Beauty Blogger Meet | Sheffield Adventures with Lauren (PorcelainQueen1) and Marissa (Mambomelonx)

From left: Lauren, Me, Marissa

A lot of you will completely understand when I say; since I've been blogging I have met some pretty amazing people. A lot of you will also have met some of these lovely people during your blogging life. So when I got the opportunity to meet some of my favourite girlies, I didn't turn the opportunity down!

Let's start off with the girl I've know the longest +Porcelain Queen (blog link here). This girl has been like my rock in blogging world. She's the devil on my shoulder; telling me to buy all sorts of products, and I'm sure it's the same when she talks about me. Her blog is pretty amazing. She has the ability to lure you in, and you end up buying everything. Not only is her blog flawless, so is her face! I'm not even joking - when I saw her I was like 'Oh my god, you're so pretty!' The first thing Lauren said to me was 'Oh my god! you're so tall!' Hahaha!

Next to turn up was the beautifully stylish Marissa +Marissa Hunt (blog link here), Well I thought Lauren was petite - JEEZ! Give a girl a break ladies! Marissa is all about style, this girl oozes it! I don't think there been a single day where I haven't 'liked' her outfits or posts on Instagram. She's all about colour and knows how to work them well together. Not only that she's got a pretty cute blog and I adore her photos! She's so good at adding props! Jealous... Basically this girl is amazing!

Needless to say, as soon as we all met, we hit it off straight away!

Working the Vegas Vault from MAC

So our first port of call was TGI Fridays where Lauren basically put a gun to our heads and told us we were going there no matter what! This girl means business when it comes to her burger...in particular The French Canadian Burger. Of which, when we sat down, we were told they no longer did it! Hahaha, gutted was an understatement. So after the burger issue we sat down and talked for ages; I learnt that Marissa hated cheese...I know! How can someone hate cheese?! I'm sure we could have sat and talked about our lives and make up for hours but we had shopping to do!

We headed off to Illamasqua as I wanted to show the girls Hydra Veil and potentially purchase it too. However when we got there, we were told that they were out of stock. Needless to say we hadn't gotten off to a good start at all! We roamed around the counter taking photos of their stunningly opaque lip glosses, nail polishes and new Glamor line. We got talking to a lovely lady who worked there, who asked us if we wanted to go to an Illasmaqua Blogger Event in May! Hello?! Stupid question!

Next door was Urban Decay. I'd heard a lot about the All Nighter Long Setting Spray and thought I'd give it a try...at the same time I think I persuaded Lauren to invest in the same thing. Terrible, I know! We looked around and swatched eye shadows, eye pencils and the new eye shadows sticks that match the naked pallets. I wasn't too impressed with these but each to their own. Also the woman on the counter looked pretty scary! She had half finished eyebrows...

YSL no.19 - Obviously when I got home and pulled my hair back!

We moved swiftly on to YSL, one of our favourite brands! I had mentioned in previous posts that purple lipsticks do not suit me, so when we got to the counter Lauren and Marissa pointed out this pinky/purple shade and told me to try it. At first I wasn't diggin' it as I'd had such a bad time in pulling purple off before. However after walking around with it on and basically getting bullied into it, I caved and purchased it. I absolutely love it! Thanks ladies :)

So where do I begin in MAC? We were all like kids in a candy store! We must have swatched pretty much every eye shadow in there between the 3 of us. It got to the point of craziness where Lauren was having to check back on previous blog posts to find out what she'd bought before! We also went a bit spoolie mad, and everywhere we went, we took a spoolie! Marissa and I couldn't get over how wet the wet wipes were..I know..call the people in white coats! We ended up purchasing some eye shadows and god knows what else.

From MAC we ventured over to Laura Mercier where I believe I got suckered into buying this kit! The guy on the counter was a true sales man and wowed me with words such as 'limited edition' , 'reduced' and 'you must get it'. So I did. At the same time I did take a sneaky photo of the new range LM have just brought out. It's so pretty!

Benefit was our next stop and to be honest, since my last review of their products I've lost faith and I'm not willing to try anything new until I've seen some amazing reviews. Their stuff does look pretty though.

The new Velvet Lip Laquers from Bourjois

Lauren in action!

