Jumping on the Beauty Blogging Bandwagon.

One of the hardest things I have found about blogging is finding products to talk about, which other have not already written about. As a blogger, you want to be original but at the same time, if a product is new, good and exciting, then it is inevitable that other people will share your opinions and also want to express them.

So I have given up. I am just going write about what I want to, and enjoy it. Here is my first post, openly jumping on the bandwagon, and giving my opinions on some highly raved about products from the blogging circle.

 

Benefit’s ‘Big Easy’ £27.50

This is Benefit cosmetic’s latest ‘bigger than BB’ cream offering. I have racked my brain all week to try and find the right words to describe this product and failed. This is how Big Easy is described on the website:

‘BIGGER than BB! Why? Two reasons. First, big easy balances moisture & controls oil. Second, the cushiony liquid-to- powder formula melts in like a cream, yet finishes lightweight & velvety like a powder.

This multi-balancing complexion perfector gives light-to-medium natural coverage to even out skintone and conceal imperfections. Even better, it contains ingredients known to soothe & comfort the skin and help fight free radicals. One & done…big easy saves the day! Non-comedogenic. Oil-free.’

Personally, I think that makes some very bold statements. The coverage, yes, is light to medium. However, I found it to be more on the light side, with the option to build the product up to more of a medium coverage. I have ‘Normal to Dry’ skin, and I have found that a decent amount of moisturiser underneath helps the product to blend in. It can also be used with a primer. I put Benefit’s ‘That Gal’ brightening primer underneath and loved the dewy look it gave. Big Easy definitely evened out my skin tone and banished redness, but it did not really cover my imperfections. There was still a need for concealer over spots.

Overall, I loved the product. I have never tried any of the Benefit foundations before, but this is exactly what you need for Spring/Summer time. Big Easy also makes for a great everyday product you can apply with your fingers, and rush out the door. I was very happy with the coverage it gave me, and it wore off nicely throughout the day. This product is a keeper!

Garnier ‘Micellar Cleansing Water’ £4.99

Ever since I first heard about the miracle product that is the Bioderma Micellar Water, I have been itching for a drugstore brand to make a dupe. Personally, I have found that this Garnier version does not disappoint. It removes ALL make up, even a bold red lipstick. Granted, those harder to budge products such as gel eyeliner do need a little rub, but there is still minimal effort needed.

This Micellar Cleansing Water is powerful, you only need a small amount, and you get a lot of product for your money. Another positive for me is the fact that although the product is oil based, there is little oily residue left on the eye. At the modest price of £4.99, you cannot go wrong.

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think?

A Beauty Blogging Bookworm.

I thought I would shake things up a bit on the blog this week, and instead of talking about beauty products, tell you about another love of mine - books.

I am an avid reader, always have been and probably always will. I love everything about books, the feel of the pages as they are run through your fingers, and the sound of the spine bending for the very first time. My favourite books are so precious to me, that I reluctantly lend them out, even to family!

This month I have read two books which I have loved, and have blown me away. I am drawn to books which tell the tales of the character’s lives, following them as their paths cross and merge with others. Both of these books tell such a story.

 

 

The Book Thief – Marcus Zusak.

Wow, what a novel. I have to start with issuing a warning – at the end of the book I was a big pile of howling mess. Literally shaking with tears. It is that emotive and incredibly breath-taking.

‘The Book Thief’ tells the story of Liesel Meminger, taking place in the middle of Nazi Germany. We meet Liesel at the beginning of her journey. She is being taken to live with foster parents, and follows her every-day life under Hitler’s rule, finding her power through books. Narrating this story is death personified, a man with a job.

This book is beautifully written, the personification of ‘death’ is pure brilliance. He begins as a cynical and a-political figure, but by the end of the book is changed through his experiences with Liesel. I was hooked from the first chapter and found myself engrossed by the characters and their experiences through the war time years. This is certainly a must-read and will firmly have a place on my bookshelf for years to come.

The Secret Keeper – Kate Morton.

This is another page-turner which is partly set during the war. The story starts with 16 year old Laurel, who witnesses her mother, Dorothy, murder a man in the garden, on her baby brother’s birthday. Fast forward to 2011. Laurel’s mother is dying in hospital and with the memory of that day still haunting her, Laurel determines to find the truth.

The narration in this book changes between the past and present, and the different characters in the book. Personally, I love this style of writing, as you can see the same events but through the eyes of the different characters. You can also be more observant as to where, when and why their thoughts and opinions change. You can also discover their motives.

I became completely immersed in ‘The Secret Keeper’. I was reading at super speed, because I wanted to find out what happened and changed my mind on a few of the characters several times. I just could not work out the mystery of the characters and how they were all linked, yet at the end it all became obvious!

I would highly recommend either of these books to anyone! Have you read any of these? What did you think? Let me know your thoughts and opinions.

Latest Lipstick Love - MAC's 'Flat out Fabulous'

If you would have said to me a year ago that I would not only be wearing, but actually enjoying a bright fuchsia lipstick, I would have thought you were a crazy person.

Yet, here I am, penning (or is that typing?) a blog post on my latest favourite lipstick, which is none other than a bright fuchsia colour.

Introducing MAC’s ‘Flat out Fabulous’, and isn’t she a beaut!

