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

2015 Beauty Favourites

2015 Beauty Favourites

Sunday, 10 January 2016

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

Makeup & Nails

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maybelline Lash Sensation Mascara  - £7.99 from boots.com

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

Fleur De Force Eyeshadow Quad in Lunar Rose - £7.99 from feelunique.com

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

Olivia Palermo x Ciaté in Hutch -£17.00 from lookfantastic.com

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

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

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

Nails Inc in Haymarket - £4.99 from amazon.co.uk

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

Fleur De Force Lipgloss in Starry Starry Night - £6.99 from feelunique.com

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

Skincare

No7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser - £9.95 from boots.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

The Balm Balms Away Eye Makeup Break-Up - £15.50 from debenhams.com

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

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

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

Other

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

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

Lucy Bee ExtraVirgin Organic Raw Coconut Oil - £9.95 for 500ml from amazon.co.uk

Coconut oil is truly a thing of wonder. I like to use this as a hot oil hair treatment and it's fabulous.

I just melt down 1.5 tablespoons of the solid oil and run it through the midlengths and ends of my hair before leaving it for a few hours or overnight. The difference it's made to the condition of my hair is so amazing it might actually be magic. 

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

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

Burt's Bees Pink Refreshing Pink Grapefruit Lip Balm - £3.69 from boots.com

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

Sorry that was a tad longer and rambler than expected but thanks for sticking with me. What were your favourites from the last year? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates. 

Love love love xxx

My 3 Beauty B's

My 3 Beauty B's

Thursday, 22 October 2015

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

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

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


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

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

Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick in Bluffing - £4.99 from Boots

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Essie in Strut Your Stuff - £4.39 from Amazon

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

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

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

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

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

What are your make up must haves? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for updates.

Love love love xxx

Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish in Mercer Street & Regents Place

Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish in Mercer Street & Regents Place

Sunday, 19 July 2015

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I'm a sucker for a blue nail polish, we all know this, I might even go so far as to say that blue is my favourite nail colour. Ever. Well it's a toss up between blue and blue-green/turquoise (read more about that here and here). I'm also a sucker for a gel formula, and a huge fan of Nails Inc, so when I saw these Nails Inc Gel Effect Polishes in Mercer Street and Regents Place in my local T.K.Maxx, for a fraction of their normal £14/15 price tag (I paid £3.99 each) it was an actual no brainer and they had made their way into my basket and to the till before you could say Lauren do you really need another blue polish? Let alone two? The answer, of course, being yes brain. Yes I do.

Mercer Street is a gorgeous cobalt that calls to mind a perfect, cloudless blue sky on a swelteringly hot day somewhere over the south of France (not that I've ever been). Whilst the long lusted after (seriously I've wanted it forever!) Regents Place is a stunning lilac toned cornflower that is more reminiscent of bluebells and spring time. My personal favourite is Regents Place, which is currently adorning my toes and tips, but both are seriously beautiful and really pop against tanned skin, which sadly I don't have.

Now let's talk application, formula and longevity, you know the technical stuff. The application is ridiculously easy, the brush is fairly standard, nothing special but really easy to use. The real star is the formula which is both thick and creamy yet easily workable and leaves a glossy, hi-shine finish which I love. It does take 3 coats to get opaque coverage but that's fairly standard with Nails Inc. I only picked these up on Friday so I haven't had the chance to check out what the longevity is like but other blogger reviews promise a good 5-6 days of wear time before needing to reapply, so I will definitely let you know if this is the case.

*Post Update:* Regent's Place has lasted really well on my toes and is still chip free 5 days in but it didn't last as well on my finger tips, chipping after 3 day on my fingers. 

Nails Inc had a bit of a revamp last year which included redesigned packaging, which I really like, it's so sleek, and an increased price point, which I don't think is justified as you actually get 2ml less product but hey ho. Overall I am really impressed and will be adding more to my ever growing and now quite frankly ridiculous nail polish collection. 350 and counting... it's pretty bad guys!

Have you tried any of the Nails Inc Gel Effects? What do you think? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com, Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - and pinterest to stay updated.

