My Christmas Wish List

Hi guys, 

I thought I would put together my Christmas Wish List today. I haven’t been lusting after many makeup items but I am all over home comforts this year such as bath products, skincare, pyjamas and candles. I have added a few beauty items too so don’t worry. This isn’t a huge expensive wish list, infact the majority of items are under £30 so there’s something for everyone, even if it’s little stocking fillers for that special someone in your life. 

Christmas Nightwear

Hi guys, 

I thought I would kick off my Christmas posts early again this year, its mid-November so that is perfectly acceptable isn't it? However I draw the line at putting my Christmas tree up before the 1^st December. If that’s what you do, then continue doing you, your spreading Christmas cheer which is nice, I just can’t get into full Xmas mode until the start of next month, it doesn’t feel right! I have nevertheless bought loads of white, gold and silver decorations for my tree and also my Christmas table decorations for this year so it should be very pretty. Both myself and Liam are going to have our first Christmas dinner alone which will be nice as we have never, in eight years together, done that. We are obviously going to go round all our family to hand in their presents and have a cheeky glass of fizz with them, but ultimately it will be just the two of us.

Halloween Costume Ideas For Woman

Print bought via Sweet Allure

Hi guys,

I hope you all enjoyed my autumn post (link at bottom of post) I am so happy that its now here as it means my favourite holiday is also due, which is of course, Halloween!!!! Eeeeek, I am so excited!! You may think it is too early to talk costumes but people go nuts at this time of year and buy up all the best ones so I thought I would put together my favourites. Something I am all over is the amazing costumes from The Purge: Election Year as the outfits on some of the girls were outstanding and very gory! I’m not too sure though so I decided to go on a little hunt and I thought I would include you in it in case you are struggling too. Shall we delve in?

1. Harley Quinn (£36.99)

Ok, unless you have been living under a rock then you will know that Harley Quinn tutorials have been all over social media and YouTube thanks to the Suicide Squad. Margot Robbie was a mega babe wasn’t she? So I suspect a lot of girls will be dressing up like her this year. You can find a great costume on Party Delights which includes jacket with attached shirt, shorts, tights and belt. Obviously you will need a wig but you could just buy a blonde wig and then some blue and red hairspray. To complete the look all you need is some tattoos, a bat & a choker and you will be one hot mamma on Halloween night.

2. Miss Scissorhands (£34.98)

Edward Scissorhands is one of my all-time favourite movies so I thought I would include a sexy version of it. This costume includes scissorhand gloves and dress with attached sleeve as well as sleevelette, wig, choker, and belt. You will have to find tights and boots to complete the outfit but everyone should have these in their collection. If you don’t have knee length boots, just wear little ankle boots and you will look fabulous!

3. Orange is the New Black Prisoner (£12.99)

I thought this one was great as not everyone wants to go as some sexy version of an everyday occupation or a zombie of some sort. This will be comfy and you will still look like you have made an effort. If you wanted to jazz it up you could get some fake tattoos, give yourself a black eye (not a real one!) and paint on some fake blood on your mouth and nose to create the illusion that you`ve been in a fight. 

4. Cat (£7)

This outfit includes a tutu and a cat ear headband so all you have to do is wear a black top, black tights and some black shoes. This is cheap and cheerful of you really can’t be arsed but want to make some sort of an effort. Get onto YouTube and find a kick ass cat tutorial and you are good to go.

5. Rey from the Force Awakens (£35.98)

This outfit includes a top with attached scarves, pants, belt, arm warmers, cuff. You can get yourself a staff (£13.97) on Amazon to complete the full outfit. 

6. Nun (£20.49)

I dressed up as a nun two years ago and I have to say it was the most fun I had dressing up. I got to go all gory and got myself some white contact lenses which really added to the look. Obviously if you want to add black lenses then that would be even better, especially with a black smoky eye, a heavy contour and a white painted face.

7. Day of the Dead Senorita (£19.99)

This one would be so much fun to put together. Obviously there are a ton of YouTube tutorials out there and you can make them as freaky as you want or as colourful as you want, its really up to you.

8. Mermaid (£17.69)

Who doesnt want to be a mermaid! I mean come on, this is perfect and glamourous without being over the top. 

These are my top picks this year. There is something for everyone whether you want minimal effort, maximum effort, gory, fun, cute or frightening! Hopefully you enjoy them and I have given you some inspiration.

Have you checked out my latest featuring All Things Autumn?

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*All photos were sourced via websites the costumes came from.
*Print in top picture was bought via Sweet Allure Etsy Store.

