The Sunday Post: The Lazy Weekend

Isn't it nice to just take a step back, put things to one side, and y'know just breathe once in a while? I've had one of those weekends where I haven't spent the whole day rushing around getting blog posts sorted or making plans with friends. This weekend I've been quite content to just relax, enjoy doing nothing, and see where the day takes me.

Long strolls, pub lunches, and early nights tucked up watching Dexter, pure bliss.

My laziness might have been conveyed by my lack of blogging this week, and I do promise next week it will be business as usual on Little Red but it's been nice to just have no cares this week and regroup after a somewhat stressful week last week.  I'm off to watch a cheesy chick flick accompanied by and ice cold glass of white wine and enjoy the last dregs of the weekend before a very busy, but exciting week next week. Watch this space...

Do you ever just take the weekend off just for yourself? Also book recommendations are wanted, send them this way!


Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

Bumble & Bumble Quenching Range

I've been having a bit of a love affair with Bumble & Bumble for quite some time, so when I saw their 'Quenching' Range I knew I had to give it a go. My hair type is a bit of an odd ball, is it greasy? No. Is it bone dry? No. It's a sort of go between with my ends sometimes in great need of moisture and life being pumped into them. That's where the Quenching Range* comes in.

At first I was slightly sceptical, I've tried an array of hydrating shampoo's and conditioners before and they either been too much and made my hair greasy or not done much at all. However, I find the BB Quenching Shampoo* nourishes my hair enough on its own. My scalp feels cleansed and tacky product build up removed which I normally struggle with. It does look quite thick and creamy when dispensed but lathers up nicely and doesn't clog up my fine hair. On days I am feeling the need for a bit more TLC the counterpart conditioner* does the trick of leaving my hair feeling smooth and silky, no more brittle ends thank you very much.

Perhaps my favourite of the bunch has to go to the Quenching Complex*. Again I was hesitant to add such a creamy looking formula to my hair post wash but this truly is a great leave in treatment for dry hair. I simply massaged in a tiny blob, comb through and leave my hair to dry. It smooths the cuticles and locks in moisture. My hair feels more voluminous, and so much softer thanks to this stuff. Damaged and dull? No more, say hello to sleek and shiny. 

I haven't got to grips with the BB Quenching Masque just yet and so I think I'll leave that for its own review.

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

Summer Face: Clarins Bronzing Duo

If you're fair skinned like me you may struggle to find a bronzer that doesn't leave your skin looking muddy, shimmer tastic or something resembling an oompa loompa. I've had an on off relationship with NARS Laguna Bronzer which is passable with a really light dusting but I think I've found my go to bronzer in the shape of Clarins Bronzing Duo* in the shade light.

Not only does this duo produce a healthy sheen to my skin by subtly warming up your skin tone but the mineral powder formula combined with plant extract and purity of minerals makes application a dream. I can build this up easily and don't have to worry about going over board with this and it really pulls off a natural sun kissed glow. It also contains SPF15, winning all round for us paler ladies.

You can mix the lighter and darker shade together to create an all over glow, and sweep the darker shade across your temples, jawline, nose and sculpt your cheekbones for a more defined look. What I love about this compact is that I have no fear when applying of going over the top as it blends into my skin seamlessly and feels so light which is great for this heat.

A great summer compact for a quick summer face without the hassle. Definitely been carrying this around for on the go touch ups..

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

The Sunday Post: An All American Night In

 

This post is a belated Happy 4th of July to all those American's celebrating Independence Day. My friends and I marked the occasion with the helping hand of Domino's who provided us with a box of American goodies and, of course, pizza. 

The boyfriend and I set to work littering the garden with all things USA, accompanied by nibbles before wolfing down pizza with a glug of Bulmers Red Berries and Lime. Perfect. Apologies if these snaps get your mouth watering, it was pretty damn delicious.

Uncle Sam watched over the merriment whilst Miley Cyrus 'Party in the USA' was played until we could bare it no longer. I truly had a lovely chilled evening in the garden with my friends and tucked into leftover pizza like no one's business the next morning!

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

I got this feeling on the summer day when you were gone

The not-so English sunny weather we've been graced with recently provides the perfect excuse to get snap happy. The boyfriend and I prefer a stroll to are local fields and footpaths, normally armed with a picnic and SPF as we're such pale children.

The other week I was browsing the rails of Zara, as I do many a time on the hunt for a new gem to add to my already busty wardrobe, when I spotted this navy blue playsuit. I knew I had to have it, and even better it was in the sale at £17.99! 

I love the silky fabric, the print, and the fact that I do feel as if I'm wearing PJ's to work - what could be better? I received lot's of lovely compliments whilst wearing this and I know my friends are also on the hunt to pick one up, so hurry!

