Avon Distillery Skincare

Avon Distillery Skincare

Wednesday, 23 October 2019

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Avon, the catalogue-based beauty brand popular with old ladies the world over, has launched Distillery, a new high-performance vegan beauty range offering both skincare and make up.

My New Year's Eve Make Up

My New Year's Eve Make Up

Tuesday, 3 January 2017

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(Sorry for the giant picture of my face and the crap lighting, I also hadn't smudged my lipstick, I had a really nasty spot on my lip that would not be covered!)

Happy New Year you absolute babes! I hope you all had an amazing, and safe, New Year's Eve and are ready to take this new year head on. This years I was at a big family party at my uncle and aunty's house, and I was really overdressed but you have to make an effort at New Years' don't you? I was really happy with my make up so I thought I would share it with you lovely lot.

August Favourites 2016

August Favourites 2016

Sunday, 4 September 2016

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This month I will not be freaking out that there are only 3 months left of 2016, what would be the point? I do the weird freak out thing every month, it's getting kind of old. Instead I'll tell you that August has been a really good month. I've been learning to play guitar, which I am loving! I saw my friends a lot, I went to Bulgaria, which was so fun and I've been going to the gym regularly, which, shockingly, I don't hate... I'm just as surprised as you are. It's been a really good month! On that note it's time to talk favourites. 

Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish in Soho Place - £14 from Nails Inc

This nail polish is an old favourite of mine, you guys know how much I love a good blue-y green polish, and like I said this is a firm favourite. I actually used it to paint my toes and tips with before I jetted off to Sunny Beach. The colour is gorgeous, a vivid aqua, and the formula is pretty lush too! Easily workable yet creamy and thick and the finish is dreamy - ultra glossy, plump and long lasting. It's marvellous. 

Pixi by Petra Hydrating Milky Mist - £18.00 from Cultbeauty

I ranted and raved about this stuff in my In Flight Beauty post so I won't bore you with the details for fear of repeating myself and boring you all to death. Instead I'm just gonna say that this super moisturising, light weight spritz is amazing, and an absolute life saver for those of us with drier complexions or to use when your travelling. I used it pretty much constantly on the flights, to and from Bulgaria, and the whole time while I was out there, and the difference it has made to my skin is amazing. I love this stuff, and I've nearly run out.... NOOOOOOO!

MAC Burgundy Times Nine Palette - £25.00 from MAC

Again I have sung the praises of this teeny little palette in previous posts (read them here, here & here) so I'll let you read those rather than bang on about it here. It's an excellent little palette for travelling because it is really tiny but has nine shadows in there, that really pack a punch in the pigment stakes, and is super versatile. I am obsessed with it and have been using it pretty much constantly. I love it so much.

The Wet Brush - £8.99 from lookfantastic

I got this in Anna & Lily's Cult Beauty box back in April and it's the only brush I've used on my mad, tangly hair since then, but I've never mentioned it on here, which isn't really like me. Anyway I love it. It has really flexible bristles that glide effortlessly through the hair, detangling any knots without pulling. Now I don't brush my hair everyday, because it's so curly that brushing only makes it frizz out uncontrollably. So I only brush before and after I wash it and that's it. It used to be an absolute nightmare brushing my hair, even with a Tangle Teezer or an Easy Tease (read more about that here), and I hated doing it because it really did hurt. The Wet Brush is so gentle yet effective, it has just solved all my hair brushing problems. I refuse to be without it, that's how much I love it!

Avon Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Leave-in Treatment -  £3.50 (on offer, usually £6.00) from Avon

This stuff is haircare heaven! If I was stranded on a desert island and could only have one hair care product this would be it! It's incredible! One pump, run through the mid lengths and ends, intensely nourishes and protects the hair (from heat, chlorine, etc.), calms frizz and adds definition to curls without weighing them down. It's non-greasy, very light weight and leaves no residue in the hair whatsoever. I used this every day on holiday to protect my hair, and it worked an absolute treat. No sun dried ends and chlorine damage for me! It does come in a glass bottle, which I agree isn't the best for travel, although I didn't have any problems with it. But seriously this stuff is magical! I would be lost without it and I'm not joking. 