Love love love xxx

P.S. My mum picked up the daisy dish (in the pictures) for me for £2 in the Next Sale, she got it for me in white as well and I'm OBSESSED with them. Be prepared to see them in way more blog photos. Also let me know if you'd be interested in seeing any homeware hauls or anything like that.

L x

April Favourites 2015

April Favourites 2015

Tuesday, 12 May 2015

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Okay I don't want to panic anyone but it's May. I'm not even sure how that's possible but  it's May! We're over a third of the way through the year people! Where on earth does the time go?! 

Now that the mad May panic is over let's talk about April shall we?April is my favourite month! It (usually) has Easter, the days are finally getting longer and warmer and most importantly it's my birthday month! I was utterly spoilt and got some fabulous beauty bits (read more about that here) but enough about that. Let's talk favourites. 

Haymarket by Nails Inc 

Spring has finally sprung here in the UK and that means pastels! I have been utterly obsessed with this gorgeous mint blue. It's one of those shades where you don't know if it's green or if it's blue but it's so beautiful that it doesn't even matter. I am so in love with the colour that I've been taking it off to put it straight back on again. It is so beautiful and because it's Nails Inc the formulas good too! I love it. 

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque  

I am so obsessed with this mask (read more about that here), it is my go to mask for when my skin is looking crap (which is a way more regular occurrence than I care to admit) because it is awesome. It's a bright green clay mask that smells and kinda looks a bit like toothpaste but works wonders. It's as close to perfect as a clay mask can get. It's ridiculously cheap, it clears up any superficial blackheads, dries out whiteheads and leaves the skin looking so much clearer. The only thing I will say is that it does take some time to work it's magic, but it's so worth it. Just whack it on and leave it for half an hour and voila better skin. Obsessed!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 

Honestly I've never been a major fan of micellar waters, they're okay I guess, but I've found that some of them can be quite drying. I have super sensitive skin that tends to lean towards the drier side of things so I normally prefer a cream cleanser because they're more moisturising. But this one seems to be designed for us sensitive skinned lasses and removes all my make up really gently without causing any irritation or dryness.  It's super affordable and lasts a really long time, 1 x 400 ml bottle works out to be about 200 uses so it's really good value too. It's just a really nice and effective cleanser. 

Real Techniques Expert Facebrush 

When I first got this brush I didn't like it very much, I thought that it gave really patchy coverage and it was just a bit meh but lately I've been absolutely loving it. I think I didn't like it initially because I'd been using it with the wrong formulas, but lately I've cracked it and my poor beloved Real Techniques Buffing Brush has been left all alone and lonely.  It just applies so easily, blending in effortlessly and when used with the right formula leaves a flawless base. Love it. 

Barry M Speedy Quick Dry in Road Rage

I have been obsessed with this gorgeous mint blue offering from Barry M's latest collection (read my review here). The colour is beautiful, the formula is awesome: thick, creamy and dries in seconds and the new brush is amazing too. On the days where I haven't been wearing Haymarket  I've been wearing this.  It's just so pretty. 

Glass Sweetie Jar by Tesco 

I have been buying so much homeware stuff lately. It's become quite the obsession. I think it's because I've recently moved back to my mum's and I'm already anticipating moving out again. I'll be honest it's not been the easiest of transitions. I spend a lot of time at my mum's anyway but still it's quite an adjustment being here full time. Anyway I spotted this pretty glass jar in the kitchen section of my local Tesco and I just couldn't resist adding it to my basket. It now lives in pride of place on my bedside table because I've been keeping cotton pads in it and I just think it looks so pretty. The best part though was the price, only cost me £4! Which is such a bargain. Loving it. 

 Awake  (Limeleaf and Grapefruit) Reed Diffuser  by Tesco

This is another Tesco find, they've been really upping their game lately! I've always been a bit wary of reed diffusers for 2 reasons. 1. I am the clumsiest person in the whole entire world and I'd definitely knock it over and 2. when I do  knock it over (it's inevitable) then the oil would definitely stain something but more importantly it's quite harmful to animals and I have a dog who I adore and I'd never want him to get hurt, especially over something so avoidable. Having said that I realised that my concerns can all be avoided. I only have to make sure that  the diffuser is kept well out of the way, which it is.  So once I'd accepted this I just had to pick this one up. Again it was ridiculously cheap - only £3! Whoop Whoop! - and has the most incredible scent! It's citrus based, and is so refreshing and zingy, I just love it. It completely fills my room  with this beautiful fragrance yet isn't overpowering at all. Not only does it smell incredible  but the bottle it comes in is really sleek and pretty too. I love it. 

