Chiara Fashion Blogger Photoshoot - Backstage

Look at all those clothes!

More clothes!

Shoes, glorious shoes!

Getting my hair and make up done.

Sneak peek at the shoot! Wearing this dress.

Spencer and I.

On Thursday, I attended a photoshoot in Leeds with Chiara Fashion along with Em and Spencer. We had arranged to meet at the train station and get a taxi to the venue together as we didn't really know where we were going. All three of us were anxious for different reasons, mine being I had never done a photoshoot before. When we arrived, we were greeted by the lovely interns, Zoe and Fran. Before the event, we had exchanged many emails and once we all met we were busy chatting. I immediately felt at home. We were introduced to Laisum, who was going to be doing our make up on the day and Marta, who was going to be doing our hair. 

Em had her hair and make up done first, as she had to leave the earliest, while Spencer and I looked at all the clothes and nibbled on some food. Once Em had finished, she chose her first outfit to try on while I had my hair and make up done. Laisum went for a brown smokey eye with pink/red lips. For my hair, I had it curled like Em but my hair was pinned to one side. I loved the style as it's something I've never had done before and I felt super glamourous for my photoshoot. On the day, we had the opportunity to try on quite a few outfits and we were able to style our own looks. Ertan, who was the owner of Chiara Fashion, was the photographer for the day. Zahide was also there to help with the photoshoot. She did a fantastic job of easing me in as I was quite nervous with the photoshoot! 

I had a fantastic day and was gutted when it was all over. I felt like a VIP all day long and got the train home looking extremely glamourous! I cannot wait to see the photographs and see how they came out. My mum is also very excited to see them.

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

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MUA Lipstick in Shade 5 - Review

MUA Lipstick in Shade 5 £1

Altogether I have five MUA Lipsticks; shade 5, shade 7, shade 11, shade 12 and shade 15. All MUA products have a fantastic price tag, especially their lipsticks at only £1 a pop! So five shades cost me £5 - amazing! Similarly to shade 7 and 11, shade 5 is creamy in texture, which means it is moisturising and glides on the lips smoothy. Shade 5, however, is more of a sheer shade and gives your lips a wash of colour. It does had glitter in, which I'm not a fan of but I can live with it. As the lipstick is sheer, application without a mirror is easy and you're good to go! It also has the same delicious vanilla scent, which makes me want to lick my lips!

Have you tried any MUA lipsticks? Which is your favourite shade from the collection?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

Week 30

Watching Oz the Great and Powerful - I loved it! // Thai Fishcakes with sweet chilli sauce - delicious! // Couture Crush Press Launch blog post // Congratulations to Will & Kate! // Mocktails at the #ManchesterMeetUp // Cajun Chicken and 3 Cheese Wrap at the #ManchesterMeetUp // Mini stationery haul from Blott // Making our own pizzas // The finished product!

Hi Lovelies,

I admit it, I have a problem. I am obsessed with the app 'A Beautiful Mess'. I have no idea how I managed without it but now I cannot upload a single picture to Instagram without editing it first! I definitely recommend it, for only 69p I don't know what took me so long to get it!

The weather this week has been terrible! (My weekly updates are turning into weather reports! But I am British, what else am I supposed to talk about?!) Seriously so much rain and thunder, when is it going to stop? We've only had the odd day of sunshine this week but I wouldn't have said it was sunbathing weather and I want to get outside! Bring Summer back!

I have had a fairly busy week with blogging this week. All hail school holidays! (Although I am sad, I've already had one week off. Only 5 more to go!) I have managed to upload a post every day this week :) I'm going to attempt to stick to this and then when I go back to work, it might have to be every other day. I have also attended two blogging events. The first was on Thursday. I was invited to Leeds to the HQ of Chiara Fashion for a photoshoot. (I am planning a blog post on this when I receive the photographs so keep your eyes peeled!) I had so much fun! Secondly, I attended the #ManchesterMeetUp on Saturday, organised by Amy Jane Alice and I was able to meet up with a few girls I had previously met at the Couture Crush Press Launch while meeting a few new girls too. I has a lovely day.

And who can forget - Kate gave birth to a beautiful little boy - Prince George Alexander Louis. (I have a friend who has a 10 year old and he is called George Alexander Lewis! Seriously!) Congratulations Will and Kate!