La Roche Posay 50+ Antihelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid - £16.50 from Boots

There's nothing really knew in this month's favourites, pretty much all of them have been talked about before, including this one (read more about it here). I'm a recent convert to La Roche Posay's Antihelios XL sunscreen but it is amazing. It absorbs into the skin really quickly without leaving a white cast on the skin and gives my pasty skin the protection I need, from both UVA and UVB rays. And unlike a lot of sunscreens it's non-comedogenic, so it doesn't block the pores or cause break outs, which my skin will do at the slightest provocation. It's awesome stuff. 

Rimmel Kate Sculpting Palette in 002 Coral Glow - £6.99 from Boots

This is kind of a forgotten favourite because I have used it so much in the last couple of months but keep forgetting to put it in my favourites. I actually have this in both shades, 002 Coral Glow and 003 Golden Bronze, and I like and use both a lot, but I have used Coral Glow more this month because I took it on holiday with me (read more about that here). It's such a handy little palette as it comes with a blush, contour and highlight and, despite the fairly naff packaging, it is really, really good quality. The powders are creamy and smooth, they apply beautifully and they have really nice pigmentation. They're really lovely. 

Becca Backlight Priming Filter - £32 from SpaceNK

Again this is something I have talked about recently, (read it here) I feel like I'm a broken record today, just saying the same thing over and over again... I'm sorry. I have used this so much in the past couple of weeks, in fact I've nearly used it all up and will have to get a new one soon. It adds such a beautiful, beautiful radiance to the skin. I have fairly dull, pale skin but this gives me a glow that would put JLo to shame. It is stunning! And expensive, but worth it. 

Walk Off The Earth - watch them on youtube here

My bad ass friend Charlotte, who is actually teaching me to play guitar and is the coolest person I know,  introduced me to Walk Off The Earth during our first lesson, and I have been listening to them ever since. You may have come across WOTE before as quite a few of their videos have gone viral, they're the band who covered Gotye's Somebody that I Used to Know with all 5 members playing the same guitar! (Watch it here it's amazing!) Their videos are insane, they are so talented and so, so clever. I've downloaded a load of their songs but Gang of Rhythm and Hold On (The Break) are my favourites. I am also obsessed with their cover of Cheerleader! Watch some of their videos, you will not be sorry.

Working Out 

So this is a surprising favourite for all of us, especially me, but I am really, really enjoying working out. I've been working out everyday during the week and the sense of achievement it gives me is incredible. Do I still hate cardio? Absolutely, yes I do! BUT I can do it, which is amazing because up until recently I definitely couldn't. I'm feeling very proud of myself for that.

What are your August 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

April Favourites 2016

April Favourites 2016

Sunday, 8 May 2016

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So another month of 2016 has disappeared in the blink of an eye. I'm a month older but none the wiser but I do have loads of favourites to talk about so let's get down to it.

Beauty Blender - £16.00 from Beauty Blender

Until recently I didn't really understand the hype surrounding the beauty blender, I just thought it was an overpriced make up sponge, nothing really remarkable about it other than it's shape. But I have since seen the error of my ways. The beauty blender is a make up application game changer and I LOVE it. If you google beauty blender there are literally thousands of ways to use it, but my favourite is for concealer and as the final step when applying foundation. It blends everything in so seamlessly and when damp sheers out really heavy and cakey looking foundation. It also adds a ton of glow to the skin, which my complexion desperately needs. I also like to use it for blending out my contour as it makes it look so natural and non-Kardashian-esque.

Look Good Feel Better Finishing Brush - part of The Makeover Brush Set £24.99 from Boots

I picked up LGFB's Makeover Brush Set at the beginning of the month (read more about it here) and have been using them pretty much constantly ever since. The finishing brush is my favourite, I've been using it for my foundation because it's really soft, gives flawless coverage and because the bristles are synthetic it doesn't soak up too much product, minimising wastage. It's a great little brush.

Avon Big & False Lash Volume Mascara - £8.50 from Avon

The Big & False Lash Volume mascara is Avon's answer to Benefit's They're Real mascara, and if truth be told I actually prefer Avon's offering. It has a blacker than black 'fibre infused' formula and a big, fluffy brush that lifts, separates, defines and packs some serious wallop when it comes to volume.  Love it.

