How to Spend More Time Offline

Having spent a lot of time offline recently with a much reduced usage of internet and social media since my personal desktop decided to essentially crash and burn, I have much seen the benefits of less online time. We live in a digital age and it is scary to think about how much we rely on the internet. Yet whilst it has its many benefits (like blogging!) it is also nice to have time without, rather than spending hours searching the new-in page on ASOS. We can all admit to wasting so much time online browsing so I thought I would round up some of the ways we can enjoy our time outside of the online world.

• Have a dedicated online time and stick to it
• Go for a walk
• Conquer that book list
• Bake some sweet treats
• Clear out your wardrobe/beauty storage
• Give yourself a fresh manicure
• Take on some fitness such as running, yoga etc.
• Get crafty – good with paint?
• Visit friends/family
• Visit a local attraction such as a museum/art gallery
• Take a day trip
• Redecorate
• Clean your makeup brushes!

How do you spend time offline?

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Blogger Enabled Purchases

Looking at my entire makeup collection, a very large percentage of it was some way or another enabled by other beauty blogs. Usually every-time I plan on buying a product I turn to other blogs in hope to find out if I should really be spending my money on a certain product. Basically I am a sucker for hype and my collection proves that. I have gathered a small bundle of products that I own that I basically bought because blogger hype. Although as I say this is only a small quantity so if anyone wants a round 2 then let us know! Warning: long post ahead, get a cuppa!

Anyway on to the beautifully hyped products. First up is the base I have been obsessed with lately. BareMinerals launched their Complexion Rescue earlier this year and was soon featured in so many favourites posts of many bloggers/YouTubers. Since I started to find a new love for light coverage bases I had wanted to try this out. This definitely lived up to the hype. Easy to apply, weightless on the skin and the most perfect radiant skin. A favourite of mine for a long time to come! Check my full review here.

Continuing with base products I’ve also got a concealer from Maybelline, namely the Anti-Age Eraser Eye. Now this product got a lot of loving from Anna (Vivianna Does Makeup) and being a drugstore product there was no guilt in picking this one up. Now this concealer was so popular that I couldn’t even get my hands on it for such a long time. I went to every Boots/Superdrug in my city and could not find the shade Light in any of them. It was also sold out online everywhere. Until luckily it came back in stock on Feel Unique and I quickly snapped it up. I bought this concealer for under the eyes as I did have a gap in my collection for a good under eye concealer. Although sadly I don’t think this has filled the gap. The shade range (in the UK anyway) is atrocious. Two shades both of which are too dark for my skin but neither of them are incredibly dark either. So the shade ‘Light’ is basically too dark for me which doesn’t help when trying to lighten up my under eye area. Nevertheless the concealer is ok and I do quite like the spongy applicator which everyone seemed to dislike. Honestly it’s not any bit less hygienic than a doe foot applicator.

Moving on as I realise how long this post is going to become, sorry guys! Back to a bit of product loving. I recently picked up the Body Shop Honey Bronzer which was basically enabled by Estee (Essie Button) who raves about this all the time. This is just such a lovely bronzer. The shade range is perfect. For a pale kid like me it’s spot on. The shade isn’t too muddy or orange on the skin, its just the perfect colour that warms up the skin beautifully. I think this one will become a long time fave!

On to lip products. Two very similar lip liners gained a lot of attention in the blogging world lately. First up the Rimmel Exaggerate lip liner in Eastend Snob, a dusky pink my lips but better shade. Now this got a lot of hype due to its similarities to the also well hyped Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk which also makes my list. The shades are very similar but the Rimmel counterparts edge just that little bit darker. Although If I am honest the CT version pips this to the post by a large margin. I really am not a fan of the Rimmel liner, in fact I’ve hardly used it but have so little product left as it keeps breaking each time I use it. I also much prefer the smoother finish of the CT liner in comparison to the Rimmel one which I find a little too waxy on the lips. Another hyped lip product was the Clinique Lip Pop range that basically every blogger spoke about for weeks on end. A new lip range boasting a moisturising finish with good lasting power and good pigmentation. Basically these were meant to be the top dogs. I picked up the shade Melon Pop, a gorgeous summer appropriate coral shaded pink. The moisture with these lipsticks are definitely there, they feel super comfortable on the lips. Although one thing that does let it down is the lasting power. I have heard better for other shades but this shade in particular doesn’t tend to last very long on the lips which is a shame as it’s such a pretty colour.

