Wednesday 31 August 2016

Review: L'Oreal | Infalliable Fixing Mist |


The British Summer has been weird. One moment its pelting it down with rain and very humid, the next its boiling hot up to 30 degrees! For all these changes in weather, a fixing mist has been essential in keeping my make up in tact.

I've been using the L'Oreal Infallible Fixing Mist for the past few months and have always been impressed, but the summer has definitely cemented the benefit of this spray. It is a bi-phase liquid that you need to shake up and then spray 2-4 pumps from arms length all over your face (they suggest an X action). It claims to not only make your make up last longer but also prevent fading and cracking.

I spray around 4 pumps onto my face and I like that the spray function is fine enough to not ruin your make up. Although my face felt wet for about 20 seconds, the formula is not sticky and once it dries and sets it feels like you have nothing on. It really helps lock in my makeup, reduces oiliness in my t zone and keeps even my eye make up looking fresh. This setting spray has really worked through all types of weather and for a high street product I am really impressed with the quality.

Having loved the Infalliable foundation, I'm not surprised this product from the range has also impressed me. If you have oily skin or problems with make up sticking around, I highly recommend this fixing spray as especially as it is such a great price point, available at the drugstore or online at Feel Unique, Asos and Look Fantastic.


What is your favourite fixing spray? xxx

Wednesday 24 August 2016

Video: Sephora Haul + lots more!




I was lucky enough to spend a gloriously sunny weekend in Paris a few weeks ago to visit my French bestie/twin. It was amazing to be reunited and we packed the weekend with lots of touristy things as well as getting to visit and know all the best hidden places that only a local can show you. Of course, my first stop was Sephora when I arrived, however I feel like I was pretty self-restrained! This haul video features all the stuff I picked up there, plus a few bits from the French Pharmacie, Look Fantastic once I got back and finally a present from my sister which she picked up from a US Sephora (any guesses what brand??)

Hope you enjoy the video, I know I haven't been around these parts too much (work/summer/life has once again got in the way). If you do, I would love it if you liked and subscribed xxx

Sunday 10 April 2016

Video: April Book Haul 2016


Today's post is a little different to what I normally talk about on my blog, but as the name of this space is Little Miss Lifestyle, it means that I have lots of other things I love to do other than beauty! This video is a quick wrap up of the books I've recently purchased and are on my 'to read' list! Be sure to follow my Goodreads account to see my progress! 

What is your current read? xxx


Sunday 3 April 2016

Video: March Favourites 2016



Hi guys, hope you have had a lovely weekend. Today has been my only day of the weekend that I have been able to relax as I had to go to the office and work yesterday! I spent today filming videos, blogging and reading which has been really fun. Today's video is the first I have filmed with my soft box lighting so I'm hoping the quality is a lot better. As I mentioned in the video, I am hoping that now I have purchased these lights I will have much more flexibility to take pictures and film and in turn be able to post more. 

I hope you enjoy the video, and let me know what you have been loving this month! xxx
Wednesday 30 March 2016

Wishlist Wednesday #8


I haven't done one of these posts in so long so I thought I would revive the series as I really enjoy lusting over everything from make up to home ware and its also cool to look back at previous posts and see what I decided to actually buy.

This week's post was definitely influenced by a recent trip to Urban Outfitters but some of the other things I've been wanting for a while.

1. Origins, By All Greens Facemask - £32: A foaming and deep cleansing mask containing green tea, spirulina and spinach, the latest mask launch from the brand has me so excited! It will come as no surprise that I adore every mask I've used from Origins so I can't wait to try this one, especially as the texture and application is different to what they have released already.

2. Urban Outfitters, Kitty Tea Mug - £12: Not much to say about this apart from I am a crazy cat mum and I have a weird thing for collecting mugs so this is perfect for me. This will be great for my daily cups of tea and coffee in the office.

3. Fleur de Force, Lipgloss in Starry Starry Night - £6.99: Fleur is one of my favourite youtubers as she is honest, hardworking and her content is always top quality. Out of all the youtuber launches this is the only beauty launch that I feel will be good quality. I love the shade range and from seeing swatches online they look highly pigmented. Starry Starry Night is such a 'me' colour so I would like to start there!

