L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Collection Privée



Eva Longoria & Freida Pinto

Cheryl & Julianne Moore

Nude lipstick is one thing almost every girl has in her make-up bag. It is so cliché but we all search for that 'your lips but better' colour.

I walk through Boots pretty much everyday as its situated right between my work and my flat - what better excuse eh? I spotted these when they were first released last year but couldn't decide on which shade I fancied. Then my boyfriend, the cheeky chap that he is, remembered me swatching them and appeared with them as a little treat for me one night.

On the lips they are really creamy - not particularly long wearing but they feel so nice on, almost like a really pigmented balm. They smell fantastic too, the only downside I'd say is that the packaging looks a lot more luxurious than it actually is, but that doesn't bother me at all.

These are £8.19 each (although Boots are currently doing 2 for £15 on all L'Oreal!). I think this is quite reasonable considering how nourishing they are on the lips and they leave such a good colour.

L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Collection Privée

So here they are in all swatched glory! I don’t have the entire collection, as there were a couple I had decided would 100% not suit my skin tone. There are six in total, and I have four. I’m still trying to decide which one is my favourite.

Eva Longoria 'Barely Golden'  - This is the one I wanted most. Not sure if you can see in the swatch but it has a subtle hint of gold through the nude, which is great for when you are going for a matte look or those days where you really don't have that much make-up on. I really love this shade, it looks even better with a tan.

Freida Pinto 'Barely Parma' - I wasn't 100% about this shade as it is a bit out of my comfort zone on the nude palette, but after wearing it a few times I've decided that it is very fresh and a nice change from the normal pink-toned nudes I wear. I think this would be gorgeous on blondes or really fair-haired ladies.

Cheryl 'Barely Greige' - A really pretty beige colour, almost looks as if you have no lipstick on at all. (Ok, I may have chosen this one purely because I love Cheryl. I'm not even embarrassed about it).

Julianne Moore 'Barely Peach' - I'm not sure why this says peach as it is most definitely a soft pink. Its actually borderline nude, probably the brightest of the four. Its beautiful for this summer sun we've been having in the UK recently.

Miu Miu Sunglasses

I'm supposed to be on a spending ban but since the sun has been making an appearance lately I couldn't help but buy these beauties.

I really can't resist a high-end purchase its becoming quite ridiculous. The packaging is so nice and I love that they came with two cases - I prefer the hard one to protect them but sometimes those are a bit too bulky for my handbag!

     

I spotted these on Millie Mackintosh. They are actually last season - and I had to buy them from an overseas department store because I could not find them anywhere. I ordered them over a month ago and had to wait forever on them 'sourcing them', so I thought I was out of luck until they arrived in the mail yesterday!

Its always risky buying sunglasses when you haven't tried them on, but these are so pretty I don't even care if they don't suit me.

Thanks for reading! 

Skincare #2 Liz Earle 'Cleanse & Polish'

This is a cult product with beauty bloggers. Since I've recently been trying to take better care of my skin (see my first skincare post here), I decided it was time to start to make a bit more of an effort to remove my makeup at night – goodbye face wipes! 

There was a LOT of humming and hawing on twitter around the use of face wipes to remove make up (I’m @sosheblogged by the way). To be fair they have worked well for me, but I do have reasonably well behaved skin. I just fancied trying the Cleanse & Polish, and some days you need something a little extra to freshen up your skin.

So what do I think? So far so good! They aren't lying when they say it’s really easy to use. My makeup literally just comes right off! It leaves my skin feeling quite soft, but not anything to rave about. After using it I felt exceptionally clean – the texture is a little grainy but not like a total exfoliator. 

I’m going to be totally honest with the downsides. I can’t help but feel it smells a little like toothpaste – anyone else? Although apparently they have a new limited edition one out which smells a lot nicer, I think I would've preferred that. Secondly, the price. Including delivery, this came to £18.50 for a 100ml bottle and two muslin cloths. I know that’s not really much for a high end product, but I still found it a bit much for what I received, also my bottle felt a lot like it was only half full (it doesn't have a twisty top so I couldn't check).

