Lauren Victoria | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

My Favourite Lipsticks

(Left to Right: Rimmel London - As You Want Victoria, MUA - Shade 2, Rimmel London Kate Moss - 03, Mac - Snob and Maybelline New York Color Whisper - Pink Possibilities.)

I thought I would share with you some of my favourite lipsticks and the ones that I go to the most from my own makeup collection. Lipsticks are probably one of my favourite makeup products as they quickly help to change a look and there is just so many different ones out there to try. The products that I have selected from my collection are mainly drugstore which means they are super affordable and great for those who are on a low budget.

Rimmel London Moisture Renew - As You Want Victoria

The name of this lipstick was the first thing that instantly drew me to it! As you can probably guess from my blog name, Victoria is my middle name and therefore I just had to purchase this because of the personal touch I felt from it (Is that weird?). Not only is the name of the shade great, I absolutely love the colour of this lipstick. It is very vibrant dark pink colour that would work well on all skin tones. Because this shade is so out there, I only tend to wear this when going out during the evening/night. The only slight issue I have is that it smudges quite a lot when applying it and when it is on because it is a moisturising lipstick. Therefore, you have to be extra careful.

MUA - Shade 02:

If you love a bargain, then you'll absolutely the lipsticks that Mua (Makeup Academy) have to offer. They are super cheap at only £1 each and for what they are worth they are so long lasting. I definitely need to purchase more of these. This shade is my autumn go to lipstick because of the gorgeous plum colour it creates. I literally love the colour of it on my lips and how it really suits my skin tone, as well as the colour of my eyes. They're also actually really moisturising on the lips, which is quite surprising for a lipstick that is only £1!!!

Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Moss - 03

Is it bad that this happens to be the only nude lipstick I actually own? I much prefer shades of colour when it comes to lipstick rather than nudes. However, I do really like this nude lipstick and it works really well as a autumn/winter nude. It's quite a dark natural that can be worn during the day or at night. Also because it is quite dark, it is not too out of the way when applied on lighter skin tone, there it is a great bonus.

Mac - Snob

This is my absolutely all time favourite lipstick that I own and use most of the time, because I literally in love with it. As you can probably see, it's beginning to run out and I definitely am thinking of repurchasing this when it is gone completely, as I don't think I can quite be with out it. It's a gorgeous light pink colour with slight purple undertones to it which is perfect for spring/summer. In my opinion, I don't think that it's too 'Barbie bright' as others may suggest and I think it compliments my skin/lips well. Also the staying power of this lipstick is amazing and so worth the money. It does not feel drying on the lips either, which is great as I sometimes can get dry lips, especially in the cooler months.

Maybelline New York Color Whisper by Color Sensational - Pink Possibilities:

My friend kindly picked me up this lipstick whilst she was in America last year. This is one of the lipsticks that is more suited to the summer as opposed to autumn/winter. It is more of a mid-tone pink and can be built up to make a stronger colour on the lips. One of the reasons why I like this lipstick so much is how moisturising it is on the lips and how much it reminds me of a balm as opposed to a lipstick because of the texture. Also I love how quick and easy it is to apply because it just glides onto the lips.

What are some of your favourite lipsticks from your own collection? Has this post made you want to invest in the lipsticks above or maybe add more to your collection? Let me know.

I apologise for the low quality of these pictures. We have been having the worst weather in the UK recently and could not waste anymore days delaying my post for this week for sunny natural lighting to make an appearance, so I could actually take my pictures. I hope they're not too bad though!

Thank you for reading,

Lauren x

Share |

Pinspired Fashion #1:

fashion blogger fbloggers style trends 11:30

Pinterest is one of the places that I go to find inspiration for all sorts of things such as style inspiration, hair looks, interior ideas and so much more. I thought that I would share you with some of the fashion/style looks I have been loving recently in a new blog series called 'Pinspired Fashion'. The main part of the series is to recreate inspired looks that I have seen on pinterest with items that are avaliable in stores at the moment. This way it means you can recreate the looks for yourselves by purchasing similar items to what inspiration I have found on Pinterest.

