TODAY'S FACE: A THROWBACK TO LOLLITINT

HIGH BEAM & LOLLITINT*

Since hitting my one year of blogging anniversary this month, I've been thinking a lot about the things I've learnt about beauty, looking over my favourite products and even having a lurk through my own archive. This lead me back to Lollitint, a product that I loved at the time but quickly forgot about.
Throw back to February and Lollitint was the buzzword of the blogosphere. Benefit are kind of like marmite to beauty bloggers: they either melt your heart with their cute packaging and hyped releases, or simply drive you nuts. As for me, I'm a huge lover of Benefit (even though I didn't get on with the gel liner) and always find myself swooning over their pretty counter. When I first received Lollitint, I gushed over it's dreamy, violet shade but I have to be honest and say that it's mostly gathered dust ever since. Why? Well, all you need is to Google a swatch to see that its not for the faint hearted. It's loud, fuschia finish and way of setting on the skin before you reach for your stifling brush doesn't make it the easiest product to wear. And given that I'm not the most confident of girls at applying blush, there haven't been many days when I've felt brave enough to reach for this.
 Let's be honest, as beauty bloggers, we're super lucky to get to try out the new releases, but it's easy for us to over-hype a product we haven't actually spent our own ££ on. A lot of people bought Lollitint to be disappointed and realise that they weren't going to get much use out of it. If you do spend your hard earned cash on something and realise it doesn't quite work for you like you hoped it would, then you can take it as an opportunity to try out something different and find the ways to make it work for you. I mentioned in my original review the way I made this product work for me, but now I've found a new one.
By simply mixing a little bit of High Beam and Lollitint, you get the sweetest pink blush colour that isn't too overpowering. Another way you could do this is just to mix it in with any cream highlighter you have or even concealer. Add a little sparkle of gold to the inner corner of my eyes and a bubblegum pink lipstick and I'm good to go!
I'm really loving bubblegum pink lips and being a little more daring with colour. Recently I finished up my MAC palette and after opting for two rows of neutrals, I added in pinks, purples and coppers. There's life beyond the palette of your colour comfort zone, so try something new!

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What do you think of this make-up look? Do you experiment with colour? Are you a fan of Benefit & Lollitint?

Lydia Rose,

xoxo

  

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WHAT I WORE | RUNAWAY ROSE

Bowler hat - H&M (similar) | Playsuit* - Daisy Street | Jacket* - Daisy Street | Sandals - New Look (similar) | Bag - Vintage

One of my favourite things to wear this summer has definitely been this fringed jacket from Daisy Street. I've been listening to a lot of 70s music which inevitably seeps into my dress choices. At the height of my Stevie Nicks obsession, nearly all of my clothing had fringing or tassels on it. It's all fun dancing around to Edge of 17 in a fringed jacket until you get a little carried away, stuck in doors or smash a glass. All of which I've done over the past few weeks whilst wearing this jacket religiously, eek. I paired it with this pretty floral jumpsuit which isn't something I'd usually wear. I'm not used to showing so much skin, or even wearing anything backless, so this jacket just toughened it up enough for me. It's so pretty paired with heels for an evening out, even if those summer nights of sitting out in beer gardens with a cocktail are quickly seeping away. I'll be wearing this with tights, boots and a black fur coat soon enough!

What do you think of this outfit? 

Lydia Rose,

xoxo

  

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WHAT I WORE | FOREVER 21 & MODELS OWN X LYDIA ROSE

Dress | Shoes | Bag (in burgundy) and similar | Headband | Rings here and here | Models Own Purple Lipstick  all c/o Forever21

When Forever21 contacted me to bring you a post inspired by the new F21 X Models Own Collection, I was so excited! I got to pick out some pieces from the online store and was also sent some of the new Models Own x F21 range, which you just have to take a look at!  I'm wearing the purple lip crayon in these photos which I was super impressed with. I have to say, although I love the Models Own nail varnishes I was never particularly bothered by their make-up. But I've been wearing this lip crayon constantly since receiving it. It glides on so easily and is such a pretty purple that isn't too OTT, perfect for A/W! I'm also wearing one of the new nail varnishes which definitely lives up to expectations. 

I picked out this gorgeous witchy dress with bell sleeves that I'm just in love with. I tried to capture the movement of the dress in these photos as the dress just falls so beautifully and I love the pleated detail of it. Forever21 are one of my favourite online stores just for their ridiculously cheap yet high quality pieces. For accessories, I'm channelling my inner Olsen twin with the chunky rings and headband. I took these photos whilst visiting one of my best friend in Huddersfield on a colder August day and we went for Mexican food and Pina Coladas. I'm definitely ready to get out my fur coats and chunky boots. Roll on Halloween and purple lips everyday. 

