Battle of the...Body Butters!

Everybody loves a good body butter, and especially in the summer when skin is either dry and flaky, or sunburnt and red raw! Body butters are thicker than regular moisturisers, so they're perfect for those days where you need some extra moisture! There are lots of different brands, so I've done a little review for you guys and tell you my favourite body butter ever!

First of all is the classic Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter, which seems to be a cult favourite to many people. However, I personally am not a big fan! The formula is white and a very thick consistency, and I find it a bit too heavy on my skin. It never fully sinks in and I can feel it on my skin for hours after using it. However, if you have reaaaally dry skin, it could be good. I also use this when I have a bad sunburn; I apply it thickly then wash it off and it's really cooling. The scent of it is okay, to me it smells like suncream, but it's the classic S&G scent.

Next up is a much lesser known product, which is the FCUK Polished Whipped Bodycream. This is a Strawberries & Cream flavour, and seems lovely. However, the consistency is really strange. It feels a bit like jelly, and can be quite hard to rub into the skin. However it is very moisturising without feeling heavy, so it's a decent product.

Finally, we have another well-known product - the Body Shop Body Butters. I have tried the strawberry, mango, lemon, orange... I've tried so many flavours but my current choices are Almond (for normal/dry skin)  and Brazil Nut (for dry skin). These are also a really thick consistency (as all body butters are haha) and are reaaaally moisturising but the soak into the skin quickly and feel nice. The scents of them are amazing, and there's such a massive range to choose from. The issue I have with these is that the pots are really hard to get product out of because my nails are really long and the angle that my finger is in the pot means I get all the butter under my nails. Ew.

This had to be my clear winner, no arguments! The smell of this almond body butter is incredible, and the formula is so moisturising! At £12.50 a pop, it's not a cheap product, but it's well worth the money. Also, the Body Shop often do sales and offers, so you can get these for much cheaper.

What's your favourite body butter? Let me know in the comments!

Talk to you later lovelies,

Emma x

Festival Fashion Faves

That time of year is upon us once again... Festivals! Here in the UK, we love a good festival, and there are so many amazing ones to choose from - T in the Park, V Fest, Leeds, Bestival... There are also some incredible acts playing at festivals this year, such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Eminem and Kings of Leon! Whether you're a festival virgin or an experienced camper, here is my list of fashion essentials for surviving a festival:

I am going to be going to V Festival this year. I have never been to a festival, so I'm guessing a bit haha, but this is what I'll be bringing.

Clothes.

Obviously clothes are fairly important, that's a given. I think festival fashion is so much fun, as you're really free to experiment and try out different looks. It's important to be comfortable at a festival, because you'll be spending long hours standing up and walking around, or sitting on the floor, so no mini skirts and heels! Having said that, fashion is an important part of festivals, and so it's fun to be comfortable but also fashionable. Here are some example outfits:

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As you can see, there's a lot of denim going on, crop tops and shorts. Shorts are a festival essential because they're so easy to pair with any top you have, and are super comfortable. The two pairs I chose have a lot of detailing, and so they can be worn with a plain tank top and still look really fashionable.

I also purposely chose nothing white (although the pinafore dress is pretty pale) because there will be mud everywhere and it's not even worth bringing something white!

Finally, crop tops are huge when it comes to festival fashion, and lace is a massive trend this summer, so I picked out two lace crop tops. The first is the blue top worn under the pinafore dress. These are great because they can be worn under another top, over a tank top maybe, or just on their own with a pair of shorts.



When it comes to shoes, I obviously chose the festival staple: wellies. The first pair are Hunters, the second are not. While Hunters are the "proper" brand of wellies, to some people, I don't see the point of spending £80 on a pair of wellies I'm going to wear once, so I won't be getting any. I may pick up some Hunter socks from TK Maxx though!


Accessories.

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In my opinion, festivals don't require tons of accessories. If you want to bring them, that's your choice, but I just find it's a bit of a waste of time and space in your bag.

However, I love statement necklaces, like the two above. You could throw them over a plain white tank top and denim shorts, and you look like you've really planned your outfit. You only need one or maybe even two in your bag, and they can really change up your look.

When it comes to bags, I think a bum bag is essential. They leave your hands free to dance, hold drinks or do whatever, and the keep your belongings really close to you! Trust me, if someone starts putting their hands down there to steal, I hope you'd notice! If you like, you could bring a rucksack. Personally, I prefer a bum bag as they're safer, however if you do want one, I love the Accessorize one above.


I hope you enjoyed this post all about festivals. I absolutely cannot wait to see Beyonce, The Vaccines and Calvin Harris at V Festival! Are you going to a festival this year? Who are you most excited about seeing?!

Talk to you later lovelies, 
Emma x

Hey guys!

Today's post it going to be a little different from usual posts as this is just a bit of a life update, a chance to tell you all how my week's been, what I've been up to etc.

I've been off college this week for study leave, but I've finished exams, so it's basically been a week off! I've done a few things, such as shopping, drinking coffee and going out for lunch with friends. Very sophisticated ;) I picked up a couple of little things, a dress from Primark (but I need to swap it for a different size), a tanning mitt by St Tropez from Topshop, a playsuit from Internacionale, and a couple of other things that I can't remember haha!

