Liebster Award #2

Thank you so much to the FIVE fab bloggers who nominated me for a Liebster award! This is my second Liebster award blog post and I'm excited to answer all your fun beauty and style questions and set some of my own.

First of all, here's the links of the lovely ladies' blogs for you to check out:

Nyss at Miss Nyss Beauty Magpie

Sarah at Sarah's Beauty Emporium

Emma at Dollface Blogs

Kirsty at Pretty Bug

Stacey at Peace Love and Make-Up

Now for the rules:

Post 11 facts about you

Answer the questions set for you 

Choose 11 new bloggers to tag, leave their links and comment on their page to let them know they have been tagged

Set 11 new questions for your 11 bloggers to answer 

Facts about me

1. I don't really have a sweet tooth - I'd much rather have a bag of salted peanuts or a sausage roll than a bar of Dairy Milk

2. I wish I was a 80s kid - I love neon, funky make-up and legwarmers

3. I'm a sucker for trashy TV and have spent many lazy afternoons watching MTV reality shows back to back

4. It upsets me that I've never used a fax machine - I feel like I've missed out on something!

5. I love peanut butter on toast

6. I already have grey hairs - NOT happy!

7. I'd love to have gorgeous red hair

8. I once broke a window when I was little by throwing a snowball at it (it had a stone in it and I didn't know!)

9. Concealer is an absolute must for showing my face outside of the house! Currently loving Bourjois' Healthy Mix concealer

10. I have a ridic expensive gym membership, which I have neglected for far too long

11. I like carrot juice (weird but actually nice)

Answers to Nyss' questions
1. How long have you been blogging for and why did you start?
Only been blogging for just over 5 months and I started because I love writing about beauty and have wanted to have a blog about something for ages!

2. What is on the top of your beauty product wish list?
At the moment, I'm really lusting over some of the Revlon lip butters, like wild watermelon and juicy papaya, and also the latest MAC collections!

3. What would you do if you won the lottery?
I'm the most irrational person ever, so I'd go out and have a massive splurge, buy a house and then think about what to do with the rest of the money after.

4. Do you wear makeup every day?
If I'm going outside, I will do. I'm quite conscious of my skin so I like to cover it up so I can feel more confident.

5. Is there one product you wouldn't live without and think everybody should try?
I have fallen in love with La Roche-Posay's Thermal Spring Water - everyone should try that post cleansing because it's lovely.

6. What is your favourite type of blog post to read?
I absolutely love haul posts! 

7. What is the most you have ever spent on a beauty product and what was it?
The most expensive one I can think of is a Tom Ford Neroli Portofino shower gel for £40 (ouch!). But I'm pretty sure I've spent around £50 on something else - just can't remember what it is!

8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Probably New York :)

9. Do you prefer Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter?
Definitely Summer - everything just feels better when it's nice outside!

10. What are you most looking forward to this year?
Going to Wireless Festival and hopefully getting my first job in beauty journalism.

11. Do you have a guilty pleasure? If so, what is it?
Watching trashy TV is my escape - I watch everything from The Valleys to the Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Answers to Sarah's questions
1. What is your favourite beauty brand?
If we are talking make-up, it's a toss up between Benefit and Guerlain. For skin care, I love La Roche-Posay, Caudalie and Dr Hauschka.

2. What is your favourite type of chocolate/sweets?
When it comes to chocolate, I like Reeses Peanut Butter Cups more than anything. I also love pick and mix sweets like fizzy cola bottles and milk bottles.

3. Do you collect anything?
I'm definitely building up a lipstick collection! Never enough :)

4. What is your biggest fear?
Being trapped somewhere with thousands of wasps sounds pretty damn scary to me.

5. Where would you like to be in ten years time?
I would love to be a beauty editor with a nice flat and enough money to have getaways every so often. Sounds like the dream to me!

6. Name one staple item in your wardrobe
I love my electric blue blazer - brightens up any outfit!

7. Do you prefer Twitter or Facebook?
For blogging, I defo prefer Twitter as there is a big community of bbloggers on there.

8. Are you a cat or a dog lover?
Both equally - only if they are cute :)

9. What's the most annoying thing a person can do with beauty?
Definitely wear a foundation shade that is too dark! It's not a good look

10. How long have you been blogging?
Only just over 5 months - feels like years though! I love it

11. Do you prefer flats or heels?
I would say heels as I feel more confident in them. But saying that, they hurt like a bizatch!

