Frankie. So I watched the first episode and I was hooked, and then watched 8 episodes in one day. Created by Marta Kaufman - one of the creators of Friends! - Grace and Frankie is about two 70 year old women, Grace and Frankie, whose husbands of 40 years leave them for each other. With no other choice Grace and Frankie, who've never really liked each other, are forced to move in together and try to help each other rebuild their lives. It's really funny and quite moving at times. I really loved it and can't wait for the next season to come on Netflix.

What have you been loving this week? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagramfacebookbloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest  for regular updates.

Love love love xxx


*Disclaimer* All images except that of Grace and Frankie are owned by myself. I do not own the image of Grace and Frankie. Image used for entertainment purposes only. Images Via


Thursday 22 October 2015

My 3 Beauty B's

My 3 Beauty B's
Thursday 22 October 2015
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Okay so you may have clicked through to this post wondering what on earth I am talking about when I say my 3 Beauty B's but stick with me here. You might have noticed that I have a particular affinity for 3 things: Bronze eyes, Berry lips & Blue nails. My 3 B's!













Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24 HR in On and On Bronze  - £4.99 from Boots

There are two things that Maybelline really got right, the Lash Sensational Mascara and the formula of this A-MAY-ZING cream eyeshadow. A cult favourite amongst beauty bloggers, and for good reason, On and On Bronze is a stunning taupe-y bronze, my favourite kind of bronze, with just the right amount of shimmer and some seriously impressive lasting power. I like to use this on it's own smudged onto the lid and blended into the crease with my fingertip for a simple everyday eye, or as a base for other eyeshadows. Either way it is awesome.


MAC Eyeshadow in Woodwinked - £10.00 for the pan, £13.00 for the pot from MAC

This beaut is one of the first ever MAC products I bought, 3 years ago in the MAC store in Times Square, and it's still one of my absolute favourites. Woodwinked is a rich, warm-toned, bronze-y gold that looks stunning simply washed over the lid or packed on for a super dramatic smokey eye. It's gorgeous; pigmented, buttery soft and super long lasting. Woodwinked is a MAC classic for a reason guys!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick in Bluffing - £4.99 from Boots

Bluffing is one of absolute favourite cream shadows. A silvery, taupe-y bronze with a soft, creamy, easy to blend formula, that once it sets, does not budge for hours. It is my go to on busy mornings, because it makes for one of the simplest, but prettiest, subtle, smokey eye looks around or it can be built up for something a bit more intense, but seriously ain't nobody got time for that. For me I like it best when just swiped across the lid and then blended into the crease. Quick, simple and easy. Love it.

MAC Matte Lipstick in D is for Danger -  £15.50 from MAC

So this is a relatively new addition to my berry lipstick collection but already a firm favourite. It is a stunning, blue-toned, berry red with a velvety matte finish. Whilst it is beautiful I have noticed that you need to do a bit of prep for this lipstick to be at it's finest, as it does slightly dry the lips and has a (again, very slight) tendency to cling to dry patches, however it is totally worth it because the colour is stunning and it lasts hours. You can eat, drink, whatever and this lipstick will still be there.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss in #107 - £5.49 from Boots

#107 is one of my all time favourite drug store lipsticks. It is a beautiful deep, rich berry shade that exudes effortless glamour and sophistication whilst being universally flattering and incredibly wearable, what's not to love? (Side note: I've only just noticed how incredibly similar this is to MAC's D for Danger, I say similar they're actually indistinguishable from each other! Dupe Alert!)

Maybelline Color Drama Velvet Lip Pencil in Berry Much - £4.99 from Boots

This was probably my most worn lipstick of last year because it is seriously amazing. As far as berry shades go this tends towards the darker side of things. An almost purple shade, Berry Much is the darkest of the three but it is so easy to wear. The formula is incredible, and it is ridiculously easy to apply. It goes onto the lips flawlessly, has a beautiful velvet-y finish and lasts hours. Winner!


