Liebster Award 2015

I've got to start off by thanking the gorgeous Lauren who put my name forward and honestly made my day by leaving such lovely comments on my last weekly Instagram post.

I had never heard of the Liebster Award until Lauren mentioned it, and I feel chuffed to bits that she thought that my little blog was worthy enough to be nominated!

I've had a bit of a Google and there are a few of variations on the rules for the Liebster Award, so I thought I'd summarise with a few basics:

- You need to link back to the blogger that nominated you (in my case Lauren).

- Answer the questions set by them in their post.

- Nominate new blogs in your post, that generally have less than 2k followers.

- Create your own list of questions for your nominated bloggers.
- Finally notify your nominated blogs once you have published your Liebster post.

Here are Lauren's set of questions ...

- Where is your favourite place to visit?
I love going back and visiting the beaches in Devon where I grew up. It reminds me of being little and going with my Mum after school in the Summer.

- If you could have any magic power, what would it be?
I would love that whenever I pin an outfit on Pinterest it would magically appear in my wardrobe - That would be amazing!

- Which 3 people would you love to be your dinner guests?
I would love for Anna (Vivianna does makeup) and Lilly (Lilly Pebbles) to come, along with Marilyn Monroe because we would have some awesome beauty chats!

- Favourite drugstore beauty product?
Make Up Revolution has quickly become my favourite drugstore makeup brand. I can't live without their Death By Chocolate palette. The matte shades are so blendable and perfect for everyday looks.

- What is your favourite thing about yourself?
If you knew me well you'd know that I'm super insecure as a person, but I'd have to say I'm incredibly proud of how I've handled difficult situations in my life, so I'd say my resilience and determination are my favourite features.

- What makes you happy?
My family, boyfriend, friends, cat and blog make me happy. Along with beauty products of course... lol it's the little things.

- Top three films?
Dirty Dancing - obvious choice
Any James Bond - love Daniel Craig and Aston Martins specifically
Disney's Hercules - the adult humour in it is hilar!

- Favourite quote?
'Believe in dreams' I love it so much that I had it tattooed on my hip in Arabic.

- What is one of your best memories with your friends or family?
Getting ready for my high school prom when I was 16 with my best friend Emma is definitely an afternoon that holds really happy memories for me. I remember it being a gorgeous sunny day, my Mum did our hair and makeup and made us mocktails whilst we danced around the living room, it was fab.

- What was the reason you started blogging?
I started blogging because I loved reading blogs, and I thought why not give it a go and share my own opinions of products I love too. If someone finds my posts useful, or discovers a product they might not have picked up normally then thats great! Blogging is such a fab way of reaching a bigger audience and sharing a mutual love of something, the blogging community is honestly an awesome thing to be apart of #GroupHug


I would like to nominate:

Lauren - Lauren Shh
Britany Powell - Britany Powell
Tia - At0ut
Holly - Closing Winter
Jessica - Blush and Baubles
Rasa - Aime Rose Blog
Jade - Jade's Little Blog

My set of questions for you lovely people are:

- Favorite place to buy make up/ beauty products?
- Top 5 Desert Island makeup/ beauty product essentials?
- Favourite Red Lipstick, or lipstick if Red isn't your thing?
- 3 Items you can't leave the house without?
- Favourite restaurant and item to order off their menu?
- Tea or Coffee?
- Favourite smoothie recipe? (I'd love some healthy inspiration)
- Favourite book or magazine?
- City in the world you would love to visit?
- Have you faced any blogging struggles and if yes, how have you overcome them?

Have fun, I can't wait to read your answers!

PS I'd love you to check out Lippy In The City on Bloglovin too xoxo

Ladies Who Lunch...

If you haven't tried Wahaca on The Hayes in Cardiff yet, then you're honestly missing out...
It's quickly become my favourite new eatery and I can't get enough! The food is freshly made to order, tasty, and simply amazing.

'Looking to the markets of Mexico for inspiration, wahaca was born from our love of fresh, honest, Mexican market food' – Thomasina Miers, Co-founder Wahaca.

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to take my friend India (aka The Jewel Beauty) for lunch at Wahaca, followed by a spot of make up shopping (strictly for blogging purposes of course... lol)

We started off our visit with a couple of Passionfruit and vanilla mojito's (£6.50) These are a heavenly mix of Tequila, passion fruit, mint and vanilla. The vanilla adds the most gorgeous creaminess, and it's hard to stop at one (be WARNED)

We decided to go for the Guacamole and tortilla chips ( £3.95 v) to munch on whilst we drooled over the main menu. I love 'chips and dips' and I could have quite happily gone through numerous servings of their Guacamole, which is always made fresh with Hass avocados, red onion, tomato, chili and a dash of lime juice.