4. Urban Outfitters, Icing Sugar Wand - £10: Such an unnecessary luxury but just look how cute it is!! Baking is one of my favourite past times and this will make it even more fun to dust icing sugar over cakes and other bakes.

5. Caudalie, Beauty Elixir - £32: A cult blogger product, I kind of missed the hype on this one. However, as my skin has been changing over the last few years I think it could really benefit from this. I'd love to try this in place of my other toners once they have run out to help calm and hydrate my skin.

What is on your current wishlist? xxx

Monday 28 March 2016

Review: Clarins | Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in '01 Honey' |


When these were launched, it was one of those products which went right to the top of my lust list. As you probably know, Clarins is one of my all time favourite high end brands for both make up and skin care. I had just run out of my previous favourite night time lip balm (Nuxe Reve de Miel) and thought this would make a good replacement.

First off, I wouldn't use this during the day as it is not something you can layer other lip products over the top of. Instead the blurb suggests using it over lipstick as a sort of gloss. It has a very thick, almost gel like cushioned texture, and does sit on top of the lips rather than sinking straight in. This is good for when your lips are really sore as it gives them a soft, protective layer. 

The applicator is large and soft, which makes application easy but I would be sparing with the amount you put on. Although the oil is the colour and consistency of honey, the taste and smell is more floral and there is no colour pay off on the lips. Key ingredients included are Hazelnut Oil to plump and soften, Jojoba Oil to nourish and add sheen to your lips and finally Mirabelle Oil to prevent dehydration. I tend to use this in the evening before bed, to protect and nourish my lips over night ready for the next day.

For a lip product, it is very expensive and a luxury product to have in your skin care kit. However, I really enjoy using this every evening and next on my list is the Raspberry version!

What is your favourite lip balm? xxx

Sunday 27 March 2016

Review: L'Oreal | EverPure No Sulphates | Shampoo & Conditioner |


It takes me ages to use up shampoo & conditioner, so when I get the opportunity to try a new one I get really excited to choose something new. I was going to buy something expensive to treat myself, but on a whim I picked up this super affordable duo in Superdrug, as I adore the mask from the range.

I've rarely found a shampoo that cleans my hair without stripping it, but the Dazzling Colour and Moisture Shampoo is fantastic at cleansing properly while still nourishing every strand. The formula is quite thick, so I was worried it would weigh my hair down or cause it to become greasy more quickly, but this hasn't been an issue. In fact, my hair feels lightweight and lifted, while still moisturised. The conditioner is also a thick creamy consistency, enriched with rosemary and mint oils, which I apply from the mid lengths through to the end. It helps to detangle easily, and leaves hair soft and manageable. These are great at reviving old colour too and both products also have the same soft spa like scent as the mask that I adore. 

These encompass everything I look for in a shampoo & conditioner - colour protection, moisture and body. The range has most definitely won me round to sulphate free haircare and I would highly recommend for all hair types. 

Have you tried any sulphate free hair products? xxx

Friday 12 February 2016

Review: Fake Bake | Skin D-Luxe Dream Skin Cleansing Melt | Beauty At Home


A few months ago I attended the launch of Fake Bake's Beauty at Home range, which was full of new make up, body and skin care products. Subsequent to the event, I reviewed a body scrub from the new line which I adored. This is the next product that I trialed and unfortunately it hasn't won me over like the scrub did.

The Skin D-Luxe Dream Skin Cleansing Melt* (longest name ever) lives at my boyfriends house as my cleanser to use when I stay over. The three main (and only) ingredients listed in this product are Tamanu Oil to heal scarring and promote new tissue growth, Moring Seed Oil to nourish and moisturise and finally Palmitoyl Tripeptide 38 to stimulate cell renewal. It makes me wary that the other ingredients aren't listed as I am sure there must be a high content of mineral oil, purely because the feeling left on my skin is not at all pleasant. It feels very heavy and cloying rather than soft and moisturised, almost like a film has been left on your face that can't be removed with a wash cloth. For comparison, the Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm has Moringa Seed Oil in also and this does not leave me with this feeling at all.

