Wednesday Wishlist - New Look

My first ever Wednesday Wishlist is courtesy of New Look. It's my favourite high street store by a mile, and I very rarely leave empty handed. Here's what I'm lusting after this week!

1. Coral Bird Print Bow Waist Playsuit - £17.99
2. Black Drape Chain Stud Ankle Boots - £29.99
3. Red Necklace Trim Waffle Textured Peplum Top - £19.99
4. Pale Blue Bleach Supersoft Skinny Jeans - £19.99

The pretty bird playsuit is right up my street. I'm a big fan of playsuits, especially ones that button up the front, and I think the colour and pattern is beautiful. The boots will look great teamed with black skinny jeans, whilst the chain and stud detail is perfect for toughening up dresses in the autumn. I'm not usually a fan of peplum tops, however I think number 3 is gorgeous, so I'm temped to give it a go. Finally, I love my skinny jeans and pale denim, so number four is a must-buy!

What's on your wish list at the moment? What do you think of my choices?

Superdrug Shine Control Papers

These Shine Control Papers from Superdrug are an absolute godsend for me, as my skin is very oily. I've tried numerous blotting papers in the past, but none have proved as good as these.

The papers have a hint of translucent powder, and are excellent at absorbing excess oil and keeping greasiness under control. They're perfect in warm weather, or when you want to stay shine-free on a night out. They won't smudge or rub off your makeup either.

Perfect for popping in your bag, the papers will give your complexion a completely matte appearance. My only criticism is that they do tear easily during use, so sometimes you have to use a couple at a time. But as you can see, they really do mop up any oil on the surface of your skin!

At around £1 per pop for 65 sheets, I think these papers are a handbag essential. What are your favourite products for targeting shine?

milk_shake Conditioning Whipped Cream

As my hair is bleached and paper thin, it needs an extra bit of help to stay looking healthy. Until I received this milk_shake Conditioning Whipped Cream in a Glossybox a few months ago, I was completely unfamiliar with the brand, but I'm so thankful that I've been introduced to this fabulous product.

My hair gets greasy so quickly, and the majority of hair products only add to that problem, making my locks look grubby and weighed down. However this little gem leaves my hair feeling weightless, super-soft and free from residue and build-up.

You simply apply a small amount to your hands, then rub it into damp hair, making sure you concentrate on the lengths. It's a leave-in product, so once you've applied it you can dry and style your hair as normal. It may just be me, but I find using this actually speeds up drying time, so it's great when you're in a rush.

It has a mousse-like texture that comes out looking exactly like whipped cream, and the smell is absolutely divine - it has a vanilla-y scent that just reminds me of cream soda!

 

 

Formulated with a patented blend of antioxidants, proteins and vitamins, it nourishes and strengthens your hair from within, leaving it smooth and soft, whilst preventing static and frizz. It's suitable for all hair types, and as someone with very fine hair, I can confirm it won't make your hair feel heavy or stiff. I use it 2-3 times per week to 'top up' the benefits of my usual John Frieda conditioner, and I can definitely tell the difference in the manageability and softeness of my hair when I've used it.

You can currently buy milk_shake Conditioning Whipped Cream from beautybay for £10.76.

Have you tried any other products from milk_shake? What are your haircare essentials?

Seventeen Waterproof Mascara

 

Where do I start with this mascara? I've been using it for around 5 years now, and it's safe to say it's my 'Holy Grail' beauty product. I simply could not imagine my lashes without it, and better still, it's an absolute bargain at £4! (Before I go into the review and show you the fantastic results this mascara produces, please note that the tube I'm currently using that's pictured above is from before the re-brand, so the packaging and logo is now a little different).

 

 

The bristle brush, which is still the same in the new packaging, has a slim design that makes it easy to get right to the roots of your lashes without smudging it over your eyelids. The wand glides through your lashes evenly, coating every one evenly and smoothly. I'm not a fan of chunky brushes at all, as I find them really hard to use without either poking myself in the eye or getting it all over my face, especially when doing my bottom lashes. This brush is absolutely perfect for me.

 

My lashes do have a nice curve to them, however they're not very thick. Therefore it's important to me that a mascara adds lots of volume, whilst enhancing and holding their natural curl. This mascara does ALL of that, and more.

 

So, the results! Here's the comparison with my eyes closed...

 

 

 And open....

 

After just one coat, you can see that it has dramatically lengthened and thickened my lashes, giving them a beautiful curve.

 

Whilst I definitely agree that this mascara is waterproof (it doesn't budge in the rain, and I've also worn in whilst swimming and managed to leave the pool with only the tiniest smear that soon wiped away), the only thing I would disagree with is the claim on the Boots website that it's smudge-resistant. My eyes are easily irritated by pollutants and pollen, and I do find that if I'm having a bad day where I rub my eyes a lot then it does smudge under the eyes a bit. Other than that, this is without doubt the best mascara I have ever used, and I cannot sing its praises enough.

