Sunday 27 October 2013

Update

Iya! I mentioned in my last post that my next few posts could be everywhere. I was going to get something posted during Friday. As I mentioned though I moved house that day and BT have different ideas and mustn't want me to blog. *sighs* Our broadband and landline are both not working even though evgad an engineer out to fit them so I am not very impressed! 

Anyway though.. What's coming up on my blog? Homeware hauls, what's in my make up bag, beauty hauls, room tour and I've got the Christmas bug (I caught it when I started purchasing winter clothes if I'm honest). 

Hopefully it will be sorted asap but we're looking at Friday sadly before someone can get out to us.

Lauren x

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Wishlist - Fashion/Beauty Edition #2

Hello again. Another wishlist as what girl is never craving new purchases. I'm typing this out lying in bed feeling sorry for myself as the dreaded sore throat/cold bug has hit me, two days before I move house and three gigs upcoming in the next week! So apologies in advance if posts are a little scattered and somewhat not very organised. I'm aiming to post every two days but you know what it's like when life grabs you with two hands and gives you a good shake, before you even realise it's Monday all over again. Anyway, enough rambling..

#10
Motel Tabitha Playsuit  | ASOS Satchel BagEssie Poor Lil' Rich Girl | H&M Loafers 
Phix Clothing Who The F$ck Is Liam Gallagher Tee |

So this wishlist is a little fashion heavy but I've been lusting after most of this for a while!


This long sleeved paisley print playsuit from Motel Rocks is soooo needed in my life. Long sleeves are a big yes in my book for Autumn/Winter for obvious reasons and you might already be aware of my love for crazy 60's prints such as paisley. Priced at £48 but I'd say it's worth it as I'd wear it so much! 


I've been lusting after this scalloped detailing edged satchel bag from ASOS for a few months now. It's got a real elegant-chic feel about it and everyone knows black goes with everything so straight away it would match up to anything in my wardrobe. I'm just waiting for the day it accidentally ends up in my online haul session - which tends to happen an awful lot anyway!

I've been dying to get myself a new shade of burgundy red polish for a while as my Barry M in Raspberry has seen better days now. This is quite a deeper red however I am so in need of it but I can only seem to find it on places like Amazon now, booooo!

As a massive loafer fan I'm always on the lookout for a modern twist on a classic. As I have to wear black shoes for work as part of my uniform as well a good comfy pair of loafers can never go a miss. I think these from H&M are reasonably priced also at £19.99!

Finally, a little bit of a risky tee but I love Liam Gallagher and I love the reasoning and musical history behind this! Keith Richards was seen sporting this a few years back now but about fellow band member Mick Jagger - and has since become something quite iconic. So when Reni of The Stone Roses walked out holding this very t-shirt at a gig back in June I knew I had to find it. Well I did just that, so I give you the kings of slogan tees - Phix Clothing.

What are you lusting over right now?




Monday 21 October 2013

Avon Mega Effects Mascara & More


Avon is one of them brands that's always been around me in my home for as long as I can remember. I feel like they have really come into their own recently and the quality of the products has really improved over the years. So when flicking through the latest brochure I was easily drawn to the new Mega Effects Mascara. I was a massive fan of the SuperExtend Extreme Mascara (which I still need to repurchase) so I thought I'd give this a whirl!

If I'm honest with you I wasn't sure what to expect with this mascara, it's so different from anything I have ever seen before on the mascara front. When it did arrive I had a bit of a struggle working out how to even remove the mascara wand from the product (I think that might of been me just being a little bit slow though!) What I will have to state straight from the off is that this mascara will need a little practise to get the best results for you - so don't test it when you're in a rush! I know there is some very mixed reviews lying around in the internet world but I do strongly believe it's down to a bit of practise, not first impressions. I find that the applicator really gets down to the lash line, unlike many other mascaras. The sizing of it is also quite intriguing, a brilliant size to stick in your handbag for those who like to travel light! On a whole I'd probably repurchase this.

Now one of the things that might of drawn me to this mascara was the free gift bag Avon were offering and a girl can't turn down free beauty products can she? Behold the free stuff I couldn't say no to..
Eyeshadow Brush with Smudger (no longer available)

My Top Pick:

This has now become my everyday eye primer. It's smooth and glides easily onto the eye lid. Really helps let my eye make-up last all day long, no touch ups whatsoever. Comes in the one shade of Light Beige. 
Swatched! Slightly darker than my skin tone but once worked into the skin you couldn't notice any difference at all!

What Avon products do you love or haven't you tried the brand out just yet?

Wednesday 16 October 2013

Clinique Goodies

Last week I discovered Debenhams had an offer on the Clinique range they stock. Buy any two items (one has to be skincare) and get a free gift set. I believe this offer is only running actually in stores and I think it ends the 20 something of October, my memory is lacking! Either way I'd get to your nearest Debenhams sooner rather later if you want your slice of the action! I actually took time to work out how much this free gift was worth and was slightly shocked to see around the £50 mark - for 6 small products (pretty much sample sizes) and a patterned cosmetics/toiletries bag - call it what you may.