The menu recommends two of their 'Street Food' dishes each for lunch which are smaller, tapas style plates. I went for the Tender, marinated Chicken Taquitos (£4.00). These contain poached chicken seasoned with lime and black pepper, then topped with Lancashire cheese and smoky meco salsa. These are served cold and have an amazing combination of flavours.

I also went for the Pinto bean and cheese Quesadillas (£3.75 v) These are stuffed with creamy pinto beans and cheese and it almost reminds me of a posh version of baked beans on toast. Mexican comfort food at it's best!

India opted for the Grilled British steak Tacos (£4.85) which contain flash grilled skirt steak with meco salsa and tomatillo guac topped grilled cheese and salsa, these looked incredible, something I'm definitely going to try on my next visit.

She also went for the Pea and mint empanada (£4.15 v) These are two crispy pastry parcels, stuffed with mint spiked garden peas, crushed with new potatoes and feta.

Wahaca have an amazing Menu with an impressive selection of dishes that ranges from mild to super spicy, including vegetarian and gluten free options so there is certainly something for everyone.

The restaurants have a relaxed, chilled out feel with funky industrial inspired decor. Check them out on Twitter, or pay them a visit at:

Wahaca Cardiff
51-53 The Hayes
St David's Dewi Sant
Cardiff CF10 1GA
02921 670 414

Opening Times
Mon – Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm

PS I'd love you to check out Lippy In The City on Bloglovin too xoxo

My Week On Instagram #4

This past week has been no stop and I've loved every minute of it. I honestly believe that life is for living and if it makes you happy, enjoy it!

Here are a few snippets from my last 7 days on Instagram...

I hope you've all had a fantastic week, I'd love to know what you've been up to too - Leave me your links in the comments...

PS I'd love you to check out Lippy In The City on Bloglovin too xoxo

Origins Mini Treats

I really enjoy discovering new skin care products, especially ones with natural active ingredients.

This past week I picked up a fantastic little set from Origins in John Lewis. It contained a travel sized tube of Modern Friction and Drink Up Intensive Mask as well as a Facial Brush. 

Modern Friction usually retails for £33 for 125ml, and the Drink Up Intensive Mask is normally £23 for 100ml, but I got the two smaller sizes and facial brush for only £15. If you're new to Origins or unsure how you'll like the products, this is a fantastic introductory set with an even better price tag.

Modern Friction

Modern Friction is one of Origins bestsellers and it won the 'Best Facial Scrub' category at the Daily Mail Beauty Awards in 2008, establishing it as a long standing cult favourite. Modern Friction contains Rice Starch within a cream formula, it quickly removes dead skin cells, and claims to reduce uneven patches and discolouration. The lemon oil also claims to add illumination to the skin leaving it radiant. I find this to be a thorough but gentle exfoliator that leaves my skin feeling refreshed. I'd recommend using this twice a week or when you feel necessary. 

Drink Up Intensive Mask 

This mask has quickly become one of my holy grail skin care items. It leaves my face feeling super smooth and hydrated. Origins claims this intensive mask deeply quenches compromised moisture reserves in the skin and builds a moisture reservoir for tomorrow. It also contains Japanese Seaweed that repairs the skin's natural barrier helping to prevent future dehydration and signs of premature ageing. I use this every other night after I've cleansed and toned as a replacement to my night cream. A little goes a long way with this and in the morning my skin definitely feels plumper and more refreshed.

Facial Brush

Lastly the kit comes with a full sized facial brush. This is like a manual version of a Clarisonic. I would recommend using regular cleanser with this as opposed to the Modern Friction scrub as I found that combination can be a little rough on the face. I keep this in the shower and it's super handy to use in the morning to remove any last traces of makeup and moisturizer. This is a product I doubt I would have picked up by myself but I'm definitely glad I got this chance to try it out with this kit.

If you're a fan or Origins, I'd love recommendations of other products to try out. I've got their Out of Trouble 10 minute mask next on my wishlist.

PS I'd love you to check out Lippy In The City on Bloglovin too xoxo

Banana & Black Cherry Smoothie Recipe

I love eating healthy, I'm also the first to admit I'm a sucker for a cheeseburger and a cocktail!

But today I thought I'd share with you my go-to smoothie recipe that I love whizzing up for breakfast or as a quick and nutritious snack when I'm craving something sweet. It's super easy and it even features chocolate! (of sorts)

To start with you're going to need a blender. I use the Breville Blend Active which I love, but you can pick up alternatives that are just as good on Amazon too.