Answers to Emma's questions
1. If you had to give up mascara or lipgloss, which would you choose?
Definitely lipgloss - there are so many lip balms that double up as glosses these days, so I could get around that :)

2. What is your worst make-up mishap?
I used to wear bright purple mascara when I was a teenager!

3. Who is your beauty inspiration?
I love Dita Von Teese and Nicola Roberts - think they have porcelain skin and amazing taste in looks for lips and cheeks.

4. What's your favourite meal?
Can't beat a chinese! Love it.

5. Would you rather give up chocolate or crisps?
Definitely chocolate - I rarely crave something sweet and prefer salty snacks.

6. What is your favourite beauty brand?
I think if we are talking make-up, it's Benefit or Guerlain. For skin care, it's La Roche-Posay and Skinceuticals.

7. What is the reason behind your blog name?
Completely random. I wanted each post to be like a 'shot' of beauty inspiration.

8. Who is your celebrity crush?
Ryan Gosling.

9. If you were on a desert island and could only have one outfit and one beauty product, what would they be?
I'd wear harem pants with a vest top and statement necklace, and SPF!

10. What's your favourite animal?
Hmmm I like penguins and snow leopards!

11. What is the best thing about blogging?
The beauty banter and the twitter chats! So much fun :)

Answers to Kirsty's questions
1. What is your favourite item of clothing?
I love my electric blue blazer - makes every outfit pop!

2. If you had to recommend just one makeup item, what would it be?
Definitely concealer - it makes my skin look so much better.

3. High heels or flats?
Heels because of confidence, but flats for comfort!

4. Sweet or savoury?
Definitely savoury - I am rarely in the mood for chocolate (which everyone thinks is weird!)

5. What do you think is your best feature?
My eyes/hair.

6. Where has your best holiday been?
I love Italy - the food, weather and culture is so nice.

7. Have you got any hobbies other than blogging?
I really like going to British Film Institute screenings and previews. Also love going to modern art exhibitions in London when I can.

8. Bath or shower?
Tough one! I think I am gonna say shower because it means I can use all my gels and polishes at one time. Love stocking up on shower products a bit too much!

9. What is your favourite film?
Requiem for a dream.

10. Tea or coffee?
Tea, unless it's a Starbucks caramel latte.

11. What is your top beauty tip?
Exfoliate just once a week, or it could damage your skin and/or cause it to become more oily.

Answers to Stacey's questions
1. What one make-up product couldn't you be without?
Concealer! I wear it every day without fail to cover up my imperfections and brighen up the skin around my eyes.

2. Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Ryan Gosling!

3. What is your favourite book?
I really like the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo books.

4. What is your favourite scent?
At the moment, it's Guerlain's Le Petite Robe Noire.

5. What is your dream job?
Beauty editor for a women's magazine.

6. Is there one product you bought because of the hype and regret buying it?
Think I was a little disappointed with the Nails Inc leather effect polishes. Felt really dry on the nail and chipped easily.

7. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Brazil! I would absolutely love to go to South America.

8. What is your favourite season?
Definitely Summer. Everything looks and feels better with the sunshine.

9. Big night out, or quiet night in?
I am partial to a quiet night in these days (#old)

10. What is your favourite nail polish colour?
Think it's got to be red. It's a classic.

11. What is your favourite highstreet make-up brand?
Bourjois I think - all the products are high-quality and I love the colour selection.

My questions
1. What's the worst beauty product you ever bought?

2. What's your skin care regime?

3. Have you coloured your hair?

4. Would you shave your head for charity?

5. Who's your role model?

6. What's your favourite shower product?

7. What's your favourite product for relaxation?

8. Bath or shower?

9. What's your dream job?

10. What would your superhero power be?

11. What's your favourite lipstick?

The bloggers I am tagging 

1. Sarah Elizabeth at Beauty Super Girl

2. Louise at Lou Loves Beauty

3. Hayley at Tea Party Beauty

4. Sophie at With Love From Sophie

5. Samantha & Ashley at Our Little Beauty Haven

6. Katie at A Little South

7. Callie at Cllrs

8. Rara at Rara Giggles

9. Faith at Faithful Loves

10. Annie at Drugstore Dreamer

11. Jade at Beads of Jade

Thanks for reading! xxx

Versatile Blogger Award

Massive thanks goes to the lovely Alexandra at beauty & lifestyle blog Sweet Dreams for nominating me for the Versatile Blogger Award.