I also won a Liz Earle competition this week to recieve a Cleanse and Polish cleanser, which I can't wait to try out!

On Monday I'm going back to college (boo!) so my posts will become less frequent. I'm thinking Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday maybe? It'll be about 3-4 times a week anyway. I'm dreading going back to college, I've been having a great time off, and the thought of being stuck in class during this gorgeous weather is actually painful :( but to be honest, I am starting to get a bit bored already so maybe now is a good time to go back...

Have you guys had a good week this week? Done anything exciting? Enjoying the weather?

Talk to you later lovelies,

Emma x

Confessions of a Beauty Blogger

When did you start your blog?

I started Lipstick Lessons on May 27th, 2013.

Have you had any past online presence before (other blog, YouTube)?

Yeah, I had another blog before this one but deleted it after not being able to post for a while, I've also used Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook etc. I also have a YouTube account so that I can subscribe to people, but I don't post videos.

Why did you start a blog?

Because I adore buying new products and testing things out. I love reading reviews and chatting with other beauty-fanatics. And my friends were getting kind of sick of me rambling about a sale at Benefit, or my excitement at recieving an Urban Decay sample.

When did you become serious about starting a blog?

I became serious when I realised that I wanted to study business management at university. I was thinking a lot about my future, and realised I want to work in the business sector, and it would be my dream to work for a beauty company, as their head of marketing or something.

What was your first post?

It was  just a hello post and I wrote some of my favourite products and brands. 

What has been your biggest challenge about blogging?

Pictures, definitely. I have a 10mp camera (which still isn't incredible, but it has macro and it's better than nothing) but I've lost the lead to plug it into my laptop so can't upload any pictures! This means I just have to use my phone camera, which is rubbish!

Where do you see your blog in one year?

Wow, hopefully I'll still be blogging frequently and with better quality pictures!! I'd also like to think I'll have picked up more followers, maybe even hitting the 100 mark ! But most of all, as long as I'm still enjoying makeup and blogging, I'll be happy.

What is the most rewarding thing to you about blogging?

When somebody tweets me or comments and I get to have a chat with them, I love it! I think the beauty community is lovely but it's also really big and I kind of feel like a little fish in a reaaally big ocean right now!

What is the most discouraging thing that happens to you?

So far, nothing discouraging has happened! 

What's your lasting inspiration or motivation?

At the moment, just the fun and enjoyment of blogging is enough to inspire me. But having people say they like my blog, and the thought of building my blog and gaining experience in the beauty world is incredible. I just think that writing a beauty blog is such an amazing platform and provides an incredible experience as well as building a great group of friends (hopefully)

Hope you enjoyed this tag, talk to you later lovelies,

Emma x

Springing Into Summer #2 - Find Your Perfect Bathing Suit

Hello ladies and welcome back to Springing Into Summer! We're onto epidsode two today - finding your perfect bathing suit (that's an American word I think, but I don't think the english have a word to mean either bikini OR swimming costume.) There are literally thousands of articles, videos and posts about this exact topic but I thought I'd throw my two cents in anyway!

Athletic/Straight up and down girls

You want to try and add a little something to your bust area, so ruffles are the way to go! These can make your chest look a bit bigger, and so making your figure look a little curvier. Big prints are also great to break up a straight up-and-down figure. Ideal bikinis for you:

Both suits are from New Look. The ruffles add curves to the bust and hips, while the cut outs give the illusion of a curvy waist.

Curvy girls

Curvy girls are pretty lucky with bikinis, as so many different ones will suit your shape, so it really depends on your personal taste and which part you wish to highlight. Go for a block colour on the bottom and a pattern on top if you want to draw attention to the bust, or vice versa. Also, if you're very busty, look for a bikini with underwire to offer support, and avoid strapless bikinis - we don't want any nasty accidents if you know what I mean! Halternecks are great for extra support too. Definitely check out the Kelly Brook range at New Look for great affordable bikinis for curvy girls!

All suits from New Look again haha, I'm obsessed. Both these suits are underwired and  halternecks, so they're perfect for bustier girls!

Muffin-topped girls

So many girls have little muffin tops (you know the extra little roll you get just above your bikini/trouser line? Not too attractive!). Now this is what I personally struggle most with, and the majority of magazine articles etc tell me to avoid bikinis. But maybe I don't want to! If you really want a bikini, go for one with a higher waistband as it's much more flattering. Also, try out a push-up bra to balance out the bottom half with some bigger boobs! If you do want a swimming costume, you can find some great ones at Tesco with tummy control panels in! 

These two suits are from Tesco. The bikini is great because the top has padding and push up, and the bottoms come up a little higher and have built in tummy control. The swimsuit has tummy control panels, and is a super cute pattern!

I obviously know that there are thousands of other shapes, because not one woman has the same body shape as another, however most girls can find themselves somewhere within these three shapes. Please let me know if you have any questions, or comment below what your favourite bikini is that you'll be rocking this summer!