For your Banana & Black Cherry Smoothie you're going to need:

• 1 Ripe Banana
• 1 Ripe Pear
• 1/2 Cup of Frozen Pitted Black Cherries
• 1/2 Cup of Water
• 1 Level Teaspoon of Raw Cocoa Nibs - If you can't find raw Cocoa Nibs, dark chocolate chips would work just as well too.  

Firstly break your banana up into small chunks and add to the blender. 

I find it helps to put the soft fruit in the bottom as you want the frozen cherries to blend first creating a smoother final texture.

Next chop up your pear and add into the blender along with the cherries and cocoa nibs last.

Finally add in half a cup of cold water and screw the blender lid on.

Blend your smoothie in 15 second intervals until you're happy with the consistency. This is entirely down to personal preference. 

Pour into your favorite glass or on the go container and enjoy!

I find the cocoa nibs give a similar effect as the chocolate chips do in Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino minus the calories.

This is a delicious sweet and filling smoothie that is perfect for the summer and the ingredients are relatively cheap and easy to source.

Let me know if you try this out, I'd love to see your pics! Happy Tuesday!

 PS: I'd love you to check out my blog on Bloglovin xoxo

Face Of The Day #2

This past week my make up looks have been quick and convenient to say the least. Most mornings I've had to throw everything on in under 10 minutes, which is pretty impressive for me!

Here are today's quick pics...

MAC Studio Fix Fluid
If you love MAC make up like I do, you'll know that some days you just need a face full of MAC Studio Fix Fluid, this was one of those days. Its super high coverage, with a demi matte finish and it lasts all day, what's not to love? I'm unashamedly wearing NW10 currently...

L'Oreal Miss Manga Punky Mascara in Black
This is a fantastic mascara for mega lashes in a hurry. It has a fab brush that generously applies the formula whilst adding tonnes of volume and length. Yes, it can be prone to causing spider lashes, but personally, I'm a fan of that look.

Eyebrow Powder Kit
I love eyebrow powders as I feel they give a softer look than pencils. I got this small kit off amazon but honestly any other drug store brand will do. I always run a coat of clear Brow Gel through after to set them in place all day.

ELF Baked Blush in Passion Pink
If you haven't tried ELF's baked blushers yet, then you need too. They our fantastic, and a complete homage to Hourglass's Ambient Lighting Blush's which are also amazing, but these are a fraction of the price. This colour really lifts my complexion and has great staying power.

ELF Small Stipple Brush
Staying with the ELF theme, I have been really enjoying using their Small Stippling Brushes for my blusher as well as bronzer and even foundation. I have 2 of these so I can alternate their usage. I love the duo fibre bristles and their dense texture, it makes them great for blending.

Kate Moss for Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Liner in Emerald
Sweeping a thin line of liner close to the lashes always adds a coat of glamour and makes you look instantly more awake in the morning than you might feel. This emerald colour liner is gorgeous and would work well on all eye colours. It has a lovely opaque, smooth formula too. It's simply stunning.

Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Rosewood 833

I've spoken about this lipstick before describing it as the wearable version of the 'Kylie Jenner' lip. It's a gorgeous nude-y, rosy, brown-y shade with a buttery creme texture. I have been loving the my lips but better look lately and this has worked wonders.

What make up looks have you been enjoying this week?

 PS: I'd love you to check out my blog on Bloglovin xoxo

Travel Beauty Favorites - Summer 2015

I love traveling and staying away, from holidays with my family and boyfriend, to short stop over business trips. But I quite possibly love shopping for my travel mini's more... 

There's something about their cute, diddy packaging that us as women just can't resist, I know I'm not alone on this one.

Batiste Dry Shampoo: Tropical (Travel Size)
Dry shampoo is an absolute must for me when travelling. It makes refreshing your hair so quick and convenient. Plus these travel sizes from batiste are ideal for popping into a small overnight bag or a weekend holdall.

L'Oreal Skin Perfect Miracle Cleansing Oil
This is a gorgeous product from L'Oreal and I use it when I'm at home as well as when I'm away. It removes all traces of make up with minimal effort and leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated. It's lightweight and super handy for travelling as I've found it also doubles up as a handy shave oil.

Charles Worthington Straight & Smooth Straightening Crème 
I've been a fan of Charles Worthington mini's for years and this is one of the best I've found. This is a blow dry and straightening creme with  built in heat protection. I love this because it leaves hair super soft and leaves no product residue behind.

Clarins Satin Smooth Body Lotion
This is my pricey pick of the bunch and my little indulgence when I travel. This moisturizer leaves your skin feeling super nourished and it absorbs in seconds. If it was slightly more purse friendly I would definitely use it all year round.