You can't go make up shopping without stepping foot into Boots! They had their 3 for 2 offer on again,
however I was strong and refrained from buying any drug store products as I've still got loads to review from my previous haul. Marissa went a little bit mental though! I was umming and arghing over the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturiser, of which is a firm favourite of mine. However I'm currently trying to use up the massive amount of moisturisers I have at home. Therefore my only purchase at Boots was my YSL Lipstick which I decided to get from here, because I wanted the points. We did get an inside look into the brand Bare Minerals, however it just doesn't give me enough coverage as a foundation would. Shame really, as their pigments are pretty good!

Our final stop was at Victoria Secrets, where we became teenagers again! It was also where we realised Lauren has no sense of smell at all. I'm not even joking. There was an amazing offer on the Body Sprays where you could buy 3 for £24. They are normally £16 pounds each, so go figure! We decided to get 1 each and treat ourselves!

At the end of the day, I was really sad to say goodbye to these beautiful ladies! I'd gotten to love them as much in person as I did through their blogs. I strongly recommend having a look at their posts and trust me; you'll love them as much as I do! Bring on the 10th May ladies, when they come to Nottingham for some serious shopping madness!

I hope you've enjoyed this installment and if you're keen to read the next one, keep up to date with me on twitter, bloglovin and instagram so not to miss out!

As always guys, It's been a pleasure!

Char

xXx 

| A Few Liebster Awards |

Helloooo Lovelies!!!

So the title of this post might come across a bit show offish - but this is not my intention. I had an influx of these nominations in the space of about 2 weeks and couldn't keep up! So I thought I'd kill several birds with one stone.

Disclaimer : No birds were harmed in the making of this post.

So basically the rules are; Link back to the person who nominated you. State 11 random facts about yourself . Answer their questions. Then come up with 11 random questions to ask and nominate 11 people to answer them. For more info and my 11 random facts about myself click here!

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So my 2nd nomination was from the rule breaker Lauren +Porcelain Queen She defied my rules and decided to nominate me back (which is SO not allowed!) However I'll let her off as she's so damn cool and writes awesome posts! Seriously go and check her out below, you won't be disappointed!

So - on with the questions!

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www.porcelainqueen1.blogspot.co.uk

Number One - What is your one holy grail product that you would recommend to every one?

Humm, this is a new one for me and I absolutely love it. It's the Sleek Face Contour Kit. You can choose between light, medium & dark. It's such a good price and really does work. I don't leave the house now without using this. The little diagram that comes with it is very useful too.

Number Two - Which part of your makeup do you enjoying doing the most?

Easy - foundation. I love the fact I can create a flawless blank canvass to work on :)

Number Three - Which one brand in your opinion makes the best eye shadows?

I have loads of MAC eye shadows, Urban Decay Pallets and Laura Mecier shadows. It's a close one between the 3 but I would have to say Urban Decay as the pigments are amazing.

Number Four - What are you beauty 'hang-ups'? For example, mine is my ridiculously untameable hair and my combination skin.

My skin. I have combination skin and it drives in insane! I'm like make up your mind already!

Number Five - What's the worst beauty blunder that you used to do?

Never used to do my eyebrows. I know. Shocking!

Number Six - At what age did you first ever start wearing makeup on a regular basis?

I was a late starter haha I didn't wear makeup properly until I was about 15/16.

Number Seven - What is you all time favourite high end brand?

YSL and Illamasqua

Number Eight - What is your all time favourite high street brand?

Rimmel and Maybelline

Number Nine - Name your top three brushes, for example, MAC 239, Real Techniques Buffing brush...

Real Techniques Stippling Brush, Real Techniques Contour Brush &  Real Techniques Detailer Brush.

Number Ten - What celebrity are you regularly compared to?

Ha I actually have 2... Holly Willoughby and Sophie Dahl. I think it's the eyes!

Number Eleven - Name one thing about yourself that you love.

My eyes :)

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www.beautybooandteatoo.blogspot.co.uk

1. what's your favourite beauty product?

I'm going to go with my Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation on this one.

2. what does your blog mean to you?

The world. I can't believe it's taken me this long to pluck up the courage to write one.

3. what's your favourite song at the moment?

Erm - Let It Go...Frozen! Hell yes I'm a Disney fan and proud!

4. when you were little what did you want to be when you 'grew up'?

