Big Thank you!

 

Ten followers at 'The Beauty Tearoom'

So this week has not been one of my best and to top it off, my university has recommended we evacuate due storm threats again! Now as it happens, I was traveling home to see my boyfriend anyway so when the university said they would pay for any train journeys to unaffected areas, I was chuffed. I had been worried about missing lectures too, then I received a message to say they were all cancelled Friday and Monday. So what had been a rubbish week, turned out to be a rather good one. Then to top it off, I logged on today to find that not only had I reached ten lovely followers, but 50 Bloglovin followers as well. I cannot CONTAIN my happiness and excitement! 

 

I understand that to some people, ten followers is probably not much of an achievement. However, to me, I think it is a milestone and I am so proud! To think that I have a blog that not only people take the time read but actually enjoy it enough to become a fully fledged follower. It means the world to me so a huge thank you to everyone who follows! Also thank you to the lovely people who leave comments and take the time to read my blog! 

So after the cheesiest blog post ever, I will bid you adeu'! As always, it has been an absolute pleasure!

Haul// Beauty Buys

Oh deaarrrr. I've gone and done it again. Seriously, I have a problem. So much so, I have now banned myself from even entering Superdrug for the remainder of the month (two days then hehe.) Well, the damage to bank account has been done, so I may as well show you my naughty purchases! I will most likely be doing a full review on some of the products so keep your eyes peeled!

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser £7.99

I had heard that this was a good dupe of the Benefit Porefessional Primer so I knew I had to get it. I haven't had much experience with primers and thought a £7.99 one was a good place to start. I'm really happy with my current foundation but who could deny a flawless poreless look.

Maybelline Baby Lips Balm Pink Punch £2.99

I have heard about these little cuties on so many blogs now, at only £2.99, I'm not sure why i haven't purchased one sooner. I decided upon 'Pink Punch' as it has a hint of colour and I am trying to expand my 'Everyday Pink' lip collection.

Rimmel Kate Lipstick in shade Soft Pink 101 £5.49

I have already tried one Kate lipstick and was eager to try another. As mentioned above, I am trying to expand my collection and this shade seemed like a good one to try. It does build up to quite a bright pink which I think will be nice in summer with a glowing tan!

Rimmel London 60 Seconds Ring a Ring o' roses £3.69

Ever since my full  blown love affair with the program 'Gossip Girl' began, I have been lusting after everything I see in the program. This time round, it was the beautiful pink nails worn by many of the cast. I have been wanting a light pink nail varnish forever and at £3.69 I thought it would be a good addition to my 'Springtime' Nails collection. You can see it gives a lovely finish to the nails and dries so quickly, as to be expected!

Rimmel London 60 Seconds Mary Mary Quite Contrary £3.69

When looking at the 'Ring a Ring o' roses' nail polish, I saw this colour and fell in love with it. It is the most beautiful lavender shade and perfect for spring. I'm really not usually one for anything other than pinks and nudes (and the odd brown) but I couldn't resist this one! 

So what do you think of my purchases? I think they are worth breaking the piggy bank for! Rest assured, I will be providing some full reviews of these products soon! Until then...

The Liebster Award

 

Good Afternoon readers! I was having a miserable day today, the weather is horrible and I'm freezing my toes off in my university room. That was until I checked my blog to discover that I have new followers (BIG thankyou!) and two lovely bloggers nominating me for The Liebster award. The two beautiful bloggers who nominated me are Luci (http://lipstickloveheart.blogspot.co.uk/) and Hdotxo (http://hdotxo.blogspot.co.uk/). Big thankyou girls, really made me smile today!

So the rules are as follows:

1. You must link the blog who nominated you

2. Nominate 11 blogs who have less than 200 followers
3. Answer the 11 questions you were given
4. Tell the people you have nominated you have done so
5. You're not allowed to nominate the person who nominated you
6. Create 11 questions to ask the people who you have nominated
7. You must be following the blog who nominated you

As it was Luci who nominated me first, I must answer the 11 questions she asked. Keep reading to see what I've answered and who I'm nominating!

1. What inspired you to start a blog?

I first started because I was an avid reader of blogs and I already had a passion for makeup, hair and beauty. Blogging is the perfect outlet to discuss said interests so it was really a no brainer for me. 

