Sunday 31 January 2016

January Beauty Favourites 2016

January Beauty Favourites 2016
Sunday 31 January 2016
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La Roche-Posay Serozinc - £8.50 from boots.com

I recently raved about this in my Mini Skincare Haul (read it here) but I've been using it every single day and I seriously love it. It has made my terrible skin look so much better, it's just bad skin now.  It has become an unmissable step in my skin care routine because it is so so good. It calms down any big, juicy spots, completely gets rid of little ones and gives the overall appearance of clearer skin. LOVE. IT.

Max Factor Gel Shine Lacquer in #35 Lacquered Violet - £7.99 from boots.com

I picked this up at the end of last year and it's been on my nails pretty much ever since. I love purple nails and Lacquered Violet is such a sophisticated and pretty take on that. The colour is absolutely gorgeous, the perfect blend of purple and blue, and it has a fabulous formula with great opacity - one coat! - and a high shine finish. The packaging is really pretty too. It's lovely.

Michael Kors for Esteé Lauder Blush Trio - No longer available.

For a really long time I was too scared to use this because it's so beautiful and I didn't want to hurt it. Then I realised that thought was completely ridiculous and I got over it. It is seriously B-E-A-U-Tiful! The trio is made up of a plum, a bright pink and a light mauve. The blushes are finely milled, buttery soft in texture, blend easily and are well pigmented with a subtle shimmer running through them. They're so pigmented that you need to use a really light hand with them or risk looking like you're permanently embarrassed - a lesson I learnt the hard way - even so they're amazing. Individually they're lovely, but when swirled together with my trusty Real Techniques Blush Brush they create a lovely pink-y mauve that gives the cheeks a really pretty glow. It is gorgeous AND that packaging though! It is seriously dreamy! - Sorry for being a tease guys! This blush was part of a limited edition collection and is no longer available :(

Superdrug Naturally Radiant 2 in 1 Moisturiser & Serum - £5.99 for 100ml from superdrug.com

I've been kind of obsessed with skincare for the past couple of months, hoping to find the miracle product that will give me the  flawless, english rose complexion of Emma Watson or Emilia Clarke.  Alas so far that has not happened but I have found some darn good products, Superdrug's Naturally Radiant 2 in 1 Moisturiser & Serum is one of them. It's a really nourishing serum, with a silky smooth gel like texture that sinks into the skin so quickly. It gives me a much needed burst of hydration and really brightens up my dull, grey skin. I've been using it every night and I really like it, plus it smells amazing! Seriously amazing.

Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed Super Self-Heating Deep Pore Detox Mask - £11.50 for 100ml from boots.com

I picked this up a couple of weeks ago after reading some rave reviews online and thought it was definitely worth a try with my clogged and congested skin. It is so good. It starts working it's self-heating magic the moment it applies to the skin, really getting into the pores and giving them a proper deep clean. It's been really good for my skin. I like it a lot.

Naked 2 Palette - £38.00 from urbandecay.co.uk

I've been OBSESSED with the Naked 2 palette throughout January. I've had a bit of a thing for matte eyeshadows - I blame Adele and the make up she wore on the 25 album cover - and I've been particularly loving the shades Foxy & Tease. Foxy is a slightly yellow,  creamy nude that I've been packing on all over the lid and Tease is a light, almost lilac-y toned chocolate brown which I've been using in the crease to give my eyes some smokey definition. It's a combination I've been loving all month and wearing pretty much everyday but the rest of the palette is just as heavenly. The shadows are pigmented, blendable, buttery soft and incredibly wearable, with a range of finishes including shimmers, glitters and the odd matte. They apply beautifully and there is no creasing whatsoever with these bad boys. Naked 2 is basically perfect. The obsession is so real people!

Collection Extreme Felt Tip Liner - £2.99 from boots.com

Another product whose presence here can be attributed to Adele. Back in the day I used to wing my eyeliner everyday like it weren't no thing. I could do it in seconds, no mistakes made and be out the door. Oh how I miss those days. Now it's a bit of a different story. Being out of practice and my eyelids having become curiously wrinkly (don't think about it!) I've had to go back to basics to get my eyeliner back on fleek. The Collection Extreme 24Hr Felt Tip Liner is the liner that helped me perfect the wing originally due to it's sturdy nib, long lasting, blacker than black liquid formula and it's general awesomeness. I've been reaching for it on a daily basis to get the practice in and my wings back and I still really, really love it. Maybe even more than Benefit's They're Real Push-Up Liner.

L'Oréal Color Riche Exclusive Collection in Julianne's Perfect Nude - £6.99 from boots.com

Okay it's pretty safe to say that all my make up favourites this month are due to Adele. That was one seriously amazing make up look that's all I can say. But oh man this colour is so dreamy. I'm not normally a fan of nudes (tehehe) but this is the most beautiful pink-y nude lipstick that is so easy to wear but looks like I've put a lot of effort in. It is seriously beautiful.