This is a beautiful bright pink with purple/blue undertones, which just screams Spring/Summer to me. I would recommend this as the perfect lipstick for those who are new to the bold lip bandwagon. The pink in the shade means that it is not offensive and extremely wearable. I find that the blue/purple hues suit my pale complexion, and I have also heard that blue makes your teeth look whiter!

The colour pay off is incredible. I was able to get the full colour to photograph with just one swatch. The longevity of the colour is very good; I wore the lipstick on a night out and did not have to touch up once. However, this is a ‘Retro Matte’ lipstick and as with all mattes, I did find it quite drying on the lips. To counteract this, I topped up with some of my Maybelline ‘Baby Lips’ and I found this made it better. Despite the dry texture, it did not drag when applied. I applied it straight from the bullet, but I think I would feel more confident using a brush. It is not very forgiving if, like me, you do not have a very steady hand.  On my night out, I wore a simple make up look to counteract the bold colour of the lips; a simple pale purple in the crease and black winged eyeliner.

I am not sure if I am brave enough to wear this for any day time occasions, but this does not mean it can’t be done. As I have said, it is a pink base which means it is versatile for night and day. This lipstick oozes confidence and undeniably gave me some when I wore it! 'Flat out Fabulous' definitely lives up to the name!

 

Have you tried this lipstick? Are you a fan of a bold lip?

Leiber Award Post!

Wow! I have been nominated for a Liebster Award by the lovely Hayley over at http://hayleyjachz.blogspot.co.uk/.

I am new to blogging so I had no idea what it was, but I have since found out that it is an award given from blogger to blogger, helping those who are starting out to get some recognition.

 

I think this is a brilliant idea, and a fantastic way to spread the news about all the fantastic bloggers there are out there.

The rules for this are as follows:

1.You must link back to the person who awarded you.

2.You must answer the 11 questions given by the nominee before you.

3.You pick 11 nominees with under 200 followers to answer your questions.

4.You cannot nominate the person who nominated you.

5.You must tell your nominees that they have been nominated by you.

So here are my questions, given to me by Hayley – you may find something new out about me ;)

1.    What made you decide to start a blog?

Well, I had been reading beauty blogs, and watching YouTube videos for a few months – slowly becoming obsessed with all aspects. I love make-up and I also love writing so I thought I would give it a go!

 

2.    Have you stuck to your New Years resolutions? What were they?

I had those standard ones, eat healthily, go to the gym etc, which I have kept up pretty well. Obviously I have some days which are better than others but I am not going to punish myself for eating chocolate!

 

3.    What do you hope to be doing in 5 years time?

I hope that I am still writing my blog and to be in a job which makes me happy J

 

4.    What are five beauty products you could not live without?

 

No7 Extreme Lash Mascara, Urban Decay Naked palette, MAC ‘Hot Gossip’ Lipstick, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation and MAC ‘Stay Pretty’ Blush.

 

5.    MIC or TOWIE?

TOWIE hands down, I love how OTT everything is.

6.    Favourite LUSH product?

 

The Mask of Magnaminty is incredible! A lovely face mask which exfoliates the skin leaving it soft and clear!

 

7.    What's your favourite quote?

 

‘Never compare your beginning to somebody else’s end.’

 

8.    Favourite time of the year?

 

Now this is a difficult one. I think that summer definitely wins – holidays, warmth, ice cream, cider in beer gardens. Although, my favourite holiday is Christmas – I am like a 5 year old at Christmas.

 

9.    What’s your favourite brand and why?

 

I’m assuming this is beauty brands? It will be a closely fought battle between NARS and MAC. I love the NARS base products – foundation, concealer, blushes. They are all stunning. But MAC definitely wins for eye shadow and lipstick. They are so pigmented and can versatile!

 

10. Would you rather only have a wardrobe full of winter or summer clothes?

 

Hmmm summer clothes I think! At least it is easier to layer summer clothes if it is a bit colder!

 

11. If you could only wear one lipstick for the rest of your life what would it be?

 I’m going to have to back up my old favourite – MAC ‘Hot Gossip’. It is the most beautiful pink shade – giving a ‘Your Lips But Better’ effect.

 

I nominate the following people, who have less than 200 followers on Twitter or Instagram.

Harry http://themintapple.blogspot.co.uk/

Sophia http://www.shoppingweekly.blogspot.co.uk/

Miss Writer www.misswriter.co.uk

Millie http://www.millieroseallmadeup.co.vu/

Anna http://www.styleskittle.blogspot.co.uk/

Rachel  http://heartoceansecrets.blogspot.co.uk/

Stefanie www.ispysj.com

Imogen – www.imogen-fleur.blogspot.co.uk

Jessica http://poppingpout.blogspot.co.uk/

Emily http://emiloue.blogspot.co.uk/

Amy http://allaboutalt.blogspot.co.uk/

Now here are my questions to you:

1.    What is your favourite thing about blogging?

2.    What type of blogs do you enjoy reading yourself?

3.    What is the best thing about blogging?

4.    Is there a beauty product that you think is just over rated?

5.    What would be your idea of the perfect day/night out?

6.    Which is more important: love, money or happiness?

7.    Do you have a favourite food?

8.    Coke or Pepsi?

9.    Favourite YouTuber?

10. What would be your dream holiday destination?

11. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you did with your money?

Thank you again to Hayley for your nominations! I can’t wait to learn more about my nominees answering my questions J Keep up the love!