Tips and Advice | Final Weeks of University

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My first post of 2020! Its been a while!

Today's post is quite a reflective one and one that links to my previous post where I shared that I had graduated from university! The reflective aspect of this post comes from how this time last year I was in my final few weeks of being a student. It was a time filled with stress and anxiety but one that I definitely look back on with pride. Like me in 2019, I am aware that many people are now in their final few weeks and are facing a similar time to what I was (with the added stress of the current global pandemic!) and in this post I wanted to note some tips and advice that I feel helped me in the final stretch. I really hope they are just as helpful to anyone reading this.

1) Manage Your Time

Managing your time is very important as it keeps you organised. My tip for managing your time would be to plan your day and make a list (I always prefer writing things down rather than taking notes on my phone etc.) of how you want your study day to go and stick to it. For me, I would always find it easier to start study or work on my dissertation in the morning - as early as possible. I always found I was more motivated in the mornings and beginning work in the afternoon (or thinking, 'I'll start working after lunch') was a no-go as I knew that I would be more likely to procrastinate or get the bare minimum of work done. 

Also make sure you have a time in mind when to finish studying for the day. I would always say before dinner (for me around 6pm), although sometimes, especially in the very last week or two, I would still be working until 8/9pm as time became limited. This allows for time to wind down and relax before sleep.

2) Take Regular Breaks

Always make sure you take regular breaks away from your laptop or study books to relax. Make sure this time away is not study based. This could be something like reading a magazine or listening to music. I would always get very irritable when I knew it was time for a break! Make breaks around 20-30 minutes - but, in my experience, if you feel you a slightly longer break (maybe if you've done more work than you had planned to by that time), do not punish yourself. Allow yourself this time but be more strict when returning to study.

3) Reward Yourself

Rewarding yourself at certain points through the final weeks is a nice way to push yourself along and make yourself feel proud for all the hard work you are putting in. Rewards could be something like buying yourself something small or something as simple as watching your favourite movie at the weekend with a tub of ice-cream after a busy study week!

4) Keep In Contact

Make sure you keep in contact with people around you. These people include; your lecturers and tutors, university peers and family/friends. If you are struggling in any way - work-wise or physically/emotionally/mentally, do not hesitate to reach out. Never feel as though you are being a burden to them. They all want you to do your best/succeed just as much as you want to! There are always people to help.

5) Remind Yourself How Far You've Come!

In that final stretch, its very easy to feel down and unmotivated but, remember, this isn't going to last forever. As hard as it was, I always tried to think of how far I had come in my university journey. University is, typically, three years of study and you only have a matter of weeks or days (depending on how you look at it!). Think of all the lectures and seminars you have attended and all the hours spent writing assignments - one (maybe your dissertation) - or a few more - and you are there! Every day is a step closer to graduating!

I really hope this post has been helpful or at least motivating in some way. Good luck to anyone in their final few weeks at university! Remember you aren't alone if you are feeling anxious or stressed and this feeling will not last forever. The day you submit your dissertation or your final piece of work will feel absolutely amazing and you will feel so incredibly proud of yourself! 

YOU CAN DO IT!

Lauren x

Officially a Graduate!

Yesterday, I officially became a graduate!

Like many students, I would describe my university experience as one of the most stressful and challenging times but definitely the most rewarding! Graduation was one of the proudest and happiest days of my life so far and one I will never forget.

My graduation was at 10:30 in the morning and was held at Senate House in Bloomsbury, London. I graduated with a BA in Journalism and Media and was awarded a 2:1 which I was, and still, am, beyond happy about! I had my Mum, Dad and Nan (my Mum's Mum) there to celebrate my special day. I attended Birkbeck, University of London.

Birkbeck was actually my second shot at university. I first attended the University of Greenwich in 2013 after college but decided that university life wasn't for me after the first term. I was a little apprehensive, at the time, with my decision to give up but looking back now, I am so happy I did as I wouldn't have had the experience that I did at Birkbeck! Everything happens for a reason.

So proud of all I have achieved over the past three years and am looking forward to what my future holds...

Class of 2019!

