Natural Everyday Make Up Look

Hello and welcome back! For today's post I thought I would do my natural everyday make up look. This is something that I'd wear if I was just staying in but fancied a bit of make up or if I'm just popping out for an hour. This is such a simple look, I absolutely love it. It's super quick and easy so I thought I'd share it with you!

So, after I've prepped my skin I use the Max Factor Face Finity All Day Primer and it's currently £10.99. I'd definitely recommend this if anyone is looking for a drugstore primer. This is definitely worth the money, it makes my foundation stay on a lot longer and it gives a really nice base to work with. 

Next, I will do some colour correcting using the L'Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Concealer Palette which is £12.99. I think this is a really good basic palette, it has a green, purple and 3 concealer shades which have very good coverage. So, for this look I would use the green shade just to cover any blemishes and I'd use the lightest concealer shade just to pop under my eyes to add a bit of coverage. So, really like this palette. 

Depending on the amount of coverage I want, I will either go for the No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream (which I raved about in my August favourites) £14 or the Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation which is £8.99. For me, the Wake Me Up foundation has just a bit more coverage so if I am going out for an hour or so, I do tend to lean more towards that. But both are fab products and work wonders. 

For an everyday make up look, I will always go for a cream bronze/contour rather than a powder and the one that I use is the Sleek Cream Contour Kit in Medium 096 which is £10.99. This one comes with 2 highlighting shades and 4 contouring shades. I just use this under my cheekbones, on my forehead, temples and under the chin just to add a bit of a natural glow. 

For powder I use the No7 Perfect Light Loose Powder, £10.50. I find this super light without it being cakey but it makes my foundation stay put and I absolutely love it. This is definitely my go-to. 

For brows I use the Rimmel London Brow This Way Brow Styling Gel for £4.49. I absolutely love this stuff, it comes with a little spooly but I always find it too thick to put on that way so I just use a small angled brush to apply it. I absolutely love this, it just looks really natural. 

I always have to add a bit of eyeshadow so for this look I will use the Bourjous Bronzing Powder which is £7.99. For me, this does nothing as a bronzer and I don't really know why, I loved this a lot a few years ago but now I just can't seem to like it. But it is a really nice shade to add a little something to the eyes so I'll just swipe this all over the lid. 

To finish off the look, I curl my lashes and then use the Maybelline Rock Volume Express Waterproof Mascara which is £7.99. This doesn't give super duper lashes, but for me, it just enhances my lashes and adds a little bit of volume. 

I love this, it's just simple and quick. So, let me know what you think! Also, remember to follow me on social media, all of my links are in the 'Contact Me' section above. 

Lauren x

Monthly Favourites - August

FIRST POST BACK! And what better way to kick it off than with my monthly favourites from August. I am doing it a little differently, so rather than just listing every single thing I've loved from the month, I've picked a few categories and I'm just going to say my favourite item from that category. Basically. 

SO let's get started!

My  favourite lipstick... 
Hands down, the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in the shade 12 Beau Brun. I bought this a few years ago and I loved it but eventually I ended up just putting it to one side and forgetting about it and about 3 weeks ago, I re-discovered it and I'm so happy I've found it again. It is an unbelievable shade, it's such a pretty pinky/red which I find goes so well with most of the make up looks I wear. The formula is so good, it's not drying at all. It honestly feels like I have no lipstick on when I wear it. Also, I wanted to mention the fact that it lasts so well when I'm eating, it is unbelievable. Very happy with this lipstick. 

My favourite palette...
I'm really loving the Sleek Makeup i-Divine Eyeshadow Palette in Au Naturel 601. I absolutely love this palette, it has such a gorgeous eyeshadows. There are good combination of matte and shimmer shadows and a good range of  colours. All of the colours are so pigmented and are extremely easy to blend. It is such an affordable price, especially for the quality of the palette. 

My favourite film...

One of the best films I've seen for a while has definitely got to be Dunkirk directed by Christopher Nolan. It is such a beautiful film and the cast is absolutely insane. It is so different from your usual war film, it is absolutely stunning. I cannot wait to watch it again, I'd definitely recommend watching it if you haven't already. 