For the first installment I have decided to take inspirational style looks from Pinterest that would be great to wear during the late summer and into the early autumn. The kind of outfits that are perfect for when it starts getting that little bit cooler and the sun sets a lot earlier than you have been use to. Also I want to find looks that you can also recreate that are great for slowly transitioning from the summer into the autumn without having to make a drastic change to your wardrobe.

1. Stiped Cotton Top // 2. Wide Jersey Top // 3. Ripped Jamie Jeans // 4. Pointed Flat Shoes

I personally think that this inspired look is great for late summer and is a very casual look that would be great for everyday wear. The use of the long sleeved striped top is a great added feature to the look, as it can be great for layering when it it gets slightly cooler and brings the outfit together as a whole. Also I think having black items in this look, even if it it only minimal, is a great way to slowly get use to wearing darker colours again as autumn approaches. You could also add in a black shoulder bag or black accessories to give the look a little something extra!

Khaki Loving| Pinterest Inspo| laurennvictoriaa

1. Khaki Waterfall Jacket // 2. Black Peeptoe Cut Out Boots // 3. Washed Black Ripped Jeans // 4. Black and Rose Gold Watch // 5. Natural White Satin Blouse

This is a great look for a slight transition into autumn by bringing in a khaki waterfall styled jacket and some peetoe cut out boots. By adding these slight features to an outfit that could be worn during the summer for more casual-dressy events, it has enabled that slow transition to take place without having to completely go for a drastic change in outfit. Also khaki is a really versatile colour as it can be worn throughout all different seasons so it is also a great way to ease into the new season. With this look, I have paired the outfit with a black and rose gold watch. If you wanted to add more additional features to the overall look, you could add more gold accessories and even a bag back of any style.

Autumn Mix| Pinterest Inspo| laurennvictoriaa

1. Black Fine Knit Jumper // 2. Camel Pocket A-Line Mini Skirt // 3. Black Chelsea Boots // 4. Oxblood Fedora Hat // 5. Black Fringe Saddle Bag

Out of all the three looks, this look is definitely relating to the kind of theme and colours associated with autumn. This would be a great outfit choice for when it really starts to feel like autumn and could be worn as a great starter look for the beginning of this season. By bringing in the different mix of colours (camel, black and deep red) it has created that autumn feel to the outfit and a great chance to step away from the colours we have associated with the past season. Camel has been a huge trend for the past two seasons and will continue on into the a/w season, so having this camel colour feature in the look has kept the outfit stylish and on point.

I really had fun recreating these looks and thinking about some of the pieces that I am going to be after for the new season. I absolutely love new season shopping! Any excuse to shop and buy new clothes really.

What was your favourite look? What are some of the looks you're loving at the moment as we head into autumn and away from summer?

Thanks for reading,

Lauren x

Share |

Makeup Revolution Golden Sugar Ultra Blush Palette Review:

bloggers bbloggers ukbloggers makeup revolution goldensugar ultrabush palette review 11:30

Share |

Things To Do When Feeling Stressed:

lifestyle lbloggers blogger stress help anxiety minimize beauty products pamper writing adult colouring talking tips tricks benefits 12:00

We all go through stages in life when we're feeling a little run down and stressed, due to things such as school, college, work, exams, money etc. I have decided today to share with you some things you can do and some hopefully useful tips to use to minimize stress when this feeling occurs throughout everyday life. I find some of these things help me when I am stressed about something or have bad anxiety.

PAMPER YOURSELF:

There is nothing wrong with wanting to pamper yourself and spend sometime relaxing during a stressful time. One of the things that I love to do to help me relax and forget my worries is take a long hot bubble bath. Using a bath bomb or bath melts can be a great way to create bubbles or add something extra to plain boring bath water. I have featured the Zoella Beauty Fizz Bar Fragranced Bath Fizzer which can be used to create lots of bubbles in your bath, as well as making the bath smell really good! Also to make your bathroom space extra relaxing, feel free to light your favourite scented candle. I also like to use some products to make my skin feel and look better in the bath and when I have come out, for example I like to use a scrub once in a while, such as the Soap&Glory Sugar Crush body scrub (The sugar crush range is my all time favourite as it just smells so good!!!!) to soothe and hydrate the skin, especially good for those who suffer with dry skin. Also I like to use moisturising products , whether that be a hand cream or face cream to help keep my skin feeling soft and minimize dry areas. This will help you to lift your mood knowing that you're taking some time out to treat yourself and know that you will gain results from looking after your skin. When we're stressed, it's not only our mind that suffers, our body can also react to stress in a negative way, so making sure you take care of it is essential.

Another activity you could carry out when pampering yourself to reduce stress is give yourself a manicure or a pedicure. You don't need all the tools to be able to do this, simply grab some nail polish remover, a top and bottom coat, your choice of coloured nail polish and a nail file if neccessary. This can be very relaxing as it gets you to focus on the task at hand rather than your stresses. You could also even apply a face mask and sit down with a magazine to read until it's time to peel it off.

ADULT COLOURING:

These books have become increasingly popular recently. I believe they are a great aid to use when feeling stressed and can be a quick and great way to engage your brain to reach a good level of calmness. Some may see these as childish and unuseful, but I think if you use them in the sense for therapy purposes or when you're feeling stressed, they can actually be a great method of relaxation. What's the harm in sitting quietly by yourself, picking up some colours and being creative to relax your mind, as well as your body.

WRITING:

Sometimes writing down how you feel can be a great way to get whatever is on your chest, out in the open, without actually having to verbally communicate how you feel to someone else and having to worry what other people are going to think. I know we shouldn't worry about what others think about us and we should do whatever makes us happy, but we're only human and of course sometimes we're going to be concerned about people's opinions on the things we do and feel. Writing down how you feel and your thoughts can be great for concentrating on the words and allowing them to flow out of your mind onto the paper. Also writing can help you see things better and think straight when it comes to overcoming problems, rather than acting on the way you feel, such as anger or hurt. For me personally, before I'm about to sleep and during the night is when I am the most stressed and it means that I have trouble either getting to sleep or staying asleep. By having a notepad and pen beside my bed, it means I can quietly and easily use it to write down the way I'm feeling without making too much noise, disturbing people or struggling to try get to sleep when my mind is over analysing every thought.

TALKING:

If you feel confident enough and have someone that would be willing to listen to you without judging, then talking about the way you feel and seeking advice from another person like a friend, parent, sibling, family member, boyfriend or girlfriend, teacher, a work collegue, anyone that you feel you can trust and are close to, can be useful in times of stress. They may be able to help guide you in the right direction by offering you support and advice on some of the matters that are worrying you. Or just even by expressing your emotions and your thoughts to someone else can help clear your head from whatever was bothering. You might even agree to plan something fun with this person to cheer yourself up and make you feel better. Also you don't even have to meet them in person, you could simply just talk to them on text or ring them up for a chat.

OTHER TIPS:

Take each step to overcoming obstacles slowly and make sure that whatever you are trying to achieve is actually achievable. This will help you overcome your stresses without causing more problems for yourself. This can be done by planning out exactly what it is that you need to do to overcome your issue and making sure that you are careful when doing so. If it doesn't work out, you can always try again.
Exercising or mediating can be a great way to reduce stress when it's at any level. Deep breathing when mediating can help to slow your heart rate and blood pressure, therefore in times of stress this trick can be beneficial when you have got yourself into a bit of a panic. When it comes to exercising, you don't have to go on a five mile run to try reduce your stress, simply going for a walk, bike ride or doing some yoga can help to release good chemicals into the body which will ensure you to feel better. This can be done with a friend to make it more enjoyable.

I hope that some of these activities or tips that I have mentioned will be beneficial to at least someone in times of stressful situations and when you're feeling worried.

Do you have any personal tips to manage stress and relax?