Lauren xoxo

Endometriosis

Hey all. Happy Friday!

A slightly different post on here this time. I am aware that I have never shared anything remotely personal on here before but this post is on a topic I have been wanting to talk about for some time.

This topic is endometriosis.

Firstly, endometriosis (sometimes abbreviated to endo) is a long-term health condition that affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK - that is 176 million women worldwide. I am in that 1 in 10. To me, it is something that needs more recognition and acknowledgment amongst women and the health system.

WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?

(Pronounced en-doh-mee-tree-oh-sis)

''Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes'' (NHS website)

Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells like the ones found in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. This is a chronic and debilitating condition that causes painful and heavy periods* Endometriosis can affect all women and girls of childbearing age, regardless of race or ethnicity.

*information from endometriosis-uk.org


ENDOMETRIOSIS FACTS AND FIGURES

• As previously mentioned, one in ten women of reproductive age in the UK suffers from endometriosis.
• 10% of women worldwide have the condition.
• Endometriosis is the second most common gyneacological condition in the UK.
• On average, it takes 7 years to get an actual diagnosis.
• Endometriosis costs the UK economy £8.2 billion a year in treatment, loss of work and healthcare costs.
• Lastly, the cause of endometriosis is unknown and there is no definite cure

(this information is from endometriosis-uk.org)

SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Symptoms vary in intensity from one woman to another and the amount of endometriosis does not always correspond to the amount of pain. It is also important to note that not all women experience symptoms. Some symptoms include:

• Painful, heavy or irregular periods
• Painful bowel movements
• Pain during and after intercourse
• Fatigue
• Infertility

Some women also report symptoms such as (Not all is listed):

• Pain on ovulation
• Pain during an internal examination
• Pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Leg pain

It is important to remember, endometriosis is not an infection, it is not contagious and it is not a form of cancer.

(this information is from endometriosis-uk.org and official NHS website)

MY STORY

I was 12 when I started my periods, but it wasn't until I was 14/15 that I first started to experience symptoms, of what would later be diagnosed as endometriosis. Like many women, my first symptom was very painful periods. Every month, without fail, I would be doubled over in agony. I would be heavy breathing and clutching a hot water bottle just anxiously waiting for the pain to end, only for it to appear again the following month. My mum often described my state as ‘looking like I was in labour’. As you can imagine, I was in absolute distress, often crying through the pain. Even writing this, I am aware that this probably sounds very dramatic to someone who may not have endured endometriosis but trust me, it is horrible. The worse part of this experience was that I didn’t really know why. This was what every woman across the world experienced, right? Or so I thought.

I am unaware of how many times I visited my GP from this moment as a teenager to when I was diagnosed. I just know it was every few periods. I was convinced something was wrong as surely this was not normal, even though the doctors were now dismissing it as ‘’bad period cramps’’. This is a problem that I know is, unfortunately still, common with the condition. I did, however, begin speaking to school friends. I would casually ask in conversation what their periods were like and noticed that they would say things like ‘’I have a stomach-ache on day one but that’s about it’’. This was nothing like me.

Like many girls, and women, who are yet to be diagnosed, I had the illusion that maybe I was just weak and couldn’t cope with periods. As time went on, I tried to convince myself that this must be normal and that I had to just deal with it. Despite this, at the back of my mind, I knew there was something wrong.

When I was sixteen, after already having had countless trips to the GP, I was put on the contraceptive pill (I am unsure of which one it was). This is the first step the GP takes as it should help with the pain. I know this has helped a lot of girls, and women, who experience painful periods, but this is not always the right solution for ones with endometriosis.

Soon after I was put on the contraceptive pill, I had to stop it as I was experiencing side effects. After that, I decided to just try to manage my pain naturally.

Despite this, the pain continued, and I absolutely dreaded getting my period every month. I had started to notice a pattern to my pain too. I would notice my pain was worse in the mornings and usually on day three of my cycle, which at the time was 6-7 days long. The intense pain would also last around 30 to 40 minutes and although that doesn’t sound very long, it felt more like two hours. Like I mentioned at the beginning of this, I would be sat doubled over, sometimes not sure if the pain was eased more by sitting down or walking around. Although it would only last a short time, I would be exhausted for the rest of the day and felt it would drain my body of all its energy. It is important to note that although the intense pain lasted only 30 to 40 minutes, I would still experience pain in the days before and after that intense moment.