The balm does melt into an oil quite easily, but it isn't silky smooth like others I've tried, both budget and high end. By applying to dry skin and then adding warm water, you turn it into more of a milk. This also is not very effect at removing make up, particularly round the eyes, even after double cleansing. 

The only positive I can really say about the cleansing balm is its smell and packaging, but unfortunately it fell short in many areas. For the price, I think it is really disappointing and you can get much better balms for much cheaper, for example The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Balm (read my review here).

This may be better suited for drier skins, but overall I would not recommend it. The body range though is wonderful, so it would be worth checking that out instead.

Have you tried any products from Fake Bake Beauty at Home?


Wednesday 10 February 2016

All Used Up #15


1. Got2b Guardian Angel Heat Protector Spray: After purchasing Tresemme for many years, I felt it was time to try a new heat protector. This smelt lovely but I preferred the finer spray of the Tresmme version. I don't think you can tell that much difference between heat protectors but this was non sticky and light on the hair so did the job nicely.

2. The Body Shop Camomile Eye & Lip Makeup Remover: A definite repurchase, I adore this stuff! It is a bi-phase liquid that you shake up to mix up the oil and is so effect and gentle at removing stubborn mascara and lip stains. It is such a good product for the money and I am looking to repurchase it as soon as possible.

3. Tropic Skincare Vitamin Toner: The spray on this was lovely and fine and the product itself was refreshing and gentle with a non offensive scent. This was great for in the morning to perk up my face and I wouldn't hesitate at repurchasing. If you are looking for something gentle and non drying, this would be a great option.

4. Soap & Glory Whipped Clean Shower Butter: One of my all time favourites from the brand and the highstreet in general. The sweet pistachio smell of this is lovely and the formula foams up so much while still being gentle and moisturising. This is a real winner for this time of year and perfect for if you are too lazy to moisturise after the shower.

5. Seventeen Skin Wow! Highlighter: Read my full review here. This is a great budget liquid highlighter which has multiple uses, but my favourite way is to mix it into foundation to add a healthy glow. This is quite pink toned and pearlescent but luckily was not too glittery on the skin. I did feel as though it made my skin more prone to oil throughout the day but overall it was a good product.



6. Una Brennan Vitamin C Cleansing Oil: As far as oil cleansers go this was alright. It removed make up well and did not leave any residue, but I did not see any brightening effects like the claims and it was really messy to use. It lasted ages which is normally a plus, but I wanted to use this faster as it was just OK. I normally love Una Brennan so this was a bit of a let down.

7. L'Oreal EverPure Hair Mask for Coloured Hair: My first foray into sulphate free hair care and I adored it! Honestly, this left my hair so soft, smooth and tangle free at such a bargain price. I liked this so much it made it into my monthly favourites last year and I would definitely repurchase.

8. Macadamia Healing Oil Spray: I've had this for years and finally used it up. I love the Macadamia range but this is not one of my favourite products. The best way to use this was on dry hair, sprayed into my palms and worked through the mid lengths to ends to smooth everything. When used on wet hair it did live up to the claims of drying it faster, but I wasn't in love with this product. Read my full review here.

9. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation: This was my go to foundation for when I was on a night out (hence the slightly darker colour match for fake tan!) It gives a real even and flawless finish, while still looking quite radiant and it stays put all night. I enjoyed using this foundation and would repurchase but it is not a holy grail for me like it is for other bloggers as I preferred wearing it for a few hours rather than all day.

10. MAC Fix+: To be honest, I still can't make up my mind if this does anything or not. It was my first try at fixing sprays so I have nothing to compare it too. The plus points were the fine mist, lockable cap for travel and that it helped to take any powdery finish away but I can't make up my mind if it actually locked my make up in place. This is also good to wet your brushes in before applying eyeshadow to make it more intense. I may go back to this and try it again but for now I am enjoying a cheaper L'Oreal version.

