Whats In My Bag?

It occured to me the other day that since starting my blog in November 2011, I've never wrote a 'Whats in my Bag' post. Can you believe it? As one of the most popular posts on blogs and videos on Youtube, I really don't know why I've not done it sooner. It could be because the contents of my bag are utterly boring but hey, its nice to be nosy from time to time isn't it?

The bag I've been using lately is the Zara Mini Shopper as its the perfect size for every day use and the bright orange shade brightens up my drab black and grey work outfits nicely. I usually go for black or tan handbags so its been nice to have a bright piece of arm candy this year and I've certainly got my moneys worth from it. I'd also like to point out before I start telling you about the contents of my bag that I haven't added or removed anything (well, apart fom a pile of receipts) to make my bag more appealing. It really bugs me when you can tell people have added pretty and exciting things to their bag just for the purpose of these posts. 

Anway, ramble over, let me tell you about the contents of my bag! First things first, the essentials. I always carry my studded purse from Primark which contains my money and cards (I say that like I actually have money - I don't!), my white iphone 5 which I cannot go anywhere without and my passport which is kept safe in a pretty pink sleeve. The reason I have to carry my passport around with me is because I don't drive so I have to use it as ID. I'm hoping to get some driving lessons booked soon though so if you live in the North East, be warned. Its safe to say I'm not the best driver! Another essential I always carry around with me is my keys although I must admitt there's been numerous ocassions when I've forgot to put them in my bag and had to sit outside my flat like waiting for my boyfriend to come to the rescue. Oops! I'm not one for having loads of keyrings but I do have two at the moment - a photo of my Aus family & I that was taken whilst I was over there last year and an 'I <3 Shopping' keyring. Enough said.

Other than the 'can't leave the house without' essentials I also carry my cute little '365 days of my organised life in one little diary' with me just incase I need to pop something in there whilst on the go. My mum bought it for me as a stocking filler last Christmas so I'm not sure where its from unfortunately. I also carry my head phones so I can get my daily dose of One Direction and my Benedryl tablets as I suffer badly with hayfever. Thats the only thing I hate about Summer, blasted hayfever. Streaming puffy eyes, a stuffy nose and sneezing every five minutes is NOT sexy. Another fairly random thing that I often carry around with me is yoghurt raisins. Yes, those things five year olds eat. I spotted them on my weekly trip to Asda a little while ago and ever since I've been obsessed. They're definitely my favourite afternoon snack at work, what a saddo!

Beauty wise, I don't carry a great deal around with me. I'm certainly not one of these girls that takes a full makeup bag everywhere I go as my bags heavy enough as it is and I couldn't really give a hoot about what I look like at work. With this being said, I usually just throw any old lip product in my bag to top up with throughout the day. The one I've been using currently is Avon's marbelised lip gloss in 'Pink Sunset' and it tastes delicious. I always have a hand cream in my bag too as I often get dry hands and the my current choice is a mini one from Locitanne. I always carry around some sort of scent with me too whether its deodrant/body spray or perfume - just incase I feel like a sweaty betty whilst out and about. Ew! I've currently been throwing Impulse body sprays in my bag as they're cheap as chips and convenient for freshening up.

A couple of things that have escaped my current handbag but are normally in there are hand sanitiser (its a life saver - especially if you nip to a public loo and there's no soap - ew!) and my 'blogging book' which I mentioned in a post here as I use it for jotting down blog post ideas when they pop to mind. I have no idea where they both are at the moment, I'm going to guess they're lurking in the depths of one of my other hangbags amongst a pile of receipts and other crap.

I hope you enjoyed having a little peek into my bag. Like I said earlier, there's nothing exciting in there so I hope I haven't bored you stupid.

What do you carry around in your handbag? Any essentials I'm missing?

Lots of Love,

TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM

Couture Girl has been shortlisted for a Cosmopolitan 'Best Established Beauty Blog' award. If you enjoy reading my blog, you can vote for me here - I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

Amazing Advertisers // July

Hi everyone! So I'm sure you all know the drill by now. At the end of every month, I publish my Amazing Advertisers post which introduces you to the wonderful gals (and ocassionaly guys!) who've been sitting over in my sidebar for the past month. I personally love reading these posts as they're a great way to find new blogs and if I see one pop up on my Bloglovin feed, I always give it a little read. Theres some fabulous blogs and a couple of amazing websites featured this month so do keep reading to find out a little bit more about them.