Talk to you later lovelies,

Emma x

Wishlist #1 (June)

Summer is rolling around the corner and I absolutely cannot wait! It seems to be making me want to be even more and spend more money. Oops. That's probably not helped by the fact that I'm off school on study leave at the moment but have finished my exams, so spend all day reading beauty blogs and online shopping! Oh dear...

Benefit Primping with the Stars Kit (Top left) OR Benefit How To Look The Best at Everything Complexion Kit - I love the look of both of these kits and can't decide which one to get! I'm considering purchasing one as a post-exam treat, but they both look so amazing! I'm kind of leaning towards the Primping with the Stars, because  it has a wider variety of products, and I'd like to try Benetint, Girls Meets Pearl and Stay Don't Stray. However, I also reaaally want to try the Hello Flawless Foundation which is in the other kit! Have you tried either of them? Which would you recommend? Help!

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation - I've seen this foundation everywhere at the moment, and I'd really like to try it! I'm still pretty bitter that I missed the 50% sale, because I don't really want to fork out £27 on a foundation.

MUA Undress Me Too Palette - I'd really like to try this as I think I'd get so much use out of it! I got the Urban Decay Naked Palette for Christmas and I'm in love with it! I've seen so many blog posts about the similarities between Naked 2 and Undress Me Too so I'd rather pay £4 for the MUA palette than £36 for the UD!

New Look Pinafore - I think this is so so cute and will be perfect for summer! I'd team this with lace or brightly coloured short sleeve crop tops, and I think it'd look really lovely.

Internacionale Bum Bag - I'm going to V Festival in August, and I'll probably need a bum bag. However I don't want a boring one, and this one would be so perfect. The gold studding makes it a lot more modern and fashionable, and I'd be so happy strutting around with this on haha!

What are you dying to buy this month? Have you tried any of the products in my wishlist? What do you think of them?

Talk to you later lovelies,

Emma x

Battle of the... Fake Tans!

Hey girlies! So summer is flying around the corner, and that means time to get tanned! If you're anything like me, you won't be blessed with the beautiful gene of "being able to tan rather than just turning into a lobster". So yeah, lying out in the sun achieves nothing for me, but I love to have a healthy glow so I've tried my fair share of fake tans. Here I'm going to be reviewing and comparing four of the tans I've tried most recently are choosing my winner!

So first of all, I tried the Garnier Light Glow No Streaks Bronzer for Fair Skin. This retails at around £12 but using my staff discount at Debenhams, when I used to work there, I got it for much less. Anyway, I reaaally liked this fake tan! It's a spray on tan, and it applies really easily and evenly without any streaks. It gave me a really beautiful brown colour that was dark, but looked perfectly natural! Also, although it did smell a little, it didn't have the traditional "biscuity" smell that so many fake tans do. However, I also think that I can get tans that are just as good for much less than the price of this one, which is the only reason this didn't win!

Next, I tried the No7 Perfectly Bronzed Self Tan 360 Quick Dry Spray Tan. I was super excited to try this, as it seemed great. The nozzle is really good and sprays the formula really finely and evenly. However, I didn't feel like this really made much difference to the colour of my skin at all! It gave me a very slight glow, but to get the same colour as the Garner one above, I had to apply about 6 layers! Ain't nobody got time fo' dat ;) On the plus side, this didn't smell bad at all and if you're looking for a really subtle colour, this could be good, Also, I think I got the one for light skin, so you could try the darker version!

If you've been around the beauty community for a while now, I'm 100% sure you will have heard of St. Moriz tanners! They tend to retail for about £3.99 in Boots or Tesco, but I get mine in Home & Bargain for just £2.99 a bottle! Naturally, I was pretty skeptical, but I picked up this St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse in Medium after reading quite a few great reviews. The formula is a very light foam-y mousse which is very dark in colour, as you can see from the picture on the right (Scary, I know!), but when you rub it in, it goes much lighter. However you can still see it, so you can see any streaks or dark patches! The actual tan develops very evenly, and lasts for a good few days. It's a lovely deep colour, and I couldn't go without it! Two quick pointers; apply using a glove! If you use your hands, you will NOT get it off easily haha! And also, when you first apply it, it kind of looks a bit of a dirty brown colour. Don't panic! This is just the colourguard thing, have a shower a few hours later and you'll be left with a gorgeous colour, trust me.

Finally, we have the Garnier Summerbody Moisturising Lotion Sun-Kissed Look. This is a gradual self-tanning moisturiser which claims to give a sun-kissed glow. I don't really like the scent, but the formula is moisturising and goes on white so blends in instantly. The downside to this is that you can't see any streaks before it dries. Also, you have to apply this relgiously for days before seeing any result, hence it being gradual, but for me this is too high-maintenance haha! However, again I have the light version but a friend uses the dark one and says it gives a great tan so I might have to pick one up in the darker colour!

So.... now to annouce the winner!

Drum roll please!

This was a clear winner for me as it is the cheapest, but provides the most even, darkest tan. Perfect for anyone!

Talk to you later lovelies,

Emma x