YSL's Rouge Volupté Shine in Corail A Porter - £26.00 from YSL

I really upped my fancy pants lipstick game when this bad boy made it's way into my collection. Everything about it screams premium! From the weighted gold packaging - that is so beautiful I could eat it -, to the incredibly satisfying click closure and the dreamy peach scented formula. High gloss lipsticks aren't usually my cup of tea, however after seeing how beautiful this one was, an exception had to be made. Corail A Porter is a deep pink-y coral with a super glossy finish. It also has a really nice formula, it's moisturising, it smells amazing and is very pigmented with a reasonable wear time. I like it a lot, and it is super fancy.

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Brave Red - £15.50 from MAC

This was a birthday present from a particularly lovely work friend of mind, and it's as if she read my mind. Brave Red is a classic pillar box shade, a bit more yellow than I'm used to, but a really gorgeous bright, bold red. It's another one with a glossy finish, but it actually looks quite dewy on the lips and is very comfortable to wear. I like it, and the sweetheart who bought it for me, a lot.

Blogosphere - £40 for Issues 1 - 8 at Blogosphere

I hadn't really heard of blogosphere until quite recently, but after seeing that 4 of my favourite bloggers had already been featured on the cover (Esteé Lalonde, Fleur De Force, Samantha Maria & Lily Pebbles) getting a subscription was a complete no brainer. Written for and by bloggers Blogosphere is a gorgeous magazine, full of insider tips and tricks for up and coming bloggers - like myself... she said wishful thinkingly - it's quickly become my go to bedtime read and I've read all 8 issues cover to cover, I can't wait for the next issue to come out.

Buzzfeed Video - Subscribe here

I've been talking about Buzzfeed non-stop lately (read more about it here and  here) because the content they create is brilliant and so addictive. Whether it's funny, informative or even a little bit gross, it's always interesting and very well executed. I dare you to watch just one, because in my experience it isn't possible!

The Bones of You by Debbie Howells - Paperback/Kindle Edition £3.55/£3.37 from Amazon

Lately I've been really getting into thrillers,  I blame Gone Girl, and The Bones of You is one of the best I've read. The book is about Rosie Anderson, an 18 year old girl who goes missing, throwing the tiny village she lives in into turmoil. When Rosie is found dead a few days later Kate, a friend of Rosie's mother, becomes obsessed with solving the mystery surrounding her death, revealing some dark secrets along the way. The story is a multi-narrative told from the points of view of Kate and Rosie herself, working backwards from her death, it's beautifully written, tense, suspenseful and the story has more twists and turns than a corkscrew. Think Broadchurch but even more shocking. I can't wait for Howell's next book, if it's anything like her first it's bound to be a good 'un.

Landline by Rainbow Rowell - Paperback/Kindle Edition£3.85/£4.99 from Amazon

Rainbow Rowell is one of my favourite authors because her writing is incredible, the best way I can think to describe it is kinda like a really good piece of cake  - or chocolate... insert applicable food here - you want to savour it because it is delicious. Landline is about tv writer Georgie McCool whose family and married life suffers the more successful she becomes. When she has to work over Christmas her husband Neal takes their daughters to back home to Omaha leaving Georgie alone in California. Unable to face her home and the problems in her marriage she goes to stay with her mother. In her teenaged bedroom, surrounded by pictures of pugs, Georgie discovers she has a direct line to 1998 and a young Neal who loved her, by using her ancient yellow rotary phone. I won't give away the ending but it is amazing! It's really funny and sweet and manages to be both completely realistic and a little bit magical. I loved it, definitely worth a read if you liked Eleanor and Park.

What were you loving in April? 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

Another Massive Avon Haul

Another Massive Avon Haul

Tuesday, 26 April 2016

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L-R: Fast Time Teal, Turquoise Pop, Sea Breeze, Parfait Pink, Roses are Red

L - R: Adoring Love, Splendidly Fuchsia & Ravishing Rose

To be honest with you I can see these posts becoming a regular thing, well I've already made another order so...  Stop spending! Bad Lauren! For me, in my limited experience, Avon has 3 stand out products: the Moroccan Argan Oil Leave-in Treatment, the Gel Finish Nail Enamels and the Perfectly Matte Lipsticks. So when the catalogue came through my door another order was inevitable. Although I must admit I did get a bit carried away, even by my spendy standards. Really the only good thing that comes out of it, apart from all the make up, is the haul post I get to share with you lovely people. So let's get to it.