What have you been up to this week?

If you want to follow me on Instagram, my username is lostinlipstick. If you do follow me, make sure you leave your username below. I love finding new people on Instagram.

Rachel x 

Lost In Lipstick

Skincare Haul + First Impressions

I found these pictures on my computer - I completely forgot about them. Last month, I bought a few new skincare products mainly due to the 3 for 2 offer on at Boots. As it has been a month since purchasing them, I thought I would do a haul plus my first impressions because I have now had a month to try them out.

I have been wanting to try some products from La Roche-Posay for a while now. Mainly Effaclar Duo as I was curious if it worked for my skin or not. I had read many reviews about it and some people appear to love it and about half say it did nothing for them. When I saw the 3 for 2 offer in Boots, I couldn't resist any longer. I was tempted to just get 3 but I was worried in case it wasn't for me. So I decided to explore and see what else they had to offer. I picked up their Micellar Water to compare it to the one I picked up in Superdrug by B and some SPF for my face. 

La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution

So far, so good. I think it's better than the one from Superdrug by B as it dries quicker on my face allowing me to cleanse afterwards. (I only use Micellar Waters to remove make up.) I haven't tried it to remove eye make up yet as I'm scared of it irritating my eyes as they are sensitive but I will give it ago soon! It does a good job of removing my face make up, I use three small cotton pads soaked and it does a great job. It doesn't irritate my skin and it hasn't broken me out. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

There has been quite a lot of attention surrounding this product lately, some good, some bad. I have suffered from spots half of my life and hormonal acne for the last few years. I really wanted to try it out and see if it worked for my skin. After just one week of using it day and night, I noticed such a difference in my skin. I used up a full tube and I knew instantly I was going to purchase another one. However, it was about a week before I could and my spots came back! I knew it was down to not using this super product. I have since purchased another tube and my skin is slowly calming down again. I will now make sure I always have at least one stocked up! 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 30 Melt-In Cream

I had seen a few people mention La Roche-Posay SPF before but when stood facing all the products, I was overwhelmed as there appeared to be so many different varieties. I had decided on a facial SPF though as I take more care over protecting my face so I'm willing to spend more on facial products. I knew I wanted a high SPF for my face so 30-50. I saw this melt in cream and saw it was for sensitive skin. I don't particular have sensitive skin, sensitive eyes but not skin. I thought it must be gentle enough and shouldn't break me out. That's what worries me about SPF, I don't want it to clog my pores. I like the texture of this one but I do find it takes a while to soak in so if I'm applying make up afterwards, I have to wait a while. 

I have used Simple skincare for a few years now, in particular the eye make up remover which I purchase over and over again. Why fix something that isn't broken?! As mentioned above, I couldn't resist the 3 for 2 offer so I decided to see what else Simple had to offer.

Simple Eye Make Up Remover

For some reason, I didn't take a picture of this on its own. I think it may be because I have repurchased it a million times. To be honest, I thought I'd have a photograph of it but I don't! This is an effective eye make up remover and it does the job of removing my eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara. I cannot comment on waterproof mascara as that's not what I use but I think it does mention waterproof. 

Simple Pore Minimising Toning Cleanser

I was attracted to this product as it promised smaller pores. To be honest I haven't used this much as I'm not sure I like the texture. It's like a thick, but watery, gel. Also, I'm not entirely sure if I use it as a cleanser and toner so cutting two steps into one or as a cleanser or as a toner. For that reason it's just sat in my basket of skincare products. If you can enlighten me, please do so!

Simple Deep Cleansing Face Mask

Last but no means least, I bought a deep cleansing mask. I think they are favourite types of masks, I love a bit of clay. I usually use Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask but I'm running low so I thought I could see how this compares. So far I like it. It definitely deep cleanses. If I use regularly, it keeps me skin looking clear and healthy. If I forget to use it for a while and then use it, I break out as it brings all the dirt to the surface of my skin. Lovely! I must try and get back into my face mask routine of Wednesday and Sunday. I seem to have fallen out of it.

