Loreal Rouge Caresse VS Revlon Lip Butter

 Revlon Lip Butter 055 Cupcake // Loreal Rouge Caresse 03 Lovely Rose

It's not often I do beauty related reviews on my blog - but I picked these two lipstick/lipbalms up the other day and needed to write about them! Let me start off by saying these are two very similar colours - so this review is about the quality, texture and lasting power of the lipsticks rather than the shades. Superdrug currently have a 3 for 2 offer on all makeup related items so I also bought a Loreal Eyeliner. Both these lipsticks/butters/balms whatever you want to call them were between £7-8 and if I remember correctly they were exactly the same price.

Loreal Rouge Caresse in 03 Lovely Rose.
* Loreal say:  A flutter of kissably soft light-weight feeling colour. Its delicate texture glides onto lips creating a veil of colour with a lumious shine. 
This is a soft baby pink colour similar to Angel or Creme Cup by Mac. It's brilliantly pigmented for something that is supposed to be a tinted lipbalm and adds just the right amount of colour to my lips. It's very moisturising and simply glides on in a very lightweight formula. It does not feel heavy or sticky in any way and I can apply it without a mirror. It acts just like a lipbalm - and even when I remove it or it wears off my lips look and feel conditioned. Staying power is also similar to a lipbalm. I'd say it last for about an hour or two before you need to re apply. This is one to keep in your bag and shove on every so often (as you would Carmex or Vaseline.)

Revlon Lip Butter in 055 Cupcake
* Revlon say: Buttery balm with beautiful shiny color to give you baby soft, healthy glowing lips. Hydrating mango, shea and coconut butter formula boosts lip moisture by 156% 
Just like its name, this shade is as sweet as a cupcake. It's very similar to the Loreal one above but with a hint of lilac. Just like Mac Snob but a less heavy, more glossy version. It's also super pigmented for a balm and adds a great amount of colour to your lips for an everyday wear. At first application it can be a little sticky but this soon wears off. Staying power is just like the Loreal Caresse, a few hours before it needs re applying. This might not seem like very long - but these are designed to be tinted lipbalms not last-all-night lipsticks.
Again my lips feel very well looked after when I'm wearing it, no drying or falling into cracks.


So which is better?
It's so difficult to say. Both lip butters are so so similar in many ways. If I had to choose one over the other I'd possibly go for the Loreal Rouge Caresse as it glides on a little smoother than the Revlon Lip Butter and just feels so lovely to wear. I also prefer the packaging of the Loreal one as it's so thick and has a very strong 'click' to keep the lid from falling off. Whereas the Revlon butter can be a bit difficult to open as you have to grip the tiny base with your fingertips to pull off the whole lid.
But I'm sure I'll be picking up more of these in the future, there are some other amazing shades to choose with Revlon possibly having a larger range of colours to choose from.

Marks out of 10?
9/10 for both of them. You'll just have to buy both to make up your mind!

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Stars and Stripes

White Slouch Vest - H&M

American Flag Shorts - Glamorous

Black Cycle Shorts - River Island

White Pumps - Primark

Sunglasses - H&M

Jewellery - Galibardy, Etsy, RI, H&M

This sunny weather is getting me in the mood for my holiday to the US in August! I'll be visiting my sister in DC for a week and then flying to California for a week. I'm certainly taking these American flag denim shorts with me! You might have spotted them already on my Instagram (@thisfashionismine).
They were kindly sent to me from Glamorousuk.com and I love them. Ever since spotting the Topshop flag shorts out I've wanted a pair, but these are so much better value for money at £23.99. 

They are super soft and stretchy - perfect for festivals, bbqs, or picnics. I paired mine with these black cycle shorts for an added bit of length as I was just mooching around the garden and popping to the shops today. 

Glamorous also have a free shipping offer on right now until the end of May so order quick!

I have now completely finished my first year at Uni! Its gone so fast I've hardly had time to reflect on how its gone. But I can't wait to get back in September and I'm brimming with photography ideas so I'm pretty sure I'm enjoying my degree.
This time off does mean however that I have loads more time for blogging! If you enjoy reading my blog and want to show me some love I'd be honoured if you wanted to nominate me in the Cosmo Blog Awards under the established fashion blog category! Its a very quick process, I'm picking my faves to nominate right now....

x

DIY Tie-Dye Jeans

It's Friday, so that calls for another DIY project! These tie dye jeans are so easy to create and you only need items you can find lying around the house. I made them last week after being inspired by these Isabel Marant Jeans and various other interpretations...

Elin Kling wearing Isabel Marant Jeans, Courtney from Here Is Now and Rebecca from Raspberry Rougue

What You Need

Dark Indigo Jeans

Household Bleach (or Baby Sterilising Fluid)

Bucket

Cold Water

Lots of Rubber Bands

Gloves

Open Airy Work Space

Start off by wrapping the legs of your jeans up with rubber bands. You need to fold and bunch bits together in a messy style. I used around 20 rubber bands on each leg.