A princess. Still aim to be. Prince Harry hasn't met me yet.

5. Did you make any new years resolutions, have you stuck to them?

Yes! My blog was a New Years Resolution (check out my first post here!)

6. If you were a Disney character, which Disney character would you be?

Ahh LOVE THIS!!! I would be Elsa from Frozen as she's a Princess who doesn't need a man - GIRL POWER! Also add in a bit of Dory from Finding Nemo and Timone & Pumba from Lion King haha

7. If you had to describe yourself in three words what would they be?

Fun, Confident & Captivating

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Marrying Price Harry and becoming a Princess. What? haha

9. What is your most prized possession?

My sunglasses collection....bit of a sucker for designers and my car!

10. What's your guilty pleasure?

Ice Cream

11. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Humm good question! I would have the power to click my fingers and be ready. I take hours getting ready for a night out!

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www.beaut-iful-you.blogspot.co.uk

1. What inspired you to start blogging in the beginning?

I wanted a change, something different. I wanted to make new friends and change my life.

2. How long have you been blogging for?

Nearly 2 months - eek!

3. What's the best thing that has happened to you since starting blogging?

Met so many amazing people, and the fact people like what I write is just mental!

4. Would you encourage other people to start blogging? If so, why?

Definitely - You'll meet like minded people and it'll really open your eyes that there are so many people out there who appreciate you and what you write.

5. What are your top 5 makeup brands

Laura Mercier, Illamasqua, MAC, Urban Decay, Rimmel

6. What would you rather give up, make up or skin care?

Oh god! Tough Question. I'd probably say skin care as make up can cover blemishes up.

7. Favourite nail varnish brand

Humm Illamasqua and Rimmel

8. If you could have £200 to spend on makeup, what would you buy?

Some things from Charlotte Tilbury

9. What's your favourite colour?

Lime Green and Pink

10. Favourite all time shop

Libertys or Harrods - I seriously get goosebumps every time I enter these stores.

11. Do you like my blog? If yes, thank you! But if not what can I do to improve?

Of course! I love the header picture its great and I love how clean cut your posts are.

1. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Canada. I loved it there but only in the summer when there's no snow. So perhaps I should choose America!! haha

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www.hollieclairexo.blogspot.co.uk

2. What are your top 5 makeup products you can't live without?

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation, Sleek Contour Kit, Illamasqua Skin Base Lift, Rimmel compact face Powder & YSL Mascara.

3. If you could spend one day in the life of someone else who would it be?

Nice question - It would have to be Oprah!

4. What type of blogs do you find most interesting to read?

Blogs with a personal touch. I'm not too keen on posts that just show a picture of a product and talk about it like a robot. I really like to get to know the author :)

5. Your favourite item of clothing that you own?

Scarves! I have a serious collection of Scarves!

6. Lipstick or lipgloss?

Lipstick.

7. Whats a weird fact about yourself that not everyone might know?

I'm related to Judi Dench & Beatrix Potter (random I know!) :)

8. Your favourite shop to shop in?

As above Liberty's & Harrods!

9. What is your favourite makeup brand?

Illamasqua and MAC

10. Your best and favourite makeup tip?

Always prep, prime and hydrate your skin before applying makeup!

11. Your favourite song?

Ever?! Humm At the moment it's Let It Go - Frozen however all time fav I would have to say - GOD THIS IS TOO HARD! I like classics so it would have to be - no I can't do it. Sorry!

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www.justmsmaxwell.com

1. your worst habit?

Cutting my cuticles..

2. your dream job?

Creating a fashion line for women who are blessed with curves of all different shapes and sizes, whether your petite or on the larger side! Nothing out there no matter what anyone says.

3. bar or pub?

Bar. Pass me a cocktail!

4. high street or high end?

Humm, high street.

5. where you see yourself in 5 years time?

Probably writing my 10000000000 Leibster Award post!

6. favourite childhood show?

Sabrina the teenage Witch! Or Buffy!

7. favourite quote and why?

Winners never quit, Quitters never win.

8. the person you are most inspired by?

I'm inspired by everyone around me. They keep me motivated and ambitious!

9.  feelings about the ugly shoe trend?

Hate it.

10. favourite youtube vlogger?

I love Fleur De Force, she's different to the rest of the big youtube vloggers.