Let me know,

Thank you for reading,

Lauren xx

Share |

A day at the zoo and OOTD:

lifestyle day out zoo ootd fashion bloggers fbloggers lbloggers style animals blog post 12:00

Share |

Missguided New In Picks (July 2015):

2015 11:30

Share |

L'oreal True Match Foundation Review:

11:20

I finally got round to trying out the new foundation I bought and thought I would share with you a review of the L'oreal True Match Foundation. I bought it in the shade C2 Vanielle Rosé from Superdrug for £9.99.

About the product:

It is a foundation that offers a unique palette of 23 skin-true shades. The main aims of this product is to create a natural looking skin-true colour without leaving tidemarks and to provide an outstanding coverage without caking. It is a 30ml glass bottle with a pump provided for easy application, as well as containing an SPF of 17.

(Left: C2 Vanielle Rosé before blending. Right: After blending.)

Likes:

Good size bottle with pump provided which means easy application and an average amount of liquid comes out of the pump for the first application.
Lots of different shades choices to suit all different skin tones from cool, neutral and warm. There is something to suit everyone and it hits the aim of being true to the colour of your skin.
Blends fairly easy and can be improved if the correct blending brush is used.
It is compact and would be easy to fit into different size makeup bags.
The foundation lasts for a really good amount of time, for me personally it lasted around 5/6 hours before I noticed any signs of if wearing off around and the first area was my chin.
Provides a medium coverage and another pump can be added to build coverage.

Dislikes:

If you have dry skin (which unfortunately I do), some areas of dryness where the foundation has been applied can accentuate these dry patches and can cause your skin to appear cakey.
Packaging becomes dirty easy and is noticable if not cleaned.
If after a high coverage, the foundation does need to be built up to achieve this. However it can be quickly achieved with just two applications.
Can possibly be too expensive for those on a budget or just starting with makeup.

Verdit:

Overall, I believe that this foundation is very good for everyday use and for a medium coverage that is going to last you a good few hours of the day. It can be used to build up to more of a higher coverage if desired by another application. Also I like how there is a wide range of shades to choose from and helps to make matching your skin tone to the product a lot easier than some other foundations that only have a few shades.

Although some could argue not to use this foundation if you have dry skin because of the matte finish and the appearence of dry areas, a good moisturiser and primer can be used to avoid these areas from being highlighted and instead can help to reduce these areas.

I probably would recommend this product to any drugstore foundation lovers because of how long it lasts, the coverage, the variety of shades and how easy it is to blend onto the skin. However I would say to be careful to those who do have dry skin or are prone to dry areas, to use a moisturiser and primer before using this product to get the best results from this foundation to avoid the negative results of looking dry and cakey.

Have you tried the L'Oreal True Match Foundation? If so, what are your thoughts on the product?

Thanks for reading,

Lauren x

Share |

June Haul (2015):

10:01

Today I thought I would share you with a few pieces that I have purchased over the month of June in a haul post since it is already the first day of July. I can't believe how fast this year has gone!
Some of the items include beauty bits, accessories and a few clothing items. Although due to job hunting and a lack of money, I haven't been able to purchase more bits so this post may come across as a bit sparse.

BEAUTY:

L'oréal Paris true match foundation in C2 Vanille Rose (£9.99): I have been wanting a new foundation for ages since the one I had been using was just not doing it for me anymore. I decided to sit tight until it ran out and then I began the hunt of a new foundation product I wanted to try. After searching the web and heading into my local Boots and Superdrug, I finally made the decision that I wanted to try the L'oréal Paris true match foundation and I believe it is a fairly affordable price compared to other foundations on the market. I have yet to try it because I have been trying to leave my face makeup free because of the lovely warm weather we have been having. But I have high hopes that this will be great! I plan on trying this very soon and am thinking of posting a review so stay tuned for that.

Maybelline New York Color Show power red nail polish (£2.99): I love the color show nail polishes they are a close favourite of mine to the Barry M ones as for me they are long lasting and don't cheap easily. The red polish I had been using previously was very old and the brush had dried up, which meant it was difficult to even paint my nails with it let alone making them look nice. Because of this I knew I had to repurchase a new red colour and I decided to pick this one from Maybelline New York because it is super cheap at only £2.99!!! With a price like that, you can't really go wrong, can you?

