Something Different

Top- Miss Selfridge // Jeans- Miss Selfridge // Shoes- ASOS

As I think I said in my last outfit post, v-necks aren't something I usually go for but again, I made an exception for this top. As soon as I tried it on, I just fell in love. I felt incredibly comfortable and I feel like it creates the illusion of an hourglass figure like I've always wanted. Peplums are quite hit and miss- I've never owned one before but this has just the right amount of structuring to make it work, plus the scuba material makes it nice and strong. I've been shopping out of my comfort zone lately in both clothes and my make-up too- you can read all about that in Fridays 'Face of the Day' post. 

Is anyone else obsessed with loom bands?! It all started when my cousin made me one, so I went out and bought myself a pack straight after. I can currently make three designs, with this being my fave. But on to bigger and better things I say- did anyone see the dress made from them by a 12 year old that sold for over £150,000 on eBay? I'm going to give it a go- watch this space!

Olivia Ellen XXX

Empty Products #5

VO5 Dry Shampoo: Will there ever be an empties post where I don't feature this? It does appear I get through a lot of these but as I've said many times, I can't recommend them enough. It's the only dry shampoo I've tried that truly works for me.
Would I buy this again? Already have of course!

Tresemme Conditioner: Seriously, who invented this bottle size?! I find it to be a bit big, especially since I couldn't really lug two bottles this size to the gym with me easily. The shampoo and conditioner duo itself were pretty average- my hair wasn't particularly coloured at the time so I can't say I noticed a huge difference with it.
Would I buy this again? Probably not.

Garnier Micellar Water: The bottle claims 200 uses although this wasn't the case for me. Never the less, I love this stuff and use it everyday without fail as it's just so easy and has caused me no problems in terms of break-outs.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I've got two more bottles already.

Boots Cotton Wool Pads: Wow, how exciting. What can I say about cotton wool pads? They were sturdy and gentle on my face and quite reasonably priced too.
Would I buy these again? Not right now actually as I've found a pack of giant ones from Asda for cheaper, meaning I can remove a lot more make-up quicker.

Boots Mango Body Butter: The fact that I featured this in a recent favorites post should tell you all I have to say about it. It was thick, smelled delicious and was nice and moisturising. I believe this was a mini size and they've now updated the packaging too so it looks even nicer.
Would I buy this again? Not right now, I'm trying out some others first.

Ella and Rose Creme of All Cremes: After I'd finished the body butter, I went rootling through my cupboard to find another moisturiser to use instead. I found this have used tube so decided to use this up. It has a pleasant floral scent and was ok on the moisturising front but I didn't love it.
Would I buy this again? Probably not, despite the bargain price tag.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Moisturiser: I'm normally not impressed by many samples I try but this I liked- it felt kind of like a primer on the skin but it was really moisturising. It was thick which I liked but it did have a sort of odd, perfumey smell which I didn't love. It costs more than my moisturiser at the moment so I'd like to try it a few more times or read some more reviews before I take the plunge.
Would I buy this? Currently undecided.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder: Granted I'd already hit pan on this quite heftily, but when I dropped it in my skin and it smashed into pieces I was still pretty annoyed. I would have liked to have used all or as much of the product as I could but it's so reasonably priced it wasn't a major loss.
Would I buy this again? A million times over, yes.

Sleek Eyebrow Stylist: As much as I adore this product, I was disappointed with how long it lasted. I don't know exactly but I would say it was about a month of pretty much daily use and I just would have liked it last a little longer than that. It took me a while to decide whether it was worth repurchasing but it is the best eyebrow product I've found in a while.
Would I buy this again? I have yes, but I've gone for a lighter shade this time as I've decided it suits me better.

Phew, that was a lot! Have you tried any of these products?

Olivia Ellen XXX

ASOS Win at Swimwear

I hear so much talk of 'big boob problems' but come on girls, we all know #smallboobproblems is a thing too. When it comes to swimwear, finding the perfect fit is a nightmare-they either completely squish or gape everywhere. OK, my boobs aren't tiny (I'm a B cup normally) but it still causes me nightmares. Until, I discovered ASOS swimwear that is.

Firstly, this black beauty- a 50s style halter neck when a clasp at the back and a tie neck, and the cups are the perfect fit. Don't even get me started on the mix and match system- to go with this particular top I picked up this gorgeous ruffled bottoms which give the illusion of an hourglass figure- something I can only dream of. I also picked up this neon coral one, with a twist in the middle and detachable straps. While not a bra style, this still has support and padding making it so comfortable and I'm not worried about falling out of it or gaping. Plain bottoms with these, but even the variety of styles of bottoms amazes me.

Finally, the most quirky print I've seen on a bikini- yes, crocodiles and palm trees. This top is a bandeau one, something I'm normally afraid of, but this one you tie in the middle at the front, meaning you can make it as tight or loose as you want so it feels comfortable for you. The bottoms are also adjustable with ties on the side and that also adds to just another cute detail.