Avon Moroccan Argan Oil Leave-in Treatment  £3.30 for 30ml

I have yelled my undying love for Avon's Argan Oil Leave-in Treatment from all the rooftops, because it's awesome. I use it for absolutely everything. I use it after just washing my hair as a leave in conditioner. I use it to tame my hair on particularly frizzy days. I use it as a hair mask the night before I wash my hair. Seriously it is bottled magic. It is so nourishing, giving my dry, bedraggled ends the moisture boost they desperately need and leaves my hair shiny, soft and frizz free (mostly). It's also impossible to use too much, it leaves no residue in the hair and never makes my hair look greasy or crispy as so many serums are won't to do. I. LOVE. IT!

Avon Gel Finish Nail Enamels £7.00

I am a BIG fan of these nail polishes, after my first order it was pretty much love at first paint and I've since added a ton more to my collection. The formula is so good. I mean seriously good. It lasts such a long time, is opaque within 1-2 coats and has a beautiful, shiny gel finish. I'm pretty much obsessed.

Avon Perfectly Matte Lipstick - £ 5.00 (on offer, usually £8.00)

With the rather bold claim that they are 'more Matte than Mac' I couldn't resist picking up Avon's Perfectly Matte Lipsticks. The formula is very matte - I haven't done a direct comparison with Mac yet but it's definitely in the pipeline - but also quite creamy, which means it does have quite a lot of slip to it and doesn't have the longevity that I would usually expect from a matte lipstick, it's also quite drying on the lips (nothing that a slick of lip balm before applying can't fix.) That being said they are really nice lipsticks and the colours I picked up are beautiful.

Like I said last time I've been really impressed by the things I've tried. To be honest I didn't really think Avon was even a contender in the beauty market anymore, I was definitely wrong. Anyway if you feel like shopping Avon the old school way and want to pick up a catalogue (and are in the Stevenage area) then definitely get in touch with  Carly, my avon lady, she is an angel!  You can find her on instagram &  facebook, her online store here, or give her a ring on 07584901032.

What are your favourite Avon products? 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.

February & March 2016 Favourites

February & March 2016 Favourites

Tuesday, 29 March 2016

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I'm not gonna do that whole 'OMG where did *insert relevant month here*?!' thing that I do every month. We all know that time goes scarily fast. Even faster as you get older and as we are rapidly approaching my 25th birthday I may start freaking out little.  Sorry that was a bit of a weird tangent, let's just talk about my favourites from the last 2 months shall we?

Primark PS Concealer in Light - £0.80 from Primark

This concealer cost 80 pence and it is freaking amazing. If you've been reading me for a while you'll know how much I love Seventeen's Phwoarr Pain under eye concealer, however I've found that it can be quite waxy and feel heavy on the skin. Primark's PS Concealer is really similar except it comes in stick form. It is just as creamy, covering and long lasting as my Seventeen fave but has a less weighty texture and feels a lot lighter on the skin whilst giving the same level of coverage. I. Love. It.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation in 1C Rose Ivory - £9.99 from Boots

I'd been really reluctant to try the new formulation of L'Oreal's True Match because I am such a huge fan of the original, once I even crowned it my favouritest foundation ever. But after some umming and ahhing I decided to try it,  and then wear it throughout the majority of March. And I have to say I really like it. It's very similar to the original formulation except it feels more comfortable to wear. It still has a lovely satin finish that looks really natural on the skin but gives excellent coverage. I'll be going into more detail in a post next week, so keep your eyes peeled. All I'll say for now is that it's still my favourite high street/drug store foundation, reformulation and all.

Avon Gel Finish Nail Enamel in Moon Dust - £3.50 (on offer, usually £7.00) from Avon

The Avon Gel Finish Nail Enamels are extraordinary! They have such an amazing formulation; they apply really evenly and smoothly. They're creamy, thick yet easy to work with and opaque in only one coat, this includes the really pale shades too. Plus the wear time is amazing, with the gel shine top coat they can last up to two weeks before chipping, without the top coat you can get a good 6 days out of them. Out of all the ones I've bought so far, and it's a lot, Moon Dust is my favourite. It's a springtime appropriate pale grey and it has been gracing my nails pretty much constantly. It is gorgeous. 

Urban Decay Naked Pallet - £38.50 from Urban Decay

I have used this every day since I bought it, which annoys me a little bit because it took me so long to buy it and I love it so much. The colour pay off is amazing, there is very little fall out and the shadows are beautiful. 