As a first impression my skin really does feel much better - I think I can overlook the price because you really can't beat that fresh, nice skin feeling! I’m going to give my mum a try as well to see what she thinks – she is such a critic when it comes to skincare, she has her favourites and sticks with them. I’d also love to hear your views if any of you have tried it?? 

As always, thanks for reading! xx

MK Selma 'Colour-Block'

So it would seem I have a freshly diagnosed handbag obsession.

In my defense, I have contemplated the Selma for almost a year - but once everyone started buying them I was put off with all the standard colours, navy black etc. They are all totally gorgeous, but I just didn't want to buy one and be branded along with the hype (oddly enough I don't mind this with cult beauty products).

But, I gave in. I went to order it and whilst shopping around for the best price I was on Net-A-Porter and spotted these new season 'colour-block' ones. I immediately fell in love with the fuchsia and white but decided it was a little too bright as I wanted it to be an everyday bag and would be using it for work etc (I know - how grown up am I?!).

I then saw in a magazine the white on black and it was perfect, I am so into white just now and I thought it was really stylish with black. Mines has gold hardware which I love, and these bags are such amazing quality! They are so structured and feel as if they will totally hold shape. I also love Saffiano leather as it's so durable and less likely to get all scratched and scuffed etc.

Let me know what you guys think!! Am I too risky going for white??

Thanks for reading x

Skincare #1

So I’ve recently been venturing into the realms of skincare, and to be totally honest, I’m going in a bit blind. 

Everything I’ve learned about skincare is from reading blogs over the years. My mum used to always tell me when I was younger how important it is to moisturise everyday but it’s only really been over the past year or so I’ve actually started doing it and noticed a difference.

I thought I’d share my most recent ‘skincare routine’ with you all – although I doubt you can even call it that as I literally throw them on as I am always in a rush.

Also, I’d like to say I wouldn’t openly recommend any of these products, as everyone has different skin and what works for me might not for you.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo 

Out of my overall routine, this is what I absolutely cannot live without. It’s the only moisturiser I’ve ever re-purchased (3 times!) and as soon as I stop using it my skin seems to hate me and goes beserk. It doesn’t really smell like anything, and although it has a really thin consistency you don’t need a lot. Any of my friends who have used this also swear by it.

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment

I bought this after seeing it on a few blogs. I didn’t use an eye cream before but I’d decided to get one before the hayfever season came in as it makes my eyes terribly dry. This one is perfect as it’s extremely nourishing but not greasy at all. 

Simple Kind To Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion

Like the plain Jane that I am I just use simple cleanser to remove my make up (and occasionally Simple wipes if I’m being lazy). I’ve tried Bioderma and the L’Oreal dupe but it just breaks me out. This works, it’s cheap and cheerful so I’m not changing it.

Finally – my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum. 

This stuff was mega hyped over about a year and a half ago, and I bought it in New York not because my skin needed it, because yes, I am one of those who cannot help themselves with blogger hype. And it’s fantastic. I was dubious about putting any sort of oil/serum on my skin but its not oily at all. It actually clears up any spots/redness and leaves my skin smooth.

I've been a bit of a busy bee this week - I visited a friend in London and then got my exam results (pass yay!) so I've been in total la-la-land!

 Thanks for reading - be sure to share all your skincare posts below!

Work Wear #1

                

Hello lovelies!

Office wear is sometimes really difficult to get right – especially in the summer months when it gets a little warm and you don’t want to be uncomfortable. I decided to revamp my work wardrobe this summer. Usually I tend to just ‘demote’ whatever I can in my normal wardrobe, but this year I decided to make some new purchases –  summer fashion trends are so nice this year, it is devastating me that I don’t have a holiday booked!

Anyway I thought I would start to do a sort of Look book with a few of the things I purchased as I do think it is sometimes quite difficult to find nice things for work. Its so much easier for guys as they can just wear suits etc!

I generally try to be quite comfortable but I work in an office so need to look smart too. The trousers I bought new in Topshop last week (and I also bought them in white on black too after seeing them on Essie Button’s Instagram - I couldn’t help myself!).

