Benefit's Hydra-Smooth Lip Colour in Dare Me Review

Hey everyone! I'm reviewing a lipstick from my all-time favourite beauty brand, Benefit!

The shade I'm reviewing is called Dare Me, it's a vivacious hot pink colour that stands out beautifully! I find it a gorgeous colour, that isn't too bold (I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to bold lip colours) but is highly pigmented and stunning.

Application: As the name suggest, it goes on smoothly; it was easy to apply! It didn't dry out my lips (I suffer from really flaky lips) and made them look smooth. 5/5

Colour: Gorgeous! I'm in love with hot pinks. 5/5

Longevity: It stayed on after walking round town and drinking an iced lemonade fairly well. 3.5/5

Packaging: The packaging is absolutely gorgeous! It sort of looks like a Greek architectual column, which is so appealing to me as a uni student! Once again, Benefit doesn't fail on the packaging front. I love how Benefit packages their products, it's a real strength of theirs! It makes you love the product even more. 5/5

Packaging! (Sorry for the hair, it gets everywhere!)

Swatch without flash.

Swatch - with flash

Me wearing it!

You can buy this from any Benefit counter in stores like Boots or Debenhams for £15. (I used my Debenhams card to get £5 off!)

Thanks for reading!

Blogging music!

Sometimes I just can't sit and write my blog - but if I watch TV then I get too involved and get distracted (oops).

Thus, I like to open Spotify and double-click one of playlists to jam to and keep me focused on my blog. Don't get me wrong, I love writing my blog! I just get too distracted, I have the attention span similar to that of my dog. And she is bad. She looks at you, wanting to play and you pick up a toy to play with her but she changes her mind after two seconds and switches her attention to a new toy. Soon, the room is covered in a myriad of different toys. *Sigh*

Here she is, looking innocent after murdering a toy:

See! I get so distracted! I started writing about my dog when I wanted to write about music to blog to. Anyway, here's the list!

Disney Soundtracks!

I'm a sucker for Disney soundtracks. I listen to them while studying and writing essays, as it perks me up and gives me inspiration! I think that maybe, when I'm finished writing this god-awful essay, I'll be able to watch one!

My favourite Disney soundtracks include:

• Hercules
• Mulan (I'll Make a Man Out of You will make you feel like you can achieve anything!)
• Lion King 1 & 2
• Tangled
• Nightmare Before Christmas

Source

Bands:

• Fleetwood Mac
• The National
• The Smiths
• Keane

These bands are great to listen to whilst working because they're gentle and relaxing!

Source

Other soundtracks:

• Harry Potter
• Final Fantasy 7/8
• Doctor Who
• Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack

The Harry Potter soundtrack puts me in such a wonderful mood and creates a magical atmosphere to do work to. The Final Fantasy soundtrack makes me feel like I can achieve anything! Whilst the Doctor Who soundtrack is ambient and beautiful. On the other hand, the Guardians of the Galaxy is - for lack of a better word - funky! It's so upbeat and fun to listen to, I'd recommend it!

Source

What I Love About Autumn

Some people prefer hot, summer months to the chilly autumnal season. I am one of the few who happens to enjoy the colder months and find them comforting (although getting out of bed is harder than ever!). I've compiled a list of why I enjoy Autumn so much, because it's just that great!

Source

Jumpers!

I absolutely love wrapping up in jumpers and cardigans in the winter. I feel cosy and contented; I feel its better being wrapped up and warm in the colder months than being hot in summer, whilst my makeup slides off and air conditioning doesn't seem to exist!

In addition, I love to wrap up in cute and adorable jumpers like this one:

Source/Buy From: boohoo

Look how cute and cosy it is!

TEA!

As you most probably know, I love my tea! During the colder months, I like to curl up with a hot cup of tea even more than I usually do (that's a lot). I also finally bring out my Chai Tea teabags, and indulge myself in the spicy, warming, gorgeous taste and its beautiful scent.

Source/Buy.

Cuddles!

I really love cuddling up with people, especially during the colder months (soooooo cosy)! Dan and I like to take the duvet with us into the living room and watch Doctor Who on the sofa under the covers, it's a wonderful atmosphere and makes me feel secure and snuggly!

