10 NAIL POSTS

May 3, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: MILAN: WHAT I WORE

≪ Previous: WEAR LIFE EATS: MILAN EDITION

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I've been posting about nails every Sunday for over a year now so this week I wanted to take a look back at 10 of my previous nail posts...

Purple Nails - I love ombré nails and I love lilac nails so this is a win/win situation for the Summer. 

White Nails - I still can't get enough of white nail polish. It's smart, fresh and chic! 

Invisible Nails - When you're not sure what colour to use but you don't want to have your nails bare, a nude skin tone polish is the perfect idea and keeps your fingernails looking polished.

Beach Bag - A recent discovery and love that I can't wait to use throughout the Summer! Wanna make your hands look tanned and healthy? This will do the trick. 

Yellow Floral - One of the hardest floral nail designs I've attempted that was inspired by one of my Zara dresses. It's pretty and cute, just make sure you have patience before attempting to recreate them! 

Pink Polka Dot - A very affordable, bright pink covered in little white dots. If you want your nails to be loud, this is the one for you. 

Blue Daisies - Nail art on the accent nail is fun without being too in your face. Flowers are easy to do and look really impressive! 

Royal Blue - Kiko is super affordable and this royal blue colour makes a statement, whilst still being quite sophisticated.  

Paint Palette - This is one the easier nail art designs as it's supposed to look messy. I love the layered look! 

No Name Nails - A random creation I came up with, I think it looked pretty cute!


Let me know if you recreate any of the nails and tweet me @lilypebbles if you do! 

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MILAN: WHAT I WORE

May 4, 2014, 5:00 am

≫ Next: CURRENT JEWELLERY FAVOURITES

≪ Previous: 10 NAIL POSTS

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Whilst in Milan and with a suitcase full of clothes, I thought I'd film my first proper lookbook video. Thanks to Anna, we were able to film my outfit every morning before starting the day. 

I hope you like seeing what I wore and for all the details, please check the description box of the video. Enjoy! 

CURRENT JEWELLERY FAVOURITES

May 4, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: LOOKING AFTER COLOURED HAIR

≪ Previous: MILAN: WHAT I WORE

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I recently went a bit crazy in the jewellery department. I realised that I didn't have many nice pieces and I was bored of all my statement necklaces. I knew exactly what I wanted and so I headed straight for Accessorize, Topshop and & Other Stories. 

First let's talk about the bits that aren't new but are equally loved. My Acurist watch is still firmly wrapped around my wrist and has taken over from my Michael Kors watch. I love the grandpa style and this one is just perfect! I also still love wearing my above the knuckle rings from River Island as they're really delicate and make my hands look pretty and girly. 

I saw this coral metal layered rope necklace in Accessorize and fell in love. The coral adds a touch of colour and the layered metal ropes sit nicely and can make a plain top a bit more special. In Topshop I spotted an above the knuckle, twist band gold ring to add to my collection and then I also picked some up in & Other Stories. These came in a huge pack of seven so you can wear a few on your index finger and a few on your ring finger. They're a mix of gold and silver which is a look I really like. 

Finally this brass bead necklace from & Other Stories is delicate, simple but kind of grungy at the same time. It has a nice weight to it so sits nicely and works perfectly with a simple grey tee. 

So what jewellery bits are you loving at the moment? 

LOOKING AFTER COLOURED HAIR

May 5, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: FITNESS FOR BEGINNERS

≪ Previous: CURRENT JEWELLERY FAVOURITES

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As you all know I recently lightened the tips of my hair and although it's nothing drastic I still really wanted to look after the colour and make it last. Using stripping products and letting your hair get damaged from the heat can make your colour fade much quicker and dry out your hair. 

I've been using the Concoction shampoo and conditioner and it's a new brand to me but one that I've fallen in love with. All their products are paraben and silicone free so they're great for protecting coloured hair. You can mix up your own products to suit your hair type and add in any specific 'shots' you like. It's definitely worth checking out, so look here for more details and stockists. 

To work alongside my shampoo and conditioner I wanted to use a purple conditioner to keep the lighter tones as they are and to prevent them from turning orange and brassy. I've been using a small amount of the Bleach London Silver Conditioner just on the ends of my hair and so far it's worked a treat! 