What do you think is it too granddad's pj's or playsuit perfection?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator

I know, I know, two skincare posts in a row, but I promise this one's a corker. I've tried a few products from the Jurlique range recently but their Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator* has to be the stand out product of the bunch.

Containing natural fruit enzymes and native Australian extracts such as Quandong, Nettle Lime, and Wattle Seed (did you say those in an Aussie accent too?) with extract of witch hazel. This concoction all adds up to a great little bottle of greatness. Aimed to produce cell renewal and give your skin a more even texture, the FEE truly revitalised my skin and gave me the midweek pick me up I so desperately needed. 

After cleansing I used around two pumps of this (you really don't need much) and massaged it on to my face and neck and immediately felt a slight tingling sensation. Normally warning bells start to arise as my skin is very sensitive but this didn't irritate me or cause me to turn beetroot red, win! However, as skincare is extremely relative perhaps request a sample if you are a bit cautious. I left it on for around five minutes, so if I'm using this in the tub I usually slather this on after conditioning my hair and then leave both to work their magic. 

Jurlique recommend you use their FEE 2-3 times a week but I'm switching this up with my REN F10 Smooth and Renew ( review here), so two nights a week my skin is treated to an acid peel and dead skin cells removed revealing a much more luminous appearance. My skin felt rejuvenated, visibly smoother and fresh without being the treatment being overly abrasive. I do recommend following up with a rich moisturiser if you skin can be quite dry like mine.

Have you tried anything from Jurlique?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

Elemis Fresh Skin Discovery Kit

One of my most asked questions has to be about skincare recommendations, and skincare on a budget so today I'm going to introduce you to a great skincare starter set.

Skincare is incredibly personal and that's why I really love starter sets and samples so you can examine a range without pulling too much at your pursestrings. They are also great for when you're travelling and need everything a bit more micro sized and manageable. 

The Elemis Fresh Skin Discovery Kit* comes with:

•  Peachy Perfect Gentle Face Wash
• Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash
• Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser
• Dreamy Sleep Night Time Moisturiser
• 3x Sachets of Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask

The gentle face wash is gentle and does not irritate my sensitive skin but it only has a slight peachy scent and I haven't noticed any major skin improvements. I'm not the biggest fan of gel formula's so perhaps this is why this one is not so much for me. Nonetheless this would be great to carry around as a simple and refreshing face wash.

One product that I did love within this set was the Exfoliating Face Wash which was mild and non abrasive but still felt like my skin was getting a good revival and ridding of dead skin cells. Both the night time and daily moisturiser had a refreshing minty scent and were hydrating but light enough for these hotter summer days. Great for creating a smooth base for applying makeup.

I'm yet to experiment with the Deep Clean Purifying Mask, hence why it was not pictured above, but if it follows the mild yet refreshing standard set by the rest of the set I look forward to trying it out whilst I soak in the tub later tonight.

Overal a great skincare set for beginners and those on the go, cheap and cheerful for only £20.

Read More

The Sunday Post: Share the Love

I'm always on the hunt for some new reading material and blogs are no exception, I love discovering a new blog and then spending hours scouring through past posts, don't you?

Whilst I've been sat out in the garden, the sun beaming down on to my ghostly pins, and with an ice cold san pellegrino in hand I've been jotting down a few of my favourite reads of late.

I've tried not to mention blogs that I gush about a lot on here,  some of the usual suspects being Suzie, Luce, and Lauren (although do go check them out!) and have gone straight to my history to see who I've been snooping on the most this past week. So here we go...

This post was actually inspired by the gorgeous Rebecca of From Roses, many blogs were then promptly bookmarked and set to read this weekend. I could get lost in her words and I love her personable and relatable writing style.

I attended the Glam 5th Birthday Party this week and bumped into Michelle from Daisy Butter, and Rosie from Cider With Rosie. I was really excited to finally meet Michelle in person after clicking on to her blog for years now, a genuinely lovely girl. 

Rosie's blog has fast become a favourite of mine after I wanted to branch out a bit more from the standard beauty blogs that make up my bloglovin feed. Her photo's are always so beautiful and enticing and we got on like a house on fire, chatting away like we've known each other for ages.

I know I have mentioned Katy's blog before but Little Winter is just the cutest virtual escape into a world of fairy lights, shabby chic interiors and the cutest cat on my timeline.

Speaking of cute kittie's I can't stop aww'ing over Mouse who belongs to the lovely Kate from Gh0stparties. I've loved Kate's blog since the beginning and I'm particularly enjoying her Currently Loving posts at the moment. It's nice to see a bit more of Kate amongst the myriad of beauty.

Two blogs that have only caught my eye recently but are must reads in my opinion belong to Gillian of Elevator Musik, and Jenny from Jenny Purr. I could read Gillian's posts all day long, yet again her personable writing style won me over and I love her sense of humour too. 

Alix from I Covet Thee may be bad news for my bank balance but you still can't tare me away from her blog and youtube video's. A genuinely down to earth girl, with the most beautiful features and thick locks. Jealous.

I couldn't finish up this post without a special mention to the Gleam girlies, Lucy, Maddie, and Katie. You have all made me feel so welcome and settled in such a short space of time, thank you girls.

Please leave me your favourite blog reads, I'm always adding to my bloglovin' feed. Let me know if you'd like this sort of post more often, I have many more to share with you.

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

The New Additions: Clarins, Jurlique, and Bumble & Bumble

I always love having a nose at upcoming releases from beauty brands, and adding lot's of new items to my lust list on many occasions, and this inspired me to start up a regular feature 'The New Additions' so you guys can get a sneak peek of what's coming up next on LR.

I'm not going to go into too much detail as the jury is still out on all these products as they have only received made their way to LR HQ, but like a haul post you can get a first look of what I'm testing out now. Sort of like a haul in a way, which make up some of my favourite posts. I am just a cosmetic creeper at heart.

First up, I'm compiling a Summer Beauty Essentials edit and these bit's from Clarins are sure to wrangle their way into the final cut. I'm especially excited to test out their Beauty Flash Balm* as I have a thing for multi purpose products.

I've also gone a little Bumble & Bumble mad after hearing so many wonderful things about their Surf range I knew I had to try it out for myself. So far, so good. I'm particularly favouring the surf spray which just adds that little summin' summin', if you know what I mean. I'll probably split these into two separate reviews for the different ranges.

I was kind enough to be sent a Jurlique package filled with their latest Rose Moisture Plus range which I've heard nothing but good things about. I've been spritzing the Rosewater Balancing Mist on to my face and I think I may have a contender for my beloved Avene Eau Thermale (review here).

What have you been picking up lately? And, as always please let me know what reviews you'd like to see first and I'll try my best to get them up ASAP.

Do let me know what you think of this type of post and whether I should make them a more regular thing, say every other weekend or so.

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

Origins Never A Dull Moment Face Polish

Origins never fail to disappoint in my book, and their Never A Dull Moment Face Polish was no exception. Jam packed with papaya extract and mixed together with finely ground mango and apricot, you can see one of the reasons I love the stuff, it smells divine. Like their Drink Up Intensive Mask which is another, NADM smells good enough to eat. I wouldn't recommend doing that though..

When applying this I do feel that marmalade like consistency similar to REN Glycolactic Mask, but with a bit more of a nity gritty feel which are the exfoliating beads. I don't feel like it rubs or gripes at my skin which I do normally find with exfoliating cleansers, the fruity extracts work well at gently exfoliating my skin. 

All this fruity stuff might be great for the nostrils, but what does it actually do? And, does it work?

The natural potency from the crushed papaya enzyme works at dissolving dead skin cells and all the grimy bit's to reveal polished and radiant skin. So to sum up, Origins have another winner, my dull skin has well and truly been revitalised with a weekly touch up of this stuff whilst I have a nice, hot soak in the tub.

Skin brightening without breaking the bank and being too harsh on the skin, think NADM will be sticking around in my skincare stash...

What are your favourite exfoliating cleansers? Do you love Origins as much as I do?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

A Blimey! & a Thank You #CosmoBlogAwards

Well if you follow me on twitter you probably know that this little ol' blog of mine has only gone and been shortlisted for 'Best New Beauty Blog' in the Cosmo Blog Awards. Blimey! I did get choked up, quite literally on the cookie I had been devouring when I heard the news. But seriously, I am still stunned to be up there with so many amazing blogs that have been featured, as well as finding great new reads.

I do work my little butt off on LR and it's so lovely to know that's been noticed and that people do appreciate and enjoy to read what I've got to put out there on the interwebz. So here's THANK YOU to all of you that voted for me and entered me in the Cosmo Awards, I'm sending you all virtual bear hugs right now. If you would like to keep voting for me or vote for me in this final stage that would mean so much that it's hard to put into words without coming off all corny.

I'm in the second category, 'Best New Beauty Blog' on the voting page which you can find HERE under Oh Little Red, it only takes a view clicks and you will definitely be introduced to some great blogs in the process. You can also click the Cosmo Blog Awards widget in my sidebar which will lead you directly to the voting page. 

All that's left to say is thank you, thank you, and let's throw in another blimey! for good measure, to all of you who have vote/will vote and just generally stuck around with me whilst I waffle on about my cosmetic cravings.

I must be doing something right after all, eh?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

Micellar Waters & Mists

Twelve months back and I would have laughed off a purchase of Micellar Cleansing Waters as a waste of money, glorified water if you will. Fast forward to today and I would tell you, you couldn't have been more wrong, Lauren.

I know lot's of people tend to think of Bioderma when talk of micellar water crops up, and I do love the stuff but I thought I would run you through some cheaper and more easily accessible options that I've been favouring. By no means do these substitute a good cleanser, my weapon of choice being a toss up of Una Brennan, REN, and EH candidates, but they do a great job of refreshing my skin and removing any left over grimy bits that I might have missed. I paint a lovely picture of my skin, eh?

Avène are a brand I can find no fault with, with offers on their products often found along the aisles of Boots, this is your safest bet for finding a micellar on the go. And it does a good job do. What I love about the Avène Micellar Lotion* is that it is great for us sensitive skin gals. It doesn't sting or irritate the eyes, make your skin blush a unsavoury shade of red, and I really do think it get's the best of my makeup off, either before or after cleansing with my Emma Hardie balm. For £12.50 it might not be the cheapest for 200ml, but it's lasted me a good six months, as I use this on and off with the Etat Pur Micellar Cleansing Water* (half the price of Avène) which again is PH neutral so thumbs up for sensitive skin. Seems the French really do know their skincare, and I'd happily purchase both again.

I always follow up with a good spritz of the Avène Thermal Spring Water* which is cheap as chips (pardon the cringy turn of phrase) at £3.15 for the travel size and around £6 for the 150ml which goes a long way, trust me. This really hydrates my skin and can be used to wake up the skin in the morning, preparing it for cleansing, adding a dewy glow to your makeup, and soothing skin irritations and sunburn. I absolutely love the stuff. 

Are you a fan of Micellar lotions & mists?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

The Sunday Post: The One Where I Graduate

On Thursday the 4th of July, I officially left the world of education and graduated in sunny Reading. Earlier in the week I posted a What I Wore, which you can take a gander at, I was really pleased with my last minute grad dress purchase, what do you think? I also finally got my hair cut and spruced up for the occasion, and my oh my does it feel and look ten times better than the scraggly mop it was before.

The weather held out, Pimm's were to be had, and it felt strange that three years at University had come and gone so fast. I've now got the daunting prospect of actually living my life, no more hiding in the education system, it's time to figure out what I want and do the things that have been on my bucket list without excuses of coursework to put me off. I do feel ready to start a career, I feel like this blog has opened up my eyes to a path I do want to take and I'm already taking baby steps to achieve it. 

The ceremony was actually quite quick but whilst I was waiting to walk up to the podium, shake hands with the chancellor and collect my certificate all I could think about was tripping in my heels, thankfully I didn't, but I was left with some nasty blisters...

I was chatting with lot's of my friends from my course and some are taking the year off to just laze, or go travelling, or you know think about what the hell is their next move in life. Some have already landed jobs, some, like me, are making their way with internships and trying to put their name out there ready for the world to sit up and listen. 

Have any of you ever had the 'Oh God, I'm getting SO old, and I have so much I want to do' moment? Yeah, I'm having a little bit of that right now, which seems silly as I know I'm twenty one but I swear yesterday I was only sixteen, going to house parties and starting sixth form?!

I'm just happy I did it, University isn't always the best option for everyone and I did struggle a lot at times but I've done it and I'm proud of myself, and excited to see what happens next...

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

Beauty Spotlight: VICHY

I have a bit of a soft spot for Vichy and when I recently received their new BB Cream in the post I thought a  Vichy Lovin' post was due. 

I have overly praised the Vichy Idealia Pro Deep Corrector* (review here) back in November last year, and it's still a firm favourite in my skincare stash. For tackling unsightly pink scarring left over from my acne day's this product, in conjunction with the rest of my skincare line up, has had great results. I now feel a lot more confident and often dare to go bare faced, whereas that would have been an absolute no, no this time six months ago.

On day's that I do feel I need a bit of coverage Vichy's Idealia BB Cream* has been working it's way in to my everyday face fixes. When I first tried this out I was on the fence slightly, I definitely do prefer tend to hover towards this luminous skin duo for a lighter base face. However, when I'm after something a little lighter, that refines my skin and adds a dose of radiance, than this product doesn't fail me. It's not the most long lasting BB Cream I've tested and definitely is best for day's when you're skin only needs the lightest of touch ups, but I'd definitely recommend this product for summer, packed with SPF 25 to protect your skin from UVA & UVB and paraben free, winner.

My favourite from the bunch has to be their Derma Blend Cosmetique Corrective Foundation*, that boasts a 16 hour lasting power. This stuff does not budge. I absolutely love this foundation, however, it is best for night's out and times you're after a more heavy duty coverage. My skin does look flawless and clear but on a sunny summer's day I wouldn't want to wear this much product. I save this for night's out without having to worry about touch ups or having to faff about with concealing pesky blemishes as this does the job all on it's lonesome.

Have you tried many products from the Vichy range?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More