WINTER ROUGE

Estée Lauder- (48A33) Hot Kiss Shimmer, Long lasting colour- ROUGE 

Hello girls! Just a quick post to share with you my favourite lipstick at the moment, thank the heavens for Estée Lauder! I absolutely love the winter months, wrapping up warm and sporting the woollies, summery make up colours are put aside and hello deep burgundy. The deep, winter earthy tones are my favourite and I love how they can warm up any complexion- this is my favourite lipstick shade but Estée Lauder have a ton of deep reddish, burgundy shades to choose from to match your complexion. The packaging is also chic and girly- the cute gold, shimmery squares add a bit of festivity so even better for Christmas and New Year.

This lippy has made it to my favourites not only because of the gorgeous shade, but the light shimmer is so flattering, perfect for the upcoming New Year! It's so versatile; I love wearing it with either a natural eye just as much as a smokey, party look- simply beautiful! Oh and I also decided to test the 'long-lasting' promise and unlike many other brands I've tried, it's worked! I can't help but cringe when I see celebrities on the TV who have accidentally smudged their lippy- so distracting and not flattering (but slightly humorous I have to admit). It seems to be kiss proof and there is minimal smudging when eating or drinking; after a while the shimmer fades but the general colour seems to remain strong all day, yay!

It does annoy me when people say that blonds can't wear red lipsticks or if somebody doesn't have the right skin tone to pull it off- SCRAP THAT! Red lipstick screams confidence and is an instant head turner. Regardless of skin tone or hair colour, I would strongly recommend having a "winter rouge" lipstick in your makeup collection; bold and beautiful, enter the New Year by making a statement. 

Chloé Eau De Parfum and a quick tip!

Christmas is the time for giving, loving, family time and all of that traditional malarkey, but it's also a time for ridiculous amounts of perfume. Whether you need it or not, perfume always seems to make its way under the tree. I don't know about you, but trawling through perfume shops and Debenhams for the perfect scent is a tiring task- so I'm here to make it easier for you and share my new favourite fragrance, Chloé. 

Every year i have received a new perfume or as i like to call it, a scent of the year. For example 2009 reminds me of Calvin Klein, 2011 reminds me of Miss Dior Cherie and this year reminds me of Marc Jacobs: Daisy. Sounds strange i know, but i love how your senses can remind you of different moments in time, like a fragrance, texture, song or object. It's official, the scent of 2014 will be Chloé! 

For starters, the packaging is simple and the bottle is elegant, graced with a hand-tied ribbon. Its simplicity is beautiful just like the fragrance; not like other brands that draw you in with the elaborate, colourful bottles whilst the scent doesn't meet its appearance. I love how classic it is, a timeless gift that can stand on your dressing table even when its been used up.

Now the fragrance itself i am currently addicted to; its one of those scents that i have smelt many times before but never thought to buy, and whilst perfume shopping with my mum before Christmas it wasn't  long for my nose to pick up a whiff of Chloé- i was hooked. I can only describe it as feminine fragrance, it makes you feel womanly when you put it on. A spritz of sublime rose captures the Chloé spirit, Chic and beautiful and so versatile. You know when you have your party, posh or everyday perfume, Chloé can be worn for any occasion- pocket friendly and a luxurious treat. 

However, i know how annoying it is when you burst the bank on expensive fragrances and they seem to drain away quickly, so keep reading to find out my quick and cheap technique which will make your perfume last longer and keep you smelling gorgeous all day! 

*Quick Tip! 

The answer is Vaseline, or Petroleum Jelly. A cheap and cheerful pot can go a long, long way- trust me I've had pots that have lasted up to a year! But they can be purchased at your nearest drug store or online if you're having a lazy day. Yes, they make your lips feel silky smooth with hydration around the clock, but secretly it can be used for another purpose- preserving your perfumes, making them last all day… result! By applying a light layer of Vaseline before spraying your perfume on a certain area i.e the neck or wrists, the scent clings onto the petroleum jelly leaving you smelling gorgeous all day long! However, make sure you only apply a thin layer because you don't want that shiny, greasy look. Finally, there's no need to break the bank buying loads of perfume, just try out this simple and cheap technique! Shhhhhhh.. don't tell anyone! 

