Transitional Lip Shades

With Autumn coming, it means one thing... I can get back on the darker lipstick bandwagon without feeling not 'Summer' enough. I've always been a dark lipstick kinda gal and obviously, Autumn is prime time on the deep shaded lipstick front! 

Introducing my top picks that work well not only for Autumn, but this in between time that we're currently experiencing. I'm talking the deep shades with a little nude thrown into the mix... 

On the nude front, I've got a gorgeous nude lipgloss from Paul and Joe. It's their Glossy Lip Colour in  01* and it is to die for! Beautiful formulation, not too sticky and beautifully pigmented, but not too much. Really great product and I've had so much use out of it. 

I've got also got a few picks from Bourjois, a definite favourite drugstore brand of mine at the minute. From the Bourjois Rouge Edition 12 Hours range*, I've got the shades 30 and 31. They are gorgeous 'your lips but better' shades and they're the products that I'd put down my new found love of a nude lip straight to. The Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet is another goodn' and on the nude front I'm talking the shade 07 Nude-ist*. It's a really nice nude matte lip that lasts really well. 

On the other hand, from the same Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet range I've got 08 Grand Cru* which is a deep red. Perfect for getting back into the darker shades and the bonus? It lasts amazingly. 

Another favourite is the YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in 12 Forbidden Burgundy, a super luxurious lipstick. Need I say anymore? Just look at it... 

The Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Grandest Grape is a great one, super hydrating and really easy application. Perfect for keeping your lips hydrated but while still having a bit (or a lot) of colour on them. 

Last but not least I'm talking the Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss in Stunner. This can be used over the top of a darker shade to add another dimension or it can be used alone as a hint to the deeper more autumnal shades. 

I'm so excited at all the autumn lip shade possibilities! 

What shades will you be sporting this A/W? 

Lorna x

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Video: Autumn Fashion Haul

I know, I know. It's really not okay, but I've been shopping again and it's just something I obviously couldn't help (justification, justification, justification). It was one of those situations where I just fell in love with everything and I was shopping on my own, so didn't have anyone to tell me no (obviously why I went shopping on my own) but the best thing? Not only have I got a few awesome new pieces to add to my wardrobe, I've got another haul video for you all to see! Obviously, I went shopping for everyone who watches it, right? 

Anyway, lets get down to the nitty gritty and these are the bits I picked up... 

Product Mentioned & Links: 

TOPSHOP

Topshop Backpack

Topshop Grid Print Skinny Cigarette Trousers 

Topshop Tapered Pinstripe Trousers 

Topshop Black Jamie Jeans 

MONKI

Monki White Crop Tee 

Monki Biker Coat

MISSGUIDED

Missguided Roll Neck Bodycon Dress 

Missguided Bardot Dogtooth Dress 

ASOS

ASOS White Sheer Crop Top 

Kiss The Sky Crop Shirt With Lace Trim 

ASOS Grey Duster Kimono 

Club L Check Print Bodycon Midi Pencil Skirt 

Go on, tell me your favourites? 

Lorna x

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Summer to Autumn Transitional Skincare

Summer to Autumn seems to have come around so quick... And I hate to say it, but I am quite excited about the weather getting a little colder. I'm looking forward to wrapping up in some wooly knits and sitting in with a cuppa watching a good ol' movie. There's just nothing better in the Winter is there? Okay, I may be getting ahead of myself, corr, next I'll be talking Christmas (I won't, don't worry). But with the weather getting a little colder, it can play a bit of havoc with our skin and so we need to make sure we've got all the bases covered. 

First things first, keep hydrated. I've got dry and dehydrated skin so I've got to make sure I'm on this step 24/7. The Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask is an all time favourite of mine. I haven't been using it throughout the spring/summer but as soon as the colder weather comes back round again, I know it'll be making appearance after appearance. It's an overnight mask or basically a super hydrating night cream that just smells amazing. If you've not given this one a go, you need to. Just trust me on this... 

Scrub, scrub, scrub... Exfoliating is so important and that's why I've included the Nip + Fab Glycolic Scrub Fix* in this post. The colder weather can make our skin all dry and flaky and this sort of scrub helps with that. It's a lovely scrub, and I really like the effect it has on my skin! 