What have you used up recently? xxx

Monday 8 February 2016

Make Up Of The Day #2


If you've seen my January favourites video, you will know that I have been absolutely loving the Urban Decay Naked 3 eye shadow palette at the moment. Such a variety of looks can be achieved from this one palette, and the look I'm talking about today is one of my favourites using all the matte shades.

Base
A mixture of Esteé Lauder Double Wear in 'Shell' mixed with a generous amount of No7 Skin Illuminator was applied all over with a Real Techniques Expert face brush, my favourite brush to use with this foundation. I used Maybelline's The Eraser concealer for under eyes and blogger favourite Collection Lasting Perfection concealer for any blemishes in the lightest shade.

The powder I used was an old favourite - Stay Matte by Rimmel. I then used the Sleek Face Form palette in Light to give some colour to my face and used the highlighter too on the high points of my face.

Eyes
I had run out of my beloved Anastasia Brow Wiz, so penciled in my brows with Rimmel's brow pencil in Hazel. I find it a bit too red toned so filled in any gaps with Revolution Focus and Fix brow quad in Medium Dark using the lightest shade.

Now to the fun part of the eyeshadows! I used Limit, a light matte and very blendable shade all over the lid, with Nooner in the outer corner and blended into the crease. Lastly, I deepened the outer V with Darkside and highlighted the inner corners and the brow bone with Strange. I chose to not use any eyeliner, instead finishing off my eyes with lashing of Collection 2000 Calorie Mascara, my favourite of all time!

Lips
The look was finished with one of my favourite lip products from the high street - Maybelline Color Drama lip pencil in Keep It Classy. The formula is long lasting, smooth and highly pigmented and just such a great product all round. Read more of my review of another colour here.

Do you have a favourite eye shadow palette? xxx

Wednesday 3 February 2016

Video: January Favourites | 2016



A round up of my favourite products during the first month of the year, including my birthday, make up, skin care and fashion! As always, please do subscribe to my channel and/or like the video if you enjoyed. A lot of the products I enjoyed during the video I will be popping up in depth reviews of on the blog, so keep an eye out for those!

What are your favourite products from January? xxx


Monday 1 February 2016

Review: L'Oreal | Color Riche Extraordinaire in 'Nude Ballet' |


I have to admit, the original reason I bought this is because it is apparently the nude lip that Kim Kardashian wears... a bit embarrassing but normally I wouldn't be drawn to a colour like this as it doesn't look like much in the tube.

The Color Riche Extraordinaire line claims to be a 3 in one product: a liquid lipstick/gloss/balm hybrid, with a soft applicator that delivers a highly pigmented and comfortable product on your lips. Nude Ballet has a light vanilla scent, is soft and nourishing on the lips, and almost gives a cushioned effect without being sticky in the slightest. I must say I was impressed with the pigmentation of this, and I like that although it is a nude, it has enough brown and pink undertones. I don't feel like the above swatch gives the product enough justice, so I highly recommend you give this a go yourself.

The wear time isn't the best, but as it is a soft nude shade it doesn't matter that much as its not obvious, plus the wear is quite even. This is a great colour for both day and night, as it is gives a pulled together look without too much effort. My favourite look to use this product with is a dramatic eye as it balances out the look well and makes it quite sultry and sophisticated.

I've been really impressed with this product and would love to try out some of the bolder shades too.

What is your favourite liquid lipstick? xxx

Monday 11 January 2016

Review: Sleek | Face Form Contour & Blush Palette | 'Light'



The other evening I was organising my photos - does anyone else have multiple digital albums which are all a bit of a mess? Anyway, I came across loads of photos I had taken for the blog from ages ago which I had kind of forgotten about. One set of these pictures was on this lovely palette from Sleek that I use at least twice a week and still love as much as I did when I first bought it and have been using it loads recently. So it is high time that I wrote a review on it!

One of the best things about this palette is that it is so travel friendly. You are sorted with a blush, contour/bronzer and highlight that are amazing quality and go with pretty much any look you need - I used this exclusively in Stockholm and didn't feel like I was missing anything. Plus you get a good sized mirror, and the pans are a really good size too. For the price point the quality of these powders are so good - really highly pigmented, easy to blend and no chalkiness in sight.

