Thursday 31 March 2016

Disappointing Products

Now I am going to start off by saying that I am not usually one to moan and all of my posts on my blog so far have been very positive, but I feel it is only right of me to share some products that I don't like too so you don't waste your money on them. 



If you think I am using these products in the wrong way than let me know, so maybe I can get some better use out of them. 

Lush Lip Scrubs: I was so disappointed that these have not worked out for me as I love most things I buy from lush. Now I don't know if it just me I just do not find these scrubby enough for me. All I want to do when I put them on is lick them back off again, and this is what I end up doing half the time. The other time I do scrub them in and I just don't feel like it does anything significant to my lips. They do taste good though! 

Maybeline Dream Lumi Touch: Now this isn't just a problem with this highlighting concealer but all highlighting concealers. They are just not light enough for me. I realise I have pale skin but most of the time I wear fake tan and even then it doesn't show up much unless I have really gone to town with the bronzer. 

Benefit Porefessional: Luckily, I have only ever had sample sizes of this and I don't think I would ever buy the full size version as this seemed to nothing for me. I applied just like I would a normal primer, however, I did not see a difference in pore size and it didn't make my make-up last any longer. So really, there is no purpose for this product for me. 

Barry M Eyeliner: I really don't know why I still have this as I have it for ages now. I don't know whether I have just got a particularly dry version of this but I feel like I have to press down so hard to get any product to show that it actually hurts my eyes. I prefer something that glides on a lot more easily. 

Have you got any suggestions on what I can buy to replace these? 

See you soon. 
Jess

Tuesday 29 March 2016

Review: Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan Mousse

Since spring is officially here, and the sun has started to come out, it is time to get the fake tans out, to bronze up my pasty skin. During the winter I usually embrace my paleness, unless I am going out as I don't usually have my body out in the winter. 






First up to test is an oldie but a goodie, Cocoa Browns 1 Hour Tan by Marissa Carter. I have been using this for a good few years now and is my favourite for a quick and non-orange tan, which can be built up in a good few layers. 

Before I go any further on this product I am going to state what Cocoa Brown say this product can do: 


  • Accelerating ingredients means that this revolutionary, speedy self-tan develops into a rich Cocoa Brown colour in just 1 hour.
  • Once rinsed off, your tan will last 5-7days. 
  • Signature Tahitian Gardenia scent - No fake tan pong!
  • Moisturising and kind enough to be used on both face and body. 
  • Easy to apply mousse, fast-drying, non-stick and fades evenly. 
  • Vegetable derived DHA and no parabens = kind to sensitive skin
  • As always Cocoa Brown tan is brown not orange!
Now that we know what is suppose to happen I can tell you my personal experience. As always I prep my skin by exfoliating my skin with my favourite Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub. 

Then I applied a generous pump for each part of my limps, I applied this with a Cocoa brown mit (essential for not getting extremely brown hands) in a circular motions starting on my arms and moving down my body, passing it lightly over patches that tan tends to stick to. 

Now on to the important part. The colour. 



After one hour there is not much of a noticeable difference, I look slightly more bronzed but this is probably due to how pale I am. 



After two hours I am looking a lot more dark. 



By hour three, you can definitely notice a difference in my skin tone, and this is where you are meant to wash it off. But I find that if you can leave it as long as possible the longer it seems to last. 

Here is what I think: 

Positives: 
  • It does not streak or blotch in patches. 
  • The colour of the product is very natural looking.
  • It does start bronzing after 1 hour. 
  • It's good for pale skinned people as you can wash off whenever you are happy with the colour. 
Negatives: 
  • There is a slight fake tan smell. 
  • It lasts around four days on me. 
  • Probably not suitable for people of a darker skin tone.
For people who are more on the paler side, this is the perfect tan to make it look like you have spent a couple of weeks in the sun, it is also suitable for people who do not have much experience with tanning as it is very easy to apply. I think the tone of this is amazing and would love to try the dark one to see what that is like. 

Stay tuned for more fake tan reviews to see what I do and do not like. 

See you soon. 

Jess

x

Tuesday 22 March 2016

25 Get To Know Me Questions Tag

So today I thought I would do a tag post so that you an get to me know me a bit more. I know I have done a couple in the past here and here. But there is no harm in doing another one is there? I got this one from Megs blog

What is your middle name?
My middle name is Louise and is also part of my blog name. 

What was your favourite subject at school?
My favourite subject at school was politics, although I didn't start studying this until sixth form, I fell in love with the subject. And my biggest regret in life is not taking this at university.

What is your favourite drink? 
My favourite drink is by far diet coke, although I am trying to stop drinking this due to how bad it actually is for you, it is a struggle. 

What is your favourite song at the moment? 
My favourite song at the moment if Fifth Harmony - Work from Home. 