Another highly hyped product that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on was one of the By Terry Ombre Blackstar eyeshadow sticks. After seeing Lily Pebbles and Tanya Burr sporting the ‘Misty Rock’ shade on several occasions I couldn’t resist any longer. The mauve-plum-silvery indescribable shade is truly gorgeous and a super unique colour. The formula of this eyeshadow stick is unbeatable. Super smooth and glides easily over the eyes without tugging but with all the colour pigment. See my full review here. I need more!

Finally! Probably the most naivest purchases I could ever make although not regrettable. The Nars Laguna Bronzer and Nars Orgasm Blush are two of the most hyped products around and of course I had to have them for that reason. I bought these two back last year when I first started getting into makeup but honestly I had no idea what I was doing. At that point I probably had no idea what bronzer was for never mind spending nearly £30 on one and a blusher when blush wasn’t really my thing and the shade wasn’t even particularly me either. Although step forward a year and as you can see that bronzer has been well loved although thats because I used it everyday after buying it then when I hit pan I stopped, true story *fear of repurchase*. The blush as well is truly gorgeous, with specks of gold shimmer it really makes your complexion glow and doesn’t sit flat. Even if I never bought them last year then let’s be honest I would probably would have picked them up sooner or later cause hype… ya know.

Did you get sucked into the hype with any of these products?

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The Me Time Tag

Time for another tag 🙂 I do enjoy a good bit of me-time, just being able to chill, do nothing and most importantly not worry about completing any essays or uni coursework! I thought I would try out the ‘me-time tag’ so do enjoy and try it it out yourself!

1. What do you like to watch or read during me-time?

I do love reading a good selection of blogs both on WordPress and Bloglovin. In terms of books I am not the biggest reader but I did get some John Green Books a while back and have started to dig my way through them. Watching wise you can never go wrong with Friends! I also like to spend my spare time catching up on programmes such as Glee and 2 Broke Girls.

2. What do you wear during me-time?

Pyjamas, Pyjamas, Pyjamas. If I could wear pyjamas all day every day I would. I love Jack Will’s selection of nightwear, their leggings are so comfy and pretty. I also love a good comfy hoodie 🙂

3. What are your favourite me-time beauty products?

A good face mask never goes a miss! I’ve been alternating recently between the Lush Mask of Magnaminty and the Glam Glow Super-mud mask which both make my skin feel super soft.

4. Current favourite nail polish?

Tricky one! I never really have one single favourite nail polish but I am currently totally in love with Essie Maximillian Strasse Her and Chanel Tenderly (more of them two later!).

5. What do you eat or drink during me-time?

Anything that is really bad for me! I love a bit of nutella on toast and a Cadburys Hot chocolate with whipped cream ❤ If I am feeling that little bit more nutritional then I will go for some sliced apples with peanut butter.

6. Current favourite candle?

Tricky one again. I love my candles. I love anything sweet so one of my favourites is the Yankee Candle in Vanilla Cupcake, its so sweet and smells incredible. I am also loving the Diptyque Mimosa candle which smells so fresh and clean.

7. Do you ever have outdoor me-time?

Not unless its summer and its warm outside when I might go a walk.

8. Would you ever go and watch a film alone?

Probably not. I am not much of a film watcher and don’t really go to the cinema much but if there was a movie I really wanted to see I would maybe go alone but I would probably go to a far away cinema not local so no one would spot me haha!

9. Favourite online shop?

You can’t go wrong with a bit of ASOS! They have such a wide selection of brands and there is always something for everybody. I also have quite the habit of checking the ‘New In’ section on the Topshop website on a daily basis. If I am feeling quite adventurous I will check Etsy for some DIY inspiration.

10. Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time?

