Oh Yes, I Jumped... Lanolips

I had recently been going through a really horrible sore, dry lips spell. They were cracking and were really sore, and nothing I had seemed to help them. That's when I decided I needed to invest in some good quality lip balm. That's when I remembered Lanolips, which seems to be one of those lip balms that every blogger and vlogger raves about. Off I went to Boots, to pick one up. The best part was, when I got there, there was an offer on where if you brought the Lemonaid version, you got the Rose tinted one for free! So I got two for £8.99! Bargain!

Lanolips is an all-natural lip balm, which is mainly made up of lanolin. This is the bit that first put me off, as lanolin is found on sheep's wool. I did a bit of "oh-my-god, I can't put that on my lips!" moments, but it literally got to the point that my lips were so sore, I'd try anything! I soon got over this mini-phobia after trying it out for the first time!

Lemonaid has a slight lemon flavour and scent to it, which I originally thought I wouldn't like, as I'm not a big lemon fan, but I really don't mind it. It's not an overly strong sent, just a hint of lemon. The Lemonaid version also contains citric acid which gently exfoliates the lips, leaving them smooth and flaky free. I've heard some say that because of this, they feel a slight tingling sensation, but I didn't notice anything. Lemonaid is a clear lip balm, with a glossy finish, but contains a touch of shimmer.

I have never known such a moisturising lip balm! I can definitely see why so many people rave about this product! Since using this, I haven't had a problem with dry lips, unless I forget to put some on during the day, and then they do get dry again, but not as bad as normal. It keeps my lips protected against the cold, windy weather that we seemed to have got over the last few weeks in the UK. I find that I don't have to reapply this lip balm as often as others I've tried.

The rose tinted Lanolips is a dusky pink tinted lip balm. It adds just enough colour to your lips, and is great as a your-lips-but-better gloss. I like to put this over the top of a nude lipstick, or just wear it by itself on a day-to-day basis, when I put makeup on just to finish off the look. Although it's called rose, this balm has a vanilla-like scent to it; very sweet, and delicious, not rose or floral in the slightest.

 I find that the rose tinted Lanolips is slightly different in formula and texture. It doesn't seem as thick, which is probably better for everyday, as you don't feel that you've overloaded your lips with moisture. But, I also find that this isn't as moisturising as the Lemonaid version. It's not sticky, and stays on the lips for a decent time, but may need reapplying slightly more than Lemonaid as I find that it's quite a bit more 'slippery' than Lemonaid. I do find that because these balms are so thick, they can be difficult to squeeze out of the tube, so I would suggest warming them up in your hand for a few seconds before you use them.

If you suffer from really dry lips, I would highly recommend these balms. I think next on my list is the 101 Ointment and the Apples tinted balm. I know they do seem expensive for a lip balm, but they are completely worth it! Plus, if you wait until there's some sort of offer on, then you'll get more for your money.

What are some of your favourite lip products?

100 Followers | Thank You! (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

So, I can't quite believe it, but the other day I reached 100 bloglovin' followers! I don't know what to say other than thank you, thank you, thank you!! I can't believe that when I really started getting into blogging about 6 or so months ago, I would be lucky enough to reach this landmark in such a short amount of time! So, to really say thank you for you all following and reading my blog, I thought I would do a bit if a giveaway! (NOW CLOSED)

When it came to choosing the items I wanted to giveaway, I chose some of my favourite things, and then some things that just took my eye. So, on to what's in the giveaway:

- I fell in love with this makeup bag, so quickly added two to my basket (one to giveaway, one for myself)

- I love nothing more than some really warm, cosy socks, so I picked up some starry patterned ones to keep your toes nice and toasty

- You can't beat a girly night in, pampering yourself, so I picked up a few of the Superdrug face masks:
- Yoghurt Smoothie Mask
- White Chocolate Mousse Mask
- Superfruit Exfoliating Mask
- Cucumber Cooling Clay Mask
- I saw that necklace and knew it would be perfect, as it's not too statement and overpowering, but still quite eye-catching
- A set of stackable rings
- I knew I wanted to get one of my favourite blushers, which is the MUA Blush Perfection in Dolly
- I am obsessed with nail polish, so knew I had to get a couple to giveaway. These are the MUA Nail Polishes in Pistachio Ice Cream and Lush Lilac (my favourite kind of shades)
- While perusing the Collection stand, I swatched some of their Volume Sensation lipsticks, as I like the formula of these, and came across Satin Bow (#13), which is a lovely peachy, nude shade (which I thought looked a lot like MAC's Hue lipstick) so I picked that up
- One of my favourite eye brushes is the smokey eye double-ended brush from H&M, so I picked one of them up aswell.

