the versatile blogger award!

Hello lovelies!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and are enjoying the last few days of 2012 just before the New Year! Over the first few months of 2013 I'm aiming to shed a few pounds i have but on over Christmas, but i know after about a week a big mac or a chocolate cake will literally be screaming my name!

Anyway, I have been nominated for the 'Versatile Blogger Award' by Elysia (littlebeautyblogg). I am incedibly grateful for this award and I can't thank her enough!
The Versatile Blogger Award is an award awarded to relatively new bloggers!

The rules: 1) Nominate up to 15 fellow bloggers who are relatively new to blogging.
2) Let the nominated bloggers know that they have been nominated for this award.
3) Share 7 random facts about yourself.
4) Thank the blogger who has nominated you.
5) Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your post.

7 RANDOM FACTS:

1) I am currently wearing a frog onesie which was a present from my Grandma, and although it is not the most glamorous outfit, it is so cosy!
2) I may be dressing up as an octopus on New Years Eve. Or an ostrich. (it's fancy dress, but you have to dress up as something that begins with the first letter of your name.. Thinking of things beginning with 'O' is actually really hard!)
3) I watched Love Actually about 9 times this Christmas.
4) I thought Jack in Titanic was Heath Ledger..
5) I want an iPhone just so i can have instagram! (and all the other amazing things, of course.)
6) I love checking out blogs, so leave your link down below if you'd like me to check it out!
7) Thinking of 7 random facts about myself was actually harder that I thought! I'm not sure what that says about me!

My nominations are:

Olivia - rose reviews1
Louise & Erin - sparkly blues and rainbow shoes
Sophie - a golden bow
Gemma - Gem in the city
Mia - teenage beauty blog
Kat - Serenity beauty with kat
That's all of my nominations! Be sure to check out their blogs! Again, I can't thank Elysia enough for nominating me!

Happy New Year to you all! Have a good one!

Olivia!

it's christmas!

..Are you hanging all your stockings on the wall?

Hello lovelies!
I just wanted to wish you a merry, merry Christmas!
Hope you're all having a great day (even if you don't celebrate Christmas!) and are watching all the festive programmes on TV!
LOTS OF LOVE..
Olivia

hair care routine!

I'm having my hair cut soon, so before i do, I thought i'd do a hair care routine. With these products I thought i could prevent and repair split ends, but i already had so many split ends to begin with! I have waist length hair so when i get it cut, if they cut too much off i think i may cry.

aussie 3 minute miracle conditioner: reconstructer and luscious long.
L'oreal studio silk and gloss hot straight spray and cream.
l'oreal mythic oil
l'oreal absolute repair cellular oil

I don't use a specific shampoo, but i either use aussie 3 minute miracle reconstucter or aussie 3 minute miracle luscious long conditioner. It's amazing and leaves your hair feeling soooo soft!

I love the L'oreal studio silk and gloss hot straight spray and cream to put on just before straightening or blow drying my hair.

Although many people have been raving about Moroccan oil, i am yet to try it as these 2 oils are doing perfectly well in my hair! I use it after straightening to blow drying! They don't make my hair greasy or sticky just silky and smooth! Haha :)

That is my hair care routine! Hope you enoyed.. And don't forget to comment down below any recommendations or what products you use on your hair!
OLIVIA X
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE EVE!

favourite winter items

This is going to be a post on a few of my favourite things to have in winter, and seeing as it is getting on for Christmas i thought i'd better do it soon (despite the fact that winter lasts up until around march in the uk, especially where i live in manchester)
So these are a few of my winter favourites:
first of all..

DECORATIONS!
next..

SOCKS!! or warm clothes in general and fairisle pattern.

A dewy foundation is great in the winter if you skin may be a little dry and dull from the weather.

These eyeshadows from No 7 are great for the festive season! I love the gold and dark blue combo! They are really pigmented too!

MOISTURISER! this moisturiser is amazing! It's quite light but really moisturising and sinks in immediately!

Another moisturiser! Soap and glory the righteous butter! I'm sure many of you have heard of this and may have tried it! it's perfect for this time of year!
and to conclude..

Another moisturising product! Burts bees lip balm! It keeps your lips smooth and soft all day long!