My favourite TV show...

Friends. I loved this show throughout August, I've re-watched so many episodes. I'd never actually watched it before this year, but it is absolutely hilarious. And Jennifer Aniston is just the ultimate girl crush isn't she. 

My favourite place to eat...

Throughout August my favourite place was definitely a little pub near me called the Pen-Y-Bont Farm, it is not a chain restaurant, it's just a one off in the nearest town to me. They do the most incredible food, if you ever pass it, honestly give it a go. 

My favourite thing I bought...

Definitely the No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream in Fair and I have the one in Normal/Oily skin. I bought this to go on my holibobs instead of a foundation. I've always been a bit skeptical of the thought of a BB cream as I've always thought the coverage wouldn't be what I'd want but this one has such a good coverage (It is classed as light/medium) but it still super light.  It also has SPF 15 and UVA Ultra. The range of shades isn't fantastic but that is the only downfall of this for me. 

My favourite item of clothing...

Throughut August, I have loved my ripped denim jeans. I actually bought these a few years ago and ripped them myself. (I did a post ripping your own jeans which you can read HERE.) I completely fell out of love with these for ages but I picked them back up again in August and I absolutely adore them. 

Well that's it for my monthly favourites! I've had so much fun writing for my blog again, it feels so good to be back! Also let me know what you think about the layout of the monthly favourites. 

Loz x

I'm back...again?!

Hello, hello. Again. It's been such a long time since I've been sat here writing for you, over a year actually. I did try to get back into blogging last year but I found that I had just fallen so out of love with it and it became more of a chore rather than a hobby. I'm hoping this time round it will be different, so fingers crossed, eh? 

I've decided I'm going to take 2 weeks or so before I start posting again, basically in that time I'll plan my content, schedule it and write a few posts in advance, just so I'm not rushing it and I can actually do it properly and stick to it this time, because it is something I really do love. 

Please stick with me through this, it might take me a couple of weeks to get myself sorted but I'm sure it will all be worth it and I look forward to posting very soon! 

Lauren x

Hair Care *Updated*

Over the last year or so, I’ve tried really hard to try and get my hair looking healthy again. And I am finally happy with how it looks. I did a post like this last year and a couple of things have changed since then so I thought I would do an updated hair care post.

Like I said in my first hair care post, I admit I had it highlighted a few times and I even dyed it myself at home quite a lot. Last year I put a blonde colouring on it because I wanted it lighter and I even dyed it pink as well. None of the colours that I used damaged my hair in any way, the way in which I went about it and treated after probably wasn’t as good as it could have been.

So, first things first, shampoo and conditioner. I remember watching a YouTube video last year on hair care (I can’t remember what the video was called or who posted it otherwise I’d leave a link) but I remember them mentioning that hairdressers wash your hair twice with shampoo and once with conditioner. They wash it twice with shampoo because the first wash loosens up the dirt, oil, and any products that you’ve put on your hair. The second wash with shampoo actually removes them. Some people may need to do a third wash depending on the amount of product that you have on your hair.

Shampoo and conditioner should be picked in order to give your hair the best benefit. Use products that suit your kind of hair, don’t pick any random shampoo and conditioner. I personally use Tresemme and they have a good range of different shampoos and conditioners to suit different hair types.

Recently I bought this from my hairdressers and it’s the Revlon Professional Uniq One All-in-one Hair Treatment and I’ve got mine in Coconut, and they also do the Classic and the Lotus one. I’ve used it a few times and I’ve noticed such a difference in my hair already. It covers so many different areas when protecting and enhancing your hair and it’s an all round good product to use in my opinion. I'll leave the website HERE and you can see for yourself all of the amazing pros it has. I can’t actually find where it says you can buy these products on the website but if you are interested, maybe just check with your hairdresser and see if they do it. I bought mine for just under £15 so I presume it will be somewhere in that region for you.

