10 Beauty Confessions

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10 Beauty Confessions | Victoria Alice Blogs

I decided to confess  all of my beauty secrets. Some are gross, some I'm pretty sure you do too - All I ask is that you don't judge me!

  1. I have makeup that is over 2, maybe even 3 years old...
  2. I don't really clean my brushes half as often as I should and then complain that I break out 
  3. I have an obsession with makeup - I don't know how many products I have, but it's a little ridiculous now
  4. I will buy a magazine, purely for the free mascara, nail polish or whatever is in there - even if it is a magazine I never ever read... and probably never will 
  5.  I buy product after product, but only really have a selection of five products I use all the time
  6. I hate mascara - it ALWAYS falls down my face 
  7. I fall asleep in my makeup all the time - after a night out, who seriously remembers to wash their face? And anyway, once you're snuggled up in bed, who can be bothered?
  8. I have been known to use a strand of hair as floss - eww gross... but true
  9. I never ever moisturise. It always makes my face feel gross and oily
  10. Sometimes, I just put on foundation. Nothing else, just a base - I get bored ok?!
So, there is my top 10 beauty confessions and now it is your turn!
Leave a note in the comments.

Beauty Blogger Buzzwords

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Smiley Face | Victoria Alice Blogs

 <I know that this photo doesn't really relate, but there is a smiley face in the floor!> 

Every beauty blog I read is unfortunately becoming more and more similar.
I don't know if you guys have noticed, but with everyone and their son owning a blog of some sort, it is difficult standing out from the crowds.
I love researching blogs, (stealing ideas...ooh naughty), looking for inspiration and reading really great work, but a few posts really grind my gears. Especially this one: What's in My Bag? 


Seriously?
You want to know what is in my bag?

WHO CARES?!

If you are really that bothered, mine is full of reciepts, some stuck together with an old piece of chewing gum, a few coins and the essentials - usually a phone and a purse. If you're lucky, there might even be a camera in there.

How is that interesting?!

Anyway, I thought I'd go through a few beauty blogger buzzwords that I see on virtually every blog I peruse through - some I like, most I don't.

Essentials
Must haves, things you need to survive, makeup essentials, essential tips...
Are they truly needed? Will we really fail summer if we don't have Benefit's Hoola Bronzer on our freckled faces? I don't think so.

Dupe
Something that is practically the same as another product, but a ton cheaper. For me, I like dupes, finding a bargain is always satisfying, but if you love the product, buy the one you want. If I compared one of my Mac lipsticks to drug store brands, Mac wins hands down. Just the classic packaging and the way it makes me feel when it glides across my lips is worth the extra money - girl, you're worth it, get the real deal.

Hack
Ugh - 5 Summer hair hacks, hacks to help you put on eyeliner, hacks to stop you procrastinating, hacks so you can live your life. Ok, we get it. I guess that we are so busy that we need to use hacks all day every day in order to save time so we can do even more stuff in our day whilst looking perfect. To be honest, I don't think I need this in my life - If I was really that busy, I'd just wake up an hour or two earlier...

First Impressions
Why can't we just make our own decisions anymore? With something a little more expensive, ok, I get it - What is it going to be like, is it worth the money? But hey, do you know what? Many people get paid to review products - if you were given money to write your opinion would you be 100% honest? Hmm, let's make up our own minds, eh?

Wishlist
Ok, I like this one. I love crafting them, showing them and ogling at others. A wishlist can be used for so many different things, whether that it holidays, parties, outfits, events etc. and I think they are really fun to research and make.

Tag
Boyfriend tag, list of firsts, xyz tags - these just seem a little lazy to me. If y'all sent me a list of generic questions to answer, it wouldn't take me too long to conjure up a list of gibberish - it just lacks a little passion for me.

NOTD, OOTD, FOTD, HOTD...
...nope. These are for your Instagram, not your blog. 'nuff said.

Empties
Don't all your products get used at one point or another? I don't get it. Well done for finishing that shampoo, or wow - you ran out of foundation, something you use everyday - OMG it must be great!

Monthly Box Reviews
To be honest, I just see these posts as the ultimate spoilers. Looking at some of the boxes though, I like what is in them, but I'd quite happily peruse through the countless videos and blogs unboxing these mail box goodies and if something really excites me... simply buy it!