When it comes to styling I've just been extra cautious with heat protection as colour can naturally dry out the hair and mine is already dry enough! I use the Alterna Bamboo Anti-Breakage Thermal Protectant Spray on wet hair and then I use the Oscar Blandi Dry Heat Protect Spray on days when I'm straightening my hair from dry. 

These products together have helped keep the colour in my  hair healthy and looking good, so they all get a thumbs up from me! 

FITNESS FOR BEGINNERS

May 6, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: THE BUDGET CLEANSING OIL

≪ Previous: LOOKING AFTER COLOURED HAIR

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Back in school I was very much into sports. I was the captain of a few teams and super competitive. But when I left school and went to University I found the sports teams to be a bit too competitive and lacked the fun part that I really enjoyed. I tried joining a couple of gyms over the next few years but really didn't enjoy it and it was just a huge waste of money for me. 

Fast forward a few years and here I am, a pretty healthy 20-something but with one thing missing in my daily life... some regular fitness. I've made up excuses for long enough so a few weeks ago I gave in and let Rich become my personal trainer. I won't go to the gym, I won't run but I will give a bit of fitness a go.

Rich is really experienced (he's triathlon obsessed!) and out of all the different fitness routines he's tried he found CrossFit to be the most beneficial and enjoyable. So he adjusted some of the core sessions and made it suitable for a beginner like me. We've been working out two or three times a week and I can already see an improvement, moving from 6 reps to 10. 

This is very much suited to me but for those of you who want a free and easy way to get into a bit of fitness, here's what we do... 

- Stretch: The most important step, don't skip this or you will be in pain! 

- Two minutes of skipping (or a short jog if you prefer)

- 10 press ups: I do these on my knees until I am able to do 'proper' ones.

- 10 backwards lunges: Try and get your knee as close to the ground as possible. 

- 10 sit ups: There are three ways to do these so take turns for each session. Traditional sit ups, sit ups where you touch the side of your ankles and sit ups where you lift your legs off the ground and bring them up and down.

- 10 squats: I alternate each session with a standard squat and a jumping squat. We've also started squatting holding a weight to my chest. 

Pause for a minute and repeat once more or twice if you can! 

- Two minutes of skipping (or a short jog if you prefer)

- Stretch: The most important step, don't skip this or you will be in pain! 

I haven't allowed myself to get too excited about fitness gear yet as it's still quite soon but one thing I did invest in is a good sports bra. If you are relatively large in that department it's very important to have a good sports bra, so I picked up this pretty mint one from Lulu Lemon. Whilst I was there I also picked up this headband in the sale, it's great because it has grips on the inside so it doesn't move around and it keeps those fly away hairs out of your face. 

So let me know if you'd like me to keep you updated on my progression. I know this workout is quite basic but it's working great for me and hopefully I'll just keep improving! What's your favourite way to keep healthy? 

THE BUDGET CLEANSING OIL

May 7, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: TOP 10 MAKEUP BRUSHES

≪ Previous: FITNESS FOR BEGINNERS

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I've declared my love for the NUDE Cleansing Oil time and time again. It's ability to remove makeup quickly always amazes me but finding something similar at the cheaper price has always proven difficult. 

Around a month ago The Body Shop sent me the Camomile Cleansing Oil to try out and after a month of testing I can confirm, it really is great. 

With just one pump you can evenly distribute the product working it into your skin and eyes. Using a wet muslin cloth you can then remove all your makeup and there is no greasy residue left on your skin. I didn't find it quite as gentle as the NUDE version and although it didn't sting my eyes, I was more aware of it than I'd like to have been. I prefer using this just to remove my face makeup and for that it's perfect. It's the quickest and most efficient way to remove makeup and don't be put off by the fact it's an oil if you have oily skin. It works for all skin types and the fact that it's an oil just means it breaks down the makeup better. 

The NUDE Cleansing Oil remains my favourite but at only £10 compared to NUDE's £28 the Camomile Cleansing Oil is 100% worth a try! 

So what's your cleanser of choice?

TOP 10 MAKEUP BRUSHES

May 8, 2014, 5:00 am

≫ Next: WHAT'S ON MY FACE #43

≪ Previous: THE BUDGET CLEANSING OIL

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I am a huge lover of makeup brushes and I strongly believe that there is no point having nice makeup if you haven't got good tools to apply it with!

I've put together a list of my top 10 brushes so that if you were looking to invest in some new brushes, this video might help you pick! 

