The Weekly Round #11: feeling ill & re-reading Me Before You

The Weekly Round #11: feeling ill & re-reading Me Before You

Sunday, 21 February 2016

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Sorry for the radio silence for the past week folks. I've been stuck in bed since Tuesday with the flu. I'm feeling a bit better but not quite 100% yet. I'm still coughing a lot but I'm getting there. I haven't done much this week because I've been so poorly, all I've done really is curl up in a ball, moan pathetically, drink way more lemsip than advisable and surf youtube. That's literally been my week.

I did get the chance to read Me Before You, which is something I've wanted to do for a while. I first read it a few years back and I absolutely loved it but after the release of the film trailer, which looks amazing by the way, watch it here, and the release of the second book, After You, I thought it was about time I re-read it. And it was even better than I remembered. I cried for like 2 hours after finishing it because it is so heartbreakingly sad. If you haven't read it you definitely need to change that, but for those of you who don't know Me Before You is about Louisa Clark, who after losing her job in a cafe, takes a job as a companion for the quadriplegic Will Traynor. Before his accident Will was a thrill seeker and a daredevil but is now confined to his wheelchair with only the limited use of his hand and a plan to end it all. Neither of them are aware of the profound impact they're going to have on each other.

It raises a lot of really important questions about a person's right to die and highlights the difference between what is legally right and what is morally right. On top of that it is a fabulously written, beautiful, funny, heartbreaking and bitter sweet story about love. Sorry I'll put my English Literature nerd back in her box now and just tell you that it's amazing and definitely worth a read before the film comes out in June. But make sure you have a box of tissues nearby.

What have you been up to this week? Have you read Me Before You? What did you think? 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.

Love love love xxx

Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation Review

Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation Review

Thursday, 11 February 2016

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It's been a while since I changed up my foundation but with skin that can at best be described as tricksy, and at worst acne riddled, I thought it was about time I mixed it up when it comes to bases. And as my bestie - the Ann to my Lesley - has been raving about this stuff for ages, like seriously ages, I thought it was time to give it a try, PLUS there was a free gift so obviously I wasn't able to resist.

So let's get down to the nitty gritty. Miracle Touch is a compact foundation that comes in a small glass tub with a black lid that plays host to a very basic make up sponge. I understand why it has to be stored this way, due to the super thick formulation of the product, but I have to say really not a lover of the packing. It doesn't feel particularly hygienic to dip my fingers into something I'm putting on my face, regardless of how clean they definitely are... but maybe that's just me.

The product itself is lovely, it has a really thick, almost waxy formula in the pan but when applied to the skin it becomes really liquid-y - I'm sure there's a better way of saying that.. fluid maybe? No not fluid! - and applies seamlessly. I've found the best way to apply it is with fingers, because they warm up the product and really work it into the skin but it does apply nicely with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush as well, shockingly I haven't used the sponge.

The formulation itself is lovely, it gives excellent coverage without looking cakey or giving you creepy-mask face. It's also really buildable, so you don't necessarily need a concealer, you can just pile this on the places that need extra coverage. The finish is also really nice, particularly for something this high coverage. I would expect it to be quite matte and a bit flat but it's actually quite dewy and fresh looking. Really my only complaint is the packaging, which is pants, but seriously other than that it's a great foundation.

Have you tried Max Factor's Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation? What did you think? If not what foundation are you loving right now? Anything I should be trying? What are you loving at the moment?  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.

January Non-Beauty Favourites 2016

January Non-Beauty Favourites 2016

Wednesday, 10 February 2016

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Hi Guys! So you actually get a bonus post you lucky things. This was actually meant to go up last week but stuff happened and I didn't want to post anything - read more about that here) still better late than never. January is just a bit of a bleurgh kind of month really. After the excitement of the new year wears off it's depressing and cold and by the end of it there's still 330+ days until Christmas. That's why my Non-Beauty Favourites this month is made up of super cosy loungewear and internet stuff. Sorry should have put a spoiler alert. Awesome. Shall we get started?

New Look Unicorn Slippers - £7.00 from newlook.com

I got these for Christmas and they've been on my feet pretty much ever since. If I could get away with wearing them to work I definitely would. They are EVERYTHING. They're ridiculous, I know that, but they're amazing. 

Tu Teddy Bear Hoodie - from Sainsburys, no longer available online

Another one of my favourite Christmas presents is this super schnuggly sleep hoody. It's so warm and soft and it has teddy bear ears. It  actually doesn't get any better than that. The addition of animal ears makes everything better. I  actually haven't taken this off, I'm wearing it now. The second I get in from work it goes on, I've been wearing it over my clothes if I'm cold, I've been sleeping in it. It's ridiculous but I love it so, so much. 

Shay Mitchell - watch on youtube here

I mentioned Shay's youtube channel in a weekly round up a few weeks ago and it all still stands. Her videos are great and she is awesome. If you haven't checked her out yet you really should.

Wildfire by Rachel Platten - £7.99 from iTunes

I LOVE THIS ALBUM! I hate trying to describe music, it's not easy and I feel a bit like I'm repeating myself but it is a really good album. It's very pop-y and empowering, a bit like Taylor Swift's 1985 and I've been listening to it constantly. It's really good. 