Beauty Trend | Draping

Source

Hi guys, 

It’s all about the latest makeup trends today. We had contouring, non-touring, strobing and now draping. Yes, I agree, it is a silly name. Draping is all about adding depth to your face by sculpting with colour rather than our normal bronzer shades. I don’t know about you but I instantly thought of 80s makeup where they have lashings of blusher heading all the way up to their temples. I adored this makeup look. In the 80s! But I wouldn’t dare try it nowadays. Especially not with the vibrant pinks and purples they were rocking back in the day. Thankfully, this trend is a mellowed out version of that extreme look and involves some pretty subtle blushers. 

Marc Jacobs has commanded us all to drop the contour and start draping and normally if someone as great as Marc tells me I need to do something, I tend to listen. Yes, I am easily persuaded and I always fall for the latest makeup trend. Way Bandy, celebrity makeup artist to Cher and Elizabeth Taylor, and author of Designing Your Face first introduced the world to this trend back in the 80s and now it has made a comeback. He stated that he wanted to bring out the natural drape of the face by using this technique also known as Colour Glow.

The way to do this is by simply using a deeper shade of blush and applying just below the cheekbones, think contouring but not as harsh. You then start blending two blusher shades together and placing on the higher parts of your cheekbones and blending horizontally toward the temple. Blending is key for this look and no bright colours for day time, unless that’s the look you are going for. I prefer it to look understated. Add a pop of colour to the apples of your cheeks and you are good to go.

Draping can be amazing for a creative makeup looks, editorial pieces and for those of us who are brave enough to add brighter shades to our cheeks. If you are doing an editorial look, then apply the deeper shades of blusher to the jawline, hollows of the cheeks and side of the neck.

I used the Gwen Stefani Blush Palette by taking the shade OC to deepen my cheeks and then adding Hush over this to create a more highlighted version of draping. I liked it but didn’t love it. I am going to play around with this makeup look but at the moment, I prefer a contour, blusher and highlight combo or just a highlighted face so sadly, this is not my favourite makeup trend. 

Would you try Draping?

Is this just another trend that will quickly fade?

Have you checked out my latest featuring My One Choice of Makeup?
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Summer Dreamin | My Ultimate Summer Getaway & Beach Essentials

Hi guys,

I always struggle with trying to find somewhere to holiday, its just something that takes both Liam and I hours to do as we want to get certain experiences, have a quiet resort and find some great museums, restaurants etc. so we take it very seriously but Santorini, Greece has always been thee Number 1 destination. We never book it as its too expensive for us at the moment but one day folks, I will be sunning myself on one of those little balconies just loving life. Santorini just looks like heaven doesnt it? Ever since the days of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants when Lena (Alexis Bledel) visits Greece, I have been obsessed with going there as the ocean looks clear, the sky is the bluest blue and the caves look so romantic. I know a few people who have holidayed there and said it is out of this world and one of my good friends is getting married there next year so I need to get a move on and book it so I can experience all this Greek greatness.

There is honestly nothing better than going on holiday is there, well that’s my opinion and im sticking to it! You can have as much sun as you want here (maybe not Scotland) but nothing beats the atmosphere, the food, the drinks, the hotels, the pools and lastly the beaches. I love it all. Everyone is so happy on holiday too, another reason I love going abroad as it all starts in the airport when everyone is having their breakfast with the obligatory pint/wine with a huge smile on their face as they know they are going to be spending 7-14 days away from the struggles of life just chilling out poolside with copious amounts of cold drinks, books and more importantly, peace!

For me though it’s all about the beach as I find being by the sea very calming. I hate the sand but I love the beach and I don’t go into the sea as I am terrified of it, but I love lying on my sun lounger just listening to everyone, the sound of the ocean and the smell of sun screen in the air ha-ha. It’s my ultimate chill out experience. Imagine being scared of the sea and hating sand but finding the beach calming haha, I am a weird child arent I? When I do go to the beach, I like to have certain items with me at all times to make it even more enjoyable. The first thing is obviously a cute swimsuit, I prefer a black one piece as I am a bigger lady and don’t want anything falling out. Two that have caught my eye recently is the ASOS Multiway Swimsuit (£35) and the Seafolly Block Party Diamond Splice Swimsuit (£89). I especially love the multiway one as you can switch it up so it looks like different designs rather than a boring black swimsuit. I also need me some sunglasses to protect my eyes and my Rayban Club Masters (£125) are perfect as they are stylish as well as practical.

Thirdly, you know we need some protection from the sun and my all-time favourite is the Garnier Ambre Solaire Oil SPF 20 (£7.50). In my opinion, It is the best on the market as it has advanced UVA/UVB protection, is non greasy (don’t put on a lot or it will be), its water resistant and keeps your skin feeling nourished thanks to the Shea Butter. I love using this because of the fragrance but I personally feel as though it gives more of a golden looking tan.

