Pink Lips - New Beauty Trend

Hello Ladies,

I seem to have developed a bit of a new obsession. Now you may know I have many of these, many many beauty related ones. But I thought it was time to break a habit of a lifetime and embrace a new make-up trend. Now for me this is being brave as I'm one of those that does tend to do the same make-up virtually everyday. Just with a bit of glitter added for a more glamourous occasion. (Or when I'm feeling the sparkle of course too!) But anyway I guess I'm stuck in what is known as a beauty rut. I rely on my eyes more than anything else and they're what I tend to emphasize,  only ever slicking on a pale pink lip-gloss. Although I am partial to the beige/golden lip too! But never ever venture beyond that! I think it's because it suits me and my fondness for looking ultra golden and tanned, all the time! So to embrace something different would be quite controversial to my normal look. I don't even know what made me try it, I think it was just one of those gut decisions and to be honest I don't think I expected it to be as bright and vibrant as it was but anyway the new trend I've now got a bit of an addiction to is... Bright Pink Lips! 

So as I said, normally I would have shied away from the overly barbie pink tones and when sporting a pink lip always used to go for the very pale pink look. But as I mention  I really don't know what made me try it but I just thought I'd give it a go and found that I really liked it! It seemed to compliment the rest of my make-up look surprisingly well which I never thought it would. I think it might be because the combination of tanned skin, dark pink blush and my dramatic eyes allow for the bright pink barbie lipstick look work! It's certainly encouraged me to be a bit more bolder with my make-up and go out like it more often! In fact just yesterday when going out for a meal with some friends I used a bright pink lip courtesy of the L'Oreal Paris Glam Shine Stain Splash in No.103, which lasted all night I might add, even after eating and drinking! Another one that I'm quite liking right now is the Maybelline Superstay 14 Hour Lipsticks, particularly the Infinitely Fuchsia. Now this is something I really never thought I'd love as one it's reasonably bright and two it's also a lipstick and I'm more of a lip-gloss girl! But this gives a lovely colour and a bit of a shine to it too, and again it's really long lasting which for me is a big part of a colour lip product. Plus it doesn't feel too sticky or wet which I can sometimes find a bit off-putting. 


However my absolute favourite lip product at the moment is the new Apocalips by Rimmel, especially Luna! I'll be writing a full review on this soon! But all I can say for now is it's gorgeous and just gives such a lovely, glossy colour that is just perfect for anytime - well in my opinion anyway! I've been wearing everyday while at work and just love love love it! If you haven't seen the new Apocalips range I couldn't recommend them more! 

I've posted a picture of me with my pink lip look just to the side :)

What do you think ladies?  Will you be giving a bold pink lip a go?

Emily x

How great is Boots?

Hello Ladies, 

So I've been doing a bit of thinking while at work today. I was restocking the make-up section and considering all the different products and things and it while I was doing this that I was approached by a customer. They basically wanted help around the store in finding the products they wanted. So obviously I was more than happy to help, in fact I rather enjoy these little tasks! I find it both intriguing and fascinating to think what customers are buying, why they might be buying it, who's going to be using it and what for? So it's during one of these little wonders round the shop that the customer turned to me and said: 'Do you know, I really like Boots.' I responded just with the usual 'Oh... yeah... that's nice! A lot of people do.' Then the customer went 'No. No. I REALLY like Boots. It just has everything I need in a shop.' That's what really got me thinking. Is Boots really that perfect a shop? Especially when considering certain sections like the make-up section I had been working in. So I thought I'd add my own little thoughts to this. 

'How great is Boots?'

It is a very interesting thing for me to consider. As you well know I work for Boots so of course am in their all the time! I don't think there is a day I don't visit! It's like I have some strange compulsion to go in there every single day regardless of if it's my day off or not! And the best thing is I can't stand working there half the time! On a day I have to work I literally fill with dread quite often, but I guess a lot of people feel like that when going to work I suppose. Although when just visiting on a time I'm not actually working it's usually a lot more pleasurable being there. But then again I get some sort of kick out of shopping... literally shopping anywhere, be it clothing outlets, department stores, beauty sections, even the supermarket! Yes I enjoy going food shopping! The only bit I don't like is the handing the money over at the till part at the end! But other than that I love it! It's almost an addiction I'd say. I literally love nothing more than wandering aimlessly round shops and particularly shops like Boots! Whenever I'm having a down day, or not feeling great I always go shopping as it's true what they say, shopping really is my retail therapy!