The cosmetics bag. Simple bright pattern! 



Swatched! Left to right: Blushing Blush Powder - Iced Lotus | Chubby Stick Intense - 05 Plushest Punch

So I got my hands on this just under a week ago and I've decided on my top picks:
The blusher -  A lovely frosted and shimmery shade of pink with a hint of purple tones to it, ideal for the earlier stages of the autumn season.
The eye cream - Claims to reduce puffs and circles and I've got to say applying this before my make up has left me looking more awake when I'm really not!
The mascara - Brilliant for a simple lengthen to your lashes for a natural eye look perhaps.

What are your favourite Clinique products?




Tuesday 15 October 2013

Liebster Award


IYA! The very lovely Ava and Gem both nominated me for a Liebster Award which I was made up about. So thank you very much Ava and Gem for that! You should definitely check Ava's blog out as I am obsessed with her style! As for Gem she has such a range of post and her reviewing of purchases means I usually want to go out and buy them.

The Rules
1. Link the blogger(s) that nominated you.
2. Answer the 10 questions your nominator has asked. 
3. Keep the chain growing by nominating 10 of your favourite bloggers who have less than 200 followers, and let them know.
4. Create 10 interesting questions for your nominees to answer. 

The questions Ava gave to me:

What is your dream job?
I honestly have no idea just yet.

Four places you have always wanted to travel to?
Bahamas, New York, Italy and Amsterdam.
If you could go back in time what era would you go back to?
THE 60's!! Fashion and The Beatles, amazing. Such simple but smart style and crazy patterns.
Your idol or inspiration?
Alexa Chung, Brigitte Bardot and Suki Waterhouse.
Do you have any talents?
I can't really think of anything, I'm pretty good at nail art - sometimes *haha*.
What is your favourite TV show?
Misfits, This Is England, My Mad Fat Diary and the soaps!
Who is your favourite fashion designer or favourite clothing brand?
Stella McCartney and Zara.
If you could meet one person (dead or alive) who would it be?
Amy Winehouse. It would be so interesting and I adore her.
What is your favourite colour?
Purple, grey or black.
The questions Gem gave to me:
What is your favourite nail polish brand?
Leighton Denny. Lovely shiny nails even without a top coat and long lasting.
If you won £1 million what would be the first thing you'd do?
Jump on a plane to the Bahamas!
What colour are your socks today?
Grey with a black frill.
What is your favourite piece of jewellery to wear?
A vintage ring my Nana gave to me.
Do you have any tattoos? If yes, how many and what are they?
No :( I want to but I'm too scared, oops.
Can you drive?
Again no :( It's one of them things I want to be able to do by this time next year!
Who is your favourite celebrity and why?
Alexa Chung and cos' I just want to be her really *haha*.
Have you ever been in love?
I thought I had at the time on two ocassions and I look back now and don't think I were.
What is your favourite movie?
I can never choose but.. 500 Days of Summer, White Chicks, Remember Me.. I could go on.
Who is your celebrity crush at the moment?
Liam Fray from The Courteeners. What a well dressed good looking bloke!
My nominations:

- jkayre
- xktr
interiorthinking
beyondbally
lost-arrows
beautybellenotes
salted-roses
ohkalukalay
kissandmakeup-bblog
bleueyed
Questions for my nominations:

What is your favourite music (genre/band/soloist)?
Your favourite drugstore brand?
What are your autumn essentials?
In your opinion an underrated brand and/or product?
Your current go-to outfit?
How many pairs of shoes would you say you own?
Who is your biggest style influence?
Favourite nail polish of all time?
Your top 5 high end make up recommendations?
Most used app on your phone?
Thank you again Ava & Gem and I hope my nominations enjoy this post!
 

Sunday 13 October 2013

Sunday Stuff #1


Usually I'm at work on a Sunday but when I check the rota and see 'Lauren - OFF' I get more excited than I should as I really do take it very seriously as the day of rest. Magazines and endless amounts of my favourite products are at the ready! People often talk about taking care of themselves by eating clean and exercising but a little time for themselves isn't always on top form. I feel it's so important to take a few hours out at least once a week. So what's my check list?

Reading materials - A glossy magazine or two (Glamour and Cosmopolitan have great freebie samples this month as well. Think Alexa Chung's go-to eyeliner from Eyeko and tanning favourite St Tropez!)
Music - Arctic Monkeys - AM (those boys never fail me!)

So there's my essentials for my typical chill out Sunday. What's yours?

Friday 11 October 2013

The Autumn Tag

I was tagged by the wonderful Katie to do The Autumn Tag!