Lastly a bottle of water and a good book. How can you go to the beach without a book?? Water is an absolute must have, I always buy a bottle from one of the nearby shops and then constantly fill up during the day as the sun takes a lot out of you and due to you sweating more, you need to replenish what you have lost. Reading is as natural as breathing for me ha-ha, as you can see from What I Read This Summer post, I tend to read a lot on holiday so I make sure my kindle is fully charged and take a paperback too just in case anything happens. One book that I really want to read is Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (from 1p). She is a genius when it comes to writing, she really grabs your attention from the first page and before you know it, you’re hooked. I read Gone Girl and Dark Places last year and they instantly went into my top 10 all-time favourites so no doubt, this will probably be the same.

Fingers crossed I get a holiday this year but if not there is always next year :) What about you, have you any holidays planned? If you are like me and cant decide then check out Home Away as they are great inspiration. They have sections for couples, families, outdoor space for all the fun loving types out there as well as pet friendly resorts.

Have you checked out my latest post featuring The Soap & Glory Shower Jellys?

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* Some links may be affiliates but all thoughts are unbiased and 100% honest,

*Please click links on pictures for source.

The Fall Fashion: Style Guide with Peter Minkoff

The Fall Fashion: Style Guide with Peter Minkoff

Hi guys, 

I have been an incredibly bad blogger as I haven't managed to get any posts out recently and have been too busy to talk to anyone via social media. As you may or may not know, I entered my final year of Uni at the end of September and I have been swamped with work ever since. I don't know why I thought this year would be a breeze because it is not! On top of studying, I have got myself a little job in an accounting firm near me which means I can put all my knowledge to good use. I am so excited, I thought I was going to have to wait forever to get a job and was really panicking about it but thank God they contacted me and offered me something part time to work round Uni. I have also been super busy with The Body Coach as I started Cycle 1 3 weeks ago and have to keep on top of food prep and exercising which takes a lot out of you. If you would like to see an update on Cycle 1, just let me know in the comments below guys and I will let you know at the end of the 4 weeks. Moving away from my personal life and onto the actual post now shall we?

My Boohoo Wishlist

My Boohoo Wishlist

Hi my loves, 

Now you know I never venture into the fashion world but after checking out Boohoo`s latest offerings I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to show you what I have been loving. I am not going to go into details on each item as they are pretty self-explanatory in their picture and the list is pretty extensive. So let’s get on with it shall we... 

Summer Fashionista | Beachwear Essentials With Peter Minkoff

Hi guys,

Today is going to be a guest post by the lovely Peter Minkoff who is a fashion stylist, graduating from the Australian Institute of Creative Design, and a writer located in Brisbane, Australia. He graduated from the Australian Institute of Creative Design. Aside from fashion, he loves reading, cooking exotic meals and travelling around tropical destinations. Combining all his skills and experience along with his complete and utter passion for fashion, he is planning to launch his own independent style business but today he is sharing his passion for fashion on Beauty Talk With Lauren. 

Peter Minkoff

Our long-awaited summer is finally here! Long romantic walks across the beach, soft, white sand under your bare feet, crystal clear water, intoxicating smell of the sea and, most importantly, the utmost relaxation… is there anything more amazing than that? We believe that you spent at least a couple of months preparing your body for the beach season and now, it’s finally the time for you to put all preps to an end and start enjoying! 

Most of us get stuck packing dozens of necessary stuff that we forget to pay attention to something we care about the most- our fashion style. Many girls think that the beach is the only place where they don’t have to mind their look, but that’s terribly wrong. Beach provides us with an amazing opportunity to show off our beach body and unique fashion sense. So, before you hit the road, you should definitely choose and bring your favorite beach essentials with you. If you are pressed with time (as we all are), we listed out a couple of beach must-haves for you. Check them out!

Swimwear

Remember when you bought that fancy bikini and later on, while looking at the photos, you had that “I’ve made a huge mistake” impression on your face. Don’t worry, it can happen to anyone. What you need to understand is that choosing your ideal swimwear is more complex than you think. Moreover, it’s similar to choosing sexy underwear for your special someone. Apart from being super-sexy and trendy, it needs to flatter your silhouette in the best possible way and to make you feel comfortable all the time.

When it comes to the sole choice of the design, the choice is really wide. For example, this season, neon is the hottest trend. Therefore, choosing a radiant neoprene neon bikini would be an amazing idea for you. You could also go for retro floral, polka dot and ethnic print, as well as sexy animal and graphic print.  

Beach dress

We all have that flawless, lightweight beach dress that makes us feel both comfortable and incredibly sexy. If you don't, street style fashion bloggers have done their job and popularized most amazing summer dresses in every style. Thanks to them, it has become both easy and safe to buy fashionable light dresses online. This season, maxis are the thing and you should rock them in an effortless, yet stylish way. For example, you can pair your favourite floral or tribal maxi dress with some cute gladiators and bold accessories and voila- here is your flawless boho chic outfit!

