LA Colours/LA Colors Moisture Lipsticks in Pink Sand and Petal | Review and Swatches

BARGAIN ALERT! BARGAIN ALERT!

Today I have a review on these fab lipsticks I picked up last week from Beauty Base in Westfield, White City. This shop has a few massive LA Colors stands with a huge range of their products including many shades of lipstick (see all shades here).

The shades I chose were Petal and Pink Sand - two very similar pink shades. At only 99P each these were a complete bargain and would have picked more if they had testers. 

 

Swatched above is Pink Sand and underneath is Petal. The formula is very opaque and not drying at all - a little moisturising but not tonnes. I felt as though pink sand was a little gritty but not uncomfortable - Petal is the perfect lipstick formulation.

I'd definitely recommend these for £1 - if you're in a westfield, give a couple a go!

Have you tried anything from LA Colors? What's your favourite thing?

Love Lizzie x

Haircare Routine #1 Summer 2013 | Featuring Herbal Essences, Pantene,Tresemme & more!

 I love haircare; especially affordable haircare and products that make my hair feel soft. This is what works for me. I have normal hair - not particularly oily or dry. It is long(ish) and I have it trimmed every 8-10 weeks.

 My favourite shampoo and conditioner brand is Tresemme as their products are cheap but work well and they have something for every hair type. The shampoo I use is from the Platinum Strength line and claims to repair 2 years of damage  - my hair isn't damaged as such but this has made it look healthier and stronger. The Keratin Smooth Conditioner is great too as it leaves my hair frizz-free and super silky - the shampoo will be my next thing to try.

 Once a week I like to use a clarifying shampoo to remove product build up - recommended was Herbal Essence's Fresh Balance shampoo and it is amazing. It leaves my hair looking and feeling like new hair plus it makes it super shiny!

After using my clarifying shampoo my hair can be lacking in moisture - to combat this I like to use a hair mask. I love Herbal Essences Hair Masks (ie Hello Hydration) and I have just finished their Seductively Straight mask that smelt amazing and left my hair sleek and smooth. At the moment I'm using Pantene's Aqua Light mask that is hydrating and smoothing.

 

 For extra hydration between mask usage I use oils and condtioning sprays - my favourite leave in conditioner is the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Leave in Treatment that can be used on wet or dry hair. I also like the Tresemme Liquid Gold as it sleekens and leaves my hair so soft!

 Between washes I like to use dry shampoo - this Batiste for blondes one adds volume and absorbs oil for a fresher appearance.

 When I heat style my hair I like to protect it with a heat protector like this Tresemme one - it smells divine! I also use hairspray on a regular basis and change it up a lot - this Pantene one is my preference at the mo.

For brushing my hair I use a Tangle Attack as it teases knots without pain and is super compact so is easy to travel with.

I hope you enjoyed reading and will find something to interest you!

 What are your favourite shampoos and conditioners?

Love, Lizzie x

July Favourites 2013 | Products I've Been Loving Recently

NB: Sorry this post is up a bit late - was staying overnight in Brighton with no internet so could not upload until at home. Hope you don't mind x

 I cannot believe that I only have one month of summer left :( I've been using more makeup since I've been off school so have a few more bits to talk about!

 Makeup first. 

Kiko Beauty Blender
I found this blue beauty blender dupe in the Kiko store in Westfield and decided to try it for only £3 - it applies makeup flawlessly and is really easy to clean. LOVE!

Max Factor All Day Flawless Foundation
An old favourite dug up from the back of the bases drawer, this foundation has an amazing coverage and lasting power for long days when I want my makeup to look the same from 9am til 9pm.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation
I love this for everyday radiance and it is so easy to apply - it is good alone and when powdered.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
I have super oily eyelids and this just about keeps eyeshaodw on them for about an hour - better than most and I found mine in TKMaxx.

Max Factor Cream Blush
This is the best cream blush I've found - it lasts well and doesn't turn to powder; if I wanted a powder finish I would have chosen a powder blush (no thanks there Bourjois).

2true Purple Eyeliner
Smooth and creamy to take a look from day to night - and its only £1.99.

 MUA Power Pout in Justify
Lips + Orange = Best Friends. I have been living in this the past month - this and bare lips, of course - its too hot to wear lipstick on this super hot days we've been having.