Around this time, I had finished school but was in college studying my a-levels. I didn’t have the best school experience, but I loved college. It was a shame that the good experience of college was spoiled every month by this pain. Despite this, I got the grades I wanted and was, and still am, so proud of myself for not letting it stop me. This was proof to myself, that although I felt weak with this pain, I didn’t let it stop me in certain areas of my life.

Fast forward to my early twenties, I was still experiencing intense pain every month. During this time was when I first hear about endometriosis. I, also, learned that one of my cousins had been diagnosed with it. At one of my next GP appointments, I mentioned it and this was the first breakthrough. It was the first time I felt like I was being taken seriously.

Between the ages of 18 and 22, I was put on the mini pill. The one I took was called Cerazette and despite experiencing headaches on it at the beginning, it worked well for my pain and it, also, stopped my periods completely! Although I was aware of the possibility of endometriosis, at this time, because Cerazette was working so well for me, I decided to stay on it. The thought of not having periods and the unknown of if I actually had endometriosis was a weird feeling but it was the first time I had experienced an, almost, pain-free life so I wanted to enjoy it.

In June 2016, I decided to stop Cerazette after relying on it since 2012. I didn’t experience any physical symptoms stopping it but I was nervous. My main reason for stopping it was because I wanted to see if my symptoms were still there. I was hoping they would be gone and I would just be able to live a normal life and have periods like ‘a normal woman’. I was wrong, they were back, although surprisingly not as routine as they were before. The pain would happen at any time but from what I felt, not as intense. Despite saying this, they were still bad. 

In February 2017, I had my first, and only so far, laparoscopic surgery to properly diagnose endometriosis. It was then that it was confirmed, I had stage two endometriosis (there are in total four stages). The surgeon confirmed that he had found growths mainly on the right side of my pelvis and, also, near my kidneys. The location of growths by my kidneys explained my intense lower back pain. This is a pain that I still experience to this day. This could be an idea for another post, but my surgery experience was good. I was in and out the same day. I did, naturally, experience pain and post-surgery symptoms but it wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated beforehand. I was working part-time in retail at the time (I was, also, in my first year at university) and took two weeks sick leave at work before returning as usual.

Once I had read up on the condition, I sort of convinced myself that that was what I had so the diagnosis came as a relief more than a sense of sadness. As time has passed since 2017, I have struggled quite a bit emotionally and mentally with having endometriosis but physically, I have managed to control my pain with the mini pill I was previously on.

I always feel like I am one of the lucky ones with this condition, as silly as that could sound. I have spoken to many girls, and women, over the past two years who have been affected by endometriosis and hearing their stories, I do feel lucky that my pain is manageable, to an extent*. I know of people who have been in the hospital for days on morphine as their pain has been so horrific. Hearing stories like that is heart-breaking. I really do hope a cure is found in the, near, future. 

*I am currently period free but Cerazette doesn’t completely get rid of my symptoms. The symptoms that still affect me sometimes are intense lower back pain, hip pain, headaches, and nausea.

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The main reason I wanted to write this post is to encourage awareness of endometriosis and to share my story. As a previous Journalism student, I love writing and often use it as a sort of therapy for myself. For anyone who may be reading this post and is struggling with symptoms of endo, has the condition (or anyone that has a condition - or an undiagnosed condition - of any sort), as hard as it may feel, please don’t give up. Even though it may feel impossible right now, there is help out there and your answers will be met.

I also hope this post helps anyone who has endometriosis to know they aren’t alone. You are incredibly strong. We’ve got this!

I’d also like to encourage anyone who feels that they may have endo to fight for what you believe. You know your body better than anyone.

Thank you to anyone who has taken the time to read this post.