(A bonus for me is if I have tea and cuddles)!

It's also lovely curling up with someone and watching Disney movies! My all time favourite Disney movie is Hercules, I know every single word of the script because of how many times I've watched it both as a child and teenager... sad, I know. 

IMDB

Fluffy Socks

I'm a sucker for fluffy socks. I suffer from Reynaud's Syndrome (information here), where my circulation isn't as good as others people's and my fingers and toes tend to swell up and get really cold. So in the colder months, keeping my extremities warm is a necessity. Fluffy socks are something I can't live without, as even when it's quite warm, I get cold and swollen feet!

My current favourite are these Boofle socks, that I got from Dan with a Boofle Girlfriend Mug!

Source/Buy. Who doesn't love Boofle?!

Autumnal Colours

I've never really experimented with seasons and their corresponding colours, but I really want to experiment with lip colours and perhaps try some berry tones. My current NEED is Nars' Mandore Lip Pencil (which is out of stock on Look Fantastic, grrr):

Source. (out of stock)

Words cannot explain how much I need this lip pencil.

Anyway, that about concludes my list, I hope you enjoyed reading!

Do you prefer colder or warmer months and why?

Amy

xxx

Thanks for reading!

Sisterhood of Bloggers Award!

First of all, I'd like to thank the wonderful Lauren for nominating me for this award!

How it works:

1. Thank the blogger that nominated you and link back to their blog.
2. Put the award logo on your blog.
3. Answer their ten questions.
4. Make up ten new questions for your nominees.

5. Nominate 10 bloggers for the award.

My Questions:

1. Best movie you've seen this year?

X-Men: Days of Future Past!

2. What's you most worn piece of clothing/accessory?

My plain black skirt, I wear it with everything!

3. What's your favourite/most inspiring place to blog?

This sounds bad, but my bed! It's comfy and warm... I'm totally not in it right now.

4. Do you have any strange or interesting hobbies?

Er, playing video games is interesting I guess?! Otherwise, oops, I'm boring and don't do much :(

5. When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A princess :)

6. One essential  beauty product you can't live without?

Soap and Glory's Supercat Eyeliner, I love my cat flicks!

7. Why did you start blogging?

The 19th of October 2014, so not long!

8. What's the meaning behind the name of you blog?

I love blush, beauty products and tea, so amalgamated the words together!

9. If you could travel through time where would you go?

I'd go back to talk to my teenage self, and tell myself to do things differently.

10. If you could have any super power what would it be? and what would you do with it?

Telekinesis - I could do stuff without moving - what a dream!

Your Questions:

1. What's your favourite book?
2. What's your favourite film/TV Show?
3. What's your favourite soft drink?
4. When did you start blogging?
5. What's your dream travel destination?
6. Are you at/have been to university? 
7. Favourite high-street shop?
8. Favourite coffee shop?
9. What are your aspirations?
10. Skirt or trousers?

Nominations:

1. http://emmaloumay.blogspot.co.uk/
2. http://anotherfashionfanatic.blogspot.co.uk/
3. http://www.modmaquillage.blogspot.sg/
4. http://www.all-over-this.blogspot.co.uk/
5. http://justinependrill.blogspot.co.uk/
6. http://www.itslittlelaurenslooks.blogspot.co.uk/
7. http://katherinerosie.blogspot.co.uk/
8. http://andonthatnoteshewrote.com/
9. http://www.thatgirlbehindhermask.com/
10. http://wanderlustdaydreaming.blogspot.co.uk/

Thanks for reading!

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Concealer Review

Phew! What a long title. I have to say, I was excited for this to come in the post. It came along with the CC Cream used for the entire face, of which I will review later.

The concealer pen looks like this:

Oh my god my hair gets everywhere, sorry for the strand of hair ruining the photo! As you can see, the concealer comes out at the top through a tube. Although it may look like you can just use it to 'draw' the concealer on your face, you can't. The clear part is hard and rough and drags along the face; it's best to get some on your finger or a brush and apply it that way.

