Looks2BLoved have moved!

Hi all my wonderful followers!

Just a quick note to say that Looks2BLoved have moved and can now be found at:

www.looks2bloved.com & http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10217353/looks2bloved

I'd love it if you followed me there!

Mint Green Quilted Bag

Whilst in Portugal recently, it would have been rude not to do a little shopping wouldn't it?! 

On one particular trip (and there were a few!), I was spoilt for choice with bags, purses and clutches and found it really hard to pick just one; which I amazingly did.

I went for this gorgeous Mint Green Quilted Bag.

Yes, admittedly it isn't leather (what handbags are these days) but I just thought it was too cute to leave behind. The colour is something I didn't have before either, so it really caught my eye.

I really love the gold buckle fastening detail on the front and the quilted look stitching, which is very fashionable at the moment. The handles are a really nice thickness to hold too, not like some bowler bags, which are round and sometimes a little tricky to keep a hold of.

Another cute thing about this bag is there are three ways to use it. The first is as shown above, by using the short handles.

The second is by attaching the supplied straps to the front and back gold loops to create slightly longer straps.

The third way is by removing each of the shorter straps, attaching them to each other and to the little loops on each end of the bag, creating a long enough strap to put over your shoulder, or cross body.

The only slight down side with this option is that the hooks would sit directly on the top of your shoulder, which could be a pain if you're not wearing a lot on your shoulders. Still a really cute idea though.

To be honest, I'll probably hold it mainly, but it's really nice to have options. And when the straps are completely off the bag, the hoops front and back just look like design details and not purely for function, so it works well.

The inside of the bag is really spacious with lots of pockets, zipped compartments and spaces for your phone and lippy.

The lining inside is really light as well, which is great for finding things. I do hate it when a bag has a dark lining and it's like a Tardis; hiding the one item you want each time!

I really love this bag and for just 15 Euros, I think it's exceptional value.

Have you recently purchased a bargain bag? Let me know!

Primark Neon Spike Necklace

On one of my more recent Primark visits, I picked up this gorgeous Neon Spike Necklace. I really love neon at the moment and have previously posted about other neon necklaces. I think this particular one was only a couple of pounds, which is great value for the amount of necklace you get!

As you can see, there is a coloured cord running through the chain detail, with three different length gold coloured spikes coming off the chain. There is a really good extender chain on the necklace too, so you can vary the length at which you wear it.

I really love this necklace and think it looks stunning on sun kissed skin – it really shows off the neon at its best!

My one small niggle with this necklace is that it has a tendency to turn on itself, making the coloured cord not always sit perfectly flat and the spikes overlap each other a little on the outer edges. This is just the way these kind of necklaces are designed and due to the weight and curve that they sit on the skin, so not a lot you can do about it. I love it all the same and just have to occasionally adjust it. No biggy!

Have you bought any cute Primark necklaces recently? I’d love to hear from you.

L'Oreal Acid Watermelon Polish Fade

You might remember that just before my holiday, I posted about the awesome Acid Watermelon nail polish from the L’Oreal Color Riche range.

The colour is absolutely stunning and so vibrant that I couldn't wait to show off my neon toes in sunny Portugal! 

By day two of my holiday my toes had admittedly already seen quite a bit of sun and chlorine but I didn't expect the polish to fade quite as much as it did. I’d noticed that my toes had gone from ‘neon pink’ to ‘baby pink’ before my eyes, but when I repainted one foot, I realised the extent of the fade and was shocked!

It’s not a problem to paint your toes on holiday, after all, the polish dries in seconds and sometimes you might just want to paint them a different colour.

I would however strongly recommend that if you want to wear this particular shade from the L’Oreal range for the duration of your holiday, that you make sure to pack the bottle in your case! You’ll need it. I reapplied twice in the first week!

Portugal Holiday Snaps

I’ve not really posted something of this nature before, but I just really wanted to share some snaps from our holiday in Portugal.

We had such a wonderful time, staying in Guia, a sleepy little village just outside Albufeira on the Algarve. We hired a villa for two weeks, with lovely gardens and private pool. It was perfect.

Sunny days spent lounging by the pool, playing on the beach and eating lots of yummy food – it’s what holidays are all about!

I also encountered a Sephora store in the local shopping mall, which was really exciting. I bought a collection of bits; so watch out for my post on them soon!

Barry M Nail Art Pen Review

I've seen people using nail art pens for a while and wanted to get one of my own. I thought, as a novice, that I would try one of the Barry M Nail Art Pens, in White, to start off with.  

There are currently four colours in this range; White, Black, Silver and Pink. I was tempted to get all four to be honest, but bought just the white, to see how I get on with it. I got this one from Superdrug for just £4.99. 