What do you think of this outfit? Have you checked out the F21 x Models Own range?

Lydia Rose,

xoxo

  

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THE SUNDAY CATCH UP | What Makes A "Perfect" Summer?

Do you ever feel like you put too much of your heart on the perfect summer? If there's anything freaking me out right now, it's that depending on what my next step in life is, this could be my last real summer holiday before I'm plunged into the Uni grad world in search of a full time job. Now, that is just scary, right?!
I always have so many aspirations for the summer. Counting down the days to Uni is like being on death row (okay, slightly dramatic but you should see my reading list). I've spent most of my time at Uni fighting just to keep my head above the water.
It'll be a relief when it's all over, but at the same time, I don't want it to end. Being a student is like being wrapped up in a comfort blanket before you're actually forced into real life and fending for yourself. Life without a student loan and the added pressure of becoming the ambitious success you envisioned for yourself is just terrifying.
I can't imagine getting to this time next year, finishing up third year and thinking "Okay, come at me world!" But are any graduates ever ready?! I remember being an anxious first year thinking that all of the finalists looked so much older than me and like they were so together. Now I am that finalist, and although I've got plenty of things to be proud of I don't feel "together" at all. But does anyone ever really feel that way?
Anyway, if there's anything that has made this summer "perfect", it's having that time to take the pressure off myself and just have fun doing all of the things that make me happy. Cocktail nights, lunch in organic cafes, visiting the buddhist temple, getting to live in London for a month, days out in Windermere, taking pretty photos, visiting new places, spending time with my boyfriend. Those are all of the things that count! I'll worry about being a graduate later...

What makes the summer perfect for you? Do you have Uni grad anxiety?

Lydia Rose,

xoxo

  

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20 THINGS I'VE LEARNT IN A YEAR OF BLOGGING

1. Finding your own "voice" takes time. As soon as you start focusing more on what makes you original rather than obsessing over what others are doing, things will come a lot more naturally. 

2. Your feature photo on Bloglovin' counts. Make it as interesting as possible. Reaching the popular page is some of the best advertising you'll get.

3. Twitter chats are the best way to get involved. Blogging gets a hell of a lot more fun when you get a conversation going.

4. Leave thoughtful comments. Don't be that person who just comments "great!" or "nice post!". It's clear you didn't read it and it just feels kind of insulting.

5. It's important to reply. If it's clear you don't reply to your comments, you'll probably notice engagement goes down. What's blogging without a conversation? When you comment on someone else's blog, you'd expect to feel appreciated, so let your readers know you're actually reading.

6. Don't accept PR samples for the sake of it. I learnt my lesson with this early on after getting a little PR happy. Don't accept everything you're offered, or more than you can manage. It's really not nice to be harrassed by PRs.

7. On that note, don't allow PRs to force you into featuring products. If you want to share a negative review, go ahead. But if it's not something you would spend your own money on, why share it with your readers? We're not here for impersonal, sponsored reviews. Be honest.

8. Max up your photos! Resize your photos to your blog width and then click 'original size'. Don't let your pretty photos be wasted at the last hurdle.

9. It's not a race or a competition. It's great to be motivated and it's super excited to see followers roll in, but don't get more obsessed with the numbers than creating good content.

10. It's best to let things grow organically. You can't force an audience and there is no secret to gaining a following. For sure, pay to advertise on blog but you can't force readers.

11. Using the HTML editor saves you a lot of stress. Ever had blogger play up with gaps between photos or general dodginess? Sort out the spaces by adding a <br> rather than using the compose editor. Bye stress.

12. Leave high school gossip where it belongs... High school. A few months ago, the site which shall not be named tore the blogging world apart. Avoid those forums like the plague. Just like saying calling another girl ugly doesn't make you any prettier, calling someone a shitty blogger isn't going to make you Zoella.

13. Don't be afraid to be honest. It's easy to give into the pressure of working with big companies and to swap your honesty with the promise of more free stuff. But it's really important to stay honest and to respect the influence you have over your readers. Any company worth working with will respect that. 

14. Be user friendly. Don't make it hard for your readers to follow you. If I love a blog, I'll normally follow their Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin. Make sure these are clear and acceptable on your blog.

15. Always take note of inspiration. When inspirations strikes, you better make notes. And no, you don't need a paperchase notebook for this. My iPhone 'notes' app has been my BFF since I started my blog.

16. Being a carbon copy just doesn’t work. – I’ve noticed a lot of people literally copying the photography / ideas of bigger bloggers, and if you think it goes unnoticed then you’re wrong! Don’t be that person who creates watered down version of content that’s already been done.

