The Last 10 Photos on my Phone

 I was a bit stuck for what to post today but after having a little look around, I found a post over on The Best of Intentions that suggested posting the last 10 photos on your phone and I really liked the idea of it! 

So, these are the last 10 pictures on my phone, without deleting any. Obviously if i'd taken the same picture a few times in a row I only posted one of them (otherwise half of this post would be my nail varnish photographed from many different angles...).

Charlie loves to lie on me like this. He falls asleep like this and snores sooo loud!

I've played Monopoly so much in the past few months! It actually makes for a really good, cheap night in with friends. Anyway, as you can see I clearly won this game! I was so happy with myself- I ended with all but three of the properties (there were 4 of us playing as well). I refuse to believe that I only won because I was the only sober one!

I painted my nails ombré! I love trying out different colour combinations of ombré nails in the summer. 

We were lying in bed and I was saying to Dom: 'we don't have enough pictures together!' He clearly wasn't listening, he was watching Top Gear I think! But anyway, being the problem solver I am, in attempt to get more pictures together I then took this beauty. Great shot, one for the album I think. 

I took this picture on the train on the way to Dom's end of year show, which is basically just an event where everyone exhibits all their work. After the show we went out in Liverpool with his college friends and a few of his teachers and it actually turned out to be a really funny night!

This was Dom and his work at the end of year show. He studies 3D design at college and designed this bridge that would go from the Wirral to Wales. This will probably never happen but it'd be such a good idea- it would be so much easier to get to Wales!

I ombré dyed my hair. I wanted it to be quite subtle. This isn't the best picture since you can't really see what colour the top part is! The ends are already looking really damaged since they were lightened and I'm tempted to get them chopped off, I just cant bring myself to do it!

Me and Dom had a BBQ with some friends and then roasted marshmallows over this tiny fire. It seems like a really cute idea but in reality marshmallows and fingers got burnt and it all tasted a bit weird.

Me and Dom got up early and went for breakfast at the All American diner in Cheshire Oaks. We don't often get up and out early but it was really nice to do. After breakfast, we did a bit of shopping and had a really lovely day!

This was the same day that we went to Cheshire Oaks. On the way home we stopped off to see some Llamas and Emus (which excited me more than I like to admit).

So that's the last 10 photos on my phone. I've realised that I really don't take enough photos- the last two photos are from 2 months ago! Whaaaat. No wonder I said to Dom that we don't have enough photos together! Although, it's not as bad as it seems- if I take something to post on Instagram it saves into a different folder! But still, from now on, I'll definitely try to take more photos!

xxx

Colourful Summer Eyes

When it comes to eye shadow, I'm a neutrals girl. I tend to stay well away from any bright colours. Not because I don't like them- I'm envious of people who wear colour so easily. The colourful eye shadows always seem to be the prettiest ones in a palette. I just, like many people, find them hard to incorporate into looks. So today, I thought I'd have a little go of creating some summer eye looks that incorporate colour without making you look like you've applied your makeup with Homer Simpson's makeup gun (if anyone else remembers that episode). Just me?

Anyway...


1- Colourful Eyeliner

This is a really easy and fun way to put a little colour into your makeup. Blue is a colour that I'd never usually consider putting near my eyes. ever. Suprisingly, this navy blue liner makes things look a little more exciting without being too overpowering. Don't worry, you don't have to go and buy a load of different coloured liners! You can easily use eye shadow. Just wet a liner brush before dipping it into the shadow and applying it.

Eyeko- Skinny Liquid Eyeliner- Navy

Green eye shadow from Sleek- Ultra Matts V2 Palette

2- Undereye Colour

This is another good way to add a pop of colour. I find when wearing colour under the eye, it looks best with matte, neutral shadows on the lid so the look isn't too overpowering. I find green works well with my eye colour but obviously you could switch it to a colour that you find suits you best.

Lid- Urban Decay- Habit, Crease- UD- Rewind, Undereye- UD- Damaged

3- The Inner Corner

I really love the colour of this eyeshadow but it's just not one I ever thought I could wear. I do love this look, I really like how it opens up my eyes. I'm just not sure if it suits me veryyy well- I think there is too much colour going on already with my eyes and hair. Then again, maybe I should just be brave and learn to pull it off. What do you think?

Lid- UD- Sidecar. Inner Corner- UD- Betrayal

That's it for my summer eye looks. If you're a neutrals girl like me, I hope I've inspired you to add some colour to your eyes this summer! If you're not brave enough to wear colour in an everyday look, it's perfect for festivals! 

xxx

Get to Know Me: The Beauty Blogger Tag

I really like reading beauty blogger tags - I think they give you a little more insight to the person behind the blog. I found this tag on Novarellie.

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

It's naturally straight, which is good because I don't have to straighten it everyday. Although, I'm on a constant search for products to add volume!

2. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

I used to dye it with box dyes a lot, It's just so much cheaper than the salon. Since about a year ago, I've decided to just keep my natural colour. Although about a week ago I dyed it slightly lighter at the ends, kind of a subtle ombré- it's got me feeling ready for summer.