 
2. What is your favourite season?

I love both summer and winter equally. Summer has the gorgeous weather, everyone is motivated and I love getting a Tan. My love for winter stems from the clothes, getting cosy with a hot chocolate and the good TV that seems to come around. 

 
3. Which 3 items would you take to a desert island?

Not sure if my boyfriend would be offended for me to refer to him as an item, but if taking him isn't cheating, he'd definitely be there with me. I'd have a water filter so I could always have clean water and a solar powered music player so I could listen to music in the sun. 

 
4. If you were a sweet what would you be?

A jelly baby because I would like to think that despite being a complete softie, I'm sweet too!

 
5. Which is your favourite colour/shade you like to wear?

With clothing I always stick to neutral colours. I'd definetly say I feel good in cream. 

 
6. Where is your favourite place in the world you have been to or would like to visit?

I absolutely loved Paris and Amsterdam but I would love to go to Vatican City or scuba dive in Australias Barrier reef.

 
7. Are you a heels or flats kind of girl?

Day to day I'm a flat shoe wearer, but I don't love them like I love heels. I'm definitely a heels girl for a night out!

 
8. What's your biggest fashion disaster?

The begining of college I was really figuring out my style, who I was and who I wanted to be (deep). I'm pretty confident that while trying to do so, everyday was a fashion disaster.

 
9. What's your most loved item and why?

This is a difficult one, my first thought was my phone as it allows me to contact the boyfriend while we are long distance at university but I think probably my laptop, I skype, blog and use it for my degree.

 
10. If you could buy anything in the whole wide world, what would it be?

A complete scuba diving kit, I'm guessing that probably isn't the answer people expect from a beauty blogger such as myself!

 
11. What's your favourite magazine? 

This one is easy. I have been a reader of the Look mag for so many years! Mainly because my mom buys one as soon as they're out and once everyone in the house had read them, they were great for cutting up and making collages.

So there you have my answers to Luci's eleven questions. I nominate the following bloggers as I have had a look at their blogs and love them! Here are my nominees;
1. Alix (http://alixeee.blogspot.co.uk/)
2. Lauren (http://lovelaurenxx.blogspot.co.uk/)
3. Jemma (http://beautyjemsx.blogspot.co.uk/)
4. Lana (http://lana-loves-lipgloss.blogspot.co.uk/)
5. Alice (http://the-fairest-of-them.blogspot.co.uk/)
6. Katie (http://realisebeauty.blogspot.co.uk/)
7. Casey (http://caseyslifeandotherstuff.blogspot.co.uk/)
8. Leah (http://www.painteddaisies.co.uk/)
9. Amy (http://www.floatylemon.com/)
10. Amber (http://ambloglife.blogspot.co.uk/)
11. Charlotte (http://blondecanvas.blogspot.co.uk/)

My questions to you are:
1. What is your favourite nail colour?
2. If you could have any hair colour which would it be?
3. Who is the person you look up to the most?
4. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
4. Who is the most important person in your life?
5. Where do you go most often with friends?
6. What is your most proud achievement?
7. If you could have any pet, what would it be and what would you call it?
8. What is your favourite beauty product of all time?
9. Who is most like you that you know of?
10. What is your best quality?
11. If you were a sweet, what would you be?

Good luck and I hope you all get involved in the Liebster award, I hope to see you posting your answers soon! As always...

My Everyday Makeup Routine

 

Happy Sunday everyone! It's absolutely horrible outside, and yet somehow one of my friends and I ended up going for a walk along Aberystwyth Sea Front. I can tell you we came back missing feeling in our fingers and toes! Plus we got stung by hail, ouch! Anyway, I'm wrapped up in my onesie finally writing my 'Everyday Makeup Routine', I absolutely love reading these posts from other people and how they achieve them. So I thought it only right I join in and give it a go. Prepare yourselves for a longggg blog post!

So my first step is to moisturize using my Garnier Moisture Match. My skin is prone to being a little dry so this helps my skin look it's best. Next I apply my new favourite foundation (once the moisturizer has fully absorbed) Maxfactor Face Finity 3in1 foundation, which I have recently reviewed (you can read that here) and blend blend blend. It gives an all over, even coverage. I have the option of adding concealer here if I have any pesky blemishes. 