17.  Don't give away too much. – Don’t air your dirty laundry over Twitter! Somethings really are better left unsaid.

18. You will have days when you feel down on your blog. – The best thing you can do for your blog is to stay organised and positive. You won’t get a following over night. It’s taken me a year to get to 2,000 followers and that’s involved a lot of hard work and consistency.  Be realistic, don’t run yourself down and make things as easy for yourself as possible.

19. Never let a PR tell you how to be a “good blogger” or how to write your reviews. You will encounter PRs who make you doubt your own worth as a blogger and who want to tell you what kind of language to use in your reviews (mainly casually swapping “sent” for “bought”). Tell them where to go. Don’t give into the mechanical PR samples of blogging. Write a blog you would want to believe or you’ll lose the relationship / trust of your readers.

20.  Always have your camera with you! – I take my camera wherever I go and am always looking for ways to incorporate my life into my blog. Heading on a day out? Ask your friend to do some outfit photos you, or take some photos for a lifestyle post. This keeps blogging fun and means you can blog on the go rather than setting aside specific times to bulk shoot in your garden, when you could be finding much more interesting locations.

What have you learnt in the time you've been blogging? Is there anything you wish you knew when you started?

Lydia Rose,

xoxo

  
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WHAT I WORE | BRUSH STROKE PRINT

Dress* - French Connection | Duster Jacket* - Lily LuLu | Mules* - Missguided | Handbag & Necklace - Vivienne Westwood | Rings - Brandy Melville

You know those days when you just mean business? Well this is my outfit for that. #GirlBoss has become my everyday mantra and I'm feeling inspired. If you've got those early twenties anxieties then you need to pick up a copy of that book. So, I've got the words of Sophia Amoruso going through my head when I say it's time to start kicking ass. And what better outfit to do that in than this shift dress and duster jacket combination? This day dress from French Connection hugs you in all of the right places, making it that power dress that every girl needs in her wardrobe. I paired it with this duster jacket from Lily Lulu which you can expect to see making many more reappearances on my blog. Oh, and the mules. There's nothing I love more than an ugly pair of shoes and Missguided ticked all of my boxes with their tougher take a trend that I didn't expect to love. They're reduced to just £10 on their website, too.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you love / hate mules? Have you read Girl Boss?

Lydia Rose,

xoxo

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MISSGUIDED AW14 PREVIEW | BLOGGER EVENT

Recently, Missguided exclusively previewed their AW14 collection to bloggers...

A few weeks ago, I was invited to the Missguided AW14 blogger's preview event in London. I'm a huge Missguided lover, not only do they champion fashion in my favourite Northern city, Manchester, but are amazing for their on-trend, low-cost pieces. I took along my fave London PR gal, Lizzie, and we headed over to Soho to get a glimpse of the A/W range. 

I'm not big on summer dressing, and although I crave the sun as soon as it goes away, nothing gets me more excited than A/W fashion. Hand me a fur coat and chunky boots over sandals and crop tops any day. I just find it far easier to dress for the colder months and fashion just seems to get darker and more exciting with A/W collections.

Over the years, Missguided have gone from your slightly average online store to on-trend powerhouse. They just seem to keep getting better and better, and let me tell you, their new clothing is something to get seriously excited about. Signature of Missguided, there were plenty of pastel pieces - candy fur coats (that are definitely going up in quality), cute prints and everyone in the room was swooning over the pink fluffy strappy sandals. 

But it was the other side of the room that really got my heart racing. Shaggy fur gilets, bohemian prints and colourful co-ords - I was in love. After a few hours swooning over the pieces and chatting with lots of lovely bloggers, Lizzie, Olivia, Paige, Abbie and I finished off the evening with a few JD's. It was a great event and I definitely will be keeping my eye out for the blue high-neck co-ord pictured, it'd be perfect for LFW! Thank you Missguided for inviting me but not so much for the dent you will soon be making to my bank balance. 

 Have you got your eye on any of these pieces? Are you a fan of Missguided?

 Lydia Rose, 

xoxo

Make Up Advice I'd Give My Teenage Self

We've all looked back at old photos and wished we could just jump in a time machine to give our younger selves a make-up lesson, right?! Well, these are the pieces of advice I'd give my teenage self...

DON'T be pressured into wearing foundation early. Just because your friends are doing it, doesn't mean you have to. Once you start wearing make-up, you've pretty much signed off your soul to foundation hell. Because it will break you out. And you will wonder why the hell you ever started to wear the stuff in the first place.

LEAVE YOUR GOD DAMN EYEBROWS ALONE. Your natural eyebrows are the most perfect ones you will ever have. Get them shaped professionally. Leave your arches alone. Goth brows ain't worth the growing out period. Seriously.

Barry M 'Dazzle Dusts' are the creations of satan. Save the carpet ruining, the fall-out, the torment and buy some decent eyeshadows.