Anyway, this blog isn't meant to be too negative and I hope you see the funny, not so serious side. I must also say, that I, myself, have most of these buzzwords in my blog and I don't think there is anything wrong with that. To be honest, the only posts I really can't stand are those that really have no meaning or pasion behind them.

For now, have a look out for some wishlists coming up and hopefully a few blog posts that are a little bit different to what you are used to!

You're Worth It

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Beautiful You in fancy font
Adverts tell us everyday. 

We’re worth it, we’re beautiful, it’s us on a good day. 

So why do we worry so much? What are people going to say, what are they thinking? 

Maybe they'll judge me. 


WELL DUH! 


We need to dye our hair.
Cover greys.
Blondes have more fun.
Be daring, go red. 

Wear that itsy bitsy bikini so we have tan lines that make us look like a geometric 3D shape. Show off those abs. 

Size 16? 18? 20?
You’re curvaceous, plus size, XXL, fat, ugly. 
Shop at ASOS Curve, New Look Inspire, Evans, Yours, get out of Top Shop... don't even bother. 

Make your tummy happy - eat yoghurt, bifidus regularis, reduced fat cheese, same great taste, skimmed milk, half fat, no fat, 0%, no sugar, sweeteners, no calories, no, no, no. 

As for your face…
Get rid of those circles under your eyes, paint on freckles, wear a foundation, you need flawless skin:

Wash it, 
Scrub it, 
Prime it, 
Blot it, 
Moisturize. 

Day and night, twice a day. 
Look younger, now, results in 14 days, spots get smaller, overnight - instant. 

I'M GOING TO BREAK OUT!

Don’t eat chocolate you’ll get spots. 
Eat chocolate it makes you happy. 
On your period? You deserve a treat. Eat some chocolate. 
Chocolate makes you happy. 

Orange Juice aka OJ – that’s healthy. 
Full of vitamin C, juicy bits, smooth, with stevia, not from concentrate, from concentrate, with raspberry, mango, orange with orange. 

Citric acid, strips the enamel, you can’t drink that. 

So, you wonder why you don’t fancy heading out? 
That skirt is too short on you. Is my cellulite showing?
Skinny jeans, but I'm not skinny. 
That dress is gorgeous, it looks good on her. 
Body con dress - body confident? 

HA.

I look like a stuffed sausage. 

My make up is too heavy – I look like a drag queen.
Over-line your lips, eye lash extensions, jet black mascara, cat eye, eyebrow game, highlighter, bronzer, blusher...

Are you having a bet? Don’t buy me a drink – I know your game. 
I’m not on the guest list – you're not coming in. 

LEAVE ME ALONE.

I make my own rules. 
Yes, I’m wearing double denim, so shoot me – throw back to the 90’s… at least I am happy, care free, beautiful. 
I might even wear red lipstick today. Pair it with blue eyeshadow. 
Wear a brown belt and black shoes.

Do you know what I’m going to do?
Go out, have fun, grab a can of man up and fuck 'em… fuck 'em all. 

We are beautiful,  we’re fabulous!

D’you know what? – there's a can of sass over there. Use it all, spray it everywhere. 

Why?

Because you’re worth it.

You are kind, you are polite, beautiful, cute and you’ve done amazing things.
If anyone ever tells you otherwise...

Fuck 'em… they're not worth it.  


*Post not sponsored by L'Oreal...*

Cheek Stamps: A New Buzz?

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Cheek Stamps | Seventeen

I’m pretty sure that these have been around for a while now, but I thought I’d do a quick review of the Seventeen Cheek Stamp Blush. 

Three words: cute, funky and OTT fun! 

Ok, I know that’s not three words, but hey, call the cops. 
Anyway, in brief, I like them! (Hey, three words!)

I picked up a couple of these a while back, so I’m not 100% sure how much they were. 
Seeing as I got two, they were either on offer, under a fiver or both – so a bargain piece to pick up and try if you haven’t done so.

There were a variety of these on the shelves, but I chose two colours: Stare Struck and Made You Look.