My new Christmas handbag beauties: Benefit and bareMinerals

Hello everybody! I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones, and you received everything you wished for...oh and don't forget eaten a sinful amount of food!  I haven't blogged in a week or two because I've been a busy bee with the run up to Christmas and ridiculous amounts of uni work- but I'm back and determined to give you all the best beauty experience and introduce you to the newest additions to my fast-growing beauty collection!

The 'How to look the best at everything' set has the cutest packaged set of miniature Benefit products and it's perfect to slip into your bag for a day out- what a fab way to test a handful of products for £25!

1) the POREfessional

I have never really used a primer or balm before applying my makeup and being quite speedy when putting makeup on in the mornings, a primer doesn't fit into my routine, but after trying this product i think squeezing it in can only be beneficial for the quality of my look. I was put off using primers and balms after using one a while ago and it made my skin so oily and gave me that 'cakey' appearance, not a good look in the summer or a night out. But Benefits POREfessional balm is so light and leaves my skin feeling very soft; a tiny weeeeeny bit can go a long way and instantly minimises the appearance of pores and skin imperfections. After applying foundation my skin felt silky smooth it was like it had been crafted by angels… not bad ay!

2) Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow 

It's light, it's flawless, it's fabulous- i love it. It gives me light coverage which, trust me, is hard to find. I swear most brands assume that us consumers want strong, heavy coverage to cover up those almost unnoticeable skin imperfections but i can't stand caking on the foundation, simply brushing past your face and leaving a massive foundation stain- not pretty girls! Since my skin has been spot free i need light coverage that gives me an even, flawless skin tone, and this product delivers that beautifully. As it insists in its ingenious title, it literally breathes life into your skin- flawless but natural beauty!

3) BOI-ING  

Similar to Oxygen Wow, Benefits famous under eye concealer delivers just as fabulously. It's quite light which doesn't really help when I naturally have under eye circles, but unlike other concealers, it's LONG-LASTING. Also, like not many other under eye concealers, it provides two shades to blend and create a natural finish, technologically genius if you ask me! Perfect for long days out when mirrors may be scarce, you know you'll always be covered. The miniature sample can be removed and placed in handbags in case of emergencies or when your face needs a 'boing'!

4) Hello Flawless powder

I'm a big big fan of powders, especially around the t-zone when oil likes to make an appearance. But this powder is the perfect finish to create a flawless complexion- simply sweep over areas that need a little extra coverage and BAM… Hello flawless! Also, the tiny weeny brush is so adorable, I'm such a typical girl when it comes to cute, miniature things.

This set has to be my favourite Christmas buy, you get so much for a little price. Even better, being inexperienced when it comes to using Benefit products, the set comes with a little 'Tip and Tricks' fold out booklet with tips on how to apply the products to achieve instant beauty- LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Search for your ideal miniature Benefit set here - hurry up they're selling out fast! 

bareMinerals Brush With Splendor: 4-piece mini brush collection with travel bag 

My second new addition to my miniature bag beauties is from bareMinerals. I of course was drawn to the product because of how cutely small it was- another one of my girly obsessions- and how handy it is when making my makeup routine a little less of a chore. The kit provides all the gear needed to apply your war paint ready for the day and I'm not going to lie i have taken it out my bag a couple of times just so people can see how adorable it is (just between me and you). However, not only are they so handy to carry around when a little top up is needed, but the quality of the brushes are even better. I hate it when I'm sweeping on my powder and then look in the mirror to find hair all over my face- one of my pet hates if I'm honest, but i haven't had that problem since switching to these brushes. They are silky smooth and soft, a luxurious treat for my skin. Cute and a worthy buy!