I spend a lot of time looking and dreaming over images on Pinterest, sad life I know. I also use my time to check the great world of social media, fun!

Liebster Award Nomination

Hello again, I don’t usually post on a Thursday but I was very nicely nominated for another award 🙂 This time I was nominated for the Liebster Award by the very lovely Amy at Amysbeautydiary. Thanks Amy its very much appreciated and if you haven’t then go check out her blog, its fab!

The Rules:

1. Post the award on your blog.
2. Thank the blogger who presented this award and link back to their blog.
3. Write 5 random facts about yourself.
4. Nominate 5 bloggers (they should have less than 3000 followers)
5. Answer 5 questions posted by the presenter and ask your nominees 5 questions.

5 Facts About Me:

1.  I am a Vanilla over Chocolate kinda gal.
2.  If I had a dog I would name it noodles.
3.  My dream is to move to London.
4.  Glee is my guilty pleasure.
5. Country music is another guilty pleasure of mine.

5 Blog Nominees:

Zeenat Javed

Nicolish

Makeup by Chelsey

Say Hello to Gorgeous

Beck in a Blog

Questions from Amy:

1. What is your favorite makeup brand?

This is difficult! I have so many favourites I don’t think I can pick one. Probably Benefit, Nars or Urban Decay.

2. When do you write your blogs?

My blog writing varies. Since I’m still off on Christmas break from uni I’ve been spending most of my days writing blog posts for the next few weeks. After that its usually at the weekend or any time I have spare.

3. Why do you blog?

I started my blog initially as a fashion blog as I wanted a career in fashion and after reading fashion magazines I kinda wanted to be able to share my fashion knowledge and talk about trends etc and blogging just seemed the right way to do it. Now being more into beauty I just love reading about beauty and fashion and I love being able to share my thoughts and talk about what I love.

4. What is your all-time favorite nail polish?

Tricky. I don’t know if I really have a particular favourite but if I had to say one it would be Barry M Crush from their Matte collection which has the perfect formula and is a beautiful burgundy shade 🙂

5. What is your biggest beauty tip?

Primer. Its the secret to the perfect base in my opinion. So many people skip Primer but I couldn’t go without it! It makes your makeup stay in place longer and makes your foundation look better.

Questions for my nominees:

1. Why do you blog?

2. What is your ultimate blogging goal?

3. What beauty product could you not live without?

4. What is on the top of your beauty wishlist?

5. What was your favourite beauty item from 2014?

Thanks again to Amy for the nomination 🙂 If any of my nominees do the post then please let me know, I would love to see it!

 

The Versatile Blogger Award

Hey there, I was very kindly nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by the lovely Becca at BeckInABlog, Thank you very much 🙂 It really means a lot to be recognised by others for my blogging efforts so thank you! Also if you haven’t already then check out Becca’s lovely blog!

Anyway here are the rules of the award:

1. Show the award on your blog.

2. Thank the person who nominated you.

3. Share seven facts about yourself.

4. Nominate 15 blogs.

5. Link your nominee’s blogs & let them know.

Seven Facts about me:

1. I have a slight obsession with One Direction but I mean who doesn’t, right!?

2. I really want a little dog, I am no good with naming types of dogs so I’m sticking to ‘little dog’. Living with my parents is a tad tricky though as (1) Mother is not a fan of any pet of any sort and (2) my dad is allergic. So my future furry friend may have to wait a while.

3. My ultimate life goal is to go to Paris. I’ve always wanted to go but still never been *sadface*

4. Sunday dinners are the worst dinners of the week (in my opinion). Sorry I just am not one for a roast dinner!

5. I would happily live in IKEA if I could.

6. When I was younger I always wanted to be a fashion designer, this changed when I did design in school when I realised I was absolutely useless at sewing and all that stuff. Nevertheless I would still love to work in the fashion industry, just not doing the practical stuff!

7. I am terrible at Maths.

Apologies if those facts were pretty boring!