Seriously, if you haven't already got your summer swimwear sorted or you just want more (be honest, there's no such thing as too many bikinis right girls?) definitely check out ASOS!

Olivia Ellen XXX

My First Floral Midi

Skirt- Topshop // Top- River Island // Shoes- Office

I picked up this skirt while I was down in London a few weeks ago and have been waiting for the perfect weather to wear it. It's incredibly out of my comfort zone- I only own one other midi item (a dress I hardly wear) but I was drawn to this due to the loud print and flowing material. I actually didn't realise when I bought it that it's from the petite section but I think this is probably why it hits my legs at such a flattering length. 

Here I'm just wearing it with a textured top, which has a kind of floral-burnout design on it, and the shape of this top is just a little different and looks great with pretty much anything. I also am planning on wearing this skirt with little crop tops and sandals on holiday or with a grungy t-shirt and some vans for a more dresses-down look.

Olivia Ellen XXX

Matte Reds

Calling this post 'Matte Reds' is actually kind of cheating, because I don't own a red lip colour that isn't matte- personally, I think it suits me best and is the most long-wearing. Looking at these photos I've realised I've completely mucked this up, and the swatches should be in reverse order but never mind, I'm sure you can figure it out! If I've done a full review of these products I shall link these below along with a little description of each shade.I feel like lately I've been wearing reds and bolder colours in the daytime more than I have done in the past when I've tended to reserve them purely for evenings out (I feel like this is maybe something to do with really not caring what other people think? But that's a conversation for another day!) and I've been loving it.

Topshop Lip Crayon in Royal: A pillar box red shade in a thin crayon form which makes it super easy to apply. I wouldn't say this feels drying but it isn't moisturising either- it just has a super matte finish.

Revlon Matte Balm in Striking: This is a fairly moisturising red which is ever so slightly pink-toned, however this isn't as long lasting as the Topshop crayon.

Revlon Matte Balm in Standout: Again, not as long lasting as some but a lovely dark plummy red, which doesn't feel at all drying and is perfect for the winter months.

MAC Ruby Woo: Ah, my first ever red. This is a very true red, and is also very matte. I agree with what people say about it being a bit drying and chalky feeling so I can see why this might not be for some people, but it is super long lasting on the lips and looks perfect with winged eyeliner.

MAC So Chaud: This one is an orange-toned red which feels quite creamy on the lips and is a fab summer colour. It goes great with natural glowing skin and just a slick of mascara.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Hot Pepper: My newest red is this liquid lipstick, which dries to a perfect velvety-matte finish which stains and literally does not budge all day. I seriously cannot recommend this enough if you are a fan of long lasting mattes.

Olivia Ellen XXX

The Perfect Summer Dress

Dress- Topshop // Shoes- Office // Necklace- Miss Selfridge

A couple of weeks ago my brother graduated from university, and this is the dress I chose to wear for the ceremony. I bought it ages ago on a whim because I fell in love with no plans originally when to wear it, but I thought that this was the perfect occasion. Luckily the weather was fab, so this dress was just right for keeping me cool whilst still looking lovely (if I do say so myself). It's very flattering on my figure- in at the waist with a kicked out hem, and whilst I don't normally gravitate towards v-necks, I just thought this really worked. On my lips I wore the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Hot Pepper, which was definitely the right choice- it didn't budge all day, and I didn't have to reapply one. Win!

Olivia Ellen XXX

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Hot Pepper // Review

A little late on this bandwagon yes? After seeing endless reviews of these I thought they look right up my street- matte? Check. Intense colours? Check. Staying power? CHECK. I eventually got round to picking up the shade Hot Pepper which was my favourite out of the reviews I've read. The colour is an orange-toned red. I do find you have to build up the colour a little with a couple of layers but once you do that the colour is fab. Typically me, I find application kind of difficult as I do with all liquid products (it's why I struggle so much with the Rimmel Apocalips) but the brush is small and quite precise and doesn't collect a puddle of product so it is a bit easier to get an even application. I love the matte finish too- it's (as it says) velvety, so it feels soft and not chalky on the lips but still has a true matte look to it.

So staying power- I swatched this in store, then had a wonder around. Right before going to the till I grabbed a tissue to wipe this off and I literally could not get it off. It had dried super quickly and stained- I knew right then it was for me. My biggest fear is having awkward lipstick lines, when the product has come off from the middle of your lips with a  ring of colour around the edge but this does not happen with this so I'm very happy with it.

The Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvets are available from Boots here for £8.99.

