Lucy really does like make up.. a lot!

Hiya!

God it feels like bloody forever since I last did a blog post; final year is FAR too busy for my liking! How has your week been so far? Is anyone else finding January depressing and busy?!

After a lot of deliberating, I've FINALLY decided on my favourite make up products of 2011 - took me bloody long enough! These have been the pieces that I reached for literally everyday of 2011 and will continue to adore this year!

(Starting from top left and moving around clockwise): Revlon ColorStay (for Combination/Oily skin); Bourjois Healthy Mix; Benefit Erase Paste; Collection 2000 Fast Stroke Liquid Eyeliner; Benefit They're Real! Mascara; No. 7 Skin Illuminator in Peach; MUA palette in Heaven and Earth; Mac Blush in Stunner

Foundations: I had two absolute favourite foundations last year; Healthy Mix just sits so well on the skin and feels very light but still has good coverage so I used this on my good skin days. ColourStay, on the other hand, is very heavy but just gives flawless results - this is definitely my go-to foundation for night outs. I love the fact that ColourStay comes in different formulations for different skin types, as well. Such a winner in my books!

Concealer: I was a big fan of Erase Paste last year, especially for underneath my eyes as it's very brightening but light. I didn't find that this was very good at covering blemishes though... What are your favourite concealers because I am needing a new one?!

Eyeliner: My standard make up always includes a bit of liner on the upper lid and this has been my favourite for about 4ish years! I find it so easy to apply and it has such good colour payoff.

Mascara: Literally cannot rate They're Real! enough! It's just bloody incredible! Seriously, if you haven't tried it, just do it right. Now. It makes your eyelashes look fake (in a good way).

Highlighter: No. 7's Skin Illuminator is a really nice cream formula that gives such a natural glow on the cheekbones. Sometimes if my face is looking particularly flat and dull, I'll mix some in to my foundation and it works especially well with Healthy Mix. I can't imagine using any other highlighter, this is just right up my street!

Eyeshadow: This is a bit of a cheat because I only started using this palette in December.... BUT 2011 was the year I got over my fear of eyeshadow (I used to be all about the lip!) and fell in love with neutrals (so not very adventurous). I love every colour in this palette and have used it religiously since I got it.

Blush: Stunner is such a natural blush and I love MAC blushes. I use this blush daily and it always makes me look just a bit more healthy and alive which is never a bad thing!

What are your make up lifesavers?! Also, any concealer recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
I've been testing and comparing my BB creams for the last few weeks so I can give proper, thorough reviews in my next post!

I really hope you're all having a brilliant Tuesday!

Lots of love,
Lucy xxx

Lucy likes parcels!

Hola!

I've gone a bit mental with the online shopping recently and this morning I was greeted by three particularly exciting looking parcels.

Some goodies from Liz Earle, Love Make Up and eBay!

As I keep on mentioning, I am a massive fan of Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, (it's literally the shit!) so when my last bottle ran out I was in desperate need of a repurchase, as soon as possible. In my last order I also got a sample size Instant Boost Skin Tonic which I really liked it. It's so fresh but gentle and works so well when used with the Hot Cloth Cleanser so when I saw the current January skincare regime essentials package, I thought, sod it, and added it to the basket. 

In the Essentials Regime package you get the cleanser, muslin cloths, tonic and moisturiser suitable for your skin type; I went for the Skin Repair Light Moisturiser for combination/oily skin. As well as that you get a full size Energising Body Wash, which smells (like everything else from Liz Earle) amazing! I'm going to stick  to this skincare regime for the forseeable future - as well as using an eye cream, Origins Super Spot Remover and No 7 Protect and Perfect Night Cream on the less oily areas of my face at night - as it's all so gentle yet effective and I will definitely let you know how I get on with it!

From Love Make Up, I bought two Sigma brushes (Angled Top Synthetic F84 Kabuki and Tapered Blending Sigma PRO E35), NYX glitter cream palette in Bronze Goddess and NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Boho Chic.