I was searching for an everyday concealer, as the concealers I use at the moment are both high-end (Benefit's Boi-ing and Erase Paste) and thus quite expensive. I was looking for a new concealer to wear to uni so I didn't keep using expensive concealer and save it for days and nights out or when I see Dan's family!

However, I was disappointed with this one. Coverage was average and I found it too drying on my skin. On reflection, I wasn't wearing eye cream at the time, just moisturiser, so it might change if I use eye cream.

BLEEEEEH! Those dark circles. This is me before using the concealer.

This is me after concealer!

Ahem, please excuse my ugly eyebrows, I'm growing them out so I can get them waxed at a Benefit counter when I go home as, somehow, they don't have any in Canterbury?! We have both a Debenhams and a Fenwick and neither offer a Benefit Beauty Bar. :( I'm so sad.

Anyway! It did cancel out some of my dark circles, but I still found it drying when I applied it.

Have you tried this/the CC Cream? How do you feel about it?

Thanks for reading!

Lush Karma Komba Review!

As you probably know, I love Lush products! I actually had a dream that they gave me £600 pounds to spend in-store! I was so happy when I woke up! Only to be disappointed. :(

Anyway! One of the purchases I made in my haul [x] was a shampoo bar: Karma Komba. I knew I needed it because I love the smell of their other Karma products. For those of you who don't know, Karma is a beautiful and strong orange scent.

This is a picture of Karma Komba sitting snug in my Lush Shampoo Bar Case. I had to buy the case otherwise I'd leave it on the side to be covered in water and have less of the product to use, as it would melt away.

Firstly, the scent is divine! It's a citrus, orangey scent that leaves a scent on your hair all day. The scent on your hair isn't as strong as the American Cream conditioner (review here) but you'll get comments from people who happen to be close enough to smell your hair! My hair doesn't need too much conditioning with this either, so it saves money on conditioner (although I like to swap to using Rub Rub Rub and American Cream, oops!) as I bought a Herbal Essences shampoo for £1 that seems to give my hair the subtle conditioning it needs when paired with this softening shampoo bar.

It's a wonderful shampoo bar, my hair is soft and smells gorgeous! Although it's quite expensive at £5.75, it does last a long time. I didn't even fully go through my bar of Seanik (I recently chucked it, as I converted to this and Rub Rub Rub for my hair). So a little goes a very long way!

Buy the shampoo here, and have a look at their range of shampoo bars here on the Lush Website! (Wow I really want Jason and the Argan Oil!)

Thanks for reading!

My Favourite After Dinner Hot Drink

I first tried this hot drink at Zizzi (a restaurant) after dinner, as I wasn't feeling very well, and mint helps my stomach when I feel nauseous. I also have it just before I go to bed, for a nice hot drink without the caffeine. I can't believe I had never heard of it, or had it before - when it's so simple!

Fresh mint tea is gorgeous. It's settling, fresh, and rejuvenating. I recommend it fully. 

To make: simple throw some mint leaves in a mug (I love it in a glass mug) and pour some boiling water in. You don't need to take the leaves out to drink it - just drink as soon as it's cool enough!

It does look pretty weird, just mint leaves and water! But trust me, it's gorgeous. When me and Dan (my boyfriend) had this after dinner at Pizza Express, his dad said 'isn't that just boiled leaf juice?!' without realising that that's what tea is!



I just love Uncle Iroh! Source for pictures here [x].

Have you tried it before?

D'oh!

I completely forgot about the 11 random facts about myself I should've added to by Liebster Award post! Read through them here.

Lush's Fair Trade Foot Lotion Review

It's no secret that I love Lush's products. When I went in-store for my Lush haul the other day, I decided to buy their foot lotion - my normal foot overnight lotion didn't work at all, and decided to opt for Lush's gorgeous looking lotion instead.

The tub is quite expensive at £9.25, but you get 225g of lotion, and it's amazing at how little you have to use to smother your foot.