So there are some of my favourite winter items, hope you enjoyed and don't forget to comment with your favourite winter items! ITS SO CLOSE TO CHRISTMAS AHH!
Hope you're all having a lovely run up to Christmas!
Love Olivia X

mac eyebrow pencil in lingering

I recently went to MAC in my town center to pick up an eyebrow pencil. I had my sights set on the eyebrow pencil in Fling, as it states it a cool, ash blonde colour, just what I need (Well I thought I did anyway.)
The woman at mac was so helpful, and advised me to get lingering, instead of fling, as fling probably wouldn't show up on my eyebrows, as they are pretty dark for someone with blonde hair. She said lingering wouldn't make my eyebrows any darker than they already were, they would just make them look fuller and more defined! That is exactly what I wanted, and that is exactly what lingering does!
Here are a couple of pictures so you can see what it looks like..

top photo with out mac lingering
bottom photo with mac lingering

I really recommend MAC eyebrow pencil in the shade lingering, if you have brows like mine. It's long wearing, not too orange-y and doesn't look like you've just drawn your eyebrows on!
Well done MAC!
Thank you for reading and I hope you have a wonderful evening! X
AND A MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ultimate christmas party outfit! feat. cinderela b jewellery!

Hello lovelies!
I hope you are all very well in the run up to Christmas and feeling as festive as I am (which I have been feeling since September...)
Today I'm going to do an ultimate Christmas party outfit! This is an entry for a competition that i am soooo excited about! I was recently emailed by the lovely Natasha, the communications officer of Cinderela B, the jewellery brand, which was originally set up by Rachel Jackson as a stall in Spitalfields market but her beautiful creations (as you will see later on) were soon snapped up by over 100 across the UK and overseas. Natasha had emailed to inform me they were holding a competition, exclusive to bloggers, to win £100 to spend on their website (here).
This is a post I have been meaning to do for a long time, but school work has got the better of me once again so I have only just got round to doing it! Here goes..

My ultimate Christmas Party Outfit..

top - top shop
skirt - top shop
shoes - missguided.co.uk
necklace - cinderela b
earrings - cinderela b

Thank you guys for reading! Hope you're having a lovely December, and have a fab weekend!
And thank you so much to all the lovely people at Cinderela B for contacting me!

christmas wishlist!

It's the first of December today, which can only mean one thing.. IT'S SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE TO LISTEN TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND BE EXCITED FOR CHRISTMAS! (even though i have been doing those things since september but whatever!)
Seeing as it is the 1st of December, i thought i'd do a Christmas wishlist!

gold casio watch - amazon
gorg christmas jumper - riverisland
soap and glory glow all out - boots
mac fling eyebrow pencil - mac cosmetics
tom ford shade and illuminate (WANT!!) - selfridges
estee lauder double wear foundation - boots

Hope you have a very merry Christmas, and thank you for reading! I'd also love to hear what you are hoping for this Christmas!

Love Olivia X

ootd/fotd#3

Hey lovelies..
So, I am so sorry for not blogging much during the week! I've had so much schoolwork and will continue to have quite a lot, but don't worry, I will still have time for blog posts!
On Friday I went to Frankie and Benny's for my friends birthday meal.I had a really good time so I thought I'd show you what I wore and what make up I had on.

back of the shorts

shorts - riverisland (not available anymore)
aztec print vest top - primark (not online)
leather jacket - H&M (here)
shoes - topshop - (not available anymore)
I also wore tights because it was very cold!

This is the make-up I had on..

revlon colorstay foundation
elf eyebrow kit
soap and glory bronzer
benefit badgal mascara
collection (or collection 2000) lasting perfection concealer.
benefit high beam
elf cream eyeliner in black

I will show you some pictures from last night..

thank you for reading, hope you have a good day!
Olivia x

current mascara routine

I would say mascara is one of my favourite make up items, simply because just a small amount can make such a huge difference to your face!
I wouldn't go as far as saying I was a "mascara whore" in the words of Sprinkle Of Glitter but I've had a fair amount of different mascaras.
Usually, I wouldn't only use 1 mascara, normally it would be one or two at the same time as different mascaras are used for different things. This is my favourite combo of mascaras so far, so I thought I'd share it with you. I'll also do a cheeky before and after shot too.
The mascaras I've been using are both from the same brand but have been created to do entirely different things. The first one is No7 Intense Volume Mascara and the second one is No7 Extreme Length Mascara. I usually put the Intense Volume one on first and then the Extreme Length one, but I doubt it really matters!
Firstly, I will show you the wands of the two mascaras.

No7 Intense Volume Mascara

No7 Extreme Length Mascara.
Now, the before and after pictures! Hopefully you will be able to see the difference from when I have 0 mascara on, to when I have some on, and then to when I have BOTH mascaras on!

No mascara on.

Just the Intense Volume Mascara on.

The Intense Volume and Extreme Length Mascara on. (I look a tad evil in all these photos haha!)
On a day-to-day basis and for school I would not wear this much mascara, however, I wanted to show you the full potential of the two mascaras.
Thank you so much for reading, I would love to hear about what mascaras you are using at the minute!
Olivia X

teeny weeny haul

Hello Lovelies
i know i have just done a haul, and i should have probably waited and included this one too, as this is another small haul (poet and i didn't know it). It's actually even smaller than the last one.
So, on Saturday I went to the Trafford Centre and whilst I was there I picked up a few things.

