What's In Their Make Up Bag? #1: Gemma

What's In Their Make Up Bag? #1: Gemma

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

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As part of a new series I've been having a peek in to the make up bags of my nearest and dearest and sharing what I found there with you lovely lot. So I thought the best person to start with was my cousin/mate and fellow beauty addict Gemma. Me and Gemma are only 9 months apart, but we're completely different. She's a new mum to one of the most beautiful babies to ever exist, I'm so immature I might as well be a baby myself. One thing we do have in common though is a pretty serious, and spendy, beauty habit and a complete inability to say no when it comes to eyeshadow palettes. And seriously though her make up collection puts mine to shame, she has more eyeshadow palettes than you could shake a stick at. Speaking of...

MAC Warm Neutral x 15 Eyeshadow Palette - £49.50 from MAC

 I love eyeshadow palettes, my newest one is always my favourite until I get another one. This is my current favourite. It has everything I need to create a bold, warm smokey eye and something more subtle. The shadows are soft and have really nice colour pay off. There isn't a lot of fall out and the shade range is perfect. It's gorgeous. 


Lauren: I recently bought this palette and I agree it's A-MAY-Zing! Read more about it here

MAC Prep & Prime Fix + - £17.00 for 100ml from MAC

I rarely use the Prep & Prime spray to set my face, but it is awesome for setting eye make up! I like to spray it on to my brush, before dipping into eyeshadow, because it makes the colours brighter and more vibrant, and makes my eyeshadow last ages. 

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Box Painterly - £16.00 from MAC

Another MAC product, I love MAC, - Lauren: She really does! - Painterly is the best eyeshadow primer. Seriously, it is the best thing to prime the lids with, I use it everytime I go out. I still use Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion but only if doing my eyes for the fun of it. If I'm going out I always use Painterly, a swipe of this across my eyelids and my smokey eye isn't going anywhere.

George Precision Felt Tip Liner £2.00 in-store from Asda

I picked this up on a whim in Asda, and I was really impressed. It has a fine felt tip and a decent formula. It's really pigmented and it lasts a really long time. 

Natural Collection Pressed Powder Warm £1.99 from Boots

For years I used Rimmel's Lasting Finish  Powder, but I ran out and when I went to get more in Boots and, they had run out. I picked this one up instead. I actually prefer it to Rimmel Lasting Finish powder, it's a lovely colour match and has a light, soft texture, and it's really cheap. 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara - £7.99 from Boots

I have very long eyelashes - Lauren: She does! I'm so jealous - and I love Maybelline's Lash Sensational to add volume to my lashes. It has a really good formula, and the rubber brush does a bit of everything; lengthens, defines and volumises. It's really good. 

What's in your make up bag? Any recommendations for me? 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.

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

The Weekly Round Up #1 Migraines, Nails & Youtube

The Weekly Round Up #1 Migraines, Nails & Youtube

Sunday, 9 August 2015

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Welcome to my first ever Weekly Round Up! A run down of all the beauty bits, tv, books, music, youtubers, etc. etc. that I've been loving over the past 7 days. Sort of a mini weekly favourites. So let's get started!

The Great British Bake Off

I can't even tell you how happy I am that GBBO has returned to our screens! I super love it. Mel and Sue, Paul Hollywood's piercing blue eyes, Mary Berry in general,  the relentless but oh so amazing baking puns and, of course, the drama of competitive baking, we all remember 'the bincident!', makes for unmissable viewing! I've already got a bit of a soft spot for Ian, anyone who makes chocolate elephants to decorate a Black Forest Gateau is okay in my books. I also like Mat the Fireman, Tamal and the young Scottish girl Flora. *Spoiler* I was a bit gutted that Stu went first because he had a fantastic hat, and I bet he would have made some really interesting bakes but oh well. Ooh I can't wait for next Wednesday. 

Kleenex Cooling Gel Eye Mask 

(I couldn't find this exact one online but you can get a similar mask for £6.00 from The Body Shop)

I suffer with migraines and this week I've had one that's really knocked me for six.  I'm still not back to normal yet and it's been a week. They're awful. When one strikes the only thing I can really do is stay in bed, with my black out curtains drawn, wondering how long I can wait before taking more pain killers and whimpering pathetically. One thing that really helps to ease the pain is this mask. Yes I look like a serial killer when I wear it BUT it really helps to ease the tension in my forehead and under my eyes. I just leave it in the fridge for a few hours and then let it work it's cooling magic. 