 

The below photo was taken after giving my eyes a good splash with water, and there's no panda eyes in sight!

 

 

As well as being a fabulous everyday mascara, I also find it amazing for nights out and special events, as the fantastic results in produces means you can ditch those falsies. Teamed with a simple smokey eye, it really does give a false lash effect that I've got had from any other brand.

 

Not only does it give outstanding results, it's also so easy to remove. I use Nivea face wipes to take it off and it removes with hardly any scrubbing, making it perfect for those who have sensitive eyes, like myself. Seventeen Waterproof Mascara can be bought from Boots for £4.

 

Are you tempted by this mascara? What do you think of the results? Which mascara do you swear by?

 

 

 

 

Liebster Award Nomination

So the lovely Frankie at crazyblondegal nominated me for the Liebster Award, which is a great honour considering I've only done a couple of posts so far! It's so motivating knowing that people are actually reading and enjoying my blog. A big thank you to Frankie for the nomination.

The Liebster Award helps bloggers with fewer than 200 followers to get more exposure and be discovered by others, as well as helping bloggers to network with each other.

The Rules: 1) Link back to the person that nominated you
2) List 11 facts about yourself (optional)
3) Answer the 11 questions given to you by the person who nominated you for the award
4) Nominate 11 blogs/bloggers who themselves have 200 or less followers
5) Think up 11 different questions for the people you are nominating to answer
6) Notify your nominees so they know and can answer and join in!

Since I included some facts about me in my first blog post, I won't repeat myself and make this post unnecessarily longer, so here are my responses to Frankie's questions:

 
1) 3 Beauty products you could not live without?
Maybelline 24 Hour SuperStay Foundation in 005 Light Beige, Boots 17 Waterproof Mascara in Black and Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle.

2) Who inspires you?
My mum, her generosity is so inspiring.

3) What motivates you to blog?
Knowing that people are reading and commenting on my work, and the fact it can actually benefit your career.

4) How do you spend your free time?
Going to the gym, zumba, seeing my friends, going to gigs etc.

5) What is your favourite season and why?
Summer - everyone seems happier when the sun is shining!

6) Name a product you heard was good, but didn't like?
Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara

7) How do you handle a stressful day?
By going to the gym to let off some stream

8) What is your favourite quote?
Be grateful for what you've got whilst in pursuit of what you want.

9) What makes you smile when you're having a bad day?
Reminiscing funny memories with my friends

10) Do you make and keep New Year's resolutions?
I don't make them, if you want to do something differently you should do it no matter what time of year it is.

11) What is the first thing on your wish list?
Some dollars for my trip to Vegas in 4 weeks!

My Nominees:

Kathryn at http://effievanity.blogspot.co.uk/
Kammi at http://beautybookblog.com/
Jess at http://www.dungarees-and-donuts.blogspot.co.uk/
Kate at http://simplicity12.blogspot.co.uk/
Zofia at http://littlemisspradaxo.blogspot.co.uk/
Elizabeth at http://beautysupergirl.blogspot.co.uk/
Amy Caitlin at http://cloudcaitlin24.blogspot.co.uk/
Sinead at http://fashionandbeautytribes.blogspot.co.uk/
Kimmy at http://makeupwithkimmy.blogspot.co.uk/
Gemma at http://lipsticksandlashes.blogspot.co.uk/
Vicki at http://victoriajanex.blogspot.co.uk/

My Questions:

1. Why did you start blogging?
2. What is your dream career?
3. What's your favourite hobby (aside from blogging!)
4. Favourite high street store?
5. Favourite beauty product?
6. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
7. Favourite place you've visited?
8. Name three bands/singers that would be in your dream festival lineup
9. Favourite subject at school?
10. Where would you like to be in 5 years time?
11. Who would be your dream date?

Thanks for reading guys, and thanks again to Frankie for the nomination!

Balance Me Super Moisturising Hand Cream

As someone who used to suffer from very dry hands after spending over a year working as an order picker in a warehouse, I've tried and tested my fair share of hand creams, and I have to say that this offering from Balance Me is up there amongst my favourites.

A pet hate of mine when it comes to any kind of cream is the greasy residue that the majority seem to leave behind. However, Balance Me Super Moisturising Hand Cream absorbs in an instant, without a hint of oiliness. You can just apply it and go, without having to worry about gripping things or leaving fingerprints on whatever you touch.

Made with 98.8% natural ingredients, it contains a blend of ancient skin conditioners (benzoin and yarrow), oils and butters that will fight dryness to keep your hands soft and in perfect condition.

The smell is absolutely divine too, with lavender and patchouli being two key fragrances in this cream. I love applying it just before I go to bed, as the calming sent helps me to relax and drift off into a deep sleep, with the added benefit of waking up with smooth hands.

