Happy New Year x

October Faves

So this appears to be the only 2nd post in october.. sorry! Why does time go so quickly!? I don't usually have a lot of new favourite products each months that I have been loving, because I'm boring and tend to stick to the same stuff! But this months I seem to have tried a load of new products, and loved them all a lot!!

Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep Review

I've recently been trying out the Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep, and so far I am very impressed.

Autumn Edit // Shoes

F R I Y A Y!!

Last day of our Autumn Edits today kids, so to send us out with a bang we've rounded up our picks of fave autumn shoes from across all stores. Enjoy!

Autumn Edit // Warehouse

Hi everyone, how is it Thursday already? Today is Warehouse's turn to be inspected by us for our Autumn Edit, so let's crack on with the show!

Autumn Edit // River Island

Happy Hump Day! Seeing you through Wednesday is our choice of autumn picks from River Island. Hope you enjoy...

Autumn Edit // ASOS

So another day another edit, and today it's ASOS's turn. So let's crack on...

Autumn Edit // Topshop

Hi everyone,

With us being at the very cusp of yet another weather change (Yes we are British, the weather is never far from our minds), we thought it might be a good idea to start preparing ourselves for the arrival of Autumn. There is some great stuff out on the high street, so great in fact that we couldn't fit it into one post. Therefore, we're proposing an Autumn Edit (AE hereafter) every day this week, focussing on the best bits of a different one of our fave stores. So in summary, thats one store per day, looking at our favourite picks, just to clarify- incase we lost you slightly! We thought we'd kick off with a corker, so we're starting Monday off with our Topshop loves. Hope you enjoy...

L'OREAL Elvive hair oils

I've just been looking back on my previous blog posts, and it seems I have tried and reviewed a lot of hair oils.. so why not add another review to the collection!? This time, it is the L'oreal Elvive hair oils I have been testing. I recently have been LOVING the 'Extraordinary Oil' collection from L'oreal, and tried out their oil which is part of the range. All the products form this line smell amazing! Although I have thick hair, I used the product for thin hair, and found it was perfect for me. I spritzed it over my hair after washing it and I found it helps reduce the frizz and adds shine to the hair. It also makes it feel super healthy and definitely makes it look more glossy after applying heat. As you can see from he picture, I have used all of the extraordinary oil up, so decided to try another product from the range - the nutria-gloss luminiser. I haven't quite decided which spray I like the most - but they are both amazing. The one in the pink bottle is slightly lighter and adds shine to the hair, whereas the orange bottle one is more nourishing and improves the feel and condition of hair. I like to use the luminiser (pink bottle) on dry hair after I have finished styling, where as the Extraordinary oil (orange bottle) one works better on wet hair and conditions it.

So overall, these sprays are GREAT and I would highly recommend them! I will be trying out as many of the type of oils as possible!! Comment if you've tried these oils, or have tried any which you love!

LLB x

Coconut Oil - Worth the hype?

I recently picked up a booklet from Holland and Barrett which suggested various uses of coconut oil. I have heard a lot of amazing things about coconut oil so I decided to purchase a pot and give it a try for myself. The first thing I used it for was removing makeup. I'm very cautious about what products I use of my face as it is quite spot-prone and dry. However the coconut oil is amazing at removing make up.. like seriously! And because it is an oil, it is super easy to take off waterproof mascara. I have found the coconut oil removes my foundation better than the normal cleanser I use - so I now remove my makeup with the oil first, then use my normal cleanser to cleanse (duh) the skin! I was also super surprised that the oil didn't aggravate my spots. One of the uses for coconut oil in the booklet I picked up, was actually to help get rid of spots - but I didn't want to believe it until I had tried it. But believe me... it really does help! In my head, I wasn't sure how an oil would help soothe angry spots, but its probably one of the best products I've used.
The second way I use coconut oil is on my hair. I either coat my hair in it a couple of hours (or overnight if i'm not feeling lazy) before I have a shower, then wash it out. Or rub in a small amount oil on the ends of wet hair - but you have to be careful you don't put too much in or it will just look greasy! Again, the coconut oil helps hydrate the hair and just makes it look super glossy and healthy. As you probably know from previous blog posts, I have quite fluffy, frizzy hair. But the oil helps reduce the frizziness and gives it a bit of bounce.
BUT, my favourite thing about using coconut oil is the fact that a fairly large tub lasts a good ol' while and isn't too expensive either! (and it also smells YUM). Its a great multi-purpose product - I mean, you can use it on your hair, face and for cooking.. could it get any better!? I would most definitely recommend you buy a pot and try it for yourself - its F A B!.

LLB x

Wella Enrich Moisturising Treatment Review

Hi everyone, 

Recently, I have been using this 'Enrich' moisturising treatment from Wella. In short, it's pretty darn good.

Thought of the Day

Your Ultimate Companion - Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream

I know it's meant to be summer, but the cold wind and lack of sunshine is suggesting otherwise - and my skin is not loving it one bit. I've been slapping on the moisturiser and lip balm but nothing is doing the trick... until

LIFE

So I decided to do a different kind of post today. I saw this quote on the blog 'MeghanRosette' (a newly discovered blog for me, one in which I have been loving!) - I found it very reassuring. Recently, I have been majorly panicking about the future and the unknowns that it might will hold. I am at a time of my life when everything

Fashion Find! #2

So as you have all probably guessed already, we are OBSESSED with Kate Middleton. And as a way of channelling our excitement for finding pretty much an exact replica for one of our favourite dresses or hers, we thought we'd write a blog post (obvs). This is Kate at the BAFTAs in the original dress:

Ever since we first laid eyes on this AMAZING Alexander McQueen dress ,

Summer Skin 5 Top Tips

Hi lovelys,

So with the weather slowly getting warmer, and the sun occasionally making an appearance (!), we thought it would be a great time to share our top 5 tips on how to keep your skin and hair in good condition this summer. Although its lovely to be out in the sunshine,

RevitaLash Review

My Mum has been raving about this product for ages now, and I have decided to finally give in, and try it for myself! Revitalise Advanced Conditioner is a product which you apply to your eyelashes once a day helping your eyelashes to grow thicker and fuller. I have always loved

Fashion Find!

A couple of moths ago we featured a dress in this blog post.. and we were in LOVE with it! And since then we have been frantically searching for a cheaper alternative.. and as if by magic... we've found one!

The original Alice + Olivia dress was worn by the gorgeous Holly Willoughby at the BRITs 2015 - we instantly fell in love with the cute tassels and lace sleeves.

While doing a bit of online window shopping, we came across this beauty which instantly reminded

Silk Pillowcase - Yay or Nay?!

There has been so much hype about silk pillowcases being beneficial for your skin and hair, so I thought - why not give it a whirl!?  I wasn't sure if spending 20 odd quid on a pillowcase was justified - but I succumbed.. and I'm glad I did. I have very spot prone skin (especially on the sides of my face

And the name is...

So yesterday we were still high from the news of a new baby Princess. But the one question that still remained was what would she be called? Proud parents Wills and Kate announced the name shortly after it had been given the royal seal of approval by the Queen. We are all now delighted to know that the name is...

The Princess Diaries

Well, quite honestly it's quite difficult for us to keep still long enough to write this post as we're THAT excited. Incase you've been living under a rock for the last 24 hours, most of the World has now shared in the excitement of a new tiny Royal Baby Princess.

Summer Style Inspiration

Hi fellow Blogees!

We've missed you terribly, and we're happy to have a fleeting visit it to the blog after a jam packed couple of months (revision is a killer isn't it?!) but since we are now in full swing of spring, we thought we'd put together a few of our fave bits and pieces for summer. Enjoy having a glance...

BareMinerals Flawless Definition Curl & Lengthen Mascara Review

Hi loves,

This week we're thought we'd share our love for this BareMinerals Mascara. It's deffo a cracker, it holds the curl of the lash all day but avoids becoming heavy and clumpy. At the end of the day when it's time to wipe away the day's makeup,

Style Icon | Olivia Palermo

Sup campers!

This week, we're taking major style inspiration from all round goddess Olivia Palermo. As the weather turns tad more spring like (or tries to) some of Livvi's outfits are perfect for the transitional period. Take notes kids...

Style Inspiration | Pinterest

Happy Sunday Everyone!

We all know how easy it sometimes in to get stuck in a style rut, and it's difficult to know how to jazz your wardrobe up when dullness strikes. So, where do you turn to when you get low on inspiration? Pinterest obviously.

A guide to: Red Lipstick

Happy Weekend everyone!

This week we're all about the humble red lipstick. However, just because it's a classic look, don't be under any illusions it's easy to create. These things take time y'no. To help you all know what shade is right for you and how to keep it's long lasting effect, we've put some pointers down below.

Best Highlighter Ever!?

MAC Creme Colour Base - Hush

(L) in natural daylight, (R) with a flash (the pictures don't do it justice!)

We've discovered a product which we think could change your life. Not that we like to be over dramatic or anthing. MAC Creme Colour Base - in 'Hush'

Makeup Inspiration | Kendall Jenner

Now from time to time, we get bogged down in our daily make up routine, which can make getting ready seem more of a trial than a joy. Which of course, is all wrong. When you reach this make up rut- which happens to us all at the best of times- you need to rechannel. This is where we turn to a celeb for a bit of much needed inspiration. This week, we decided to turn to none other than fulltime model pro/KUWTK star: Kendall Jenner.

London Fashion Week A/W 2015

Last week we recounted the great events of NYFW. This week, was the turn of our own capital to show the rest of the world what Britain has to offer.

What we're loving... BRITs 2015

Fellow Blogees,

Continuing in award season has been great fun for all concerned, we're sure you'll agree. This week was the turn of the BRITs, and boy, was it FUN. So fun, infact, we thought we'd pick our fave outfits of the night. So kick back, relax and have a look at some pretty people.

MAC Face & Body Foundation Review

Happy Sunday everyone!

Now if you're playing a lazy day to maybe hit up the shops, you might want to pop into Debenhams (other department stores are available) and purchase MAC Face and Body foundation. We love this stuff, and here's a couple of reasons why:

New York Fashion Week A/W 2015

Happy Saturday blogees!

For anyone who has an interest in fashion, this past week has been just what the doctor ordered to beat away those mid winter blues; New York Fashion Week of course! We enjoyed it that much, we wanted to do an overview to relive some of our fave collections and celebrate some of our fave designers. So let's crack on...

What we're loving... Grammys

To finish the weekend off, we thought we'd look back at the other awards ceremony and check out their best dressed at the Grammys...

What we're loving... BAFTAs

Well wasn't the BAFTAs a glitzy affair on sunday night. Whilst we watched lounging in our pjs on the sofa, the guys and gals of the cinema world took to the red carpet with a whole host of beautiful looks for us to swoon over. So let's take a closer look...

Valentines Day Outfit Idea

Dress - ASOS, £95, Shoes - River Island, £50, Bag - Karen Millen, £99, Earrings - Missguided, £4.99, Bracelet - Ottoman Hands, £32, Ring - Ottoman Hands, £47

In the true spirit of St Valentine himself, we have dedicated a whole post to Valentine's day (Val-Day hereafter). We know that in the most comercialised, conventional sense, Val-Day is for the couples, but we prefer to think of it as simply a day of love and celebrations. So just see it as a day to show all the people that matter to you just how much you love them. Now, if you are lucky enough to be being whisked out to a fancy resturant or fun date, we're taken the liberty of putting together this swanky outfit. Alternatively, if you're staying in crying with a pot of Ben&Jerry's, you could still wear it; it's a diverse outfit. And afterrall, staying in is the new going out.

We LOVE this dress which is the main focus of the outfit. The gems placed in a mosaic/geometric type pattern makes it really edgy and current, whilst the shape (flattering for most body shapes) and the colour (we love grey, we all know this) keeps it subtle and adds a hint of grunge. The shoes are a very good colour match, (never mind being GORG) however, you could always exhange for some flats if you've got a hetic day instead of a nice sit down event. The accessories add a more grown up evening feel, by picking out the burgandy in the gems on the dress. Picking any colours out of the embroidered gems for the accessories would work just as well.

Overall, we say get on that lappy and order this outfit next day delivery!

All the love in the world for the day of love people,

LLB x

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Review

Hi everyone,

This week we're all about the lashes. Benefit's new shindig 'Roller Lash' is claiming big things. For a start it claims to have 12 hour coverage, which you may or may not be suprised to know that it totally does. Those or you who like to stay particularly faithful to a plumpy,volumising mascara may think this won't work for you, but we're here to tell ya, it's a universal delight. It has fab lengthening and liting mascara to still achieve a WOW factor. The other great thing is smudging is not in it's nature, so you end up with a flawless look all day long. This could be a controversial statement so don't hate us, but it could give the 'They're real mascara' a run for it's money...ooooh.

So... we recommend you give it a whirl and see what you think! (It comes out 12/02/15 in the UK!)

Love always,

LLB x

Nail Idea | Hot Pink Stripes

Fellow Blogees,

As we all know, we love a good nail design. To shake things up a bit, and to add some glamour to this bleek month they call January, this week, we're looking at super duper PINK STRIPES. Here's a step by step of how to recreate the look:

1. First up, paint your nails in a metallic/ sparkly nail varnish that takes your fancy. We used 'Blitz' available from Toppy
2. Once your base coat has dried, use tape strips (buy me here) to and stick them where you want the stripes to feature.
3. Finally, paint over the first layer of varnish and the strips in a different contrasting colour. We used a faithful black shade by good ol Barry M.
4. Whilst the second layer of paint is still wet, carefully peel the strips off to reveal the base coat peeking through.

And voilaaa... groovy nails or what?! Have a go yourselves and let us know what you think.

Until Next Time,

LLB x

Back to Basics | How to get the Perfect Brow

Fellow Blogees,

This week we're looking at the very problematic issue of creating the perfect brow. We all know it's a challenge: too arched, too fake, too pointy etc etc. Truth is, it's very confusing and can take years to master the perfect brow. So feel free to make use of the state of the art diagram to help achieve the life goal of perfect eye brows.

Very mathematical is this brow business. I know what you're thinking, don't bring maths into an already complicated situation, but in this instance, maths might actually help?

1. Using a makeup brush, position it up between the end of your brow and your nostril, these should line up. If stuck, consult the diagram!
2. Again using a makeup brush, your nostril should also line up with the beginning of the brow.
3. (At the risk of sounding repetitive) AGAIN using the makeup brush, the arch of the brow should line up with the middle of the nose.

Handy Hints and Tips:
1. For super duper natural looking brows, a powder is best (you don't need to specifically buy a brow powder, eye shadow works fine too), use an angled thin brush to apply this.
2. Use a powder/gel/whatever with a more khaki undertone. Natural hair has a khaki undertone, and red undertones products really show up in pictures and bright day light.. so stick to khaki to avoid a crisis!
3. If you want your brows to look prominent, you can use a light concealer around the brow, or a highlighter on the brow bone.
4. Don't fill in your eyebrows and make them look solid, use light brush strokes, making them look feathered (if you want a natural look, which is what most of us are after). Natural brows tend to be lighter towards the centre and thicker as they go out, so when working on the beginning part of the brow, don't use a brush with fresh product on or it will look too heavy.
5. If you tend to have mega crazy, rebellious brows, hairs that curl and don't do what their told etc, you might want to use a brow gel to hold them in place, especially good if you need your make up to last all day!

So there you have it, you should now be able to go off and create brows like you never knew you could. If anyone tries, do let us know, we'd love to hear!

Until Next Time...

LLB x

Nails Inc. Porchester Square Dupe

Happy Sunday!

So we're talking about a dupe... a cover up, a farce if you will. We found a practical replica of the Nails Inc varnish for a fraction of the price, but does practically the same job.

The one in our pictures is Barry M in the shade 'Almond'. It's a perfect alternative to a nude, but still makes your nails look like they have been cared for, which is always a plus! Barry M's (I always invisage a fat middle aged bloke painting each nail a different colour whenever I see Barry M, but that's probably just me) is just £3.99, where as the Nails Inc Gel formula is 14 squids. The colour is basically the same, just Barry's has a slight beige tone. Does that really matter? Naaaaaa, if you can save roughly a tenner, you can buy two.

If any of you try, do let us know!

Love always,

LLB x

Back to Basics | How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Hey Everyone,
This weekend we're talking about everything brush care. I think we did promise this in one of our earlier posts, so don't say we don't keep to our word.

First up, you're better to use a gentle shampoo (i.e. a baby shampoo). Should clean every week to 2 weeks because makeup, oil and bacteria is collected in the bristles... which as we all know, isn't the nicest thing for your lovely skin or spreading spots. Provided you wash them properly, you'll prevent the bristles coming out and keep them in th bets condition for as long as possible. You can get daily brush cleaners for those of you who are insanely fanatical about keeping your brushes in tip top condition, but in reality, this is completely unnecessary and over washing brushes will make them unhappy!

To complete a deep clean, you'll need:
A basin of luke warm water
Baby shampoo / gentle shampoo
Towel or brush holder.

Complete these easy steps to achieve brush heaven:

1. Run the brushes under luke warm water, with the brushes always facing down so the water doesn't run down the brush to where the bristles are glued in.
2.squit a bit of baby shampoo into the palm of your hand.
3. Swirl the brush in the shampoo, keep doing so until it lathers up.
4. Wash out the shampoo, and you will se all the old makeup washing out too - keep shampooing until the water runs clear when washing the brush.
5. Lay the brushes flat onto the towel, facing down is preferable (the holder the real techniques core collection and starter kit come in is ideal) - this will prolong the life of the bristles as the glue will not be dissolved by the water/shampoo.

TA DAAHH.. there you have it, how to successfully clean your kit and still have them in good condition at the end of it - win win.

Hope you found this useful, and if you use any of our tips, do let us know!

Until next time,

LLB x