Real Techniques Stippling Brush - £7.95 from Amazon

Until recently the Real Techniques Stippling Brush was probably my least used make up brush. But then I started using it to apply foundation and it was a total revelation. It doesn't absorb any product and being quite small it allows me to buff/stipple foundation into the skin really quickly, leaving a flawless airbrushed finish. I really like it, so much so that I bought another one and now have two. 

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Pallet - £35.00 from Urban Decay

I picked this up in a recent High End Haul and have used it pretty much everyday since. It's so versatile and the powders are lovely, really finely milled and super pigmented. You really need to use a light touch or risk looking a bit like a clown but other than that it's amazing. 

Eve Snow London Nail Lacquer in Skyler - £14.00 from Eve Snow, currently out of stock

I'd never tried Eve Snow before until I found this in the beauty aisle at T.K. Maxx. Now I have approximately a million blue polishes, but it never hurts to add one more to the collection. That and it only £2.99, which is a massive reduction from it's original £14 price tag. Eve Snow's polishes are formulated with 3 added ingredients to really nourish the nails and are free of several toxic ingredients, including formaldehyde, that are found in other polishes. It applies beautifully, it has a thick brush that does the nail in two strokes, but not in a clumsy way, and the colour is beautiful. It lasts well on the nails and only takes two coats to achieve opacity, which is super impressive with a colour this pale. Plus the bottle is absolutely gorgeous. I will definitely be adding more to my collection.

Avon Ultra Colour Lip Crayon in Raspberry Rush - £5.00 from Avon

Berry lips are my jam! They're my favourite lips to wear all year round, and this spring time appropriate offering from Avon has become a firm favourite (I went a bit mad with an Avon Haul read it here) It's a lovely colour, a rich pink, with a satin finish and a creamy but wearable formula. It's not the most long lasting but it applies nicely. I really like it. 

DW Home Richly Scented Candle in White Rose -  £6.99, Unavailable online but may be available in store at T.K. Maxx

I found this candle in T.K. Maxx for £6.99 and just had to have it. It smells BEAUTIFUL! I'm not usually a fan of rose scene, sometimes they can be a bit grannyish and sickly. This is the complete opposite of that. It's really fresh and floral. It's quite subtle but noticeable. I've been burning it constantly because it smells like springtime. It also burns really evenly, which I find is an important quality in a candle. I love it. 

Finding Neverland Original Cast Recording - £8.99 from iTunes

So you might know this, you might not, but Musicals are pretty much my favouritest thing ever. Have been since I was about 13. If I could sing constantly then I think I would be a significantly happier person. My current musical obsession is the original cast recording of Finding Neverland. It's lovely and features some amazing people: Laura Michelle Kelly, Matthew Morrison & Kelsey Grammar to name but a few. My favourite tracks are All That Matters & Circus of your Mind. If your a musical fan it's definitely worth listening too. 

Jenna Marbles and Jenna & Julien's Podcast

Sometimes I feel like I am super behind the times. Relevancy is kind of everything these days and sometimes I feel like I have my finger right on the pulse and I know EVERYTHING. And then I discover someone like Jenna Marbles, who has been a YouTube sensation for years, and then I realise that I've barely scratched the surface. Like I said Jenna has been around for years but I came across her videos maybe two weeks ago, and already I'm sporting a major girl crush. Firstly because her videos are brilliant and really funny. Secondly because she's very relatable and honest and has the magical rainbow hair of a mermaid/unicorn, which gives me hair goals for days! I've been binge watching her videos and she is awesome. I also really like the podcast she does with her boyfriend Julien Solomita it's really funny and clever.  Love her.

Buzzfeed's The Try Guys

Again The Try Guys have been around forever. I had seen a couple of their videos, my favourite is The Try Guys Try Wedding Dresses, but recently I've really got into their videos and may have watched all 57 in one sitting. They're hilarious and utterly ridiculous and clever and cool and stupid and all that good stuff. I really like them, but Eugene's my fave.

What were you loving throughout February & March? Let me know in the comments 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.