But more  to the point I wonder how my answers may differ from everyone elses considering I do work for the company and therefore am going to have quite different views. Especially seeing as I'm possibly going to know slightly different information about Boots, in terms of behind the scenes. Not saying it's a lot considering I'm not of any supervisory or management position but still probably more than the average shopper! Guess until I've written my full response you're not gonna know! :)

Now it's going to be hard for me to distance myself from being Emily the Boots worker from Emily the Boots customer so I'll probably switch between the two a bit. For example considering the question:

'What do you like about the Boots shopping experience?' 

Well from a customer's point of view I'd say: Boots generally have a product to fit your health and beauty needs, be it a skincare need, cold and flu need or you need a new fragrance you are able to find something to fit at the shop. It's arguably the biggest health and beauty chain in the country and stock one of the widest selections, especially if visiting the larger flagship stores, so you're spoilt for choice. I love that I can look around and find a product that's right for me. Plus I like the mix of premium brands such as Clarins, Clinique and Dior to the most basic such as Boots Essentials  so there is something to suit every budget too! I also like how anyone from the young to old can shop in Boots, and literally you can grow up in there right from the baby age and into children and then with girls in particular they can experiment with the younger girl cosmetic products and skincare, till teenage and they fully go into skincare mode. Okay not everyone but I did, getting cosmetics, skincare, picking out different body sprays etc. Then Boots cater right up to the older lady with their range of anti-aging formulas, again from the more high street names e.g. Nivea, Garnier right up to the premiums e.g. Estee Lauder, Clinique.

Now from a colleague's perspective I've got to say it's seeing customers leave, happy with their purchases. Often they've gotten something they either need or want and many leave satisfied with the price they've paid too. Plus I think the advantage card helps as well because people always like receiving their points. In fact some get a little too obsessive with them and want you to monitor every single item, plus their double points, plus their extra 300 points voucher, etc. And then still scrutinize what you've done! And that's not even including the fact they've bought it all from the clearance section!!! (Can you tell I was reminiscing one particular incident from the other day haha!)

However as someone who works for Boots that's something that drives me mad about the Boots shopping experience. So if thinking...

'What do you dislike about the Boots shopping experience?'

I'd say, nothing is ever clear. They have so many offers going on at the same time and by the time you've added your vouchers (if they actually qualify) I don't know what ends up more confused, me, the till or the customer! Plus more often than not the store will often forget to change over just even one of the offers on sales plan day and then you get customers coming up to you being like 'well it said this' and then accusing staff of not putting it through properly on the till or something! Or customers don't read the sign properly and then think they can get something that isn't on offer for the offer price. So Boots should probably make their signs clearer! However, as a consumer I'd say the thing that winds me up most about shopping at Boots is they frequently will not have something in store. For example the other day I went into the flagship store in Leeds that I work in and was planning on purchasing the Fast Hair Shampoo and Conditioner. Now the Boots there are actually really advertising this and have even got it in the specially dedicated 'latest finds' section. However, they had sold out. Why have it advertised in prime location if you're sold out?!

But now personally beauty related... 'What could Boots do to improve their beauty sections? Make-up especially!'

Well in terms of Cosmetics I'd say the biggest problem for Boots is that in the larger stores (and even in some of the smaller ones too! They don't have someone there to look after them! This means they end up a complete mess with things all in the wrong place and not always even in sell-able fashion anymore as so many people end up using the products as testers and things! Plus often the testers end up in the 'sell' sections! It just looks awful and means that you can't even look for items properly, so would never know if something was in stock or not! Plus that's another major issue when the cosmetics sections aren't looked after, the stock doesn't get replenished as quickly so customers are then left unable to purchase the latest beauty innovations as even if the store has it in stock you'd never know about it as it's stuck in a crate or a draw somewhere and not put in the makeup sections when the spaced becomes free. Although I've got to credit the beauty counters, e.g. premium beauty like Benefit and No.7 as these are often well looked after and the girls (and some men too) do a really great job and deserve credit for their brand! I think if all the sections had a dedicated representative that took pride in them and was expert in the section too then it would be amazing as customers would be able to get specialist advice and find the ideal products for them. However, I know this is often impractical so maybe a makeup dedicated sales team that would be knowledgeable on all the high-street brands would be a good idea. Although maybe they would need to be like the premium beauty franchises and often employed outside of Boots and brought in just to work in that location. 

What do you think? Do you have an opinion on Boots? 

Emily x

Images sourced: http://www.boots.com

Soundwave Festival Croatia - the Summer Festival fix?

Hello,

Now I know I write a beauty blog but this is just something that I had to share and plus it's got me rather inspired. Now I've been thinking back to this time last year and was thinking about how lovely and warm it actually was! I remember going out in just a thin cardigan this time last year and actually being able to stand outside for longer than 5 minutes without being so cold that I wanted to cry! But fast forward to March this year and I'm shivering in about 2 minutes and that's with me wearing a massive coat, about seven layers, thick woolen leggings, scarf and gloves! What is going on?!

