Hi Guys, i hope your all enjoying the rest of your summer and are all getting up to some pretty exciting things!

This last Saturday i have just gotten back from the most exciting trip of my life and so i thought i'd better do a blog post on it!
So this rather exciting adventure started on 25TH December 2015, yes christmas day, my twin sister and i found out that we were going to be going to NEW YORK CITY. Now those of you who are friends & family may possibly have seen the most embarrassing video of me opening up the box which contained the New York surprise in it where i sobbed and sobbed of happiness. I was genuinely so shocked my family had managed to keep it so quiet from us.  I knew that one day i would 100% go to new york but i never had imagined it to be quite so soon. Both my other siblings had already been and my parents went a few years ago for their wedding anniversary, therefore, i had been longing to go so this surprise was extremely special for me and my twin sister as it was our first time going.

So on Monday 22nd August 2016 my parents , my sister and i embarked on our New York journey. My older sister was meant to be coming but unfortunately could not come due to an amazing job opportunity however, each of us are itching to go back so Its just a really good excuse to go back !

After a 7/8 hour plane journey we had finally arrived at JFK airport, we waited for just under an hour for my friend's plane to arrive who stayed with us for one night and explored the city with us for a day before embarking on her own American adventure. So on the way to our hotel i had my first ever ride in a yellow taxicab and soon found out that the driving over there is just a little manic!

We soon arrived at our hotel and found that we were situated just two streets away from times square! However, we didn't actually explore times square on the first night as we decided to go up the empire state building. My parents really wanted my sister and i to view New York the from up high the first night so we could immediately make sense of it all.  I couldn't be more happy that we did this because it suddenly made all the hectic chaos that we had initially seen down on the streets below seem so small and it definitely made me feel calm about the place.  Plus, it was really exciting to see all the lights of the high rise buildings turn on as the sun went down and darkness started to loom. It was so incredibly pretty.





The next day we got up early and headed to Juniors for breakfast! I decided to go for Griddle cakes (pancakes) with bacon and lots and lots of maple syrup.. yum!

I've been wanting to write this post for several months now but i kept putting it off; its nothing really beauty related so i didn't really think that people would be very interested in what i had to say... But then i thought if i don't say it nobody will.

When i was younger i truly believed that once school had been and gone all the childish dramas and nastiness would pass with it. However, with my first year of college finished and having a part time job i'd say I've got my foot firmly in the door of the 'adult world' along with this and my own experiences, what I've over heard and what i've been told its become apparent to me that not a lot changes when you get older. Dramas and the bitchiness doesn't just stop because you've become an 'adult' .
In fact I've realised its not age that is the problem, its us humans.  A lot of people seem incapable to be genuine, nice, selfless individuals. Instead everyone is so self absorbed we forget that our actions have consequences, that every single person on this planet has feelings and insecurities. Everybody seems more focused on tearing each other down instead of being a community of people who help lift each other up.

It angers me to see people writing disgusting comments about others on their social media, or over hearing conversations of people constantly bitching about someone who is supposedly their 'friend' or seeing girls bitching about a what a complete stranger is wearing, whether they should really be wearing those shorts when they aren't a size 6. It angers me to see a group of teenage boys beating someone up or the snapchat stories taking the mic of someone who is wearing crocs or trainers that aren't designer. OR the constant judging of someones appearance, the bitching about another success, or the hate that someone can get because they work hard. All of which i have witnessed my self in the last week, and i could list a hell of a lot more.

All of these can be put down to a thing called jealousy.... its very easy to push someone else down just to make yourself feel better. But this needs to stop ! There is a positive way to be jealous . I myself am a very jealous person , I'm not afraid to admit that. But i love being jealous it pushes me to work harder for myself to do well, if i see someone else succeeding I'm over the moon for them it reminds me of my dreams and what I'm striving for, and pushes me to to do just that.


It seems ridiculous to be that we all are so happy with tearing one another down when we don't need any more negativity in this world, all most every day we hear of a terror attack , a shooting , a death.  We have ENOUGH scary and disgustingly tragic events happening daily in our world that we have very little control over;  so why not stop the disgusting pettiness that both adults, teenagers and children all do- so all of us can make a change

Lets stop hating , judging , bitching about each other.  Be kind, compliment , understand, and think!

i don't think we ever truly know some body, so how can't we possibly judge another upon something we don't have full understanding off. We need to remember that all of us experience the good and the bad, watch the same tv programmes, listen to the same music, breath the same air ! So lets celebrate those similarities but cherish our unique attributes.

Lets be better.


lots of love Liv xxx

I constantly get asked what foundations i would recommend or which ones i use so i thought i would write about my two favourite all time foundations.

my skin type: I have oily- combination skin, which is generally blemish free (i do suffer from the occasional monthly breakout) and have some redness.