Next I move on to my eyebrows. I think eyebrows are a very personal thing. One eyebrow 'style' doesn't suit everyone. For me, I prefer the well groomed classic style of eyebrow (what am I even going on about). Anyway, to achieve this, I use my MUA Pro-Brow Ultimate Eyebrow kit. Using a angled brush, I fill in my eyebrows with the dark brown shade, shown above left. 

Next I move onto my favourite part of doing my makeup, the eyes. For everyday, I opt for a light eye makeup look. Using my MUA Underssed too palate and apply the light brown shade (Labelled one) all over my eye lid using an eyeshadow brush and blend. Then I apply the champagne shade (labelled two) to the inner corners of my eyes and under the eyebrows. I then line my lash line with matte black (labelled three) using a small brush (shown above). 

 

To complete my eyes, I add my Maxfactor Masterpiece Max mascara and line using my Miss SPorty Studio Lash eyeliner. For my cheekbones, I'm not really a big fan of blusher, so I just stick to bronzer. I use my Sleek Contour kit contouring shade on my cheekbones and the champagne shimmer just above. For my lips, I tend to wear nude shades in the daytime. My favourite of the moment is my LorealParis Collection Privee lipstick by Cheryl. Then I simply finish off my face with a dusting of powder.

Wallah! That is my complete routine for my everyday makeup. I tend to stick to the same routine for a while and then change it up when I get bored. Hope you enjoyed my first ever (rather long) makeup 'How To' post! I'm thinking of doing a similar post for an 'Night Out' makeup look, so let me know what you think! As always..

Review// Maxfactor Face Finity All Day Flawless 3 in 1 Foundation

Evening readers, it's review time again! This time around, it's Maxfactor's Face Finity All Day Flawless 3 in 1 Foundation (what a mouthful). With foundation products, I don't tend to flirt around with many brands but prefer to stick to one product. However, recently I was tempted into buying this foundation (as part of my post exam treats you can read here) by the lovely Jane from Poptarts Beauty. She referred to this product as her 'Holy Grail Foundation' (you can read her review here) so I was truly enticed into buying it for myself.

The foundation claims to act as Primer, concealer and foundation with the addition of protecting your skin with SPF 20, so everything you could possibly need from a foundation. In store, it sells for £9.99 which is higher than most highstreet foundations, but still fairly reasonable. Maxfactor have also provided us with a fairly decent range of shades to choose from, including a good range of paler shades. I chose shade Beige 55, which unfortunately has ended up a little too light for me when I have my everyday tan on. However, when all my fake tan is removed, it is a fairly good match.

The foundation comes in a sleek and classy 30ml packaging equipped with a pump dispenser. I find that majority of pump dispensers always give out too much product, however this one allows better control so you can dispense only small amounts if needed. The consistency is of a medium thickness (not overly runny but not stiff either), which can be seen from the swatch above.

Me wearing Shade Beige 55

Once applied, this foundation gives an even, matte appearance to the skin. At first, I didn't like the matte finish and thought it looked too much. I think this is probably due to the fact my skin is a little dry normally and needs an extra moisture injection. However, once I've moisturized and allowed to absorb, the finish of this foundation is fantastic. It gives an even, flawless finish to the skin and slight dewy appearance to the cheekbones. It surprisingly does also act as a good concealer to cover under eye bags. I have still been using my trusty concealer but more for contouring than because I actually need it.

Lastly, the lasting power of this foundation is better than any others I've used. Not only does it stay in place for 7+ hours, it keeps any power products on top in place too. Therefore, my eyeshadow and blush looks better and is longer lasting as a result. You can see me wearing this foundation in the photo above, it photographs amazingly and looks almost airbrushed on the picture. I've finished off my makeup look here with the sleek contouring and shimmer on my cheeks and my face is complete.

While I do have a full blown love affair with this foundation, I still cheat on it when I return to my Dream Satin Liquid foundation, but only for nights out where I own the darker shades (for when I'm fake tanned up). However, I will be returning to the maxfactor stands once my current bottle has ran out. Hope you enjoyed reading!