I went to LUSH first, and after hearing such good things about the 'Mask Of Magnaminty' I got the smaller pot which was ₤4.95 (I think). I have already used it once, and so far it seems really good. It makes your skin feel really clean and really soft.

The other thing I got was a nail polish from superdrug! I really wanted to get the Models Own Purple Blue because that looks so pretty! But sadly I couldn't see it anywhere, so I got this one which I think looks pretty similar!

I haven't tried it on my nails yet but in the bottle it looks gorgeous! I will update you on how i get on with both products!
Thank you for reading!
Love Olivia X

fotd #2

Hey guys!
So, I'm just going to The Trafford Centre today with my friend, Georgia, mainly browse, but maybe pick up a few Christmas/birthday treats!
Just thought I'd do a quick and simple face of the day!

(Sorry for the dodgy pic!)
I am wearing:
Revlon ColorStay Foundation
Benefit BADgal Mascara
Rimmel Colour Rush Quad in Smokey Brun (the darkest colour to line my top lash line)
MUA Eyebrow Pencil in Brunette
Benefit High Beam
Soap and Glory Bronzer
Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer

Thank you for reading!
Olivia X

The Liebster Blog Award!

I am extremely new to the blogging community and haven't been blogging for very long at all, so when I recieved this nomination I did a little squeal and had to refrain myself from jumping for joy (no word of a lie).

I was nominated for The Liebster Blog Award by the wonder Elysia from LittleBeautyBlogg (which I strongly advise you to check out because it is AMAZING!) And I am very thankful for this nomination!

If you're wondering what the Liebster Blog Award is, it is a nomination from some one who loves your blog and what's to show it! To be nominated for this award , they must have under 200 followers, as they are seen to be the 'up and coming' blogs!

The rules: To receive the Liebster Blog Award the nominated blogger must:-
Reveal 11 random things about themselves
Answer the 11 questions that the person who nominated them has set
Create 11 more questions & tag 11 other blogs with less than 200 followers & holler at them so they know they've been nominated!
No tag backs!

11 Random Facts..
1. I LOVE green olives!
2. My hair is waist-length
3. I am going to see Lana Del Rey in May!
4. I am searching for work experience at the moment (if you know any places that do work experience please can you tell me! thank you)
5. I love baking, but somehow every time I make something it goes wrong!
6. I love cats!
7. Smokey Bacon crisps are my favourite!
8. I have a tendency of shortening words with out even realising it!
9. I used to eat paper constantly until I was about 12..
10. I have very bendy ears
11. I LOVE CHRISTMAS AND I AM SO EXCITED, CHRISTMAS IS SO CLOSE! AHHH

Questions from the Little Beauty Blogg
1) If you could have any job in the world what would it be?
It would probably be something involving make-up or fashion! When I was younger I always wanted to be a model or a hair dresser! Didn't we all?

2) On average, how long do you spend on each of your blog features?
Normally about 30mins-1hour, depending on what it is! Sometimes adding all of the line breaks can take a while, and also uploading the pictures! If taking the pictures counted- it would probably be a lot longer. I sometimes plan what I am going to do a blog post on before I do it, like during school! Haha!

3) There's a famous saying 'if at first you don't succeed, try and try again'. Do you agree with this or do you admit defeat easily?
I would totally agree with that! Especially with things you have really worked hard on, or if you're working towards something, i.e GCSEs, which I am currently doing. I think this is a tough question because I think it would depend on the context, but on the whole, I would definitely agree with the saying.

4) What if your favourite item of clothing?
My favourite item of clothing would have to be either a pair of highwaisted shorts or a snuggly winter jumper!

5) Blogging can open up a lot of new doors and present a blogger with new opportunities. If you have a goal for your blog, what is this? What would you most like to happen as a result of you blogging?
I would love for my blog to contribute to helping me get a job related to the fashion/make up industry!

6) I love jewellery, especially rings; if you could only wear one item of jewellery what would it be and why? (or if you don't wear jewellery; why do you choose not to?)
I don't really wear jewellery, probably due to the fact I spend most of my time in school, where we are not allowed to wear jewellery!

7) If you could only choose one makeup brand that's in your makeup bag right now, which one would you choose?
I think it would have to be benefit! I have never tried any Chanel products but if I had to choose one that I didn't have in my make up bag, I would choose Chanel!

8) I find that I am forever looking at expensive designer bags and saving up for them. What makes you want to splurge your money?
Topshop. I walk into Topshop with my purse full, and leave with nothing in it! I think it is really good quality, however I do think some things are a tad overpriced.