3. Do you wear the same style everyday, or do you change it?

Most days I don't do anything to my hair. But I only wash it once or twice a week so when it starts getting unmanageable i usually just throw it up in a bun.

4. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

I've never actually had my nails done in a salon, I love to paint my nails and I'm always buying new polishes that I want to try.

5. How often do you change your nail polish?

I usually change it once it starts to chip- usually every 4-6 days.

6. Do you polish your toes in the winter or just the summer?

My toes are always painted! They look weird to me now if they're not. Let's be honest, toes aren't the prettiest things in the world- a bit of colour makes them look so much nicer.

7. How long does it take for you to put on makeup?

It can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 50 minutes. It really depends on the occasion. On an everyday basis, it takes me 15-30 minutes. I know for some people that's a long time, but I do enjoy taking time to do my makeup!

8. What do you do first? Face or eyes?

I usually do my foundation, then my eye makeup, then go back and do the rest of my face.

9. Do you collect makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?

I go out to buy what I need and then once i'm in the shop I see lots of other things that I 'need' and they get added to my collection.

10. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

Only if I'm going out in the evening/ if it's a special occassion.

11. Do you do a full face of makeup every day?

If I'm just staying at home or nipping to the shop I don't tend to put makeup on. Maybe sometimes bb cream, brow gel and mascara. Most days I do usually wear a full face. although a lot of the time it's a full face of 'no makeup' makeup- which often ends up taking just as long/longer than normal makeup application! Does anyone else find this? 

12. Do you wear makeup when you're home alone or with family?

Rarely

13. Will you leave the house without makeup?

Yes, I don't mind nipping out without it on. But I'll admit that if I had to be out bare faced all day I'd start to feel self conscious.

14. How many high-end products do you have?

I have mostly drugstore. High end foundations and eye shadows are my weakness though.

15. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you're getting dressed?

It depends where I'm going. I usually have a vague idea of what I'm going to wear.

16. How often do you change your handbag?

When I think I need a new one I suppose, not that often.

17. What time do you wake up and go to sleep?

I usually go to sleep between 10:30pm and 1:30pm. I get distracted from sleep by the internet! I usually wakeup around 9-10am.

18. How often or when do you workout?

When I'm into it I try and run 3 times a week and do some strength exercises most nights. I haven't been doing it for months now though since I stopped during exams! I definitely need to get back into it before my holiday.

19. Left handed or right handed?

Left

20. How tall are you?

5'3.5 I think.

21. Do you speak any foreign languages?

I studied French A level until last year and I knew it pretty well. It's crazy how fast you can forget a language once you stop studying it, I can't speak it very well at all anymore.

22. How many pets do you have?

2- I have a King Charles Spaniel called Charlie and a cat called Tom.

23. How often are you on Blogger?

I've only recently started blogging but I check it every few days at the moment.

24. Do you read comments posted on blogs?

I've only had comments from my friend Hannah so far but of course I'll read every comment I get.

25. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?

No I've never thought of doing that! It sounds like a good idea.

26. How did you come up with your blog name?

I wanted to write a blog about my life, which (most of the time) is lovely- emslovelylife. I've only really posted about beauty so far but I'm going to try and write more about my life!

27. What kind of camera do you use for your photographs?

I use a Lumix G10.

28. How often do you clean your house?

I live with my parents so I only really clean the house if I've made a mess. I clean my room whenever it needs it.

29. What's your favorite color?

Green

30. What is your favorite drugstore/high end makeup brand?

Drugstore- Bourjois

High end- MAC

31. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

I think I'm going to paint my nails and just watch a film or something!



That's the end of the tag! I tag everyone who reads this post, so give it a go if you liked it!

xxx

May Favourites

May was a busy month for me, mostly because I've had exams and I've been quite ill! But now that's all blown over I'm going to give my blog a little more attention and  I'm going to try to post once a week. 

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Light Aussome Volume Deep Treatment mousse

I love Aussie products. They smell so amazing and leave my hair feeling so clean and healthy! I only bought this around the middle of May but I really love it. My favourite hair treatments are the Aussie 3 minute miracle deep treatments but I find most of them are too heavy to put all through my hair and so I only use them on the tips. However, this one is light enough to use in the roots of my hair and leaves it nourished and full of volume. 

Maybelline Dream Touch Blush

This is not something I expected to love so much. I think I've used this pretty much everyday this month. It is the first cream blush I've tried and I think I've been converted! I'm now also on the hunt for a cream highlighter to pair with this for a really natural looking dewy glow. I have the shade 02 which is a gorgeous peachy pink colour. It looks much more natural on the skin than a powder blush. Even when I have reached for a powder blush, I've been using this as a kind of blush primer underneath. I definitely want to try some other shades of this and also some cream blushes from other brands.