After you have done both legs, tie the top part of your jeans up in the same way using rubber bands. Bunch the jeans together and hold with bands.

Pop the jeans into a bucket of half water, half bleach. Leave them for a few hours, turning every half an hour so the bleach reaches all areas. My jeans took 4 hours to reach the desired colour but this time will vary depending on your jeans and strength of bleach. Leave them soaking until they reach the colour you like.

Rinse them in cold water and squeeze out the majority of bleach (wearing your gloves.) Untie the rubber bands and you'll see the pattern that has formed. Chuck the jeans into the washing machine on their own with a small amount of detergent. Hang them outside to dry.

I paired mine with a simple white tee and navy toms for the day time. But they look equally as amazing with heels and a blazer on a night out. The jeans may take a few washes before the bleach smell disappears or a good airing on the washing line. Since making these I've spotted them everywhere and I'm so glad I have my own unique version. To create an even whiter pattern, just leave them in the bleach solution for longer. But remember that it is an erosive substance and can cause damage to material if left on for too long.

Enjoy!

x

If you'd like to see more DIY tutorials by Gwen McMullin, just click on the DIY tab at the top of the page!

Selling MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

Mac MSF Natural in the shade 'Medium'

I've had this MSF powder for a few months now but I've only used it about 3 times. Why? I just don't get it. This powder is one of Mac's best selling items and I bought it crossing my fingers the colour would be ok for my 'summer skin'. Its actually quite a sheer powder so the shade is fine for me but I'm not so happy with the finish on my normal/oily skin. I know so many people love these powders so they must work for some skin types! I wanted to share this with you girls because we all love a good mac bargain. If you'd like to put in a bid for this one, barely used with 99% left then you can over on my ebay listing.

x

DIY Jersey Pocket Skirt (from a t-shirt)

Last year one of H&M's most popular items was a simple skirt. The basic, elasticated waist ones that came in a variety of colours for £6.99. You can see me wearing one here. Well, ever since I've been on the search for this type of basic skirt because they go with absolutely everything. American Apparel do some lovely jersey pocket skirts but for £25 each they're not exactly purse friendly. But there is a quick and easy method to making your own simple jersey skirts and it all starts with a extra large men's t-shirt...

What You Need:

1 x XL or XXL Men's T-shirt

Fabric Scissors

1 inch Elastic
Fabric Pins

Sowing Machine

Needle and Thread
Safety Pin

Using an XL men's t-shirt results in a mini skirt and using a XXL t-shirt results in a mid-thigh length skirt. It all depends on your preference. You can choose whatever colour you like, Primark have a great selection of basic men's tees in so many different colours and patterns. Graphic prints may also make a unique design. 

Step #1 Lay the tshirt out and cut across the middle, right under the arms - you're left with your skirt fabric.

Step #2 Flip the fabric inside out. We're going to hem the freshly cut edge so fold this down. It needs to be just over an inch so we can run the elastic through. Pin this down in place all the way round.



Step #3 Sew this up using the sowing machine. Then measure your length of elastic, I stretched it comfortably around the smallest part of my waist then added an inch for sowing.
Snip a small opening in the inside band of the skirt, just wide enough to post the elastic through. Attaching a safety pin helps to move the elastic along through the band. Slide it through gathering the material as you go.



Step #4 When both ends of the elastic meet up (careful not to loose an end!) sew them together using a strong stitch and go back and forth a few times. Cut off any extra elastic, and hand sew the opening.




Step #5 Using the tshirt sleeve creates two pieces of fabric that will become pockets. Place these on your skirt. Fold the rough cut edge under and carefully pin in place. This creates a more finished look. Sew on the pockets by following the pins around on your machine.

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* You can find more DIY tutorials from Gwen McMullin by clicking on the DIY link at the top of the homepage!

New Buys...

Bandeau Tops - New Look £3.99

Trainers - New Look £9.99

Shopping for other people always turns into shopping for myself. I was wandering around New Look yesterday hoping to be inspired to buy birthday presents and instead found myself with three new items all for me.
A few weeks ago I bought a backless shirt and wanted a nice bra/bralet/bandeau to wear underneath. Initially I had been looking for a stripy one but when I saw this aztec print I couldn't resist. Good job they were fairly cheap. New Look has loads of these in at the moment in all different colours.

I also couldn't decide if these shoes were too hipster for my own good but decide that with the right outfit they won't look quite as obviously 'on trend' as they are. I actually love the colours and the dull pink stripe that runs around the rubber is very similar to converse and such a nice touch. Plus they were so cheap!

I also found some amazing chunky flatform pumps in grey but unfortunately they didn't have my size. The guy I spoke to was so lovely and checked everywhere in store for me before offering my a (albeit hideous) alternative. I politely told him I'd check online instead! Which is exactly what I did, and they are now in the post on their way to me! I'll let you know how the flatforms turn out, I'm still semi-conscious they look ridiculous on my large feet.

x

DIY Ombre Studded Shoulder Sweater

About a week ago I made this dip-dye ombre studded shoulder sweater inspired by the current Topshop version. It's very easy to do, will save you a fair bit of money and looks just as good. 