As you can see, the nib of the pen is quite fine, which will be great for those thin lines and detail. You need to shake the bottle and then press the nib down a number of times to start the liquid flowing. From there, with it's easy to grip bottle, it's pretty easy to use.

I've only so far ventured into testing that the pen works. I drew a heart on my ring finger first and was really pleased with how easy it was to do. I can't wait to try more designs now!

What do you think of these pens? Have you used one or used others that you think are better? Let me know!

Step by Step Half Up Beehive With Loop Detail

Today I thought I'd run through how I achieve this half up, beehive hairstyle, with the loop detail at the back. It's a really cute look and is really simple to do. It usually takes me about 5 minutes.

All you need is a comb, some hairspray, some hair slides and a hand mirror. 

Step one: Back-comb the hair

This is the first and vital step to getting the volume for the beehive and especially important for me, as I have quite fine hair. So I take the top area of my hair and separate into sections and back-comb the roots as much or as little as you'd like, depending on the type of hair you have and the amount of volume you want in your beehive. Then, spray the roots with hairspray and comb gently over the top, to smooth out any fuzzy, visible edges! Add a little spray to the top of your hair, to hold in place.

Step two: Divide hair & start to create beehive shape

Take hair from both sides of your head, at the same time and pull towards the back of your head, whilst taking the hair from the sides and back with your fingers, at the same time. Like you would if you were putting your hair into a 'half up, half down' do. Pull it back to a slightly lower point than you want the loop to sit.

Step three: Create beehive

Now you are holding the hair at the back of your head, push it upwards to a place where you are a) happy with the amount of beehive (you can go crazy here, or just have a gentle beehive like I have) and b) are happy with the level at which you will pin the hair and create the loop detail.

Step four: Pin the hair

Using your hair slides, pin each side of the hair, at one point on the back of the head. Make sure the hair is secure and you are happy with the appearance of the beehive. Spray.

Step five: Create the loop detail

Now you can start to create the loop. Start by taking the section of hair that has been pinned back, making sure to remove any straggling hairs from the rest of you head that have caught up in the hairspray. Loop the hair in your fingers and divide the hair into two sections, taking one to one side and the other to the other side, whilst pulling it up over the pins already in place (so that the loop covers this). This is where you need eyes in the back of you head, as you need to feel the loop and adjust the size as needed. If you can hold the loop and sides in one hand, you might be able to manage to have a sneaky look in the mirror, which will help this stage.

Step six: Pin the loop detail

Once you are happy with how the loop looks, take a couple of hair slides and pin it through the loop, from outside, towards the centre. Do this on both sides. Spray.

And you're done! Pretty easy! It gets easier with practice too and you can get more and more adventurous with the size as well!

What do you think? Is this something you'll try?

Check out my bun and side plait step by step too!

July Wish List

My wish list this month has been building since early June! There are more items than this this month but I thought I'd focus on these, which are my musts for July.

1. NARS Highlighting Powder, Albatross 

Since buying my MUA Shimmer Highlight, which I love, I've been researching to find another highlighting powder that isn't quite as shimmery, that can be worn on a daily basis. I've been recommended the NARS Highlighting Powder in Albatross by Daniella Beauty Junkie and thought it was definitely worth a try. You could buy this from a NARS counter - but unfortunately we don't have one of those in Cornwall, so online it is! I've found it at John Lewis for £21.50.

2. Essie Nail Polish, Cascade Cool

I don't yet own any Essie polishes (chock, horror!) and would really like to get my hands on a couple this month. The first is this sweet dusky pink, Cascade Cool. This is such a pretty colour and could well become a staple for me. I've had a look around online and there are some really great offers on eBay at the moment on Essie nail polishes, with some at just £3.99. Bargain!

3. Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre

This is something I've heard a lot about over the last few months and has apparently been a staple in most makeup artists kit for years - um, where have I been?! I discovered this again on Daniella's blog. This is a perfect base to makeup, as well as being a smooth, delicate cream that nourishes areas of dryness and protects your skin from environmental aggressors. To me, it sounds like the perfect addition to anyone's skincare and makeup routine. You can get this from Cult Beauty, £18.50.

4. Essie Nail Polish, Butler Please

My second Essie nail polish wish this month is Butler Please, this gorgeous bright blue lacquer. I've never worn a blue nail polish of this bright shade before, so really looking forward to trying it. Again this one can be found on eBay for just £3.99.

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Watch, model no: MBM 3102

I am obsessed. These watches are simply gorgeous and for about three months now I have been obsessing about when I will be able to get my hands on one. So maybe this month ? Maybe. Ladies Marc Jacobs watches are available in various designs and colours, but my favourite is this one, which is rose gold plated, with chronograph, rose dot hour markers and the Marc Jacobs engraved around the face. Available from John Lewis at £259, I think I might have to save a little. Be worth it thought with this beautiful gem on my arm!