Yankee Candle in Red Apple Wreath - £7.99 from yankeedirect.com

My sister picked this up for me just after Christmas and I've been burning it ever since. It smells absolutely gorgeous. It does smell a bit Christmassy, but seeing as I'm still not ready to let go of Christmas for another year just quite yet, I'm totally okay with that. It smells of apples and cinnamon and is very spicy and sweet but also fruity at the same time. When it's lit the scent is subtle but noticeable and gives a real cosy feel to the room, when it's not lit it makes my room smell like cinnamon rolls, which is amazing, either way I'm onto a winner. It also burns really evenly which I love, because it really annoys me when candles don't do that.  I love it.

Once Upon A Time - Streaming on netflix

I was really into the first season of Once Upon a Time a couple of years ago and then I just kind of forgot about it. Until recently when I got back into it and OH. EM. GEE. I have been missing out. Especially now that - the stunningly beautiful - Captain Hook is on the scene! What a babe! I'm hooked (ba dum tchh) It's so good. A must watch for disney fans.

Three Little Words by Jessica Thompson - £4.49 for Kindle edition, £6.99 for paperback both from amazon

Jessica Thompson is such an underrated author. I re-read this in January and I completely loved it. The title is somewhat misleading, you automatically think it's 'I love you' but it's actually 'I forgive you'.  On a cold February night Bryony's life changes forever when her boyfriend Max is murdered. The rest of the story deals with the aftermath of Max's murder and the importance of forgiveness told from several different perspectives. It's a beautiful story beautifully written.

What are you loving at the moment?  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.

A really bad week...

A really bad week...

Tuesday, 9 February 2016

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Hi Guys. So I wanted to first of all apologies for the lack of posts last week and also explain why I suddenly went AWOL.  So my dog Paddy, if you follow me on instagram you'll be familiar with him, he's my Jack Russell who I've had since I was a little girl, and  he was the silliest, most ridiculous, wonderful little thing. Very sadly he died last week.

He was old and had had a good life and he was so loved by all of us. And the way he went was nice too. We realised something was wrong and so we stayed with him and stroked him, until he just fell asleep, surrounded by the people he loved and who loved him. Which I'm grateful for, but it doesn't make me any less sad. I'm devastated, he was my little buddy. We're all really upset and trying to get used to him not being in the house. It just feels so empty.

That's why I didn't post last week, I just felt too sad. I hope you understand.

xxx

NYX Mini Lip Haul & Review

NYX Mini Lip Haul & Review

Tuesday, 2 February 2016

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A couple of weeks ago I was feeling really spendy - nothing new there - and found myself on the boots website, gazing lovingly at all the make up, when I stumbled across NYX. NYX is a brand I've heard a ton about but never tried, and as the reviews were universally positive, I figured it was definitely worth picking up a few bits. Before I knew it I was checking out with one of the Butter Lipsticks in the shade Moonlit Night and one of the Jumbo Lip Pencils in the shade Hera in my basket.

Moonlit Night is a deep, dark burgundy that looks way scarier in the bullet than it actually is. On the lips it's a vampy but wearable, red toned, berry shade. I'm totally in love with it. The formulation is lovely, very creamy and smooth, it applies well and the pigmentation is really good. The only downside is that I generally prefer my finishes matte because they last longer and this is a satin finish which means there is quite a bit of slip to it. It lasts reasonably well but doesn't really stick around for the long haul and it does need to be re-applied after eating or drinking. Another teeny tiny niggle I have is with the packaging, which I think is so cute BUT, and I don't know if this is just my one, but it's not very well made. When you twist the bullet up mine has the tendency to fall back down, which isn't great but not a deal breaker. Other than that I'm obsessed.

Hera is another kettle of fish entirely. A bright fuchsia with a blue toned shimmer running through it, it's way more sheer and doesn't apply as evenly as the lipstick. Even so it's really pretty and has a lovely smooth formula that makes application a breeze. On the upside I love the packaging, the design is really cute and great for just chucking in your bag. I like it a lot.

Apart from a few little bugbears I am super impressed, especially at such a low price point - the Butter Lipsticks retail at £5.50 & the Jumbo Lip Pencils at £5.00 - and I will definitely be picking up a few more come pay day.

Have you tried anything from NYX? What did you think? Any recommendations? 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

January Beauty Favourites 2016

January Beauty Favourites 2016

Sunday, 31 January 2016

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La Roche-Posay Serozinc - £8.50 from boots.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What were your January Beauty Favourites? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

FEARLESS: Introduction & The First Challenge

FEARLESS: Introduction & The First Challenge

Thursday, 28 January 2016

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

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

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

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

I'll keep you posted.

Let me know what you think by commenting below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat -search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

5 Things I'm Excited For In 2016

5 Things I'm Excited For In 2016

Tuesday, 26 January 2016

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

Starting a Youtube Channel

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

Getting back into Slimming World

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

Learning more

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

Working what I want to do

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

Travelling

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

What are you looking forward to this year?Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest

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

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

Sunday, 24 January 2016

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This week has lasted FOREVER! But it's over now. I've had a nice, relaxing weekend and am I really ready for the week ahead - sorry that's a total lie, I'm never ready for Mondays - but before we get started onto the new week let's round up the last one shall we?

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

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

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

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

Ben & Jerry's Blondie Brownie Core Ice Cream

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

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