WHAT'S ON MY FACE #43

May 8, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: WEAR LIFE EATS

≪ Previous: TOP 10 MAKEUP BRUSHES

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Wednesday was a busy day out, here there and everywhere. I thought I'd show you the makeup I wore as it's been a little while since a WOMF has appeared on here... 

I started by testing out a new primer, the Illamasqua Matt Viel. Their Hydra Veil was a big launch for them and now they've brought out a similar product but with a slight mattifying finish. I like the water based formula, it felt refreshing on the skin but I'm still unsure of how it left my makeup towards the end of the day. The testing continues... 

For my base I used my current NARS loves, Sheer Glow and their Radiant Creamy Concealers (with a bit of Bobbi Brown corrector layered underneath for extra dark circle removal). To smooth things over and set it in place for a long day, I used the MAC Mineralised Skin Finish Natural in Light Plus. For bronzer I used one of my all-time favourites by Soap & Glory and for a pop of colour, the Revlon blush in 'Racy Rose'. 

For my eyes I used a pretty combination that I discovered thanks to Tanya Burr. Remember this video of hers? I was blown away by her makeup look and when I asked what she used, she told me By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Misty Rock and MAC Haux eyeshadow in the crease. Of course I had to pick them both up and I'm so glad I did, it's a beautiful combination! Layered on top I used Urban Decay's Hustle eyeliner and Maybelline The Rocket mascara. 

To finish the look I filled in my brows slightly using the Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil and set them with the Blink Clear Brow Gel. I then applied Clinique's Chubby Stick Intense in Grandest Grape, a beautiful deep plum shade. 

So what do you think?

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WEAR LIFE EATS

May 9, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: BARRY M GELLY SUMMER SHADES

≪ Previous: WHAT'S ON MY FACE #43

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WEAR //

I've been loving wearing my H&M kimono recently, which you can see in my Milan Lookbook video. It's so comfortable but also looks stylish at the same time. It's made me go a bit kimono crazy so I've been looking everywhere for my next kimono purchase. Here are some of my favourite picks from online, have you spotted any nice ones? 

1, 2, 3, & 4

LIFE //

One of my favourite blogs, This Chicks Got Style, has had a rebrand and Yara from the newly named Chapter Friday has been smashing out some great posts recently! My favourite posts are the 'career' focused ones and I find them super helpful when I'm feeling overwhelmed with work. It's definitely worth checking out her site, it's aesthetically pleasing and really informative at the same time. 

EATS //

This week we made Quinoa Tabbouleh with toasted pine nuts and pomegranate and it was delicious!! It was a recipe pulled from the Sunday Times Magazine, although we used regular quinoa instead of red quinoa. You can find the recipe here and I'd 100% recommend making it, it was so yummy and healthy! 

Have a great weekend and tweet me @lilypebbles if you find any pretty kimonos or if you make the salad! 

BARRY M GELLY SUMMER SHADES

May 10, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: SPRING CLEANING YOUR WARDROBE

≪ Previous: WEAR LIFE EATS

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More Gelly shades from Barry M? They are spoiling us this year with their Gelly launches. It's one of my favourite nail polish formulas, thick and glossy, so I was really looking forward to trying the new shades. There are three super bright shades also available in this collection, but I wanted to focus on my favourites, so here they are... 

Elderberry // This is a really pretty blue, a little similar to Essie 'Truth or Flare' but slightly more blue and less grey. I think it's a more mature way of wearing blue and I love this shade. 

Almond // This is going to be the one that everyone loves. It's chic, easy to wear and has that sophisticated greige tone similar to YSL 'Beige Gallery'. 

Coconut // This is an off-white shade that is perfect for those who aren't keen on tipex nails. It's a slightly yellow-toned white and it goes with everything! 

Olive // As the name describes, this one is a moss green. Although it may be a strange colour choice for summer, I do like the shade and I think it would be a good festival nail colour! 

This collection is already available in Superdrug and will be going into Boots on 14th May. So which one is your favourite? 

SPRING CLEANING YOUR WARDROBE

May 11, 2014, 5:00 am

≫ Next: BE RIGHT BACK

≪ Previous: BARRY M GELLY SUMMER SHADES

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Twice a year I like to give my wardrobe a proper clear out. I sort out my clothes and give my wardrobe a good clean. It's not only helpful because you discover clothes you haven't worn or make space for new stuff, it's also really cleansing for your mind. That sounds crazy, but it is! 