The bronzer is great for contouring as it is matte and more on the cool side, although you do need to make sure you blend it properly as it is very pigmented. The highlighter I wasn't sure on at the beginning, but applied with a denser brush like the Real Techniques contour brush, it looks so beautiful across the cheekbones and centre of the face. It gives a lovely glow without being glittery or really obvious. Lastly the blush is a fantastic dupe for Nars Orgasm and again is just as pigmented as the rest of the palette and lasts all day without needing a touch up.

The only thing to keep in mind if you have acne prone skin is that it does contain talc so if you have acne prone skin this may aggravate it.

There is also 4 different shades for varying skin tones from Light to Dark - so a palette for everyone! you can purchase this palette in Boots or Superdrug.

What is your favourite product from Sleek? xxx


Wednesday 6 January 2016

My Top 5 Hair Styling Products


When it comes to hair, I'm not that adventurous, although I would like to try and step out my comfort zone this year. I have highlighted blonde hair that is easily damaged so I tend to use minimal heat and wash it about every 3 days. I'm also in a rush in the mornings so try and blow dry it relatively straight when I wash it so it will last the next couple of days without me having to use extra heat. Below are the top products I use to achieve this easy, fuss free style.

1. L'Oreal Elnett Satin Heat Protect Styling Spray: I love the smell of this product and also the bottle. The spray pump delivers a fine weightless mist to the hair so it doesn't feel weighed down or clogged with product. This version is meant to lock in your style for 3 days, but I'm not so sure it can live up to those claims but it does protect up to 230 degrees.

2. Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray: Texturising sprays can be a bit hit and miss with me, but this is definitely the best one  I've tried so far. I like that it is a dry mist so it doesn't mess with your hair style, it smells lovely and it adds grit and texture without being sticky or leaving a dirty feeling in my hair. I tend to focus it in my roots and and the mid lengths to add some volume although I don't use this every day.

3. Redken Straight Line Balm: I've been using this trusty product for years. My hair is naturally quite wavy so its useful to use a product like this to help smooth out any kinks. A 20 pence piece sized amount is all you need and I distribute it throughout the mid lengths to the ends of damp hair. Again, this is a non sticky or heavy product, and also helps to protect against damp/humid weather.

4. Kerastase Elixir Ultime: This oil has lasted me ages! I did a review of it on my blog about 2 years ago now and its still going strong, considering I use it on damp hair after every wash. Again I distribute about a 20 pence piece amount through the mid to end lengths of my hair. It helps to add softness, shine and smooth any frizz.

5. Redken All Soft Gold Glimmer Perfecting Shine Treatment: This is quite a thick and heavy product, so I try and use it sparingly. Normally it gets used after blow drying to smooth out the ends and any frizzy bits on top, as when I blow dry my hair it tends to get a bit poofy and unruly! When pumped out, it has a gel like texture that has glitter particles - but when in your hair it just makes it soft and a bit more shiny. Because of how heavy the product is I tend it focus it at the very ends of my hair where it needs it most and the remnants on my palms on the top to smooth fly aways if needed.

What are your top hair products? xxx

Sunday 3 January 2016

Video: Added Extras #3 | My Evening Pamper Routine



Normally these types of posts are blog posts, but as I was having a pamper evening last night, I thought it would be fun to film a different type of video than I normally do (a chatty sit down). It took me ages to film but is actually my shortest video ever haha, so I totally appreciate the amount of work it goes into videos like this!

I hope you enjoy this different style of video - please subscribe to my channel if you do. And if you have any other video suggestions let me know :) xxx

Saturday 2 January 2016

Lifestyle: Winter Weekend in Stockholm, Sweden


In December, I finally managed to get away for a well deserved holiday with Ben. We wanted to go to somewhere new we have never visited before in Europe, and preferably something that would give us Christmas spirit. Eventually we decided on 3 nights and 4 days in Stockholm, upon recommendation from a girl in my team at work who hails from the city. Its safe to say we made the right decision, as we loved the city and our time away.


