The Top Ten Tag

Nice bit of alliteration there! I'm pretty sure it's been a while since I did a tag post so I stumbled across the 'Top Ten' tag on Twitter the other day- you have to chose one item from each of ten categories. Some of these were very difficult and required much deliberation so enjoy!

Foundation: If I really could only chose one I'd go for my beloved Max Factor Miracle Touch. Although I rarely use this in the day, this is my ultimate going out foundation as it makes my skin looks glowy and flawless. It makes me feel so confident and I really think it deserves more recognition in the blogger world.

Concealer: This was tricky but for the wrong reasons- I'm yet to find a concealer I love and would repurchase again and again so I'm just going to have to go with my current concealer which is the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer.

Powder: I bet you can guess this one-Rimmel Stay Matte powder in Translucent. Cheap and cheerful, mattifying and holding my make-up in place.

Bronzer: Although I love the bronzer in my Sleek Face Form for contouring, I've gone for my Milani Bronze XL as it's a good all-rounder. It bronzes, adds glow and I also use it as a contour as long as I do it with a light touch, otherwise it can go a bit orange.

Blush: The one I've been using most lately is my NYX Cream Blush in Glow as it gives a dewy finish and the colour is very natural, as if you're actually blushing. This being said I also do adore the Topshop Cream Blushes.

Highlighter: Although I have a few highlighters, I only really got into in recently when I bought the L'Oreal Magic Lumi concealer, as it has no shimmer and is a cream texture. It's very similar to YSL's Touche Eclat and just brightens areas of the face, looking particularly good under the eyes.

Eyebrows: I'm going with a relatively new purchase, my Anastasia Brow Wiz as I'm able to get that really precise shape that I like with them still looking natural, but the texture is not too waxy so it's easy and quick to do.

Eyeshadow: It's hard to chose because I have a few little palettes and cream products that I love, but I guess the one that I've used most in my Sleek Au Natural Palette, with my particular favourite shade being Taupe (top right) as it is THE most buttery and pigmented powder eyeshadow I've used.

Mascara: This is such an easy choice- I adore Maybelline's Colossal Mascara and although I like a few others, this is the one I've repurchased most and find myself reaching for most days. I also have the waterproof version which I'll just say- it's OK, but not good if you start crying your eyes out (note: at Miss Saigon in London- v awkward when meeting your idol afterwards).

Lip Products: Oh hell, they have to throw in one category which is impossible. I've had to choose 2, not necessarily because they are my favourites ever but ones that I'm wearing a lot lately. For a matte finish I've gone for the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvets- this is the shade Hot Pepper- and if I want a glossy finish I really like the NYX Butter Glosses, and this is the shade Apple Strudel.

Olivia Ellen XXX

Lip Product Addict TAG!

L to R: MAC Ruby Woo, Please Me, So Chaud // Revlon Matte Balms Standout, Striking, Elusive // Rimmel Apocalips Apocaliptic, Luna // Revlon Lip Butter Strawberry Shortcake // Maybelline Baby Lips Cherry Me 

1. Favourite balm/treatment? Nivea Lip Butter as it has an incredible smell, plus it feels thick and creamy on the lips and I definitely my lips getting softer every time I put it on.

2. Best eye-catching red? MAC's Ruby Woo is the best red I own, it's a classic colour that's not too bright. I'm a big fan of matte lips and this is the mattest of the matte and looks perfect with simple black winged liner.

3. Best luxury & best drugstore? The only 'luxury' brand I've tried is MAC but my favourite one of those that I own is 'Please Me' as it is a cute girly matte pink which I can wear all year round. my favourite drugstore lip product is my Revlon Matte Balms as they're actually quite similar to MAC lipsticks in terms of the colours I own and the quality is really great for the price.

4. Best MAC lipstick? Oops, have answered this already but I'll add in here the other MAC one I own which is 'So Chaud', a orange-toned matte which is a great summer colour.

5. The most disappointing? I'm not a huge fan of the Rimmel Apocalips- the quality isn't bad, but I just find them far too difficult to apply and I findmyselff smudging them everywhere which isn't a good look!

6. Liner - yes or no? I don't personally wear liner at the moment but I can see it being useful to me when I wear bold colours so I'm thinking about picking a red one up soon.

7. Best gloss? I have to admit I'm not a lipgloss wearer- I think it looks greaton somee people but it's not something I wear. The most lipgloss-like product I own is the Revlon Lip Butter in 'Strawberry Shortcake' as it has a glossy finish but also feels really moisturising and creamy.

8. Something extra! It's hard to decide on something else to talk about but I feel like my Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Cherry Me' deserves a mention as I wear it so often. It's what I go for when I'm wearing very natural makeup as it's nourishing with just a sheer wash of colour to perk up my lips- really good for the pirce I think!