What is your favourite food? 
I have been thinking about this all day and I am not really sure, but I think it would have to be pizza orrrrr pasta, love them both so much. 

What is the last thing you bought? 
The last thing I bought was so food shopping for Waitrose. Exciting life I lead. 

Favourite book of all time? 
I think I will have to say PS I Love You. I know not the most grown up of books but it just gets me. 

Favourite colour?
Pink for sure. 

Do you have any pets? 
No,but when I move out I want two guinea pigs and a black pug. 



Favourite perfume? 
My favourite perfume is Michael Kors Sexy, but it is so expensive and I am saving it for special occasions only. 

Favourite holiday?
This is a hard choice, but I think when I went to Turkey last year. 

Are you married? 
No.

Have you ever been out of the country, if so how many times? 
Yes, I have and I think it is ten times, but I am not 100% sure. 

Do you speak any other language? 
No, but I wish I could.

How many siblings do you have?
I have one brother and one sister. 

What is your favourite shop?
I think it will have to be Asos, purely down to its great delivery serviceand the wide range of choice on the website.  

Favourite restaurant?
I am not sure on this, I don't think I have one restaurant that I would be my absolute favourite. 

When was the last time you cried? 
Last week, when I was watching The Danish Girl 

Favourite blog? 
This is a hard choice there are so many to choose. 

Favourite movie? 
Any Harry Potter movies. 

Favourite TV show?
All time favourite is Gossip Girl, current favourite is PLL. 

Pc or Mac? 
PC

What phone do you have?
Iphone 5s

How tall are you? 
5ft7 or 5ft8 I am not too sure. 

Can you cook? 
Yes I think anyone can cook as everyone can follow recipes, can't they? 

Hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about me, leave an interesting fact about you below. 

See you soon. 

Jess
x




Thursday 17 March 2016

Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner Review




So recently I have seen a lot about Organix in the blogging community and after reading many a good review about it I decided to pick up a conditioner from the range. The amount to choose from is quite overwhelming when you go into boots, but I settled for the Moroccan Argan Oil one as I thought it would be the most beneficial to my hair. 



About Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner
A unique, precious blend of Moroccan argan oil which helps to instantly penetrate the hair shaft restoring shine and softness while helping to strengthen and create soft, seductive, silky perfection. 

How To Use
After shampooing with OGX shampoo, apply OGX conditioner generously to the hair, working through ends. Wait 3-5 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly. For best results, use in conjunction with other OGX products. 

Ingredients
Water, Benhentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycol Stearate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Parfum, Argan Kernal Oil, Cocoa Butter Extract, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Aloe Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Tetrasodium EDTA, DMDM Hydanotim, Methylchlorothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Red 40, Yellow 5, Benzyl Benzonate, Linalool

Price 
£6.99 for 385ml bottle, although there are always discounts. 



Review and My Experience
I have quite thin wavy hair. This means I do not require that much conditioner as it can get weighed down by product. As I said before, I have heard a lot about this range and as people also rave on about argan oil I thought why not try both, surely I can't go wrong with that.

This comes in a plastic blue bottle with a flip lid, which I like, but the size and shape of the bottle make it inconvenient to travel with although I think you can buy a 60ml size too. This conditioner is actually quite thick, so I have to be sure that I have washed it all out. It also has a pleasant fruity smell to it.  

After using this I would definitely like to try different products from the range and would defiantly repurchase this.  

See you soon. 

Jess
x


Wednesday 9 March 2016

What I Ate Wednesday {09.03.2016}

I am sorry for the lack of blog post this week, but I have been struggling to sleep recently so I thought that at the weekend instead of taking hundreds of pictures and planning blogposts, that I would take a weekend for my self for relaxation and binge watching Netflix, we all need weekends like this once in a while right? On top of all this my work load has seriously stepped up at work this week and I have started teaching myself for some exams that I need to pass at work. Sorry that I have started this blogpost all boring and moany, on to what you are here for.... the food!







Breakfast (6am) Breakfast was porridge made with semi skimmed milk, four deri dates chopped up and some cinnamon. I also drank a pint of water with my breakfast and a white coffee when I got to work. 



Lunch (12pm) Lunch was a wholemeal bagel, I had wanted a seeded bagel but I couldn't seem to find these anywhere, with Philadelphia cream cheese, smoked salmon and cucumber, I had also had some water now too, although I am not sure how much as I forget to count when I am at work. 



Snack (4:30pm) In the afternoon, just before I go home I had a snack of natural yoghurt with raspberries and blueberries with a little bit of cinnamon too. I have kinda become obsessed with cinnamon and I am going through the pot at a rather alarming rate!!!!



Dinner (7pm) For dinner I had spaghetti carbonara with bacon, this is not one of my favourite meals, but seeing as everyone else in y family likes I sacrifice myself to having it every once in a while to keep them happy. I also drank 400ml of water with my dinner. After my dinner is also when I did my work out which was a 2 mile power walk and then the Lower Body Quick Workout by Lucy. 