Maybelline New York the colossal go extreme mascara (£6.99): This mascara is probably one of the best mascara's I have ever purchased and I have tried quite a lot. I have been using this mascara for over a year now and I have not tried any others in between this, instead I have just been repurchasing it every time it runs out. It really helps to volumize your eyelashes and you can great a coverage in no time with only a few strokes of the brush. Also it really helps to define them and does not make them look clumpy at all. I would really recommend this mascara if you're after something that look's natural, yet gives you that extra added volume that you are looking for. Also it is soooo cheap!!

Rimmel London proffessional eyebrow pencil in 001 Dark Brown (£2.99): When it comes to filling in your brows, I always used an eyeshadow that matched my eyebrow colour and an angled brow brush to do so. However the eyeshadow I had been using had hit pan really bad and I felt bad every time I used it that it was getting so low. Therefore, I decided to invest in an eyebrow pencil as alternative. I'll be honest the idea of using a pencil on my eyebrows was a bit daunting for me since the last time I used one I had no idea what I was doing and the pencil I had previously used made me look like I had two slugs on my face. However, I was pretty impressed with how successful this eyebrow pencil from Rimmel was. It so easy to use and because the pencil is fairly thick, it makes it quick and easy to apply straight onto the hairs. Also I was so surprised out how defined they looked compared to when I had been using just an eyeshadow. I would definitely recommend this brow product to anyone who is wanting to find something quick and easy to use to fill in your brows.

FASHION:

Primark black cropped bardot off the shoulder top (£2.00): The picture does not really give this top any justice. But on it look's so chic. Also I absolutely love the style of this top and off the shoulder tops are very on trend at the moment so it is definitely a must have for the summer. I already thought I was getting a bargain with this top when the price of this was originally supposed to be £5.00 until I got to the till to pay and the price came up as only being £2.00!! It's a piece that you could pair so many different items such as some denim shorts, some ripped high waisted skinny jeans or if you're really brave some floral print high waisted flared trousers.

Primark preppy round sunglasses (£2.00): I really wanted some new sunglasses for summer so I took to Primark to find some cheap ones as I have mentioned being unemployed is not great when you're a shopaholic like me. I've never really had any sunglasses this style or colour before so I thought it would be something different for a change and try something new because what's the harm in that? I was worried they may be too big for my face as I am petite, but they don't look out of place and feel comfortable.

Light blue and camel New Look wrap front sleeveless tops (£14.99 each): I first off saw the light blue one and fell in love with it. I have been wanting a top like this for ages because it was a style that I had never tried before and fancied changing up my typical everyday looks. One of the main reasons why I love this item is because you have the choice of whether you want to style it up in the evening or down for an everyday kind of look. I styled the light blue top with some black high waisted skinny ripped at the knee jeans, a black leather jacket and some black snake skin flats. If you wanted to dress it up you could pair it with some white jeans, a clutch bag and some heeled sandals which would be perfect for the summer evening! Also I feel like I have picked up two affordable tops that only come to just under £30 as apposed to buying a top from Topshop for example which sometimes can cost you this amount or more for one item. It's basically a win win situation.

Primark sports bra (£3.50): This next piece isn't necessarily 'fashion' but I thought I would show it anyway. I have been wanting to exercise more since January when I set new years resolutions for myself. Although it's now the end of June and half way through the year already, I finally plucked up the courage and made the first step of going for a run with my boyfriend the other day. Of course this meant I came up with the excuse that I needed the appropriate running wear for the task in hand. I know I'm not going to be heading to the gym anytime soon with the lack of money I have, so I took to Primark to find some cheap clothing and found this plain but fits the job sports bra. It is so comfortable and does not feel tight around the 'chest area' so I would really recommend going to Primark if you want some cheap sportswear that will do the job if you only plan to do some form of exercise a few hours each week.

I hope you enjoyed viewing some of the products I have purchased over the month of june, let me know what you thought about this post and if you would be interested in monthly haul posts?