Olivia Ellen XXX

The Blogger Made Me Buy It // TAG

Who are your most influential bloggers? Who are the ones that you really rely on for review and swatches?
I always check out The Sunday Girl for the best press releases and product previews but I love Lily Pebbles and Katie's Beauty Blog for swatches etc.

Do you buy a product soley as a review from your favourite bloggers, or do you look for more reviews from others?
I really trust my favourite bloggers, especially if they have the same skin type and product preferences as me because then I know if something is likely to work for me.

What is your most favourite item you have ever bought as a consequence of blogs?
I think my Real Techniques Core Collection brushes because they, especially the Buffing Brush, has changed the way I apply my make-up.

What is your least favourite item that you have ever bought as a consequence of blogs?
Probably the Rimmel Apocalips- while I love the shades I find them to be very hard to apply but I think that's just me as I'm not so good with lipglosses.

Name 5 products you have bought recently as a result of blogs?
- Revlon Matte Balms
- Maybelline Baby Skin
- Maybelline Baby Lips
- Nivea Cleanser (cleansers in general being the influence here)
- Maybelline Brow Drama

Have you ever given into blogger hype? If so, which hype?
Yes so many! Revlon Colour Bursts (the first and second times!), Revlon Lip Butters, the Maybelline Baby Skin range and so on. On the whole though I like the products I've bought due to hypes.

Have you ever avoided blogger hype? If so, which hype?
I'm currently avoiding the Urban Decay Naked 3 hype- much as it looks like the most beautiful palette ever I can't part with that much money for it!

Is everything you buy based on blogger reviews or are there some items you buy without checking out a review?
If I plan to buy something that I've seen in Boots online I try and read reviews first but sometimes I'm in store and will impulse buy and hopefully not regret it too much!

Olivia Ellen XXX

Beauty Blogger Tag

I feel like I haven't done a tag post in ages as I haven't seen a new one around in a while, but today I saw someone had done this tag and thought I'd answer the questions myself.

1. Name a beauty routine you hardly do.
All that cleanse, exfoliate, tone things- I don't have the patience or the money for all that.

2. Is washing your make-up brushes something you do regularly?
I probably do it about once a month which is probably bad but they take so much time to dry I don't do it often as I don't want to be without my favourite brushes.

3. How long will you last with chipped nail polish?
I am almost the worst person when it comes to nail polish, as soon as it chips I end up peeling it all off.

4. How long do you put off buying/replacing a beauty product even if you need it?
I'm normally not very good at replacing things, I've bought something today that I ran out over a month ago and I've needed a new primer for ages but haven't bought it yet.

5. What is your worst beauty habit?
Does biting my nails count? It drives me mad and at times I have grown my nails to a good length but at the moment they are very short and look awful.

6. Name something non-beauty related you put off doing all the time.
Cleaning- I love things being clean but I hate cleaning.

7. When going out somewhere, do you leave getting ready until the last minute?
I usually get ready with plenty of time to spare, I like to think I'm organised when it comes to putting on my make-up.

8. Can you commit to spending bans?
I've never tried which is probably a sign that I wouldn't be very good.

9. How organised are your make-up and nail polish collections?
My make-up is very organised and tidy but I tend to just chuck all my nail polish into one tub without being too fussy about organising them.

10. What is the longest you've gone without writing a blog post?
1-2 weeks I would say but I like to always have posts scheduled and drafted so I always have things to publish even if I don't have to to write a new one.

Olivia Ellen XXX

'This or That?' Tag!

I love doing tag posts as I think it helps you get to know the person behind the blog! This one has lots of short questions so I hope you enjoy!

Make-up
1. Blush or bronzer? I think blush, it can be more versatile
2. Lip gloss or lipstick? Lipstick, I love the stronger colour intensity and much prefer the texture.
3. Eyeliner or mascara? Mascara, I wear it every day if I leave the house but can survive without eyeliner.
4. Foundation or concealer? Concealer as it's lighter and can fix my face quickly!
5. Neutral or bight eyeshadows? Neutral, but if I do colours I tone them down or keep them dark.
6. Pressed or loose eyeshadows? Always pressed.
7. Brushes or sponges? Brushes, so much easier to use in my opinion!

Nails
8. OPI or Nails Inc? I've only tried Nails Inc so I have to go with that!
9. Long or short nails? Long but I'm not quite there yet!
10. Acrylic or natural? Personally prefer the natural look and it's less damaging.
11. Darks or brights? Don't think I can choose!
12. Flower of no flower? What even is this? No flower!