Essie in Strut Your Stuff - £4.39 from Amazon

Strut Your Stuff has been on my nail polish list (yes, I have a nail polish list. Surprised?) for a long old time. So when I spotted it on the shelves of T.K. Max I snapped it up. It is an absolutely beautiful shade of cobalt blue that just makes me happy whenever I look at it,  although I do say that about every blue polish :S. The formula is really nice, easily workable however it doesn't have the greatest wear time, it's okay... not the best but not bad, does tend to stain the nails. Even so the colour is stunning.

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine in Damson - £3.99 from Boots

Another bright blue stunner. Damson falls somewhere inbetween a deep sky blue and a really rich royal blue. Whenever I wear it I get complements and the formula of the Barry M Gelly Hi-Shines is marvellous. I won't bore you with the details because I talk about them so much but they're awesome, and Damson is beautiful. 'Nuff said.

Nails Inc Gel Effect in Regents Place - £15.00 from Nails Inc

Oh this beauty of a nail polish is one of my absolute favourites. A stunner of a cornflower blue/lilac that is perfect for summer due to it's pastel prettiness. Even though it's no longer seasonally appropriate, it is still gorgeous with a fabulous formula and really good wear time. Lovely.

What are your make up must haves? 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 for updates.

Love love love xxx


Tuesday 20 October 2015

Pay Day Beauty Hauling #4: The T.K. Maxx Edition

Pay Day Beauty Hauling #4: The T.K. Maxx Edition
Tuesday 20 October 2015
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Those of you who follow me on twitter and instagram will know that I've been seriously loving the beauty aisles at T.K. Maxx (or T.J. Maxx in the US) lately. There are 2 very simple reasons for this: 1. It's awesome. 2. It's one of the best place to get genuine high end make up for bargain prices. Seriously what's not to love?! Having said that, the best thing about T.K. Maxx is also the worst thing about T.K. Maxx, it's a double edged sword guys! Yes, you can find some seriously amazing stuff in there for really cheap BUT the stock isn't standardised, it's for this reason that I haven't been able to link anything up. Sorry. Anyway here's what I've been hauling. 



Notebook - £4.99 from T.K. Maxx

Now I am a girl who loves her stationery, particularly pretty stationery, specifically notebooks. There's just something about a brand new notebook. So when I saw this ridiculously pretty, and inspiring, notebook how could I resist?! The gold against lilac is gorgeous, and I love the message on the front, it's so cute! I can't wait to scribble down all my blog ideas in it. In my very best handwriting, of course.


Essie Spring Collection - £7.00
Essie The Lace is On & Strut Your Stuff - £3.99 all from T.K. Maxx

I've been having a bit of a moment with Essie lately, I've since added Truth or Flare to my growing collection, and it started with this year's Spring Collection which is gorgeous AND cost a bargainous £7! The Spring Collection is so pretty, with four 5 ml pastel polishes. Flowerista - A gorgeous purple-y pink, Blossom Dandy - A muted, but lovely, mint green that is right in my mint nail polish loving wheelhouse, Petal Pushers - A blue-y grey that is both incredibly chic and incredibly pretty and Perennial Chic - A peachy nude that, honestly, is not really my thing, but I can still appreciate it's prettiness. I also picked up The Lace is On - Another purple-y pink, this one a metallic with a very subtle sheen of gold glitter running through it. It is so pretty and so festive, perfect for this time of year. The last polish I picked up was Strut Your Stuff, which has been on my Nail Polish list (yep, I have a Nail Polish list, are you really surprised?) for ages. So when I saw it in T.K. Maxx, for half it's normal price, well obviously I had to have it. My blue nail polish obsession is well documented, and this is a welcome addition to my army of blue polishes. It's a beautiful turquoise that makes me smiley all over my face. Essie's formulation is generally good, with reasonable wear time and an average of 2 coats to achieve opacity. Lovely. 