Thank you for reading,

Lauren x

Share |

Wedding Outfit Ideas (Summer 2015):

asos 15:30

Despite living in the UK with mild temperatures and rain on most days of the week, summer is finally here and that means lot's of different summer events will be taking place over the next few months. If you're lucky enough, you might be heading to a wedding this summer and need some ideas as to what to wear to suit the occasion, as well as being prepared for the ever changing weather.

I have decided to put together some outfits to meet with these requirements and help gives those of you who may be off to a wedding some outfit inspiration you could consider for the big day. (All pieces are linked under the outfit pictures, in the numbers that correspond with the number in the picture)

1|2|3|4|5|6

LOOK #1:

This first look I've put together is a very smart yet causal look, that would be very suitable for both the reception and the main ceremony of a wedding. It consists of some plain white cigarette trousers, a white high neck floral scallop hem top with hints of pastel blues, pink and purple, a pink waterfall blazer that can be worn if it is a little cooler on the day or outside later in the evening at a garden wedding, silver metallic pointed ankle strap heels, a snake skin hologram clutch bag and a silver bar bracelet.

I believe this look screams sophistication, yet it is so simple and so easy to wear that it could be pulled off by many. There is a clear consistent colour scheme within this outfit such as the touches of pink in the top and blazer, as well as the metallic based accessories and shoes that help to make the look not look so plain or make you clash with the bride. Also the added floral design helps to keep the resemblance of the summer wedding occasion look the main goal.

1|2|3|4|5|6

LOOK #2:
This next look involves a white crochet crop top, a bright blue 60's floral print pelmet skirt, white leather ankle strap heels, a leather messenger bag with tassels, a Olivia Burton big dial rose gold watch and a geo charm necklace. I think this is a very airy and bright outfit that would be perfect for a summer wedding. I think it is a very dress yet could be classed as more casual for a wedding look. Just like the previous outfit, the floral design helps to make that theme of summer apparent. Also I thought it would be great to add some gold accessories to this look to add a touch of glamour to the overall look.

An outfit like this would be perfect for a summer wedding outside or somewhere hot abroad maybe because the colour's and the minimal amount of coverage suit the feel of the location or event. You could also add a kimono or a denim jacket over this for cooler locations. Also you could swap the heels for some sandals if you wish to feel more comfortable or want to add a casual touch to the look.

1|2|3|4|5
LOOK #3:
For this look I have decided to up the glamour and sophistication by using the red bardot pencil dress with laser cutwork detail as the statement piece in this look. This garment is on trend with the bardot style and is great for the summer time! I have decided to then pair this dress with a range of gold accessories to add to that desired stylish look. I believe gold is great for reflecting the warmer feel of the summer time. These accessories include ankle stap heels, a leather soft ziptop bag, a ridge cuff and a statement double cresent necklace.

This is a very affordable and easy look to put together, you could even decide to change the accessories by swapping them for silver pieces or adding more elements of red to the outfit, if you did not want to have the dress as the statement piece.

1|2|3|4

LOOK #4:

The final look I have I think is such an elegant yet edgy look that shows a different contrast. It is made up of this very pretty fresh blue lace dress style play suit that could even be considered an off lilac. I absolutely love this and think it is so perfect for a wedding with the lace material and how feminine the overall feel the play suit has. However, I have paired it with some black laser cut out lace up heels that give the look and add edge to it. These shoes are so on trend at the moment and will be perfect to add something different to the look. Also I have paired these pieces with a winged tote bag and a gold short necklace.

I wanted to keep this look simple because of the difference the shoes and the dress have with one another but in my opinion I think they work well together. That is one of the reasons why I decided to add minimal accessories to this look so it is not so overpowering and causes heads to turn to you instead of the bride on the day. If you don't feel like the shoes are appropriate, you could swap them for some nude courts or some flat sandals to give the look a more toned down feel.

And there you go, four outfit ideas that are perfect for the summer wedding season. I'd love to hear what you think about them. Leave me a comment below.

Are any of you off to a wedding in the next couple of months?

Why not let me know what look you are planning for the big day?

Thanks for reading,

Lauren x

Share |