 Lana

I spend pretty much all my spare time on youtube (because I'm a cool kid!) and I'm constantly on the lookout for new youtubers to add to my subscription box. Enter my new youtube favourite Lana! Lana is an American/Spanish youtuber and she is absolutely adorable. She has really good taste in make up and fashion, I have a bit of a style crush on her, and she just seems really nice. I really like her videos. Check out her youtube channel here

Barry M Hi Shine Gelly Nail Paint in Prickly Pear - £3.99 from Barry M

I love Barry M, I've said it before and I'll say it again, he is the undisputed king of high street nails. In particular I'm a really big fan of the Hi-Shine Gelly Formulas, they're long lasting, thick, creamy, easily workable, have decent brushes, leave a gorgeous, shiny, gel-like finish (hence the name) and are opaque within 2 -3 coats. Prickly Pear is a blue toned summery lilac that looks really lovely on. I've been taking it off to put it back on again because it's so pretty.

Nothing Left to Lose by Kari Kimmel 

I have had this song on repeat since I heard it on The DUFF soundtrack, it's played over the sad bit just fyi. It's very bittersweet and sad, my favourite kind of song, but oh so good. Listen to it here

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 instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - and pinterest for updates. 

Love love love xxx

*Disclaimer* The images of Great British Bake Off, Lana & Kari Kimmel are NOT owned by myself. Images used for entertainment purposes only. Images via, via, via. I own all other images used.

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

Let's Get Real: The Big FAT Truth

Let's Get Real: The Big FAT Truth

Thursday, 9 April 2015

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Today I'm gonna share some incredibly personal stuff with you. A lot of this isn't something I'm particularly comfortable talking about but I felt like this was the right thing to do.

Now before we get into the super personal nitty gritty I thought I'd tell you a bit more about Let's Get Real, which is a new monthly series I'm starting where I'll be sharing my experiences and giving you my take on more sensitive issues. This week I'm talking about my weight. I've briefly talked about my weight on here before (read more about that here) but I've never really gone into details. 

So here it is. I'm overweight. And I hate it. I really hate it. I haven't always been, I didn't actually start gaining weight until I was about 13, after my adored Grandad died, but by that point I'd been told I was fat and needed to lose weight since I was 9. Yep you read that right 9! I'll be 24 in 2 weeks. Which means I've spent two thirds of my life feeling fat and hating myself because of it. And that is too long. 

I don't know about you but when someone tells me to do something I don't want to I instantly rebel. The same thing happened when I was told to lose weight instead I went in the complete opposite direction. I had a 'screw you!' kinda attitude and it only made me seek comfort in food more but in the end I was only hurting myself. 

Being overweight has shaped my entire life. My self-confidence is very low, it's something I have to work on every single day and I'm way better then I used to be but I have to work at it, it doesn't come easily to me. I have stayed in really bad relationships because I didn't believe that I was good enough for anyone else, or that anyone else would love me. I've let people treat me like absolute sh*t because I thought I deserved it. I feel uncomfortable in a lot of social situations because I feel like I'm being judged - mostly I'm not being judged by anyone other than me - and I finally decided enough was enough. 

3 weeks ago I joined Slimming World and already it has made such an incredible difference to me. Monday night was my second weigh in and in just two weeks I've lost 6.5 pounds and I feel so much better for it. I've got a bit of a way to go until I hit target but already I'm feeling more positive, I'm eating so much better, I'm more active and have a better outlook on life. I know that sounds incredibly cheesy but it's 100% true. 

For a long time food has been a source of comfort to me, if I have a bad day my first thought is to reach for the chocolate but that is starting to change. I'm beginning to feel good about the choices I make and -very slowly- I'm starting to feel good about myself too. 

Like I said this is incredibly personal to me, and honestly it's really scary to put this out there so if you don't like or disagree with what I've said please be kind. My goal with Let's Get Real isn't to offend anyone it's just to share my experiences so yeah... be nice. 

Anywho I hope that's helped anyone who is struggling with their weight and feeling down on themselves because of it. I'll be back on Sunday. Until then you can tweet me, comment below or even email me at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. I'm also on instagram, bloglovin, facebook and pinterest so check those out if you have a minute.

Enjoy the rest of your week. 

Love love love xxx

Lola Loves... Halloween

Lola Loves... Halloween

Sunday, 2 November 2014

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So yes Halloween is over for another year but before the imminent celebration of Christmas begins I thought I would share my favourite things about Halloween. Starting with Movies. 

Picture via thisisnotkansasanymore.wordpress.com

It's no secret that I am a complete and utter chicken. I'm not a fan of scary films in the slightest however Halloween is the one day a year where I put all my scaredy cat tendancies aside and ready myself for a good scare, and by good scare I mean a good scare for a 5 year old!

Past Halloweens have seen me try to watch actual scary films and one of two things happens, either it's too scary for me and I'll turn it off OR I'll find it completely ridiculous to the point where it's funny. Strangely this happened with both The Shining and Psycho, arguably 2 of the scariest films ever made. In both cases I found them utterly ridiculous. Weird.

Anyway these are my  favourite Halloween films: 

The Nightmare Before Christmas 

Picture via cindybruchman.wordpress.com

Okay so technically, technically this is a Christmas film but I watch it every Halloween, why? Because it is so creepy that I still get a thrill of fear whenever I watch it. For those who haven't seen it The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop motion animated film produced and written by Tim Burton, hence the creepiness. It tells the story of Pumpkin King Jack Skellington the most frightening skeleton in all of Halloweentown. Who, after another successful and scary Halloween, is left feeling dissatisfied with life. After stumbling across Christmastown Jack tries to take over Christmas and everything goes a bit wrong. It's amazing. 

Hocus Pocus 

Picture via blogs.disney.com

Another childhood favourite that I watch religiously every year. It's just amazing.  After being hanged for witchcraft 300 years previously the Sanderson sisters return on Halloween for one night of madness and mayhem. I have watched this film every Halloween for as long as I can remember and I still think it's excellent. They don't make Disney films like this anymore!

  

Fancy dress & face paint

  

(This is my very talented bestie who painted both our faces! She's an artist, check her out on instagram)

I love dressing up and I love face paint so it makes sense that Halloween is my second favourite holiday (with Christmas taking the top spot obvs!) I had to work late this Halloween so I didn't get the chance to get dressed up in my witchy finest. But after work me and the bestest went back to hers where she painted our faces (see above) before we put on Hocus Pocus and ate sweets. It was a great night! 

This brings me to my final favourite thing about Halloween 

Sweets 

Picture via we-love-sweets.co.uk

Halloween is the only night of the year when eating as many sweets as you can before you're sick is socially acceptable. No further explanation needed. 

What are your favourite things about Halloween? Let me know on twitter, using #LolaLoves, or by commenting below. If you do comment I always try to reply so do check back. Also check me out on facebook, Bloglovin, instagram & pinterest. 

So that's me for today have a lovely Sunday and I'll be back on  Tuesday. 

Until then... 

Love love love xxx 

Lola Rocks #1

Lola Rocks #1

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

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Lola Rocks is something of a new feature round these here parts. Last Thursday when I made my long awaited - for me at least - return to blogging (read it here) I told you that 2 Stars & A Wish was being demoted from a weekly feature to bi-weekly and Lola Rocks is here to take it's place, for one of the weeks at least. 

Now some of you will know that I am a music lover, and by lover I mean obsessive. I am constantly on the hunt for new music to sink my teeth into and I find music everywhere. I love music so much that my music collection is spread across 2 ipods and my phone. This is the level of obsession we're talking about here.

Music is such a major (pun intended!) part of my life BUT other than a Song of the Week on Fridays it's not something I talk about a lot on here. In the past I have published the odd music post but I have decided to shake things up a bit and add a regular musical element. Hope you don't mind. I haven't exactly hammered out the details as of yet so I'm not sure if this will be a monthly or bi-weekly post but I would love to know what you guys think. If this is something you'd like to see more of let me know either by commenting below or on twitter (use #LolaRocks). 

The first song I want to talk about is called To The Top by Twin Shadow. There is something kind of magical about this song... it is so heartbreaking that on more than one occasion it has actually reduced me to tears. Listening to this song breaks my heart a little bit, but it's totally worth it. The lyrics are lovely and the melody is just incredibly... moving. It's a gorgeous, gorgeous song. Have a listen for yourself and let me know what you think. 

I first heard this song in the background of an episode of House - yes I'm STILL watching it! - and I was instantly hooked. After a quick Shazam, aka the best app ever, I found out it was Shark in the Water by V.V. Brown and I have had it on repeat pretty much every since. It is so upbeat and awesome and it literally gets me out of bed in the morning.  

Another weepy song. Ever since I heard INeed My Girl in an episode of The Mindy Project I have been a big fan of The National. Start a War is my favourite kind of song being both beautiful and sad. It's wonderful.

I am actually obsessed with Hello My Old Heart by The Oh Hello's. Again it's a sad song (are you really surprised?) and I just love it. It's  about building a wall around your heart to keep it safe and why that may not be the best thing. I think it's beautiful.

Last up is Blue Moon by Beck. I'm not a massive fan of Beck but this song is kind of amazing. It's both happy and sad and it's kind of spacey. It's hard to describe but I like it a lot. Listen to it and let me know what you think.

So those are the 5 songs I've had on repeat for the last week, what do you think? Love them? Hate them? Let me know on twitter, using #LolaRocks, or by commenting below. If you do comment below I do always reply so check back. Also have a quick look at my facebook, Bloglovin, instagram & pinterest. Anywho I will be back on Thursday with another  new feature. 

Until then ...

Love love love xxx

2 Stars & A Wish #1

2 Stars & A Wish #1

Wednesday, 4 June 2014

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2 Stars & A Wish is a new weekly feature on rocknroses. Every Wednesday I will be reviewing/raving about two beauty products I love and talking about one that disappointed me.

My First Star this week goes to No 7 Beautiful Skin Blemish Defence Serum for all Skin Types.

No 7 Beautiful Skin Blemish Defence Serum for all Skin Types

My skin has been so awful recently, mostly due to lack of sleep, an abundance of stress and the worst attack of hayfever that I've ever had. The near constant eye watering has left the delicate skin under my eyes puffy, red, swollen and unbelievably sore. It's just been terrible, leaving me desperate to find something that will fix it and make the blackheads and redness go away FOREVER. Sadly no such magical product exists as of yet and if it did it would cost an absolute bomb. Anyway this serum acts as a preventative rather than a cure. Even so I think it's awesome. It's a silky smooth serum that feels absolutely beautiful on the skin. As an oil-free formula it promises to, and I quote, 'unblock pores and clear excess sebum to give smoother, blemish free skin.' and as far as my experience goes it totally does that. I so love it when stuff does what it says it will. You'd think it would be a given but it so rarely is. I picked this up in Boots over the weekend for £11 (usually it costs £16 but I had a voucher) and have been using it every day, applying it before moisturising but after washing my face. Since I've been using it my face is definitely clearer and smoother. I think it's amazing.

My Second Star goes to another skin care product Quick Fix Facials Purifying Charcoal Mask for Congested and Lifeless Skin.

Quick Fix Facials Purifying Charcoal Mask for Congested and Lifeless Skin.

I can't emphasize how awful my skin has been of late, my dissertation really did a number on me (I know, I know I can't keep blaming everything on my dissertation, last time I promise). I picked this up in T.K. Maxx a couple of weeks ago for the ridiculously low price of £2.50, and tried it for the first time last night. Already there is a noticeable difference in my skin, my face is clearer, my pores look smaller and it left my skin feeling smooth and slightly tingly. Containing Charcoal, Dragon Fruit and Cinnamon Extract - ingredients known for their awesome skin clearing properties - this face mask targets spots, blackheads (my main problem) and clogged pores. It has quite a thick consistency and looks a bit like cement which I admit is a little bit off putting, especially when I forgot that I was wearing it. I got one hell of a shock when I looked in the mirror and my face was grey but it kinda smells like Christmas which is amazing. I am so impressed and am sure it will be making a weekly appearance in my skincare routine. I love it.

  

My Wish goes to Maybelline New York's Dream Satin Liquid Foundation in 10 Ivory.

Maybelline New York's Dream Satin Liquid Foundation in 10 Ivory

My first impressions of this foundation were not good, it promises a 100% poreless look and air-brush perfection but it doesn't really deliver. Initially I thought it left me looking really shiny, but then I realised that because my skin is super dry I usually have to moisturise before putting on a base and this was causing the shininess. So I tried it without moisturising and the finish was much more matte but I still found it to be lacking. The formula is really thick and doesn't blend very well and the coverage isn't great either. I was so disappointed because I had heard good things but it just left me feeling a bit...meh. Obviously I will still use it because I cannot stand waste but I need to use a lot of Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Powder in 02 Medium to make it work for me, which is such a faff. 

I think in future I will stick to L'Oreal Paris True Match foundation in Rose Vanilla because it is my absolute favourite foundation. It is just the best and does exactly what it says it will. It is super-blendable and matches my skin tone and texture perfectly and has a built in SPF. I am in love with it. Sadly I have run out, hence the Maybelline.

L'Oreal Paris True Match foundation in Rose Vanilla

I kept the bottle because that's the kind of loser I am but I will be repurchasing the next time I have money.

Anyway that's my 2 Stars & A Wish for this week. What did you think? Anything you agreed with? Disagreed with? Let me know on twitter using the hashtag #2StarsandAWish or by commenting below. If you do comment I always try to reply so do check back. Also I am all over social media so if you feel like checking me out on twitter, facebook, Bloglovin, instagram & pinterest and giving me a cheeky follow/like or whatever feel free :)

Love love love xx

Friday I'm in Love #1

Friday I'm in Love #1

Friday, 30 May 2014

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After just over a year of chaotic, sporadic on-off blogging I have decided that the time is ripe to establish order. And by order I mean scheduled blogging. Introducing Friday I'm in Love. Named for the song by The Cure of the same name (listen to it here) from now on every Friday will be Friday I'm in Love where, funnily enough, I will be posting about the things I love that week. These could be anything from makeup (natch) to music, books, food, films, tv, other blogs...you get the gist.