Monthly Favourites// December

Good evening lovely reader! I have been seeing beauty favorites of 2013 posts pop up all over my reading list lately, and it made me realize I haven't done a monthly favourites post in a while. I had thought about doing a November favourites post, but near Christmas I don't tend to buy any non-essential items so I don't risk duplicating potential gifts. That being said, looking back at my October favourites, November would have been exactly the same so it's just as well I didn't do one. However, I knew I had to do one for December as I've discovered lots of lovely products! Here are my favourites from December...

MUA Undressed Too Palate £4.00
As soon as I saw that MUA had brought out a second Undressed palate, I knew I had to have it. I first mentioned it in my 'Hair Related Beauty Haul' (You can read it here) and have since tried it and I love it. I has a gorgeous range of colours and the highlighting shade is the best I've used yet for under the brows and in the cupids bow of the eye. I also love how dark the matte back is in this palate as majority of shadows are simply a dark grey. 

Urban Decay Anarchy Face Case
Unfortunately, I can't tell you the price of this little beauty as it was a gift, and what a gift it is! I am absolutely in love with this palate and I find myself reaching for it every day. The pigmentation is, unsurprisingly, beyond any I've ever used which is nothing less than I expect from U.D. The eye shadows are the perfect glittery shadows for dramatic eye looks. There are also two beautiful peach and pink blusher shades and a highlighter for the cheekbones which I have been using instead of the one in my Sleek contouring palate. I haven't worn the lip crayon out yet as it has a high shine finish and I am not overly keen on anything other than matte for red lips. However, the 24-7 eyeliner is one I have used before and love!

Loreal Collection Privee Cheryl's Nude £8.19
I had a full blown love affair with the Eva lipstick from this collection. I'd had my eye on Cheryl's nude ever since. Lucky girl that I am, one of my lovely friends surprised me with it for my birthday and I've been wearing it pretty much every day since. It's a beautiful light pink that looks perfect with dark eyes for a night out.

Mac in Russian Red £15
I already outlined my love for this in my 'First Ever Mac' post (which you can read here) and I am still in love with it, I haven't worn it in the day since January started as I feel it is a little dark for a springtime lip but I am keeping it safe until a night out where Red lips call!

Barry M Lip Liner in Red £3.99
As I have probably mentioned before, I am a perfectionist when trying to get the perfect lipstick finish. With red I think this can be difficult to achieve so I purchased this lip liner. It is a little drying, however, for the cost and how perfectly it matches my Mac, I really can't complain.

So what do you think of my December favourites? Are you in love with any of these products too or are there some you would recommend I try, I always look forwards to hearing from you!

What’s in a name?

It's true! Lipstick and Lashes is now 'The Beauty Tearoom'. You're probably wondering why I have bothered changing the name. Well Lipstick and Lashes was a name I hadn't really given much thought to, and after seeing lots of blogs that had somewhat personal title (Such as Mascara and Maltesers) it made me want to give it a new name!

I guess I didn't know how long I would blog or how often so the name didn't seem to important. However, since knowing it's serious I looked into buying the domain name to find out all variations are taken and there are more established websites carrying the same name.

As for the new name, I wanted it to reflect more of who I am. I understand that sounds like a lot to ask for one title but I think The Beauty Tearoom sums me up nicely. I am obsessed with tea and drink it constantly, and now love my new found title of beauty blogger. I have noticed my love for girly, pastel images has only grown. My images of tearooms are pastel, beautiful rooms with macaroons and the like. So the name 'The Beauty Tearoom' really felt like it matched me as a person better than Lipstick and Lashes!

I hope you all love the new name as much as I do and I hope that if you prefered Lipstick & lashes that you will forgive me!

2014 Beauty Wish List

Evening all! I've been thoroughly enjoying my free time post exams. I was sat watching 'Some Like It Hot' with Marylin Monroe and couldn't help but think how beautiful and how classic the women looked. It then got me thinking about makeup, now change there then! Unfortunately, when buying my post exam treats as featured in my last post, I ended up browsing the makeup stores and have an all new lust list. Many other blogs have done such posts, so here is my 2014 Beauty wishlist!