MUA Palettes
My MUA palettes have been well loved this month with my fave shades marked with hearts!

Skin and nails next.

Sinful Colours Nail Polish in Easy Going

This is perhaps my fave nail polish ever - it is so creamy and looks amazing with and without a tan - essie fiji dupes, anyone?

NYC Nail Polish in Blue Sky

Although it may say raindrop on the back I believe this is blue sky - a really pretty blue for all seasons (and featured in these blog posts A & B)

Botanics Cleansing Balm

My skin has never looked so darn good - thanks to this cleanser I have a clear complexion and I have an at home spa facial every evening!

Yes to Cucumbers Moisturiser and Eye Gel

These are new additions in sample size but the full sizes will be mine - I love the light texture of the moisturiser and the refreshing feeling of the eye gel.

Yes to Carrots Lip Butter

This lived in my blazer but since I have no school for a month it has become my everyday lip balm - I love the hydration it gives my lips.

 A few random favourites to finish.

 Anne Cassidy - Killing Rachel

I loved the first book in this series 'Dead Time' (Carnegie Longlist 2013) and this was no disappointment either - it had me gripped until the very end. A definite read for anyone who likes mystery and cliffhangers.

Makeup Savvy

Fee's blog has had me reading back as far as 2011 - I love her witty comments and amazing pictures; I hope one day my blog will be as successful as hers!

Hope you enjoyed reading - remember to subscribe via bloglovin' if you aren't already.

Love, Lizzie x

e.l.f HD blush in Headliner | Review and Swatch

 As a brand, e.l.f is one of my favourites as it is affordable and most things are pretty good - a lot of their products feature in my everyday routine. A new(er) release in the UK is the HD blush, a supposed dupe for the makeupforever HD blush.

Facts

Cost: £3.75 ($3)

Available from: eyeslipsface.co.uk (.com for US)

Net weight: 10ml

Packaging: Small bottle with pump

e.l.f calims that their
Rich and creamy HD Blush naturally sculpts and highlights the cheekbones for a soft-focus effect that is great for everyday use.

(eyeslipsface.co.uk)

 The blush is a mousse consistensy - very thick.

It takes a while to blend - I suggest using a brush (ie the real techniques buffing brush). A little goes a long way so a whole pump would cover your entire face - just press lightly for a 1/4 pea sized amount.

The shade range contains 5 shades - better for darker skintones as they do verge on the deeper, more berry toned colours. Headliner and Superstar are better for paler skintones.

Hope this review was helpful.

What are your favourite elf products?

Love, Lizzie x

Small Haul #5 | Wilkinsons, Boots, Primark and more!

Since being on summer break I've done a bit of shopping (more to come!) and so wish to share it! It's just a small haul but each thing has a little story behind it so I'll just get into the purchases...

First up are the beauty bits. Herbal Essences Fresh Balance Shampoo (featured in this blog post) has been on my wishlist for a while after I ran out of my old clarifying shampoo - this was 1/2 price in boots and is really good! Also for hair is the Boots Style Works Heat Protectant; my faithful Tresseme was sold out but this is okay. I've wanted a tangle teezer for ages but this Tangle Attack was £1 in Poundland and is perfect! Hair Chalk was a bit of an impulse buy as I've been wanting to dip dye my hair lilac for ages but for fear that it won't come out before I go back to school I chose this as it is easy to use and washes out! Next is L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara - forever recommended by Anna I have been hunting for this and found it on Amazon for £7! Fab! Two nail polishes joined my collection recently - Sinful Colours 'Easy Going' was seen on Alix and named an essie fiji dupe so was a must and Collection Hot Looks 'Aztec Gold' looked like a really cool duo chrome gold and was a freebie! As a Beauty Mouth Blog addict I was told to use a cleansing balm and so bought this Botanics one from Boots; so far so good. A face mask from Mudd was MakeupSavvy recommended and is amazing for clearing up blemishes - will defo be purchasing the 10-appliaction pack! Last is this Water Spray from Poundland that is perfect for refreshing in this super hot weather that we've been experiencing here in the UK recently.

