What I've Learnt from BBloggers

1) A picture speaks a thousand words.

2) Not everybody likes the same thing - and that's ok!

3) What works for one person, may not work for another.

4) It's ok to have a make-up collection that can't fit into one bag.

5) You need an array of lipsticks to suit different occasions.

6) How to achieve a smokey eye - 500 different ways.

7) Make-up addiction is a thing.

8) Good skincare is better than any make-up you can buy.

What have you learnt from blogging/fellow bloggers?

Laura

After the Hype's Died Down

By know I'm sure you know how things work in the blogging community. Really well known and well loved bloggers receive some press releases of new and exciting products, wet everyone in the beauty communities palette, and by the time they're released to shops the aisles of Boots are cleared for weeks. Once you find the coveted item you get home and use it constantly for days, maybe even weeks; and then something else comes along.

Sound familiar? I know it's what I do. Today I thought I'd share with you my thoughts on products long after the hypes died down.

Clinique Blush Pops - Aren't these just the prettiest. That's what drew me in. However I must admit I wasn't that blown away once I started using it. It just wasn't what I wanted it to be, if that makes sense. However, it's prettiness keeps it in rotation as I like seeing it in my basket.

Loreal Extrodinare' Gloss - There have been so many liquid lipstick releases over the past year or so, and I think this one is actually my favourite. I reach for this quite a lot as it applies nicely and the colour goes with  everything.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - These original powders have been well and truly been put in their blusher shadows, however I still really like this powder. I don't use it as much as I found a cheaper dupe, so this is just special occasions for me now.

Bourjouis Cream Blush - For some reason me and cream blushers are on a bit of a break. I love how they look, but for someone with oilyish skin, summer is not the time to be whacking out creams. Maybe my love will rekindle in the winter?

Maybelline Colour Tattoos - If I'm honest I don't give these guys the attention they need. I prefer the Rimmel Scandal Eyes Sticks as the application is much easier and the packaging is sleeker. Sorry Maybelline.

Revlon Lip Butters - Right, in the interest of full disclosure, I kind of forgot about the whole lip butter thing. I know! Sacre bleu! I think it's because Revlon have had so many new and exciting lip releases I've just forgotten. I must remember to use them more.

Bourjouis Rouge Edition Velvet - I must admit, I don't wear this often, but I think that's more due to the fact I feel uncomfortable in bright lips atm. I'm having one of those phases.  When the more nude colours are released, maybe it'll be a different story...

Rimmel Appocalips -  I much prefer the Loreal version. I find these get on my teeth too easily and smudge a bit too much.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains - I can't remember the last time I used this. For me, my crayon fave is the Bourjois one. (I guess I'm a bit of a Bourjois whore atm!)

Chanel Cream Blush - This is the only cream blush I've used in the past few months, but I fear that's more cause I feel like I need to use this, rather than I want to. Again, let's wait till winter rolls round.

So what do you think? Remember/use these products?

Laura

Friday Favourites: Blog Posts

With the amount of beauty blogs and bloggers out there, it is easy to focus on the competitive side of blogging and feel the need to push yourself and your blog to be better than everyone elses. I know that I've felt like this at times; however, I feel that it's more important to share what you've been loving instead and give others some love. To me, it's like smiling at someone as you walk past them on the street; as soon as someone smiles back it makes you smile even more. So, without further ado, here are some blog posts I've loved over the past month or so.

Alexa Chung - Into The Gloss - I've never really gotten the whole 'Alexa Chung' thing. Sure, I've always found her to be very pretty, and her make-up always looks amazing; but I've never been obsessed or anything. However, reading this blog post really made me like her as a person, not just a make-up idol. She seemed so laid back, and appeared to have her head screwed on, which was nice. Plus she talked her favourite beauty bits and bobs, which I'm sure everyone loves.

Boutique Beauty Hacks #1 - Megs Boutique - I'm sure everyone loves a good tip or too, I know that reading blogs and watching videos has increased by beauty knowledge ten fold, and Meg's post definitely doesn't disappoint. I really like that this is appears to be a series, as I found the tips Meg put forward really useful. I definitely agree with using a highlighting primer to blur blemishes a great tip, and one I use myself!

Style: Boyfriend Jeans - Katherine Louise - Kat's style posts in general have been a favourite of mine recently. I really love the way she puts her posts together. This post in particular had me scouring ASOS looking for some boyfriend jeans for myself, before I realised I wouldn't be able to pull them off. Anyway, I really like the way Kat styled her jeans, and think she totally pulls of this trend.

I Love You Because - Sprinkle Of Glitter - A bit different from the other posts I've just mentioned, but one I really enjoyed reading. In life it's really easy to take the ones you love for granted and forget to let them know just how much they mean to you in life. I think the way Louise went about this was really lovely, and left me inspired to let those around me know just how much I cherish them.

