Lucy likes MAC (scarily big haul)

Hola!

It feels like I haven't blogged in fecking ages and I've definitely been missing it! It's been a little bit mental this month with dissertation drafts and what not, but I've finally got my work under control and have a LOT of bits to show you!

Because I've been working non-stop, I haven't had time to go out or do anything fun so I've been hitting the online shops hard! I thought in this blog post I'd show you my most recent MAC purchases and then in the next few show you some clothes (all about the pastels!).

Top Row: Pro Longwear foundation (NW20), Viva Glam Nicki, Girl About Town,
Vegas Volt, Shy Girl, Eyeshadow Palette: Mulch, Mineralism and Woodwinked
Bottom Row: Daylight  (Naturally Collection)  , In the Sun (Naturally Collection),
Cream Colour Base in Fawntastic, Powder Blush in Desert Rose

Right I'll start with the lipsticks as I am absolutely loving them all!

L to R: Viva Glam Nicki, Girl About Town, Vegas Volt, Shy Girl

I think the most wearable of the four lipsticks has got to be Shy Girl - a subtle coral-based nude that I have literally been wearing every day since I bought it. Think it may have actually overtaken Hue as my favourite MAC day lipstick.
The other three are a bit more bold and have been wearing them for more special occasions. I'm so impressed by how long they last and are really moisturising. Got to say, Girl about Town is my favourite out of the three, with Viva Glam coming a close second. Vegas Volt is such a nice milky coral lipstick which doesn't really suit my colouring at the moment but I think it will look so much better with a bit of a tan!

L to R: In the Sun, Top row of palette: Mulch, Mineralism;
Bottom: Woodwinked, Daylight

L to R: In the Sun, Daylight, Woodwinked, Mulch

I thought it was time to start buying a few palettes because I'm beginning to misplace a few of my eyeshadows  and plus they look so pretty in it! Had a few issues depotting them initially, explaining the chip out of Woodwinked :(. I absolutely love the Naturally Collection and think the mineralize eye shadows look absolutely bloody beautiful in the pan and even better swatched. In the Sun is a really warm gold with violet running through, whilst Daylight is more peachy with lilac veining. Woodwinked is such a gorgeous golden shadow whilst Mulch is perfect to use in the crease.

Cream Colour Base in Fawntastic, Pro Longwear Foundation in NW20,
Powder Blush in Desert Rose

Finally, I got a few basics. I've been persevering with this foundation for a few weeks and I've got to say, I'm not that fond of it. It's a really good colour match, which I'm happy about, and I do like the finish (not too matte, not too dewy). I'm just not a fan of this stickiness after application. It doesn't sit nicely on my skin, whatsoever. It also looks very cakey, which I initially thought was because I'd slapped on a little bit too much, but having attempted to use a lot less and blending in wasn't really that much better. The blush, on the other hand, is a massive hit! It's such a brightening colour and a nice change from the peaches I've been reaching for recently. Fawntastic is a nice base for the eyelid and I think it'll be a great highlighter with a tan!

What are you favourite MAC products?
Can't wait to get reading your blogs again, been really missing out!
Have a marvelous Monday!

Lots of love,
Lucy xxx

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

Lucy does not like sales! (HAUL)

Hola!

I'm on a bit of a blogging roll tonight! There's so many bits I want to chat about and show you all!

Thought I might show you a few things I bought when in town on Christmas Eve and yesterday. I didn't brave the sales on Boxing Day because there was nothing I was desperate to get and I normally panic and grab hideous clothes just because they're 80% off or something, so instead I went in for a little look yesterday (although it was still so busy). Also, the Topshop sale started on Christmas Eve instead of Boxing Day so I went in then to have a little look. It was so quiet and tidy and there was so much there; I'd definitely recommend heading in before Christmas next year (although I'm not sure if this is the case in all stores).