Image Hair Extensions

At IMAGE we are committed to providing quality real clip in hair extensions at the lowest prices. All of the Remy human hair that we use here at image, has been ethically sourced from the highest quality suppliers and is available in a wide range of colours and lengths. We know that image matters which is why we are passionate about providing the best clip in hair extensions and great customer service. Whether you are a blonde or a brunette or any shade in between, we'll be able to help you find the perfect human hair extensions for you.

Website || Facebook || Twitter 

 Charlotte from Bercie Baby

Hi Guys, My name is Charlotte & I’m a Parent/Lifestyle blogger over at bericebaby.com. I blog about being a first time mum to my baby boy Hayden, Fashion, Beauty, everyday products and everyday life. I am somewhat of a part-time vlogger over on my youtube too HAHA.

Stop by and say Hi – Love meeting new people!

Lotte xo

Blog || Youtube || Twitter || FaceBook || Pinterest || Instagram

Hi friends. My name is Haley. I'm 20 years old and the star blogger over at Haleywood (insert dramatic Hollywood sound effects) I am addicted to shopping and trying new beauty products, so I needed someone to talk to about it another than annoying my family with it. They always tells me I'm the target market for anything. Some people could sell ice to a polar bear. Well... I'm the polar bear.

 I love to write and am so happy to share all the things I am passionate about with y'all. I write blog posts about just about anything from hauls and favorites to personal posts. I love bright lipstick a little too much, watch a little too much TV, have a little too many copies of Vogue, and buy a little too much online, but let's not tell my mom. Come stop by for a chat!!

Blog || Bloglovin || Twitter

Vicky from Beauty Blogging Brunette

Hi everyone, I'm Vicky and I blog at beautybloggingbrunette.blogspot.co.uk. I've been passionate about writing for as long as I can remember and as a trained makeup artist with over two years industry experience, I live and breathe beauty! Beauty blogging enables me to combine the two as well as share the tips and tricks I've picked up along the way with everyone.

I'm on the verge of dipping my toes into the world of YouTube soon to explore the more interactive side of beauty - I'm so excited to share my makeup stories with you all!

Blog || Twitter || Youtube

Claire and Lauren from Stylingo

Hey there you sexy things! Our names are Claire and Lauren and we blog over at Stylingo. As well as being blogging partners, we also work together and live together in a little house that we affectionately call The Bitch Shack. This means that we spend a huge portion of our day talking about the extremely important topics of fake tan, eyebrow shapes and our trauma over the upcoming tartan trend (really though, why?) We decided a couple of months ago that we basically needed other people to talk to about our endless obsession, and so decided to set up Stylingo to share our stupid opinions with the world.

As well as OOTDs, haul posts and reviews, we also like to dish out some top level life advice, so have composed a number of feature posts such as ‘Life Tips From Amanda Bynes’ (which might be a bit tasteless now she’s set her legs on fire) and ‘Why Breakups Are Brilliant’ (you’ll get so skinny now your stupid ex isn’t always feeding you cake, don’t you know?)

We love our little blog and absolutely rejoice whenever anyone says they’ve enjoyed reading it or it’s made them laugh. So feel free to stop by and say aloha!

Blog || Twitter || Bloglovin || Instagram

Laura from Beauty Best Friend

Hi, I am Laura from UK beauty blog Beauty Best Friend. I have been passionate about makeup for as long as I can remember (too long!) so I decided to set up Beauty Best Friend to share my product reviews and beauty tips with others – the same way I would share my makeup knowledge and recommendations with my best friends.

I am a jewellery designer living in Yorkshire with my husband and 3 cats. (I am also qualified as a beauty therapist, although I have never worked as one.) When I am not testing beauty products and blogging about them I enjoy home improvements, baking and all kinds of creative crafts. I love my GHDs and am on a mission to find the perfect pink lipstick! Follow my search at Beauty Best Friend!

I am always happy to hear from followers, so feel free to get in touch.