Firstly, Stare Struck:

 Cheek Stamps | Seventeen

This is my favourite of the two colours I picked up. 
It’s a little more natural and a peachy pink shade. It’s great for everyday wear and sophisticated enough for make up on a night out – especially when paired with a shimmery highlight.

As for Made You Look, this is a lot different. 
In colour it is a very Barbie pink shade that really pops on pale skin. It’s pink – I don’t know how else to describe it! 
Anyway, less is definitely more with this one! 
However, it has its uses. I like to wear it out on the beach or for a picnic date, something like that. It’s more of a cutesy colour, perfect for the outdoors.

The real wow factor with these pieces is the ‘stamp’ design. 
The blushers themselves come in little round pots. To open them, you simply twist and the applicator sponge pops up, all ready and topped up with just the right amount of powder. It’s ingenious and great for on the go – especially as it has a little round mirror on the top too.

All in all, I give these little blushers a 4 out of 5 – I love them, I think they are fun and the colours really do pop on your cheeks. 
However, the stamp is a little literal at times and I can apply way to much pink to my cheeks and look like one of those vintage dolls with the perfect circle of  colour in their face… not the best look, unless it’s Halloween.

Cheek Stamps | Seventeen | Victoria Alice Blogs

Let me know what you think! Have you tried these cheek stamps before? 

MAC: False Lashes

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Extreme Black Mascara Review

Before we start, is it MAC, mac or Mac?!

I have so many mascaras, eye shadows, lipsticks and well, every piece of makeup you could imagine.

However, a new product is introduced every week and with Mac, this seems to be even more frequent.

Now, I'm not complaining, but in between Viva Glam, the Cinderella story and let's face it many, many more collections, my bank balance ain't looking so great.

Freebies. 
Freebies, If like. 
- Try before you buy.
- Make me love your brand more.
- Yes, ok I'll buy the full size product.

Anyway, after buying some foundation online, I received a mini, tiny sample of their new False Lash Extreme Black Mascara - thanks!

So, what do I think?

Well, I've recently been on a trip to London and thought that would be the perfect opportunity and ultimate test for the gloopy black substance.
 
Verdict: 

Well, I had my concerns.
Does it make my lashes longer? Yes, but not to falsies standard. They look doll like, not bad, just not as impressive as I had hoped.

What is impressive though - the staying power.

OH MY. 

Now, if you are like me, make up is a chore.
No, keeping makeup looking flawless is a chore.
Melty eyeliners and smudges are not a good look, but I can guarantee that my makeup will slide during the day.
Actually, on that note, if anyone knows of a good primer/setting spray that will stop my makeup slipping and sliding PLEASE let me know!

Anyway, the point I'm getting at is that the mascara stayed put - ALL DAY!

As for my naked palette eyeshadow, crave and faint, well that's a different story. 

So, will I be rushing out to buy MAC's mascara?
Honestly,  probably not. Next time I need a mascara I think I am going to jump on the band wagon and try Benefit's Roller Lash, but all in all - Good Job Mac! Let's face it, they know what they're doing.

 Final Score: 7/10

Benefit, They're Real! Push Up Liner

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A New Eyeliner

 


I know that I am a little behind the times and this eye liner has been out a little while, but my trusty eyeko skinny liquid liner hadn't quite had it's last use. However, I have now taken the plunge and thought I'd try something a little different and complete my Benefit They're Real! collection with the Push Up Liner, after all I do love the mascara. At £18.50 it is a little pricey (especially when you can get a pretty decent pencil for under a fiver) - but hey, we all deserve a treat once in a while.

The pen is like nothing I have seen before. It's not a typical felt tip style pen or a paint brush that picks up the thick black liquid, but an innovative and nifty device with a soft AccuFlex™ Tip that hugs your lashline from corner to corner. Just twist the bottom, and the perfect amount of gel, to cover your lashes left to right, pops up. Nifty eh? 

What the Benebabes Panel Said...

91% said it was longwearing 
81% said it was waterproof 
88% said it hugged lashline
84% eyes looked visibly larger
*Results observed in a consumer panel survey on 32 women after 2 weeks

It must be good!