Social Media Tools Every Blogger Should Try - LLYMLRS - Working in social media myself, the title of this post grabbed me. I've always been quite lax with pushing my posts on social media, however I never realised how much it actually helps get my blog posts read by more people. I think that sometimes people are more inclined to read posts if they see it in their Twitter Timeline sometimes. Whilst I'd heard of some of the sites in the posts, dlvr.it and IFTTT have become my new favourite toys. A very informative post.

What have been your favourite blog posts of the past month?

Laura xoxo

How to Extend your Reading List

Sometimes it's easy to find yourself getting stuck in a bit of a rut, both in life and in the blogging world. I for one fall into ruts on many occasions. It's always the same I have a good handful of unread blog posts in my bloglovin' yet I still find myself wanting a new blog to read. To me, a good blog is the same as a good book, I want to find one and get lost in it. I know I've found a good blog when I find myself scrolling through it's archive. The same goes for videos too, I can have plenty in my watch-later folder and still want someone new to watch. The idea for this very post came whilst I was hunting for something new to get lost in and thought I'd share some of my tips (if you can call them that!) with you.

1) Search Key Words - whether it be in Google, bloglovin' or YouTube type in key word you're looking for and scroll through the results. I love watching Get Ready with Me videos so type that into YouTube to see what videos there are out there. If you like a certain type of blog post search for that too, or even just search 'beauty blogs' to see what's out there.

2) Scroll Through People's Blog Rolls - Many bloggers tend to keep a blog roll full of their favourite reads. If you search through a blogger you really enjoys blog roll you're more often than not likely to find some more blogs that you'll like too.

3) Take Advantage of 'Popular Posts' and 'Top Videos' Sections on Social Media Sites - Bloglovin is great at showcasing what is popular right now, as is YouTube, take some time to scroll through and you may find some new favourites. I also really like bloglovin's 'up and coming' feature.

4) Look at Recommended Twitter Suggestions - You know those people you see on the side of your Twitter feed where they suggest people you might know? Well if you follow a lot of bloggers on Twitter it's pretty likely those people will be bloggers too. Have a scroll through their tweets, see if you like their personality, then go take a peek at their blog.

5) See What Others Are Liking on Instagram - I'm always looking for new people to follow on Instagram (I love looking at pretty pictures) and find seeing what other people are liking through the 'News' section. Nine times out of ten the person is a blogger of some sort (I follow a lot of bloggers) so if I like their insta-snaps I'm pretty sure I'll like their blog too.

Finding new blogs not only is a great way to use your free time but I find it also inspires me in my own blogging as it opens my eyes to new features and image layouts.

How do you like to find new reading material? Who are your favourite bloggers/vloggers?

Laura xoxo 

Share the love

Been as though it's Valentine's day I thought I'd share the love on some of my favourite bloggers, vloggers and Instagrammers.

Bloggers

Vivianna Does Makeup - http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/  

You can tell that Anna puts a lot of thought and effort into every post she makes, and every day I find myself reading, laughing and lusting after what she has to say. 

Buy Now, Blog Later - http://www.buynowbloglater.com/

Laura's post always leave me wanting to make an effort with what I wear (then sleep get's in the way) as she always looks effortlessly chic and put together. Her blog was one of the first I came across and her fashion and make-up posts are still unrivaled in my opinion. 

Jemima&Ted -http://www.jemimaandted.com/

Kat's blog is a mixture of all things wonderful. Due to the fact she's an MUA you know you can trust any make-up post she makes, and her reviews are always in-depth and interesting. She looks fabulous in her latest fashion posts, and she also throws in the odd lifestyle post too - could you ask for more? 

YouTuber's

EssieButton - http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvFyPrPVotqsTlqxUmAOYRw

Estee's videos never disapoint on both her main channel and vlogging channel. Her videos always leave me with a smile on my face due to her infectious personality. Not only does she go into detail on products she talks about, she's not afraid to say when she doesn't have a clue what a product does. 

missglamorazzi - http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5zSySQab9SA6Wz569WDgqw

Ingrid was one of the first people I watched on YouTube and her videos are so great to watch. She puts so much effort into her videos and it definitely pays of as each video is so interesting and attention grabbing.

SACCONEJOLYs - http://www.youtube.com/user/LeFloofTV 

I only started watching the Saccone Joly's toward the end of last year and I love them. They're daily vloggers who show you snippets of their day EVERY Day, and when I say snippets, each video averages around 18 mins. That's so much effort and it really pays off as each video is so lovely to watch. 

Instagrammer's

Sprinkle of Glitr - http://instagram.com/sprinkleofglitr

I just want to say that I love all of Louise's social media platforms. I think she's a really inspirational woman and love all of her posts and videos. Her Instagram however is just so lovely, and I find myself liking every picture she posts. If you love babies and beauty go follow her.

kristina_bazan - http://instagram.com/kristina_bazan 

I've only just found Kristina's Instagram, but she has one of those Instagrams where you feel like you're living someone else life. Her life is so glamorous and her pictures showcase that. 