Favourite thing about it?
Being able to bring all the jackets out of the back of my wardrobe. I am very much a jacket kind of girl. But I do love all the colours that come with autumn and hot chocolate, especially the Galaxy one!
Favourite drink?
I've just mentioned it in hot chocolates. Galaxy, Cadbury's.. I could go on, add a bit of cream on the top as well to make your way through while your drink cools down.
Favourite scent/candle?
Something with vanilla, it has to be. I usually go for fruity smells so the colder months I tend to turn to the trusty vanilla. Might venture out this year though!
Best lipstick?
Kate Moss for Rimmel Lasting Finish in 19. The best way to describe this is a really deep shade of pink that just touches a hint of red. I'm not very daring with darker shades of lipstick so I love this for autumn (and I love Kate Moss!)
Go to moisturiser?
I'll have to keep it simple (excuse the pun) and go with Simple's Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser. I tend to get a dry area around my t-zone area of skin so keeping my skin in tip-top shape would be this product, hydration is exactly what is needed in the colder months of the year.  
Go to colour for the eyes?
Neutral shades are the thing for me. All year round, I don't step out of my comfort zone. But bronze and copper-like shades tend to be go to thing. Especially Sleek's Au Naturel pallete! 
Favourite music or band/singer to listen to?
Where do I start? The Courteeners, Arctic Monkeys, The Strypes, Beady Eye have been stand out for me this year but all time favourites include Joy Division, Oasis, Paul Weller.. I could go on forever so I won't.
Favourite outfit to wear (i.e. boots & a scarf combo)?
A classic parka and a  red-based tartan scarf. Simple but with the right swing dress, opaque tights and chelsea boots I can pretend in my head I am Alexa Chung. 
Autumn treat (i.e. a new scarf or bag you have your eye on)?
I have been dying to get my hands on a tan coloured satchel but I'm finding it quite the impossible to find one I like. Especially at a decent size to carry most everyday things around.
Favourite place to be?
I can't stand to be cold really so I'm quite happy in the house, curled up on the sofa or nice and cosy in bed. Not very exciting I'm afraid.


Thursday 10 October 2013

Body Shop's Rainforest Radiance Hair Butter

Last week I had a bit of a hairdressing nightmare. Usually I'd ask my hairdresser for a roots touch up, half head of highlights and a trim. However, after pondering it for a while I decided I wanted to go to a darker blonde as such a whitey-blonde wasn't for me any more, especially with my naturally quite dark eyebrows. So I've been having a mobile hairdresser for quite a while as a busy schedule at work doesn't allow me to visit a salon recently. She turned my white blonde highlighted head into a very very light yellow-ish blonde that faded into the darker blonde I actually wished for. Picture this: ombre hair gone terribly wrong. 
Getting to the point of this post anyway.. I decided to just go to a salon the next day as I had an early finish at work. Luckily the problem was solved and she matched my natural mousey dark colour underneath and but fine highlights through the ridiculous yellow blonde roots. But while at this salon, the lovely lady who saved my hair disaster commented on how good of condition my hair was. This has encouraged me a lot to carry on keeping up my hair care routine but I have added something different to it recently that I am loving A LOT. This hair butter from The Body Shop is an amazing treatment for those straggly ends of your hair.


While browsing The Body Shop website I thought I'd try out some hair butter. After reading reviews a lot of people said it left your hair feeling dry and greasy if you put too much on your hair. I chose a smaller version of the product and will definitely be choosing the bigger pot when repurchasing. So when it arrived I decided to try it out and haven't stopped using it for a week now. Firstly, the smell is amazing - something I always look for in hair products. When applying I take a small amount (depending on how much hair you have got remember) and massage it through the ends of my hair. I then tend to leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Since introducing it into my hair care routine I have felt such a difference, my hair feels really soft and silky, a whole lot lighter feel to it as well. I've even had a few compliments on how shiny it's looking.

What's your favourite body shop product?
Want to see a full hair care routine post as well?


Sunday 6 October 2013

Wishlist - Homeware Edition #1

#9

1. Blanket (£24.99): H&M | 2. Desk clock (£5): Matalan | 3. Chair (£29.99): Ebay
4. Desk (£40): IKEA | 5. Cushion cover (£3.99): H&M

Saturday 5 October 2013

What Lauren Says

I thought an introductory post would probably be a sensible place to start. After reading endless blogs and watching hundreds of YouTube videos for the past 8 months I decided this is most definitely something I wanted to try out. Even more so when I finished studying photography at college a few months back and felt a little lost and not sure what to do with myself. And so it begins..

So what is it that you do when you are no longer a student any more?
I decided against university as I just didn't think it was the thing for me (and the fees scared me a little bit). Mainly I didn't want to start my life as such with debt looming over me. I quite luckily landed myself a part time job as a retail assistant. I say part time, I tend to pick up a lot of hours recently to which I am not complaining at. A lot of people question me frequently asking me what I want to do with my life after leaving college and the answer is always well, I don't know. I have no idea what direction I want to go in but this is usually my reply to such questions; "I'm just an 18 year old girl who likes to earn a decent wage to cover costs of attending gigs and my habit of buying a lot of clothes/make-up".

What do you expect to see on my blog?
Well as the name of my blog states it's 'What Lauren Says'. A blog where I can discuss lifestyle, fashion, beauty and my massive love for music. Posts will feature reviews, hauls, OOTD's, music related or me just rambling on about something not even remotely interesting (sorry in advance!)
I tend to talk a lot so let's see how it goes.