Which skincare products have you been buying lately? Which products do you recommend I should add to my wish list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

Benefit The POREfessional - Review

Benefit The POREfessional*

I have been using this primer for a long time. A while back, I received a sample free with a magazine and since then I've been lucky enough to receive two more samples before receiving the full size in the goodie bag from #SheffieldMeetUp. I was extremely grateful that I had received it as I was going to purchase one once my sample had ran out. 

I actually alternate between the Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer and this one. Some days my pores are bigger and I do find The POREfessional does a better job at concealing my pores. It provides a perfect base for my make up and leaves my skin feel silky and smooth. The kind that you just want to sit there and stroke! I know some people just apply it to their problem areas but I like to apply primer to my whole face to prepare it for make up. 

It is a silicone primer which means the silicone fills any pores or fine lines you may have. The Clarins primer is a silicone based primer too and I much prefer them over water based primers but just bare it in mind when shopping for primers and buy one that suits you. I haven't found it to clog my pores or break me out which is always a good thing. 

I really enjoy using this primer and I will definitely purchase it myself when I run out. I am a girl who suffers from fairly large pores and this just keeps them under control during the day. 

Have you tried Benefit The POREfessional? What is your favourite primer? 

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick 

Real Techniques Starter Set - Review

Real Techniques Starter Set

I bought this set as I have never owned any decent eye make up brushes. In the past, when I've applied eyeshadow, I just used a brush that came with a palette and we all know how rubbish those are! I have been using Real Technique brushes for almost a year now and I absolutely love every single one I own. I don't necessarily use them for their specific use but I know lots of people don't and I find the way that works best for me. (I am planning to do a make up brush collection post and I'll share which brushes I use for which job.) 

The set includes five brushes to "boost your look with effortlessly enhanced eyes" - a base shadow brush, a deluxe crease brush, an accent brush, a pixel-point eyeliner brush and a brow brush. They all have purple, aluminium handles and as always, the bristles are made from synthetic taklon and are 100% cruelty free. All the brushes are super soft, which is especially important around the eye area. 

The base shadow brush is exactly that - it applies a smooth, flawless foundation of colour. I have only used it to apply a base of powder shadow so I cannot comment on cream eyeshadow bases but I'm sure it will do just as good of a job. I use this brush to apply the base colour eyeshadow as well as highlighter on my brow bone and the inner corner of my eyes. I love this brush as it's super soft and doesn't cause any dragging of my eye lids. Also, it picks up just enough product so I don't experience fall out, even with drugstore eyeshadows. 

The deluxe crease brush has a soft, oversized design for effortless contouring. I use this brush to apply a second, sometimes third, eyeshadow colour to the outer corners and crease of my eye. Along with the base shadow brush, it is definitely one of my most used brushes from the set. It contains a lot of bristles, which are densely packed to ensure maximum colour application. 

The accent brush and pixel-point eyeliner brush are my least used brush in the set but not because they're rubbish because they're not! It's because I'm not skilled enough, or have a steady enough hand, to apply eyeliner to my lash line! Every now and again I practise and I will get there but for the mean time these only get used on my practise days! 

The brow brush has a distinctive shape to easily define your eyebrows. As I have mentioned in a previous post, I use the MUA Brow Kit to do my eyebrows. Previously, I used the brush provided, which was ok and did its job but it was tricky as the handle was so small. As this brush has a longer handle it makes it much easier to do my brows. (Side note- although the MUA Brow Kit is good, I can't help but want to try a MAC shadow for my eyebrows. I might go and get matched up soon! I really want my own MAC palette but it just works out so expensive!)

I love every single Real Techniques brush I have and I have built up quite a collection! The next ones on my list are the new duo-fibre ones and one to apply my cream blusher. Which brush do you use to apply your cream blusher? 

Do you own this set? Which are your favourite/most used brushes from the set? Which brush(es) do you recommend for me next? 

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick 

Barry M Lip Paint in Touch Of Magic TMLP - Review

Barry M Lip Paint in Touch Of Magic TMLP

I think this lipstick has been out since Spring but it may be earlier. I heard about it when Chelsea reviewed it on her blog in May. I was so intrigued as it was a green lipstick! I just had to try it for myself. I popped into Boots and Superdrug a couple of times but could I get hold of it? It was always sold out! I didn't give up though, I kept of searching and when I saw one left in my local Boots, I snapped it up! 