If I have a day off uni, I use this in the morning and put some socks on, and apply again at night. I've been using this for a few days now and already feel an improvement! Hard, calloused skin feels softer and smoother and my whole foot feels better - I suffer from cracked heels and callouses :(. I also have a weird dry patch on my big toe, and it's been reducing that effectively! 

The truth is, it's not going to work amazingly overnight, you have to be dedicated and apply it a few times before noticing any significant. However, this is fine by me! It's lovely to rub in, and means I can ask for a few cheeky foot rubs from my boyfriend (sorry Dan!). 

The lotion itself is a gorgeous bubblegum pink as pictured (my camera was playing up, it would only take the picture when the lotion sat on my laptop!): 

It smells like peppermint mixed in with.. other things. I can't describe it! It isn't as minty-smelling as other foot lotions or creams, and smells a bit weird, but it doesn't smell bad! It isn't as amazing-smelling as other Lush products, but it's not rancid!

What foot lotions/foot care products do you use? I'd love to hear!

Amy

xox

Liebster Award!

Hello everyone! Firstly I would like to thank Erin for nominating me, you should check our her blog! She's gorgeous and does detailed reviews about products she's passionate about.

The Rules:

• Acknowledge the blog who nominated you and display the award
• Answer the 11 questions given to you from the blogger
• Give 11 facts about yourself
• Nominate 11 blogs you think are deserving of the award (less than 200 followers)
• Let the bloggers know you have nominated them
• Give 11 questions to them to answer

Questions:

1. Oh god! I can't choose between dogs and cats, I love them both so much! I have two cats and a dog, and have grown up around plenty of both cats and dogs and love them both to death!
2. I can't live without my new discovery - Urban Decay Lush Lash mascara! It works wonders, truly.
3. I'd say I spend equal amounts on skincare and make-up, as skincare is a major concern for me, plus I just love makeup.
4. I don't have a favourite pizza topping, sorry! I love plain old Margherita. 
5. Pizza Hut, definitely! Although I'm in love with Domino's garlic pizza bread.
6. I can pop my left thumb out of its socket!
7. My favourite band is probably Fleetwood Mac.
8. My dream travel destination is Rome (I'm an Ancient History nerd) and I'm going there for my birthday in January. Squee!
9. My favourite make-up brand is Benefit - it's sooo gorgeous!
10. I'm about 5'5"
11. My favourite TV Show is between Orange is the New Black and The Office US!

11 Facts:

1. I love the Winter and Autumn months!
2. I love to read,
3. I'm into video games, I'm a bit of a nerd.
4. Despite my blogging, I'm quite shy.
5. I'm a sucker for things that smell good.
6. I can't do anything with my hair!
7. I wish I had a Macbook Pro!
8. Diet Coke is the love of my life.
9. I study Ancient History.
10. I love jumpers (sweaters)!
11. I really really really like cheese - I don't think I go a day without eating cheese.

Nominations:

1. http://rosajaneblogs.wordpress.com/
2. http://anotherfashionfanatic.blogspot.co.uk/
3. http://www.modmaquillage.blogspot.sg/
4. http://www.all-over-this.blogspot.co.uk/
5. http://justinependrill.blogspot.co.uk/
6. http://www.itslittlelaurenslooks.blogspot.co.uk/
7. http://katherinerosie.blogspot.co.uk/
8. http://www.dulcegina.com/
9. http://marshmellowbyeva.blogspot.com.es/
10. http://wanderlustdaydreaming.blogspot.co.uk/
11. http://ikonikbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/

Questions:

1. What's your favourite brand of skincare or makeup products?
2. What's your favourite treat?
3. Tea or coffee?
4. Lipstick or lipgloss?
5. Favourite mythical creature?
6. Pizza or macaroni cheese?
7. What's your favourite book?
8. Do you have normal, dry, oily or combination skin - and how do you care for it?
9. Favourite drugstore product?
10. What's the best lip balm you own?
11. What's your favourite hair product?

Thanks everyone!

Amy

xx

My Favourite Treats

We all have those weeks where we want to curl up in bed, snack and watch some cheesy films. Weeks where you want to feel warm and toasty in bed, and enter a fictional realm where you don't have to worry about the stresses of the world outside your room. When I'm feeling down or stressed, I treat myself with little naughty foods.