From Primark I bought a handbag organiser as it keeps everything organised in my bag as my handbag is a lipstick black hole! Next are Haribo sweets - whatever sweets, I need sugar!!! I've had a Primark nail file for years now and this is just a new one to replace the old one. These floral trousers will be featured soon as they are just so darn gorgeous! I've had my eye on this snood for a while but it was on sale for £2! Bargain! PJ Shorts are a must for heatwaves and these ones have a beautiful crotchet detail at the bottom that makes them look very Grecian! Last is this necklace from the River Island sale - I never really shop in RI but the sale jewellery caught my eye - this and a moustache ring that I cannot find were a bargainous £1 each!

Last is my beloved wilkinsons! I do love that shop for all sorts. I buy tissues in there as they're 85p and these have bicycles on them! I purchased a folder and lined paper for Italian summer homework - we have a lot of coursework! Then these flowers were on 3 for 2 so I bought white, pink and purple ones for blog photos!

Hope you enjoyed this post - what have you been buying recently?

Love, Lizzie x

PS I've been loving listening to the band Against the Current - I think they may be a new favoutite - watch out!

Ice-Cream Nails | Pastel Polish Picks

 I thought I'd share my freshly painted pastel manicure - perfect for summer and for eating icecream!

Pinkie: MUA "Lush Lilac"

Ring Finger: MUA "Pistachio Ice Cream"

Middle Finger: Sinful Colors "Easy Going"

Index Finger: 17 "Sherbet Lemon"

Thumb: NYC "Blue Sky"

Try out the ice cream mani!

Love, Lizzie x

What's in my overnight bag? (Brighton One Night Stay) | Packing Tips

At the end of the month I'm headed to Brighton for a night with my mum. I love the seaside and Brighton is one of my favourite places in the UK. As we are only staying for one night I packed light so I didn't need a trolley case - who wants to be rolling a suitcase around all day? The bag I'm taking is a Cath Kidston-esque bag that I found in Camden Market for about £15! It looks very similar to her bags and is really good quality plus it fits everything I need!

 First thing is my iPad - the most important as I can read, use the internet and find maps on it. This will be so useful and my iPad is my baby; I love it and cannot stop using it - would defo recommend!

 I have PJs - a pair of Primark shorts and a top with Moomins on it  cuuute! Obvs undies are essential too but I didn't think it was necessary t show you all my pants!

 For clothing I kept it simple with a purple bandeau and a rose printed vest - I'll be wearing jeans on the train down and so I'll also be wearing them on the next day. The khaki utility jacket is so useful for chucking over any outfit for extra warmth.

 I travel with my tangle attack as it is more compact than a hairbrush. My toiletries can all fit into a sandwich bag and if they leak they will not go everywhere.

 I won't be showering while I'm there as I'll wash my hair and body the morning before we go - one night is okay. For hair I take my sea salt spray by Toni and Guy for messy beachy locks. I have a sample size of a Sure deodorant - not my favourite but good for one night. For makeup removing I have these simple face wipes and my B. Pure Micellar Water decanted into a spray bottle - I'll also use that as a toner. For nightime cleansing I have a sample of the nude perfect cleansing oil and I'll use the REN Frankincense Night Cream. In the morning I'll use the REN Rose Cleansing Gel and the Vita Mineral Day Cream. I have a new toothbrush that I'll just chuck away the morning before we leave as I hate packing a wet toothbrush *makes yucky face* and a small toothpaste. Essentials include cotton pads and a muslin cloth. Lip Balm lives in my pocket.

 Now for the makeup - I've packed this little bag full of products that will see me through one day and night.

 

Brushes are the Real Techniques Buffing Brush, Blush Brush and Base Shadow Brush. A spoolie is also a necessity as well as eyelash curlers. For base I have my MUA Undress Your Skin Foundation because it isn't in a glass bottle and my concealers of choice are Collection Lasting Perfection and the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer. For setting I have my (you guessed it) Natural Collection Pressed Powder. My Sleek Face Form Kit it perfect for travel with a blusher, bronzer and hightlight! For eyes I have Too Faced Shadow Insurance and I'll use the contour and hightlight shades for the sleek kit as eyeshadow. Mascara is L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof that stays on all day and layers beautifully. My face is not complete without eyebrows - Collection Eyebrow Pencil in Blonde is my current go-to. For lips I have two options - Revlon Super Lustrous in Pink in the Afternoon and 17 Mirror Shine in LA.

Other items in my bag will just be everyday handbag items.

What holidays do you have planned this summer?

Love, Lizzie x

:)