1. Benefit They're Real Mascara

I am always on the look out for that holy grail mascara. I think they are quite a personal item as everybody has different eyelashes and things they want from a mascara. For me, I love long, curly eyelashes that look natural. I know this mascara is included in the Glamour Beauty Edit beauty box and I intend to get it when I have a spare £15 lying around. 

2. Benefit Porefessional Primer

Ever since I first heard about this primer, I have been dreaming of owning it, sad. I have heard nothing but good things about this product and I can't wait to try it. However, it has such a large price tag that it's unlikely i'll be calling one mine for a while, hence why there are two primers in this wishlist.

3. Loreal Made for me Naturals 

I haven't picked out a particular colour but they have such a good range. As I have already said so many times, going blonde requires lighter lipsticks. As I only have two natural looking shades, I'm looking into some more neutral lip colours.

4. Loreal Nail polish in Marie Aintonette

During my free time, I've developed somewhat of an obsession with watching Gossip Girl. I love everything about it, especially the fashion! The character Serena Vanderwoodsen (played by the stunning Blake Lively) has not only the hair colour I want, but the whole look I want to go for. Part of her look is she wears really pretty, girly shades of pink. This one is perfect for what I'm going for. 

5. Sleek Neutral Eyeshadow Palate

I'm actually having to look into makeup storage as I already have a growing collection of palates. This one caught my eye because of how warm the different shades are. After having a full blown love affair with the Sleek contouring palate, I am eager to try some more Sleek products as the pigmentation is the best on the highstreet in my opinion.

6. Collection 2000 Primed & Ready Primer

I have read several reviews that this primer is great and at only £5.99, I am eager to giv e it a go. One of my close friends Laura has recently given me a Primer to try out, so I will leave a review and let you know what I think.

Well, I'm going to finish watching Some like it hot and then no doubt end up watching another dozen episodes of gossip girl, it's an addiction! I'm also really excited because I do long distance with my boyfriend of nearly four years and tomorrow I get to visit him in his university accommodation for a whole week! I'm going to be spending all day tomorrow pampering myself, providing this hangover goes, I celebrated end of exams last night so I'm worse for wear. Anyway lovelies, it's goodbye from me!

Post Exam Treats

Hello beautiful people! I am in a amazinggg mood because the last of my exam is over! I have been hidden in my room revising non stop and I was having to write blog posts in bits and drabs during revision breaks. How I was feeling before my exam today, well to put it simply I don't wish that feeling on my worst enemy! Anyway, it's over so to treat myself I brought two products I've wanted to purchase for a while. One that I have tried before, one I'm yet to try! I was able to get both as part of Boots buy one get one half price deal, which took the cost of these down from £21.99 to £16.98!

Maxfactor FaceFinity All day Flawless 3 in 1 Foundation £11.99
I think that has to be the longest name for a foundation, quite a mouthful! I had never tried Maxfactors foundation range, but knew I had to try this one after a raving review from Jane at Poptarts Beauty (you can read her review here) but beware, you will want to buy it after reading. I have read other reviews and all seem to think quite highly of this product. I am always very nervous when changing foundation as I have been using Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid (In Sand) for around five years now and I've always loved it. However, I thought it was time for a change, I can always stop using it if I hate it anyway, call it a necessary sacrifice for the beauty community!

Maxfactor Masterpiece Max Mascara £9.99
Mascaras are a very personal thing but I often choose mine on recommendations from friends. I have been using Miss Sporty Fabulous Lash Mascara with the curved brush, also for around five years. While I do love it, especially the price, it really isn't perfect so I'm trying to find that 'Holy Grail' mascara. My friend Emily recommended this mascara to me and she is the best advertiser of mascaras because hers are absolutely beautiful! One day when they looked particularly fabulous, I asked her what she used and this mascara was the answer. I have tried this before and didn't really give it a proper try, that and my eyelashes were going through an unruly stage, hardly a fair test. It is pretty costly for a student at £9.99, however my justification is that my Miss sporty mascara is £1.99 and I run out five times as quickly, so basically the same price right? Again, review to come soon!

So there you have it, my post exam treats. I understand that two items may not seem like much of a treat to some, but as I've been lusting over these for a while, and they are way more expensive than what I'd usually spend, it certainly feels like one to me. As always, it's been a pleasure.

