The Weekly Round Up #3: Snog, Lipstick & Queen Helene

The Weekly Round Up #3: Snog, Lipstick & Queen Helene

Sunday, 23 August 2015

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Lancôme Gel Éclat Clarifying Cleanser Pearly Foam - £23.00 from Lancôme

I've been using this cleanser for the past week or so and I really like it. It has a really thick, serum like texture that foams when applied to the skin and gets rid of all traces of make up, leaving the skin feeling squeaky clean. I will say it can be quite drying on the skin however nothing that a good moisturiser can't fix.

Natural Collection Moisture Shine Lipstick in Raspberry - £1.99 from Boots

I picked this up in Boots for the ridiculously low price of £1.99 this week and have been wearing it ever since. It's a really pretty, natural looking raspberry pink which is lovely for everyday. It doesn't have the greatest of formulas, it's nicely moisturising but has a lot of slip to it and doesn't last particularly well but even so I like it a lot.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque - £4.69 for 235ml from Amazon

My skin has been really bad this week, there have been breakouts galore, so I've been using this mask to try and get my skin back to normal and it's worked wonders. I pop it on for 15 - 30 minutes, depending on how bad my skin is,  and let it work it's magic.  It gives the skin a really deep clean and
leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth and looking so much clearer. This is one of my absolute fave clay masks.

Snog Strawberry & Raspberry Frozen Yoghurt - 1.75 for 450 ml from Asda

We've had something of an unexpected heat wave in the UK this weekend, which has made up for the drizzly excuse for a summer we've had so far, normally to combat the heat I eat ice cream but as I'm watching what I eat I've been reaching for Fro-Yo instead. Snog, I hate the name, is the best one I've come across. It's so nice; really creamy but light at the same time and tastes just like ice cream but with no where near the calories of normal ice cream. I love it!

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 follow me on instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

Mini Beauty Haul #3

Mini Beauty Haul #3

Sunday, 2 August 2015

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Yes another Haul post. I'm sorry guys I hope you're not getting bored yet. Make up, as you guys know, is my favourite thing and I love nothing more than blowing my hard earned pennies on it. Some people collect shoes or stamps, I collect mascaras and eyeshadow pallets, nail polish and lipsticks. Here are the latest additions to my ever growing collection.

Topshop Beauty Lip Bullet in Back in the Game - (Sorry guys can't find this online, I picked mine up on sale £4.00 in store)

Now I didn't need another blue-toned pink lipstick, like blue nail polish I have too many of them already but I just find them completely irresistible. This is such a pretty colour, it's quite a bit lighter than what I would normally go for, more of a barbie pink than a fuchsia, but it's really nice. I've not actually had much experience with Topshop make up, my local Topshop stocking only the bare minimum, but the formulation of this is amazing. Creamy, highly pigmented, matte yet moisturising and a decent amount of wear time. I'm in love. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Olé Flamingo - £8.99 from Boots

I have sung the praises of the Bourgeois Rouge Edition Velvets from the rooftops (read more about that here),  so I won't bang on about this one too much. Olé Flamingo is an old favourite of mine and I was so gutted after losing mine recently. I had to get new one. The formula is lovely, the wear time is fabulous and that colour is amazing. Enough said.

Illamasqua Nail Polish in Serenity - £14.50 from Illamasqua

Illamasqua is a brand I've long admired from afar. Their make up is dramatic and fun and of a really, beautiful quality but being a perpetually broke student their high end price tags were out of my reach. So when I saw this beautiful turquoise polish in the beauty aisle at T.K. Maxx (my happy place!) for £3.99, they usually retail at £14.50, I snapped it up before the little voice in my head could say NOOOOO you own too many blue polishes put it back! Everything about it is beautiful, especially that gorgeous packaging and the equally stunning, rich turquoise colour. Now I didn't realise this at the time but the finish is matte, which I'm not usually a fan of, but it's actually quite nice. I've only had it on for a couple of days but it's lasted quite well and the formula's nice; thinner than I was expecting so you need 3 - 4 coats to achieve opacity but it's easily workable and builds up nicely. 