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo
If I have that little bit of extra time to wash my hair traditionally in the morning when I'm away, instead of  lying in bed for 10 more minutes then blasting it with the dry shampoo, I like to reach for my Aussie shampoos. They smell heavenly and the scent just screams Beach Holidays.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Nourishing Oil Elixir
Lastly I wouldn't be without my John Frieda hair oil when I'm traveling. This absorbs into your hair with ease and tames any pillow induced fly aways instantly. I love this stuff!

I'd love to know what your beauty travel favorites are?

PS: I'd love you to check out Lippy In The City on Bloglovin xoxo

My Week On Instagram #3

I love posting these short and sweet insights from my previous week on Instagram. It's a lovely reminder of the small musings that I wanted to capture and share.

I'd love to know if there's any other posts you'd like to see, beauty related or otherwise.
Wishing everyone a Happy Sunday!

PS: Check out Lippy In The City on Bloglovin xoxo

Office Desk Beauty Essentials

I feel like my top office draw wouldn't be complete without a few beauty necessities for when I need a little sprucing up; whether that be before a big meeting, or when I'm heading out the door at the end of the day for drinks with the girls.

Here are a few of my current favorites...

Elemis Pro-Radience Hand & Nail Cream  

I love this hand cream, but at £18 for a 100ml tube it's a bit of an indulgence. So this is more to symbolize that any hand cream that you enjoy will do, and should be a staple in your desk draw as well as your handbag.

George Super Boost Concealer

This is by far my all time drug store/ high street concealer. I find it comparable to the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer but at £4 its a fraction of the cost. Well worth a try for adding light and bendable coverage under the eyes.

YSL Elle Eau de Parfum

I have used this perfume for years and this is the only bottle I have left at the moment and I'm in desperate need of purchasing another ASAP! I've had the eau de parfum and the eau de toilette over the years and enjoy both. The Parfum retails for around £47 for 30ml which I think is a fab price for such a glamorous fragrance. 

It contains notes of Jasmine, rose and freesia, with accords of pink berries, and a base of patchouli, and cedar. This is a must if you're after a new autumnal fragrance. 

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Gloss in 208 Flash Dance 

Berry colours are my go to if I need a little pick me up or if I'm feeling a little pale. This lip gloss from L'Oreal has a velvety moose like texture and it really lasts. It's easy to apply and it doesn't move all around your face the minute you eat or drink something.

The Body Shop Lip Butter in Pink Grapefruit 

As well as having a lip gloss in my draw I love having a lip balm on hand too. This one from The Bodyshop is a lovely pinky nude shade and it smells incredible! If you love fruity scents, you'll just want to eat this! Try stocking up on these when they're on offer as they usually retail for £4 each.

Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil

Last but not least is my trusty Sally Hansen Cuticle Oil. These things last forever and are a must have to stop hang nails and crusty cuticles. After using your hand cream simply swipe this around your cuticles and rub in. it can take a few minutes for the oil to sink in but it's well worth the wait as it can make your nails look instantly refreshed.

I'd love you to share with me your office beauty essentials, and I tag India at The Jewel Beauty to share hers's too! xx

PS: I'd love you to Follow my blog with Bloglovin xoxo

Selfridges Summer Beauty Box

I think it's safe to say that Selfridges have gone all out with this years Summer Beauty Box.
It contains all the summer-ready essentials you'll need to feel fabulous in the sun.

This limited edition collection comes inside a gorgeous Alphabet Bags Canvas Wash Bag and contains 13 beauty essentials for only £40, purchased individually they would carry a combined RRP of £176! This was just too good of an offer for me to miss!

Inside you'll find...

STARSKIN Instaglam foam peel perfect
STARSKIN After Party Brightening
RIBBAND in Sorbet
JAMES READ Day Tan SPF 15
EYEKO Fat Eyeliner
NAILS INC Gel Nail Varnish in Pink
ILLAMASQUA Lipstick in Luster
NARS Mini Orgasm Lipgloss
RODIAL Dragons Blood Sculpting Gel
URBAN DECAY De Slick Setting Spray
CAUDELIE Grape Water 75ml
TANGLE TEEZER in Original Blu

From L- R: Under lights, in natural light

My favorite products so far have been the Tangle Teaser, which I have been using everyday, the Urban Decay De Slick Setting Spray and the mini NARS Orgasm lip gloss (I seriously love this!).

I'm looking forward trying out all of these over the summer and letting you know how I get on.

PS: I'd love you to Follow my blog with Bloglovin xoxo

My Week On Instagram #2

I have to start by saying where has this week gone?

This week has well and truly flown by for me, and I can't believe its time to share my week on Instagram already!

I hope everyone has had a fantastic week and has enjoyed my small musings on Instagram.

I'd love to know what has been inspiring you recently, please leave me your links in the comments... xoxo

PS: I'd love you to Follow my blog with Bloglovin xoxo