First on the list is Fox's Party Rings. You've probably had them when you were a kid, where they'd be laid out on a table for everyone to share. However, now that I'm an adult, I have the whole thing to myself! They're simple, delicious, sugary snacks that I am in love with!

Source

Lush's Vanilla Dee-Lite Review

Oh my god. I've discovered my new favourite body lotion. I've got to admit, it's quite expensive for what it is (£12.95) but oh my god, it's worth it.

As soon as you open the bottle you're greeted with a fresh and fruity scent of vanilla, which is refreshing and gorgeous. I have complained about the price, but I've used so little for my entire body, as it is such a light, yet effective texture. So, I've concluded that this bottle will probably last a long time! Yay!

My skin is naturally quite smooth, but sometimes I need a little pick-me-up and Vanilla Dee-Lite does just that! I've been feeling quite stressed lately and instantly felt refreshed when putting this on after my shower. My skin is smoother, soft and I smell amazing!

If you need a light body lotion that smells divine, then I'd recommend this totally!

Thanks for reading!

Amy
xox

Lush's Rub Rub Rub Review

I absolutely love Rub Rub Rub, although I don't find it as effective as a hard scrub - I use it either as a shampoo or shower gel and find it great! It has a wet consistency when compared to other scrubs, so therefore is not harsh on your scalp and easy to use as a shampoo!

As a shampoo, it's supposed to give volume and shine to your hair; I only find the latter to be true but don't complain! I actually don't like my hair to be volumised, so I'm happy just having the shine: I find that Rub Rub Rub, combined with American Cream (review here), make my hair gorgeous and soft! However, it does not sort out my frizzy baby hair, which is fine, I just use frizz control products when my hair is damp.

As a shower-gel-like-scrub, I find it good! I don't like to waste it on my body however, especially when I have Snow Fairy (review here) to use as a shower gel! I use Rub Rub Rub mainly for my hair.

Thanks for reading!

Amy

xox

Lush's American Cream Conditioner Review

I am in love with Lush's American Cream Conditioner and I'm afraid of trying any of their other conditioners, worried that they won't live up to the beauty of American Cream.

Firstly, although it's expensive (£14.25 for 500g), you get what you pay for. Firstly, it smells absolutely gorgeous: you are greeted with a waft of strawberry and vanilla milkshake as soon as you open the bottle! I'd say the scent on my hair lasts up to a whole day, which is pretty amazing! 

I have to admit, when I first started using American Cream I had a bit of trouble - it would leave my hair knotty. But for some reason, that's all stopped now! I used to apply so so so much, because I didn't think it covered much of my hair, but I stopped using as much and now it leaves my hair soft, gorgeous and sweet-smelling.

Lush Haul!

My bank account is crying, but me and my body are happy!

The trek home was challenging, due to the heaviness of the bag, but it was worth it! The products I bought included:
• Vanilla Dee-Lite Body Lotion
• Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar for Dan
• Karma Komba Shampoo Bar for myself
• Rub Rub Rub Body Scrub (I actually use it for my hair - review here)
• American Cream Conditioner (review here)
• Volcano Foot Mask (review here)
• Fair Trade Foot Lotion
• Cupcake Face Mask

Reviews of each product will be posted shortly!

What's your favourite Lush product?

You can also find me on:
• Twitter
• Bloglovin'

Favourite Teas

Both mine and my boyfriend's parents were both shocked as to how much tea I own. It is ridiculous - so much of the stuff I brought to my new flat when I moved in with Dan was either tea, clothes or makeup!

I'm not going to rank these, I couldn't possibly!

First of all, my everyday teas:

In the morning or when I come home from uni, I always reach for either coffee, or my everyday teas. If I'm feeling lazy, I'll use a teabag of Twining's Everyday Tea, if I can be bothered steeping loose tea - I'll make a cup of Yorkshire Gold Tea.

Urban Decay Nourishing Lipgloss in Streak

I have recently discovered Urban Decay and love them! I bought this lipgloss along with the Finishing Powder and Lush Lash mascara (reviews here and here).