I am so ready for a bit of sun now! I don't just want it, I need it! It's far too cold for my liking and I think I need a bit of a sunlight fix! After all the sun gives us our essential Vitamin D requirements! So without this I'm feeling rather deprived. I don't care what anyone says, a multi-vitamin is not the same. So been searching for holidays and then thought back to my summer last year and was thinking about V Festival! For once it was so so hot! I think if it had rained I would have hated every minute, but the weather just made it! So this got me thinking, would there be a way of going to an epic music festival and get guaranteed good weather? Because I think as the weather is proving right now, England is unreliable. We could never guarantee sun, in fact it's more likely to be cold, wet and miserable! Got to love a bit of British Summertime! 

So anyway I think I've found the solution.. going to a music festival abroad! And the Soundwave Festival Croatia looks like the perfect one! I've uploaded the video of the Pre- Festival party below and I think you'll agree with me! It does look pretty epic! Just think brilliant music, gorgeous sunshine, long summer nights, warm days. This would just be the most amazing weekend ever!

Now all I need to do it find someway of funding it! Any offers?

Emily x

Get D'Reem hair!

Shut up!

When I saw this I'm not gonna lie I did get a bit excited and literally my first words were 'Oh my God' followed by 'I have to see this!' Now I know I used two major TOWIE (The Only Way Is Essex) catch phrases in the previous few sentences but I'm being genuinely serious that that was my actual reaction and not me taking the mick! What can I say, I'm an Essex girl! Okay may not live there now but let's face it, you can take the girl out of Essex, can't take the Essex out of the girl!

Now you may be wondering what on earth I'm going on about.Only the brand new product launch from Mr Joey Essex himself! Yes you did read that right, Joey Essex has now got his own product range. What is that product range? Only Joey Essex's very own D'Reem Hair products! And no I haven't made that name up! That is genuinely the name of his brand new products! 

So everyone's favourite Essex lad has released the hair range at Tesco stores nationwide and just some of the products include a Beach Spray, Re-Work Putty, Shaping Paste, Styling Wax and Extreme Hold Gel. All something that is guaranteed to get you the ultra glam Essex look that will make everyone else 'well jel!' Plus the best thing about it all is that it's all very reasonably priced! With prices from £2.50, you can't go wrong!

I'm planning on trying the D'Reem Beach Spray at the next opportunity I can! £2.99 when normally I'd spend like at least £5 on one from other hair brands! And if it gets my hair looking as good as the TOWIE lot, I won't be doing bad!

What about you? Do you think you'll be giving the Essex look a go? 

Emily x

Self Belief and Rolling in the Deep

Hello,

Had a very busy past few days! With the combination of the final few nights of the LUU Dance Show, of which I was performing in. To having work all day Sunday and on Saturday I just didn't seem to get a minute to spare either after Zumba on Saturday morning, followed by co presenting on Lowdown for LSRFM.com too, then meeting my friend in town for a gossip and a coffee! Plus a bit of shopping in good old Boots! This is me after all, you know I have some sort of compulsion to go in the shop daily, even when I'm not working! I don't know why as when working there I'm forever counting down the minutes till I leave! But hey, I'm not normal. Plus it's not nearly half as bad when you're the customer rather than the staff. Except for the spending part of course. 

Right I really must learn not to go so off topic! Despite my little rant what I'm actually posting about is inner beauty and self-confidence. Two things I don't really believe in myself I really have, which is a very bad thing probably. Believing in your own ability is one thing that we all should do. It's almost a sure fire way to eternal happiness, yet all too often we can be down on ourselves and far too harsh! Well I know I am anyway. I always tend to see the negative in everything and wouldn't dare give myself credit for doing well. Which no matter how many people tell me to lighten up, see the good in things. Stop pressuring yourself all the time! I just can't seem to be positive. 

Which is probably why I admire this little girl in the video so much. I was searching on Youtube at a few home videos of well known covers. Yes I did actually manage to find 10 minutes to spare in my hectic work schedule! But anyway, I came across the one posted below. Now there is noting extraordinary about the quality, or even the singing to that extent. But it's the little girl's pure confidence that did it for me. You can see her Dad has obviously really encouraged her and given her so much praise that she believes in herself and is happy and confident. She may not be the most amazing singer, don't get me wrong she is much better than I could ever be. (and no I'm not just saying that because I like to put myself down, I'm genuinely tone deaf! At request I'll even post a video of me singing to prove it!)  But anyway have a watch of the video below:

See what I mean? Isn't she just so full of confidence  I guess that really is the definition of beauty! To believe in yourself is saying to the world, no matter what I may look like, I think I'm beautufcul and that's all that counts. Plus I think the clear close bond between Jorge and Alexa is adorable too! Think how much time they've probably spent rehearsing and things! It's quite sweet how much he clearly adores his daughter too!