Lauren xoxo

My 25th Birthday + Update

Green Printed Dress - Primark

Nude Studded Heels - New Look

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So it was my 25th birthday on Friday (July 5th). I can't believe I am twenty-five! Especially when thinking back to when I started this blog I was 19. My first post was posted the week before my 20th birthday in 2014.

My last three posts on here are posts I made for one of my final modules at university. This module was very social media focused and one assignment was to create a blog and 2-3 posts. I intended to delete them once I completed the module but decided against that as they are a nice reminder of university and I did get a pretty good grade for them! 

I haven't posted on here - apart from the last 3 posts - since I began studying at university in October 2016. That took up my sole focus as well as the fact I was working part-time in retail too. I studied towards a bachelors degree in Journalism and Media and as much as it was very difficult 3 years, especially mentally for me, I am incredibly proud of and surprised with myself! The feeling you get once you submit your final assignment is amazing, to say the least!

I am currently still awaiting my final grade but whatever it is, I know I have worked so hard and gave every piece of work my all! Once the grades are released later this month - or at the latest, in August - it is time to start graduation dress shopping. My actual graduation for my university isn't until early November so that gives me plenty of time to shop!

I am currently taking a much-needed break away from working and studying. Although with that said, I am job hunting in the meantime! With university out of the way, It is now time to relax and enjoy the summer sun that London is having right now!

I am intending on getting back to posting regularly on here, no set schedule in place but just as and when. I can't let my experience and study in writing over the past few years go to waste! I love writing, hence my degree choice, so its a no brainer!

Lauren x

What I have been loving at the moment...

 I feel like the last few months have been pretty interesting for me beauty-wise. I always loved beauty but the past few months, I have been really finding products that suit me, my skin type and products that work for me. In this post, I am going to be giving you a run-down of a few of my favourites including one miscellaneous product thrown in for good measure.. a candle!

Lush Sleepy Body Lotion: I love this little pot! I love lavender and this body lotion is the perfect scent of lavender. It's not too sweet but sweet enough. Perfect for putting on after you've had a hectic day, got out of the shower and put on your fav night wear. It's definitely lush (excuse the pun!)

Urban Decay All-Nighter: I have got the travel size of this spray as I had never tried it before despite hearing countless good reviews and it definitely does live up to its hype - I will be buying the full size when this runs out! It does exactly what it supposed to amazingly - keeps my make-up on all day (or night!)

Revolution Foundation Stick: This was a new release when I first tried it and I love it. I have a shade a bit too dark for me but once blended that small error is unnoticeable and is wearable. Its long lasting and definitely gives full coverage. I have normal/combination skin so this type of foundation is perfect for my skin type. Will definitely be repurchasing.

Maybelline Face Studio Primer: This stuff is amazing! Does exactly what it says on the packaging - minimizes and blurs pores. I use this under my foundation and I also find it helps my foundation last longer too which is fab! Love Love Love!


Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: Despite being 24 (25 in July) my skin stills plays up and presents me with a little spot, or two, very occasionally. This drying lotion helps dry my spot up and it is gone within a day or two (or at least is reduced). I was recommended this and I really like it. Would definitely consider using other Mario Badescu products in the future. I want to try their facial toning mist.

LAB Lemon Vanilla Candle: I loveee this candle (and candles in general!). This one by LAB has a lovely sweet scent - Lemon, Vanilla with a hint of Coconut. Its very refreshing! and I am 100% repurchasing in the future!

Have you tried any of these products?
Also let me know in the comments below what you've been loving recently. Style wise, beauty, skincare or miscellaneous!

Lauren x

The Spring Edit '19

Although the current grey skies are saying the opposite, British summer time begins next Sunday! The warmer temperatures and, hopefully, sunny weather is on its way and what better way to speed up the process than lifting the mood with a transformation of your wardrobe into a spring wonderland?

I have whittled down some of my favourite pieces that I've found for six different trends this upcoming season that will have you dreaming of the sunnier days. Enjoy!

