21st Birthday Haul :-)

Hullo Ladies! 

I've had a great birthday, I found turning 21 very emotional for some reason, whether its because of everything that going on in my family and the scary thought of the future I don't know. One emotion I was glad to feel though was "happiness". I was happy to have a meal and a few drinks with my family. I was especially happy with all the alcohol I consumed on the night, but if you can't get drunk on your 21st, when can you?!   :-D

Gorgeous card made by my Nan for my birthday.

I spent the morning in a pretty average way, opened my birthday cards and then took my mother to the dentist. Then I dyed my mams hair and started getting ready for that night. 

Me, My Mam and My Nan.

We had an amazing meal in a local restaurant and it was lovely to see all the family together. I was very spoilt with some lovely gifts and money for the holiday I'm going on in a few weeks. 

Some high end gifts I received.

From my brother I received a 100ml bottle of Chanel Chance EDT

From My parents I received :

Peace, Love and Juicy Couture EDP 

Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation in Shell.

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in - Ruby Woo

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner in Black Ink

Eeeeek I can't believe I finally own it, I've wanted this perfume for months. 

I think one of the big reasons he bought me it because he was fed up of me talking about it! 

I also received this gorgeous Body Shop Strawberry Gift Set from my parents.

From money given to me by family I picked up some products from Boots. 

Real Techniques Eye Liner brush and Expert face brush.

La Roche Posay Effaclar A.I breakout Cream

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation and Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation.

From the money my Auntie gave me I picked up some things from New Look, A gorgeous Mocking Bird dress that's gorgeous for the Autumn, some lovely new hair clips for when I go away and a new pair of tights. 

From my best friend Emma, I received a photo frame with a photo of me and her inside it and a lovely book called The Hundred Dresses which I've been reading and It's very interesting and funny.

The next two things where surprises from my parents at the end of the night. 

A stunning displaying red wine glass.

A 21 charm bracelet. 

I told you I was super spoilt! 

I've had a lovely few days and I have to say it's been probably my favourite birthday yet :-) 

Hope you have all had a great weekend!

Linzi xxx

21st Birthday Wishlist!

Hullo Ladies!

My birthdays less than a month away, so like last year, I've decided to make a Birthday wishlist post :-) 

1) Chanel Chance

I've been wanting this perfume for ages and whilst out shopping for mothers day a few months back with my brother he promised that he'd get it for my 21st. I plan to do whatever I have to, to make him keep that promise....even if I have to put snakes in his bed....it will happen!

2) MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Ever since I began falling in love with cosmetics and the beauty world, i've heard about Ruby Woo. It's probably one of if not the most famous MAC lipstick. It's a gorgeous red that I need to own!

3) NARS Love Thrill Gift Set

This will probably never happen but yesterday I found this NARS gift set on offer and I think it would be an amazing way to try out the brand. 

4) La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

My skin has been awful over the last year and I can't seem to find a product that does anything to help it. Over the last few months though, I've been hearing more and more about this apparently "holy grail" product for a lot of bloggers and I really want to give it a try!

5) Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

I ask for this every year, it's my favourite foundation ever. It's great coverage and lasts all day. It's expensive though so I always wait till my birthday to repurchase it, hopefully debenhams will have a 10% off code around that time as well :-)

6) New Look Inspire Peplum Dress

I found this on ASOS last night and for the price it looks awesome! I've become a fan of peplum these last few weeks and I think this dress would be lovely and flattering for my holiday in October. 

7) Sleek Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette

I've been wanting this since it came out, all three colours look gorgeous! I'm a big fan of the sleek blushes and hope to pick up a few more soon :-) 

8) Inspire Leather Look Jacket

Everyone talks about a leather jackets is a basic essential in everyone's wardrobe but real leather jackets are priced around a £100 and all though I know they're probably worth it and will last for years. I don't want my first want to be that expensive. What if I don't like it after the first couple of weeks? So I found this faux leather on the new look website and I'm definitely going to try it on in store sometime soon.

9) Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner

This is my holy grail eyeliner but my pot dried up a few months back and I've been missing it terribly. I'm hoping to pick it up soon, either this or try MAC's blacktrack which I've heard is also a great liner :-)


That's everything I can think of that I'm lusting after for my birthday!

What are you lusting after for you birthday? Or if it's just past, what was your favourite gift?


Linzi xxx

My Foundation History

I've just read a great post written by Maeve from Thrift O'Clock ! 

It's A Make Up History 'Tag' where you just talk about certain products you've tried throughout the years. At the moment though I'm just going to be doing my Foundation history as its really the only part of my makeup history that I can remember what came first! I can't imagine trying to do my lipsticks....it would take  me forever!! 

I'm sure we've all been through it, trying out foundation upon foundation trying to find that one that fits us. One that would fit me perfectly is something that would be light in colour and stay that way, wouldn't show my dry patches too much or make them worse and would also have a good medium to full coverage to help cover redness and blemishes.  

15 years old -  At this point I wasn't really interested in makeup but I was going to gigs with friends and didn't want to be the odd one out so I asked my mam to take me to Superdrug and buy me some goodies. The foundation I picked up was the Maybeline Dream Matte Mousse. 

It was a long time ago so I can't be totally sure on what colour I picked up but I can imagine it being ivory. I remembering it being very cakey on my and drying. Slightly orange toned too. In fact I think I only wore it twice before I gave up on it. 

18 Years Old  - I didn't wear any makeup for a long time after that but not long after my eighteenth birthday I started to experiment with makeup and through the internet read lots of great reviews on the Rimmel 16 hour foundation. I bought it in store and although it wasn't a perfect match for me it was usable. That was until it started breaking me out. Not fun!

After having some problems with drugstore foundations I decided to treat myself to something a bit more high end. I went into Debenhams and started chatting to a Clinique MUA. I told her that I was looking for a foundation that helped with redness and she tried the Clinique Even Better foundation in Alabaster on me and I really liked it. It wasn't the exact colour match but with blending worked great. I used that foundation for a long time but was still trying to find a cheaper alternative. 

19 Years Old -  Not long later I heard about a very pale foundation on some Youtube videos and decided to give it a try, It was the GOSH Exceptional Wear In Porcelain  Nearly a great match for me. Some days it would look great the overs it would make me look ill it was so pale. So I decided to try the next shade up and that was too dark. I mixed the two and used them until they where empty. I liked that they gave me good coverage and lasted a long time on my skin. What I didn't like is that they did show up my dry spots and make my look "flakey"  at the end of the day - Ewww.

Then in the Summer me and my family went on a holiday to Spain, in the Airport on the way home I was dying to pick up some High End makeup. I had heard so many great things about Estee Lauder Double Wear so that's the counter I went to first. I was approached buy a MUA and we swatched some colours and because I was slightly tanned at the time I choose a darker colour than I usually would, but in the winter I just add a lighter foundation and mix them to get a closer match whilst still keeping that full coverage. I love this foundation and hope to be using it for many years and hopefully be matched with my correct shade one day!


Not long after I decided to keep looking for a drugstore foundation I'd love, I came across the Maybelline Superstay 24 hour foundation. I picked the lightest shade they had and although it was slightly too yellow toned at first it worked fine. Then I noticed that after about 30 minutes on my skin it oxidizes badly. Making my look almost orange in colour! It also clung to my dry patches making them look flaky.


20 Years Old -   After hearing so much abut the famous Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealor I decided to try it out, when I got to the store I saw that they also did a foundation In the range - also called Lasting Perfection - and picked that up too. I got the lightest colour but when I got home it was too dark for me, I mixed it with a lighter foundation and wore it for a few weeks. It's definitely medium to full coverage. I've started to believe it was breaking me out though and have stopped using it. I suggest giving it a go though, If you need a fuller coverage and you can find your colour match. It may not do to you what It did to me.

My latest foundation purchase is one I'm very excited about, It's the Rimmel Match Perfection foundation in Light Porcelain. I've only been wearing it a few days so I can't tell you much or if it breaks me out like my other Rimmel foundation but what I can tell you is that It's my perfect colour match, It doesn't cling to any dry patches If i'm using my moisturizer and it covers my redness! I'll be reviewing it fully in a week or two so keep an eye out     :-)

So that's my foundation history/timeline there's no doubt a few I've missed but If I can't remember them they probably were not that interesting!

I loved writing this post and I hope someone gains something from it, whether it's to help buy a foundation or to stay away from one and remember that this is my personal view on these foundation but as we all have different skin types, may not be yours.

Linzi xxx

My Favorite Beauty Products of 2012

Hullo Lovely Ladies :-) 

I know I'm late in writing up one of these posts but I thought I'd give my opinion anyway! 

I tried taking pictures of all the products together yesterday but due to the horrible weather and lighting I've decided to just post up the pictures I already have of the products. 

I've picked one product from each beauty category that I've fallen in love with this year :-) 

Starting with..... 

My Favourite Perfume

Armani Code For Women 

This time last year I managed to find this Armani perfume on a great offer in Boot's, just £19 for the 30ml gift set and it was instant love! I've used it all year. It's been my signature scent. I'm running out now....but luckily I was smart enough to buy a back up at the time! Yay! 

My Favourite Nail Polish

Nails Inc Baker Street

I think this is going to be my only nail polish that I'll actually finish. 

It's gorgeous and gives you a great pop of colour on those days that you need it. 

My Favourite Eye Makeup

MUA Undressed Palette 

Last year the palette I used the most was the Urban Decay Naked palette, this is a great £4 dupe for it and I find myself going to it even more than my Naked palette! 

My Favourite Face Makeup

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

I love this foundation, it gives full coverage for those days/nights when you need it. It lasts forever and if you apply it correctly looks very natural. 

My Favourite Beauty Tools

ELF Studio Line Brushes - Stipple Brush & Blush Brush

I invested in some ELF brushes earlier in the year and I'm so glad I gave them a try, they have some great quality brushes at an amazing price! I use the Stipple Brush to apply those extremely pigmented blushes as it gives you just enough colour and the blush brush as a highlight brush for my cheek bones. 

My Favourite Bath Product 

N-SPA Gingerbread Latte Bath Syrup

I hope they haven't discontinued this product completely as i love it, it smells delicious and makes loads of lovely bubbles in your bath as well as giving your skin a lovely soft fragrance.  

My Favourite Body Product

The Body Shop Mango Body Butter

I love this so much that I not only use it on my body but...*Gasp*.... on my face too! Especially this winter, my face has been so dry, I've used this twice this week and my skin is so smooth! 

My Favourite Hair Product

Andrew Barton The Straight Answer Hot Iron Protection Spray

Despite the name being ridiculously long the actual product is simple, effective and smells divine!

So those are my favourite products of 2012 I can't wait to find out what I'll be loving in 2013!

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend! 

Linzi xxx

September Favourites!

Hullo Lovely Ladies!

So the month of September was very busy for me, with it being my birthday on the 19th... I done a lot of shopping and product consuming! (always a good thing!)

The Makeup  

• Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation - Received my second bottle for my birthday! My favourite foundation :-) 
• Stila Lip Glaze in Spiced Ginger - Smells amazing and look great over all lipsticks! 
• MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2 - It's taken my a long time to get the courage to wear it out but I've finally fallen n love with this nude lipstick, looks stunning with a dark smokey eye on a night out. 
• Collection 2000 Concealer - Best I've ever tried!
• I love....Strawberry and Milkshake Lip Balm - Very pigmented giving you a quick pink/nude lip without any fuss. Smells gorgeous!
• GOSH Velvet Touch Eyeliner in Black Ink - Goes on super smooth and stays all day :-)
• Maybeline The Colossal Volum Express Mascara - Black - My second tube! I love it. 
• Ecotools Foundation Brush - Bought this out of my birthday money and I'm so glad I did! Will be writing a review soon :-) 
• Bourjois Ombre Eye Shadow in Biege Rose - Gives a lovely glow. I use it as a highlight and an eyeshadow. 

The Fragrances

Britney Spears - Midnight Fantasy - Such a beautiful scent, I can wear it all year round. Gorgeous on a winters day and fabulous on a summers night! 

Armani - Code  - On of my all time favourite perfumes. Used only on special occasions this is the one I wore on my birthday!! 

The Nails

Ciate Bon Bon  - One of my favourite nude polishes, I've been using this a lot this month.

Nails Ink Cheyne Walk - I've had this for a few months now but I'm only now starting to love it! It's very unique and I've had lots of compliments! 

The Bath and Body

Soap and Glory Clean on Me Shower Gel - great to use when shaving as it's very moisturising. 

N-SPA - Gingerbread Latte Bath Syrup - Ohh when do I ever not love this Shower Gel???...I'm running out so I hope they bring it back again this winter! 

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter - My all time favourite Body Shop Body Butter. Sorts out any dry skin problems! 

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter - Smells lush and gives you silky soft skin! 

The DVD's

Red Dwarf Series Box Sets...in preparation for the upcoming new series!!! 

These are my brothers DVD's but he's nice enough to lend them to me whenever I get the hankering to laugh my head off! 

The Books

E L James - Fifty Shades Trilogy - Okay..you may make fun but I read these books a long time ago, before all the hype...I loved them then and I love them now. Ana and Christians relationship is addictive...and HOT! Whats not to love? So it's not brilliantly written but its a nice light read when you need to take your mind off something...escapism at its best! 

JR Ward - Black Dagger Brotherhood Series - this is another series I like to escape into..J R Ward's been writing these books for a long time and I've treasured every one of them. You don't just fall in love with just one character  You fall in love with them all. If you are a fan of Paranormal Romances then this is a series you really shouldn't miss! 

I know...I went a bit overboard but I just couldn't stop myself!

I'm looking for a new book to read, any suggestions?? 

Linzi xxx

Let Them Eat Cake... Birthday Haul Part 1 :-)

Hullo Lovely People!!

It was my Birthday Wednesday and I've been super busy so I haven't been able to post about it but finally I can and this is Part 1 of my Birthday Haul as I'm off shopping again Sunday :-0 Eeek!!

Accessories

With the money my brother gave me I picked up some lovely accessories. Even on my birthday I have to find the sales ;-) 

Dorothy Perkins

Bow Purse - Was £10 down to £5

Aztec earrings - Was £4 down to £1 

Bow Earrings - Was £3.50 down to £1

Bead bracelets in "LOVE" and  "YEAH" - Was £4 down to £1

New Look

Bow Ring - £3

My parents bought me this big tin of chocolates, with this and the chocolate birthday cake I'm not going to buying any munchies for a long time! 

My Mam picked out this amazing Skull t-shirt from New Look, its a few sizes too big for me which I like as it hangs better. Looks amazing with a pair of skinny jeans and some high heels :-) While we were in New Look I noticed that the sales assistants where obviously getting ready for a sale so I managed to walk out of there with only this so I can go back Sunday and get more for my money! I can't wait :-) 

For the last few weeks my Nan has been helping me decorate my bedroom and for my birthday she bought me my bedding and curtains. 

She also gave me a big surprise by giving me these hand made goodies 

She made this beautiful pillow, shes picked up on my bow obsession and added the lovely detail work! 

I managed to get to TK Maxx but didn't find much.

 I did pick up these two makeup brushes from Ecotools though. I've already tried them out and love them. 

They are so soft and the foundation brush is amazing. I can't wait to do some reviews! 

If any of you read my Birthday Wish List that I posted last week then you may have noticed that I really wanted another bottle of Estee Lauder's Double Wear Foundation. My lovely parents picked this up for me!

 I'm very grateful for everything I received for my birthday! 

Clothes, makeup and chocolate! What more can a girl ask for ;-) 

Hope you have all had a great day!!

Enjoy the weekend :-) 

Linzi xxx

REVIEW - Estee Lauder - Double Wear Foundation

Hullo Lovely Readers :-) 

I'm reviewing my absolute favourite foundation today, its the very famous Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation.

This is my "Special" foundation, the one that's way out of my price range so I only wear it for nights out and special occasions. Any one else have those?? 

Here is what the UK Estee Lauder Website say about this foundation - "This worry-free, long wearing foundation makeup stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity and non stop activity. Wont change colour, smudge or come off on clothes. Feels lightweight and comfortable. Now the flawless look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day."

What I think about this foundation - 

The has amazing flawless coverage that is very buildable, allowing you to go from medium to full coverage very easily without it giving you a cakey look. 

I wouldn't say this gives you a "natural look" because basically it would be hard to find a foundation with this amount of coverage that does, although it does give you a "my makeup is at it's best" look. 

When I bought this the MUA told me it was a matte finish, I wasn't really interested at the time because I was so excited to have it. I would agree but if I'm wanting a more dewy finish then its easy to create by putting my Laura Geller Spackle Primer in Champagne on before I apply. 

The lasting power on this foundation is amazing, you can put it on in the morning and it looks no different by six in the afternoon! 

The one thing I didn't like is that I had to purchase a pump for it, the MAC pump fits it which is what I use :-) 

"Estee Lauder Double Wear in Fresco with 17's Foundation in Ivory"

I bought this in Spain last year on holiday, so at the time I had a lot more colour, which is why the MUA matched me to 2N2 Fresco, I would say this is a good match for me because its perfect for summer and in the winter when I need it to be lighter I just add a pale foundation.

I make sure I use a good makeup remover when I use this as it's quite stubborn due to it's lasting power :-) 

I would suggest going to a counter to get colour matched as the shade range can be a tad confusing...especially to me!! 

I have quite dry skin but find this easy to wear by using a moisturizer under it!

The one thing a lot of people comment on but because I have very pale skin I haven't noticed is that because It has SPF 10 you can get flashback when taken photos which can make you look pale. 

It is an expensive foundation and it's something that I think a lot about before repurchasing, 

It's priced at £27.50 on the Estee Lauder Website 

Every so often Debenham's have 10% off, which is happening right now so go take a look! 

As I'm running real low on this foundation I'm hoping to have it for my birthday! 

Have you tried this foundation? Love it or hate? 

Linzi xxx

Birthday Wish List :-D

Hullo Lovely Ladies!

Don't worry, I, in no way believe that I would be lucky enough to get all of the products on this list but a girl can wish...right??

Image taken from Asos.com

I've been wanting this clutch for so long because it would go amazing with a recent Heel purchase I made :-) 

Image from Debenhams.com

I love Estee Lauder Double Wear and I've been running low so I need to purchase this soon!!

Image taken from eyeslipsface.co.uk

I've heard so much about this E.L.F Powder Brush, its apparently amazing to apply foundation. 

Image taken from eyeslipsface.co.uk

Before I made my first ever purchase from E.L.F, I did a lot of research and this brush was mentioned frequently. Its supposed to be good for filling in your eyebrows :-) 

Image taken from Debenhams.co.uk

MAC make my favourite lipsticks but I only purchase every so often when I want to treat myself, the next few I want to pick up are Ruby Woo and Milan Mode :-) 

Image taken from ghdhair.com

I would love to buy a new GHD straightener as mine is going on 6 years old now, they are amazing and last for so long!!! Well worth the money :-) 

Right...I better stop myself there as I was getting slightly carried away! 

That's my birthday wishlist, the big day is next Wednesday so not long. Don't know what I'm doing yet, probably go shopping with the family and then for a nice meal somewhere :-) 

Hope you have all had a great day :-) 

Linzi xxx