I absolutely love my purchases from Love Make Up! The cream blush creates such a nice natural, dewy flush on the cheeks and I can't wait to use the glitter palette over the top of a bronze/brown smokey eye! The fact they're a cream formulation means that there isn't too much fallout either! I am such a fan of Sigma brushes, and the E35 is just brilliant for blending, whilst the F84 is so soft and dense.

Finally, made a cheeky eBay purchase! I love Ciate Paint Pots and I am still loving deep red shades so could not believe this was only £3.70! What a bargain (link!)

Have you had any presents from the postman recently?!

Hope you're having a lovely day!

Lots of love,

Lucy xxx

Lucy likes night out make up

Hiya guys!

How are your weekends going? Thought I'd just do a quick post about the make up I wore when I went out last night (I'm apologising in advance for awful, 'pose'-y pictures - I was slightly worse for wear)! I really hope it doesn't sound arrogant, but I did like my make up, and I was very impressed that it actually stayed on all night!

Here are the products I used:

Face (L to R, Top then Bottom row): Rimmel Fix and Perfect Primer, Revlon Colourstay Foundation, mixed with a small amount of No. 7 Skin Illuminator in Peach, Revlon PhotoReady Concealer, Benefit Erase Paste, St Tropez Matte Bronzer, Mac Powder Blush in Stunner, Stila Illuminating Finishing Powder in Rose Gold, Mac Mineralise Skinfinish in Medium Plus

Eyes (Top then Bottom row): Bare Escentuals BareVitamins Prime Time  Eye Primer, Topshow eyeshadow mousse in  Tundra, Benefit They're Real mascara, MUA Immaculate Palette (black and silver shadows), Collection 2000 Liquid Eyeliner, Eyelure False Eyelashes 168, Benefit Brows a-go-go

Lips (From L to R): No. 7 Perfect Lipliner in Nude (all over the lip), Mac Lipstick in Hue, Topshop Lipglaze in Antique

And here is what it looked like on! I couldn't get any proper pictures of my eye make up but I hope you can get the gist of it from these:

I really hope you like it! Again, so sorry the photos are so crappy!

What are your night out essentials and favourite evening looks?

Hope you're having a super Saturday! I'm gonna do a post comparing No.7's and Garnier's BB creams in the next few days as a few people have suggested it! Also, going to do a post of my favourite make up of 2011 (finally!). If you would like me to review any of the products I've shown here just let me know, I'd love to!

Lots of love,
Lucy xxx

Lucy likes night out preparations!

Hiya guys!

How are you all doing?! Have you had a good week so far?

I came back to uni last weekend expecting to have a lecture-filled week, but have so far only had one (all the rest have been cancelled, which I am loving!). So, instead of doing some preparatory reading, I went into town and bought some products in preparation for going out tomorrow night!

I'm not entirely sure what I'm wearing, or even where we're going as of yet, but I do know that I'm going to do a blue/silver toned smokey eye with nude lips and have wavy hair. Not too adventurous admittedly, but I am just SO excited to wear make up again! (Tomorrow I will have gone a WHOLE week without wearing an ounce of make up which is unheard of for me) I just fancied a bit of a detox, in my diet and on my face, so this week I've been keeping it simple with the skincare, cooking everything from scratch and doing the 30 Day Shred daily. I've gotta say it's worked an absolute treat; my skin feels so much more balanced and clear, and I've lost four pounds!

I think that's probably one of the reasons why I'm so looking forward to tomorrow evening; my favourite part of a night out has got to be getting ready with friends beforehand, doing your make up and having a few drinks - bloody heaven - and it'll be made so much better having not played with make up for a while!

Sorry for rambling so bloody much! As I said, the reason for this post was to show you some of the treats I bought whilst shopping today. (Apologies for the awful light and the massive soot mark caused by my bloody candle on the wall, I only just got home and was so excited with my purchases, just had to show you!)

I'm going to get back from lectures around five-ish and jump straight into the bath to use the wash I showed in my last post (link!). I'm also going to use these bad boys!