Feminine Florals

ASOS DESIGN Wrap double layer mini dress in ditsy floral print with belt - Asos.com - £32.00

Florals are known for making an appearance at this type of year but this year they will be out in full force. Prints in general going to be a bit hit of Spring and Summer 2019. In terms of colour, pastels are again hitting the big time on both the runways and on the high street. This mint green dress is absolutely gorgeous and the belt complement the dress and the figure.

Acid Wash

Bleach Acid Wash Mom Jeans - Topshop - £40.00 (available in regular, tall and petite)

The 90s trend is back in full force this season and acid wash denim is what is currently gracing the stores. This light wash is perfect for the upcoming season and paired with a cute simple logo tee and trainers, you are ready for Spring. The mom jean fit is also a comfortable and casual way to wear this denim. You can also style these up with a lace (another big trend for SS19) bodysuit and heels for the perfect stylish evening wear.

Walking on Sunshine

Yellow Paperbag Waist Shorts - £32.00 / Yellow Cropped Denim Jacket - £48.00 - both River Island

What colour do we think of when someone mentions spring.... Yellow of course! This beautiful two piece from River Island just screams SS19! The cute belt detailing makes it a perfect fit and the jacket will compliment those breezier evenings we tend to get in the Spring. Pair this with a pair of trainers for daytime or heels for a more dressed up look.

Utility

Khaki Belted Utility Jacket - New Look - £29.99

This trend has never really gone out of fashion to be honest, has it? The utility style offers a casual and stylish look and can be astyled in the form of a boilersuit or added to any outfit to give it a 'utility' edge with a jacket like this khaki green belted one from one of my favourite stores, New Look! Wear this over a dress or style with a pair of skinny jeans for a more casual look!

Into the Wild

Camel Dalmatian Spot Print Midi Slip Skirt - Missguided - £18.00

Animal prints have been everywhere recently and SS19 is going to show it off even more! This style can be dressed up or down for the season and can be even added to an outfit in the form of accessories. This beautiful midi slip skirt is perfect for daytime, styled with a pair of white trainers or styled with black heels and a bodysuit for that wild evening look! 

Rose Tint

I Be-leaf in You Floral Maxi Dress - Nasty Gal - £39.00

Is it even spring if we don't add a bit of pink to our wardrobes? Pink can be worn in the form of neon (another huge trend at the moment) or in the form of muted dusky pink which gives off the rose tint vibe! This gorgeous dress from Nasty Gal gives a boho style look and can be paired with a pair of boots, sandals or heels depending on the occasion. Styled with accessories like a cute belt or necklaces really compliments the look and will make sure you are SS19 ready!

If any, which of these trends do you think you will be sporting this spring? What are the trends you are most looking forward to this season?

Lauren x

Sunday Funday

What a beautiful day! Blue skies and Sunshine. Spring is fast approaching!

Today's post is a style one. I have brought a bit of Spring into my outfit with a splash of pink in my cropped jumper, yes cropped in March! I got my jumper from I Saw It First and I paired it with one of my favourite pieces from the past season - my paperbag waist leather look shorts from ASOS. These shorts have been a staple in my wardrobe since purchasing them back in January and I have styled for daytime - like today's post - and for an evening look with a leopard print shirt and thigh high boots. But for today, I have teamed them with black tights (Primark) and my buckled biker boots (New Look) for a stylish, but practical, everyday look. These boots are actually surprisingly a lot comfier than they look too!

Hope everyone has a fab Sunday!

Lauren x

London Fashion Weekend

If i've learnt anything over the past few days, its definitely that I need to enter more competitions! I won two competitions that Very.co.uk hosted on twitter last year and on Tuesday, I found out I had won my first one of 2016 which was the chance to go to London Fashion Weekend = every fashion lovers dream.

I have never attended fashion week (or weekend) before so having the chance to go on Saturday for the first time was nothing short of amazing. I went along with my sister, Megan and we had the best day ever! As two fashionistas we were living the dream being surrounded by beautiful clothes, makeup, hair products and more beautiful clothes!

We set off at one and caught the train into town. After having a spot of lunch we made our way
to the Saatchi Gallery. There was a range of gallery rooms with collections by different designers including Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and Burberry. Two words: Fashion heaven!