Playsuit 

Playsuits aren’t just for kids! When worn in a stylish way, they can be super-sexy and feminine. Most importantly, there are numerous possible ideas for you to wear them, all depending on your fashion sense and preferences. For achieving feminine, effortless boho chic beach look, you could simply rock a printed playsuit with casual, bold accessories and casual hairstyle. On the other hand, if you want to achieve the utmost sophistication and elegance for a casual beach party or coastal walk, you could simply rock a delicate, white playsuit with some cute colourful wedges and chic accessories and you are ready to go!

All in all, achieving flawless beach outfit isn’t that complicated at all. These are just some of numerous ideas we chose for you, and they will definitely help you achieve casual, yet sophisticated and chic look. Now, all you have to do is to accessorize properly and, believe us, you will have heads turning! 

I hope you have enjoyed Peter's post today guys. If you wanna hear more from him, just let me know and we can work on it.

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What Does Your Hair Colour Say About You?

Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Lindsay Lohan and Dita Von Teese.

Hi guys,

I was thinking about hair colours recently and the typical statements that spring to mind when we see people with certain colours such as "Blondes have more fun" "Blondes are dumb" "Brunettes are smarter" "Brunettes are classy" "Raven heads are vixens" "Raven heads are strong" "Redheads have tempers" "Redheads are great in bed". Oi! oi! A little cheeky one at the end there I know, but it’s true, these are the first things that pop into people’s heads when they see hair colours. This isn't me just rambling, this is a proven scientific fact that people judge a person based on hair colours and these are the most common preconceptions.

I don't think blonde haired folk warrant the idea that they are all dumb or stupid, blondes are actually unique creatures of the world as there is only 10% of them out with naturally blonde hair so why not have an expression such as "Blondes are unique" rather than conform to the idea that all blondes are dumb. Even though Marilyn Monroe may be the most famous blonde to ever live, she wasn't a natural blonde, she simply dyed her hair to look a certain way and to give off a certain personality which to be fair, worked in her favour as she landed the roles she wanted and became the most famous ditzy blonde ever known. All at a cost though eh? Although brunettes are supposed to have the thickest hair of all the hair colours, blondes are supposed to have the most hair on their heads.

Brunettes are the most common haired folk out there with the most coarse and thickest of the bunch. They have been studied and the consensus is they are level headed and great judges of character which I totally agree with, my judgement of a person or situation has never let me down in the past! Look at Audrey Hepburn for example, she is the most famous brunette, in my books anyway, she just oozes class and intelligence but that doesn't mean all brunettes are the same.

The raven haired girls like Dita Von Teese, to me look so mysterious and ooze sex appeal, they look as though they could take on the world without batting an eyelid, which is something I admire. Dita again, isn't a natural black haired girl, she is naturally a blonde but we wouldn't say she was dumb would we?

Like the natural blondes out there, red heads are also a very rare breed with something like 2% of the world having natural red hair (according to the BBC). Lindsay Lohan may be the most famous of the red heads at the moment due to her constantly being in the press. She is a natural red head and has had her fair share of column inches whether it be good or bad. She does strike me as the "typical" red head in the sense that she seems fiery, bad tempered and good in bed (if we are to believe all of those rumours) but it would be wrong of me to judge all red heads on this assumption.

As you all know I am a brunette and I certainly don’t conform to the typical ideas of a brunette as I am not that classy nor am I the smartest in the bunch. Sometimes I have those typical blonde moments we discussed earlier, Liam would probably say more often than not ha-ha! If my hair was to say anything about my personality it would probably be along the lines of “Fiery” “Speaks My Mind” “Funny” “Ditzy” and “Kind”. After speaking with my friends and family they confirmed these. My very good friend, Ross, said I was an open book, meaning what you see is what you get where as my friend Pauline said I had a kind and nurturing personality but most of who I asked said I was gobby, fiery and funny ha-ha! Charming!

Obviously there are other colours and designs out there now as people aren’t afraid to experiment with their looks and even use it as a fashion statement or for a particular way they are feeling. We are lucky to have so many options now rather than the 4 main colours such as gorgeous pastel shades, multi coloured, leopard print, tiger print, and grey. I say, do what you want with your hair, be any colour you want and if you aren’t happy with the colour you are just now, change it!

If you do want a change you should check out a great hair dye company I recently discovered, Madison Reed. They have a color advisor on their site which helps you out if you want to change your look, it also helps to find the perfect shade for you based on complexion and hair type. Madison Reed offer a healthier approach to colouring your hair as all dyes are PPD, sulphate, gluten and ammonia free. Who really has the £s to spend in a salon every time you need your hair coloured? 

If you could change your hair colour, what colour would you choose?

What does your hair colour say about you?

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