The 4-piece mini brush collection contains:

1) Mini flawless coverage face brush: for medium to sheer coverage

2) Mini soft sweep cheek brush: lightly blends and contours

3) Mini tapered blending brush: lightly applies eye colour, blends and corrects mistakes

4) Mini flat edged liner brush: designed to follow the curvature of your eyes, for precise, one stroke application

5) Travel brush bag: a sleek, silver case bag to protect your brushes- bang on trend!

Search for your perfect bareMinerals brushes here - there's currently an online sale so hurry! 

Thank you for reading! Comment and let me know your handbag beauties, what can you not leave the house without? 

Liebster awards- have you been nominated?

Hello everyone! I have been lucky enough to be nominated by Catwalk Connections for the Liebster Awards- an award given to bloggers by other bloggers, targeting blogs with a small following but great potential. But what does 'Liebster' actually mean? Well it's basically a warm, welcoming hug from the blogging community and to increase your recognition, how nice is that? It also means 'love' or 'favourite' in German! If you have been nominated then the rules are: Mention the person who nominated you with a link to their blog, answer the 11 questions, nominate 11 other people with a small following and great potential, and then create 11 more questions for your nominees to answer! Thanks for nominating me, and you can see see Catwalk Connections blog here. These are my answers to her questions, hope you enjoy my lovelies! 

1. What is your favourite makeup brand and why?

Probably Seventeen at the moment because it's cheaper but does the job brilliantly! I'm loving the Phowooar paint and it has to be my most treasured make up possession, only because it gives me a flawless complexion and covers any blemishes or evidence from the night before. However, I've discovered my love for Urban Decay… No, I'm not going to start blabbering on about Naked 3 in particular, but I love the eye shadows because they're so pigmented and the colour range is beautiful! I'll be doing a few posts after Christmas when I revive my new Urban Decay pallet! 

2. What is one thing you never leave home without?

Vaseline, my boyfriend is forever making fun of me for the amount of Vaseline pots I have in my bag; he's always laughing when I'm rummaging around in my bag and I have about 5 pots to choose from, haha. It's the one of the cheapest beauty products that I can't  live without- I mean, who likes dry lips? Not cool!

3. What is your current fashion obsession?

If you ask anybody who knows me well, they will say that my biggest fashion obsession is buttoned up, collared shirts. I have so many I can't even tell you- i think they're so chic and versatile so i wear them most days! From patterned to plain, it's in my wardrobe! 

4. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Maybe either America or St. Lucia. St Lucia because my parents got married there and it looks beautiful! America because I know that when I get there, I've made it in life! I'd love to live out there because of all the incredible opportunities- New York is the place to be, the fashion capital of the world! 

5. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Okay, so I'm not going to lie, I only have a few. Only because i don't go and buy loads of heels that I will only wear once or for a particular event! I love comfy boots that I can wear most days and co-ordinate with any outfit- Chelsea boots are my favourite at the moment; I have some higher ones waiting for me under the Christmas tree and i can't wait. I'm a bit of a granny when it comes to comfort- can't go wrong with boots and a fluffy jumper!

6. Are you more of an artist or an athlete?

Artist definitely, I wish I could say I was an avid gym goer but that would be a big fat lie. Although I'm planning to get in shape for my New Years resolution, I'd much rather sit with my ol' faithful paint brushes and get creative. Before I left for uni, I won an Essex Arts Award for best visual piece- i have never won an award for being athletic so artistic it is! Check it out… 

7. Would you rather take a plane or go for a long car ride?

Plane definitely, who doesn't love that excited feeling when you get on a plane! It's an experience i loved ever since i was little, that will never get old! 

8. What is your biggest fear?

Sharks. Oh my god, I think it's an unhealthy phobia. I can't go in the sea without thinking I'm going to be eaten by a shark and the newspapers will display: 'ESSEX GIRL EATEN BY MAN HUNGRY SHARK'. My family find great joy in grabbing my legs under the water and making me think my life is about to flash before my eyes. Not funny guys! 