Nars sheer glow is such a beautiful foundation, that is constantly raved about. For oily girls a foundation that promises a glow can be quite daunting but this foundation gives a healthy glow instead of exaggerating any oiliness.  I'd say that this is definitely a medium buildable coverage, so the ' sheer glow' can be quite misleading.  However, while this has incredible coverage it feel so weightless and your skin can still breathe while having a flawless finish!
Nars do an incredible range of colours so I'm sure it would match any skin tone perfectly.  The only thing that is slightly disappointing is that it doesn't come with a pump and for the money you pay i personally feel that this should be included. It can also be quite hard to get a hold of because of its huge demand.


Chanel's perfection lumiere velvet is targeted to us more oily girls, this is more of a lightweight foundation and definitely a more of a sheer coverage, so if your looking for something that covers a lot of blemishes then this isn't for you. However, it works amazingly to mix in with other foundations if you wanted to add a bit more coverage. I can tell this is going to be my go to summer foundation because it is so light weight and is so healthy looking. I also think this is so easy to apply and would recommend for those who only have 5 minutes in the morning to get ready. I love this foundation more and more throughout the day and actually think it looks more  gorgeous on the skin when it's keeping those oils at bay. I'm not really one for a strong scented foundation but i couldn't love the scent of this more.  A good dupe is Bourjois healthy mix.


* i do recommend wearing a primer with both of these foundations.

  By this point of the year I'm pretty fed up of the cold, rainy, English weather and am longing for the sun to make an appearance.  For me, the Spring/ summer season is so exciting, wanting to trade in my comfy winter wear for bright, more fashionable clothing and of course attempting to get a tan!

New years Message 

I wish you all a really lovely beginning to 2016 ! I hope 2015 has treated you all really well, I've really enjoyed 2015 but i'm really excited about the year to come. I realize this year has been a big blogging fail from me - but I've vowed to myself that i'm going to spend more time doing what i want to do in the new year - and blogging is 100% one of them! I have some really excited things planned so keep your eyes peeled! Like my facebook page to keep updated https://www.facebook.com/LivvyandAllthingsBeauty/. I will be posting very very soon!

My new skin Savior! This was perfect over the exam period as it dealt with my 'stress breakouts' so well, in fact i honestly think it stopped me getting so stressed because i didn't need to worry about my skin. While i am extremely lucky and only have to deal with minor breakouts which are usually hormonal i noticed i started to feel confident with my 'naked face'! Shouldn't everyone feel confident in their own skin ?

It works by moisturizing instead of drying out and dehydrating spots, like most treatments tend to work, i particularly like this because it prevents scarring. I apply this twice daily over my face focusing mainly on any problem areas.

TOP TIP: apply with a normal moisturizer as it can be drying on unblemished skin. 

I strongly recommend this product and its perfect if you know you have an important event coming up that you want clear skin for. Its so fast acting that if you have a pesky spot making an appearance, apply this and within 24 hours the spot is pretty much gone!


You can purchase this at any Clinque counter in a Boots or John lewis store. retailing at £20

I'm so sorry I haven't posted in so so long!

I haven't uploaded on this blog in such a long time so i'd thought i'd tell you what I've been loving this month.


As much as i love applying my makeup; i love taking it off after a long day just as much! For Christmas i asked for Bobbi Brown soothing cleansing oil and the clinque take the day off cleansing milk.


Because they both do the same thing i didn't expect to receive both of these products, but i'm so glad i did. The cleansing oil from Bobbi brown is so amazing at taking makeup off, especially mascara, which usually can be a bit of a pain to remove! In fact this has worked wonders for my eyelashes as they no longer fall out from the tugging of a makeup wipe but also has conditioned them and made them be in such good condition. Its also amazing when i apply my mascara the next morning because it  makes my mascara go on so nicely giving the same full look as it does when i haven't worn mascara in a few days.  After using the Bobbi Brown oil i use the Clinque cleansing milk, i do this just to ensure all the makeup is off and my skin is 100% clean. The milk makes my skin incredibly smooth and i've even started using the milk to wash my face in the morning so my skin is a smooth base for my makeup to go on and this just improves the appearance of my makeup. My favourite thing about these two products is that its dramatically improved my skin, proving just how much removing your makeup properly can make a difference! It also makes taking your makeup off quite fun then just using an ordinary makeup wipe. Although i do recommend doing this over the sink and wiping your face on a towel that you don't mind getting dirty as you will get makeup ALL over it !


Keeping on  the skin care theme, my next favourite is coming a bit of a holy grail!


The Gingzing moisturiser from Origins is magic! I've never used a moisturizer that improves the appearance of my skin so much , it makes my skin become one tonal and have a healthy glow. This product has completely changed my attitude towards no makeup days as it stops my skin being so dull and lifeless! I'ts also an absolute treat for people who have oily skin as it  doesn't make my skin any more oily through out the day, i think it even makes my skin less oily.