 Blog || Bloglovin || Facebook || Twitter  || She Said Beauty

Kari from Brown Eyed Beautie

Hello fellow beauty lovers. My name is Kari from the beauty blog, Browneyedbeautie. I have enjoyed watching beauty videos on Youtube and reading beauty blogs. I just couldn't believe that so many girls (and guys), shared a similar passion like I did. I wanted to be apart of that, so a started my own blog. I love having the opportunity to share and connect with others. I love to shop and discover the endless of products to test out and tell others what I truly think. I also post makeup tutorials, hauls, along with reviews and post a specific beauty topics. I am lover of all things beauty. I hope you stop by my little corner of the blogging world and hope you enjoy!!!

 Blog || Bloglovin || Twitter || Instagram || Pinterest || Google + || She Said Beauty

Mallzee

Here at Mallzee we make shopping online fun. Not only that, but we tailor your shopping experience just for you! Yes, you heard us - we’re your own personal shopper. Simply take a quick quiz so we can see what you like, choose your brands (we stock over 200 brands from ASOS to Bloomingdales) and then voila! A whole wardrobe of your favourite brands and the clothes that suit you all under one roof. 

Sounds awesome, right? Well, there’s more… you can sign up with Facebook so you can shop with your friends. Not sure about that top for the party on Friday night? Create a poll and let your friends decide! Not sure what it will go with? Add it to your wardrobe and Mallzee will pick other items to style it with – it’s really that good! Even better, when you shop with us, you’ll earn Mallzee dollars to put towards your next purchase! It’s free to sign up and we’re paying you to shop, I hear you say? Yup! Don’t say we’re not good to you. So what are you waiting for? Sign up to Mallzee (http://mallzee.com/Account/Register) for free today and join the shopping revolution. 

  Website || Twitter || Facebook

Laura-Beth from Laura Beth Makeup Artist

Hi! I'm Laura-Beth from www.laurabethmakeupartist.blogspot.com, an 18 year old fully qualified Make-Up Artist. I specialise in fashion and special occasion make-up and I'm fascinated by new collections on the runway every season, my life long dream is to work at fashion week. However, I am deeply interested and qualified in TV, Theatre, Film, Hair Styling, Photographic and Special Effects Make-Up as well. I am just 100% obsessed with every aspect of make-up, fashion and beauty!! 

On my blog you'll find everything from hauls and reviews to 'Get The Look' make-ups and tutorials. I enjoy every aspect of blogging and the community and I'd love it if you took a few moments to have a look around my blog, if you do be sure to leave a comment or message and I'll check your blog out too! xox

Blog || Twitter || Bloglovin

I hope you enjoyed discovering some new blogs to read and websites to browse! Let me know if you head over and follow any of them in the comments below, I'd love to know.

If you'd like to advertise with me in September, get in touch by sending an email to kljohnson1990@gmail.com.

Lots of Love,

TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM

Couture Girl has been shortlisted for a Cosmopolitan 'Best Established Beauty Blog' award. If you enjoy reading my blog, you can vote for me here - I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

Review // Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons

Okay so before I get into my review I'd like to point a couple of things out. Number one - these ever so pretty lip crayons are the biggest pain in the bum to photograph so the images we've got here are the best of a very bad bunch. Secondly -  no I haven't made the ultimate blogging sin and used a product before photographing it - silly mr 'peach on the beach' decided to turn up half melted in the post. Yes, you can imagine the distress this caused me. Basically what I'm trying to say here is I'm sorry for the shoddy photos and the shoddy melted product. Shoddy, shoddy, shoddy!

Anyway, rant over. Now unless you've been living under a rock for the past couple of weeks (or you're just not a crazy beauty person like me) then I'm sure you've heard of Bourjois latest lip offering, the Colour Boost lip crayons. Ever since the release of the infamous Clinique Chubby sticks, the makeup world has gone a little bit crayon crazy and high-street brands have been quick off the mark to recreate their own version of the well loved lip crayon. First it was Revlon, then MUA and Models Own and now we have Bourjois and their offering.