From L to R: re-nu Fullness and Body Pre-Shampoo Treatment (RRP £35.99) £5 TKMaxx; Dove Intensive Repair  Shampoo and Express Treatment Conditioner Superdrug; Tecna Relaxing Balm (RRP £11) £2 TKMaxx; Tresemme 24 Hour Body Amplified Hairspray

I'm really looking forward to using the Pre-Shampoo Treatment as it sounds a bit different and anything that could potentially help with volume sounds good to me! I'll definitely let you know how I get on with it!

 

Also, really looking forward to trying Dove's new range and the conditioner looks lush! 

Not entirely sure about the Relaxing Balm seeing as I want to make my hair a bit wavy, but I may change my mind! 

Finally, picked up this hairspray as Pixiwoo recommended it in a video a while ago, as I need something to keep waves in but not make it stupidly stiff and actually weight it down! My hair always seems to go so flat on a night out so any recommendations on how to keep it voluminous would be so appreciated!

I haven't decided how to do my nails just yet as I don't know what I'm wearing, but I thought I'd use some of the No. 7 vouchers I've been hoarding recently to buy a couple of new shades. Absolutely love these colours, loving pastels for spring and a nude polish is so nice for the daytime. Also, I absolutely LOVE Primark's false nails, they feel so natural when on and last forever, plus they have a really good range of sizes (wouldn't recommend their glue though). 

Had to try Mac's Mineralise Skin Finish Natural in Medium Plus as I haven't, as of yet, found a powder than looks natural; I'm hoping this will do the trick and keep my make up on all night! 

Gotta wear some false eyelashes with a smokey eye so I went for some trusty winged Eyelure lashes. 

Finally, bought No. 7's BB cream as I've got run out of my Garnier one and really fancied trying a bit new; love the fact that they have a couple of options to suit different skin types as well!

I think I've definitely rambled enough now, sorry if this has been really boring, I'm just really looking forward to tomorrow!

What are you hair care and pampering essentials when going out?

I'd love to hear about your going out preparations and if you've got anything special planned for this weekend?

I really hope you've all had a fab Thursday!

Lots of love,

Lucy xxxx

Lucy likes a cheap spa experience

Hello you lovely lot!

Just a really quick post today about a range of products that I am absolutely bloody loving at the moment! At Christmas, my cousin, also a student, normally gives me alcohol, so I was slightly apprehensive when, this year he gave me bathing products.

On first impressions, I loved the packaging; I really thinks they look so simple and expensive. Then, when actually looking properly at the two bottles, I realised they were from Nirvana Spa (a big clue was the bloomin' name!) which made me more excited about them, as a fair few of my friends have visited, and loved, Nirvana Spa.

The most exciting part of this present is actually using them. Step 1, the Body Wash, is so creamy and luxurious, and a little goes such a long way, whilst Step 3, the Body Lotion, is so light and sinks into the sink immediately. The day after using the products my skin looks clearer and 'glowing' (such a cringe-worthy description!), and that's without even Step 2, the Body Polish (which I desperately need to get my hands on).

Finally, I absolutely adore the smell. I think jasmine has got to be one of my favourite scents so this was always going to be winner, but personally, what I like most about the scent is how light and subtle it is. A friend of mine likened it to Estee Lauder's Sensuous which can never be a bad thing!

I love the products so much that I had to ask my cousin where he got them from and how he could splash out so much; they're from ASDA! Can you believe it?! (If you can't find it in Asda you can buy them online but they are a lot more expensive, apparently)

So basically, if you happen to be in Asda, BUY THESE PRODUCTS! They're bloody lovely and you won't be disappointed whatsoever! I love the different steps and there are several options available within each step so you can tailor it towards what you want, and create your own spa treatment. They also have some other incredible looking scented products which I am on a mission to hunt down!

Have you found any supermarket gems recently?

Hope you're having a lovely Tuesday, guys!

Lots of love,
Lucy xxx

Lucy likes swishable hair!

Hola!

In keeping with the 'Favourite Products of 2011' theme, I've put together a few hair care staples that I absolutely love.

I'm quite unadventurous and lazy when it comes to styling my hair, meaning that I usually just go to bed with it wet in a french plait and just let it down when I wake up. When I do actually do something with it, however, I like VOLUME and shed loads of it.

I've been trying to grow my hair for as long as I can remember (a bob was quite possibly the worst idea possible for me) so have invested in products that keep it in good condition and prevent split ends. I also look for gentle products as my scalp is fairly sensitive. In the past 12 months(-ish) my hair has got so much thicker and shinier as well as growing so much quicker, so I will carry on using these products religiously.

Right, starting with the top row, from left to right, and then the bottom:

• Body Shop Banana Shampoo and Conditioner: I'm not normally a fan of spending a lot of money on shampoo and conditioner as when I've bought more expensive products in the past I haven't really seen a dramatic difference in results. These shampoos and conditioners aren't too expensive, and are bloody brilliant. I adore the smell, so fruity, although I can never really smell it once out of the shower (good for those who don't love a bit of a banana). They're so gentle and light meaning that I don't have to wash my hair as often and it just looks so shiny and healthy. 
• Pantene Pro V 2 min Deep Repair Masque: As I'm trying to grow my hair, and avoid any split ends, I use a hair masque regularly, I'd say in every other wash (only at the ends though). I have always loved Pantene products as they're cheap and so effective. This range is quite a recent release but I have absolutely loved using it. Also, I think Boots are sending out free samples of the stuff at the moment so if you want a try, sign up on their website!
• Moroccan Oil: I'm sorry I keep going on about this product but I do just absolutely love it! I won't bore you with me rattling on about it again but if you do want a bit more of a ramble have a cheeky look here! If you don't want to spend too much on leave in treatments (which is fair enough - I only get mine as gifts), however,  I have a fair few friends who have used cheaper versions and have absolutely loved them. When I ran out of Moroccan Oil my hair just went beserk, so in a desperate attempt to calm it down whilst penniless I bought Pantene Pro V's Repair and Protect Serum, which was just bloody brilliant! I am absolutely gutted because it looks like they've discontinued this range (having been replaced by new products - such as the masque above) and there doesn't really seem to be an alternative serum as before. The only thing that seems to look similar is their Split End Serum, although I haven't personally tried it so can't comment.
• Tigi Bed Head Superstar Blowdry Lotion: I think this has got to be one of the best products I've used for creating volume, ever! I love voluminous hair but I don't like it feeling too stiff or sticky, which is why I love this product. It makes your hair so much easier to style, keeps it 'swishy' but doesn't make it stiff whatsoever. It just makes your hair look naturally bigger, plus the lotion smells incredible! I'd recommend looking on sites like Feelunique and Cheapsmells as you can get it for under £10 there which I'd say is definitely worth it as it lasts honestly forever (I must have bought my current bottle around five months ago and I've probably used about one tenth of it, using it every time I blow dry my hair)!
• Neal and Wolf Glow Super Shine Spray: Once I've styled my hair, I love for it to look natural, shiny and healthy. This spray smells bloody amazing and makes my hair look ridiculously shiny. You do have to be careful to not spray it too close to the hair as it can make it look greasy, but otherwise it's brilliant. I got this in a GlossyBox a couple of months back and when it finally runs out, (this baby is lasting forever) I will definitely repurchase.

I haven't included any heat protection spray or hairspray in my favourites list as I don't use one brand religiously. At the moment I'm using ghd Heat Protect Spray and Schwarzkopf Got2b Sparkling Shine Hairspray, which are doing the job quite nicely, although not necessarily better than other, cheaper products. 

What are your favourite hair products?

Thank you for all your comments on the last post, I think I'm gonna have a fringe as soon as possible! I will let you know how it turns out!

Hope you're all have a super Sunday!

Lots of love,

Lucy xxx

Lucy likes a cheeky chop!

Hiya guys,

Bit of a random post today, and I really should be packing instead of faffing around on here (can't see myself leaving for uni bright and early tomorrow morning at this rate!) but I just wanted to ask your opinion on a very important subject, hair.

I'm suffering from serious hair boredom at the moment, growing your hair takes for-bloody-ever, so I'm thinking of ways I can make it a bit more interesting without looking like a five year old boy with a bob (such a hair nightmare). I think I might just go for a super blunt fringe (not too adventurous, I know). Have a look at my hair-spiration and maybe let me know what you think? 