11. greatest achievement to date?

Not going to University and working bloody hard to get a good job! Which I love.

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So there we have it, a load of questions and answers! So now for my nominations....this is tough as so many people have done this now, so instead I nominate you! Whoever is reading this to answer just 5 questions! I'm changing the rules a bit as like Lauren said - Rules are meant to be broken!

1. Whats the best post you've written on your blog (in your opinion)? Link it below :)
2. What is your greatest achievement to date?
3. Who was the first beauty guru or blogger that you watched on Youtube or read on blogger?
4. What is your holy grail Skin Care product?
5. Which part of your make up do you enjoy doing the most? 

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Thank you for taking the time to read this, let me know what your thoughts are on my answers! 

Even if you don't fancy writing up a post on this, let me know down in the comments what your answers would be to my questions :)

Also please follow me on twitter, instagram & bloglovin. It would mean the world to me!

So, as always guys, It's been a pleasure!

Char

xXx

Mwah xx

What Have I Been Reaching For In February & YSL GIVEAWAY!!!

So this month has been and gone and it literally flew by! 

We're at that time of the month again, where I let you beautiful people know what I've been loving in the month of February. 

The original list was ridiculously long so I'm afraid some products didn't make the cut. gulp.

Also read on for my YSL Giveaway!

Baylis & Harding - Peony, White Tea and Jasmine Hand Wash : £2.33 Tesco

This has to be my most favourite scent in the Baylis range - which says a lot as I love all of them! This smells so fresh, with a subtle floral scent. The white tea really comes through and I'm slightly obsessed with this scent at the moment as I've just purchased the white tea True Grace candle. 

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Babyliss Curl Secret Hair Styler : £119.95 John Lewis

This contraption has revolutionised hair curling!! I am being serious - I know some are dubious, but please listen to my seldom words of wisdom. I used to be one of those girls who had perfect curls on one side of my head and wonky kinks the other side. I just couldn't get it! I used to look at other girls and think 'How the hell do they curl their hair, it looks amazing?!' Well now, I assure you I'm constantly supporting bouncy looking locks and getting complimented on them all the time. Worth every penny. 

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Rimmel 60 Second Polish - Rose Libertine : £3.69 Boots

This has been on my nails throughout Feb. I love it, it's a pinky rose colour. It's flattering with all skin tones and is perfect for Spring Summer. You can probably get this cheaper in store or online as Boots always has some sort of offer running!

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Real Techniques Setting brush : £8.99 Boots

This has been my go to brush this month (and pretty much always!) I use this for under eye concealer and for setting my under eye area with powder. It's the perfect shape to get in all the nooks and crannies!  

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Naked 3 Palette : £37.00 normally but 10% off at Debenhams at the moment!

So I won't go on about this too much, as this has been on everyones 'favourite' lists since it launched. I absolutely love it and think it's the best palette I've bought in a long time! It's full of an array of nude / pink shades as well as a few darker shades too. Perfect for day to night. 

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Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci : £21.95 Allbeauty.com

I'm pretty rubbish at describing scents when writing them down. You can blame my dyslexia for that! So I thought it'd be best if I just copied what the professionals say :) 

Ricci Ricci is a fresh and sensual floral scent built around the Beauty of the Night flower.Daring, the sparkling top notes of Rhubarb and Bergamot bring a modern freshness.Full of contrasts, the fragrance is easy-to-wear, branded and extremely feminine.It is designed for an optimistic and self-confident woman. 

Well clearly it's got me written all over it - hahaha!

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Calvin Klein Lipstick in Ethereal : £1.99 Fragrance Direct

I won't go on about this as I've raved about it on twitter and my previous posts! Just know it's super creamy and very pigmented! For the value you really can't go wrong. 

I'll link it here. 

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Garnier Pure Active Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash : £2.65 Boots

I've been using this throughout Feb, and it's now part of my daily skin care routine. I find it really cleanses my skin and makes it feel squeaky clean and keeps blemishes at bay! 

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Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll On : £10.49 Superdrug

Okay, so I know some of you are very dubious about products like this. However don't just take my word for it. The reviews speak for themselves! I'm not saying it will work on everyone, but for me it has worked an absolute treat. It de-puffs my eyes and makes my under eyes look vibrant and awake! 