White Wrap Top - River Island (similar)

Gingham Cigarette Trousers - Topshop

Peep Toe Shoes - Office

Watch - Marc Jacobs

Ring - Calvin Klein

Nails - Essie 'Muchi Muchi' and 'A Cut Above'

Bag - DKNY

I like to wear heels to work but our office has a lot of stairs and sometimes I’m on my feet a lot so some days I opt for little flats. If you are looking for durable flats that will last I would totally recommend Office. I’m not sure if they still have these particular ones but they have lasted me well over two years, I don’t wear them everyday right enough, but I will definitely be going back there for another pair come autumn. 

Scallop Collar Shirt - ASOS

Tan Pencil Skirt - ASOS

Black Wedges - Primark

Watch - Michael Kors

I love the scallop collar on this shirt - I've had this one a while now and actually considering buying another. I would add tights and a blazer to this outfit for colder months. I'm also obsessed with anything nude/camel at the moment!

Hope you liked this - these are one of my favourite kind of posts to read! I am loving the 'Workwear Wednesdays' tag on twitter. If anyone has any posts like this or even any OOTD posts pop your link in the comments so I can have a read.

Thanks again to everyone who entered my giveaway, I have been collecting little beauty goodies for it and will let you all know the winner on twitter tomorrow!


Thanks for reading x

An Ode to the Philips Lumea + A Giveaway!

Hello lovelies!

It had never occurred to me to do a post on this wonderful thing - even though as soon as summer arrives its all I rave about and all my friends borrow it. 

I don't even know where to begin except by saying beauty-wise, it has been one of my best purchases.

I bought this around 4 years ago, and it cost a whopping £400 (they are less to buy now). I was still a student at the time so my mum and I both paid half each, although, with her being blonde she only had to use it a few times and is now practically hair free.

Philips Lumea IPL Hair Removal System

How does it work?

You shave, zap and repeat every so often.
Ok, so the instructions are a little more lengthy than that to be honest, because there are safety precautions and it doesn't suit a couple of skin tones - but that is how I use it and it works great for me. I did read them all to check before I bought it though, just in case it wasn't suitable for me.

Zap Zap! - (Pain free!)

Unsuitable and most effective skin tones

My verdict?

I've never had course hair but mines is quite dark. I only use it during the summer so I guess if I used it more it would permanently remove hair however I don't think I could ever go a summer without it. Not only does it pro-long the length of time the hair grows back in, but it also comes back much lighter and much thinner each year. So much so if I use it before I go a four week holiday I have no need to pack any razors or anything of the like, and can still go a good while without them when I get home.

My absolute favourite part of this gadget is that it is totally pain free. There are different levels you can set the laser to (1-4) depending on how sensitive the area, so for bikini line I would have it 2/3 and anywhere else I just keep at 4. Mines is not suitable for facial hair but the ones you can buy now are. 

It was expensive but I'm always of the mind that you can't put a price on feeling happy and comfortable when it comes to this. Although I've never had any issues I can imagine it would bring a lot of girls down if they had thick/dark facial hair etc. Also, when you calculate up the price of all the creams and razors you would save over time its definitely worth it - or even comparing it to prices for IPL in a salon!

As a side note... I have 120 followers which is AMAZING as I only really started blogging a month ago. I didn't particularly start writing for followers - just because I enjoy it. Anyways I'm doing a little giveaway to celebrate because I'm so pleased. I'm giving away some girly 'feel good' treats and an Essie nail polish of your choice (they have some gorgeous new colours out!). Enter below via raffle copter. I'm really enjoying being a part of the blogging community - can't believe how nice everyone is!

Thanks for reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

OOTN #1 Floral Playsuit

   

Hello - I hope you are all having a nice weekend!

I went out for unplanned drinks on Friday night and had to quickly pull together a very rushed outfit. I thought I'd share it with you all as I love the floral print on this playsuit.

I picked it up in Topshop last week on a 'Last Chance to Buy' rail and I didn't even try it on so luckily it was an alright fit! 

The shoes are also from Topshop and they have about a 4 inch heel and small platform - they are actually the most comfortable heels I own! 

I used my trusty New Look envelope clutch which is about 2 years old but is one of those bags I seem to always use on a night out.

I wanted my nails fairly plain so I wore a nude and painted some silver glitter on top.