Dark lips and dark eyes = no. I know, dear baby goth, you think you look awesome. There is a reason people cross the street when they see you. But I won't even begin to explain 'neutrals'.

Bleaching your hair from red to blonde will ruin your hair for at least 2 years. And no, the hair mishaps will not stop by the time you're 20. Sorry. 

Do not self cut your own fringe. Fringe cuts only cost a fiver. Wonky fringes are not cute. 

You WILL thank yourself for sticking to the skincare tips your mum gave you. Keep on cleansing and using Nivea. Your mum knows.

But there is no logic when your mum tells you that you can shave the bottoms of your legs but not your thighs. Literally, nada, none. And she probably won't notice anyway.

Go a little easier on the eyeliner, please?! Or at least discover the beauty of liquid liner a little earlier so that you perfect that line and stop making yourself look like a raccoon. Yikes.

Leave the fluorescent blushes alone. Putting bright blushes too high on your cheeks is not a good look. Your gym teacher was actually right when she said it looked like someone had thrown a football at your face. 

But let's be honest: ignore all of these tips (except maybe the eyebrow one). Your 20 year old self will be proud of you for not letting anyone crush your spirit. Be proud of who you are and make those make-up mistakes. They make hilarious Facebook throwbacks.

What make-up advice would you give your teenage self? Can you relate to any of these?

Lydia Rose,

xoxo

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MY TOP 5 HIGHLIGHTERS

Left to right: The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, Benefit High Beam, MAC Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle, MAC Skin Finish in Stereo Rose, Revlon Skin Ready Photoready Skinlights in Clair Rose.

 A ramble about my favourite highlighting products has been long overdue. Having an underbite has left me lacking in the cheekbone department so anything that gives the illusion of cheekbones has always felt like fairydust in a compact. These days I never leave the house without a little shimmer on my cheeks. Blush just isn't my thing, so a highlighter swept over the tops of my cheekbones is always a step in my make-up routine.
My first highlighting love was MAC's Soft & Gentle which I purchased along with my first ever MAC foundation (oh, the nostalgia). If you're a pale gal like me, there's nothing like adding a little highlighter to your cheeks to pump some life into your face. I can pinpoint my obsession with Soft & Gentle as my initiation into high end make-up. I started wearing it in my first year of college and still remember the sense of accomplishment when that defined cheekbone started popping up in my tagged photos. Cue comments (by myself) of 'GUYS I HAVE CHEEKBONES!!' and say hello to that annoying head-tilt that every girl had going on age 16/17. Okay, I still have it going on, but there you have it - MAC Soft & Gentle is to blame. So what's so great about it? It's a gorgeous bronzey shimmer which gently contours your cheeks and gives that gorgeous sparkle. It's not too overpowering so perfect if you're someone who wouldn't touch an actual bronzer with a barge pole. It's probably my all time favourite product and you will always find it in my make-up bag.
 Moving on in the MAC Skin Finish world, Stereo Rose was a surprise gift from my boyfriend who had more than enough of me googling swatches running up to the re-release. It's the most dreamy dusty pink with a hint of gold running through it. What I love so much about the MAC Skin Finishes is that you never get the exact same colour on your brush and can sweep over the different little veins to make it darker or lighter.
The lovely girls at Company popped the The Balm Mary Lou Manizer Highlighter in my goodie bag at the end of my internship. It was popping up all over the blogosphere at one point and was one of those products on my wishlist that I just never got around to purchasing. Having never really opted for a neutral, powder highlighter before I was definitely excited to try it out. It's a honey-hued illuminating product that is extremely pigmented and is incredibly effective at brightening and structuring the face. The champagne hue can be a little overpowering if too heavily applied but you only need a tiny amount of the product to go a long way as it blends effortlessly.
As for cream highlighters, Benefit High Beam, do I really need to tell you about it? Possibly one of the most loved products in the blogosphere, it definitely gets my vote as the best cream highlighter I've tried. It's a shimmery pink which you dot on the tops of your cheekbones and blend out for a natural, dewy finish. I absolutely love this product as it's much less hassle than any powder product with a shimmer. On my minimal make-up days I always opt for this and don't have to worry about patchiness or blending it out.
Finally, as for the Revlon Photoready Skinlights, I think the #bbloggers world might be missing out on something here for dupes of high-end highlighters. It's a similar consistency to Benefit's High Beam but Pink Clair is much darker, although this makes it pretty to pat on underneath pink blushes to make their colour pp. When compared to High Beam it doesn't blend out like a high-end product would, but it's still pretty and gives a similar effect on the face. I'd definitely suggest trying this out if you're looking for a cheaper alternative.

What do you think of these products? Is there a highlighting product you just couldn't live without?

Lydia Rose,

xoxo

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