I hope this video is helpful if you're thinking of doing the same. Spring cleaning is long and tiring but completely worth it! 

BE RIGHT BACK

May 11, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: vlog: my boyfriend is a thief!

≪ Previous: SPRING CLEANING YOUR WARDROBE

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Hello lovelies! I'm taking a little break from posting this week. Apparently I've posted every single day since June 2012 (what?!). Through sick days, during holidays and even on Christmas Day. I just loveposting daily, what can I say? 

It's important for me though to learn that the world won't stop spinning if I miss a post. I'm pretty hard on myself and whilst being organised, self-motivated and ambitious is great, it's pretty exhausting too. This week will be a normal working week for me but it'll give me a chance to catch up on things and work on some better content for next week.

You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram where my usual ramblings will continue and my videos will still be going up on Thursday and Sunday. I'm looking forward to taking this week to clear my mind, brainstorm some new ideas and come back next Monday with some fresh new content. 

See you then! 

vlog: my boyfriend is a thief!

May 14, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: DAY TO NIGHT IN 6 STEPS

≪ Previous: BE RIGHT BACK

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Head over to watch this week's vlog. Here's a teaser of what happens... I eat a lot of food, Rich steals a credit card, I eat more food, I go to IKEA, I eat more food and then I talk with a lisp for about 2 minutes... 

Enjoy! 

DAY TO NIGHT IN 6 STEPS

May 18, 2014, 2:00 am

≫ Next: DETOX YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE

≪ Previous: vlog: my boyfriend is a thief!

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For today's video I'm showing how I take my look from day to night when I only have a few minutes to get ready! 

Enjoy! 

DETOX YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE

May 18, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: THE ULTIMATE CLEANSER FOR BEGINNERS

≪ Previous: DAY TO NIGHT IN 6 STEPS

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I think we all have those areas in our bedroom that I like to call 'clutter central'. Mine is my bedside table. No matter what I do, everything seems to end up there. The surface is usually scattered with lip balms, cups of water, candles and hairbands. The middle sections has more hair products on display than a salon would and at the bottom is a tangled mess of hair straighteners, hair dryers, tongs and headphones. It was definitely time for a detox, but this time instead of just tidying the area I wanted to find some storage solutions to prevent it turning back into this mess... 

Let's start at the bottom, do I really need all my hair tools sprawled out on the floor?! No. I found this soft storage bag at H&M Home and it fits perfectly underneath. In there I keep all my hair tools and because the bag is soft and bendy it's easy to reach in to grab one. 

Now to tackle the product mess. I tend to do my hair in my bedroom sitting in front of the mirror, so I like to have products nearby but there is no way I use all of those. The ones I use less frequently I put back into the bathroom and for the others I found another storage solution at H&M Home. This small wired basket and 'Oats & Co' basket were sold separately bur I thought they looked great together. Inside I keep my hairbrush, heat protector and my most used styling products. Underneath the basket I keep an invisible heat proof matt so I can rest my straighteners on the table whilst straightening my hair. 

I find it incredibly hard to keep surfaces clean and tidy but there really isn't much I actually need on my bedside table so I tried to be strict. So here are some new rules I've created for myself... 

1. Only one candle on the table at a time 

2. Remember to take the cup down to the kitchen every morning! 

3. Only one lip balm on rotation at a time

The acrylic storage was a gift but you can find similar things at Muji or The Holding Company. 

I'm so glad I made the time to do this because as silly as it sounds, a detoxed bedside table  and a tidy environment definitely makes for a better sleep (mum you were right for all those years!). 

So have I inspired you to give your bedside table a detox?

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THE ULTIMATE CLEANSER FOR BEGINNERS

May 19, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: EXTRA LONG BEAUTY CHAT WITH ANNA

≪ Previous: DETOX YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE

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Last week, Liz Earle celebrated receiving their 100th industry award for their Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and it couldn't have been more deserved. In the past year or so I've moved on to a different skincare routine that focuses more on anti-ageing but this triggered my memory of how great the Cleanse & Polish really is and I wanted to recommend it again to those of you who have never tried it. 

If you're just getting into skincare this is the perfect cleanser, no matter how old you are. It's a cream base and it comes in a really handy and clean pump. The best thing about it, apart from that it's really gentle, is that it removes all makeup. You only need one pump to remove all your eye and face makeup before removing with a warm muslin cloth. The Liz Earle muslin cloths are my favourite and I collect them like a squirrel collects nuts. 