Olivia Ellen XXX

Neon Green from Missguided

Dress- Missguided // Shoes- Topshop

A very quick outfit post for you today- this is that outfit that I wore with the make-up I showed you on Friday. Unfortunately it was tipping down outside when I went out which meant I wasn't able to get full outfit snaps for you but I thought I'd show you a couple of shots anyway just so you could see what the dress looked like on. A picked up this dress a while ago as I thought it would be perfect for the event, and boy was I right- I felt so comfortable, as it was a great length and didn't show too much skin so I didn't feel at all self-conscious. Also, with a bit of fake tan on, the colour of the dress really popped and I had so many compliments, I felt truly lucky. As usual for a night out, I went with my Topshop Webbs as I danced and performed all night in these easily. This dress is kind of a thick material, so I did get quite hot at times but I'll let that go because I felt great in it otherwise. 

Olivia Ellen XXX

Face of the Day #9 // Glow Glow Glow

Last week I put up a post with some make-up inspiration and ideas which was the basis for this look. As I said, I had a big concert/event on which required me to dress up a bit and so I used my Max Factor Miracle Touch foundation to create the base for this gorgeous glowing look. I literally cannot stress enough how impressed I was with the staying power of this look- I used my No7 Stay Matte Primer along with my Evian Facial Spray to hold everything in place and it did not budge.  After 6 hours of performing and dancing (a hell of a lot of dancing might I add- I led a five minute conga) I came home to find it still looking great. For the full details of what's on my face, view this post! Do you have any fail-safe going-out products?

Olivia Ellen XXX

Peachy

Top- Topshop // Jeans- Miss Selfridge // Blazer- Miss Selfridge // Shoes- ASOS 

Ah, my favourite type of British weather- it's warm and the sun is out but not so much that you feel you have walk around in virtually no clothes (I prefer to save that for my holidays). This outfit has been a go-to for me when the weather has been like this, as I can whip off the jacket if I'm feeling too warm and still feel like I'm wearing something cute. On my lips is my current summer fave- Ohh La La from Topshop and I've also layered up a couple of contrasting necklaces to add extra interest to the outfit.

Olivia Ellen XXX

Make-Up Inspo // Neon

I'm an obsessive planner- from what I'm wearing for an event down to which perfume to wear, I like to plan everything in advance (I even write lists of what make-up to wear, it's something my friends laugh at me for). About a month ago I found out I had a big concert event coming up so I bought a stunning neon yellowy green dress from Missguided- short and bodycon with a high neck. I adore it, but as the event approached my planning side kicked in and I started thinking about how on earth I was going to do my make-up. A dark smokey eye and red lip wasn't exactly going to look great, so I had to do some research:

I did an image search for people wearing neon yellows and greens to see how their make-up was. The whole look I got was flawless glowing skin, with a neutral eye (slightly smokey) and nude or coral lips. I particularly loved J'Lo's look but come on, it's J'Lo so she looks good in everything. I had a rootle around my make-up cupboard and came up with some colours I was going to use:

For my eyes, I went for my all time favourite palette (come on, you can guess this), Sleek's Au Natural, with my Topshop eye crayon in Gold Digger for my inner corners. To line my eyes I'm using a white eyliner in my waterline and a brown in my tightline, and using my Sleek Brow Stylist in Medium. Can you tell I like Sleek?! I'm using their Face Form in Light as a contour and highlight and the Topshop Cream Blush in Head over Heels, finishing with Topshop's Ohh La La on my lips. Of course, I'll use foundation and concealer etc- it's likely to be my Max Factor Miracle Touch foundation, and since I hope to be dancing the night away I'll finish everything with my Evian Facial Spray.

I'll try and do a 'Face of the Day' post with this look on the night which I'll have up as soon as I can, along with a full outfit post so you can see the whole look in action.

Olivia Ellen XXX

June Favourites

Dove Summer Glow: Oh, how I love this stuff. I repurchased this recently after not using it in ages, and now I've probably been using it too much. It's a gradual self-tanner that dries pretty quickly and I do see my skin getting darker as they day goes on. I like to use the shade for medium to dark skin as I find this builds up a darker tan just a bit quicker.

Topshop Nails in 'Suffuse': I've done a full review of this polish here if you want to read that, but I've been loving this colour as it's quite subtle but is still a really pretty rose gold shade.

Pearl Drops Beauty Sleep: This is a home tooth whitener which I picked up from Superdrug after reading some pretty good reviews on it. I think it costs about £3.50, and it's so easy to use- after brushing your teeth, rub this over your teeth with your finger and then leave it on overnight. It dries onto your teeth and then you just brush it off like normal. Whether this is just me being optimistic or not I'm not sure, but I do feel like this has made a difference and I personally feel my teeth are looking whiter.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: OK, this is technically cheating as I haven't actually finished reading this book yet but I'm loving it so much I just had to put it as my favourite book of the month. The story is set in Nazi Germany and is narrated by Death, and it is hauntingly beautiful.

Olivia Ellen XXX