This week I went home for a week of rest and relaxation, before going back to Bedford and the stress of moving and job hunting that awaits. My week has been full of shopping, make up, lazy days and yummy food and I can't wait to share it with all of you. So without a further a do let the inaugural Friday I'm in Love commence!

Matte Nail Paint by Barry M in Cancun & Rhossilli

Matte Nail Paint by Barry M in Cancun & Rhossilli -  I have never really been a fan of matte nail polish, not being overly keen on the chalkboard effect. However when in Boots on Tuesday I stumbled across Barry's M new matte nail collection for the summer and fell in love with these two beauties.Whilst I am still getting used to the rather curious matte effect the colours are absolutely gorgeous and very summery.The formula, as with all Barry M nail paints, was very easy to use being lovely and creamy and only taking two coats to become opaque, however it did only last two days before chipping. Despite that the colours were so lovely that I will be reaching for them again.

No 7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover

No 7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover - This is a re-purchase, having first tried this eye makeup remover last year I quickly fell in love with it. Whilst it is for all skin types I have incredibly sensitive skin and have found that some other eye make up removers made the delicate skin around my eyes sore, sometimes even causing a rash. This is incredibly gentle on my skin whilst still removing all my eye make up, I love a smokey eye so it has quite the challenge. However it does have quite a greasy texture that I am not overly fond of BUT I still think it's an excellent product.

The Simpsons 

No 7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover - This is a re-purchase, having first tried this eye makeup remover last year I quickly fell in love with it. Whilst it is for all skin types I have incredibly sensitive skin and have found that some other eye make up removers made the delicate skin around my eyes sore, sometimes even causing a rash. This is incredibly gentle on my skin whilst still removing all my eye make up, I love a smokey eye so it has quite the challenge. However it does have quite a greasy texture that I am not overly fond of BUT I still think it's an excellent product.

Herbal Essences Bee Strong Strengthening Intensive Mask with Honey and Apricot Extracts for Damaged Hair

Herbal Essences Bee Strong Strengthening Intensive Mask with Honey and Apricot Extracts for Damaged Hair - My step mum gave me this hair mask after the ends of my hair became really dry from hair dye and straighteners and all the bad stuff I shouldn't do to my hair but do anyway. On Wednesday night I massaged a handful of this gorgeous smelling goop into my hair, focusing particularly on the ends, and left it for 35 minutes before rinsing it off.  Since then there has been a noticeable difference in my hair, rather than being dry and brittle it now feels stronger but also really soft and smooth. This hair mask worked wonders with my dry and style damaged hair and will definitely be making a weekly appearance in my haircare routine.

The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner read by Tom Hiddleston (swoon!) - I have a lot of trouble sleeping. I grew up in a pub and because of this I can't sleep in total silence. Herein lies the problem if I put the tv on then I'll watch it and it then takes me hours to drift off. If I have music on I'll sing along and get super pumped up and won't sleep. So I was at something of a loss and then someone, I forget who, suggested audiobooks. Now usually I spend my sleepless nights reading so this seemed like the ideal solution. Intrigued I downloaded The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner read by Tom Hiddleston. It is no secret that I am a lover of Mr. Hiddleston, being a fully paid up member of Loki's Army. The combination of the story - from what I remember it was good - and Tom Hiddleston's beautiful voice - which honestly sounds like melted chocolate and really good sex - lulled me into the first good night's sleep I had had in a long time. I will definitely be downloading more.

And finally I thought I would end with my song of the week (another new feature of my blog). Matchbox Twenty's How Far We've Come. I only discovered this song about a week ago in a film trailer, I forget which one, and after downloading it I have been listening to it pretty much constantly. The lyrics are just really apt for what's been going on in my life at the moment. Now that I have finished university and still have no idea exactly what it is that I want to do with my life I am in a state of flux not knowing what my next move is. Like the title suggests this song is about how far I've come, and reminds me that in the past four years I have changed and achieved so much, more than I thought possible and it's a nice, albeit very scary, feeling.

So that was my first ever Friday I'm in Love. Hope you liked it. Would love to know the things you are loving this week - use the hashtag #FridayIminLove if you want to share it with me.

Until next time feel free to check me out on twitter, facebook, Bloglovin, instagram & pinterest.

Love love love xx