Right, so from Topshop, I got these bits:

Original price: £38, down to £20
I love chunky knits this winter and really loved the neck on this especially.
I really like wearing it with dark red chinos and glittery gold pumps,
as it's so simple and comfy.
 For £18 (I got student discount) I'm really happy with it!

Original price: £36, down to £15
I really love the colour of this top and the sleeves
(apologies that the sleeves aren't shown very well here)
I think the cut out detail is interesting and it'd look great with
leather-look leggings and wedge shoe boots when I'm going out
but don't want to completely freeze!
For £13.50 I think it's so good!

After Topshop I had a quick look in Select. I really find Select to be a bit hit and miss: sometimes they have some really nice pieces that look a lot more expensive than they actually are, as well as being on trend; other times I am really not a fan!

Original price: £14, down to £7
I have been wanting this shirt for SO LONG,
but I could never find it in store and they didn't have it in my size online,
 so I was so happy to finally find it in the sale for half price!
 I absolutely love the studs/gems and the dropped hem at the back.
It's such a lovely length and I can't wait to wear it!

Those are the only things I found in the sales. Not much, although admittedly, I didn't look too hard or for very long! Did anyone have more patience than me and get any real bargains? Can you recommend some good sales I should have a look at?

Whilst shopping, I also bought a few pieces of make up, which were sadly not reduced:

I was trawling the GOSH counter in Superdrug and came across this brilliant brow pen for £5.99. I've been looking for a brow pen that suits my colouring for a while now; I always find them to either be too ashy, too red, or too dark. That's why I was drawn to this product. I've found that it stays on for so long (as the name suggests!) and the nib makes it so easy to apply in order to keep it looking natural. I chose the shade 004 (Wheat) and there's a swatch below. I really do love this product!

I also couldn't resist another Topshop Blush (£6.00)! This time I went for a creme blush is Neon Rose (link!). I love coral shades and this is such a brightening colour. I'm really into keeping my skin dewy at the moment so creamy formulas like this are brilliant for me. I haven't found a brush I love applying it with yet though, so I was hoping you'd have some suggestions?

Here are some swatches of the two products - apologies for the awful photo and my pale arm!

Please let me know if you found any bargains! I'd love to hear what you all found!

Lots of love,
Lucy xxx

Lucy likes Christmas

Hiyaaa!

I hope everybody had an absolutely brilliant Christmas, with lots of friends and family, food, alcohol and presents! I had such a nice day although I feel so chunky after all the celebratory eating!

I thought I'd show you all a few of my favourite presents (or at least, ones I thought you'd find most interesting!) and then show you a few bits that I got over the past few days in the sales. I'm driving up to see my boyfriend in the next couple of days so will let you know what he's got me when I've unwrapped them as well!

My family got me some really lovely presents this year, which was so bloomin' sweet and I know I'm going to be using them all to death!

I got a new camera (Nikon Coolpix S4150) which is so dinky and brilliant to keep on me when I'm out; we went to get this on Christmas Eve (cutting it fine!) from Jessops and it was reduced from £179.95 to £74.95 - what a bargain! It's a touch screen which sounds fancy but I'm hoping that the fanciness won't make it actually more difficult to use, if you know what I mean!

I also got Illamasqua's 'Freak' which I am really in love with; I go round sniffing my wrists all day long at the moment! My friends (and probably the sales assistants) will just be glad they no longer have to go to Selfridges with me everytime we're shopping just for a cheeky sniff.

The red case came with a 'Gorgeous By Gok' set I was given, and contained two body washes, a body scrub, two body butters, a bath essence and a puff (is that even what they're called?!). I really like the smell of this range as it's so luxurious. I really would recommend getting some if you see it reduced in the sales, as it's pretty cheap considering the quality and scent!

I think the No. 7 giftset has got to be my favourite present as it has SO many goodies in it! FIVE make up brushes (there's a picture of these bad boys below - they're so soft and I love the pattern on the handles!), a full size mascara, an eyeshadow palette with six colours, a full size Protect and Perfect Day and Night Cream, a small Protect and Perfect serum, a Heavenly Moisture Face Mask, eye make up remover, a lip balm(/gloss) in shade Marshmallow, and a pack of wipes. I think I remember seeing this before Christmas and it was on special reduced from around £60 to around £25 which is SO good! Did anyone else get any of the No 7 sets for Christmas or in the sales?
I'm playing around with the mascara and lipgloss at the moment and will do a thorough review when I've got a bit of wear out of them.

As you can see, I also got some Morrocan Oil (100ml) and Clinique Toner (400ml) which are some of my beauty staples. I honestly think that Morrocan Oil is the one product that I cannot live without; it's just made my hair 100 times better. I used to have such knotty hair meaning that brushing it after washing was an absolute nightmare. I'd either leave it a matted mess or hack away at it and subsequently destroy my hair. Now, my hair is so soft and I can brush it so much easier; it's also grown a lot recently which I think is because it's in better condition and not breaking off after a certain point. I ran out of my last bottle a couple of weeks ago and found my hair to be so damn knotty again so I was  so happy to get this.
I've been using Clinique Toner for god knows how long, and I use it now maybe a bit out of habit. It may be psychological but my skin never feels completely clean until I've used this toner so I'm so glad I got a big bottle!

Finally, I got a Yankee Candle in 'Apple Cider' which smells delicious. It smells so spicy and sweet and fizzy and has such a strong scent when burning. I have always loved Yankee candles but have never had this one before. I think my ma got it from TKMaxx for £9.99, which is a lot cheaper than normal, so I'd definitely recommend looking there before you go anywhere else. I buy all my candles from TKMaxx and can spend so long sniffing everything they have in there!

Good god, sorry I've rambled for so long! I think I'll maybe talk about my sale finds in my next post because this is already so long!

I really hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Please let me know what presents you're loving!

Also, with some Christmas money I'm going to buy a new foundation because I think Healthy Mix is making me break out (my skin is SO sensitive at the moment). Does anyone have any recommendations? I'd love to hear what everyone else swears by!

Have a super Wednesday!
Lots of love,
Lucy xxxx

Lucy likes bright lips!

Hi all!

Thought I'd do a quick F.O.T.D. as I've been trying out a new lip product at the moment - 'Stila's Lip Rouge in Pucker' - and I am such a big fan! I absolutely love bright lips but am not good with high maintenance make up; because of this, this liquid lip stain definitely has my seal of approval. It stays on for absolutely hours, in fact, sometimes it stays on too long and I look a bit too done up when I wake up the next morning!

Just off out to La Tasca for my ma's birthday (so excited for some tapas!), so I wanted my make up to look a bit more special than normal but not TOO done up.

As you can see the stain is a bright red with pink undertones, which I think looks lovely with a natural pink blush.

Face:

Base: Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector (Daily all-in-one B.B. cream) in Light

Foundation: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 52

Concealer: Revlon PhotoReady Concealer and Bourjois Brush Concealer

Blush: Cargo Blush in Louisiana 

Highlighter: No7 Skin Illuminator in Peach

Eyes:

Shadow: HD Brows Foxy Palette (Ash Brown used in crease)

Liner: Collection 2000 Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip in Black

Mascara: L'Oreal's Volume Million Lashes Mascara in Extra Black

Brows: HD Brows Foxy Palette

Lips:

Lipstain: Stila's Lip Rouge

Clothing:

Stole: Primark

Have you tried any other lipstains recently which you've liked? I'd love to buy a few more to try out!

I think I'm going to dye my hair this evening - bored of the red-ish tones so think I may go chocolate brown - so I'll put up a post if it's not a complete disaster!

Have a brilliant Thursday everyone!

Lots of love,

Lucy xxxx

Lucy likes hauls!

Hello!

Thought I'd show you some of my recent purchases - some Primark pieces and then a few cosmetic-y bits. Really shouldn't have been buying stuff this month, but I think I've got the majority of Christmas presents sorted so I think  it's alright! Are you all sorted for Christmas? I am so bloomin' excited it's ridiculous!