I really appreciate it when you lovely bloggers put me forward for these posts and love hearing that you are enjoying reading Shot of Beauty.

The rules are:

Thank the person who nominated you and include a link to their blog.

Select 15 new bloggers you follow regularly.

Nominate these bloggers for a Versatile Blogger award, leave a link to their page and comment on their latest post to let them know they have been nominated.

Tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself.

So here's 7 things about me to start with...

1. I have a degree in Psychology and studied at the University of Essex.

2. I'm a journalist editing a cosmetic medicine title, which is interesting and controversial!

3. People think I am weird because I like tomato juice. But I don't like tomatoes.

4. My favourite colours are postbox red and jade green. 

5. I love modern art a LOT.

6. I have only just started using moisturiser daily in the last year or so.

7. My beauty idol is Dita Von Teese.

And here's the 15 bloggers I'd like to nominate for this award...

 Alice at Tea and Lead

Louise at Lou Loves Beauty
Lorna at Studs and Dreams
Mimi at Mimi's Vanity Box
Kel at Kel Loves...
Leanne at Oh That Curl
Carissa at Vanilla Crush
Anna at On The Dressing Table
Sasha at Ramblings of a Beauty Bird
Daisy at Loves, Likes & Wishes
Sophie at With Love From Sophie
Bethany at Betty Vintage
Jenny at Beauty and the Biryani
Lauren at Little Red
Marie-Louise at Mlhauken

Hope you enjoyed this tag post! xxx

TAG: Procrastinating Beauty Blogger

Fab fashion blogger Alice from Tea and Lead has nominated me to take part in the Procrastinating Beauty Blogger tag! She must know me so well :)

The rules of this tag are:
1. Copy and paste these 'rules' into your post
2. You must state this tag was created by Laura from The Beau Bow
3. You must thank the person who tagged you at the start of your post, follow them if you're feeling nice and at the end of your post state who you tag and comment on their blog to let them know you've tagged them.
4. Title this post 'The Procrastinating Beauty Blogger Tag'
5. Have fun :)

 QUESTIONS

1. Name a beauty regime that you barely do
I am ashamed to say I pay almost no attention to my eyebrows. I don't know why - I just never have! When I was a teenager, I thought it would be a good idea to shave my eyebrow, which it wasn't. I literally just tweeze every now and again when I feel like it.

2. Is washing your make-up brushes something you do regularly?
Yes it is - I am conscious of spreading bacteria around my skin so I like to wash them as often as possible. Baby shampoo works a treat and leaves the brushes soft and clean.

3. How long will you last with chipped nail polish?
Sometimes if I am really busy I will leave it on for way too long! Until the chips start getting massive and occupy an entire nail - then I need to do something about it. But at the moment I have been chopping and changing nail colours for blog posts - so they look neat most of the time!

4. How long do you put off buying/replacing a beauty or nail polish product even if you need it (i.e. new top coat or foundation etc)?
If I need it, I'll buy it straight away. I can't live without concealer and foundation, so if I've got the money I will grab my go-to products ASAP. If it's a nail polish or eyeliner, I won't be in such a rush as it's an 'extra' in my eyes. But my skin is a priority and it boosts my self-esteem to always have the right products to hand.

5. What is your worst beauty habit?
Picking spots - I just can't leave them alone! If anyone has got any great tips on leaving this habit behind, I need to hear them, so please leave me a comment below.

6. Name something non-beauty related that you put off doing all the time?
I almost always put off looking at my bank balance! I'm a bit too impulsive at times and get pangs of post-shopping guilt - but I really need to get on top of my finances and hope to do that this year somehow (after I have bought every lipstick, nail polish and skin care product EVER).

7. When going out somewhere, do you leave getting ready until the last minute?
Definitely not - I always start getting ready a good hour before going out, if not before. I like to take my time and have a nice shower before doing my hair and make-up - there's nothing worse than going out feeling like you aren't happy with the way you look. Spending time on getting ready makes me feel confident and ready to go

8. Can you commit to spending bans?
As mentioned earlier, I am awful when it comes to spending money on things and can be really impulsive. If I absolutely had to go on a spending ban, I would, and I really need to. Watch this space on that one...