I've not always be a massive fan of this product, although, I can see why others are so thought it was worth a mention. The Caudalie Beauty Elixir is a perfect 'spritz' to carry around with you to keep your skin hydrated on the go, plus it works well to wake you and your skin up on those colder mornings when leaving bed is just too much... 

Just because it's becoming a little colder, it doesn't mean that the sun has disappeared! Keep on going with the SPF and this one from Balance Me is perfect for your face. The Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25* is a beautiful SPF, it feels like you're applying a moisturiser and that's perfect for all year round. Also, we could still have a few more hot days, right? All hope isn't lost yet... 

Thinking of that sun, I'm now talking a few products that will bring back that summer feeling and remind you of all the summer memories. The Time Bomb Complexion Cocktails* are just perfect for that and I've got the Time Bomb Complexion Cocktail with a shot of B12, the Time Bomb Complexion Cocktail with a shot of Chlorophyll and the Time Bomb Complexion Cocktail with a shot of H2Omega. They all have an area that they target specifically. The B12 is to reboot tired skin, the Chlorophyll is to reboot stressed skin and the H2Omega is to combat dehydration. All perfect products for this temperamental time of year and they smell AMAZING. 

Keep hydrated, stay protected and enjoy what if any warmer weather we are still having. 

What are your top transitional skincare picks? 

Lorna x

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The Dream Base: Primer, Foundation, Concealer & Powder

I used to be a no base kinda gal. A bit of concealer to even the complexion but that'd be it. Everything's changed and I've got myself the base that a girl can only dream of. No dry bits, a super even complexion, this is the base that I've always been looking for... 

Starting with the Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer* to hydrate and even out my skin and of course, make the base last even longer. This primer has a gel texture and it's perfect for my dry and dehydrated skin. I've always found primers make my skin feel weird and leave it with a odd texture, which is the

complete opposite of what it should do but this primer just works perfectly and it's a godsend for us dry skinned girls - this is going to be a dream when the colder weather comes in! 

I then apply the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Siberia*, a beautiful colour match for my uber pale skin with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush from the Core Collection. This foundation is so build-able so if you're looking for a lighter coverage then you can work with a lot less product or if you want a bit more of a higher coverage then that works well too. 

On to Concealer and NARS has got my back on this front too... The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Chantilly* is perfect and I honestly don't know how I ever lived without it. It's the perfect creamy concealer (obv) and with this selection of products I don't see it creasing or falling off any time soon. I apply it with the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush and dab it in a bit with my finger and the finish is flawless. 

To set all of that in place, I love using The Body Shop's All-In-One Face Base. This can be used as a base on it's own, but I don't really find there to be much, if any coverage and so I think it works perfectly as a powder to make the base last all day and to just matte it out a little bit. I really like this compact and using it with an Eco Tools brush works really well. 

This base just works so well with me and for my skin type. I honestly can't tell you how happy I am to have found this beautiful dream team... 

What's your Dream Team for your base? 

Lorna x

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The Bourjois Rouge Edition 12 Hour Lipstick

L-R 30 Prune Afterwork, 31 Beige Shooting, 28 Pamplemousse, 32 Rose Vanity, 35 Entry VIP, 34 Cherry My Cherie

Calling all lipstick lovers! I've got something you might just like in today's post... Bourjois have released a new range of their Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipsticks in a new longer lasting formula! 

Enter the Bourjois Rouge Edition 12 Hour Lipsticks*. 

Perfect for the new colder seasons coming in and in beautiful transitional shades there's nothing not to love with this collection. With a semi matte finish, the lipsticks aren't drying on the lips but they still last really well. I always opt for a matte lip wherever I can and I know it can be a bit of a pain in the colder months, but they last so much better and I just love the look of them. This is where this lipstick comes in as it's enriched with Shea Butter (my favourite!) to keep the lips hydrated along with colour-fixing silk powders to make sure it lasts! I can't say I've tested it out for 12 hours without reapplying, and I can't imagine I will. 

The shades are gorgeous. Perfect for all year round but it's the more transitional shades like 30 Prune Afterwork and 31 Beige Shooting that totally caught my eye. I know right, me liking nude lipsticks, what?! There's just something about these. Perhaps I just hadn't find the right 'nude' for me, but now I totally get what a 'your lips but better' shade really is. ITS THESE! and I cannot get enough... I haven't tried out the other shades as of yet. The red in 34 Cherry My Cherie is totally gorgeous, but I have a bit of a relationship with another red at the moment that I can't quite shake (post coming soon... and Sephora, I'm looking at you). 