Yves Saint Laurent- Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation

I got this in January and haven't really used it much until this month. I was matched slightly too dark so the colour is only right for me when I have false tan on. Now it's getting closer to summer, I've been wearing false tan a lot more and have also been favouring a lighter coverage. I think this is the perfect summer foundation. It is an illuminating foundation and so it gives you a lovely healthy glow.

Anatomicals New York, London, Paris and Foam Body Cleanser

I'm a sucker for cute/quirky packaging. I love the name and the colourful bottle. However, it's not just the packaging that is impressive, this smells sooo yummy. It's a really fruity, blueberry scent. The biggest bonus is that this is only £3! ( I got mine from asos).

Nail Decals

I love to do nail art. The only problem is that whilst my right hand ends up looking OK, it quite often all goes very wrong when it comes to doing my left (I'm left handed). I was busy procrastinating this month and found these really pretty nail decals on Amazon. They make doing nail art so much easier.They are essentially like those water transfer tattoos you got when you were a kid, but for your nails. They're really easy to apply and last really well. Just don't drop the whole pack in water because you'll end up with lots of splodgey elephants that are no longer usable (oops). I haven't used the palm trees trees yet but I'm hoping to do a post on summer nail art ideas soon. I'm sure i'll include a picture of them on the nails there. 

 Max Factor Eye Brightening Mascara for Green Eyes

I'm fair skinned and have ginger hair and so I find very black mascara to be a little harsh for a natural makeup look. This is a 'tonal black' mascara and I have the shade Black Ruby, which brightens green eyes. It comes out as a dark burgundy/black tone on my eyelashes which enhances my green-blue eyes and also looks less harsh against my skintone and hair colour. 

 The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream 

I'll admit that I didn't really like this when I first got it. Firstly, it is in a pot and i don't like dipping my fingers in to get product out. Also, I wasn't too keen on the consistency at first. Usually I use quite creamy moisturisers whereas this is a very light, wet formula. However, now I've got used to it I am really liking it and have been using it everyday. The light, wet consistency now feels really refreshing, cool and hydrating on my face and I've actually noticed that my skin looks a lot brighter since using it. 

That's all of my favourite products for May. May has been a busy month and I haven't had much time for reading or watching TV. In my next monthly favourites I think I'll try and include some non beauty favourites such as a TV show, a book or even food. That's if I find anything that stands out! 

Is there anything that you have been loving this month?

xxx

Divaderme Lash Extender Review

I wasn't going to start my blog off with a beauty review simply because I think I want to post more about my life than about products but I'm so happy with my little present from the postman this morning that I can't not write about this! 

I have so many makeup products that I love, but the one thing I can never seem to get right is mascara. I'm yet to find one that makes my lashes look as nice and as long I'd like. My lashes aren't the worst in the world but they are a little short and not very full. I've seen lash fibers before but a lot of the ones I've seen have been quite expensive and have had mixed reviews. I didn't want to risk splashing out on something that might make my lashes clumpy and spidery. 

However, I was having a little look around Amazon a few nights ago and I found this product: Divaderme lash extender. I'll admit it was kind of an impulse buy and I wasn't really expecting much but it arrived this morning and I'm so happy with the results! It cost me £8.42. I think the price is reasonable compared to other lash fibers I've seen. Personally I think it is worth the price, the bottle looks quite small but you actually get a lot of product for what it is and I think it'll last a long time. 

The bottle is filled with fibers which are essentially tiny little hairs that cling to the eyelashes to give the appearance of longer, fuller lashes. The instructions say to apply the product whilst looking down into a mirror in order to prevent fall down. There is a lot of fall down, personally I don't think that applying it this way would help too much. I think when using this the best option is to apply your eye makeup before your face makeup. 

Application

First of all you need to coat your lashes in  mascara, the instructions state that it is important that the mascara is runny and wet, not one that may have dried up slightly. I used The Body Shop Big and Curvy Mascara as I find this to be runny. It's not a mascara that I love but I've found that it worked well with the fibers because of its consistency.Then, whilst the mascara is still wet, apply the lash fibers to the lashes, particularly on the ends, using rolling motions. Then use a mascara of your choice over the top of the fibers to set your lashes in place for the day and prevent fall down. I used Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara. Finally, brush away any fall down with a fluffy brush.

Without Lash Fibers                         With Lash Fibers

Above is a picture of the results I achieved. On the left I applied only two coats of mascara without using Divaderme Lash Extender, First The Body Shop Big and Curvy Mascara and then Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara for the second coat.

On the right is the result i got whilst using Divaderme Lash Extender, applying it in the way I just talked about. I applied it on my top and bottom lashes.

 As I said, I wasn't expecting much but it worked so well! It has made my lashes longer, fuller and blacker without looking clumpy. I think I'll be using this most days. It isn't time consuming, it only takes a few minutes. You can either just use one layer to get a quite natural look or you can build up the layers by simply repeating the process to achieve a more dramatic, false lash effect. I've been wearing it for most of the day now and it doesn't feel like anything has fallen in my eyes and there hasn't been any fall down. 

If you have short lashes I really think you should give lash fibers a go! 

xxx