9. How organised is your make-up and nail polish collection?
It's kind of organised but not in 'storage' as such - it's in the same place on my desk all the time but it is a bit like organised chaos with different colours flying about everywhere.

10. What is the longest amount of time you have gone without writing a blog post?
I think the longest I have gone is 2 days, but I mostly blog every day. I'd love to start blogging more than once a day in the future, but this isn't really possible while I have a full-time editorial job!

WHO I'M TAGGING
Sandy at Absolute Beaut
 Jessica at All Dolled Up
Charlotte at Carlotta's Beauty Spot
Kat at Tales of a Pale Face
Cat at Outside Beauty Inside Health

 Big love and thanks goes to Alice for tagging me! xxx

I've been nominated for a Liebster award!

I'm so proud to have been nominated for a Liebster award and a huge thanks goes to K from Life, Thoughts, Fun & Lush for making it happen :)

There are some amazing new blogs out there that deserve lots of follows, so it's great to be able to pass on my award to 11 other beautiful bloggers. Can't wait to learn more about them!

About me

1. I'm 24 years old 

2. I live in Essex and have lived in the same house my whole life

3. I am currently the editor of the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing - a magazine about non-surgical cosmetic treatments like dermal fillers

4. I am a psychology graduate and studied at the University of Essex

5. I'm currently doing a scriptwriting course at the Bishopsgate Institute every Saturday, which I love

6. My favourite magazines are Red, Zest, Stylist, LOOK and Marie Claire

7. I love Italy 

8. In another life, I'd be a DJ, artist or scriptwriter

9. I love psychological thrillers and dramas

10. I spend a LOT of money on high-end skin care and cosmeceuticals

11. The worst skin care sin I have ever committed was using baby wipes on my face

Responses to K's questions

1. What made you decide to start blogging?

I've always loved beauty but lots of my loved ones don't share this passion! I have a lot of products to write about and beauty secrets to share, and I love sharing expert advice I come across via work contacts. It's great fun :)

2. What are the top 3 beauty products you can't live without?

Benefit Erase Paste, Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Gel Cleanser and Nivea Roll-On Deodorant

3. Where do you see your blog in one year?

I'd absolutely love to hit 200 followers in the next year and maybe be nominated for a beauty blogger award. I really want to share my beauty loves with more people and attend lots more events to network and get to know everyone

4. If you were stuck on an island, what three things would you take with you?

A boombox, a diary and SPF

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

South America - I don't know why, but I have got a real thing about latin music and food. I'd love to go there to experience the culture and flavour of latino life

6. What do you want your blog to represent?

I want my blog to offer beauty inspiration to people looking for new products and to represent beauty products that can be used on a daily basis. I want to offer expert advice where possible when it comes to skin care, as I have suffered with breakouts for many years and I know there are lots of people out there looking for support and recommendations

7. Do you think blogging has affected your life in any way?

Definitely! It's great to express myself more and write about things I love - and it's also good to see how products you are thinking about buying shape up in the minds of other bloggers. I reckon it has made me think twice about certain purchases

8. What other hobbies do you have outside of blogging?

I love going to the cinema, going to gigs and going to modern art exhibitions. Last year, I went to the London Film Festival for the first time and it was amazing. I also saw David Shrigley's exhibition in London, which was so much fun - I love his wit

9. What is your favourite make-up brand?

Tough one! Benefit for creativity, Guerlain for quality and YSL for classics

10. What would winning a Liebster award mean to you?

It's a real honour to be recognised as a blogger, as there are so many great writers out there! We are all passionate about what we write and, since I have only been blogging for almost 4 months, it's a great achievement and a lot of fun

11. What do you want to do in the future work wise?

I'd love to be a beauty journalist in the future and then maybe later on down the line become a scriptwriter for TV and/or film. Exciting :)

Bloggers I'm nominating and my questions

1. Heather at Make Up Mouse

2. Naomii at Glitterbomb Makeup

3. Saskia at The New Girls

4. Sarah at Simply Beauty and Nails

5. Fatin at Oh My Gosh Makeup

6. Rosy at Ro's Tinted

7. Katrin at Tarte Aux Fraises

8. Rose at Confessions of Rose

9. Sammi at Material Gurl 88

10. May at Shopaholic Section

11. Shelez at Thou Shalt Not Covet

1. What's your favourite thing about blogging?

2. Who is your beauty idol?

3. What is your dream job?

4. What's your favourite lipstick?

5. What's your favourite TV programme?

6. What is your go-to make-up brand?

7. Who's your favourite blogger?

8. What's your favourite place in the world?

9. What is your morning beauty routine?

10. What's your favourite nail brand?

11. What will you cover on your blog in the future?

Thanks so much again for nominating me K! xxx

Button swap?