As you can see I didn't have time to do my hair properly so I straightened it and popped it over to one side (it really needs cut but I'm one of those people who HATES getting a haircut haha).

Floral Playsuit - Topshop
Envelope Clutch - New Look
Zip Front Peeptoe boots - Topshop

                                           

                         

Watch - Michael Kors
Leather Bracelet - ASOS
Midi Ring - River Island
Nails - Essie 'Ballet Slippers' and Model's Own 'Snowflake'

    

Sorry the photos aren't great quality - I'm still trying to find the best spot in my flat for natural light!

What are you all up to this weekend? It's been so sunny in the UK at the moment and makes such a nice difference when you have plans! 

Thanks for reading, look out for my next post... doing a little giveaway!

Unboxing my New Mulberry

Mulberry Bayswater in Deer Brown Soft Grain Leather

Nice little touch with the packaging!

Hello lovelies!

This week I did something insanely naughty and purchased my first Mulberry handbag! I've had my eye on a Bayswater for a good few months now saw it in Mulberry in Glasgow a few times - and when they emailed me their sale last Monday I had pretty much decided that it was fate.

I don't know about anyone else, but I do this weird thing where I put something in my basket online and then I remove it, then I put it back in, then I almost checkout, then I remove and do it all over again... And this will go on for a couple of days depending on how expensive the thing is! So with this Bayswater it went on for like a week!  

I was torn between the Deer Brown and the Oatmeal (a light creamy colour). I was worried the cream wouldn't be as durable so when it sold out my mind was made up for me! The service I received was fantastic. They called me to confirm my order and when it would be dispatched - I thought delivery was a bit steep at 8 pounds, especially when you pay so much in the first place! Anyway it's obviously because of the value - I ordered it on the Saturday and it arrived on the following Monday morning via DPD. The courier and Mulberry both text and emailed me a rough time when it would arrive. I quite like this as it means you don't have to stay home all day! 

The bag is so stunning, fits snuggly in the crook of my arm and is really beautiful soft grain leather. It has gold hardware and has straps inside to extend it for more room but it is already quite wide so will probably fit all my bits and bobs in without this. The packaging was fantastic too - I've filmed an unboxing video so I will add the link to this below when I've uploaded!

I'm planning on doing a review of this bag after a few months to see how it wears as I'll probably use it everyday. 

Thanks for reading - hope you like my new bag, I'm in love!

Mac Collection

Hello!

Second post - I am bang smack in the middle of exams at the moment and am feeling very stressed. Being the serial procrastinator I am I felt the need to reorganise my make up collection this week, I have Muji acrylic storage and think they are fantastic but I like to shuffle them every so often depending on what I am using.

Anyway.. prepare for photo overload! Here are my beloved Mac lippys which I have acquired over the past year or so. I received my first one from my friend a year past in September and ever since then became addicted. I mostly pick them up at airports. Although I have been on the hunt for Sushi Kiss for while now and apparently its only 'high street' - what does this mean?!

As below, R-L:  Creme Cup - Hue - Shy Girl - Coral Bliss

So firstly my nudes... I have 3 Cremesheens and 1 Glaze. I prefer the cremesheens for a more natural look but if my lips are particularly dry I use the glaze - can you see my favourite?!

I was a little annoyed when I bought Hue actually as I picked it up in Dubai airport and it must've either been there a while or had melted slightly, after using it a couple of times it had went a little bobbly?! If that makes sense? Very dry and not applying nice at all! So this is actually my second Hue as I ended up binning the Dubai one.

So Chaud - Cockney - Ruby Woo

Relentlessly Red - Speak Louder - Girl About Town - Odyssey

And then my brights... My absolute favourite Mac lipsticks at the moment are the Matt ones. Ruby Woo and Relentlessly Red are SO perfect for those occasions where you want to feel a bit glam and the Matt formula is perfect if out for dinner or drinks etc as you barely ever need to reapply, and it never smudges. 

I haven't really went into much detail/reviews on these... I just thought I'd share my collection as I love having a nosy at other peoples'! If anyone would be interested in swatches let me know! Also, if anyone has any lippy posts/reviews pop your link down below as I am always on the lookout for more shades to add to my collection.