Although LFW is mainly about clothes, style and fashion, beauty stills plays a big part in the fashion industry. Maybelline was one of the beauty brands that attended LFW this season. They were offering makeovers and even had a photobooth where you could put on your best model pose - obviously we had to have a go! I bought a few products from the makeup stand as Maybelline is by far one of my favourite high street affordable makeup brands.

The LFW trend show was partnered with Very Exclusive (an online shopping destination) and brought the key trends of SS16 to the catwalk. The trends that were showcased included Americana, Beautiful Botanicals, Pop Art Brights and New Romance.

Americana

This trend was dominated by bold stars and stripes in the USA colours red, white and blue.

Beautiful Botanicals

This trend is bringing floral prints back in a big way for the upcoming season.

Pop Art Brights

This trend saw the models dressed head-to-toe in bold colour and this also included the makeup - bold eye and lip looks.

New Romance

This trend will see us embrace our inner romance with delicate feminine looks in the prettiest of pastel shades. This is the trends of ruffles, lace and silk.

How pretty is the rose gold satchel on the top row next to the trainers!?!

What a fantastic day. Having had my first taste of LFW, I am definitely hoping to attend in September!

Have you attended LFW? Or any other fashion week across the globe?

What are your favourite trends for SS16?

A/W New Look Wishlist

Hands up if you prefer A/W trends to trends in Spring and Summer? *raises both hands* 

Me too! 

Today I'm back with a wishlist of some my current pieces from one of my favourite high street retailers - New Look! I really love the typical autumnal shades such as wine burgundy and burnt rust and really want to incorporate more of these shades into my wardrobe for the upcoming months. In terms of textures, I love faux leather/fur, suede, dark denim and knit.

- Faux fur gilet

- Faux leather skirts

- High neck/turtleneck jumpers and tops

- Tote bag

- Chelsea boots/brogues

- Knitted dress

- Cosy warm jumpers

- Dark denim skirts

What trends/styles/autumnal colours are you loving for A/W?

Lauren x

Welcome to New York

The title of this post may be a bit misleading but I'm not actually in New York - I wish I was though! Its because a top in this post has NEW YORK written on it so... Anyway, todays post is a wistlist of a few things from New Look!

Enjoy!

Lauren x

New Haircut, Stripes & Denim

T-shirt Dress - Forever 21

Canvas Shoes - Primark 

Denim Jacket - Topshop

Long time, no blog but fear not as I'm back today with not just another post but a style one! My first intentions when I created hellomisslauren almost one year ago (one year on the 29th of June I believe?) was to upload mostly style posts with the occassional beauty ones but that was not meant to be as most, or basically all!, my posts have been beauty related. With summer just a stone throw away now, I am hoping to upload outfit posts (or style posts in general) a lot more often! 

I took a trip to my hairdressers yesterday for a hair appointment so these photos were taken when I got home, before I changed into my work uniform for a shift that afternoon, as I love my new hair and also really liked my outfit! I bought this t-shirt dress in the January sales at Forever 21, my canvas shoes are from a recent trip to Primark and my denim is new too and its from everyones fave - Topshop!

Hope everyone is having a lovely day!

Lauren x

Mini ASOS Beauty Haul

A 30% off sale on all beauty products on the ASOS website? How could you resist a small (or big) splurge?! Of course I took advantage of the sale (and my bank balance!) and had to pick up a few pieces for myself! I've been doing a lot of overtime at work so I thought why not treat myself with a few new beauty products.

I really wanted to pick up the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation but as I have never tried it before, I didnt want to risk getting a colour which could end up being too light or dark for my skintone so will pick it up next time I take a trip to Space NK to make sure I get the right colour but I did pick up a few pieces from Maybelline, Bourjous and Benefit! 

Bourjois Happy Light Foundation

I have been wanting to try this foundation for so long but had trouble finding it anywhere so when I found it in the sale on ASOS I had to purchase it! I ended up ordering the perfect shade too - so lucky! I have been really liking it so far and will probably do a full review on it soon so keep an eye out in the coming weeks!