<center> <a href="http://shotofbeautyblog.blogspot.co.uk"><img border=”0″ src="http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag28/NRDeva/photo_zps60de6730.png" /></a></center>

I'd love to do a button swap with anyone who is interested? You can grab my button here and leave me a comment if you would like me to feature yours on my page? 

Let me know

Lots of love xxx

PS My Twitter accounts are still suspended - would really appreciate your comments and page visits via Bloglovin until I get it sorted out! Thanks :)

It's time to show my fave beauty bloggers some love

I've been b-blogging for a couple of months now and I absolutely love it! It has been so much fun talking to all of you on Twitter and commenting on your posts - so the time has come to share my February favourites with you so you can share the love too! 

For some reason, I like the number 5 for these types of posts, so that's how many blogs I will be sharing with you today :)

Let me know if you like them and leave me your links below if you would like me to check you out!

1/Alice, Tea and Lead

Credit: teaandlead.blogspot.co.uk

What does this blog cover? Fashion and beauty.

Why do I like this blog? It's a great mix of beauty and fashion. I love how her outfit posts always include great make-up and nail looks - it gives me inspiration to put whole looks together!

What posts are worth checking out?

Review: Paul & Joe Pearl Primer

Tuesday Tutorial: Make Up Brushes

Outfit: The Un-Swinging 60s

Link http://teaandlead.blogspot.co.uk/

2/Kat, Tales Of A Pale Face

Credit: talesofapaleface.com

What does this blog cover? Beauty.

Why do I like this blog? Great honest reviews and fab product selection. This girl has good taste!

What posts are worth checking out?

Color Club Holographic Nail Polish

Salt Spray Wars: Toni & Guy vs Bumble & Bumble

London Oil Company Body Oils

Link http://www.talesofapaleface.com/

3/Charlotte, Style & Splurging

Credit: styleandsplurging.blogspot.co.uk

What does this blog cover? Fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Why do I like this blog? I always love blogs that show me products I love in great shades, for the best prices. Charlotte does this well and her London Edition posts are well worth looking at, if only for her amazing lipstick collection!

What posts are worth checking out?

What's In My Make-Up Bag: London Edition

Fragrance Direct & ASOS Beauty Haul

Haul: Topshop Make Up

Link http://styleandsplurging.blogspot.co.uk/

4/Sandra, The Black Pearl Blog

Credit: theblackpearlblog.com

What does this blog cover? Beauty, fashion and lifestyle.

Why do I like this blog? Not only have I discovered some lovely new brands through reading this blog, but also I have found some great bargain products from brands I already know and love.

What posts are worth checking out?

Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher in Raspberry Tarte

Review: Aromatherapy Associates Essential Bath & Shower Oils

Topshop Bargain: Louise Gray Wave Machine Eye Cream Duo

Link http://www.theblackpearlblog.com/

5/Aqeela, Diary Of A Makeup Geek

Credit: aqeelakeela.blogspot.co.uk

What does this blog cover? Beauty with a touch of fashion and lifestyle.

Why do I like this blog? This girl really knows what she is talking about when it comes to make-up and I always look forward to her weekly tag post! I really rate Aqeela.

What posts are worth checking out?

Illamasqua Liquid Metal Palette - Art of Darkness Review

Twenty Third Weekly Makeup Tag: Disco

NOTD: Bold With A Touch Of Sparkle

Link http://aqeelakeela.blogspot.co.uk/

Do you rate these blogs highly? What are your favourite blogs? xxx

Here's the products YOU brought into my life

I've always loved reading a good glossy mag to find out what's hot in the big wide beauty world, but everyone knows the quickest route to the crème de la crème of cosmetics is via the blogosphere.