This argon oil has made such a difference to my hair, it gives it a shine making my hair look healthy and also makes my hair incredibly soft, without making it look greasy. The main reason why i love this is that it brings out my natural highlights which become less obvious during these winter months! It needs to be activated with heat and can be purchased at super drug !




My next favourites isn't so much about the products itself but the combination of the two! While i love the colour of MAC'S cremesheen creme D'nude i never really got on with the formula of the lipstick, i feel this is down to the fact its not a matte lipstick as my other lipstick's from Mac which are matte apply to the lips a lot more nicely and last so much longer. However, since i've been using this lipgloss from smashbox which i believe is in the shade 'ILLUME' over the top of  the mac lipstick i can't get enough. It makes my lips look a lot more full and the colour is stunning!

My next favourite is from the Laura Mercier caviar stick collection, i can't express how amazing these cream eye shadows are but the one i find my self reaching for is in the shade 'AMETHYST' this shade is pretty much my definition of a perfect eye shadow colour its just gorgeous. I love it when it catches the light which is even more amazing. I'll add a photo of an attempt of me trying to swatch it catching the light below. I also love how these are so quick and easy to use but makes it look like you've spent ages doing  your eye shadow. They also work really well as a base for powder eye shadows.


My last favourite for this month, was my most recent and  spontaneous purchase.
Before buying any sort of makeup i usually do my research and read lots of reviews to make sure i'm not wasting my money on something that will end up sitting at the bottom of my makeup collection collecting dust. But when i was out birthday shopping a few weeks ago, i passed the Laura mercier counter and felt like treating myself, i knew laura mericer foundations have always had a good reputation and so i thought i would try their tinted moisturizer. I don't know what got over me because tinted moisturizers obviously have such sheer coverage and that scares me a little!  But i'm so glad i purchased this, its so weightless and i hate the feel of heavy makeup so this is a major advantage to this product.  Even though it is sheer coverage, it makes my skin look flawless. I don't know how it works but it illuminates the skin for a healthy glow and even outs the skin tone, yet you can still see your skin underneath. It gives the illusion that you have really healthy skin and your not wearing any makeup. Which in my opinion the whole point to foundations is to create that natural appearance of skin!  However, for those days where you do need a little bit more coverage put this over a bb cream or foundation and the outcome is just the same as if you didn't need more coverage! I did the oil free one which i definitely recommend if you do have an oily t-zone like me because it means it last all day. I apply this with my hands as the warmth of your skin really helps it set and then with a clean beauty blender just bounce it on your skin to make sure its all blended evenly. It does not feel greasy either and i don't even feel the need to set it with a powder, although i do set through my t-zone if i know i'm going out and won't have chance to powder later if i need too.  I just want to mention how helpful the girls at the laura mericer counter was and all their makeup was on point! Plus the shade match for this is probably the best one i've had!



                                                     Thank you
                                                         And
                                                         Hope
                                                          This
                                                           Helps!
                                                        LOVE. Liv x x x

This week I thought i'd share with you just some products I can not wait to get my hands on! 

Charlotte Tilbury - luxury palette In Dolce Vita £38 ( image from the charlotte tilbury website)

I love the colours in this palette, perfect for all eye colours, and their just stunning for an everyday look or a more glam look!  Purchase this palette here : http://www.charlottetilbury.com/luxury-palette-the-dolce-vita.html

Charlotte Tilbury - Luxury palette in The Vintage Vamp £38 (Image from the charlotte tilbury website.) I generally think i have fallen in love with these colours and would be perfect for blue eyes! ah so pretty ! Purchase this beauty here: http://www.charlottetilbury.com/luxury-palette-the-vintage-vamp.html

Charlotte Tilbury - luxury palette in The rebel (image from charlotte tilbury website)  I'm not really a blue eye-shadow kinda girl, simply because I have blue eyes and I feel like you need to find the perfect tones to pull off the look. But with these gorgeous colours you can't really go wrong! Purchase this beauty here : http://www.charlottetilbury.com/luxury-palette-the-rebel.htm The next product is the glam glow masks. I've heard such great stuff about these glam glow masks and i'm so intrigued to try them. Glam glow masks are really described as the holy grail of all skincare products! Get yours here : http://www.glamglowmud.co.uk/glamglow/ The next product its a bit of a strange one ! THE TOPSHOP FRECKLE PEN I love freckles, although a lot of my friends despise theirs!  Freckles creates the sun kissed and no makeup look. I love it when freckles show through makeup as it just looks like you have amazing skin. And now we can fake it, with this freckle pen, dotting lightly around your cheek and nose area to create subtle freckles.  This paired with a good bronzer is a summer must. Although, it could be slightly embarrassing if it rains and your freckles start running down your face! Thank you and hope this helps love Liv xxx

Now that I have broken up from school, for the summer, I have heaps of exciting posts coming up. I thought I would start off with this month’s favourites; so you can enjoy these products for summer too!