Which hand creams to you love? Have you tried any other Balance Me products?

Sleek MakeUP True Colour Lipsticks

 

Yesterday I went to Manchester for a catch up and shopping trip with my lovely friend Natalie, and we ended up popping into the new Paul's Hair World shop in the Arndale. Sadly, the original shop in the Northern Quarter burned down last month, and even more tragically, a fire-fighter lost his life, so they were holding a raffle to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity - I bought a ticket and won a £10 voucher to spend in store, and as hair extensions aren't really by bag, I decided to head over to the Sleek MakeUP stand and treat myself to two lovely lipsticks.

 

I chose 'Loved Up', which is a vibrant shocking pink shade (think Barbie levels of pink), and 'Stiletto', which is a classic, deep red that still has quite a pink undertone. Loved Up has a subtle sheen, whilst Stiletto has a matte finish on the lips.

 

 

 

Loved Up (on the left) seemed to apply a little bit more smoothly, however both had fantastic staying power. I got a good 4 hours of wear before they even came close to needing a touch up, even after eating and drinking. They're perfect for nights out, and since they're long-lasting, you won't need to worry about precise re-application when you've has one vodka too many!

As well as having fantastic colour payoff, Sleek MakeUP True Colour Lipsticks are formulated with vitamin E to keep your lips conditioned and hydrated, whilst protecting against ageing free radicals.

I'll definitely be investing in more Sleek MakeUP products in the future, and I can't wait to wear Loved Up for my night out in Manchester tomorrow. If you fancy making a cheeky purchase yourself, you can buy these lipstick for £4.99 here. Have you used Sleek MakeUP before? Which is your favourite lipstick in your collection? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Lip Balm

Nothing beats the feeling of kissably soft lips, and this Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Lip Balm certainly keeps its promise of being 'nourishing, soothing and multi-tasking'. I was introduced to this little gem when I received it in a GlossyBox a couple of months back, and it's been my go-to lip care product ever since.

Made from 100% pure and natural ingredients, it's packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids which keep your lips smooth and supple, keeping them hydrated long after you've applied it. It also has a subtle yet noticeable pink tint, which looks absolutely gorgeous on your lips, as well as having  yummy taste that's just like those Haribo cherry sweets!.

 

Another thing which I really love about this lip balm is that it doesn't leave your lips feeling too sticky. I almost always choose lipstick over gloss, for the very reason that I don't like anything that makes my hair stick to my lips, however this feels really light and still gives your lips a stunning sheen. It also works well dabbed over the top of pink lipstick, giving you the perfect pout.

A little goes a long way with this balm, so a 12.5ml tube will last you ages. I've had it for around 2 months and wear it almost every day, and there's hardly even an indent in the tube! The pretty floral packaging is absolutely beautiful too.

You can buy Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Lip Balm (12.5ml) for £4.95 from feelunique.

What are your favourite lip care products? Do you recommend any other Figs and Rouge products?

 

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Welcome!

Hello lovely readers!

I'm Lucy, a newbie beauty and lifestyle blogger from a little town called Winsford in Cheshire. This is my first 'proper' blog - I attempted to start one a while back, but gave up after a few posts, however I'm determined to keep up with this one and give it the care and attention it deserves. If anyone has any tips to jazz it up and make it look better, please help a girl out as it's all very new to me!

So a bit about me....

I'm currently working as a content editor for an online retailer called The Hut Group. They run a range of lovely sites that you may have heard of, including LookFantastic, HQhair and MyBag. I've been there since November last year and I really enjoy it.

Fitness is a big part of my life, and I can be found at various classes most nights after work. I'm a complete zumba addict and I'll no doubt be doing a post on my love for it very soon. When I'm not at the gym, I like to read magazines and blogs (send me your links!), explore new places, and of course spend time with my amazing friends.

I've lived in Winsford all my life, but one day I hope to move to Manchester, or maybe even London. A lot of people perceive me as a quite a quiet person, but there is a side of me who is the complete opposite and loves to be outgoing and adventurous. We will see what the future holds!

I hope you all enjoy reading my blog posts, they'll be some coming your way very, very soon. I'll leave you with a few random facts about myself:

1. I'm left handed

2. I suffer from a condition which means I can't move the right side of my face independently from my left. It makes putting eye makeup on a nightmare as I can't shut my right eye on its own!

3. My surname is French Canadian

4. I've kissed Olly Murs on the lips (lucky me!)

5. I went to Salford Uni and graduated with a 2:1

6. I'm not a natural blonde - my hair is actually light/mid brown

7. I've not grown since the age of 13

8. I almost trained to become a Zumba instructor

9. I have my ears, nose and bellybutton pierced

10. I have a family of badgers that visit my garden every night. They are the cutest things ever!


Don't forget to send me your links!