6. New Look, Light Blue Washed Effect Denim Jacket

I actually had a cropped denim jacket a number of years ago and took it to a charity shop a little while back. What?! Stupid me because now I want a new one! This one from New Look is really cute and at £17.99 is great value. Perfect to team with a maxi dress and sandals this summer.

Are any of these wishes on your list too? Would love to hear from you! 

L'Oreal Color Riche Neon Acid Watermelon Review

Preparing for my holiday, I thought I'd add a bit of holiday colour to my toe nails and what better range to pick from than the new L'Oreal Color Riche Neons range. 

If you haven't seen them yet, there are eight colours in the range; Flashing Lilac, Acid Watermelon, Wasabi Hint, Banana Pop, Snow in Megeve, Lush Tangerine, Dating Coral and Shocking Pink. 

I chose Acid Watermelon 827, which is a gorgeously bright pink neon; my favourite trend at the moment! I got this in Superdrug for £3.99.

As L'Oreal state, 'Summer 2013 is all about neon' and this range has fused a combination of tropical brights, chic neons and juicy cocktail hues to produce a 'neon popping' collection for both fingertips and toes. Exciting!

The bottles are really cute and slender and feel as luxurious as L'Oreal products ever do, in their gold topped bottles. 

The brush appears to be slightly wider than some nail polish's too, which is great for getting more product onto the nail at one time. I needed to do two coats to ensure an even cover, but am really pleased with the effect. 

They look especially neon in the sunlight and am really excited about seeing them in the Portugal sun and especially dangling them in the pool!

What do you think of this shade? Let me know if you've tried any of the other colours in the L'Oreal Color Riche Neons range?

My Holiday Beauty, Hair, Nails & Makeup Musts; Post 2

This is the second of my two posts showing you some of the beauty, hair, nails and makeup products I will be packing in my suitcase.

This second post will cover makeup, nails and perfume.

Fraulein, Concealer Palette

This is a little gem of a product, especially if your skin is prone to vast colour changes like mine. During the winter I'm quite a light olive and even with sun screen, I can change about 5 shades during the course of the summer, especially when I go on holiday. So this palette is perfect, as it covers a variety of skin shades, plus the must have pink, white, purple and yellow correction concealers. I wouldn't go away without it.

Maybelline, Dream Fresh BB Foundation, Medium

This is a relatively new product for me but I'm finding it gloriously light and definitely makes my skin feel radiant. I'm taking this away with me for those nights on the town, when I'll want to wear more than just a powder foundation but don't want anything too heavy. This also has an SPF of 30, which is great for helping protect your skin on holiday too.

Maybelline, Fit Me Pressed Powder, 220 Natural Beige

I wear two shades of pressed powder, one around the eyes and under the eyes and the second over the face. To minimise the size of my makeup bag however, on holiday I will probably just take this one, which is the darker of the two shades. This powder has a super light feel to it. It doesn't block my pores and it looks really natural.

Benefit, Bronzer, Hooola

I'm taking this sample size Hoola bronzer with me. I don't want to take the full size version, for risk of it getting knocked and breaking. This sample size will be perfect. I love Hoola as it's the only bronzer I know of that doesn't have orange tones in it, so it looks really natural.

Bourjois, Cream Blush, Rose Tender

I'm taking this blush, as it's really compact and unable to get damaged in transit. I also really love this colour, especially for holidays. It's really beautifully pink and girlie. I just love the packaging too. Super cute!

MUA, Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter

This highlighter is perfect across the top of my cheekbones, contouring the shape of my face and gives it that extra shimmer. I'm looking forward to seeing what it looks like when my face has seen a little sun!

Barbara Daly, Eyeshadow, Tuffle

Although this is an eyeshadow, I actually use it for my eyebrows, so this is a must have wherever I go! I find the shade is almost perfect (I'm not sure there is a perfect shade) for my eyebrows. It's been kicking about in my makeup bag for a couple of years, so it's an old favourite.

H&M, Glitter Eyeshadow Palette

This is a really great palette to take on holiday and possibly just what it was created for! The pretty blues, pinks, golds and purple shadows are really beautiful on sun kissed skin and I can't wait to give it a try this year and try out some different looks!

Maybelline, Diamond Glow Eyeshadow Palette, Coral Drama

This is another favourite of mine at the moment. Again with the shimmery golds and bronzes, it looks great on sun kissed skin and is super sexy for sizzling summer nights! I can't wait to try this out this year. I really like the way it has a little tutorial on the back of the palette, on the best way to use all four shades too. Cute!