Right I'll start with the clothing bits from Primark:

Primark: £8 (I think).It came with a yellow ribbon around the neck
but I was only after it for the cute double collar  so that quickly got thrown away.
I think this top is so damn cute; ideal for the summer with denim shorts,
as well as at the moment underneath chunky jumpers. I do love a nautical theme! 

Primark: £12.00 (again, I think - sorry I'm not more helpful!).
I bought this because it's so similar in shape and detailing to a jumper
I bought last winter from Zara and have consequentially worn to death.
Absolutely love this colour at the moment and I'll definitely wear it a lot
underneath my parka, with jeggings and Chelsea boots when I'm feeling lazy.

Primark: £5.00 (FIVE BLOOMIN' POUNDS! What a bargain!)
If you saw my earlier post, 'What Lucy is liking at the moment',
you'll see that I'm a big fan of scalloped edges and cute collars;
so happy with this purchase as I get all that for £5.00!
Not too sure about the material though.. it does feel a little cheap
and clingy but it'll be such a nice layering piece.

Primark: £10.00. I think this is probably my favourite recent purchase
as I feel like it looks so much more expensive  than £10.
I love the pleat detailing and the covered buttons,
and it's so simple for Primark, which I think is a good thing!
I've been looking for a nude shirt for a while and have bought,
and soon returned, a few that didn't fit right or suit my colouring. 

I also bought some Chelsea boots, a snood, some earrings and a candle (bit random!):

Primark: £15.00 I have been looking for a pair of tan Chelsea boots for-bloomin'-ever
but all other pairs have seemed to look a little bit odd on me,
or have strange details which I've not been a fan of. I really like
these from Primark as they're fairly simple and feel surprisingly sturdy.

Primark: £4.00
Love the colour of this snood, and the aztec print!

Earrings from Primark (both £2.00); Candle from Muji (£3.50)
My housemate always recommends Muji candles so I popped in and got myself
 one, and one as a Christmas present. I bought the 'Caramel and Roasted Almonds'
and 'Jasmine and Black Olive' ones and they both smell gorgeous,
although I haven't burnt them yet so we shall see!

Finally, on to some make up and nail varnishes:

Left: Lipstick in Nevada (Topshop: £8.00); Right: Lipstick in Blankety (MAC: £13.50)
Really like nude lipsticks at the moment and these two are so pigmented
and have such a nice finish. I think Blankety is probably my favourite of the two,
seeing as it is slightly browner, which suits my colouring.
They look so nice paired with Topshop's lipgloss in 'Antique', as well.

Barry M Nail Paint (Both £2.99) L: Silver Cascade R: Once Upon a Time
I've been looking for some super glittery nail varnishes for ages
and am such a massive fan of Barry M nail paint so was so happy
when I found these in Oxford Circus's Topshop.

I also bought Topshop's Blush in 'Pop', Sally Hansen's 'Hard as Nails' nail strengthener, Revlon's PhotoReady Concealer and Blistex's MedPlus (my lips are absolutely wrecked from the cold!) but I think that I've rambled enough so won't include pictures of them!

Have you found any gems recently?
Hope you've all had a good Monday; only SIX days until Christmas!

Lots of love,
Lucy xxx

Lucy likes F.O.T.D.s (although is a little embarrassed!)

Hiya!

Just thought I'd show you all the make up I'm wearing today seeing as I used the Blink&Go mascara I reviewed in my previous post, and have decided that I'm now a big fan!

Just going shopping for a bit with friends so wanted to keep my make up natural and simple. Let me know what you think and if these are any good! I feel a bit embarrassed taking pictures like that but I always appreciate it when others show what make up they use and how it actually looks on the face!

What I'm wearing:

Face:

Base: Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector (Daily all-in-one B.B. cream) in Light

Foundation: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 52

Concealer: Erase Paste and Bourjois Brush Concealer

Blush: Me Me Me Blush Me! in Coral mixed with Bare Minerals blush in Pink Petal

Highlighter: Smashbox Light Cast Detail Highlighter

Contour: St. Tropez Powder Bronzer

Eyes:

Shadow: Stila Eye Shadow Trio in Gold Glow (used on lid and crease)

Liner: Collection 2000 Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip in Black

Mascara: Blink&Go Long Lasting Black Mascara

Lips:

Lipstick: E.L.F. Studio Lipstick in Party Pink

Clothing:

Jumper: Topshop

Have a brilliant day :)

Lots of love, 

Lucy xxx

Lucy likes mascaras!

Hola Senoritas (and Senors),

Hope you’ve all had a brilliant week and are getting offensively excited about Christmas! I know I seriously am after seeing all the Christmas lights on Carnaby Street yesterday (so damn cool). 

Anyway, I was rummaging through my make up a few days ago and began to realise that I have an unhealthy obsession with buying mascaras. I seem to buy a new one most times I go shopping and, although I like the ones I own, I can't stop myself from buying more. So, I though I'd review four mascaras that I use most regularly (and one that came with GlossyBox this month).

Here are the beauties:

From left to right, 'Avon's Supershock', Benefit's 'They're Real!',
Loreal's 'Volume Million Lashes', Maybelline's 'Volum' Express Falsies', 'Blink and Go'

Right, I'll start with Avon's Supershock mascara which is, at the moment, the cheapest mascara I'm reviewing (currently half price at £5.00). This mascara has an absolutely massive plastic brush which I really love. I feel like it really separates my lashes and does give really good volume and length. I think you can definitely get away with wearing it throughout the day as it's not too dramatic. Basically, I would really recommend this for people who love plastic brushes (I know that some people aren't really a fan) as for the price it is so good, although personally I didn't find that it curled my lashes at all so you would definitely need to go to town with the eyelash curlers beforehand.

Secondly, I'll talk about Benefit's 'They're Real!' which is easily my favourite mascara at the moment. It has a plastic brush which, again, I like, as well as dome at the end of the brush which is brilliant for getting the smaller bottom lashes and corners. This formulation seems a lot less drying that Benefit's 'Bad Gal' which I am a big fan of. I find this mascara almost too good though, which sounds absolutely ridiculous, but it makes my lashes so full and long (especially my bottom lashes) that it almost looks like I'm wearing false lashes (which I know is the point of the product!). Because of this I don't often wear this mascara in the daytime, but when I do I get lots of compliments for it. It is the most expensive of the ones that I'm reviewing but I do think the price is reflected in the the product.

Next, L'oreal's 'Volume Million Lashes' which is, yet a-bloody-gain, a plastic brush. This is probably one of my favourite daytime mascara as it looks so damn natural, really separates the lashes and gives good length and volume. Although, if you want dramatically long lashes or dramatic volume I really don't think you'd like this product as it is fairly light.

Right, FINALLY onto some bristle brushes! Maybelline's 'Volume Express Falsies' is probably on par with 'Volume Million Lashes' although the curved brush really helps to give better curl and shape. I think this brush grips the lashes so well but I find it needs a couple of coats before you get a strong result.

I've only tried the 'Blink & Go' mascara once but the first application was pretty damn impressive. It went on so easily that I only needed one coat in order to make my lashes look so long. However, I don't think that this mascara is very good at creating volume and can therefore make my lashes look quite spidery. It did stay on for whole day, despite my continuous eye-rubbing. I therefore think that this mascara is ideal for people who want longer lashes; my primary concern is volume so that's probably why it didn't completely float my boat.

Finally, I've found that coating my eyelashes in Vaseline before I go to sleep every night has made them the longest they have ever been. I would genuinely recommend it, as I've received so many compliments on the length of my lashes since I've started doing it. Cheeky little tip there!

What are you favourite mascaras?
I got a few bits yesterday if any of you would be interested in seeing a mini haul?

Happy Friday :)
Lots of love,
Lucy xxxx