9) I always like reading about and finding out about new products - what is the best product you purchased last month and why?
Probably Revlon ColourStay Foundation - it is really pale, and is, out of the foundations I've tried, as close to my skin colour than any others.

10) If you go on holiday anywhere in the world where you would you choose and why?
The Caribbean, I love the hot weather! But I think I'd like to go to Paris!

11) I love sweets (in moderation); what if your favourite treat and why?
Oooh, I love chocolate eclairs! They are so nice, even though they are really bad for your teeth, but I will have to enjoy them while I can, as I'm getting braces in about 5 weeks!

My Questions For The Nominated People
1. Seeing as it is coming up to Christmas, what is your number one thing on your Christmas list?
2. If you could only have 5 beauty/fashion items EVER, what would they be?
3. What is the reasoning/story behind your blog url?
4. Who is your make up/fashion inspiration?
5. What is your faviourite song at the moment? Or favourite artist/band?
6. What would you say is your holy grail product?
7. What are your staple fashion items?
8. If you could change ONE thing about your appearance, what would it be?
9. If you had a superpower, what would it be?
10. Would you rather it be summer all the time, or winter?

I nominate:
Kat from Serenity Beauty With Kat
Mia from Teenage Beauty Blog
Claudie from Pastel-Pixie
Anna from The Life Of A Fashion Nerd
Natalie from 2 Wanderlust
Jenni from What Jenni Said
Tracy from Fantastic Fun Fashion
Annabelle from Abelia's Corner
Steph from Be Beautiful-SC
Monika Yola from Friends Are Fashion
Katie from Katie's Beauty Boudoir

Again thank you so much Elysia for nominating me! Please check out her blog!
Thank you for reading!

Winter Lips

In Autumn/Winter as the evenings are darker I like to wear more lipsticks, as I'm a bit shy to bold lip colours in the day time.
I have just discovered this lip combination as I was playing around with some of my make-up haha!

Clinique High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 £16.50 found here and a Colour Institute Lip Gloss (Not sure of colour/price sorry!)

Swatches of them both
Left hand side: Colour Institute Lip Gloss
Right hand side: Clinique High Impact Lip Colour (in shade 17 ROSETTE)

I just did this post so I could pout at a camera ;) ;) jokes haha! I make myself laugh sometimes!

I took pictures with the flash off and on, to try and show the true colour! It doesn't really come through on camera as much as I would like but I think you get the idea!
I'd love to hear about your lip combos for Autumn/Winter! Oooh it really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go (*singing*) now, isn't it?

Mini Haul: Boots, Topshop & Primark!

Shopping for friends is one of my favourite things, I just love looking at their faces when they open a present they've been looking forward to, so Christmas and birthdays are my forte. Within my friendship group, we tend not to buy each other Christmas presents because there is a large number of us (10!) but we do buy each other birthday presents!
Now this present is work-in-progress as I'm going to be collecting bits and bobs up until the 23rd Nov when it is my friends birthday! Courtney, I hope you're not reading this!;)

Jumper, Primark Mens (£10.00 - bargain!) Throw/Blanket, Primark (£5.00) Earrings, Topshop (£7.50) found here. Maybelline Master Shape Brow Pencil in Dark Blonde, Boots (£2.99) found here
Now not all of this is for her, the jumper and eyebrow pencil are mine. So let's start with that.

I bought this at the start of the October half term and for most the holiday I was wearing it! It's so comfy and it was such a bargain! It's so easy to style, it can be worn just with leggings as it covers your bum, or jeans, or even tucked into some shorts! It also has some really nice detailing - elbow patches, high neck!

Sorry for the slightly blurry/out of focus photo!

Looking around Primark, I am not too wowed by some of the womens jumpers, but I have been loving some of the mens and will hopefully be going back for some more! All I can say is well done Primark!
Next, the eyebrow penceil! Lots of people on youtube and blogger have been raving about this so I just had to try it out! I got mine in 'dark blonde'

It has a very creamy texture and goes on my eyebrows a dream! However I won't talk too much about it as a full review will be coming soon!
Oooh present time! Now, with me being 15 years old, you may be thinking, "Why on earth has she got her friend a throw/blanket?" Well, I am not entirely sure why she wanted one either, but that's what she asked for and I suppose it's better to get her something she actually wants, rather than something she doesn't!

I got this throw at a great price of £5.00! And it feels like it is actually really good quality! It is real soft, and a great size too!

Next thing is the earrings! Or as Topshop calls them 'ear tunnels'. I think they are for cartilage piercings, which is what she has, so hopefully she will be pleased with this!

I bought these for £7.50 but Topshop is having a really good sale on at the moment so you can get them for just £2.50!!! They are really pretty and look sooo nice! I wish I had got some for myself!

My favourite is the triangle one!
Thank you for reading, and I'd love to hear about what you have all been buying.