Pamplemousse is back! The shade launched in 2000 and was discontinued in 2007 much to many peoples dismay. But now its back and I thought some of you may be quite happy to hear that. Unfortunately it's not my kind of shade, these peachy shades just don't work with my skin and it just looks a bit odd but I do know it works so well with so many people and so I thought it was worth a little mention. 

Overall, I love this range. Really beautiful shades, of course they're not all suited to me and they're not all something I'd wear but when would that actually happen? Gorgeous texture and finish and they last well. These lipsticks are right up my street and I can imagine I'll be getting so much use out of them. Well done Bourjouis, these are a goodn'!

What is your favourite shade? 

Lorna x

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ASOS Fashion Wishlist & Win a £50 Voucher: Ends Tomorrow

L-R Dress, Jeans, Two-Piece - Top, Bottoms

Jumper, Coat, Hat

To celebrate the 25% Student Discount on ASOS, I'm giving a £50 voucher on Twitter so head on over there to enter! I thought I'd pick a few bits that I've got my eye on and let you all know what I'd ponder buying with the voucher! 

This Lavish Alice Dress is gorgeous, super lovely quality and it'd be a real treat to own one. It's a 'special occasion' kinda dress. 

I'm forever on the look out for a new black pair of jeans, I mean, you can never have too many right? I always find my Topshop Joni's and Leigh Jeans fade so quickly and it's always disappointing. I want my jeans uber black please. 

I know I said in my latest haul video (I think I might need to go to Shoppers Anonymous, already thinking of the next haul, oops!)  that I didn't need anymore two pieces, but this one's just so god damn beautiful. I love a good trouser two-piece and I do only have one in my collection, so that's okay. Justification at it's best, of course. 

I'm so into black at the moment, it's becoming quite the obsession. I'm looking for transitional pieces that will work all year round for when it's a little colder and that are perfect for layering and I think this black cropped jumper fits the bill perfectly. Great value too!

I've been eyeing this coat up for a long time. I think I've actually seen it in a previous season, maybe it was a similar one, but I was eyeing it up even back then. I'm usually a dark coat kinda gal, but there's just something about this coat that gets me. I'm not sure if I'd love it on, or whether I'd even wear it as I have NO idea what i'd wear it with that I have already but that all doesn't matter. It's lovely, it looks super warm and I want it. 

I really want a hat! Everyone always says that hats suit me, but I always find that I buy them and then just never wear them and they get lost in the deepest depths on my room. A black hat like this is a total staple and I just feel like this is the sort of hat I would actually wear. The only trouble is is that I have a small head and they don't often fit... Hoping this one would be different? 

So if you fancy picking up a few bits from ASOS then make sure you go on over to twitter here and enter my giveaway. It ends tomorrow (Friday) at 8am so make sure you're quick! 

What have you got your eye on at ASOS at the minute? 

Lorna x

*Voucher is gifted by ASOS for giveaway

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Häagen Dazs: Cocktails, Canapes and a Home-Made Ice Cream Recipe

When I was invited down to the latest Häagen Dazs event, of course I jumped at the chance. As if the ice cream wasn't enough, MasterChef Winner Natalie Coleman was on hand to demonstrate how to make a delicious ice cream at home for those times we don't have a tub of the good stuff stashed in our freezer. 

Cocktails and delicious canapés were aplenty and I got to spend the evening chatting with the lovely Kimberley! But there's one thing that you definitely need to know, how to make the amazing Ice Cream that we were taught to make. But if you're not really an ice cream kinda girl, you don't have to freeze the mixture but you can use it as custard instead, yum!

Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients

600ml Double Cream 
200ml Whole Milk
2 Vanilla Pods
6 Egg Yolks
150g vanilla infused caster Sugar

Method

1. Pour the double cream, milk into a large saucepan.
2. Split the vanilla pods lengthways and scrap the seeds out using the back of your knife and add and to the pan with the milk/cream and the scraped pods.
3. On a medium heat and heat until nearly boiling point then turn off the heat and allow to infuse for a minimum of 30mins. The longer you leave the more the vanilla infuses.
4. When infused, reheat to a simmer.
5. In a mixing bowl whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until light and fluffy.
6. Slowly whisk the mixture infused cream into the bowl with the eggs and sugar. You must keep whisking otherwise you may end up with scramble eggs.
7. Pour back into the saucepan and cook until it reaches 80c then remove from the heat. You must constantly stir otherwise it will split or scramble. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve so it catches the pods/seeds into a new saucepan. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve so it catches the pods/seeds into a new saucepan.
8. Allow to cool to room temp.
9. Once cooled add to your ice cream maker and churn for 35-40 mins until it reaches ice cream constiency. Serve straight away. 

I haven't given the recipe a go yet, but I can assure you I definitely will! It tasted delicious warm and I'm sure i'd keep mine to serve as a custard. Delicious!

Lorna x

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Video: HUGE Fashion and Beauty Haul

I'm back on the YouTube bandwagon and guess what? Surprise, surprise, I've been shopping... I've been picking up mixture of fashion and beauty bits and have put it all together in this Haul! 

Products Mentioned in the Video & Links: 

Topshop Jumper

H&M Knitted Cardigan – Dark Grey

H&M Knitted Cardigan – Light Grey 

H&M Long Sleeved Cropped Black & White Striped Top 

River Island via. ASOS Checkerboard T-Shirt Dress 

Very.co.uk Blue Skater Mesh Dress* 

Very.co.uk Black Lace Shorts* 

H&M Running Shorts 

H&M Pink Exercise Vest

H&M Yoga Pants/Leggings 

New Look Chunky Black Heels*

Puma Black & White Classic Suede Trainers 

Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentre

EOS Summer Fruit Lip Balm

DHC Revitalizing Moisture Strips For Eyes 

Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer* 

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation* 

NARS Creamy Concealer* 

What are your favourite bits from this Haul and what have you been picking up lately? 

Lorna x

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Sponsored Video: Dove Advanced Hair Series

Affordable haircare is forever up my street. I'm not sure what it is but there's something I just can never quite justify when spending money on something I use daily like shampoo and conditioner. I'm not saying I don't ever treat myself to haircare because we all know that'd be a massive lie but I'm awful, and I wash my hair everyday so it just feels like I'm washing away all of the money, if you get my drift? 

Dove have recently launched their new Advanced Hair Series targeted at different hair concerns and after watching the first video the Oxygen Moisture range sounds right up to my street and I can see myself popping to the shop to get my hands on some. I'm not hoping for miracles, just something that'll leave my hair feeling great every day I use it, but you never know, perhaps it'll get me and I'll fall in love... Who knows?! 

I used to be obsessed with some of the other Dove products in their haircare range, the Intensive Repair Express Conditioner Treatment was an absolute favourite and so I definitely have high hopes for this range... 

Have you tried any of the products from the Dove Advanced Hair Series yet?

Lorna x

*Sponsored Video Content Featured

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No Fuss Festival Nails

I know that festival season is nearly over, but with a few still coming up I thought these were too great not to share with you all. Now i'm not usually one to believe in love at first sight, but with these babies something in me changed and I fell hook, line and sinker. 

The Impress Press-On Manicure* is a go-to for lazy girls like me. Instant nail art in seconds and a mani that'll have everyone envious and asking where you got it done. What's not to love? You literally peel off the backing, and press them on and they're super secure! The best part is that they're super portable and small so you can bring a few extra with you, just to make sure if the worst happens and one does fall of then you're not left nailless for the rest of the day. 

I'm not one for long nails so I give them a good file down to make sure they're a much more bare able length for me, but for you long nailed girls, the original length will be perfect! 

I've mentioned the nails before in my The Lazy Girls Guide To: The Perfect Manicure post but I still just can't get enough, can you tell? Now, I'm not one usually for experimenting too much with nail art. I've given it a go in the past but I just could never create anything as amazing as this myself, my hands are no where near steady enough, but with these press on nails you don't even have to think about it! 

Super quick and totally perfect nails with the most gorgeous nail art in seconds and of course, if this design isn't for you then they have a tonne of others that's likely to be right up your street. 

Lorna x

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