This hydrates, cools and refreshes. 

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Sakaré Cuticle Oil : Part of a kit - £24.00

I've trawled the internet for this but it's only available to purchase in store on on ebay in a kit. I bought this on a bit of a whim. I was walking through covent garden and got a bit lost! It started to pour down with rain so I ran for cover and by chance came across this shop. The lady lured me in with a 'miracle nail kit'...So whilst it poured it down outside, I was inside getting a lesson in how to look after my nails. 

I won't go on but seriously, my nails have never been so good! I always had problems with my cuticles as they seemed to just grow over my nail like wildfire and needles to say I would always cut them back! (Bad Charlotte!)

Definitely worth every penny. 

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So that was my February Favourites in my second instalment of What Have I Been Reaching For...

I really hope you enjoyed it, so leave me a comment below and let me know what you thought!

Have you tried any of these? What were your thoughts?

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Before I go, I said I would do a Giveaway when I got to 50 Bloglovin Followers & 200 Followers on Twitter. I'm so pleased and grateful that you guys got me there last week! 

I really couldn't believe it and still can't get over the thought that you lot find what I have to say interesting!! 

To say a big thank you, I've gone and bought one of my ultimate favourite products and hope you will take part in my first giveaway! Just go through the processes below and I shall be picking a winner this time next month! Sorry lovelies - UK only for now!

Enjoy guys! 

And as always, it's been a pleasure.

Char

xXx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What Have I Been Reaching For In January?

So after a busy week of working and travelling, I decided to write about what I've been reaching for the most this month. I think I'm going to continue this series as a sort of monthly favourites. Let me know down in the comments what you think - also what beauty products you've been reaching for :)

So as a quick over view the products that I have been obsessing over are the following; MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Rio (£22), MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow in Love Connection (£17), MAC Matte Lipstick in Pink Plaid (£15), Natural Connection Lipstick Moisture Shine in Rose Bud (£1.99), YSL Shocking Mascara (£22) and finally the much talked about Bioderma for sensitive skin (£9.99).
I know what you're thinking...that's a lot of MAC.

With this month being particularly bitter, my face has taken offence!
I decided that a nice rosy glow would definitely blast away any dullness. I especially love Mac's Mineralize Skinfinish in Rio, this is a beautiful rose gold colour which has a spectacular shimmer to it. I only use a dab of this on my cheeks to give me that dewy look. As with all Mac Mineralize pressed powders, a little goes a hell of a long way. You do not want to be a shining beacon of light! It's not pleasant. 

I use the 'highlighter' side of my Love Connection Eye Shadow to emphasize the tops of my cheekbones, but as mentioned above, only a dab! This creates a really stunning flawless look and makes your skin look amaze-balls (Yes, that is a word..kind of!)  

From Top to Bottom; 'Love Connection' Highlighter, 'Love Connection' Gold Shimmer, 'Rio' Skinfinish

The next items on my list are my favourite lipsticks, these colours are seriously so beautiful the camera does not do them justice. They are warm pinks, so you can wear them during the day with a more natural look or at night with a sexy smoky eye and a pop of gloss. Girls, you can not go wrong.

Top; Natural Collection Rose Bud. Bottom; MAC Pink Plaid

Okay so everyone knows about Bioderma - if not where have you been?! I won't go on about it too much. Basically all you need to know is, it's fab! It's a 2 in 1 product; a cleanser and make up remover.  It's super gentle on your skin and does not leave you feeling oily or dry. A serious must have for any avid beauty fan - I defy you not to like it!

I even like the bottle...is that wrong?

Finally, my luxury item. YSL seriously know what they're talking about when it comes to mascara and this does exactly what it says on the tin. Your eyelashes look so good, they're shocking...see what I did there? I know this is pricy, however if you're looking to splurge on an item I would recommend this. It not only lengthens your lashes, it curls them too in it's rich formulation. This holds the curl, defines each lash AND lengthens them. What more do you want I ask?! 

LOVE IT. 

On a closing note, I hope you've enjoyed the first instalment of 'What have I been reaching for?' Now I tag all of you to let me know what you've been reaching for! I'm dead nosy and love to know what everyones favourites items are each month. 

 As always guys and gals, it's been a pleasure. 

Char xXx