I have to be honest when I say I wasn't that excited when I first heard about the release as I'm more of a classic lipstick kind of girl and the thought of applying what looks like a childs giant crayola crayon to my lips has never really appealed to me. However, whilst perusing Superdrug recently (as you do!), I spotted the Colour Boost crayons and decided to give them a little swatch. My oh my, I instantly fell in love. Creamy, pigmented and moisturising, what more could a girl want from a lip product? However, I resisted temptation in Superdrug as I knew Boots would have a 3 for 2 deal on at some point and I'd be able to pick them up a little bit cheaper. I'm glad I had my thinking cap on that day as I was right and the words 3 for 2 were soon screaming 'buy some Bourjois lip crayons' right at me from the Boots website. So thats exactly what I did! 

There's four shades available which are very nicely named 'Peach on the Beach' (a pale peach), 'Orange Punch' (a red toned Orange), 'Fuchsia Libra' (a blue-toned berry pink) and 'Red Sunrise' (a deep Raspberry). I decided to get the first three shades mentioned as I thought they were the most appropriate for Summer although I would like to get my mitts on Red Sunrise when A/W rears its ugly head again! My favourite shade to wear so far has to be 'Peach on the Beach' as I find it to be the most pigmented and perfect daytime neutral shade. I've been wearing it for work and its perfect!

I'd say the formula of these lip crayons are somewhere between a lipstick and a lipgloss - think lip balm with a wash of colour. They aren't as pigmented as I originally thought after my swatching sesh in Superdrug but they still give a nice wash of colour none-the-less. In fact, I actually like that they're quite sheer as it makes them very wearable and perfect for every day use when you don't want to wear a bold lipstick or quite frankly can't be bothered to make much effort. The balm consistency also means they're super glossy which makes for a nice fresh and natural summer lip. 

In terms of staying power, I'd say they last a couple of hours at the most before they need re-applying. I know that isn't great but as they're a glossy product I never expected them to have great staying power and it doesn't bother me too much anyway as the chunky crayon applicator makes them super easy to re-apply wherever you are. They also feel very moisturising on the lips and don't cling to any dry patches which is great as I've been suffering from really dry lips lately. I'm blaming last weekends antics at T in the Park for that!

Overall I'm really impressed with the Colour Boost lip crayons and I'm very happy to have them in my collection. If you'd like to snap some up, they cost £7.99 each and are still available to buy here on the Boots 3 for 2 offer.

Have you tried these lip crayons? Which is your favourite? 

Lots of Love,

TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM

P.S - You might of noticed that my blogs had a bit of a makeover. I've been wanting a change for a little while now and I'm absolutely thrilled with the new look. I'd love to say I designed it myself but unfortunately I'm not that clever and its all down to the lovely Felicity who writes the fabulous blog Pursuit of Felicity. She's a super talented lady so if you're after a new blog design, look no further. I can't recommend her enough!

Amazing Advertisers // June

Hi everyone! I hope you're all having a great weekend. I cannot believe its the end of June. Seriously, where is this year going? June has been a pretty hectic month for me with going away on holiday and what not so I feel like I've lost my blogging mojo a little bit. You know when you have those days where you just cannot string a sentence together no matter how hard you try? Well I've been having those days a lot lately and its really beginning to bug me! Hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things soon as I have so much I want to share with you all. Anyway, enough of my whinging, let me introduce you to the wonderful bloggers who've been over on the right hand side of my blog for the past month. They're a fabulous bunch so do keep reading to find out more about them and their wonderful blogs ...

Lucy from Lucy Rose

Hello there lovelys, my name is Lucy Rose. i'm 20 years young, living in the Lake District studying to be a teacher. Somewhere along the lines I managed to become wrapped up in a love affair with the world of beauty. Thank god I did! If I had not I wouldn't of become part of the amazingly spirited blogging community. My blog is still fairly new, but I have loved every minute of picture taking, post writing, editing, commenting, reading and watching! 

Blogging gives me a great sense of belonging, and I'm super duper happy to have made some great friends and met so many lovely people through this. My self confidence has increased majorly since meeting such amazing people, and I really do love and appreciate all the comments, tweets etc I receive. Bloggers are the best!

If you decide to swing by lucy rose you can find a bundle of posts, including hauls, reviews, OOTD's, wish lists, life posts and some other ramblings. I have been sharing my mental health story on my blog, part 2 is due soon. This is something I'm very involved with and feel strongly about so if your interested too then definitely check that out! I am also about to host a giveaway so check back for that. I'm in the middle of a blog layout overhaul so hopefully lucy rose will be looking more beautiful for you soon. 

hope to see you there xox

Laura from What Laura Loves

When I first started blogging almost three years ago now, I didn’t think that it would change my life quite as much as it has done.  Through writing my fashion and beauty blog, WhatLauraLoves, I’ve really found me- who I am, what I like and what my style is.  My blog is an expression of me as I write about all things fashion and beauty related with a bit of wedding talk thrown in for good measure as I’m tying the knot next year!  Blogging has brought me some close friendships and amazing opportunities, like being able to design, model and put on sale a dress exclusively for Simply Be.  Head on over to my blog to read all about the products I’m loving and the clothes I’m wearing... oh and there’s a huge giveaway coming up at the beginning of July!  

Blog || Bloglovin || Facebook
Twitter: @whatlauraloves || Instagram: whatlauraloves

Paula from Pretty Pollys Blog

Hi, I'm Paula and I blog over at Pretty Polly's Blog, a little place full of beauty and food posts.  I started my blog in October last year and remember thinking how am I going to post every week? Now it's safe to say I don't have that worry and am proud to say in all sense of the word I truly am a beauty hoarding blogger! I love pink lipsticks, bows, purple nails and food from all over the globe, all of which feature in my little blog. 

Now I'm in full swing I plan to be more creative with posts and start doing more tutorials including nail art and hair. Full time buyer by day, blogger by night, it really has taken over my life and now I can't imagine life without it, I love it! 

Hope you can drop by

Paula xx

Blog || Twitter || Bloglovin

Intagram - paulahunter100 (full of nails and food - perfect combo!)

Lucy from Lucy Loves to Blog

Hi girlies, I'm Lucy, I'm 24 and I run Lucy Loves To Blog. I've been blogging for a couple of years now after being an avid reader of fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogs. Lucy Loves to Blog started off as a lifestyle blog but has gradually turned into a fashion/beauty blog which I never thought would happen as well as posting about my life in Devon.

I love sharing new products and clothes I've brought in haul posts, reviewing new beauty products I've purchased and dressing up for outfit posts but my most popular posts are probably the wishlists! I'd love to see you over at Lucy Loves to Blog.

Blog || Bloglovin || Facebook || Twitter
Instagram : lucylovestoblog

Fatin Oh My Gosh Make-Up

My names fatin and you can find me on www.ohmygoshmake-up.com. I'm a 27 year old dental nurse who's love for make-up is just beyond purchasing and collecting. I'm originally from nottingham and came to Londonderry about 9 years ago! Being middle eastern my parents were really strict so make-up up to the age of 18 was a no no! My first purchase was from Mac itself and I had bought my first product which was a lipstick called hue! We all know about this beauty! Since then I have been a massive fan of beauty and all things fashion related. I studied a levels in art, textiles and sociology. I have a qualification in styling but since being a mum, my career took a different turn!

I decided to blog because it was a open way of expressing y love and passion for make-up and fashion without having to preasureise my self in any way. I find that the blogger community is just the friendliest. You'll find lots of FOTD, TUTORIALS AND general beauty reviews over on my blog.

Kari from Brown Eyed Beautie

Hello fellow beauty lovers. My name is Kari from the beauty blog, Browneyedbeautie. I have enjoyed watching beauty videos on Youtube and reading beauty blogs. I just couldn't believe that so many girls (and guys), shared a similar passion like I did. I wanted to be apart of that, so a started my own blog. I love having the opportunity to share and connect with others. I love to shop and discover the endless of products to test out and tell others what I truly think. I also post makeup tutorials, hauls, along with reviews and post a specific beauty topics. I am lover of all things beauty. I hope you stop by my little corner of the blogging world and hope you enjoy!!!

 Blog || Bloglovin || Twitter || Instagram || Pinterest || Google + || She Said Beauty

Tori from Aztec Mess

Hi! My name is Tori and I blog over at aztecmess.com, I started my blog about a year ago after realising I spend half my time reading blogs so I may as well try my hand at writing my own! My blog started out as quite nail-art related however now it has expanded into a full beauty blog with the occasional lifestyle and fashion posts thrown in for good measure. I’ve just finished my degree so I will be focussing on making my posts even better and hopefully posting a lot more often!

 I hope you go check out my blog and say hi to me on twitter! Finally I just wanted to say a big thank you to Kayleigh for letting me advertise with her!

Lots of love

Tori

xxx

Cat from Outside Beauty Inside Health

Hi, I’m Cat and my blog started as the usual beauty blog with a bit of fitness and health thrown in; however over the past 18 months it has turned into so much more.  After seeing that my fitness related posts were the most popular they grew in frequency and I took my own advice and motivated myself; as a result I have lost 20 inches, 3 dress sizes and gained a whole new lifestyle.

My blog is now crammed full of fitness, food, health, lifestyle and beauty. With regular features such as “Fitness Friday” “Monday’s Meals” and “Wednesday’s Workouts” I aim to motivate myself as well as others and try to make fitness and health accessible, easy to understand and not intimidating. I am always available for help and advice as I love to help others reach their fitness and health goals, like I am.

When I’m not busy finding new workouts, recipes and health tips, I am busy blogging beauty and my life. Like all girls I adore beauty products so they feature often on my blog, and I blog about life in most posts as I love to share with you all. If you want some fitspiration while reading a beauty blog then be sure to give my blog a visit, I hope you enjoy reading it.

Blog || Bloglovin || Twitter || Instagram || Youtube || Facebook

Katherine from The Beauty Visual

I’m a 20-year-old Journalism student who loves nothing more than writing and talking about beauty! My blog ranges from reviews, collections and favourites covering make-up, skincare and nail varnish. I’m a relatively new blog but deciding after years of reading other people’s why not start my own?

 I try to write my posts similar to the ones I like to read and love hearing from anyone with the same passion as me (aka going on and on about beauty!). I also enjoy any suggestions readers may have for any types of posts you like to be covered so feel free to send any requests my way too.

Blog || Twitter

 Charlotte from Bercie Baby

Hi Guys, My name is Charlotte & I’m a Parent/Lifestyle blogger over at bericebaby.com. I blog about being a first time mum to my baby boy Hayden, Fashion, Beauty, everyday products and everyday life. I am somewhat of a part-time vlogger over on my youtube too HAHA.

Stop by and say Hi – Love meeting new people!

Lotte xo

Blog || Youtube || Twitter || FaceBook || Pinterest || Instagram

Emilie from Someone in the Corner

Hello there fellow blogger, I’m Emilie an 18-year-old beauty and fashion blogger and lover with a big heart, a coffee addiction and an obsession with TV shows. But most of all I am an ambitious life lover with passion for adventure.

For the past 4 years I have been on and off the blogging wagon, but ever since September 2012 I am on it for what I think will be a good, long while. My little corner of the Internet is where I share everything from beauty tips and tricks to reviews, hauls and I even pop in with a few fashion and travel posts from time to time.

Being a blogger has taught me so much and it has given me the chance to get to know people from all around the world (although especially from ‘across the pond’). It is a community that I am proud to be a part of and that I hope will continue to grow and be as supportive as it is. If you ever feel like stopping by, my blog and I will be there with open arms ready to include you as a ‘Someone In the Corner’ ;)

Blog || Bloglovin || Twitter || Instagram || Email

Ashley from J'aime Ombre

Ello loves! I'm Ashley & I blog over at J'aime Ombre. I've been a licensed cosmetologist for nearly 9 years with a particular love for all things hair extension related. Everything's better when you look like Rapunzel, amiright? After being a dedicated blog reader for a few years I decided it was time to give it a go & try it out for myself. My blog is mainly beauty focused with a little sprinkle of fashion & life mixed in. You'll find lots of reviews and far too many shopping hauls. I'd love for you to pop over & say hi sometime! 

Blog || Twitter || Instagram || Youtube

I hope you enjoyed finding out a little bit more about my wonderful advertisers and have possibly found some new blogs to follow. I certainly know they'll all be on my reading list from now on.  I still have a couple of ad spaces remaining for July so if you're interested, don't hesitate to get in touch at kljohnson1990@gmail.com.

Lots of Love,