If you've seen my post on dip dying a denim jacket, you might remember me mentioning I had dip dyed a few other items as well, and this grey sweater was one of them!

Here's the famous Topshop studded shoulder sweater, and some other ombre/dip-dye trends I was inspired by...

What You Need:

Oversized Sweater

Dylon Fabric Dye in Flamingo Pink

40 Conical Studs 

(All these items can be purchased on ebay and I've included links to the sellers I bought from.)

How to Ombre Dip-Dye Your Sweater

Follow the same steps in my diy ombre denim jacket to learn how to dip dye fabric.

Studding the Shoulders

Flatten out one shoulder so you can see the area your working with. Place the first stud on the shoulder seam close to the neck. Stab it through and carefully fold back the prongs with your fingers/nails or a knife.

Place the next three studs all along this seam.

Follow the images below to work out a triangle pattern.

Don't worry if its not perfect, just keep the spacing between each stud fairly even.

I used 20 studs on each shoulder.

Repeat these steps on the other shoulder - take care to fold the prongs neatly so they don't poke out at you when being worn. I tucked mine right into the fabric and I can't feel them when I'm wearing the sweater.

And that's it...

Enjoy your on-trend handmade sweater!

Please let me know what you think in the comments below, I'm aiming to post a new DIY every Friday as I've been feeling quite creative recently. If there's any fashion item you'd love to make your own version of then let me know and I might just be able to show you how...

x

*For more DIYs and How To's by Gwen McMullin visit the DIY tab at the top of the homepage.

Aztec and Avengers

Top - River Island (2011)

Skirt - Primark

Boots - H&M

Bracelets - H&M + River Island

Nails - MUA Shade 16

I re-discovered this Aztec print top when I was searching through my wardrobe today, looking for something I'd not worn in a while. Actually, I've never worn this as it still had the tags on! I found it in the sale last Autumn and thought it would be great for nights out or to save for Spring. So now I've realised how much I like it I'm sure I'll be wearing it all the time. 

This skirt is starting to fall apart at the seams, I can't say much for Primark quality especially on their more basic items they don't seem to last very long. I think with a bit of hand sowing I should be able to repair the damage and I do love this skirt very much so its worth it.

I spent my Bank Holiday at the cinema watching the Avengers and eating Ben & Jerry's (Cookie Dough and Mint Choc Chip) and am now going to spend the rest of the night watching TV and trying not to think about tomorrow's lecture. 

Night all!

x

Dip Dye Ombre Denim Jacket DIY

If you've not noticed the dip dye/ombre trend popping up all over the high street then where have you been?! About a month ago I popped into Topshop and fell in love with a pink dip dyed denim jacket (pictured below) but it was £45.00. I couldn't help thinking I could have a go at making one myself for a quarter of that price and it would be so easy.

I love the way it's turned out and wanted to share how I did it so you can give it a go yourself in 10 simple steps. Search around for second hand denim jackets in charity shops or ebay to get a good deal. I also bought my pink fabric dye on ebay too for a few pounds.

You Will Need:

1 x Denim Jacket

1 x Packet of Dylon Fabric Dye in Flamingo Pink

5 tablespoons of Salt

6 litres of warm water

1 x Large Bucket

Gloves

Step 1 - Add the salt to 6 litres of warm water (in your bucket) and mix with a spoon.

Step 2 - Dissolve Dylon dye in 500ml of warm water and stir well until all the powder has disappeared.

Step 3 - Add the liquid pink dye to the bucket of salt water. Stir well.

Step 4 - Dip the bottom half of your denim jacket into the dye. Swish the jacket around a little and keep the pink water moving. Using a large metal spoon helps.
Step 5 - Move the jacket up and down in the water to create the ombre effect. The bottom section should be the strongest in colour so leave this to soak for up to half an hour. Stir the water around every so often to make sure it reaches all areas of the denim.
Step 6 - Lower the jacket into the dye a little more and leave for a further 15 minutes.



Step 7 - After the jacket has been soaking for 45mins, remove from the dye. Wring out with hands.
Step 8 - Rinse the jacket in cool water, I had a second bucket ready and waiting to do this.
Step 9 - Throw the whole thing in the washing machine on a quick cycle without washing powder or soap.
Step 10 - Hang it out to dry and then wear with pride!

In total I spent around £12 making my own version which is a huge saving of £33 on the Topshop jacket. Plus it was so fun to do, and whilst I had the bucket of pink dye, I dipped a few other items in there too!
I have another exciting Ombre DIY coming very soon so keep your eyes peeled if you were a fan of this one.

x



*If you'd like to see more DIYs by Gwen McMullin, check out the DIY tab at the top of the page.