What were your January Beauty Favourites? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, 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
Thursday 28 January 2016

FEARLESS: Introduction & The First Challenge

FEARLESS: Introduction & The First Challenge
Thursday 28 January 2016
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Way back in 2013 I started a blog called Fearless: A Year of Confidence. At the time, shockingly, I had really quite low self-confidence and the idea was to set myself daily challenges that would take me outside my comfort zone and slowly increase my confidence. It didn't work. It was a good idea but it didn't work, but only because, being incredibly naive at the time, I didn't realise how much work goes into a blogging and with my uni work, this blog and a way more active social life than I have now, it all fell by the wayside pretty quickly.

Last year I thought about revisiting the idea but decided that the timing wasn't right and it would be more suited for this time of year. So here it is, finally, 3 years after I had the original idea, it's had some tweaks but I am very happy to introduce FEARLESS! Essentially it is the same, I will be challenging myself to try new things, get outside of my comfort zone and work on my confidence - it's still not great - except they will be bi-monthly challenges, not daily, and I will be sticking to it this time.

Challenge #1: Go to the Gym alone & book a Personal Training session

Last time I went to the gym I let myself get really intimidated, I freaked out after about half an hour and left because I felt so uncomfortable and self-concious. I haven't been back since. I want to go back because I do want to get in shape and get fit but also because I don't want to be intimidated by it. It's ridiculous, I need to prove to myself that it's just a gym and it's okay that other people use it. Get over it. To make things a little bit harder on myself I want to book a Personal Training session. I haven't booked one before because honestly I was way too self-conscious but I have no idea what I'm doing and I need help. It's all well & good me being able to go to the gym but it's pointless if I haven't got a clue what to do. So that is my first challenge. Wish me luck!

I'll keep you posted.

Let me know what you think by commenting below, on twitter, 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






Tuesday 26 January 2016

5 Things I'm Excited For In 2016

5 Things I'm Excited For In 2016
Tuesday 26 January 2016
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Okay guys how long into the new year can we get until it's not a new year anymore? The end of January still counts right? - Side note: HOW ON EARTH IS IT THE END OF JANUARY?! - Well before it's officially too late I thought I'd tell you guys about some of the things I am really excited for in the coming year.

Starting a Youtube Channel

I've been threatening promising to start a Youtube Channel for the past 2 or so years but what with uni work, actual work and life generally getting in the way I haven't been able to. Now I FINALLY can. My tripod has arrived and I will be filming some stuff very soon, so keep an eye out for that. I'm really, really nervous but really excited too, it should be a lot of fun! 

Getting back into Slimming World

At the beginning of last year I was really ON Slimming World, I lost 1.5 stone (21 pounds) and was feeling so much better for it, but then I got off track and put some of the weight back on and really lost heart. So I'm quite excited to really get back on it. I mean junk food tastes good and all but it makes me feel really rubbish. Hmm... maybe that's why it's called junk? 

Learning more

You'd think that after 4 years of uni I'd have had enough of learning, but I love learning new stuff, even if it's just really random stuff I've read on Wikipedia (that's how I learnt that when an Octopus gets stressed out it will try to eat itself). At the moment I'm figuring out how to use my new camera  - which I AM OBSESSED WITH & slowly getting the hang of - but there are so many things I want to learn. Including: how to drive (I've been saying this for years, maybe this is the year!), how to play guitar (ditto), how to sew, how to cook properly... the list really is endless.

Working what I want to do

This may be the scariest thing of all, I'm absolutely terrified, but the prospect of finding out what it is that I want to do, and then finding a way to actually do it, I mean that's a little bit exciting. Very, very scary but exciting too. 
Travelling

This is the thing I am most excited about! I'm hoping to go travelling towards the end of the year, August/September time. I haven't booked anything yet, at the moment I'm just focusing on doing a load of over time at work and adding to my savings as much as I can. But I have so many ideas about where I want to go. I'm torn between Australia, New Zealand & some of Asia on the way back, I'd love to go across America or around Europe. It all depends on how much I save. If you guys have any suggestions or advice please let me know. 


What are you looking forward to this year?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
Sunday 24 January 2016

The Weekly Round Up #10: NYX, Barry M & ALL THE ICE CREAM

The Weekly Round Up #10: NYX, Barry M & ALL THE ICE CREAM
Sunday 24 January 2016
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This week has lasted FOREVER! But it's over now. I've had a nice, relaxing weekend and am I really ready for the week ahead - sorry that's a total lie, I'm never ready for Mondays - but before we get started onto the new week let's round up the last one shall we?

Barry M Speedy Quick Dry Nail Paint in Sprint Finish - £3.99 from boots.com

I love the formula of Barry M's Quick Dry Nail Paints. It's way up there with some of my favourite formulations. It does exactly what it says on the tin, dries super quickly, add to that a fabulous cuticle hugging brush and you have got yourself a darn good nail polish. So when I was browsing the aisles of boots and spotted this pretty burgundy shade it was only a matter of time until it would be making it's way into my collection, which it has. Now it's on my nails. I love it.

NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Hera & NYX Butter Lipstick in Moonlit Night -£5.00 /£5.50 from Boots, available here & here

NYX is a brand I've heard loads about but never tried, and I thought it was about time I changed that. So I had a little browse online and before I knew it I'd added the Jumbo Lip Pencil in Hera and the Butter Lipstick in Moonlit Night to my basket. Hera is a beautiful, bright cerise pink with a blue shimmer running through it and Moonlit Night is a gorgeous, gorgeous berry. Both shades make my eyes turn into hearts because they are beautiful but I haven't actually tried them out yet so I'll keep you posted.

Ben & Jerry's Blondie Brownie Core Ice Cream

If you follow me on twitter you'll have noticed that I have recently discovered Ben & Jerry's Blondie Brownie Core Ice Cream and it is so amazing that I can't stop eating it. It's chocolate & caramel ice cream with a salted caramel core and blondies and brownies in, and it is incredible! Seriously it is so good that I couldn't get a photo because I ate it.  It is delicious! So much so that you could eat a whole tub in one sitting completely by accident, not that I've ever done that ;). It's amazing and it's causing some problems because I am trying so hard to eat healthily and be good. DAMNIT BEN! DAMNIT JERRY!

How was your week? 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
Saturday 23 January 2016

Lip Smacker Coca-Cola Collection

Lip Smacker Coca-Cola Collection
Saturday 23 January 2016
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Lip Smacker Coca-Collection - £7.59 for a set of 4 from amazon.co.uk

Back in my uni days I had a pretty intense Coca-Cola habit, as in I could, and did, drink a 2 litre bottle a day and think nothing of it. If I ever had to choose between food or a bottle of Coke, food would always lose. BUT it is so bad for you and I know that, so I don't really drink it anymore. Now I am what I like to refer to as a Coca-Cola enthusiast. I don't really drink it but I have Coca-Cola pyjamas and I love them. So I was thrilled when I opened this Lip Smackers Coca-Cola collection on Christmas morning. 

Who else used to love Lip Smackers as a kid? Just me? I loved going to Claire's Accessories when I was a tween and spending all  my pocket money on Coke flavoured Lip Smackers and those checkered sweat bands, even though I definitely wasn't doing enough exercise to cause me to actually sweat. I've gone off topic, anyway this little giftset caused quite the rush of nostalgia when I opened it. I was over the moon. 

For those who don't know Lip Smackers specialise in cool and quickly lip balms, but my favourites are the fizzy drink ones, they're the best because they taste exactly like they're supposed to. I mean EXACTLY. I don't know how they've managed to contain a bottle of drink in a lip balm but they have. I can only think some kind of witch craft is involved. Not only do they taste incredible but they are actually decent lip balms. They're moisturising, provide lasting hydration and they leave the lips feeling soft and smooth. A lot of novelty lip balms just disappear and do absolutely nothing but these do last reasonably well on the lips. Lip balm, like hand cream/hand sanitiser,  is one of those products that I don't like to be without and these ones are really good, taste amazing and are oh so cool. 

Have you tried any  Lip Smackers? Which one is your favourite? 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







Thursday 21 January 2016

Mini Skincare Haul

Mini Skincare Haul
Thursday 21 January 2016
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You've all heard about my problem skin by now, if you haven't then, to cut a really long story short, it's pants, my skin is pants (that means bad for any non english people reading this). I've recently taken to browsing the aisles of boots, and the sephora website and basically anywhere that sells skin care, to try and find the miracle product that will turn my skin around. Here are some of the bits I've picked up on my travels.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc - £8.50 for 150ml from boots.com

Serozinc is essentially a water spray containing Zinc Sulfate, an active ingredient in a lot of acne treatments. The spray dispenses a fine mist, which can be sprayed directly onto the face, although this does take some getting used to, or applied to a cotton pad and swept across the skin. There is a lot of hype surrounding this particular product, like A LOT a lot, but for very good reason. It. Is. Awesome.  I really do struggle with my skin, I get breakouts, blackheads, big juicy blemishes galore - oh for the days when it was just the occasional blackhead and sensitivity -  and I have tried everything, and I really mean everything, and this is one of the first things that has made a real, noticeable difference to my skin. I've been using it in place of a toner for the past week or so and it's incredible.  It reduces redness, calms particularly aggressive spots and clears smaller spots. It is seriously amazing. Just a quick warning though ALWAYS cover your eyes when spraying on your face. I got some in my eyes and I swear I've never known pain like it. Other than it's awesome and I'm sure I'll be adding the Effaclar System to my basket at some point in the very near future. 

Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed Super Self Heating Mask Deep Pore Detox Mask - £11.50 for 100ml from boots.com

Okay so this mask is amazing. I've only used it once but I already love it. It's a self-heating mask that begins to heat up as soon as it's applied to the skin. It gives the skin a real deep clean, really getting into the pores and getting rid of dirt and bacteria to prevent new spots forming. It also reduces the appearance of spots and pores and leaves the skin looking, and feeling clearer. It works wonders on congested skin. The best part is that the mask turns blue once it's been activated which is SO COOL! I love it. 

Superdrug Naturally Radiant 2 in 1 Moisturiser & Serum - £5.99 for 50ml from superdrug.com

This 2 in 1 Serum is a seriously lovely offering from Superdrug's own skincare line. I'm actually super impressed with what I've tried so far. It's really nice quality but also really cheap which is always a bonus. This serum has a lovely silky smooth texture that just melts into the skin. Normally I'm not a massive fan of serums, some I've tried have felt really sticky on the skin, but this applies really smoothly and just feels so nice on the skin, it's also really nourishing. My skin gets really dull and grey, particularly in the winter time, and this serum has done a lot to restore some radiance, and general glowiness to my skin and make me look more alive. It's very nice. 

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Eye Cream - £5.99 for 15ml from superdrug.com

The skin under my eyes is really sensitive, to the point where if I don't moisturise regularly then it becomes dry and sore and starts to look and feel like tissue paper. The worst thing is it really doesn't take much to irritate it, so I have to be super careful with what I use. It's a bit of a vicious circle really. Superdrug's Naturally Radiant Brightening Eye Cream is really nice, and one of the few eye creams I've come across that doesn't have any adverse affects on me. It's quite rich but also lightweight and fast absorbing. It's really moisturising and oh so gentle on the skin. It doesn't irritate me at all but leaves my under eye area feeling nourished and looking refreshed and awake. I almost can't believe how good it is. Especially when considering how cheap it is. It is so good. 

What skin care bits have you been loving lately? Any recommendations? 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


Tuesday 19 January 2016

3 Products that Fight Frizz Fast

3 Products that Fight Frizz Fast
Tuesday 19 January 2016
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I was cursed  blessed with a tangled mane of messy curls which, honestly, are an absolute bitch to maintain. My hair care routine is pretty set, I know what works for me and I stick to it. I wash my hair 2-3 times a week, the day I wash it tends to be an okay hair day, and I handle the frizz on the days in between. Some days I wake up and my hair is fine - these days are rare but they do happen - but more often than not I'll wake up with hair closely resembling a cherry red brillo pad. On those days, if it's a non hair washing day, there are three products I reach for to tame my mane and calm my curls.


This stuff is my Holy Grail product for getting rid of frizz fast. When my hair is being particularly mad the first thing I do is spray this liberally through my hair to dampen it down, before working it in with my fingertips. It's very conditioning, really hydrates and nourishes the hair and leaves it feeling soft, smooth and frizz free. It also treats split ends and fights against breakage. I've been using it for years and nothing else calms my hair quite like it. 

This teeny, tiny bottle of magical golden liquid is a GODSEND for curly hair. I'm serious, this stuff is incredible! Frizzy/curly haired girls everywhere owe Avon a huge thank you for this! That's how good it is. For an oil it's non-greasy, light weight and oh so nourishing. One pump, run through the mid lengths and ends of the hair,smooths down any frazzled flyways and gets rid of any fluffiness. Leaving me with smooth, healthy looking, frizz free curls. It's actually amazing. 

John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Agent Touch-up Crème - £5.99 for 100ml from superdrug.com

Another Holy Grail product for us curly girls. The Secret Agent Touch-Up Crème is a thick cream with a surprisingly light texture. Once worked into the hair it breaks down and sort of binds the hair together, smoothing away any flyways and frizz. It smells really nice and works wonders on mad hair.  I've been using it for years because it's so good and I haven't found anything else that does the job better. Love it.

Each of these products work really well on their own but the combination of the three works a frizz fighting miracle. What products do you use to tame your hair when it's misbehaving? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, or emailing me at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

*Disclaimer:* This post is NOT sponsored by John Frieda. I'm just a really big fan of the Frizz Ease range. 
Sunday 17 January 2016

The Weekly Round Up #9: Bad Skin Days, Wildfire & New Youtube Obsessions

The Weekly Round Up #9: Bad Skin Days, Wildfire & New Youtube Obsessions
Sunday 17 January 2016
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This week has been really, really long. I've been doing a ton of overtime at work so I can save money and my days have basically been me getting up and leaving the house really early, getting back late and then going straight to bed. Just one of those weeks but it's over now, so I should really round it up.

My skin has been so bad over the past couple of weeks. I've mentioned, briefly, that I was diagnosed with Adult Acne in October and I've been getting treatment for it which is NOT working. I can't even tell you how frustrating it is. I'm going back to my GP to see what else we can do because it's driving me crazy. I've bought some new skin care bits in case I've been using something I'm allergic to so keep an eye out for a mini skin care haul on Thursday. 

Wildfire by Rachel Platten - £8.99 from iTunes

I'm not normally a pop girl, I'm more of a leather and lace, blasting AC DC till your ears bleed kinda girl. Having said that I've been listening to Wildfire on repeat for the past week because it is so good! I just can't stop listening to it, it makes me feel like I can take on the world. It's amazing. I've really enjoyed  listening to it. My favourite songs are Fight Song (obvs), Stand by You (ditto), Better Place and Speechless but there isn't a song I don't like.  I love this album.

Shay Mitchell - watch her youtube channel here

I haven't watched Pretty Little Liars - I'll be changing that as soon as I've finished writing up this post - so I didn't really know who Shay Mitchell was. But after seeing her in an Ingrid Nilsen video (watch it here) on Friday, I switched over to her channel and very quickly became hooked, before I knew it I'd fallen into a Youtube vortex and when I came out it was 2 in the morning but her videos are so good. She's even done quite a few collaborations with some of my favourite youtubers - Rhett & Link, Ingrid Nilsen, the list goes on - she just seems really cool.

How was your week? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check me out on instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest
Thursday 14 January 2016

Soap & Glory It's the Whole She-Bang

Soap & Glory It's the Whole She-Bang
Thursday 14 January 2016
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I've been a fan of Soap & Glory for years now, their products are amazing quality and the Christmas gift sets are something I look forward to every year. So when this wasn't one of the presents under my Christmas tree, well I had to rush out and buy it (even though I'd been spoilt rotten). When I found out it was half price that was just the icing on the cake, when my mum offered to buy it for me... well that was the cherry on top.

For this INCREDIBLE gift set, the mack daddy of gift sets if you will - Soap & Glory collaborated with pop artist and fashion designer Philip Colbert, the man behind The Rodnik Band, for the enormous, and fabulous, vanity case. That vanity case plays host to 9 full sizes of some of S&G's best selling products.

The set contains:

Clean on Me Moisture Shower Gel - £6.50 from boots.com
The Scrub of Your Life Body Butter - £7.00 from boots.com
The Righteous Butter Body Butter - £10.00 from boots.com
The Righteous Butter Instant Sun Kissed Tint Body Lotion - £8.00 from boots.com
Hand Food Hand Cream - £5.50 from boots.com
Heel Genius Foot Cream - £5.50 from boots.com
Peaches & Clean 4-in-1 Wash Off Deep Cleansing Milk - £6.00 (currently on offer, usually £8.00) from boots.com
Thick & Fast High Definition Collagen-Coat Mascara - £10.50 from boots.com
Sexy Mother Pucker Lip  Plumping Gloss in Rose & Shine - £9.00 from boots.com

It's mostly made up of body bits but has a nice mix of everything with some beauty and tanning bits thrown in for good measure. I haven't had the chance to have a proper play with everything yet but Clean on Me, Hand Food, Heel Genius and Peaches & Clean are all old favourites of mine and I can't wait to try out the Thick & Fast Collagen-Coat Mascara. I can't praise it enough. Not only is it stuffed to the brim full of fabulous products but it's also incredible value for money. This set was £60 but has a total worth of £70 and I, well my mum, only paid £30 for it, which is half it's retail price, and less than half it's value. What a bargain! As you would expect it's completely sold out online but there might be a few still floating around in store, so it's definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of Soap & Glory.

Did you get your hands on S&G's It's The Whole She-Bang? What did 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 - & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx
Tuesday 12 January 2016

2015 Non-Beauty Favourites

2015 Non-Beauty Favourites
Tuesday 12 January 2016
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Another years gone by in the blink of an eye - yay! That rhymed - so I thought, before we really get settled into 2016, I'd tell you guys about some of the non-beauty things I was really loving last year. So without further ado let's do this.

Inside Out - DVD £10.00, Bluray £14.99 from amazon.co.uk

I can't get over what an absolutely beautiful film this was. Definitely up there with some of Disney & Pixar's finest. If you haven't seen it then you need to change that now, go ahead... I'll wait. It's clever and funny and it features the vocal talents of some extraordinary people - Amy Poehler and Mindy Kaling being just two of those - and it is beautifully written. Inside Out is about 13 year old Riley who is uprooted from her happy life in Minnesota to San Francisco, but there's a twist it's told from the point of view of her emotions. Like I said it is very clever but I think it's incredibly important. It sends children the message that it's okay to feel the way they feel and it's okay to talk about it, and I think that's wonderful.

Jurassic World - DVD £8.39, Bluray £17.99 from amazon.co.uk

I knew I would like this film because Jurassic Park is epic but I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. Yes it's slightly completely ridiculous - Bryce Dallas Howard outrunning a T-Rex in heels, really?!- and it's as if they learnt absolutely NOTHING from the first film - Dude, don't clone raptors they's cray! - but I really, really enjoyed it. It's funny, fast-paced, and the special effects are seriously incredible. Plus you know Chris Pratt is an absolute babe! Serious ALL the heart eyed emojis!!!

Dream A Little Dream by Giovanna Fletcher - Paperback £3.85, Kindle Edition £4.99 from amazon.co.uk

After finishing my degree I was ecstatically happy at the thought of never, ever looking at a book again. That feeling lasted about two weeks before I got bored and Dream A Little Dream was one of the first books I picked up. Dream A Little Dream is about Sarah who, after being dumped by her boyfriend of 7 years 2 years previously, still has to spend an unnecessary amount of time with him and all their mutual friends. That coupled with working really hard at a job she hates Sarah can't exactly say she's happy. But then she starts dreaming about a very handsome man from her past, it's just a harmless fantasy, until he pops up in real life and things get...complicated. It's chick lit at it's finest and done really well. It's funny, sweet, a little bit romantic and so good. I really enjoyed it. Other books I really loved last year were: The Martian by Andy Weird, The Duff by Kody Keplinger &  The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.


Scream Queens - available on 4OD

I was obsessed with Scream Queens when it first started. Horror isn't normally my cup of tea BUT this is such a hilarious take on the genre that all the gory stuff doesn't bother me. It is so funny and really campy and yet it's still really gripping as well. I loved it. If you haven't watched it then you need to change that. Like now. 


Youtube is my favourite way to pass the time, and the more time I spend on the 'tube - it's a lot of time - the more youtubers I discover, then love, and the more time I spend on youtube. It's  vicious circle. Anyway Carrie was one of my favourite discoveries from last year. For those who don't know Carrie is an actress, currently playing Eponine in Les Mis in the West End, and youtuber. She seems really lovely  and her videos are great, really clever and funny, but my favourites are her vlogs. I'm a musical theatre nerd and I absolutely love seeing all the behind the scenes stuff from Les Mis. Speaking of I actually saw Carrie in Les Mis in September and she was insanely good! Love. Her. 

I had so many more favourites throughout the year, most of which I've forgotten now, but these were the ones I could remember off the top of my head.  

What were your Non-Beauty Favourites from 2015? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, 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

Sunday 10 January 2016

The Weekly Round Up #8: Sherlock, Unicorns, Costa Dates & The First Week of a Brand New Year

The Weekly Round Up #8: Sherlock, Unicorns, Costa Dates & The First Week of a Brand New Year
Sunday 10 January 2016
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WHAT? 2 POSTS IN ONE DAY?! I hear you cry out in barely contained disbelief, well.. not really. I missed a post this week and it really irritated me so I thought I'd post my Weekly Round Up as well. Hope you don't mind. Anyway I cannot believe we are at the end of the first week of 2016 already. Before we know it the Christmas decorations will be going up and we'll be doing this all over again, and again, and again, etc. Anyway let's round up the week shall we?

Sherlock - streaming on netflix 

After the latest episode of Sherlock aired last Friday I've been chomping at the bit for the next series, but there are approximately 356 more days until series 4 will be aired in the UK. So I've been binge watching the first 3 seasons. I haven't watched it in so long I forgot how good it is. The writing is incredible; funny and ridiculously clever, and the acting is superb, plus you know Benedict Cumberbatch is incredibly easy on the eyes. The first 2 seasons are on netflix and definitely worth spending a weekend watching if you haven't seen it. 

Unicorn Slippers - £7.00 from newlook.com

Among my Christmas presents were the most fabulous pair of Unicorn Slippers. They are ridiculous, fabulous, magical and oh so snugly and comfy and cozy and all the good things. I'm wearing them right now and they make me so happy, who knew slippers could be so amazing?! Well more amazing than they already are? 

After 12 days off I'm now back at work full time and trying to be a grown up about it. Honestly when will I be paid for just being my fabulous self?! I do really miss no make up days and lay ins and wearing comfies and slippers all day, regular clothes are no where near as cosy! But I do want to go travelling this year and need all the money I can get. I did also go on a Costa Date with my lovely cousin Gemma, who is just as make up obsessed as I am. Any who she's expecting a baby and ready to pop any day now. We had a catch up over caramel hot chocolates and cake, it was so nice to see her (and her Z palette with her collection of make up geek shadows in) and have a proper chinwag, before she has her hands full with the bubba.

How was your first week of 2016? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, 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


2015 Beauty Favourites

2015 Beauty Favourites

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Last year I had about 5 or 6 posts just for my yearly favourites. This year I'm keeping it simple, everything beauty related in just one post. So grab yourselves a cup of tea, maybe a snack, because things are about to get long and rambly.





Makeup & Nails

MAC Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe  -  Shadow pot - £13.00, refill pan - £10.00. Both available from MAC

Well Hello Gorgeous! Satin Taupe is a MAC classic for a reason people! When I first started building up my MAC palette Satin Taupe was the first to make it's way into my basket, why? Because it's bloody lovely that's why. A lilac-y, silver-y taupe that can be smoked up for a super sexy evening look or simply washed over the lid for a more subtle daytime look. It's super versatile and super stunning. Well done MAC! 

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Heavy Duty Under Eye Concealer in Fair  - £4.99 (currently on offer, usually £5.49) from boots.com

This concealer has been one of my favourites for a long old time now. I've raved about this concealer and shouted it's praises from the rooftops countless times so I won't bore you with the details. All you need to know is that it gives excellent coverage and lasts really well. It's fabulous. 

MAC Eyeshadow in Patina Shadow pot - £13.00, refill pan - £10.00. Both available from MAC

Patina is another MAC classic and a bit of a stunner if we're being honest. Patina is a dreamy, shimmery, rich, toasted golden brown shade that applies beautifully and looks amazing simply applied all over the lid and blended into the crease. It's such a gorgeous colour. It makes me go all hearteyed emoji. 


Maybelline have created my perfect mascara, I'm serious, it is incredible. It gives a ton of volume, it lengthens, it's defining. It's long lasting, doesn't flake, doesn't smudge. It. Is. Perfect. 


This is such a fab little eyeshadow quad, when I first got it I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I do because normally I'm not a fan of pink toned shadows, but these are seriously beautiful. The shadows are pigmented, finely milled, buttery soft in texture and don't crease. They really are amazing, especially at such a low price point. Well done Fleur!


Hutch was having it's moment last summer but is a fairly recent discovery of mine. O EM GEE I can totally see what all the fuss was about. The colour is stunning, a bright and bold pillar box red with a fabulous formula. I'm a big fan of OP's entire collection with Ciaté, they are classic colours done beautifully, but Hutch is my favourite. Simple, but gorgeous.

Maybelline Master Sculpt Contouring Pallette in 01 Light Medium - £6.99 from boots.com

I never used to be a fan of Maybelline. In the past I've found them to be a bit hit and miss, and way more miss than hit to be honest. BUT over the past year they have really upped their game, and now so much of my everyday make up is from Maybelline - I also really, really love the Fit Me Concealer and the Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencils! -This nifty little palette is my go to for light contouring. It has 2 shades, a contour and a highlight. The contour is a light, ashy brown that is perfect for us paler skinned lasses, it also looks really natural on the skin which is a definite plus. The highlighter, however, is the real star. A beautiful, pale, champagne colour with a very subtle shimmer running through it. It adds a very subtle and natural looking glowy radiance to the skin without looking like too much. It's just fantastic. 


I'm a sucker for a turquoise blue-y green (a bleen? A grue?) nail polish and this offering from Nails Inc is my absolute favourite. As in I love it so much I've used most of the bottle and will need to repurchase it soon! The colour is B-E-A-U-tiful! A muted sea foam, that I was wearing pretty much constantly throughout the summer. It's just so pretty and the formula's pretty fabulous too. I might actually be in love with it. 


Normally I'm more of a lipstick lover but this gloss is actually closer in formula to a high shine liquid lipstick than a gloss. It's been my go to for days when lipstick feels like too much effort. The colour is a deep berry pink that is right in my berry lip loving wheelhouse. It's so pretty but super wearable at the same time. It's also really comfortable and moisturising on the lips, fades down into an even stain and has a really good wear time. It does need to be reapplied after eating and drinking but other than it is fabulous. The only way it could get any better was if it smelt like vanilla, which it does. It's my favourite lipgloss. 
Skincare


No7's skincare is fabulous, but this cleanser really takes the cake. It's awesome. It promises 'soft, hydrated and radiantly clean skin' and boy does it deliver. My skin isn't great, incredibly sensitive, sometimes dry and, sadly, riddled with adult acne, but this cleanser is so gentle whilst deeply cleansing the skin, removing all traces of makeup and dirt. These days I have to be so careful with what I put on my skin but this cleanser has been an absolute lifesaver. 

nspa Skin Renewal Gel - £7.00 from Asda, available in store, not currently available online

nspa's Skin Renewal Gel is a gel exfoliator that breaks down into an oil once it's been worked into the skin, it contains fruit acids that gently dissolve dead skin cells and dry, flaky skin revealing brighter, softer skin. It's become a staple in my skin care routine because it's oh so gentle - are you beginning to see a pattern? - but it really gets the job done. 

Olay Beauty Fluid - £4.99 from olay.co.uk

Olay's Beauty Fluid is a classic, a really lovely, light weight moisturiser that nourishes my skin without irritating it or making it look greasy. I like to use it first thing in the morning because it has a non-greasy texture and is super fast absorbing, making it a perfect base for make up. I love it!