Millie Marotta's Animal Kingdom

Those of you who read this post will know that I, and the rest of the world, have been having a bit of a moment with adult colouring books lately. Colouring in is so relaxing and just ridiculously fun. This book is so lovely to colour in. It's beautifully illustrated and I can just lose myself for hours in it. 

What are your April Favourites? 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 & pinterest for daily updates. 

I hope you guys are having a lovely week. I'll be back on Thursday.

Until then...

Love love love xxx

The Blues

The Blues

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

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L-R: Soigné in Vodka Bleu, Maybelline Forever Strong Super Stay Seven Day in Uptown Blue, Essie in Avenue Maintain, Nails Inc in  Kensington Park Road  & Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Blueberry.

If you were to rifle through my, quite frankly ridiculous, nail polish collection (300 and counting) you would probably notice that the majority of shades are blue. There's just something about a blue polish that I just can't resist. So I thought I'd share my faves. My 5 Shades of Blue if you will.

Soigné in Vodka Bleu - Vodka Bleu is a really rich dark turquoise-y blue with a seriously awesome formula. It's super pigmented, opaque in just one coat and ridiculously long lasting. Wild horses can't drag this bad boy away! It has an awesome brush, it applies absolutely effortlessly and just looks so gorgeous on the nails.  Love it. 

Maybelline Forever Strong Super Stay Seven Day in Uptown Blue - I haven't had this that long but it has fast become one of my fave light blues. Spring means pastels and this lovely polish more than fits the bill. It is such a pretty sky blue with an almost fluorescent quality to it that really pops. It would look amazing against tanned skin (unfortunately I'll never know being paler than the moon and all.) Not only is the colour pretty special but the formula's awesome too, for  a colour this light I would expect at least 3 coats for it to be opaque but it's really thick and creamy and only took 2. Winner.

Essie in Avenue Maintain - This is one of the first Essie polishes I ever bought and to this day it remains one of my favourites. The colour is super pretty, just a lovely sky blue that is perfect for springtime. I super love it. 

Nails Inc in  Kensington Park Road -  This is one of my most used nail polishes ever! Seriously you can actually see a line from where I've used it so much and with so many nail polishes that just doesn't happen very often. It is a really beautiful neon blue that demands attention, you can't not look at it. It's so pretty but bad ass at the same time. I love it so much. It is all the hearteyed emojis!

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Blueberry - This is the most gorgeous lilac toned cornflower blue, like Uptown Blue it has a neon quality that really stands out. The Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine's have a fabulous formula: opaque in 2 coats, reasonably long lasting with a shiny gel like finish - hence the name - and they're cheap as chips.  Lovely. 

What are your favourite nail polishes? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also,f you have a minute check me out on instagram, bloglovin, facebook & pinterest.

Love love love xxx

Pay Day Haul #1

Pay Day Haul #1

Friday, 15 August 2014

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So as you can see this is not Friday I'm in Love #9 and the reasons for that are 1. I've had a migraine this week that has really knocked me through a loop. 2. I had so many loves this week from stuff I've bought recently and haven't actually mentioned yet. So I thought I would do another Haul Post. I get paid weekly and the last couple of weekends I've been feeling particularly spendy (oops!) so I thought I'd share with you all the things I've bought...

Benefit's They're Real Push-Up Liner 

I bought this last week and I have raved about it since. I actually wrote a review about this last week (you can read it here) 

No 7 Beautiful Skin Deep Pore Purifier

I thought I was buying a serum when I picked this up last week so I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's kind of like a scrub and has a super funky tip that exfoliates the skin. I haven't tested it out yet but it looks so fun 

Bourjois Velvet Rouge in Olé Flamingo

This has been on my wish list for some time so when pay day rolled around I made a beeline for it. The colour is highly pigmented and beautiful and the formula is incredible. Once it's on, IT's ON! Wild horses couldn't tear it away -Rolling Stones reference yay!- I can't wait to add more to my collection. 