At only £14, it's no surprise that one is sold every 23 seconds around the globe. It's definitely one to try, I don't think I've ever met anyone who's tried it and hasn't loved it. Have you tried the Cleanse & Polish yet?

SHOP THE POST 

EXTRA LONG BEAUTY CHAT WITH ANNA

May 20, 2014, 5:00 am

≫ Next: PROTECT YOUR SKIN

≪ Previous: THE ULTIMATE CLEANSER FOR BEGINNERS

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It's time for Anna and I to get together for our monthly beauty chat and this time we have 10 questions to answer rather than our usual 5. You asked so many great questions, it was so hard to pick! 

Find out what we'd call our self-created lipsticks, our shopping tips and which foundations we think last the best! 

Enjoy! 

PROTECT YOUR SKIN

May 20, 2014, 11:00 am

≫ Next: IN LOVE WITH A NEW FOUNDATION

≪ Previous: EXTRA LONG BEAUTY CHAT WITH ANNA

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Two videos in one day?! What's going on? Well this wasn't planned but when I mentioned that I was having some moles removed today I got an amazing response on Twitter and it inspired me to make this video when I returned back from my little operation.

I hope it helps some of you who like me have always found it a difficult subject to talk about... Please click on the title of the video to be taken to YouTube and then check the description bar. Thanks for all of your support! 

IN LOVE WITH A NEW FOUNDATION

May 20, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: BRIGHTON PHOTO DIARY

≪ Previous: PROTECT YOUR SKIN

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I try a lot of foundations and I mean a lot. It's a strange shopping addiction of mine, but it's not that often that I try one that blows me away. With the RMK Creamy Foundation, it was love at first buff and I haven't used anything else since. 

RMK is a funny brand. Started by famous makeup artist Rumiko, it's a small, not so well known brand that sits in my favourite beauty workshop department of Selfridges. It's hard to get hold of anywhere else, but as a brand to come out of Japan there's no surprise at the amazing quality of the products. They're known for their super soft, durable brushes but I'd never tried the makeup before. 

The thing that really stands out about the Creamy Foundation is the lasting power. A lot of foundations look gorgeous and glowy when applied but hardly any of them still look that way 6 or 8 hours later. This foundation stays exactly the same the entire day with absolutely no touch ups needed. It's a medium to full coverage so slightly heavier than what I usually go for, but the glowyness of it means it doesn't look at all heavy or cakey on. It has an SPF of 15, it's highly pigmented so you only need the tiniest amount to buff all over the skin and fyi, I use shade 101 which is the perfect colour match. 

It comes in a tub which is a bit annoying, but worth the impracticality because the product inside is so great. If you find your makeup doesn't last all day, whether it's weather related or due to your skin being too dehydrated or too oily, this foundation is for you.

I can't rave about it enough, you must try and get hold of a sample to try it yourself. Have I convinced you yet? Maybe I should change the title of this post to "The Best Foundation I've Ever Tried"..... Seriously. 

BRIGHTON PHOTO DIARY

May 21, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Sunny Brighton Vlog

≪ Previous: IN LOVE WITH A NEW FOUNDATION

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If you follow me on Twitter and Instagram I'm sure you noticed that I spent last weekend in Brighton with Anna and our boys. It was truly one of the best weekends I've had in a while! 

As well as vlogging, I thought I'd take some photo diary snaps so I tried my best to juggle two cameras but I'm glad I did because I managed to capture some great memories. 

Outfit 1: H&M Striped dress, Urban Outfitters hat, Ray Bans, Urban Outfitters bag, Birkenstock sandals, Acurist watch. 

Outfit 2: Zara trousers, Topshop t-shirt, Acurist watch, Birkenstock sandals, Topshop leather jacket. 

Outfit 3: River Island Ashleigh jeans, Topshop t-shirt, Birkenstocks, Urban Outfitters hat, Acurist watch, Urban Outfitters bag, & Other Stories sunglasses. 

Places visited: Brighton Pier, Small Batch Coffee Company, Bill's, Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant, Snooper's Paradise (for Photo Booth) & lots of other random shops and cafés.

I hope you liked seeing what we got up to and look out for this afternoon's post for a link to my Brighton vlog.