MUA, Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette

This is a lovely natural shade eye shadow palette and since buying it just a couple of months ago, I am starting to wear out a couple of the light shades. It's really natural and 'Naked' provides a lovely base to most other shades. I also love using 'Shy' in the corners of my eyes, to make them pop!

Ardell, Fashion Lashes, Demi Wispies

I always like to take a pair of false lashes on holiday, but more often than not, I come home without having used them. But, as always, I will be taking my favourite style with me; Demi Wispies. These are lovely and natural, just adding extra volume, without looking really obvious that you're wearing any!

Revlon, Precision Dark Lash Adhesive

Over the years I have tried various lash adhesives but this one is currently my favourite. With the white ones that dry to clear, you always seem to get the bit of glue that doesn't dry clear and you end up blobbing some eyeliner over the top to colour it in, which can end up looking clumpy. This adhesive in precision dark is black on application, so although it's a little harder to see where you've added it and where you haven't, you do end up with a much more professional finish.

MUA, Pro-Base Eye Primer

This eye primer is going to be a must on holiday, as it will help my eyeshadow to stay put! I haven't tried it in hot weather yet, so I will let you know how I get on!

Benefit, Eye Bright

This is great all year round for helping your eyes to pop, when a little inside the eye. With sun kissed skin, it's especially beautiful and I can't wait to use it.

Maybelline, The Falsies Volume Express Waterproof Mascara

This is a staple on holiday, as I'm one of those people who still likes to wear a little mascara around the pool, sorry! So a good waterproof one is essential and for me, this one is great. I also love the shape of the curved brush, as it helps to coat all the lashes.

Maybelline, Gentle Precision Eyeliner

This again is a staple, as you never know when you might need a touch of eyeliner, whether it's above the eye or inside the eye. This is my favourite eye liner at the moment. It's really soft and glides onto the skin, without dragging.

Benefit, They're Real Mascara

This was a little freebie I received with June's issue of Elle magazine and I'm in love! At the moment, I think as mascaras go, this is my favourite  I especially lover the bristled brush end, as this helps work the product onto even the tiniest of hairs. This is definitely going with me and probably in my hand luggage too, just in case!

MUA, Lipstick, Shade 3

This is a gorgeously pretty shade of pink and I love it. I'm especially looking forward to taking this with me for evening wear. It's so bright and colourful that it will liven up any outfit and what perfect place to wear something bright and cheerful, than on a sunny holiday!

Loreal, Rough Caresse Lipstick, Nude Ingenue 501

This Loreal lipstick is a really nice nudey/brown shade and lovely for everyday wear, so something I'll definitely be packing.

Stila, Lip Glaze, Kaleidoscope & Grapefruit

I'm going to take just two of my Stila lip glazes; Kaleidoscope is perfect for a holiday, with it's shimmery/peach tones and Grapefruit is a really flirty and girlie pink. These make my lips feel really nourished, so I expect I'll be wearing these a lot; even around the pool for that extra little bit of glam! Well, why not!

Quickies, Nail Varnish Removed Pads

Nail varnish remover pads are a must in any suitcase. I can't think of anything worse than a liquid acetone spilling over your maxi dresses and sandals. What a horrible way to start off your holiday! So these pads are super useful. There's 20 in this pack, and they're quite large, so it'll be more than enough.

I'm taking four nail polish colours with me:

Barry M, Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint, Greenberry 332

Loreal, Color Riche, Acid Watermelon 827

Maybelline, Color Show, Coral Craze 342

Barry M, Nail Paint, Shocking Pink 272

Barry M, Nail Art Pen, White

I'm also taking this really cute nail art pen, so that I can add the odd little design to my nails if I wish! Again, this might be a bit frivolous item to take, like the false lashes, but I'm taking it anyway!

Ralph Lauren, Romance

This is my favourite perfume of all time. I bought it for my wedding day and will always remind me of it! So, when I go on holiday or go out for special occasions, this is what I take/wear. So this is definitely coming with me, in my hand luggage!

Perfume Sample Wipes

Recently I have gained a load of lovely perfume wipes, which I'm going to take away with me this year. These two pictured are Givenchy, Very Irresistible and Givenchy, For Her. These are perfect for when you're out and about as they slip in your handbag and you actually get quite a lot of perfume from the one wipe. Sometimes I've slipped the wipe back into the packet after use, so I can use it again later in the day. I'm loving these, so will be sad when they run out!

So, that's about it! Obviously I haven't included shampoo etc, but these are a bit boring!!

Do you use any of these products? Are you going on holiday soon and thinking of trying any of these?