My nominations are: 

Clare’s Beauty

Caryl Almelor

Plus+ Beauty

Cassmadaboutfashion

Beauty by Brooke LeAnne

Lush4Blush

ClareWithTheHair

Making it Up

Fashion for Lunch

A casual beauty

Insidethelifeofmoi

Confetti and Curves

The Glasgow Girl

Which Beauty Box UK

Leah’s Fashion Blog

Anyway thanks again to Becca for nominating me 🙂 Also if I nominated you then don’t feel pressured into posting this on your blog as I understand that many of you may have received this award before or whatever, so its up to you 🙂

 

 

 

Tag: This or That

I had seen this beauty tag a few times and I decided to give it a try 🙂 I hope you try it too!

Makeup:

Blush or Bronzer
Blush, its easier to work with and can instantly change your appearance. I particularly love Rimmel Stay Blushed tint in Sunkissed Cherry.
Lipgloss or Lipstick
Lipstick definitely, I go light on lip gloss as it sticks to my hair too much.
Eyeliner or Mascara
Mascara – the one item I could not live without!
Foundation or Concealer
Foundation as you don’t always need concealer.
Neutral or Color Eyeshadow
Neutral, I love browns and bronze shades. Color is a bit too much for me.
Pressed or Loose eye shadows
Pressed as they are easier to blend and work with and loose eye shadows are too messy.
Brushes or Sponges
Brushes! I hate sponges.

Nails:

O.P.I or China Glaze
O.P.I only because I have never tried China Glaze.
Long or Short
Long, I just think they look better and neater.
Acrylic or Natural
Natural. I would never have Acrylics because my nails are long enough already and they damage your nails too much.
Brights or Darks
Darks. Fall is my favorite season and I love all my dark shades of burgundy and browns.
Flower or No Flower
No Flower, I prefer simplicity.

Body:

Perfume or Body Splash
Perfume as its a longer lasting scent.
Lotion or Body Butter
Difficult choice.. probably Body Butter.
Body wash or Soap
Body Wash.
LUSH or Other Bath Company
LUSH! It smells amazing! I love their bubblegum lip scrub and their Snow Fairy body wash.

Fashion:

Jeans or Sweat pants
Jeans, I cannot live without them! I love Topshop Joni Jeans and New Look Supersoft Superskinny jeans.
Long sleeve or Short
Short sleeve just because I like wearing layers and I can never really find stylish long sleeve tops.
Dresses or Skirts
Dresses. I love a dress, super pretty and simple to wear.
Stripes or Plaid
Plaids, I love my plaid flannel shirts.
Flip flops or Sandals
Sandals, you can get super pretty ones while flip flops are a little more boring.
Scarves or Hats
Scarves, they can instantly improve your outfit and keep you warm, Bonus!
Studs or Dangly Earrings
Studs, they go with a lot more and are casual to be worn daily.
Necklaces or Bracelets
Necklaces, I love a big statement necklace which can completely change your outfit.
Heels or Flats
Heels. I am quite small so I do like a bit of height 🙂
Cowboy Boots or Riding Boots
Cowboy Boots, I wanna be a cowboy.
Jacket or Hoodie
Hoodie, they are very comfy.
Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe
Forever 21, they have good basics at good prices.
Abercombie or Hollister
Hollister.
Saks 5th or Nordstrom
No idea, never shopped at either.

Hair:

Curly or Straight
Curly, but just loose curls.
Bun or Ponytail
Bun.
Bobby pins or Butterfly clips
Bobby Pins. I probably wore Butterfly clips when I was 5.
Hair spray or Gel
Hair Spray. I have never used gel.
Long or Short
Long, you can do more things with it.
Light or Dark
Dark. I think everyone suits dark hair but not everyone suits light hair.
Side sweep bangs or Full bangs
Full bangs.
Up or Down
Down always.

Randoms:

Rain or Shine
Rain if I’m inside, it makes me feel cosy. Shine for outside, I don’t want my hair wet haha.
Summer or Winter
Winter weirdly, I don’t really like the weather but I love my winter wardrobe.
Fall or Spring
Fall my favorite season, I love my fall wardrobe of coats and boots. Its so pretty.
Chocolate or Vanilla
Vanilla, always. I am probably the only person to say that.
East coast or West coast
West coast.

 

Lauren x