To enter, all you have to do is, of course, make sure you follow my blog, and then fill in the Rafflecopter form below.
The competition will end 12:00am on the 24th March.
Unfortunately, it is only open to UK residents.
If you are under 16, please ask permission of a parent or guardian before entering.
(Full T's&C's at bottom of Rafflecopter form)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

And Thank You Again!


EDIT:

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
WINNER IS...

KELLY!
FROM ALONGCAMEKELLY.BLOGSPOT.COM

CONGRATULATIONS!

Soap and Glory | Glow All Out

So, I seemed to go a little Soap and Glory-crazy at Christmas. I first heard about this face powder through FleurDeForce's blog post, and then after hearing more people rave about it, I added it to my Christmas wishlist.

Can I just say, how adorable is the packaging?! Typical Soap and Glory packaging and name. I really love the cardboard packaging. I think it's so different from all the other face powder compacts on the high street. Although it's made out of cardboard, it's really sturdy and feels of a really high quality. They've even put a mirror in aswell!

This is how Soap and Glory describe this powder on their website:

Use it to lift up your cheekbones or dust lightly all over for a 'moonlit' look. Featuring LIGHTSCRAMBLE™lumisphere pigment pearls, an ultra-fine creamy powder shimmer finish and extended wear silicone technology.

Glow All Out is described as a "Luminizing Radiance Face Powder," which has a pink base. It doesn't contain any glitter or shimmer, making it the perfect subtle, radiance-enhancing powder. A dust over the tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, the cupid's bow and the brow bone, gives you a gorgeous, healthy glow.

I personally haven't tried it all over the face for a "moonlit look," as I worry that it will be too much radiance, and maybe more oily/sweaty, so I can't comment on it used as an all-over powder. I love how silky smooth this powder is, and doesn't take much to blend in at all. Depending on the look I'm going for, and how much of a glow I want, I use the Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Contour Brush for a more natural, everyday look, or the RT Contour Brush for a night-time look, when I want a heavier highlight. Since I received this powder, I have been reaching for it everytime I apply makeup. 

The only thing that I'm not that keen on with Soap and Glory, is the price of their products. They are at the higher-end of the scale for drugstore/high-street brands, but they do often have 3 for 2 offers, or buy one get one half price offers, so look out for them. It can bought from Boots for £11.

I did try swatching the powder, but the camera wouldn't pick it up enough to do it justice.

What are some of your favourite highlight products?

Yankee Candle Wishlist

I was going through my Bloglovin' feed the other day, and came across a new post by Hayley of haysparkle, where she came up with her Yankee Candle Wishlist, which I thought was really simple, but something a little different, so I thought I would come up with my own. Hayley, if you happen to read this, thanks for the inspiration!

1. Vanilla Satin

Sophisticated. Classic. A smooth blend of rick vanilla, romantic flowers and sensuous sandalwood.

This is my perfect vanilla scent, as I'm not too fond of straight up vanilla. It's a sweet vanilla, but more of a spiciness to it.

2. Juicy Peach

Practically dripping with the mouth-watering scent of luscious, crisp orchard peaches.

I love anything peach smelling, so I would love this! I think it'd be a great spring/summer scent aswell.

3. Fireside Treats

The joys of camp... mesmerised by the fire, singing and laughing, while toasting marshmallows to rich, gooey perfection!

This may be considered a autumn/winter candle, but this scent reminds me so much of summer, as we used to go camping, and would light a fire at night and toast marshmallows. 

4. Clean Cotton plug in

Sun-dried cotton combined with green notes, white flowers, and a hint of lemon.

I absolutely adore the smell of clean washing, and I would love my room to smell constantly of it! It's so fresh, and is perfect for all year-round, but more so in the countdown to spring, when you start putting washing on the line.

5. Sweet Pink

Escape to a magical place where romantic hopes bloom in the joyful blend of sweet floral nectars.

I think this would be great for Spring, as you really can't beat the smell of flowers on a lovely fresh spring day.