Benefit Primping With The Stars

I own two of the samples of Benefits Rollerlash that recently came free with Elle Magazine and I love it and I don't own anything else by Benefit until this! I have really wanted to try their They're Real Mascara for so long and when I saw this mini set on ASOS I had to buy it especially getting five of their other top products! I have tried the Porefessional so far and am really liking it! Can't wait to try the rest of the things in this set.

Barry M Basecoat, Top Coat and Nail Hardener All in One

I am a huge fan of Barry M and being someone who likes to use a basecoat and top coat and being someone who suffers from brittle nails - I am loving this all in one nail product! 

Maybelline Baby Lips in Hydrate

I read so many great reviews about the Maybelline Baby Lips range so really wanted to try one out. work as a cashier in retail so I am often very busy so I need an easy to apply lip product when my lips are feeling dry when I'm working! I have been using this so much already in the two days since it arrived and am loving it so much!

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

I didn't really need new mascara but what can u do when they are on offer in a sale?! I am really glad I did buy it as I really do like it! I'm not surprised though as I think Maybelline mascara a are great - my favourite is their falsies one which I first tried about two years ago thanks to Tanya Burr! I will do a full review in a few weeks time! 

Have you tried any of their products - I would love to hear your reviews on them! 

Very's Summer Pool Party + Meeting Tanya Burr!

As some of you may know, Very held a competition last week to win a pair of tickets to their #cantwaitforsummer pool party which also included a meet and greet with Youtuber and Blogger sensation, Tanya Burr. Being a massive fan of Tanya (and Very!), I had to enter, although I had no intention of winning so when I found out I had won one of the ten pairs of tickets, I was very (no pun intended) excited!

The party was held at the Haymarket Hotel, which is a short walk from Charing Cross Station and an easy journey for us as we only live a 20-minute train journey into Central London. I took along my sister with me so it was a really lovely girlie evening for us.

The night consisted of free cocktails and food and in attendance was - of course - a few celebs which included Lauren Pope and Amy Childs from TOWIE and Danny from McFly so we spent the night very starstruck. We also got to meet Niomi Smart, who was very lovely, and had some selfies taken with her. Meeting Tanya was probably my favourite part of the night. Instead of a normal meet and greet, all of the competition winners were taken into a room in the hotel where we all sat around with Tanya and she spoke to all of us, as well as answering any questions we had. She was really lovely. We also had a group photo taken as well as individual photos with Tanya.

After the meet and greet, we were allowed to go back into the party where we got another drink before heading home. Throughout the night we were encouraged to tweet using the hashtag #cantwaitforsummer and we could get a free gift if we did! The gifts we could chose from included headphones and a Marc Jacobs perfume as well as an iPod and a Philips facial cleansing brush. My sister chose the iPod and I chose the Philips facial cleansing brush. We were really shocked that we could just chose a gift - we thought you would win one in another competition not just get them given for free so that was a lovely surprise to end an amazing evening!

What I wore: Dress and Jacket - Primark and Shoes - Forever 21

                                   

                                      

       

  

Lauren x

Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser Primer

Long time no blog! Cannot believe I haven't wrote a post in over a month now - having no internet for almost two weeks and work are my two main reasons for no posts -  but I'm back today (with the intention to post a lot more often!) with a review of Maybelline's Baby Skin Primer.

I bought this a while back as I had read a lot about it but had no real intentions of actually liking it - but I really do - its been a staple in my makeup bag ever since! I didn't really think primers make much of a difference to the overall look of a makeup look but what a difference it makes! Its a lovely lightweight gel textured primer which Maybelline claims 'instantly erases the look of pores' - I wouldn't say it erases them 'instantly' but after your foundation is applied, it does make them less noticeable and really makes a difference to the look of your skin.

As it is gel textured, it is really easy to apply and sets to give a smooth finish. It definitely works great as a smooth canvas for your foundation and also another definite positive is that its a real steal at only £7.99 - and is also part of 3 for 2 on selected make-up items at Boots at the moment! If you are looking for a inexpensive great primer and makeup base - I would definitely recommend trying this!

Lauren x