Rosie Londoner - http://instagram.com/rosielondoner

Rosie's Instagram is like a mini version of her blog and makes you hungry whilst being slightly envious of the glamorous snaps she puts up. It's a great Instagram of seeing what a blogger you like does in their spare time. 

Inspired By...

After receiving such lovely feedback from my last post (here) I thought it was about time I did another one.

The Jacket:

This was completely inspired by how gorgeous Shen looked in her post when she was wearing it. I just love the grey fleck style and for £16 from Asda I just couldn't say no.

The Lipstick: MAC Brick - O - La

I was desperate to get this after seeing Estee wearing it one of her videos. It looked so lovely on her, and I really like it. It is an amplified finish which I love (not that I have any other type, but I can still call it my favourite right?) It reminds me of a muted/more daytime friendly Doubennet, which we all know I love.

Brick - o -la  // Doubennet

The Eye Make-up:

I saw this look in Alix's New Years Eve Make-up Video and just loved the look it gave.

What have you been inspired by lately ?

Laura xoxo

Inspired By...

source

This is the first in which will hopefully be a new series on my blog, and was totally inspired by this post, from Siobhan . I'm sure we all have purchases in our collection that where bought solely because we saw someone blog about it, I know I have plenty. So I thought I'd show them here, with who inspired me to get them, and what I think about them.

After seeing Rachel wear this dress, I just had to pick it up. I love the colour and the style, and well, just the dress.

I'm sure everyone has seen Caroline's review of this product, and I am so glad I fell for the hype, it really is amazing.

I picked this up as I was in the need for a new hair mask, and I saw Fleur instagram a picture of it, so I thought I'd give it a go. At the moment I haven't seen much difference between this and the coconut oil I was using, which was cheaper. Saying that though, it is a nice product.

Have you bought anything based on a blogger hype?

Laura xoxo

2012 Favourites: Bloggers

For my final installments of favorites from the last year, I thought I'd end with the bloggers I've loved this year. I never thought I would be able to speak to so many like minded people, or create the friendships I have, so this post goes out to those people.



Rachel and Shen are two I have to put together, as they are the two I now class as truly good friends. Big loves x

Kelly

Laura

Lucy

Claudia

And I also want to mention Sleep and Water, but can't get a picture, but seriously, you need to check this blog out :)

Hope you've met some amazing bloggers too. Obviously there are loads more I could add to this list, but you would be here till next year.

Laura xoxo

Sunday Share

I feel like I'm mentioning this a lot of the moment, but hey, another time won't hurt. I am currently in Kent, probably with a massive hangover, celebrating one of my besties 21st! So with that in mind, I couldn't really do a What I Wore this Week post, but instead I'm doing a Sunday share, letting you know about some bloggers I love, and think you will love too!







1) First up, I have to mention the lovely Rachel. She is the first ever blog I
followed, and the first person to ever comment on my blog. Since then we
 have become not only 'bloggy' friends, but actual real life friends too, and I am so grateful for blogging, as she is just the greatest. Her blog is a mixture of delciously tempting cakes, gorgoues outfits, and amazing make-up posts. I also feel like I should mention Shen too, she has currently taken a blogging break, but again, is now a 'Real Life' friend too! Lots of love for those two girls!

http://treat-party.blogspot.co.uk/

2) Next up, I want to mention the lovely Lauren. Not only does she have a gorgeous blog, but she also has a Youtube channel too, which I just love to watch. She has recently become a qualified MUA  and I have loved hearing all her tips, and about her experience.


http://www.misslaurenalicephelan.com/

3)  Laura's blog is one which I find myself smiling too, the whole time I'm reading. She has a beautiful writing style and I gurantee you will be giggling away to yourself as you read each of her witty posts. I honestly get excited when I see she has a new post. She is just an amazing writer!

http://www.lauralaments.com/

4) Kelly is someone who just comes across as the most lovely person. Whether it is talking to her on twitter, or the lovely blog comments she leaves you can just tell that she is a good'un! Her blog contains wonderful reviews of products and snippets into her life, which usually includes something adorable! Go check her out!

http://andpeaches.blogspot.co.uk/

5) Sleep & Water. I am so sorry, but I can not find your name anywhere, but her blog is amazing. I've never seen, obviously, but I imagine make-up to just be coming out of drawers all over her house, she seems to have so much, it is truly admirable. She has also just visited New York, and the things she has bought look amazing. I am so excited to reading her, always amazing, reviews on the product.

http://sleepandwater.blogspot.co.uk/





6) Finally for this post I just had to mention the gorgeous Amelia. Her beauty posts are so well written and put together. She has a certain class about her which makes her blog that much more fun to read. So if you can get past how gorgeous she is, then definitely give her blog a follow.

http://liana-beauty.blogspot.co.uk/



So here are just a few of my favourite blogs, I obviously have a lot more, which hopefully I'll share over due course.

I would love to know what your favourite blog is :)

Laura xoxo