Pudding (9pm) As a treat and because I was craving something sweet, although I am always craving something sweet, I had a white chocolate and cranberry cookie from Waitrose which I saw on one of Anna Sacconnes vlogs, it has to be one of the best shop bought cookies I have ever had so think and chewy. Shame it only comes in packs of five. :p I had it with another 400ml of water and that was it for today!

What did you eat today? 

See you soon. 

Jess
x

Sunday 6 March 2016

Bobbi Brown Art Sticks Photos and Swatches



So today I thought I would do a quick post on my recently purchased Bobbi Brown Art Sticks in Rose Brown and Dusty Pink. As I have not had these for very long there is not much for me to say about them, but I wanted you to see them as I think the shades are just so beautiful. 



I think they would look good on their own and on top of each other and as they are pencil, there is no need for liner either. Win!!!!! Also very helpfully there is also a sharpener included with each pencil, so need to rush and buy a bigger sharpener. 




Hopefully I will be back later in the week with a little more of a detailed post for you all but until then.... 

See you soon. 

Jess
x

Friday 4 March 2016

Review: Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner in Trooper

So kindly, after my friend (Jessica, The Northerner) came back from travelling she bought me a couple of things from the Sephora in Dubai. What is even more strange about it is the fact that I had tweeted just a couple of weeks before saying how much I wanted this eyeliner, little did I know that she had already bought it for me. And for me this has lived up to all of the hype. 



This is what the packaging looks like, the box itself is beautiful and even though I have had this for around a month, is the reason I still have it. I love to keep the boxes of things until they become all broken and torn, then I finally make myself chuck them away. (Weird fact about me there) 



Here is a closer look at the tip of the brush, it is a pen style so is very easy to use and means even unprofessional eyeliner applier like me can do still use it and not go completely wrong. 



I have drawn a number of different lines on my hand so you can see all of the different widths of line you can do. As you can see it also very black in colour. 



The second picture is after I rubbed over the eyeliner, as you can see they look almost exactly the same. 

This truly shows the staying power of this eyeliner. For some reason makeup never seems to last very long on me, well it probably does but I have very long days at work and so I never feel like it does but even this will last over twelve hours and will be still be on my lids when I come to take it off at the end of the day. 

This is my favourite liquid liner and I would recommend everyone to try it, although I know it is very hard to come by in the UK. So maybe if you are near a Sephora definitely pick it up especially if you love your liners. 

I will try and do a makeup tutorial soon with it.

See you soon, 

Jess
x

Wednesday 2 March 2016

What I Ate Wednesday {02.03.2016}

So today I have my first ever What I Ate Wednesday, I thought this would be a nice change from my fitness posts that I have been doing recently. 



Breakfast (6am): For my breakfast I have a bowl of porridge made with semi skimmed milk, four dates chopped up and a pinch on cinnamon. This is my usual breakfast that I have in the morning, as it is very filling and the dates are super sweet, I actually cannot believe they count towards your five a day. I also have a pint of water with my breakfast. 



Snack (11am): I know this is quite late for a snack, but I was so hungry and couldn't wait the extra hour until lunch. So I had seven cherry tomatoes with cream cheese in the middle of them. I try not to put too much cream cheese inside as I still want to be healthy. During the time between breakfast and lunch I drank 500ml of water. 



Lunch (12pm): For my lunch I had a lovely salad which consists of rocket, pepper, avocado, cucumber and feta cheese with a little lemon juice over the top to try and keep it fresh. I also have a wholewheat pitta with it as I can't not have carbs. I actually didn't manage to eat all of this, obviously I thought I could eat more than I actually could. 



Snack (2pm): I always like to have a fruit salad in the afternoon, I think all of the good sugars are nice pick me up for the rest of the afternoon, in todays one I had mango, kiwi, raspberries and blueberries. I also have 200ml of water and naughtily I also had a can of diet coke. If anyone has any ideas on how to get me to stop drinking these, I'd love the advice. 



Tea (7pm): For dinner, I had a rather simple of meal of chicken with lemon and black pepper, half a jacket potato, with carrots and cabbage. Sorry about the quality of this photo but I was so hungry I was desperate just to start eating. And, also yes, that is a ridiculously big piece of chicken but it tasted so good. I also had another 400ml of water with my tea. 

After my tea was also when I did my workout I usually allow an hour before I start working out. I did a 100 high knees, a two mile run and Lucy's Lower Body Quick Workout. I also drank another 400ml of water whilst doing this. 



Dessert (9pm): After my workout, I felt like I needed a little treat so I treated myself to four chocolate hob nobs, I know this is probably not the best post-workout snack but it was very tasty and that is all that matters, right? I also had another 400ml of water. 

What did you eat today? 

See you soon. 

Jess
x