9. Did 2013 live up to your expectations?

Not really, only because I had low expectations and it turned out so much better. I got high A Level grades, got into the best university in London, and i found the courage to go and stand on my own two feet. I'm in a beautiful city and have a loving, supportive family- I couldn't ask for anything more. Oh, and I've started blogging which i never thought I'd do and the response and support has been fantastic! 

10. How many pets do you own?

Well we have two family cats called… wait for it… Jimmy and Choo! The most relevant name for my blog i know, but they're the main ones. I have a few fish that have seen better days and my sister has a little baby tortoise called Collin, it's the cutest thing! 

11. What is your favourite holiday?

My favourite holiday has to be the relaxed kind, just like when I went to visit my family in Italy a few years ago- quiet, relaxed and just beautiful. Not only did I get to spend quality time with my family, but i got to see the stunning scenery and ride on vintage bikes through sunflower fields- I couldn't think of anything better! 

My nominees are: 

http://www.sweetheartfashion.co.uk

http://alexandraelizabethbeauty.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.hbbeautyblog.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.Scoshgirls.blogspot.com

http://liz-breygel.blogspot.com 

http://tiffanyinmakeupland.com 

http://missalicia.co.uk

http://marykejane.blogspot.com

http://freshfacedandfearless.com

http://justme-andmyblog.blogspot.com.ar

http://bibleofanaddict.blogspot.co.nz

Now answer my questions girls! Have fun xoxo

1) Lipstick or lip gloss?

2) If you were stranded on an island and you were only allowed one beauty product, what would it be?

3) What are your New Year resolutions? 

4) What is your dream job?

5) A person who inspires you?

6) What is the first thing you would buy if money was no object? 

7) Favourite time of the year?

8) Five words that best describe your personality?

9) Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?

10) Your favourite place?

11) Your most embarrassing moment? 

My 8 favourite 'feel good' techniques..

Hello everyone! This post is about my top 8 'feel good' techniques that have always helped me to boost my mood and get me feeling fresh and ready to conquer the day! 

But first I wanted to quickly mention the changing of my blog name.. I wanted a name that would stick but is also very personal to me and 'Lula-Belle' fit the bill perfectly. My mum has always been my biggest inspiration and I've always looked up to her strong, independent and caring nature- so it made sense to create a name inspired by my mum. She's always called me 'Lula-Belle' ever since I was a little girl so it's a nickname that has always stuck in my family; the cutest and most personal name for my blog! 'Belle' is also french for beautiful, so what a perfect way to incorporate beauty into my blog title, a subject that I mostly blog about anyway even though I have elements of Fashion and Lifestyle. So say hello to Lula-Belle, a name that will hopefully stick, and you will be hearing lots more from in the future!  

Now, on to my top 8 feel good techniques. Everybody has their down days, but there is always something to boost morale and get you pumped for the day ahead- or even some inspiration to better your day; I know that's what I need sometimes! Being at uni 5 days a week and having many many late nights under my belt, stress can sometimes overwhelm me, and I need techniques to inspire me, or keep me going- something I like to do in my down time.  This is definitely something I need to consider for the new year- a new start and outlook on life. Whether you're having a lazy day or have a busy day ahead, consider my top 10 feel good techniques to give you that inspiration to conquer the day!

1) Get up early and RUN! 

Running is not going to lie, a past time for me, but definitely something I'm going to start in the new year. The accomplishment you feel after going for a run is exhilarating- a perfect way to start the day. Believe it or not, it gives you more energy! I know at some point in my life- like many of you I'm sure, have put trainers on with intentions of going for a run, and then slumped back on the sofa and eaten rubbish. But this needs to change! Whether you own old trainers that are dusty and haven't seen the light in a long time, put them on and get running! Wake up early and work up a sweat ready for the new day. If it doesn't seem appealing to you- as I can understand, then try finding a running buddy! Somebody to motivate you and has the same goals as you. Me and my best friend, Meg ran last summer  every week and believe it or not, it makes it so much more fun. Or try finding a route that inspires you and makes your work out not so gruelling; I can't wait to start running around London, I mean look how beautiful it is! 