OPI Nail Lacquer in Cuckoo for this Colour - £6.99 from Amazon

I love OPI for their high coverage formulas and their amazing colour range, so when I saw this beautiful, metallic forest green, I couldn't resist. It was pretty much a no brainer. It's not a particularly summery shade but I can see myself getting a lot of wear out of this come Autumn/Winter. It's a very Christmassy shade. I love it

What's on your make up wish list? Anything you're dying to splash the cash on? Any recommendations for me? I'd love to hear them! 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

Lola Rocks #3 ... The Live Music Edit

Lola Rocks #3 ... The Live Music Edit

Tuesday, 10 February 2015

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I have seen a lot of live music, like a lot, a lot. I try to see at least one live act a year but most years it's way more than that. In 2011 I went to loads of festivals and saw roughly 28 live acts and it was a really good year. 2012 was the best year though because I saw my favourite everything, the Boss Almighty himself... Bruce Springsteen! And then I saw him again in 2013 and he was - and continues to be - the best musician I have ever seen!

Anyway I thought I'd put together a list of the Top 5 bands/musicians that I want to see this year.

The Killers 

 

The Killers basically got me through my dissertation last year but for some reason or other I've never got round to seeing them live and I desperately want to change that.  Sadly it doesn't look like they're  touring anytime soon so it might not happen this year but I will definitely see them live. At some point.

Kodaline 

 

Kodaline is my current obsession and I'm dying to see them live. Their touring at the moment but the only UK date I can get to is next week and I really can't afford it but I will see them before the year is out! 

One Republic 

I always forget how much I like One Republic and then a song will pop up on my iPod and I'll remember that they haven't released a song I don't like, and then I have a One Republic binge.  I've wanted to see them for a while but have just never got round to it. They're touring in Canada at the moment and I'm hoping they'll end up in the UK soon. 

Flogging Molly 

I have wanted to see Flogging Molly for years! Since I first heard If I Ever Leave This World Alive in P.S. I Love You. I've listened to a couple of their other songs and I just really like them and I bet going to one of their gigs would be so much fun!

The National 

I love The National! They're music is heartbreaking and amazing, and I would just be in tears the whole time if I ever saw them in concert but it would be WORTH IT!

Who are the bands you want to see live this year? What was the best live music experience you've had? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or even dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. I'll be back on Thursday, until then have yourselves a lovely week & check out my social media (instagram, facebook, Bloglovin & pinterest)

Love love love xxx

*Disclaimer* I own none of the videos featured in this post. Videos used for entertainment purposes only

Lola Loves... Christmas Movies Part 2

Lola Loves... Christmas Movies Part 2

Sunday, 30 November 2014

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Much like the movies of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay or Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Lola Loves...Christmas Movies has 2 parts! Tehe! 

There's nothing I like doing more at Christmas time then snuggling up on the sofa with a blanket, a hot chocolate and maybe a snack or two and losing myself in a really good film. To me it's all part of the fun of Christmas. Here's Part 2 of Lola Loves... Christmas Movies. Enjoy! 

Rise of the Guardians

onlinemovies.pro 

Not to be confused with Guardians of the Galaxy, which I also love (read more about that here). I first watched Rise of the Guardians a couple of years ago with my nephew and it's been part of my Christmas viewing ever since. This is CGI animated goodness at it's finest. Featuring an all star cast that includes the wonder that is Hugh Jackman as the Easter bunny. Rise of the Guardians tells the story of the Guardians: Father Christmas, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sand Man and Jack Frost as they fight to save the world from the evil Pitch Black. I haven't watched it yet this year but I'm really looking forward to it. 

Elf

Picture via: sleafordcinema.co.uk

10 Christmases have past since Elf first hit our screens (where has the time gone?!) and I have watched it every year since. It's an absolute classic. My favourite bit is when Buddy is trapped in Gimbels and decorates it for Christmas. The Grinch may be my absolute favourite Christmas film of all time but Elf is a close second. Will Ferrell is hilarious as the sweetly naive Buddy, it's set in my favourite place in the world (NYC) and is super quotable. I love it. 'The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.' Now speaking from experience this doesn't work but I do it anyway. 

The Santa Clause

Picture via stuffpoint.com

I watched all of these films when I was a tiny little thing and then forgot all about them, until a couple of years ago when a friend at uni made us watch all three of them in a single sitting. We had a fantastic day but it reintroduced me to these films and I love them. Being a child of the 90s I grew up watching Tim Allen in Home Improvement om the Disney Channel and I think he's hilarious. 

Jack Frost

Picture via www.hollywood.com

Jack Frost just gives me all the feels, it's so sad but so good. For those of you who haven't seen it (you need to change that now!) Jack Frost tells the story of musician and father Jack Frost who tragically dies in a car accident on Christmas Day when driving home to his family. Before his untimely death Jack gave his son Charlie his harmonica telling him it's magical and whenever it's played no matter where Jack is he can hear it.  A year later Charlie plays the harmonica and magically the snowman he built earlier comes to life as none other than Jack Frost. It's a lovely family film that makes you feel all warm inside and makes you shed a tear or two. I love it.

Little Women 

Picture via www.abbyrosebrock.com

Little Women is a Christmas classic and one I've loved for a really long time. As long as I can remember actually. It's just so lovely although it does take a sizeable chunk out of your day so I recommend setting aside an afternoon just to watch it. I also recommend tissues. It's one of my all time favourites and if that hasn't sold you then the fact that it stars a young and incredibly handsome Christian Bale just might ;)  

Edward Scissorhands 

Picture via www.lifetimetv.co.uk 

Another creepy yet amazing offering from the frankly incomparable Tim Burton. Edward Scissorhands is another festive staple for me. I love everything about this film, especially Johnny Depp's performance as Edward. How can someone who barely says anything convey such raw emotion? He is incredible. 

So those are my favourite Christmas films! I love Christmas and I'm so gutted that I only get to watch Christmas films once a year. What are your festive faves? Let me know on twitter #LolaLoves or by commenting below (I always try to reply so check back.) or by dropping me an email lolarocknroses@gmail.com. If you haven't yet you can read Part 1 of Lola Loves...Christmas Movies here. Also check out my instagram, facebook, BlogLovin & pinterest. 

I'll be back on Tuesday with my November Favourites if things go according to plan. 

Until then...

Love love love xxx

First Impressions #3: Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Radiance in109Wheat.

First Impressions #3: Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Radiance in109Wheat.

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

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On Sunday I was feeling a bit adventurous with my make up and thought I would test out a new foundation from the Sample Box. Now the Sample Box, as you could've guessed from the name, is an old Ted Baker Beauty box that is filled with all the beauty samples I've collected over the years, and every now and then when feeling particularly bored with my make up I'll go through it and have a little play.  

So whilst I was digging through the Sample Box I came across a sachet of Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Radiance in the shade 109 Wheat and thought I'd give it a try. 

I have to say I love it! The formula is beautiful, it applies so easily, literally melting into the skin. The coverage is amazing, my skin's been really rebellious lately, there have been blackheads and breakouts galore, but this gorgeous formula covers all blemishes and problem areas like it ain't no thing. It's amazing. It lasts ages too and felt so lovely on the skin. Having never used any Clarins make up before (I'm a massive fan of their skin care though) I was so impressed. The only thing I will say is that the shade I used may have been a tad too dark for my skin tone, especially for this time of year so I might have to test out a lighter shade next but I will definitely be adding this to my Christmas list. Please Santa? 

(What's on my face: Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Foundation in 109 Wheat, Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Soft Beige, Rimmel Kate Eyeshadow Stick in 100 Rose Gold, Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Holidays, Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick in 30)

 Have you tried Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Foundation? What did you think? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below (if you do comment I always try to reply so do check back), or dropping me an an email if you really fancy it lolarocknroses@gmail.com.  Also take a sneaky look at my instagram, facebook, Bloglovin & pinterest if you're interested :)

So that's me for today but I hope everyone has an amazing week and I'll be back on Thursday. 

Until then...

Love love love xxx 

Hopeless Romantic#3: My Favourite Book Couples

Hopeless Romantic#3: My Favourite Book Couples

Monday, 30 June 2014

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I hope everyone has had a good start to the week and that today hasn't been too tortuous. Like Garfield (and the rest of the world) I hate Mondays. 

(Picture courtesy of wifflegif.com)

But it's nearly over now and we are one day closer to the weekend. Now continuing along this romantic path I have set out for myself over the past couple of Mondays with my Hopeless Romantic series I thought I would list my favourite couples from books. Being something of a book worm the list is incredibly long and detailed so I'll try to keep it short and sweet but I make no promises.

1. Spencer O'Malley & Lily Quinn - The Girl in Times Square by Paullina Simons

(Picture from www.goodreads.com)

First of all you should know that I am obsessed with this book and I have been since I was 15. If you haven't read this book I strongly recommend you do. Now. And then come back and read this post. I'll wait. No? Okay I'll give you a quick rundown so you understand why I love this couple so much. Lily's best friend and roommate Amy goes missing and Spencer is the Detective in charge of the case. Overtime, and with still no sign of Amy, Spencer and Lily fall in love. But Spencer has a secret that he has spent his entire life trying to hide and Lily is faced with 2 extreme pieces of luck, one good, one bad. Spencer and Lily are a couple who defy the odds. Even when the chips are stacked against them, and the chips are always stacked against them fyi, you never stop rooting for them! And it's for this reason, and so many others, that I love them!

2. Ron & Hermione - The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

 

(Picture from thinkprogress.org)

I respectfully disagree with what J.K Rowling said about regretting putting Ron and Hermione together.  These two were clearly meant for each other. I recently re-read the series - I don't know if any of you know this but my dissertation was on Harry Potter - and the idea of Hermione and Harry together made me feel slightly sick. Ron and Hermione however, they just fit. Yes they argue and probably have one of the most volatile relationships in fantasy fiction but they love each other. And that's awesome. 

3. Reena & Sawyer - How to Love by Katy Cotugno

(Picture from www.goodreads.com)

I wrote about my insane, crazy love for Katie Cotugno's How to Love in last week's Friday I'm in Love, and one of the reasons I love this book -despite it being really well written and amazing) is the incredibly complex relationship between Reena and Sawyer. Reena has been in love with Sawyer for as long as she can remember, and for as long as she can remember he's never noticed her. Until the day he does. Then of course it becomes very complicated and messy in the way that only teenage love can and Sawyer disappears, leaving Reena devastated and pregnant. 2 years later and Reena has almost moved on from Sawyer when he returns. Their story alternates between before and after. Before being their relationship leading up to Reena's abandonment and After being Reena's reaction to Sawyer's return. Reena is such an icy bitch towards Sawyer when he first returns, with good reason, I love it. The thing I probably like most about this couple is the fact that even though Reena hates Sawyer for leaving, deep down you know (and she knows) that she loves him and Sawyer makes no secret that he still loves her. 

4. Mia & Adam - If I Stay by Gayle Foreman

(Picture from www.pagetopremiere.com)

Oh *sigh* Mia and Adam, such an amazing, tragic couple. I only read If I Stay by Gayle Foreman a couple of weeks ago and already this couple has made it's way into my list of favourite couples, because it is that good. Their story is so sad, and not to give anything away but when Mia is deciding whether she should live or die Adam is the only person whose feelings she takes into account. I love their story and I love them. Such an amazing couple.

5. Peeta & Katniss - The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins. 

(Picture from missdreamymarie.wordpress.com)

Full disclaimer I have never been a Gale fan, when it comes to The Hunger Games I have always been, and will always be Team Peeta. He loves her completely and selflessly, even to the point where he willingly sacrifices himself time and time again for her happiness. It angers me that it takes Katniss such a long time to realise that she loves him too, she knows that she can't live without Peeta but she's not sure why and it takes her such a long time to recognise that it's because she loves him. I ship Peeta and Katniss so hard it's kind of insane. I seriously ship Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson too (I know, I know I'm meant to be talking about the books not the films), I know they're not together but I so wish they were. 

6. Scarlett O'Hara & Rhett Butler - Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.

(Picture from www.fanpop.com)

I have been umming and ahhing about whether or not to include this undoubtedly iconic and timeless couple, due to a rape scene, but having changed my mind again and again I decided that I didn't really have a choice, they had to be included (I'm not sure if this makes me a bad person or not :S). I think the reason they are such an iconic couple is because they are both horrible people and the love they have for each other is their only redeeming quality. Cathy and Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights) are the another such a couple. Scarlett herself is scheming, manipulative and obsessed with money. Rhett is no better and I think that's why they work as a couple. It takes Scarlett the entire book to realise Rhett is her equal and she loves him instead of Ashley Wilkes but by then Rhett has had enough. It's so sad. 

7. Bridget Jones & Mark Darcy - Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding.

(Picture from www.dailymail.co.uk...ergh typing that made me feel dirty!) 

He loves her. Just as she is. Enough said. 

So what do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Are there any really obvious ones that I missed? Let me know using the hashtag #HopelessRomantic. 

Other favourites include Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy from Pride & Prejudice, Hazel & Gus from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Dexter & Remy from This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen, Landon & Jamie from A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, Noah & Allie from The Notebook (obvs) also by Nicholas Sparks, Sage & Leo from The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult, Ian & Mariah from Keeping Faith again by Jodi Picoult... the list goes on and on. It's endless. 

Right lovely people I'm off to sleep but I will be back on Wednesday with 2 Stars & A Wish #5. But until then check me out on twitter, facebook, BlogLovin, instagram & pinterest for your daily fix of make up, books, cake and silliness :)

Love love love xxx