The worst thing about wearing a lot of eye makeup is having to take it off at the end of the day. Enter Balms Away. With a thick, vaseline-like consistency it breaks down even the toughest to remove waterproof mascara in seconds. Amazing. 

Garnier Micellar Water - £3.33 (on offer, usually £4.99) for 400ml from boots.com

My mum refers to this as 'posh water' but she loves it really, because it's sooooo good! It removes make up quickly and effortlessly but most importantly it's hypoallergenic and oh so gentle on the skin. It's also cheap as chips. It's great. 

Other

John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse - £5.89 for 200ml from superdrug.com

John Frieda is a frizz taming god! Mousse has been a staple in my haircare routine since I was 14, when I decided to really embrace the curl and this is one of the best I've come across - the other being Vo5's Smoothly Does It - it's very lightweight, it doesn't drag my hair down but leaves my curls smooth, defined, non-crispy and most importantly frizz free. 


Coconut oil is truly a thing of wonder. I like to use this as a hot oil hair treatment and it's fabulous.
I just melt down 1.5 tablespoons of the solid oil and run it through the midlengths and ends of my hair before leaving it for a few hours or overnight. The difference it's made to the condition of my hair is so amazing it might actually be magic. 

Garnier Intense 7 Days Restoring Hand Cream for Dry & Chapped Hands - £1.99 (on offer, usually £2.99) for 100ml from superdrug.com

My hands have really not had a good year. Hand washing, hand sanitiser and a recent diagnosis of OCD has left them in terrible condition. Dry, chapped, cracked, bleeding and really sore. Nothing, and I really mean nothing, was making any difference until I got my poor abused paws on a tube of this. It's super hydrating, fast absorbing and is the only cream I've come across that contains a repairing agent that actually does repair the skin and works instantly. I can't be without it. 


Lipbalm is something I can't be without and this offering from Burt's Bees is lovely. It tastes and smells exactly like lime starburst which is amazing, but more importantly it is so nourishing on the lips, giving them a much needed burst of hydration. I refuse to go anywhere without it. It's fabulous. 

Sorry that was a tad longer and rambler than expected but thanks for sticking with me. What were your favourites from the last year? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, 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


Tuesday 5 January 2016

Over to you

Over to you
Tuesday 5 January 2016
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Here we are at the beginning of a brand new year and I was wondering what you guys wanted to see more of on lolarocknroses. Beauty and make up are my one true love but I was thinking about shaking things up a bit and expanding into other areas and want to know what you guys think. I could do anything! I could do some more make up tutorials, fashion-y posts, some craft-y stuff, more book and music reviews. The sky's the limit! So let me know what you want, all the contact links and details will be below.

You can get in touch via twitter,  facebook, by commenting below, dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com, direct messaging on instagram, sending me a snapchat - search lolarocknroses, whatever, just let me know what you want to see more of. Also follow me on bloglovin' to stay updated.

Love love love xxx


Sunday 3 January 2016

Review of Last Year & My Goals for 2016

Review of Last Year & My Goals for 2016
Sunday 3 January 2016
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HAPPY NEW YEAR YOU RIDICULOUSLY GORGEOUS PEOPLE! Sorry I suddenly disappeared at the end of last year, but never mind I'm back now ready to see what a brand new year has in store. But before we get to this year's resolutions let's talk about last year's because there were a few of them.

Just to remind you my resolutions last year were:

1. Take better care of myself.
2. Start Youtubing. 
3. Exercise more. 
4. Make more friends. 
5. Learn to drive. 
6. Learn to play guitar.

Normally I start the year brimming with ideas of all the things I want to do and all the different ways I can improve myself and then come February they're all forgotten and I'm plodding along as usual. Well last year was a little bit different.

I didn't manage to start youtubing last year BUT Father Christmas brought me a very fancy (and very beautiful) camera  - a Canon EOS 1200D DSLR if you're interested - for Christmas and once my tripod arrives - and I get organised - I'll be uploading my first video onto the 'tube, so keep an eye out for that towards the end of January. I'll also be booking driving lessons in the new year because I'm running out of excuses and it really is about time that I learn to drive. Nor did I learn to play the guitar, poor Maggie is still sitting in the corner of my room gathering dust. BUT I did start taking better care of myself, I joined Slimming World and lost 1.5 stone (21 pounds to our American friends), I did start going to the gym - going once counts right? - and I did make some new friends and became a lot more sociable. I've still got a long way to go but overall I'm feeling very positive about last year's resolutions

Last year I had a laundry list of New Year's Resolutions (read that post here) some of which I actually managed to stick to, but this year I've decided to keep things simple. This year I want to be healthy and happy and I want to go travelling. That's it.

What are your New Year's Resolutions? How do you feel about last year's? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter or by 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

P.S. What would you guys like to see as my first YouTube video? Let me know. L xo




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