Dermactin-TS Intensive Skin Care Intense Acne Treatment Pore Refining Facial Sheet Masks - £4.99 for 4 from T.K. Maxx

I have real issues with my skin. Blackheads are my biggest problem, it seems that everytime I get rid of one, ten really angry blackheads arrive to avenge it. It's a constant, and fruitless, battle and I am losing. So when I saw these sheet masks I figured at the very least they were worth a try. I'd never tried sheet masks before and I thought it was amazing, but also really weird. This mask promises to 'penetrate deeply' (that seems unnecessarily sexual, but it's what it says on the packaging), to unclog and clear the pores of dirt and oil, to prevent new blemishes and blackheads forming. It also moisturises and rejuvenates the skin. I actually really liked the mask, although it was really difficult to a) put it on and b) keep it on.  


Also there is literally no escaping the fact that you look like Hannibal Lecter when wearing it. Embrace it, because it is hilarious. Despite all that I could see a noticeable improvement in the condition of my skin after just one use. 


Nuxe Crème Prodigieuse Enrichie Anti-Fatigue Moisturising Cream for Dry Skin - £6.99 from T.K. Maxx

I am so in love with Nuxe, it's one of my absolute favourite skin care brands and for good reason. The lip balm is fabled for it's sheer amazingness amongst the beauty community. Personally I am a huge fan of their Masque Crème Fraîche de Beauté because it's incredible. The only teeny tiny, but still somewhat fatal, flaw is that it's not exactly the cheapest of beasts; so finding this day cream for just £6.99, when it usually retails for £21, actually made my day. It has quickly become my favourite moisturiser. It is so rich and hydrating and smells beautiful. My mum is also a fan because she keeps 'borrowing' it and if she carries on then there will be blood. Seriously though it is amazing. My skin has been particularly dry lately and this has just made it so much better. Expect a full review soon, if I have any left that is...


The Balm: The Balm Voyage Pallette Vol II - £19.99 from T.K. Maxx

And finally the last product in this never ending haul. This I actually got a few weeks back but it was such a great find that I just had to include it. This pallet is awesome! Not only does it have everything, from lip tints to eyeshadows, all of which are incredibly wearable, but the formulations are amazing! Smooth, buttery soft and almost creamy in texture, whilst also being highly pigmented and easily blendable. It is such a handy pallet for travelling because the packaging is very light and compact and also plays host to a decent sized mirror. I'm so glad I found it. 

So that was longer, and ramblier, than usual but thanks for sticking around 'til the end. I definitely recommend checking out the beauty aisle of T.K. Maxx for any beauty lovers, I always find such good stuff in mine. What have you guys been hauling 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 for updates.

Love love love xxx
Sunday 18 October 2015

September 2015 Favourites

September 2015 Favourites
Sunday 18 October 2015
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What with my dissertation being due in and being ill, September flew by in a stress filled blur. I'm so glad it's over! Now I can get to the very serious business of enjoying October. Who doesn't love Autumn? With it's crisp, cool mornings, the leaves changing colour and hot chocolate with marshmallows. It's my favourite time of year (read more about that here) but enough about that. Let's talk about my very, very late September favourites shall we?




MAC Matte Lipstick in D is for Danger - £15.50 from MAC 

During the dissertation madness I went a bit OTT on the MAC website (haul post to follow) and, somehow, D for Danger found it's merry way into my basket. A  rich berry shade that looks stunning on, is long lasting and absolutely perfect for this time of year, it has quickly become my go to for berry lips, and we all know how much I love a berry lip! The formula does tend towards the drier side of things but it sticks around for hours without needing to be re-applied and is just all kinds of beautiful.