2) Have a Herbal Beverage…

Think healthy. Instead of relying on the usual caffeine in your coffees and teas to give you energy, have  a herbal tea. A healthier and more tasty alternative to your usual coffee cup, the herbal teas give you natural energy, boosts metabolism and you can burn calories each cup! I love the Herbalife range of Herbal Beverages in a variety of flavours, that have so many nutritional benefits. Drink yourself healthy with tea- now I can't think of anything better- Check out my previous post on the Herbal Beverages to find out more for yourself, or try it! http://lulaa-belle.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/vitali-tea-drink-yourself-healthy-with.html

3) "Buy yourself something pretty"

You've worked hard all week; there's no harm in having a cheeky browse for a new outfit or item of clothing which would gladly be welcomed into your wardrobe. Whether it's a faithful woolly jumper or an outrageous number that is a one hit wonder, reward and treat yourself for your hard work. I know it's not all about money and you shouldn't be superficial, but you can't beat the excitement of a fashion or beauty delivery waiting for you! Be kind to your bank account, but you deserve it, right?

4) Make a date with your best friend

 I've learnt since moving for university, the importance of your best friend. I'm at a stage in my life where it's easy to lose contact with my loved ones. But you can never beat seeing your best friend after a long period of time. Meg has been one of my closest friends since primary school, and she's the person I tell everything to. So when I'm having a down day, talking to her gives me that 'feel good' feeling, and making dates with her always gives me something to look forward to! 

No matter what the situation or your mood, give your best friend a call to brighten your day, it works every time for me! Even if it's going for coffees or arranging a big night out, let your hair down and have a good ol' knees up.

5) A guilt free lazy day 

So you have a free day: no responsibilities, no work, just your own company- make the most of it guys! There's no harm in putting on your dressing gown, snuggling in bed and watching your favourite feel good film. Everybody needs a lazy day, and being only a couple of days until Christmas, relax and get festive with your favourite Christmas movie! 

6) Bold lips = confidence! 

Why not? it's what they did in the olden days; in times of adversity, lather on the lippy and you're ready to conquer the world. If ever I've had a hard night, or not much sleep and my pale face is the only evidence left from the night before, the lippy makes an appearance. There's nothing like bold lips to scream confidence; regardless of your skin tone and all that malarkey, go bold! The perfect beauty trick to achieve that 'feel good' start to the day. 

7) Visit your nan! 

It sounds silly, but you're never too old to visit your nan. My nan has to be one of my favourite people in the world, her many years of wisdom and the stories she tells will always baffle me- I learn new things every day thanks to my nan! Whatever problem I have, she always has an answer or a solution to settle my mind.  If you're close to your nan or not, giving her a visit will always leave a warm, homely feeling- it's the perfect solution when I'm having a down day or need a little inspiration. Anyway, nothing beats your nan's homemade cooking! 

8) Pamper yourself pretty…

One of my favourite things to do is treat my skin. For the days I let my skin breathe, the face masks make an appearance- soft, beautiful skin never fails to make me feel good! I love removing the mask and feeling fresh and revitalised, ready for the day ahead. To take it one step further, be nice to your bank and make your own face masks from the comfort of your home. I'm thinking about doing this myself for future posts because it's definitely something I'd read about myself. Keep a look out guys!

Follow my top 8 'feel good' techniques and change the outcome of your day. If you need a little inspiration, motivation or comfort, try these techniques yourself and see what they can do for you…

What are your favourite 'feel good' techniques? I'd love to know, I love hearing from you all!

Day 4 & 5 of 12 Days of Beauty! Lush lovelies… Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Lush goodies! 