Body
13. Lotion or body butter? Body butter is my favourite but I use a mixture.
14. Body wash or soap? Body wash, I love the strawberry one from The Body Shop!

Fashion
15. Jeans or sweatpants? Jeans if I'm leaving the house!
16. Long sleeve or short? Short, I always roll up long sleeves anyway.
17. Dresses or skirts? I honestly couldn't choose, I love them both equally.
18. Stripes or plain? Despite liking prints, plain is always easier.
19. Flip flops or sandals? Probably sandals, just because they're less noisy!
20. Scarves or hats? I love both but hats are better for all year round.
21. Studs or dangly earrings? Oh no...since I have two piercings can I choose both?!
22. Heels or flats? Why are these questions so difficult? I have to have a mixture, I have a lot of both.
23. Cowboy or riding boots? Riding boots, remind me of Alexa Chung!
24. Jacket or hoody? I live in hoodies at home but prefer a jacket when I go out.
25. Topshop or River Island? I much prefer Topshop, overall it's more my style.

Hair
26. Curly or straight? Straight, I don't think really curly hair suits me, much as I love it!
27. Bun or ponytail? Bun.
28. Bobby pins or butterfly clips? Bobby pins, my life savers!
29. Hair spray or gel? Hair spray, need it to tame my baby hairs!
30. Long or short? Short on me, but long really suits so many others.
31. Light or dark? I switch between both- light in summer, dark in winter.
32. Side sweep or full bangs? Side, easier to manage.
33. Up or down? Down.

Random
34. Rain or shine? Shine of course!
35. Summer or winter? Much prefer summer.
36. Fall or spring? Spring.
37. Chocolate or vanilla? Both are great, it's all food!
38. Shower or bath? I always think a bath will be a good idea until I've been in there 10 minutes, so showers.
39. Comedy or horror? I can't stand horror, always comedy for me!

Olivia Ellen XXX

Seven Deadly Sins of Beauty ☆

I'm doing another Tag post for you today, this is one which I hadn't seen before and you basically answer the questions to do with the 'Seven Deadly Sins'.

Greed- What is your most expensive beauty item?
This is my Bare Minerals Foundation- it comes in at £25 which is pretty pricey but it's definitely worth it. I adore this and would buy it a million times over despite the price.

Sloth- Which item do you neglect most due to laziness?
I'd probably have to say my moisturiser- at the moment I'm using Lemon Body Butter from The Body Shop. I try to put it on every night before I go to bed but I often neglect it because sometimes I just want to crawl into my duvet when I'm sleepy! I do notice that it helps when I use it but sleep can be so great!

Wrath- Which item do you have a love/hate relationship with?
I find that my No7 Shine Free Primer is something I don't always get on with. At times it works really well- it mattifies my skin and keeps my make-up on. However, it can make my make-up feel cakey sometimes, especially if you don't blend it in enough, and you need a lot of it to get an even base. I can't decide whether it was worth £11 but I don't think I'll repurchase it.


Gluttony- What brand makes up for most of your make-up collection?
To be honest, I think I have quite a variety of brands that I use and I can't say I have a particularly large collection of one particular brand. I think if I had to chose it would actually be Topshop make-up as I have 5 nail polishes, a cream blush and a lip crayon.

Pride- Which product gives you most confidence?
Either my Maybelline Colossal Lash Mascara or the Boots Witch Hazel Gel. This mascara just makes my eyelashes so long and voluminous and mascara just gives me confidence as it can transform me from 'just woken up' to 'made an effort' really easily. On the other hand, my Witch Hazel Gel can really reduce blemishes so quickly which again boosts my confidence.

Lust- Which item is at the top of your beauty wish list?
At the moment I really want 'Tangerine Dream' lipstick by MAC. It looks like a gorgeous orangey-coral colour which I'm loving at the moment so I'm hoping to pick this up before I go on holiday if I can sacrifice £14!

Envy- Which make-up product/look looks great on others but not yourself?
It took me a long time to think of something but I have it- winged eyeliner (or cat flicks whatever you want to call them!). I can never seem to get them just right and even when I do I just don't think I can pull them off! I'd love to do winged black eyeliner and a classic red lip but I've never made it work.

I tag you all to take part in this post- leave me a link down below to the post, I'd love to read it!

Olivia Ellen XXX

Colours of the Rainbow Tag

I have read/watched so many different versions of this tag recently and decided it was something I definitely wanted to take part in myself. For those of you who don't know it by now- you choose a different product for each colour of the rainbow (plus a couple of extras).

