Cosmopolitan Blog Awards 2013

I ummed and arred over whether or not to post this but I thought "why the hell not", so here's my little piece of shameless self promotion...

Blogging has become such a huge part of my life, every day I find myself flicking through bloglovin' catching up on my favourite reads, or jotting down blog post ideas in my little pink notebook, and joining in when it comes to weekly blogger chats. I have made friends, true friends that I would not have crossed paths with had it no been for my little ol' corner of the internet. I've gained opportunities and experiences that I would have never thought possible which truly have made me feel so much better about my future and Little Red has proved to be one of the only things I'm truly passionate about. Woah, I know. Deep stuff.
I've never entered myself into any competition like this or really put myself out there in both my personal life and online but it just twigged that I am ridiculously proud of my little blog and how far it has come in such a short space of time, and how thankful I am to each and every one of you that reads LR. It's that time of year Cosmo start up their Blogger Awards and it would be absolutely incredible and mean the world (cheesy cliche's I know, but it's true!) if you would wish to nominate Little Red in the 'Best New Beauty Blog' Category. It's really simple with a quick click here you can nominate me (or any of your favourite blogs) and you will be asked to enter my blog URL and a couple of details.

I wish the best of luck to all those nominated and I love to see the blogging community put out there and have nominated quite a few blogs myself that I think should be appreciated. Thank you to any of you that do nominate me, thank you thank you thank you. I love blogging but I love interacting with bloggers even more so, so for the millionth time thank you all!

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Complexion Combo: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser & L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer

With the sun baring down in full force and my usual foundation of choice (Estee Lauder DW) being far too heavy to use for these gorgeous spring days we're having so I've opted for a foundation free face for the past few weeks. I don't want  a heavy duty foundation masking my freckled face, and if I'm honest most days I've been rocking the bare faced look, which is working wonders for my skin that's been soaking up the Vitamin D.

When I do feel adding a base for my makeup or adding a light weight coverage I have been reaching for this complexion duo, the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 20*, and L'Oreal's Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer. The LM Moisturiser adds just another coverage to smooth over any pesky pigmentation marks as well as adding much need moisture to the skin to produce a healthy looking glow. I've literally been mixing this together with a dash of the L'Oreal Primer in the palm of my hand before massaging onto the skin with my RT Buffing Brush before dusting on a touch of powder, a slick of my Korres Lip Butter and I'm ready to go.
The L'Oreal Primer acts as a highlight with its satin white formula which adds a dewy touch of radiance to the skin, for those of us after Millie Mackintosh skin this primer doesn't fail. It can be used alone under foundation for the same effect. Finally I add little touches of the primer to my brow bone, cheekbones and nose if needed and voila! Glowy skin be mine.

My skin is reaping the benefits of a much lighter coverage for day wear and I found this combo a great alternative to the hoard of BB Creams out there. No more hiding my freckles, that are popping up in their masses! What are your top base products for a foundation free face?

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The Sunday Post: Larks in the Park

With the weather having actually stayed sunny for a good solid week, a very pleasant surprise for those of us who are acquainted with the British Summer, me and Jon decided to head to a local country park to snap some outfit shot's and take in some much needed Vitamin D. A quick ten minute drive and we was out of the hustle and bustle and swept up by greenery, quaint little country cottages, and cute little farm animals (but we'll get on to that later!).

I'm not quite ready to whack my pasty pins out completely and so opted for this monochrome maxi skirt  which I found whilst rummaging through the rails of Primark. Paired with a floaty top and this Zara triple tier tribal (alliteration at its finest ;]) statement necklace for a touch of colour, I found this outfit to be comfortable for those days where you still want to look nice and stay cool whilst out and about.

Amongst the meadows, out door amphitheatre, and walled gardens we found a cute little farm next to some allotments and the cutest little tea room. Sadly, the animals were all caged up and not in open pens but I still couldn't help cooing over this fluffy little bunny and clucking along with the roosters and hens.All in all I had a pretty perfect day (hayfever aside, boo!) and it just goes to show you can have a fun day out for free if you just have a look around you. What are your plans for bank holiday weekend, are you lazing in the garden with a BBQ on the go, or are you taking advantage on your local beer garden?

Whatever you do, have a good one!

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New In: Zara Lacquered Platform Sandals

When it comes to heel's I tend to stick to what I know which are bog standard Dorothy Perkin's black wedges, x6 and that's my heel collection. So, when I spotted this pair of lacquered sandals on the Zara site I felt one of two things, first being these shoes are bloomin' gorgeous, but secondly will they suit me?