Like I said in my last hair care post, I try not to use too much heat on my hair. I leave it to dry on its own 99% of the time and if I do have to use the hairdryer, I will wait an hour if I can before using hair straighteners or curlers. I tend to curl my hair but if I’m not going anywhere, I won’t do anything with it just so I can let it breathe and hang naturally.

I have noticed a big difference in my hair since I’ve started taking more care of it. I’ve noticed so much more volume and it looks a lot more healthy than it did a year and half ago and it’s a lot easier to manage now.

If you have any hair tips, feel free to leave a comment, and I hope you enjoyed it!

:) xx

Tips for Concerts

Currently sat outside listening to Catfish and the Bottlemen, reminiscing about when I saw them 3 weeks ago when they supported the Stereophonics in Wrexham. I do love a good concert, and it’s safe to say I’ve been to my fair share of them. I’ve learnt many things during them so I thought it would probably be useful to share some useful tips and advice.

Throwback to 1D!

SENSIBLE SHOES.

Heels aren’t the best shoes to wear to a concert. And I’ve learnt that the hard way. Concerts last a good 3-4 hours, so if you’re walking around, standing and obviously dancing for that much time, you just want to be comfortable. Just wear a comfortable pair of Converse, Vans, sandals, etc. Also, wear something that doesn’t give you blisters.

Wear something you’re going to be comfortable in

It’s nice to dress up sometimes but at concerts, do you really want to be worrying about your dress riding up or your shirt untucking itself from your trousers. You’re there to have a good time, you don’t want to be worrying about little things, just enjoy yourself.

Plan everything well in advance

Concert days are exciting and you don’t want to be worrying about travel. Plan your journey, make sure your lift is reliable, if not look online for trains or buses. The earliest I think any concert, for me personally, has finished is 10pm and at that time, I really don’t want to be unsure of how I’m getting home. Make sure you know when trains or buses are leaving or where you’re meant to be meeting your lift. Concerts are busy, make your experience easier by planning.

Don’t go alone

The thought of going to a concert alone scares the life out of me. It’s a busy place and it’s always better to have someone with you, just in case. And plus, you've to got to dance with someone haven't you?! 

Make sure your phone is fully charged before you go

Obviously you’re going to want to take photos and videos, so do I. But make sure you leave enough battery for your journey home. Sometimes trains are delayed or you get a bit lost. You need to be in a position where you can use your phone without worrying about the battery dying.

Eat and drink plenty

Concerts are sweaty. And it gets very very hot. Every venue sells food and drink, make sure you buy something. There’s no use in getting dehydrated or feeling faint.

Also your throat hurts A LOT afterwards, you'll need something to help with that!

Be careful of other people

I went to an outdoor concert not long ago and I was standing. Some people just forgot about personal space. I’m a really shy person and when people are in my space I just get a bit uncomfortable. Obviously everyone’s there to have a good time, I’m not telling you not to enjoy yourself, just be aware of people around you.

Take a banner

People love really funny banners, and if you can get close enough, you’ll get spotted by the artist and it’ll be the best day of your life. Add a couple of lights, make it fancy. 

Know the words

Concerts are so enjoyable and knowing the words makes the experience 10 times better. You can belt out every single lyric and have the most amazing time.

Put your phone down

Yes, you want to take tons of pictures and videos so you can re-live it further down the line, I do it as well. But put your phone down, even if it’s for one song. Experience it fully. Soak up all of the atmosphere and just focus on seeing your favourite artist live.

Don’t be embarrassed

Stand up, dance and sing at the top of your lungs. Honestly no one cares, you’re never to see those people again so just have the time of your life and like they say, dance like nobody’s watching.

HAVE FUN

The most important part. You’ve paid a lot of money for that, have the time of your life. Concerts are amazing, so fully enjoy the experience of seeing your favourite artists live.

I feel like this has been a really negative post, it wasn’t meant to, I just think these are really important things to remember when you go to a concert. Let me know if you have any advice about going to concerts, they're quite tricky to get right I think, but they can be one of the most amazing experiences ever. 

P.S - I’m very much enjoying this weather and I’d be very happy if it decided to stay like this until after my birthday. 30˚C on my 18^th? FAB. *hint hint*