Credit where credit's due: link, link, link, link

What are your thoughts, yay or nay? Has anyone had any serious hair disasters in the past, or had a hair cut that they have absolutely LOVED? I'm in such a massive hair rut, I'd love to know! 

I will carry on chatting about my favourite products from 2011 in my next couple of posts!

Hope you're having a fabulous Friday and thank you so much for all the lovely and helpful comments in my last few posts!

Lots of love,

Lucy xxx

Lucy likes a skincare product that works

Hello!

Hope you're all well and getting all sorted in 2012. Are people back at work/college/uni now? I'm moving back up to uni on Saturday so I might do a make up storage post when I get back as I've just sorted it all out and it's so satisfying! My new years resolutions are going OKAY at the moment... No chocolate as of yet, although not much exercise either! 30 day shred starts on Monday, so no excuses after that!

Thought I'd go through my favourite skincare products from 2011 today - the ones that I have used religiously and will repurchase again and again. After this post I also plan to go over my favourite hair care products and make up staples. I know these aren't the most original of posts but I think it's so interesting finding out what others swear by!

Before rambling it's probably best to go over my skin type as the products I use are based upon this. These products work for me but many not tickle everyones' pickle. I am definitely blemish-prone, particularly around my chin; I have normal to oily skin which can be fairly sensitive and tempermental. In my skincare regime I look for deep cleansing, but gentle, products and effective treatments. I've also started introducing anti-ageing cremes into my routine to target my forehead and eye area (admittedly starting a little early at 20 years old!).

Right, I'll start with products on the top row, from left to right, then do the same for the bottom row:

• Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish - Hot Cloth Cleanser: I think everyone has heard of/uses this cleanser, and I am absolutely obsessed with it. Before using this I used to use make up wipes or cleansing lotions but they just did not cleanse my skin at all, now I can't see myself switching to anything else. I tried using No. 7's Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser, as it's the same sort of concept, when I was short on pennies (love the £5 off vouchers) but it was just no way near as enjoyable (it was in no way awful, and did do the job, but it just wasn't as effective as Liz Earle's). When my skin is really bad I am partial to a bit of Freederm, using the muslin cloths included in the Liz Earle starter kits to wash it off.
• Clinique Clarifying Lotion (3): I have used this toner for absolutely yonks, gone through bottles and bottles of the stuff. It's just a great product as it gets rid of absolutely any grubbiness left on the skin after cleansing and leaves my face feeling so fresh. (I'm going to do a separate posts about toners in the near future as I have a few that I love and some I am so disappointed with)
• Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser: I really do like Simple products as they do what they say on the tin and are pretty damn cheap! My skin can sometimes be quite sensitive and can easily break out if I use too heavy a moisturiser so something basic like this is perfect for me. It sinks in so quickly so in mornings I can apply make up almost immediately.
• Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask: I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with face masks (I wrote a blog post about a few of my favourites last month - link!); I just keep on buying new ones! This has to be the best for my skin though, you can really feel it working on the skin plus I absolutely love the consistency and smell. (Been using Lush's Cosmetic Warrior for the last couple of weeks and really like it but it can't be an official favourite of 2011 just yet!)
• Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel: This gel is bloody brilliant in my eyes. It has shed loads of Salicylic acid in it which you can definitely feel working. It calms down the fiercest of spots but doesn't dry out the skin. Much better than any other the other spot treatments I've used, and I've tried a fair few!
• Garnier Youthful Radiance Multi-Active Care Eye Cream: I apply eye cream religiously morning and night and have always preferred using the Garnier range. This is my favourite of their eye creams and I really noticed a difference in the condition of the eye area after a few weeks of use, plus Boots and Superdrug always have special offers on them which is never a bad thing!

I don't really have a staple exfoliator in my skincare regime from 2011, purely because I feel that using the muslin cloth when cleansing, and Clinique lotion, is exfoliation enough for me, especially seeing as my skin is fairly sensitive. 