How To: According to the Packet

Twist base once to “push up” gel liner to tip. Resting the AccuFlex™ tip on the base of your lashes, slowly guide along your lashline from the inner or outer corner. The angled AccuFlex™ tip works both ways.

For first time use, remove and discard tip protector. Activate they’re real! push-up liner by twisting base until gel is delivered to tip. Wipe any excess on tissue.

What I Thought 

To be honest, I was a little worried. I decided to try it out in the morning, before I had to go to work and when I only had 10 minutes to spare. However, after the initial wobbly, I was pleasantly surprised. In no time at all, I had eyeliner really close to my lashes with a flick... an actual flick! One that isn't smudged and even on each eye. For me, this is a MIRACLE! It was a little strange to begin with, yes, but it was so simple and easy to use that I think that I may have found a new eyeliner! 



Has anyone else used this eyeliner? I'd love to know what you think of it!

Mentioned Products 




A New Favourite

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Blistex Orange Mango Burst

Even as the months are becoming warmer I still suffer with dry and chapped lips. Granted, they are not as cracked and sore as in winter when my lips cannot deal with the temperature changes of the freezing outdoors and warm air conditioned offices, but still, how am I going to wear matte lipsticks and light glosses in summer if my lips are like this?

Hurrah! 

It appears as though I have finally found a product that works, smells delicious and makes my lips feel supple and smooth. Blistex Orange Mango Burst. 

And it certainly is not lying about the Orange Mango Burst. It is just that, a burst of juicy orange scents that smell good enough to eat! I love applying this product. Not only does it glide on like a dream, it leaves a light sheen on my lips (not the gloopy or obvious ‘wetness’ left by some lip products) and smells delicious. Crucially, it really is starting to make my lips look healthy. I might even experiment with a few new lip colours that have been patiently waiting in my dresser this weekend.

What do you think? Have you tried Blistex Orange Mango Blast or do you have another go to favourite lip balm?


How to Fake Awake

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Tired. 

A word I hear all too often.
I'm tired
Are you ok? You look tired
Are you not sleeping again?
When did you go to bed?
You have bags under your eyes...

1. THANKS
2. Ok, I get it - I look tired
3. I've got Netflix

So, here's my how to guide on how to fake awake...



Foundation
A dewy light foundation like the Bourjous healthy mix or the Maybelline Better Skin foundation is a good base (it has SPF 20 too). It looks great, your skin becomes clearer and it's protected against the sun.

Conceal 
Get rid of those circles. A yellowy green and purple toned base works well for some people, but I like the Natural Collection Cover Up Cream. However, if it's going to be a long day, I'll head for Maybelline's Super Stay 24Hr Concealer, (it's pretty good at covering pesky spots too).

Highlight 
Highlight the top of your brow bone and tops of cheeks with a liquid highlighter. Something like the YSL Touche Eclat brush would work well, but as a cheaper option the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch is a good alternative... until payday!  It's also a good idea to highlight the inside corners of your eyes with a light eye shadow. A subtle cream colour works better than white, but a dot of white looks great for a night out, it creates a great sparkle in your eye. 

Fresh Cheeks 
I like to look a little more awake by wearing a blush, not too pink or shimmery, but just the right colour that gives a flushed cheek. 

Bright eyes 
If you curl your eyelashes and put some good mascara on, your eyes are always going to look bigger and more awake... winner!

Good Morning! 
Maybe a phrase I'll be saying a bit more often


 

 


Fix It: Bad Hair Days

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You didn't get enough sleep, you're tired and to top it all off, your hair is not going to co-operate.
We have all been there.

So what are you going to do? Are you gonna sit there and cry about it? No. You are gonna get up and tame that hair. You will conquer the day and look good doing it. Nothing can stop you... especially not your hair!
  

1. It's greasy 


Fix it!

Don't worry, greasy hair is so easy to fix.  Just grab some dry shampoo or use talcum powder (in moderation!). Leave it in for a minute or two and brush out. It also gives you extra volume, bonus!

That didn't work? Put it up in a pony tail or messy bun. It's quick and easy.

Still not great? Try braids.

Last chance... try a fringe wash. Wash only the roots and 'fringe' of your hair and quickly dry. Looks like freshly washed hair, in half the time.