How to kickstart 2014 detox

So I don't know about anyone else, but this Christmas I had a break from healthy living and seriously indulged. Now it's January and the thoughts of bikinis and holidays loom, I turn to my old tricks in getting that summer bod back. Now 'New year, New me' is one of my least favourite sayings, but I get why people want to be healthier to get rid of the binge eating over Christmas. So, here are my top tips for getting back into shape and having a good detox. I am in no way a health professional but these are the tips that I use and live by.

1. Cut out white food
White foods such as breads, pasta and rice are really unhealthy for the body. They contain unnatural colourings to make them white, make you retain water and various other unappealing traits. You can look up the full facts on google. However, from what I've read, it's enough to have put me off for good. Now, I stick to wholemeal versions of everything and I do notice less bloating when I do.

2. Drink Green and Peppermint Teas
I don't know about anyone else, but I simply hate the taste of green tea. I'm constantly drawn to drinking it because of the numerous health benefits, look up on google and see for yourself. To make green tea more appetizing I add lemon and a small teaspoon of honey to make it more bearable. Alternatively, peppermint tea is great to drink instead. I like to alternate between the two and aim for minimum one cup a day.

 

3. Don't skip breakfast
Studies have shown that people who eat a healthy breakfast less likely need to snack throughout the day and are more likely to loose weight as a result. I really enjoy breakfast and spend money investing in lovely fruits, oats and honey to really enjoy it.

4. Drink water

This was actually my new years resolution to drink even more water. I drink an average of around 7 glasses a day and really notice the difference in my skin. Water is free, doesn't taste horrible, removes toxins and improves skin condition. What more reason do you need!?

 

5. Squat, Squat, Squat!
I try to maintain at least one 30-60 minute cardio session per week, on top of constantly walking everywhere and anywhere. To tone up the bum (like the lovely lady above) I aim to do 10-20 squats every night before bed and 30 after any cardio or workout. There's a reason why it hurts ladies, because it works! To really speed up results, whenever I remember, I take steps two a time up any stairs I come across.

6. Tan
I often have so much more body confidence when I'm tanned. Now, I don't know about anyone else but I simply cannot afford to go on holiday all the while, and will never go near a tanning bed so I fake it. I usually use either St Moritz mousse for a dark tan and Dove gradual tanner for when I want more of an everyday glow.

7. Moisturize
This probably seems the most trivial but to me it's a really important step. In the cold weather, skin becomes dry. To maintain soft, smooth skin I moisturize straight out of the shower (or bath) with Palmers cocoa butter. It's inexpensive, smells amazing and is the only moisturizer that keeps my lower legs moisturized and soft throughout the day. If you're really prone to 'crocodile' skin on your shins then try the tub version of Palmers cocoa butter, it's solid at first and then melts on your skin from the body heat. It's super moisturizing and again, not majorly expensive.

8. Exfoliate
In order to make sure your moisturiser is doing the most for your skin it can, exfoliate once or twice a week all over to get rid of any dead skin. A loofer like the one above is perfect to leave in your bathroom to remind you. I don't recommend for use of the face so invest in a gentle exfoliating cream instead. The glow you get afterwards is worth it!

9. Bath reguarily
Even if it is just once a week, taking time out to have a relaxing bath is ideal for reducing stress and relaxing you. I find them very therapeutic and often exit a more positive person. You don't have to invest in any expensive bath bombs, just use whatever bubble bath or candles you can get your hands on and chill out.

10. Relax
Whether it is walking your dog or reading a Jane Austen book, if it relaxes you, take time to incorporate it into your daily life. I ensure that I do a minimum of one hours relaxation time which for me, consists of getting a cup of tea, getting in bed and watching an episode of Gossip Girl. Sometimes, I read and other times I go for walks or take a bath. Whatever it is, do it. Stress not only causes long term health problems but can make you sleep less, more tired, less positive and cause breakouts. It's an important health problem so make the solution important too.

So that is all for this post. I hope I've given you some tips that will work for you and get you bikini body ready. I know I'm already looking at some new bikinis and gorgeous destinations to take them. It's been a pleasure!