I did opt for the safer brown shade only to find they were completely sold out in my size, but I really loved the style of these sandals and so decided to get a pair in the shade Ecru instead. Upon arrival I was an incy bit surprised at how red the heel is, as I thought it would be more of a dark mahogny but I've grew to love it. They're super comfy, and I feel utterly gorgeous in them, and that's what matters most, right?

These sandals are well worth the £40 investment and add a much needed touch of colour to my shoe stash, perfect for holiday's and the summer months! What do you think?

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The Spring Beauty Edit

Spring happens to be my favourite season, for one I'm an April baby, two it's a happy medium between too hot and too cold, and three has to be my spring time make-up stash...

Spring time marks the transition from autumnal plums to perky pastel shades, and I'm particularly loving the new scented pastel collection from Models Own. I spent a good ten minutes or so perusing the Models Own counter in boots just scratchin' n' sniffin' the array of scents and eventually picked up Apple Pie, another gorgeous mint green to add to my ever growing hoard of pastel greens, and Grape Juice, a pinky toned lilac shade. During the colder months I really don't pay that much attention to my dainty digits but come spring/summer my nail polish stash comes out to play and pastels such as Essie's Ballet Slippers brighten up my day.

Coral hues, peaches, and pinks dominate my blush and lipstick picks with MAC's Cut A Caper and Betty Bright finding their way to top of the class, finished off with a slick of Pink Shell, a beautiful peachy pink lipgloss from Artistry. Come spring I truly own the title of cream blush convert as I wave bye-bye to powders for a more dewy finish, and my top choice at present is Stila's cream blush in the shade Lilium. Since bringing this bad boy home I have fallen a little bit in love with this blush which blends in effortlessly to reveal a dusty rose shade which appeals to my fair skin tone, and can also be used on both your cheeks and lips. I must say I have become a bit addicted to Stila's cream blush offerings and hope to get my mitts on Gerbera next. Another affordable option are Topshop or Revlon Cream blushes, Head Over Heels by Topshop is a staple in my spring/summer stash (review here).

Bronze based shadows, champagnes and rustic amber hues are also top of my spring time picks for the eyes with a new favourite being in the form of Stila's Smudge Pot in Kitten, as well as an old time classic MAC's All That Glitter's which adds just the right amount of colour when swept over my lids.

What are your Spring time picks?

Not all the items displayed in the photo above have been mentioned but feel free to ask any questions in the comments or on twitter @ohlittlered 

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remember the little things

Sometimes we forget to take a step back and appreciate the little things in life, I mean hey, it's easily done. With all our ongoing 'dramas' whether it be school, university, or work, life has a way of keeping us all on our toes at one point or another. My great nan used to always say, "Lauren, don't forget the little things in life" - at the time this was just something I nodded at, and back then my main problems in life was that my pack lunch box didn't have as many good treats in than my friends....
So, here's a little post of some of the little things that are making me smile at the moment and that I would not normally appreciate, hope you enjoy!

A large mug of green tea, not only does it make me feel like my insides are getting a good ol' detox but it also fills my room with the most gorgeous minty scent. Mmm, my nostrils love this little treat.

Okay, so there's a bit of a theme going on here. I am trying to eat a lot healthier and only fill my body with goodness in the hope this will transpire on to my skin and hair. Yeo Valley Yoghurts are heavenly, I could quite easily sit and eat a whole tub in one sitting and in that way they are acting as a replacement to my much love Ben & Jerry's. What are your healthy eating treats?

Little touches of colour such as this Ikea pot plant never fail to brighten up my bedroom and this little shrub does make me smile, I must admit. Being fake as well I don't have to worry about keeping it alive, I have a bit of a reputation as a flower killer...

Every now and then I indulge and snap up a few new Essie shades from Boot's and this month's favourite has to be 'Ballet Slippers'. A gorgeous milky, pastel pink that I've been lusting after for quite some time and it's finally part of my collection, yay! 

Interiors and decor posts have become a bit of an addictive read of mine for the past couple of months, I'm currently in the half-way stage of transforming my bedroom into the oasis I have envisioned. Wilkinson's have some great little decorative pieces and I picked up this silver mosaic tea light holder for around £5, bargain! Isn't it pretty?

What little things have brightened up your day recently?

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