6. White Chocolate Bunnies

Everybody's hopping with joy for this delicious twist on a classic Easter basket treat... creamy, sweet white chocolate with a touch of vanilla.

Just read the description. That is all.

7. Raspberry Sorbet 

You'll get a delightful chill from the tongue tingling raspberry aroma of this creamy smooth dessert.

Again, a great spring/summer fruity candle. I just hope it wouldn't get too strong after a bit.

Models Own Haul

Models Own recently reached 250,000 likes on their Facebook page and to celebrate, they ran a 50% off sale. Of course, I had to take advantage of that! So, I thought I would show you what I bought, as I do love watching/reading hauls and also love writing them.

I firstly was really surprised at how nice the packaging was! It came in a cardboard box, with a Models Own sleeve. Inside the box, were the nail polishes wrapped in bubble wrap, and then wrapped in some tissue paper. (I don't know about you, but I'm one of those people who gets drawn in by cute packaging!)

When it comes to nail polish, I usually go for pastel and light colours. I find that dark colours really don't suit me, so I kept this in mind when ordering. Models Own had recently come out with a new range of polishes called 'HyperGel' which are described as:

10 brand-new mega-shine shades that are highly pigmented, long-lasting and chip resistant. Enriched with lotus flower oil, the gel-like finish gives the professional shine of a salon manicure.

The colours I went for in the end were Pink Fizz, Banana Split, Blueberry Muffin (both of which are scented), and Utopia. I also picked up Naked Glow, Lilac Sheen and Pink Veneer from the HyperGel collection. I've seen swatches of the HyperGel polishes on other blogs, and they look amazing, so I can't wait to try these out!

I haven't as of yet tried any of these out. But from reviews and from other polishes I own from Models Own, I think that these are going to be great. You can almost definitely bet that there will be swatches and/or NOTD posts in the near future, especially as it comes into Spring.

Did you manage to pick anything up during this sale?

Stila Perfect and Correct Foundation

I uummed and ahhed over buying this for ages it seemed like. It was in the Stila January sale, and was reduced from £28.50 to £7.12! The reason I wasn't sure is they only had a few shades left. I ended up going for the shade Tone (the third lightest colour), which I originally thought might be too dark for me, but it's not too bad actually!

This is how the Stila Website describes this foundation:
"Swirl your way to a youthful and luminous complexion! With an advanced emollient system to hydrate and moisturise the skin, a unique multi-mineral complex and an array of skin soothing ingredients, skin perfection has never been easier to achieve.
Perfect and Correct Foundation offers lightweight, buildable coverage while improving the look and feel of skin. This innovative foundation delivers one high performance, high-definition, long-wearing, complexion-prefecting product."

The foundation comes in a plastic bottle, with a pump. To be honest, the packaging doesn't feel that high-end, which I would class this as, because of the full RRP. I would be disappointed in it if I had paid full price. But, how interesting does it look in that swirl pattern?! There is a mix of the colour foundation, a moisturiser and a primer, and when you pump the foundation out, they all mix together. The texture is really strange, aswell. It seems like a mix between a mousse and a gel, which is because of the translucent primer.

I was really impressed with this foundation! I completely agree with the above, in that it is a very moisturising and hydrating foundation. It doesn't cling to dry patches, just seems to glide over them. It doesn't settle in any fine lines or pores either. There are 8 shades in total, and they seem to cover a good range of skin tones, going from fair to deep, however I have noticed that from other reviews and swatches, this foundation does seem to run more yellow-toned. 

Because of the primer inside the formula, it lasts well, and fills in pores well (and I've got large pores!). They aren't as noticeable as other foundations I used. The foundation leaves a radiant/natural finish, and doesn't look like you're wearing makeup. It also doesn't look cakey. I've found that to get a more flawless finish, it is better to use a brush. I use the Real Techniques Buffing Brush. However, if you're not a fan of light coverage foundations, then this is probably not going to be one for you. I find that it's a light to medium, buildable coverage. It takes about two layers for me to achieve the coverage I like, and if it's a night-time look, I add a bit more on the areas it's needed.

I do really love this foundation. It's perfect for everyday, and with another quick touch-up is great for night-time. It has a decent wear-time, but setting it with powder makes it last a lot longer. This would be a great foundation for people with dry-dehydrated skin, or those who love a really natural and radiant finish.
I would highly recommend it.