Does anyone have an exfoliator that they could perhaps recommend for me have a bash at?

Are you a fan of any of the products I've raved about? Seriously any recommendations would be really appreciated, particularly for moisturisers that won't break me out!

Hope you're all having a wonderful Wednesday!

Lots of love,

Lucy xxx

Lucy likes a bargain (another bloody SALE HAUL!), as well as optimistic resolutions!

Hi all!

First of all, I just wanted to wish everyone a really happy new year! I hope 2012 is bloomin' brilliant for all of you, and I'm sure it will be. I'm a little scared about this year, to be honest. I graduate in June (hopefully!) and turn 21 in July so it's time to be a proper adult sadly! I've made a few new years resolutions, which I think are realistic so am praying that I actually stick to them:

1) WORK HARDER! I definitely need to start studying a little bit more (lots of extra reading and going to ALL lectures, only one proper term left) so I've got myself a cute diary and proper stationary to help me keep on top of things.

2) EXERCISE! I've bought Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred (Link!) DVD as it's only 20 minutes of exercise a day and there are three levels, so room for progression. I think twenty minutes is definitely doable and I'm going to make my housemates do it with me so we encourage each other and keep motivated. I'd also like to get into running again once it gets slightly warmer.

3) FEWER WISPA GOLDS! I am unhealthily addicted to Wispa Golds, they're just so damn good, and I really need to kick the habit. Going to try to replace them with Options hot chocolate as that's low in calories and then finally fruit (ideally!)

Hopefully sticking to 2) and 3) will lead to me losing the Christmas chunk, and 1) isn't too unrealistic!

I've absolutely loved reading about all of your new years resolutions, and they've made me feel a lot more motivated about keeping to mine!

Secondly, as the title suggests, I hit the sales again, couldn't resist! I got myself a couple of pairs of shoes, a jacket, a ring and some make-up-y bits.

Got these beauties from Bank: originally: £25, down to £6!!
I've been wanting a simple black loafer for ages but have struggled to find a pair that were comfortable, sturdy and patent.
These are SO comfortable as they have a lot of cushioning in them.
I could not believe that they were SIX POUNDS!
They also had them in Oxblood, a deep red, which were absolutely gorgeous but they only had them in fairly big sizes, bad times.

Select (again!): Originally: £25, down to £12
I really love shoe boots, and constantly wear them when out. I bought these as I love an almond toe and wanted a chunky heel instead of a wedge, for a change. They're so comfortable and cut at a really flattering part of the ankle. I just won a navy vintage beaded top on eBay (will show you it when it comes!) and I think these boots would look so good with the top and standard wet-look leggings.

New Look: Originally £44.99, down to £9!Recently, I haven't been too keen on New Look and have struggled to find many pieces that I really liked. Because of this, I wasn't really expecting much when I had a quick look in their sale. Saying that, I cannot believe this jacket was NINE POUNDS! I think £9 for a coat is insane, especially one with such cute detailing around the collar and pockets. It falls to just below the hip and has a slight a-line shape, which I am a fan of.

Topshop: (L to R; clockwise) Ring: Originally £12.50, down to £6.25; Lip Balm (in Dew): Originally £4, down to £1;  Eyeshadow Mousse (in Tundra): Originally £8, down to £2
I had my eye on this ring for a while, as I absolutely love quirky, animal rings. The lip balm is really moisturising and is ever so slightly pink-y so it's nice to use throughout the day as I really like a natural lip (can't really go wrong for a pound). The Eyeshadow Mousse (swatch below) is honestly brilliant! It's such a gorgeous colour and just does not crease like normal mousse formulations. It stays on for absolutely ages as well so if you see it, I'd definitely recommend getting it! I absolutely love the mousse in Glint but they were all out in the Topshop I was looking in.

Right that's all of my sale purchases and I really need to stop spending now! I think in my next post I'm going to go through my favourite products of 2011 (better late than never!).

Let me know what you think of my purchases and if you've had anymore successes!
Also please let me know about your resolutions; I'd be so grateful for any tips for effective exercising or organisation!

Hope you have a super Tuesday,

Lots of love,
Lucy xxx