No 7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush in Watermelon 

Stick Cream Blushes are having something of a moment lately and I thought I would give this little lovely a try. Whilst it does look violently red in the pictures it's actually a really pretty pink. I've never used a cream blush before so I'll have to let you know, but so far so good. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation in 53 Light Beige

I've heard some really good things about this foundation - which is why I bought it :) - It gives light but buildable coverage, which is perfect for the sweaty summer months. It's really long lasting and the formula is lovely. New summer favourite right here.

Soap & Glory's Love at First Blush

How gorgeous is that?! I haven't used it yet because I don't want to spoil something so beautiful but I will keep you posted. Peach Party is next on my list because this is super gorge. 

No 7 Beautiful Skin Rapid Spot Rescue 

Blackheads and spots are the bane of my existence. I bought this as it promises to reduce appearance and redness within 2 hours. I haven't had any major spots (Thank God) to test this out on. But I will keep you posted for any future blackouts. 

Ciate - Mini Mani Month Calendar

L-R: Snowglobe, Boudoir, Amazing Gracie, Silver (Caviar Metallic Pearls), Hoopla & Sugar Plum

 L-R: Main Stage, Midnight in Manhattan (Caviar Pearls), Candy Floss, Pillow Fight, Pepperminty & Gold (Caviar Metallic Pearls).

 L-R: Encore, Ivory Queen, Twinkle Toes (Glitter), Chinchilla, Members Only & Tweed & Tails.

L-R: Dallas Dolly (Sequins), Starlet, Fit for a Queen, Hopscotch, Cupid's Arrow (Caviar Pearls) & Playdate. 

I picked this up in T.K. Maxx for the bargain price of £19.99 (it retails at £52.) I didn't realise at the time that it was actually an advent calendar, I thought about saving it for Christmas but knew that I would've long since forgotten about it by then. Plus I'm far too impatient to wait another 3 months and 28 days before I could play with it so I opened it (in order of course, I'm impatient, not an animal!). It had some really lovely colours and even had some bottles of caviar beads, sequins and glitter. I'm so happy I bought it. 

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

I am going through something of a Real Techniques obsession at the moment and thought I would add the Miracle Complexion Sponge to my growing collection. I haven't tried it yet but will keep you posted. 

The Champions Collection by Nails Inc 

L-R: Royal Botanical Gardens, Draycott Terracce, Hampton Court Palace Gardens, Belgravia Gardens & Westbourne Grove.

I'm guessing from the name and the packaging this collection was inspired by London 2012 which is perhaps the reason why it only cost me £7. I'm a huge Nails Inc fan so this was a no brainer. I've never had any problems with the formula and the colours are quite lovely and perfect for summer.

#GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso

I got this on the recommendation of a friend. I hadn't really heard of Nasty Gal or Sophia Amoruso but my friend really raved about the book so I thought I would give it a go. I've only read the timeline at the beginning of the book but I can already see that Sophia Amoruso is my kind of lady and I can't wait to get started. 

Real Techniques Starter Set

L-R Accent, Eyeliner, Deluxe Crease, Base Shadow and Eyebrow Brush

The Deluxe Crease and Base Shadow brushes were 2 of my loves last week (read it here). They are really nice. Overall the brushes are great but those two are my faves. 

Season 1 of The Mindy Project & Season 2 of New Girl

I love The Mindy Project. I love New Girl. So these were a no brainer. I'm looking forward to a long, lazy (preferably rainy) Sunday where I can binge watch them in my jamas. 

Looking back I have bought absolutely loads. I have a shopping problem. This will be the last of the Haul posts for a while because I need to save up for my masters degree. I say that but I know what I'm like and spending will happen. 

What did you think? Have you tried any of this stuff? Let me know on twitter or comment below. Also check me out on facebook, BlogLovin, instagram & pinterest. Have a happy weekend.

Love love love xxx