Red- I do love a good red lipstick, but it was still easy to choose my favourite. I went for 'Ruby Woo' by MAC, something that I know a lot of people have and it's become a bit of a classic with Rihanna doing her own version of it called 'RiRi Woo' (which I won't be buying though!).

Orange- this was another obvious choice for me, as I adore my Topshop cream blush in this perfect coral colour called 'Head over Heels'. It's got a really nice consistency and is easy to blend out for a natural look or build it up for something dramatic. I apply it with my fingers and then blend it in with my Elf Studio Stipple brush.

Yellow- I always end up going back to my Maybelline Colossal Volume Express mascara because I just love the brush, and it's definitely one of the best mascaras I've tried. At the moment I have the waterproof one so I don't use it everyday but it'll be perfect for when I go on holiday.

Green- to be honest I don't have that many green products in my collection so I decided to go with this Tea Tree Toner from The Body Shop. I'm about half way through my second bottle now, and it does work really well for oily skin and helps keep spots away. However at the moment my skin is not feeling too oily and I think my skin has actually got used to this now so I'm going to have to try a different toner next.

Blue- Nivea creme is one of my go-to products for dry skin. I use it on my face, my body and every night on my lips when I go to bed as it is super moisturising and super cheap too.

Indigo- I actually had to look up what colour indigo was as I had no idea! Turns out it's a dark blue/purple so I went for this tub of Superdrug Texturising Gum. I like to use this in the ends of my hair sometimes just to give my fine hair some texture and body. This is such a big tub- I'm not even half way through yet and I've had it almost a year; and it's much cheaper than the V05 alternative that I used previously.

Violet- does this count as violet? I'm going with it anyway as I couldn't think of anything else! This is the Bourjois 1 Second nail polish in shade 13. it's a gorgeous purple colour and one of the main reasons I love it is due to the brush- I'd describe it as a paddle brush and it makes it very quick and easy to paint your nails.

Pink- I still really like my Sea Salt Spraym by Lee Stafford, even though I've had a huge break from using it. I got back into it recently and I just love the texture it adds to my hair. Plus the smell- it's divine!

Multicoloured- I had to go for a palette here, so I went for my most colourful one which is the Sleek Storm Palette, and if you haven't tried any Sleek palettes yet- why not?! I adore them as a great alternative to high end palettes such as the naked palettes or a MAC one. There are so many varieties and the Storm palette has a nice mixture of shimmer and matte shades.

I invite you all to take part in this tag and then leave a link to the post down below so I can check it out! Also I'd love a follow via GFC- just click the button on the right, it would mean a lot!

Olivia Ellen XXX

Confessions of a Fashion Blogger!

So today I thought I'd take part in a tag which I've seen recently, just thought it would be hopefully interesting to you so enjoy! Also if you have your own blog I invite you all to take part in this tag and leave me the link down below so I can check it out!

1. How long does it take you to edit/write a post?
It varies from 10 minutes to an hour sometimes, depending on what type of post it is! I normally try to write them all in one go but sometimes I have to take a break if I find myself losing concentration.

2. Are you a spender or a saver?
Oh a spender definitely. How I envy those with the ability to save up for ages and then not spend it all in one day! I do try my best to save, particularly if there is a certain item I have my eye on that is a little pricey.

3. What type of posts do you enjoy writing/recording?
I love doing reviews because I love telling people about products that I think are great! But I also love outfit posts and hauls too, fashion related posts are my favourites to share with my readers.

4. Do you friends and family know about your blog?
Yeah they do, and at first I was a little embarrassed to share it with everyone but everyone is so supportive and encouraging that I'm glad I've got them there!

5. Are you most likely to buy a bag or a pair of shoes?
I'm going to have to say shoes- since getting my Ted Baker bag for my birthday I feel like I can never buy a bag again without feeling guilty about betraying it! Anyway, shoes are a necessity even if they are 6 inches high.

6. What clothes do you wear to much?
Any pair of Topshop jeans, I practically live in them and my leather jacket because it goes with everything but I'm sure people are going to get sick of seeing it!

7. Are the outfits you post what you wear in public?
90% of the time yes, I try to take pictures just before I'm going out to keep it realistic. Sometimes though I just can't wait for the right weather to style up a certain item of clothing so I'll photograph it just for the blog but I still try and keep all the outfits I post as something that I would actually wear.

8. Who or what inspired you to start your blog?
It was a mixture of things really- I'd been wanting to start one for a while because I read so many other blogs. Also I thought is would be a fun hobby and also useful for (hopefully) my future career in fashion journalism.

9. What's your style mantra?
I think I would probably say (although it's a cliche) that as long as you feel happy in what you're wearing, don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Once you stop caring what people think about you life gets so much easier!

Olivia Ellen XXX
@oliviaellen97