Links of London | Valentine's Day Gift Guide/Wishlist

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so now is a great time to start dropping some hints to your other half. The selection I'm showing today is from Links of London, who are currently running a Valentine's Wishlist competition offering the chance to win £1000 worth of jewellery. This competition is open to the general public; for more information follow this link.

1. Bird Cage Charm

£65

2. Effervescence Bubble Bracelet

£550

3. Beaded Chain Necklace

£75

4. Shooting Star Charm

£35

5. Dream Catcher Triple Heart Rose Gold Bracelet

£225

6. Effervescence Bubble Bracelet

£110

If you want to enter this competition than just create your own wishlist and post it on your blog or on Pinterest and tweet it with the #myvalentinewishlist, but make sure you check out the rules and Ts&Cs here.

The Liebster Award

The day after I posted my second Liebster Award post, I noticed I had another comment on my Naked3 palette off Aurelie from aurelie-hispter nominating me for yet another Liebster Award. Thank you so much Aurelie! So, I thought I would just quickly answer her questions today.

1. If all your makeup was taken away but you could keep 3 things, what would they be?

A decent foundation (Rimmel Wake Me Up), a waterproof mascara and a blush (MUA Blush Perfection in Dolly)

2. Favourite fashion item...

Black jeans! Love these! They are so versatile; can go from day to night, and go with everything!

3. Favourite blush...

MUA's Blush Perfection in Dolly. This seems to really compliment my skintone, and adds a nice natural flush to the face. As it's a cream blush, it also adds a lovely dewy-ish finish on the face.

4. Favourite movie...

I really struggle when I get asked this question. I can never think of an answer. I don't think I have a particular favourite all-time movie; I go through phases of  watching movies all the time, and then I won't watch it for ages after. I am a big sucker for the good old romcom/girly films, but I do also like the action and gory horror films aswell. Sorry I couldn't give a more specific answer.

5. What/who inspired you to blog?

Well, this all started with Cassandra Bankson of DiamondsandHeels14, after watching her Acne Foundation Routine video, which gave me so much confidence, and then I got into watching more YouTubers, and then into the blogging world. Then one day, I plucked up the courage to create my own blog.

6. Leather jacket or fur jacket?

Leather jacket definitely! I've just recently brought one (faux-leather, though), and I've worn it everytime I go out now.

7. Tell us one makeup tip that changed your life.

Probably how to properly use colour-correcting concealers.

8.  Best advice you ever received from someone... (Does not have to be beauty related!)

Just to stop all your worrying. Life happens, it's nothing to be scared of. I am a big worrier (still am!) and worry over any small thing.

9. What is your favourite era in terms of beauty or fashion... you know like 50s, 60s etc.

I love the 1920s. It seems so elegant and classy. I love the makeup, the fashion and the hairstyles.

10. What is your staple party look - from beauty to fashion?

Probably something like straight leg black jeans, some sort of boot with a low heel, and then more of a fancy top, and a lightweight jacket. Makeup wise, I go for a more flawless looking base, with a slightly smokey eye, and nude lip.

11. If there was one thing you could buy (money being no object) what would it be?

Right now, would be some really good skincare pieces, e.g. Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Bobbi Brown Extreme Eye Repair Cream, Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief.

Thanks again Aurelie for nominating me!

February Wishlist

1. PIXI Glow Tonic

This has been raved about as one of the best exfoliating toners around. I'm dying to see if this is as good as they say, and if it would really help control my dry, flakey patches.

2. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

Heard so many rave about this, and saying it's a dupe for the Beauty Blender (which is £16!). It's meant to give your foundation an airbrush, flawless finish.

3. Maybelline Mega Plush mascara

I often find, at the end of the day, tiny little black flakes where my mascara has flaked off, and this mascara is supposed to not do this, so would like to see how this performs.

4. Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede cologne

I've wanted to try a Jo Malone perfume for so long now! It seems to be one of the "in-things" with YouTube gurus and beauty bloggers, and this scent sounds so gorgeous! I haven't actually smelt it, so I suppose what should be on my wishlist is to actually smell this perfume.

5. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

This was one of those highly hyped up concealers during 2013. It's meant to not crease, and is meant to have really good coverage, and not look cakey.