It's a gorgeous lipgloss, that nourishes my dry, flaky, chapped lips whilst adding a hint of natural colour and shine. It's a daily lipgloss that I am in love with. Thank you Urban Decay!

Here is a picture of me wearing the lipgloss:

You can also find me on:
• Twitter
• Bloglovin'

Urban Decay Lush Lash Review

I have been desperately trying to find a new mascara that's not too heavy, but can make my lashes look long and healthy. And.. I FOUND IT!

It takes the form of Urban Decay's Lush Lash Mascara as pictured:

Lush's Lip Scrub

I use Lush's Bubblegum Lip Scrub everyday! It's a beautiful product and tastes gorgeous! And you can eat it after you buff your lips!

I use it everyday before I put on any lip product, even lip balm. it primes your lips for any product by making them smooth and hydrated.

It's on the expensive side for what it is at £5.50 but it lasts a long time!

Thanks for reading!

Picture from the Lush Website.
Amy xox

Lush Volcano, Body Shop Soothing Foot Scrub & Intensive Foot Rescue Review

The Volcano Foot Mask is used for dry and tired feet - just like mine! I inherit it from my mum, even though I hardly move - my feet get callused and dry so quickly. I was in the queue at Lush in Canterbury, whilst already holding a Lip Scrub and Massage Bar and saw this foot mask on the counter beside me (this queue was loooooong!). I knew I needed it. I picked it up, read it over and decided it was for me. 

How I Take off My Makeup

Sometimes I can find it hard to take off my makeup if I've caked it on sometimes - or wear a stubborn mascara or foundation.

First off - I start by taking my mascara off with Avon Conditioning Eye Make Up Remover:

Picture/Buy from here [x]

It's in a cream/lotion formula, which feels weird to take off your eye makeup with first of all, but it comes off beautifully and doesn't sting my eyes or skin - which is wonderful! Furthermore, it's relatively cheap at around £4 on Amazon. It's also in a big bottle for the price that you pay, compared to some high end products where you only get a little, so hopefully it'll last a long time!

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation Review

Hey guys! I recently ordered Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Soft Ivory and have anxiously been awaiting its arrival. Today, finally, it arrived! I've been so excited waiting for it, as it seems to be a big hit.

New Tea!

Before I start my review of my new tea, I'm going to post this link:
Follow my blog with Bloglovin as I just joined Bloglovin!

Benefit Foamingly Clean Facewash

I'm a self-confessed Benefit nerd  lover. I may seem biased in this review, but - honestly - this is probably one of my favourite Benefit products overall.

New favourite product - Urban Decay Naked Skin Loose Finishing Powder!

Urban Decay Naked Skin Loose Finishing Powder is a beautiful product. I suffer from dull, dry skin and - honestly - it's perked up my skin so so much. I have it in Light as I have pale skin but, as a warning, the Medium does look a little darker than the Medium-Dark.

My liquid foundation tends to be too 'wet' before I go out, and loose powder usually makes my skin look cakey and dry, whilst clinging to the dry patches on my nose. This, however, sets the make-up without mattifying it too much (my dry skin doesn't go well with mattifying foundations) and melts into your skin, giving you an illuminating, naked, natural finish. To top it off, the packaging is gorgeous!

Thanks Urban Decay!

Amy xox

October Wishlist

My October Wishlist contains 4 beautiful products:

• Nars Blush in "Orgasm" (oooh, naughty!)
• Urban Decay Naked Basics
• Guerlain Meteorites Pearls 
• Urban Decay Ink For Eyes

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel / Massage Bar

As Christmas-related merchandise have started hitting the shelves, I decided to rush down to Lush to pick up the wonderful-smelling seasonal shower gel, Snowfairy, and it's companion - the Snow Fairy massage shimmer bar.

First, I'll start my review of Snow Fairy, which looks like this:

The Beginnings of a New Blog

Hello everyone!

Since I've been spending a lot of time and money of beauty products, I thought I'd cure myself of boredom and the stress of uni and blog about my experiences with the beauty products I come across.

Thanks for reading!

Amy xox