What do you think? Is she over confident? Or someone we should all follow?

Emily x

Applying moisturiser could be damaging your skin...

Hello,

Now this is something I found quite interesting. I was talking to one of the Clarins ladies at the Boots store I work at and she was telling me all about the new Double Serum product that Clarins have released. Something I've heard is absolutely amazing by the way, and if her skin was anything to do by then yes it works! I know I have no evidence to show you, but this woman is 56 and I wouldn't put her a day over 40! So if that's anything to go by I certainly think I'll be investing in the Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate 30ml  £55 from Clarins, when I'm older!

But we was also discussing all skincare in general and I was telling her about the moisturizer I use. She was pleased to hear at 'such a young age' I have such a committed skincare regime. But to me I didn't think I was all that different to everyone else to be honest. I assumed everyone cleansed and moisturized their skin. But she said in 18-25 year olds only about 55% have a committed daily routine. Now this is something I found rather shocking to be truthful! If you're one of the (as I now know) millions of women out there, no matter what your age you must start a good skincare regime! Believe me you will be doing yourself the world of good!

Back to the chat I was having. As I said we was discussing moisturizers and she said at my age not to worry too much about the expensive brands and specialist formulas, as long as I'm putting on one that meets my skins needs then I'm okay. So that was one good thing for me, means I can save on the pennies  As a skint student that is something I tend to find of extreme importance! However, she did tell me I was doing something wrong in the way I applied my moisturizer. 

Need to keep youthful!
Can't be aging too soon!
If patting my skin is the answer,
then that is what I shall do! :D

At first I didn't know what she meant. Surely there is only one way you can apply moisturizer  I thought simply rubbing it on to your skin was all that you needed to do. Well how wrong I was! Did you know that this is actually the completely wrong thing to do as it can actually be having an adverse effect! Apparently by simply rubbing the moisturizer into your skin you could end up tugging on it and this will then in time eventually cause sagging and wrinkles! Something that a lot of women actually apply face creams to avoid! 

So what is the right way to apply them I hear you ask? I've been informed the best method is to get your cream and put it into the palm of your hand. Then rub them together to get them completely coated in them. Then gently pat your face. This will ensure that your skin is getting all the nourishment it needs and benefit fully from the moisturizer, without tugging on it and causing a damaging effect!

Well they say you learn something new everyday and I think that will be something I shall certainly be giving a go. How about you? 

Emily x

I'm back...

Hello everyone,

So it's me again. That person who at the start of the year promised to be blogging much more regularly, and up until January I did achieve this! Okay I know it was only January but it weren't quite as bad as it sounds, I did manage the whole month! Well nearly. But anyway, ever since I've constantly been meaning to blog. I sit there and have so many ideas for article and things but juts never actually get around to writing about them. Which is probably due to many factors. One being that I'm just useless. Secondly, I seem to prioritize all the wrong things! I seem to procrastinate so much and just don't actually do anything. I can't even say that uni work is something that is taking up my time because it's not. In fact I've got two essays and a video project, all due in within two weeks. One of them being a politics essay! Something I have no clue about. Yet I find myself simply not bothering to do any readings or anything! What is wrong with me?!!! 

But I've come to the conclusion this is not on! If I want to get anywhere in the world I seriously need to get my act together and stop wasting so much time. I need to start doing my uni work, rather than filling my time browsing the internet, facebooking and spending my life of Twitter. Next I need to get back into my blog and Her Campus as a whole. I feel like such a let down! Why am I not more organised. It was something I always had such pride in the fact that I was always very motivated, organised and always kept my promise. Now look at me. What has my life become?

Well anyway I plan to make this change. I really want to start blogging again and will, yes WILL make it my mission to do so. I will write at least a weekly blog, offering some beauty tips I've found out. Plus probably mixed in with tales of my woes and just general misery! I have realised I'm quite a depressing person! 

I hope it doesn't come across too much in my blog posts! Please tell me if I'm too depressing as I will try to reduce this. I know it will only put off any readers I do manage to gain. After all who wants to read someone who's just so miserable all the time! Okay so on that note, this is my post to state my aims and intentions! It will be something I commit too. It will. If I fail in this then I might as well deem myself a failure at life right?

See I'm being depressing and pessimistic again! Another mission to stop doing that too!

Right I'm going to end of this note. But I can assure you I have full intentions of trying to make something of this and really hope that I will. Now all I need is to get some sort of readership....

Emily x