The flight there was really easy, about 2 and a half hours from Gatwick, although the 5am wake up call was quite painful! We flew with Norwegian airlines, and their planes were really comfortable, with TV programmes showing the whole flight and free wifi, which I thought was pretty great for economy and a short haul flight.


Once we touched down in Arlanda airport, we got the Arlanda Express train to the centre of Stockholm, which takes about 20 minutes. We stayed in a hotel very near the centre called Miss Clara and it was absolutely beautiful. We chose this hotel mainly because the style inside was very Scandanvian and we weren't disappointed. Our room had lovely touches such as a chair back connected to the end of the bed so you can eat breakfast in bed comfortably, and fairy strip lights in the windows and ceiling which gave it a nice ambience. The bed was the most comfortable thing we have ever slept in, and the bathroom was incredible - the bath was so deep the edge came up to my hip when I was standing in it!


One of the main reasons I loved Stockholm so much was that although it is made up of about 4 or 5 islands, you can walk it very easily. There is loads of different public transport such as the tram, underground or bus, and there is even uber available there too if you wanted to use that, but we decided to walk most of the time during the day. The weather at this time of year was pretty cold though, I wore thermals every day, with a fur headband and gloves as we were outside most of the time.


The people were also so friendly and spoke amazing English which made us feel very at home. The only downside is that it is a very expensive city - we spent about £400 in total over 4 days on just food and drink. It is also worth noting that you can also buy alcohol over 2% in off licences as it is not available in shops and the rate of a beer is about £7-8 for a little less than half a pint. The Christmas markets were also a little bit disappointing but were still fun to explore.


All the food we had was absolutely amazing, we had the best burger in Stockholm at Flippin Burgers, a delicious first meal at Grill and traditional Swedish meatballs in the oldest restaurant in Stockholm. We also tried a mixture of Moose and Elk at the small Christmas market which was interesting and quite yummy, washed down with a cup of Glogg (similar to mulled wine).

Of course we did a little shopping while we were there, and I picked up a few make up items from KICKS, which is a bit like our Boots and they have their own brand make up line. Unfortunately the Sephora was tiny so I didn't buy anything there and there was also another drugstore brand I was recommended to try next time called Issadora.

Our Top Suggestions for Stockhom
* The Christmas Market/Village in Skansken situated on the island of Djurgarden - very touristy but there is also a zoo, food and drink and lots of craft stalls.
* Grill - a Tiki themed restaurant which had the most delicious cocktails and tasty food. Quite expensive but worth it.
* Miss Clara Hotel - amazing breakfast, service and rooms, I could not recommend this hotel enough!
* NK - big shopping mall similar to Selfridges in the UK
* Princess cake - you can get this pretty much anywhere but it is very traditional and yummy.
* Urban Deli - similar to Whole Foods but so much better and has a restaurant/bar inside. Delicious meals and snacks to take away.
* Weiners cafe - lovely for a glass of wine or afternoon tea. Super pretty inside.

Where is your favourite place in Europe to visit? xxx

Friday 1 January 2016

New Year, No Resolutions


2016 marks nearly 4 years of blogging for me. It's so great to look back at what is essentially an online diary for me and see so many memories of events and things I have loved. However, its also a bit sad because when I first started I was at uni, with plenty of time and was truly dedicated to this space. A full time job, a big break up, multiple house moves and a really tough year mentally have made me really neglect this space over the past two years, especially in 2015 so my blog isn't really how or where I want it to be.

Instead of setting myself multiple goals of where I want to be within life, the blog etc, I am making one goal and that is to be happy. How cliché but its true. I always set myself up for a fail with my whole life plan, my fitness, beauty, health, blog goals and the problem is I end up comparing myself to other people instead of focusing on the positive things about what I can do, lose motivation and then am unhappy with where I am again, so its like being stuck in a vicious circle.

So I'm not making any promises about these things to myself or others, but have decided to carry on the positive lessons and mindset I have learnt over the last few months and hopefully that will trickle down to lots of other areas of my life.

I'm truly excited for a fresh start and I hope this year brings lots of happiness, positivity, health and loads of new experiences and memories. 

Happy New Year! xxx

 

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