L'Oreal La Palette Nude in Rose - £14.99 from Boots

I was super excited when this was released last year and I think I used it maybe once before it was relegated to the back of the make up drawer in favour of other, more neutral, pallets. But recently I've found myself reaching for it more and more. And I think it's due to the two matte, lilac-y, pink-y, brown shades (on the right in the first picture) and the dusky lilac (centre in the second)



These are a total departure from the silvery, taupey bronzes that I rock on a pretty much daily basis; but they just look so pretty and subtle on the lid. The shadows themselves are lovely: buttery soft, easy to blend and nicely pigmented, with no creasing on the lid. I can see myself getting a lot more use out of this pallet. It's rather fabulous. 

No 7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser - No longer available but No 7 do have a very similar Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser for £9.95 at Boots

This cleanser is amazing! I mentioned it a few weeks back in my Weekly Round Up (read it here) and I'm still loving it. I love that it's a hot cloth cleanser. Lying back and resting a hot muslin cloth on my face is just sooooooooo relaaaaaaxing. It feels so luxurious and pampering to just sit back and let the hot cloth work it's magic for 5 minutes.  It thoroughly cleanses the skin whilst still being really gentle, and being hypo-allergenic it's even suitable for those of us with sensitive skin. I really like it.

Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Face Brush - as part of the Nic's Picks Collection, £23.37 from Amazon

I'm actually a big of the entire collection (expect a full review soon) but have been reaching for the Duo-Fibre face brush on a daily basis. It is a dream for applying powder products without looking cakey, it just makes for a really nice light-weight application for a flawless finish. Personally,  I love it for bronzer and contouring because it doesn't pick up too much pigment, so I can really build up ny contour/bronzer when applying, but it's almost impossible to go over the top. Well done Pixiwoo! You've done it again! 


Les Misérables - booking information available here

Me, my brother & sister surprised my mum by taking her to see Les Mis as part of her birthday present, and it was incredible! I'd seen it before but it was so  amazing to see it again. Especially because I knew how much my mum wanted to see it and how excited she was. It was incredible the first time I saw it, but it was even better the second time around. I love it, it's such an amazing show. And yes before you ask I spent most of the show in tears, because of course I did!

Sorry this is so late, for some reason I thought I'd already posted this, but obviously not. What were your September Favourites? She asks halfway through October! 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
Thursday 15 October 2015

Lola Rocks #7: The Workout Playlist

Lola Rocks #7: The Workout Playlist
Thursday 15 October 2015
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It will come as a surprise to approximately no one when I say that I don't like exercise or enjoy going to the gym. At all. Those people who are all 'Oh I just had the best workout. I feel so good!' they're definitely lying right? I mean it's painful, it makes you all gross and sweaty and leaves you gasping for breath. How is it good for you, when it feels like dying?! Exercise sucks! It's not just me who thinks this right?

BUT it is good for you AND seeing as I am trying to make positive changes it is now, sadly, part of my life. Even though I hate it, I always like that I've done it, especially if I don't pass out after. But the whole inbetween part, where I am actually exercising, is pure, unadulterated torture. Obviously I need one hell of a playlist to get me pumped enough to keep going. So in the spirit of kindness, and self-improvement, I thought I'd tell you guys about the 5 songs that manage to keep me on the treadmill for an extra five minutes, when all I want to do is cry in the changing rooms.

Bad Blood - Taylor Swift



Meatloaf - Everything Louder than Everything Else



Pat Benatar - All Fired Up 


Iron Maiden - Can I Play with Madness


Ester Dean - Crazy Youngsters



All these songs get me super pumped and motivate me to keep going when all I want to do is give up, and fall to the floor in boneless puddle. What songs do you listen to when you need to stay motivated? 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 for regular updates. 

Love love love xxx

*Disclaimer* I own none of the videos featured, all media used for entertainment purposes only. 