Christmas is almost here! Days 4 and 5 of my 12 Days of Beauty have been dedicated to my two favourite Lush products- I thought I'd combine them together because they're my special beauty duo! 

I have become a big fan of Lush recently and whenever I go to a Lush store, I can't help but try everything and take in all the beautiful smells. There is a product and a smell that suits everyone and I love the fact the products can be so personalised, as a gift to someone you love or an indulgent treat for yourself; each product is tailored to meet every skin type out there so there is no excuse to not try it out and see what they can do for you!

My Lush lovelies are Tea Tree Toner Water and the fragranced body soap in Rock Star- two beautiful products that I can't get enough of and I will definitely be repurchasing. 

The Toner Water has worked miracles on my skin. Having oily skin can make it more vulnerable to break outs which can be so annoying for the weeks coming up to Christmas; everybody wants to look their best at the NY party! But the Tea Tree extract is a wonderful antibacterial and antiseptic, so perfect for spot prone skin when avoiding future breakouts. I like to spray directly onto the face to replace my usual toner, and wait for the water to sink into the skin- It can be rubbed in with a cotton pad but I prefer to leave the product to work its magic!

It's my secret to clear skin that I would strongly recommend for anybody who suffers from acne and can't find an affordable and effective solution!  

My second Lush lovely is Rock Star. It is perfect for Christmas gifts because you can select a size that best suits your budget and look how cutely they are wrapped! It's a gorgeous feel good smell that can be luxuriously lathered on in the bath or shower, leaving your skin smelling and feeling beautiful. I find this particular fragrance more suitable for the summer because it's quite fresh and flowery but there's no harm in sporting it during the festive seasons- the product seems to last for ages anyway so who's to say I won't still be using it the summer anyway! 

There are plenty of different Christmassy fragrances to choose from but this one happens to be my favourite- I wouldn't mind receiving one of these beauties for Christmas! Get buying, they're so cute!

My pocket friendly, glossy hair secret!

My pocket friendly, hair shine solution!

Hey guys! This post was meant to be posted yesterday but I've been so busy! Now it's time to reveal my favourite hair product on the shelves at the moment which is pocket friendly but creates a celeb standard, high gloss shine. I purchased this in the Summer before I went on holiday because the sun seems to dry out my hair; I have fallen in love with this product ever since because it retains hydration and keeps hair looking nourished and healthy. I loved the effect it had on my hair, so I've been using it all year round- why not?!

Day 3 

The celeb standard hair care product is got2b Oil-licious Styling Oil by Schwarzkopf. It's an absolute bargain; I think I bought it from Savers for about £2 and it's my best beauty find so far! I purchased it in the summer and it goes so far, to prove it, It's only just started to run out now! Who said you have to break the bank to achieve beautiful shine? 

The combination of Argan Oil within the product is the key ingredient that really gets to work on your hair and creates the natural glossy shine. It's non-greasy formula absorbs almost instantly and can be used for: extra care, pre-washing, better manageability pre-styling (damp hair) and sleek finished styles (dry hair). Applying on dry hair is perfect for a night out but I find that it can make your hair greasy if you use too much; I prefer applying on damp hair before styling but it creates long lasting shine- and the smell is gorgeous! 

With Oil-licious you will be ready to conquer the party season- sport A-list shine and get peoples heads turning!  One of my favourite hair products at the moment and a worthy contender to incorporate into my 12 Days of Beauty, try it for yourself and let me know how you get on! What hair care products do you use?

This is why I love London! Snaps from my day of sight seeing!

Hello sweets, just thought I'd share with you some beautiful photographs I took around London! I moved to London in September for uni and I'm still, even now, taking in the beauty of the city! Most of these photos were taken the first time my boyfriend, Sam came to visit me, and we just went crazy sightseeing for the whole day. It was the longest day ever because we walked for hours visiting all the sights, but it was so fun- I feel so lucky to be in such a beautiful city... Enjoy!