2. I slept funny, it's all kinky 


This always happens to me, especially when I have fallen asleep with damp hair. In the morning, I will always head straight for the straighteners (see what I did there?!) and iron out the kinks.

If this doesn't work, invest in some new straighteners! Ok, put it up. Simple.

3. It's so flat!


Flat hair can really drag you down and look limp and lifeless around your face. To sort this, simply blow dry your hair upside down.

If that doesn't work try teasing the roots. Gently backcomb all around the scalp and it's surprising how much of a differece it will make

Nope, flat as a pancake. Ok, your hair is weird, seriously you've backcombed it... Try some dry shampoo/mousse/wig.

4. NOTHING IS WORKING!


Hey, chill out! Wear a hat or rock a scarf.

5. Nope, I'm going to cut it off in a minute...


NO! Go and wash it. Just start again. Wash your hair, condition the ends and blow dry your way to beautiful!

---

So there you have it, my hints and tips on how to fix your bad hair day.


Ooh, weird sexy lip bite, that hair though... <3

Now go about your day looking fabulous!

Bright, Bold Lips

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How To: 

Bright, Bold Lips




As the weather is getting a little warmer and the days become brighter (thank god!!) I am also going to start being a little more adventurous with my makeup. Brighter colours mainly, but I also fancy changing up my look every month or so.

Anyway, I will probably start with bold lips. I recently cleared out and sorted my makeup collection and found so many lipsticks and glosses of all different colours, even a really neon bright pink!

I probably won’t head straight for the neon, but a deep red or fresh spring pink will be a good start.

So, let’s get to it.

How to: Bright Lips Guide

PREPARATION

This goes for all lipstick to be honest. Cracked and dry lips will never give you that glamorous, luscious lip that you dream of. If you do have dry lips, never fear. You can easily create a lip scrub with just two ingredients. Grab some sugar and Vaseline, mix them together and gently rub the mix on your lips. Once removed, your lips will be softer, but make sure to use a good lip balm on them afterwards. I love all Burt’s Bees products and the cocoa butter ones, I can’t remember the name, but they smell so good! An alternative method is to buy a really (really) soft toothbrush. You can rub the bristles over your lips and get the same sort of effect, but just make sure you are really gentle with this one!

LINE YOUR LIPS 

I’m going to put this here, but to be honest, I wouldn’t blame you if you don’t take my advice. For one, I never line my lips. I only have one liner that I got in a goody bag from the clothes show; it’s never been used… However, lining your lips does make the look more professional and it does look good. Give it a go if you want. J

APPLY

With bold colours, less is more. Apply colours using a lip brush for ultimate control.

CONFIDENCE

Finally, look like you wear bold colours all the time. With this look, confidence is key.


I can't wait to start wearing brighter colours - Make sure to check my Instagram for some of my new makeup looks very soon!

Daisy, A Review

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Marc Jacobs Fragrance: Daisy 




I have loved this perfume ever since I tried it when it came out.

My favourite flowers are daisies so I’ve always been a little bias towards these perfumes (weird I know), but that is the main reason why I tried it and I am so glad I did! 
It’s fresh and floral scent is delicate and beautiful, but not sickly or too sweet like some other scents I have come across. I have been looking out for a signature scent and feel like this would be the perfect one to wear day to day, especially as it is not too heavy. It will also suit heading into the spring/summer months that we are all desperate to start seeing again, it’s so cold!

I was lucky enough to receive this at Christmas time in a fancy gift set. The perfume comes presented in a gorgeous box with a daisy shower gel and body lotion (which are both lovely formulas and smell amazing too). However, as I'm sure you know, the perfume is available in lots of places on the high street and price wise, it ranges from about £20 - £70 depending on the product and which size you choose.

I absolutely love this perfume and would recommend it to anyone really, but especially those who like light summery scents. Furthermore, the bottle is absolutely gorgeous and looks great on my dressing table!

Final Thoughts: I love it!
Perfect for: A cute first date 
Rating: 5 (daises) /5 

 What do you think to Daisy by Marc Jacobs? Do you love it as much as me or prefer some of the newer scents in the range? I'd love to know!