Tuesday 13 October 2015

Kendall Jenner for Esteé Lauder Pure Color Matte Sculpting Lipstick in Restless

Kendall Jenner for Esteé Lauder Pure Color Matte Sculpting Lipstick in Restless
Tuesday 13 October 2015
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I've been holding onto this post for a quite a while now, just while I've been trying to organise my thoughts, which are very mixed by the way, about Kendall Jenner's much talked of Pure Color Matte Sculpting Lipstick in Restless.

First let's talk pros, because there are a few of them.  Everything about this product screams pure luxury, (including the price tag... at £25 it's not exactly cheap), from the dreamy formula to the sleek, weighted, magnetised and completely gorgeous navy and gold packaging. Just holding the lipstick feels like an act of pure indulgence. It is one seriously luxe item. Even my mum, who does not find make up impressive at all, found the magnetic closure incredibly satisfying. So let's come back to the formula, because it is truly a thing of wonder: matte, long lasting, vanilla scented - everything one could want when rocking a bold lip - but with a creamy, moisturising feel to it that means it doesn't dry the lips out at all. Nor does it cling to any dry patches, as so many matte lipsticks are wont to do, and with the right liner it sticks around for hours BUT there is a bit of transfer when eating, drinking, kissing etc so some reapplication might be needed. 

So let's talk about the colour because this is where my thoughts of admiration get all tangled. Let me just say it has photographed beautifully, honestly it looks stunning in the pictures. A gorgeous pillar box red that is right in my red lipstick loving wheelhouse. In reality it is way more orange. Esteé Lauder describes it as 'Part Poppy. Part Orange Crush.' Essentially a neon red-orange hybrid. Unfortunately I didn't know this when I bought it, being an online exclusive there was no opportunity for me to swatch it (BOO!). And whilst I have no problem rocking a red lip, my reds tend to be more blue toned as I find that they're best suited to my pale skin tone. Yellow and orange toned reds tend to make my pasty skin look sickly and my teeth look a bit yellow. And that's really not a good look for anyone. Having said that I definitely think part of me is resistant to it because it is so different from what I normally go for, and it does look really good in the pictures. So maybe it's time for me to shake things up a bit in the red lipstick department...

Have you tried Restless? 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 for updates. 

Love love love xxx





Thursday 1 October 2015

The Drugstore's Greatest Hand Cream?

The Drugstore's Greatest Hand Cream?
Thursday 1 October 2015
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I just wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to, what I think, is the Drugstore's Greatest Hand Cream. A bold claim yes BUT (in my opinion) it's true. This hand cream has been a handbag staple for me for a while now (read more about that here) but lately I've been really appreciating it for all it's awesomeness and thought I needed to share it with you lovely lot. Now before we get started I have to tell you my hands have a terrible time of it. I'm a little bit obsessive when it comes to keeping my hands clean. Due to the environment I work in, my hands are exposed to a lot of germs and bacteria so I wash my hands a LOT, like ALOT a lot, and when I can't wash my hands I use hand sanitiser. I go through so much anti-bac hand gel it's actually ridiculous and it is really bad for my hands. It dries them out like nobody's business. To make matters worse I get really bad eczema as well. Honestly the poor things go through so much. At times they've been left cracked and bleeding from my germaphobic habits. And nothing was working, even steroid creams from the doctors weren't really helping and then I found this.

Garnier Intensive 7 Days Restoring Hand Cream for Dry & Chapped Hands is a rich but fast absorbing cream; containing shea butter, to moisturise and nourish, and l-bifidus, a probiotic found in yoghurt, that replenishes the skin's natural moisture and acts as a protective barrier to maintain hydration.  It leaves my hands feeling soft and nourished but most importantly hydrated. It gets to work really quickly and even lasts after washes. I can see a difference in my hands almost immediately after using it. For me it's been an absolute life saver and keeps my hands in good condition even when I abuse them with hand sanitiser and over-washing. It's amazing and I love it AND at less than £5 it's a total bargain too. What's not to love?

What's your favourite hand cream? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check me out on instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses -&  pinterest for updates.

Love love love xxx



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