A Massive Avon Haul

A Massive Avon Haul

Tuesday, 15 March 2016

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L-R: Avon Gel Shine in Moondust, Avon Gel Finish in Alaska, Avon Gel Shine in Lavendar Sky & Avon Nailwear Pro + in Lavished Blue

Swatches L-R: Raspberry Rush, Splendidly Fuchsia, Ravishing Rose, Adoring Love

If you're anything like me then you'll have a ton of misconceptions about Avon, and you won't be too good at keeping your balance either. I was kinda under the impression that Avon was a bit old and well... irrelevant. Now I don't need to tell you how stupid that was! For someone who loves make up as much as I do you'd think I would've learned to never judge a product by it's brand by now but apparently not. Anywho after having a flick through a catalogue I stumbled across at home I was suitably impressed, and then a haul happened. Because obviously, this is a haul post. So do you wanna see what I got? 

Avon Gel Finish & Nail Prowear + Nail Enamel - £7.00/£6.00 from Avon

I may have gone a little bit overboard on the nail polish, but in my defence they were on offer,  so they were ridiculously cheap and they're lovely. I picked up the shades Moondust -  a pale grey, Alaska - a muted mint green, Lavender Sky - a blue toned lilac and Lavished Blue - a metallic navy blue and they make me go all heart eyed. The formulation is really good: thick, creamy but easily workable, with a reasonable wear time and opaque in just one coat. I like them a lot.

Avon Ultra Colour Lip Crayon in Raspberry Rush & Avon Perfectly Matte Lipstick in Ravishing Rose, Adoring Love & Splendidly Fuchsia (sample size) - £5.75/£5.00 (on offer, full size) from Avon

The Lip Crayon is my absolute favourite purchase! Simply put it is gorgeous and was an absolute bargain. The colour is stunning - right in my berry pink loving wheelhouse - with a satin finish. It's nicely pigmented, lasts nicely and feels really nourishing on the lips, it even fades into a nice even stain. It's a great lipstick. The Avon Perfectly Matte Lipsticks are a new release so I picked up 3 of the sample sizes for £1, but I will definitely be getting the full size versions on my next order. The finish is super matte and really long lasting but they are so comfortable to wear and not at all drying. My favourite is Ravishing Rose which is somewhere between a fuchsia and a red but is completely gorgeous. But seriously I love them all. 

Advance Techniques 360 Morrocan Argan Oil Shampoo, Conditoner & Serum - £1.60 /£2.99 (on offer) from Avon

These are all repurchases as I've tried them before and I loved them. The serum is the best serum I've ever come across. It is amazing! It's a nourishing, conditioning, frizz taming wonder in a bottle. The shampoo and conditioner are also good. They leave my hair feeling really soft and smooth and give my dry, frazzled ends a much needed hydration boost. But like I said the serum is the real star.

Clearskin Range - from £2.10 (on offer) from Avon

Normally I avoid skincare specifically designed for blackhead prone skin, I know this doesn't make a lot of sense for someone who's main issue is blackheads, but the majority are designed for oily skin, which I don't have (... it's weird I know), and are really stripping on my skin, which tends towards the drier more sensitive side of things. But after a quick google search and a load of very positive reviews and testimonials I was convinced and decided to give most of the Clearskin line a go. I haven't given everything a proper test so I'll hold out on giving my opinion just yet. But so far so good.

Everything I've tried so far has really impressed me, so I really recommend having a flick through the next catalogue that comes through your door. If you're in the Stevenage area and fancy picking up a few bargains then Carly, my avon lady, - yeah we're on a first name basis! - is an absolute babe.  You can find her on instagram &  facebook, her online store here, or give her a ring on 07584901032.

What are your favourite Avon products? Let me know in the comments 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.

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.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Miracle Leave-in Conditioner - £5.89 for 200ml from feelunique.com

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. 

Avon Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Morrocan Argan Oil - £2.99 for 100ml from Avon

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. 

2014 Beauty Favourites Part 2: Hair & Skincare

2014 Beauty Favourites Part 2: Hair & Skincare

Monday, 19 January 2015

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Welcome to part 2 of 3 of my 2014 Beauty Favourites. This post, as you can probably tell from the title, is all about the skin and hair care that I was loving in 2014. 

Skin Care:

It's no secret that my skin was not at it's best last year, a lethal combination of stress, the eating habits of a fussy toddler and even worse sleeping habits have really taken it out of my skin. These 5 products have been incredible in my fight for better skin. 