As you can see it is a green lipstick and it works by reacting with the alkali in your lips, which is a fab idea as you know it will match your skin tone perfectly. The alkali level in your lips determines how pink the lipstick will go your lips. One thing that stops me buying a lot of lipsticks is whether it will suit my skin tone or not. The lipstick applies clear, which can make application tricky, but you must be carefully not to go out of the lines. Use all those years of colouring in books as practise! You literally only need one application and it comes out the perfect pink tone for you.

It lasts hours and hours and hours. Seriously, I couldn't get it off when I wanted to! Perfect for a night out but bear it in mind when you're trying if for the first time. (Once I had photographed it, I applied it but was going out somewhere afterwards with bright pink lips in the middle of the afternoon!) Also, you should note, the first application was more 'balmy' than normal and it took longer to react with my lips. This resulted in me yelling 'it doesn't work' and so I applied more! Big mistake! I looked like a clown!!

It contains aloe vera so it's quite moisturising on the lips. However, the colour stains your lips and lasts for hours but the moisture goes so you will need to use a lip balm to keep you lips moisturised. I totally recommend this lipstick. It's a great concept and it will suit everyone! I just hope TMLR is next (Turn My Lips Red) as that's what I really struggle with and I want a red lipstick! 

Have you tried Barry M's TMLP lipstick? Do you agree and would love a TMLR lipstick? 

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick 

The Wedding Series - Save The Date Ideas

Image from Google, edited by me

Save The Dates are by no means an essential, however, we are getting married in August which is a popular month for holidays. Therefore I want to give all our guests one years notice so they are free to attend our wedding. These days, there are a variety of Save The Date options; magnets, tea towels, postcards and regular cards to name a few. I think we have decided on a flat card style and we want handmade ones as the choices you can buy in packs from shops are just not special enough. A few weeks ago, I contacted a few handmade stationery suppliers and asked for samples to consider for our wedding.

WARNING: This post is picture heavy!

Love Story Stationery

Love Story Stationery create bespoke invitations and other wedding stationery. Rachel very kindly sent me a few different styles that had been created for other couples. She also included a few other ideas for invitations, menus, etc, which was very kind of her. Delivery was super fast and I received these within days of contacting her. Customer service was extremely good and Rachel was very friendly. Prices for Save The Dates from Love Story are approximately £2 each, which is average for a handmade invitation. I have to comment on the quality of card used, it's fantastic. Great quality used and the invites look expensive.

I Do Designs

Out of all the Save The Dates I received, I have to admit that I Do Designs sent me my favourites. Customer service from Louise was excellent. She asked me about our colour scheme and if we wanted any embellishments before creating bespoke invites just for us. We haven't decided on our colour scheme just yet so I said neutral/pale pink and I absolutely love all of these designs. The above designs range from £1.85-£2.20. My favourites are the first, second and third design. I'm struggling to choose just one! Again the card quality is fantastic, which makes the cards look like they're worth a lot more.

AJZ Craftz

Angela from AJZ Crafts provided excellent customer service. On her website, she has a variety of questions for you to answer. She uses your answers to make up several designs personal to you and your requirements. Then I received an email with photographs of a number of different designs and Angela asked which was my favourite. Once I had chosen my favourite, she made a hard copy and sent it to me. This doesn't have to be the final copy. She can work with you to change anything or add anything you require. The above Save The Dates are priced at 80p, which is a fantastic price for a handmade card. 

Indigo Flash Bespoke Stationary

Indigo Flash make bespoke stationery. I specified that I like vintage style with ribbons and pearls and as we don't have a colour scheme, I stuck with neutral/dusky pink. Sarah sent me five different designs as ideas and specified that we would take bits of the ones we like and create bespoke cards just for us. The price range of the cards pictured above, range from 85p to £1.50, which is very reasonable. They also print guest names and addresses on the envelopes, which is included in the price. My favourite has to be the one with the lace detail! Also, I love that ribbon! It makes a perfect keepsake and would be fabulous for wedding favours too! 

I think my next post will be inspiration to help me (and you) find the perfect dress as that is the next step in my wedding planning journey.

I hope you are enjoying these posts and if you are planning a wedding, I hope they are helping you. If you have already planned a wedding, please share your tips below for me and others to read. Thank you.

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick