Sunday 29 April 2012

My Favourite Bloggers and Youtubers

Hi Everybody :)

So, as you might know, I can become quite overly obsessed with things (hence the name Julz' Obsessions). I thought I would share with you the bloggers and youtubers that I absolutely love and tell you how I found them in the hope that you'll find a couple that you've not heard of before. These are blogs and channels that I cannot go a day without checking. I'll do it in order of which I found first as funnily enough many of them link to each other!

LaurenConrad.com
Not only is this a blog, but its a fully functioning social networking site. I love Lauren Conrad, she is so pretty and her style is amazing. This was the first blog I became interested in, I think that was just over a year ago.

TheBeautyDepartment.com
This site is run by Lauren Conrad, her hair stylist and her make up artist. Honestly, if you've never visited- do so immediately! The tutorials are amazing :)

ShesASecretShopper.com
During The X Factor last year I fell in love with Caroline Flack's style and I searched the internet desperately to discover where she got her clothes. Then I discovered this little site. It is amazing for finding out where all different celebrities buy their clothes, and a lot of them are surprisingly within my price range!

DizzyBrunette3.com
The true blogspot I found and became obsessed with. I actually found the girl who writes this on twitter as she tweeted shesasecretshopper. It just proves, twitter really does get your blog out there! Anyway, I read this blog religiously and it was actually reading this that inspired me to start my own. One day I just thought: "Hey, I could do this!" I also very much enjoy Corrie's YouTube channel, she is so daft sometimes- I guess that's the reason for the name dizzy!

Zoella
I have followed Zoella's blog for a while and was always eager to read new posts when they came up on my dashboard. However, over the last few weeks I have been watching all of Zoella's youtube videos and I love them! Her hauls are fab and I am so inspired by her. 

SprinkleofGlitter
I found Louise through Zoella and I cannot explain how amazing they are together in youtube videos. I literally sit, alone in my room, crying with laughter at the Zoella and Louise's joint videos! I also love Louise individually, she is such a happy person and just has a really optimistic outlook. Definitely watch her videos for a cheer-me-up.

Victoria's-Vintage
I absolutely love this blog. The design and content is basically my dream blog- vintage, cute outfits, florals and so much more. I could scroll through every post ever written because it just interests me so much and I think out of all the blogs mentioned I aspire for my blog to be like this one most (except with elements of DizzyBrunette3 and Zoella).

MissMeghan 
Is actually my real life friend! We used to joke that we bought so much beauty products that we should start blogs and now we actually have. I would definitely recommend checking out her blog. She is so funny, has such a unique sense of style and is into a lot of the things I am (Soap & Glory)!

Well I think that's it! I love all of these amazing blogs and hope one day to be as successful as them. What are your favourite bloggers and youtubers?


Thursday 26 April 2012

Jumping on the Real Techniques Bandwagon: Stippling Brush

Hey Everyone!

Let me start off by apologizing for my neglect of the blogging scene lately- my exams are in full swing but thankfully I have two weeks to my next one so I can do a bit of posting yay :) Also, hello to my new followers! I can hardly believe I'm up to 69, I'm so proud and thankful for each one of you- ok enough of the cheese already.

So after seeing countless raves about the Real Techniques brushes by Samantha Chapman, I decided to buy the stippling brush as I am in need of a new foundation brush.
pink and black face brushpink and black brush with dense slightly fanned bristles






















Claims: This brush boasts to be "the trade secret for creating airbrushed, high definition results with all types of makeup." 

Brush: The "ultra plush taklon bristles" are super soft and the brush hasn't shed a single hair yet. It smooths foundation onto my skin gently. Also, the unusually thick handle (I think handle is the right word!) allows the brush to stand up right on a flat surface which I love as its a cute addition to my chest of drawers. I have also found that the brush doesn't swallow up foundation unlike my old one so I am actually using less which is fab.

Results: I have to say I am really impressed! The brush blends foundation in really well and using the buffing technique I can achieve a natural look with fair coverage. I definitely think it gives an airbrushed look and can be used to apply foundation, powder, blush and much more. Basically it is the perfect multitasking brush.
girl with brown hair smiling
Me wearing Bourjois Flower Perfection foundation applied with Real Techniques Stippling Brush 
close up of side of girls face with eyeliner and spotless cheek
Rating: 10/10 - For me, this brush is all it claimed to be and more, and deserves all the praise it has received.

You can buy this brush for £11.99 in Boots and online.

This has really made me want to buy more Real Techniques brushes, though I need to stop myself as I have a brand new set by Ruby Hammer and Millie Kendall called Scarlet & Crimson that I bought in the Boots January sale so I have to make use of them.

I'm off to watch Celebrity Juice- so excited as Caroline Flack is on it and I love love love her! Can't wait to see what she is wearing :)

Have you got any Real Techniques brushes? Which are your favourite?

PS- would anyone be interested in a JulzObsessions channel on YouTube? I'm considering the idea, though I'm not sure as I think my accent would stick out terribly :P



Tuesday 17 April 2012

Dashing Hair Diary 1

Hi Everyone!

As you'll know if you read my gabble a lot you'll know that I am in love with the Kardashians! I have only got into it in the past month(ish) and I have already watched 6 seasons of kuwtk, 2 seasons of kktm , 2 seasons of kktny and 1 and about a half of 2 of k&l. To be honest, I literally scare myself sometimes with how overly obsessed I become with things (hence the name JulzObsessions). 

So, to the post, one of the things I love most about those beautiful Kardashian ladies is their hair. Now, no matter if you love them or hate them, you have to admit they all have gorgeous hair. So, I have decided to channel this admiration/stalkerisation (newly invented word of the day yay) and try to grow my hair to aim for long beautiful Kardashian locks! I am particularly in love with Kim, Kendall and Kylie's hair though I realise Kim's is styled by professionals every day so I think Kendall's is a pretty realistic aim.

Right now, I think my hair is medium length. It's actually quite long at the back but I often get confused because  have layers at the front so I think it's shorter than it is.

girl with brown hair smiling

So I'm going to do a series of posts to record my progress on the way to Kardashian hair. I'm aiming for this time next year for the length to be down to my waist as my hair grows pretty fast.

Do you guys like the Kardashian girls hair? Do you have any tips for mine to grow faster?


Monday 16 April 2012

Edinburgh Mini-Haul

Hi everyone!

Last post from Ediburgh- its a mini haul yay! I went there planning to get a few things from my wishlist and this is how I got on:

From Superdrug-
beige foundation bottle with large white pump, small round pink pot, pack of two square nail polish bottles - one black one red

Bourjois Flower Perfection Shade 52- I was actually planning to get Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation, but after trying this at the counter with help from an assistant (which there aren't usually in Superdrug, only high end counters so I was pretty impressed), I found that it was quite drying on my skin, which hadn't actually been mentioned on any of the reviews I had read. The girl recommended this for younger skin so I was pretty happy to get it as it was on the Bourjois 2 for £13.

Bourjois Blush Shade 34 Rose D'or- This is a really bright pink so a little goes a long way. There is also a cute little brush inside which is adapted to the shape of the pot.

MUA Limited Edition Duo Nail Polish- These are the colours of MUA polish that I wear most often and I was actually running out so I was glad to find them. And want to know the best part? They were 49p for the set- just when you thought MUA couldn't get any more affordable.

From Topshop-
topshop magazine with red haired model on front and gold arrow earring

Gold Ear Spike-I like the look of ear stretchers/spikes but there is no way I would stretch my ear as I find it gross so this is a little cheat-its an earring but you still get the nice spike. I also got the Tophshop magazine and a little make-up leaflet. The spike was £5 or £4.50 with student discount.

So I got a few bits and bobs but never broke the bank so I'm pretty happy with my little haul. Have you made any cute purchases lately?


Thursday 12 April 2012

Edinburgh Soap and Glory Offerings

Hi everyone!

How are we all? I've hardly posted at all this week because I'm in full study mode for my exams which start in 9 days- arghh! So this is me just getting around to post about my trip to Edinburgh last weekend. 

I was actually at a car-boot sale and I was on the fifth stall and a bright pink jar caught my eye. Of course I marched right over and yes, it was the Soap & Glory Yum at Heart Christmas set- brand new! The lady said she had also got the Big Splendour for Christmas (jealous!) so didn't want this set too. She said it was £5 and it had originally retailed for £16 so I got it yay!


large pink tin with silver lid on left, same tin opened on right with pink bottle contents

The tin is a gorgeous cookie jar and inside is a S&G apron, The Breakfast Scrub (RRP £9) and Hand Food (RRP £5). Not too shabby a deal eh?


pink tube, large oatmeal coloured tub with pink lid


red kitchen apron with pink writing pattern all over it

So I was extremely happy with that and later I was in a charity shop. Usually my mum drags me in and I can't stand them but guess what I spotted?! 


pale blue makeup bag with sliced oranges design with 'Soap and glory' cream trim

This make up bag must be from the very early days of Soap & Glory as the colours are completely different from what they are now. I was so shocked I thought "I have to post about this!". What do you think of it? Have you ever seen anything like it?

So that's it- Edinburgh's dose of Soap & Glory. I found it really interesting finding my favourite brand in such unlikely places and its made me want to go to car-boot sales every weekend to see if I can find any more luckies!

Edinburgh in Instagrams

Hi all :)

So this weekend I was in Edinburgh and thought I'd share my trip with you all by the instagrams I have taken! Stay tuned for more posts Edinburgh themed including a Soap and Glory treat and my shopping haul! 

collage of 12 small square images: starbucks takeaway cup, pink and white lilies, Edinburgh Castle from below, sticky toffee pudding, pink flamingo, girl with glasses with giant cuddly panda toy, gorilla, selfie of girl, pink and green knitted container with knitted rabbit inside, red Victorian dress, brightly coloured tribal masks, tribal jewellery in museum case

  • Starbucks for the journey yum
  • Flowers in the hotel lobby
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • My amazing desert
  • Flamingo in the zoo!
  • Sadly we couldn't see the actual pandas so this is the next best thing
  • This guy is amazing
  • Me- realised after 1 and a half years that my phone has a camera on the front :o
  • Easter treats from my very creative mum!
  • Victorian dress with a gorgeous lace collar- I would actually wear this
  • Scary mask but nice colours
  • Ancient Egyptian necklaces which reminded me of this season's tribal/Aztec trend
That's all from me tonight :)


  

Monday 9 April 2012

New Jeans and OOTD

Hi Everyone!

I am actually pre-writing this post and scheduling it as I am off to Edinburgh at the weekend woo! No doubt I'll have a haul from there even though I'm trying to save, maybe I'll even treat myself to a Real Techniques make-up brush just to see what all the fuss is about?

So I've been wanting a pair of striped jeans for a while now and whilst out shopping on Saturday I found my perfect pair! I actually originally was looking for a pair of black and white stripes, but I found this grey pair and I love them.                                
white and grey striped jeans


top of grey and white pinstripe jeans top back of grey and white pinstripe jeans

grey and white jeans on legs

From: Internacionale
Price: £16.99 with Student Discount
Fit: Amazing- I don't need a belt for once
Quality: So far so good, they feel like they'll last well
Why I love them: The vertical stripes are super flattering and really elongate the leg
Trend Spotter: A definite key piece for spring/summer
Rating: 10/10 


And my OOTD: 
I paired these jeans with a plain white vest top (don't want to overdo it with another attention grabbing piece on top), a grey hoodie and a grey scarf. How coordinated am I?!


girl with brown hair wearing grey and white pinstripe jeans, white top, grey scarf and grey hoodie

Jeans: Internacionale
Vest Top: Primark
Scarf: Accessorize
Hoodie: Hollister

That's all from me! Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend :)


Sunday 8 April 2012

Saturday Shopping 3: Miss Selfridge

Hey Everyone!

Welcome to the third instalment of Saturday/Sunday shopping! Today's shop is Miss Selfridge and I decided to put it together after seeing the most amazing dress ever in store and online and noticing that they now have a 'Vintage Style' section on their website. It is full of chiffon blouses, peter pan collars, neutral colours and cute detailing. They should really just name the section Julianne Style and have done with it! 

I always absolutely love the styles in Miss Selfridge, though I actually have very few items from there because I can't justify spending that much on clothes till I'm a working lady! But oh well, I can dream :) 

So here are my favourite pieces from their Vintage Style:

collage of lace and pink tulle dress with waist tie, nude large handbag and pale pink heel bow shoes
I think I can hear a choir of angels in the distance. This dress is possibly the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. And the shoes. How pretty is this ensemble? Sadly, the dress is sold out online is almost every size, but I think is still available in store, and it also comes with a mint skirt which is equally as lovely.


cream long sleeve blouse with neck bow, nude shorts with waist bow, nude t bar heels, gold hair clasp, tan rectangular shoulder bag, nude sheer socks
This collection is so cute and pretty. I love the blouse it is so up my street and would fit into my wardrobe perfectly. Also, I'm really loving the shoes! They're really understated yet something about them is so classic and chic. I think they're really high end looking too.

I think it's fair to say I am crazy about this collection and would literally buy the whole lot if I could. Its like when your having one of those amazing dreams about a shop that stocks everything that YOU love and you're like 'Hm, must remember to go there later' :)

So yes, I need to drag myself away or I could go on and on about my love for this style forever! Bottom line: Miss Selfridge have a great Vintage Inspired Collection right now that you should definetely check out.

Have a good night!

This was meant to post yesterday but the scheduling didn't work for some reason :S Aw well here it is, a bit late :) Happy Easter! xx


Thursday 5 April 2012

The 'Perfect' Messy Bun Tutorial

Hi Everyone!

Hope you're all good! My exams are approaching which means I'm trying to study as much as possible which is why there have been such a lack of posts. I just need to drag myself away from Kardashians and I'm sorted!


Today I'm going to do my first tutorial woo! This is an everyday/ I can't be bothered styling my hair bun. I really like this as its simple but really nice. Also, I seen a lot of the models in ELLE  with messy buns so I think its a really popular style right now.



12 small square photos of same girl: 1. smiling with flat long brown hair 2. backcolming upper section of hair 3. hair has much more volume that originally, 4. girl holds hair scraped back in ponytail 5. twisting ponytail, 6. ponytail twisted round into bun 7. neat bun 8. girl pulls bun away from itself 9. girl holds back of hair up 10. top back of girls head with large messy bun 11. bun from side 12. bun from front

1. Start with your regular hair. This style pretty much works on any hair. My hair is naturally straight so I just work with that but I think it's better to curl beforehand for added texture. 
2. Backcomb your hair for volume.
3. Backcombed hair. Not overdone.
4. Gather your hair as if you were putting it in a high ponytail.
5. Twist.
6. Continue twisting until the hair twists round on itself.
7. A knot-bun is created. Tie it in place with a bobble.
8. Begin pulling apart the twisted bun. You should find that because it is twisted there are layers below layers so pull them too.
9. Fix any fallen pieces into place with kirbies. 
10. To be extra secure I place four kirbies around the bun.
11 & 12. Finished result :)

So that's it! Hoped you liked my first tutorial, comment below if you would like to see more!