Quick Fix Facials PurifyingCharcoal Mask for Congested & Lifeless Skin

I've been using this mask once a week to decongest my skin and prevent blackheads developing and it's really helped to contain the problem. Containing such spot fighting lovelies as Cinnamon, Charcoal (duh!) and Dragon Fruit it leaves my skin feeling so clean and fresh and it always looks so much better afterwards. 

Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche deBeaute 24HR Soothing & Hydrating Face Mask

This mask is a gift sent from the Skincare Gods! And my skin just laps it up. I've been using it every week and it has made my dry, scaly skin feel beautifully soft and nourished.

No7 Essential Moisture DayCream 

 I've been using this moisturiser every morning for months and I just love it. It melts into the skin, leaving me with soft, nourished skin and a perfect base for makeup.

Witch Naturally Clear Blemish Stick

This is my go to spot treatment for any particularly big juicy spots. It dries them up like it ain't no thing. I just pop it on the offending blemish at night and by morning it's gone or greatly reduced depending on the size of the spot. Now I'm not gonna lie to you lovely people the Witch Stick is not without it's faults. It is very drying on the skin, which is why it works so well on spots, but it does mean you have to be very precise when applying so you don't dry out your  skin.  Even so it's great for emergency giant spot situations. I'm breaking out at the moment and I'm so gutted I don't have it with me. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil

Another excellent treatment for spotty skin. This tiny bottle is amazing, it lasts forever and the tiniest bit makes all the difference to my badly behaved skin.  Like the Witch Stick, this gets rid of spots like nobody's business, unlike the Witch Stick it's not even remotely drying on the skin. I love it. 

Hair Care:

L - R: Frizz Ease Daily Miracle Leave-in Conditioner, Frizz Ease Extra Strength 6 Effects Serum & Avon Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Leave-in Treatment

My hair is difficult to say the least, when it behaves (which is rare) I love it, when it doesn't I seriously, seriously hate it, like chop it all off and start wearing wigs hate it. These 3 are absolute staples in my frizz fighting arsenal and the reason I currently have longish hair and no wigs.

Frizz Ease Daily Miracle Leave-in Conditioner 

I've used this almost everyday for the past 3 years or so because it's amazing. I spritz it onto soaking wet hair and it makes my hair behave itself. It's a really conditioning, light weight spray that leaves my hair crazy soft and virtually frizz free. For a while I was worried that it would stop working if my hair got too used to it, so I stopped using it and the condition of my hair changed drastically. It was dry, frizzy and completely unmanageable. I started using it again and it improved my hair straight away. It really is a miracle.

Frizz Ease Extra Strength 6 Effects Serum

I dread to think what my hair would look like if I didn't use this serum. Seriously it is that good. I run 2 pumps of serum through freshly washed hair, avoiding the roots,  and it completely tames my hair leaving me with defined, shiny curls. Love it. 

Avon Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Leave-in Treatment

AKA the best and most beautiful argan oil I have ever come across. It's really light weight and just leaves my hair looking and feeling amazing. It calms down frizz, defines curls, protects from the heat and it just does everything. I love it. 

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email. Also make sure you're following me on instagram, facebook, Bloglovin & pinterest.

It's gonna be a bit quiet on the blog front for the next couple of weeks or so because I have 2 very long uni assignments due in in a very short space of time. But I will try to update you guys as and when I can.  

Until then...

Love love love xxx

October Favourites

October Favourites

Tuesday, 18 November 2014

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l-r: Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy in Up the Ante, Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Morrocan Argan Oil, Model Co More Brows in Light/Medium,  Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner, Rimmel Kate Eyeshadow Stick in 011 Rose Gold, Revlon Photoready Foundation in 004 Nude, Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Heavy Duty Under Eye Concealer in Fair & Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara. 

So after my double dose of Favourites (read it here) last week I thought I would carry on in the same vein and hit you lot with my October Faves. 

Revlon Color Stay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel in Up the Ante

AKA the most beautifully formulated nail enamel to grace my humble nails. I absolutely love it. This was the only polish I wore throughout October and for good reason. It is freaking BEAUTIFUL! The colour is gorgeous, as you can see, but the real star is the formula. It is so easy to apply and yet lasts forever, it's opaque within one coat but is easily workable. In my extensive collection of nail polish (it's nearly 300 now guys!) the formula in the Revlon Gel Envy Nail Enamels is my absolute favourite! I recently purchased the shade Dealer's Choice and it is just as amazing. I love them.  

Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Morrocan Argan Oil

My hair straddles the fine line between pleasantly curly and clinically insane. It is a daily struggle to try and keep my hair looking normal, and honestly it's a losing battle. This is the latest weapon in my frizz taming arsenal and it is fabulous. I've been using a pump of this through the ends of my hair everyday to calm frizz and nourish the dry ends and it's been amazing. I have a love/hate relationship with Argan Oil, whilst it is undeniably good for the hair some of them have left my hair weighed down and greasy looking. Not this bad boy. It's weightless and doesn't leave any kind of greasy residue. It just leaves the hair looking, and feeling, shiny and smooth and so nourished.  The Avon Argan Oil 360 range also includes a shampoo, conditioner and a hair mask that I can't wait to try out, so watch this space.

 Rimmel Kate Eyeshadow Stick in 011 Rose Gold

I am such a fan of the Rimmel Eyeshadow sticks! The formula is lovely, super blendable, long lasting and doesn't crease. So already we're onto a winner but the main reason I love it so much is the application. It is so ridiculously easy to apply, it takes seconds and makes for the easiest smokey eye look ever. On the mornings where I've overslept (which is most of them!) this is in an absolute life saver. Just swipe it on, blend it out, mascara. Done. 

Model Co More Brows in Light/Medium

For a long time I paid little to no attention to my brows, other than to pluck the living daylights out of them every once in a while. Then Cara Delavigne happened and brows became big! It was then I realised how pathetic mine actually were. For a while I was using a brow pencil from MUA to beef up my brows which was okay, not great but definitely not bad (although looking back it was a bit too warm for me). Then I got this in a glossybox and it is nothing short of magical. More Brows is a really light weight brow gel that sets the brows in place without leaving them crispy or gel-y in anyway. The formula is so light it actually doesn't feel like I've got anything on. The colour match is the perfect level of ashiness for me  and the spoolie, whilst adorably tiny,  is really good. It tames my brows whilst distributing the product evenly throughout, making for ridiculously easy application. I just brush it through my brows and I'm good to go. Winner.

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Heavy Duty Under Eye Concealer in Fair 

When this says heavy duty it means it! Whilst intended specifically for the under eye area I've been using it before foundation to cover up any particularly red/visible blemishes (and there have been a lot!). The formula itself is really creamy and quite thick but once it's warmed up between the finger tips it's really workable. I put this on before my foundation because it gives better coverage that way and it blends into the skin so much easier. The coverage is amazing, it only takes a quick dab-and-blend and BOOM bags/blemishes gone. I've hit pan on it now but I will definitely be repurchasing.

Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner

After using the Etre Belle Liplift Peel my lips were left in terrible condition (read more about it here) even after I got them back to a semi normal condition they were still drier than usual, that coupled with the change in the weather and my lips have been in dire need of some tlc. This is so moisturising and has done my lips the world of good. They are now happily back to normal and it's all thanks to this guy. It also smells lovely, like mint and vanilla, and lasts ages. I've had this tiny tub for well over a year and it's not even close to running out yet. Winner.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara. 

I tested out a lot of new mascaras in October (read more about it here) and of all the ones I tried this was the one I reached for most. It has a plastic applicator that grips even the tiniest of lashes, coating them evenly and leaving some seriously long lashes in it's wake. Personally I think it's a dupe of Benefit's They're Real Mascara as the formula is surprisingly similar. Blacker than black with some serious lasting power with the added Benefit (pun definitely intended!) of costing a fraction of the price. Whilst it's not my favourite mascara ever it is good and I liked it a lot. 

Revlon Photoready Foundation in 004 Nude

This was my go to foundation throughout October. The coverage is fabulous, as I've said my skin has been going through some kind of rebellion and this has been perfect for those days when my skin misbehaves. It gives a really nice satin, almost dewy, finish, which is surprising considering how much coverage it gives. It takes some working into the skin but once it's on IT IS ON! This bad boy ain't going nowhere for no one. When I first tried this foundation, way back in August (read it here) I thought the colour wouldn't work for me during the colder months BUT it does. It's just a really nice foundation. 

So those were my October Favourites.Have you tried any of these products? What did you think? Love them? Hate them? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below (if you do comment I try to always reply so check back) or by dropping me an email lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check me out on instagram, facebook, Bloglovin & pinterest.