6. Illamasqua Hydra Veil

I first heard about this through one of Pixiwoo's videos. It's meant to be a hydrating primer, that's specifically good for dehydrated skin, which I have. Would like to see how this looks under foundation, and if it would help disguise dry patches.

7. Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual

This is another of those "in-things" with beauty bloggers etc. Everyone seems to have this on their coffee table! And it's meant to be quite eduucational. I'm sure I would learn some new tricks in this book.

8. Hydraluron Moisture Booster

It seems every blogger went crazy over this, after hearing Caroline Hirons (a fantastic skincare expert with a blog) rave about this. Again, it's meant to be very good for dehydrated skin, and is meant to overtime, help your skin to keep its moisture. It's currently a third off aswell at Boots, so I may be purchasing this very soon!

Have you tried any of these? What are your thoughts?

January Favourites

1. Victoria's Secret Sheer Love Fragrance Mist here

This smells so nice! It's almost slightly parma violet-y, which I love. It's described as white cotton and pink lily, and is a very fresh scent, perfect for those fresh but cold days. It's not too overwhelming, like some of the VS fragrances can be. I think this is going to be even more loved in the Spring!

2. Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth here

I received this trilogy for Christmas, and probably read all three within the first two weeks of January. The books are dystopian, and follows the main character of Beatrice "Tris" Prior. If you want to read a summary than check out Veronica's blog post here. I really loved these books, and there is even a movie coming out in March/April time based on the first book, which, from the trailers, looks amazing, and I can't wait to see it!

3. Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream here

I bought this probably about mid-December time, but fell in love with it this past month. My skin had been feeling really dry and dehydrated after I woke up, and so I thought it was time I invested in a good, intensive face cream that I could slather on at night. I saw Nic from Pixiwoo rave about this one, and thought I would try it out, and love it. It leaves my skin looking and feeling replenished. It isn't heavy and greasy, which I always worry about with a deeply moisturising moisturiser, and I hardly have any dry flakes since using it.

4. Victoria's Secret Bombshell Diamonds perfume (no longer available)

Oh man, does this smell good! It seems a very typical scent for Victoria's Secret; i.e. fruity, sweet, sexy and girly. I didn't realise at the time of buying, but this is a limited edition perfume that they come out with I think during the holiday season, or at least Winter season, so you can't buy this any longer (unless you go through ebay), so I'm sorry about that. But I do love this smell! It's meant to be inspired by the "beauty of diamonds", and has top notes of raspberry, pink pepper, passion fruit, mandarin and pear, middle notes of litchi, ginger lily, jasmine, poppy and plum, and base notes of sandalwood, musk, white amber, vanilla and cedar. I also find that it lasts a decent amount of time.

5. Shu Umera Eyelash Curler here

Again, something I received for Christmas. I have really weird eyelashes. My right eye is fine, and doesn't take much to curl at all, but on my left eye, they grow pretty much straight down, and are almost impossible to curl. That's when, after hearing so much hype about these, I decided I would like to try them out. And I can say, they are as good as everyone says! They really help to curl my eyelashes, and especially if I curl them after I've applied mascara and it's dried. I really do love these, and if you have near-impossible to curl eyelashes, then I would recommend these,

6. Victoria's Secret Strawberries and Champagne Fragrance Mist here

Surprise, surprise! Another scent that smells so good! I think this is more fruity than the others (hence the strawberries), but still has that sweetness that comes with all VS scents. It's also a lot stronger, and a lot more long-wearing. I think this would be great during the Summer months aswell.

7. Soap and Glory Super-Colour-Fabulipstick in The Missing Pink here

This has been my go-to lipstick since receiving it for Christmas. It's the perfect your-lips-but-better shade, and is extremely moisurising. It doesn't cling to dry patches and makes your lips look so good! I've got a review coming up during the next week.

8. Boots Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm here

I've been using this for a while now, and I think this has really helped with my dry-dehydrated skin. It doesn't strip my skin, just leaves it nicely cleansed and hydrated. I've got a review here if you want to read more about it.

9. One Tree Hill here

January was the month where I fell back in love with One Tree Hill. This is probably one of my favourite shows ever, and for some reason I just got the urge to rewatch all the series again starting from the beginning. If you haven't watched it, then I highly recommend you do.

That's it for my favourites for this month. Hope you enjoyed.