Thanks to you lovely beauty bloggers, I have seen so many amazing products lately for Spring/Summer 2013. So, to acknowledge these great finds (and fab bloggers!), I have dedicated today's post to the products YOU introduced me to in your blog posts. As this post could potentially go on forever, I have given myself the tremendously tricky task of picking just five must-have beauty essentials. Enjoy!

ONE
What's the product? Daniel Sandler Dual Action Make-Up Remover
Who featured it? Sheenie Shaikh, Just Nice Things

For years, I used face wipes to remove my make-up, but a few months ago I decided that enough was enough - I was spending so much money too often on a product that did nothing spectacular for my skin. So I decided to move on to a thinner liquid make-up remover and buy cotton wool pads to go along with it, and it has been so much better for my skin. That's why I am excited about this perfect potential purchase - a dual make-up remover from the highly-acclaimed Daniel Sandler. What's not to love?

The 120ml bottle costs £15.

Read Sheenie's full product review here.

TWO
What's the product? Bumble and Bumble Deep Conditioner
Who featured it? Adrienne, The Sunday Girl

I'm always sceptical when it comes to deep conditioners - in the past I have been a sucker for marketing hype and haven't seen a return on the majority of my hair care investments. However, because Adrienne has thick hair like me, I really trust that this product could be one to beat.

Plus, I have heard amazing things about Bumble and Bumble, but am ashamed to admit I have never tried anything! So I think you'll find that's at least two good reasons why I need this product in my life.

The full-size bottle (150ml) costs £21.50, but there's a smaller version (50ml) for £9.50.

Read The Sunday Girl's full review here.

THREE
What's the product? KIKO Glamorous Eye Pencil
Who featured it? Grace, All that Slap

Not only do I love a high-quality, pigmented eye pencil, but also I adore midnight blue. That's why I completely fell in love with Kiko Cosmetics' Glamorous Eye Pencils when I saw them on Grace's blog last week. Retailing at only £4.90 each, these pencils are a really beautiful bargain.

Read Grace's full review here.

FOUR

What's the product? Maybelline Baby Lips
Who featured it? Jane, British Beauty Blogger

Jane is always at the top of her game when it comes to what's new and worth buying. One of the most exciting products I have seen on her blog lately is Maybelline Baby Lips. Originally from the US, Baby Lips is now going to be launched in the UK (much to many beauty bloggers' delight). It's available in several shades, has a sun protection factor of 20, and is said to provide 8 hours of moisture and rejuvenation.

See where I discovered this range here on Jane's blog.

FIVE
What's the product? Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder
Who featured it? Amelia Liana, Liana Beauty

If I had to pick one product that screams Spring/Summer, it would be this uber pretty Bobbi Brown brightening powder. Formulated with mulberry, grape and brightening plant extracts, the powder illuminates the skin while also maintaining a natural effect.

At £40, it is quite expensive, but the fact that it's so special kind of justifies the cost.

You can check out Amelia's full post here.

Do you have any of these products already? What do you think of them? xxx

Where do beauty bloggers buy their products? Survey results are in!

Even beauty bloggers on a spending ban know how to dedicate A LOT of cash on new and/or staple products, but are we making the most out of the money we spend?

While I was tweeting away last night and watching all the bblogger responses fly up, I was thinking about my beauty buying habits and how much I had bought online as opposed to in store recently. That is so unlike me, as I like to see and feel what I am getting before I invest. So, I decided to tweet my thoughts and ask you all where you buy your beauty products and why, and got some really interesting responses. I then created a short survey and managed to get over 25 lovely bloggers to share their thoughts for this post, and here is where you get to find out what everyone else has said!

I want to thank you so much for your help and would love to hear your thoughts on what I found. If I have made any mistakes or confused the response, please let me know so I can correct it and I'll do this straight away. Happy savvy beauty shopping!

Where do you buy your beauty products?
First things first, I will tell you the overall result from the first question, which was in multiple choice format and had three possible responses.

• A whopping 74% (20) of you voted in store as the best place to shop


• 37% (10) preferred browsing online


• Only 3% (1) shopped in blog sales

Why do you shop in store?
Sensory instinct: Five bloggers felt it was important to be able to feel and smell products before buying them. Sheona said 'touching, swatching and feeling a product in my hands is what helps me decide whether to buy'. Helen wanted to 'see the product and handle it'. Lil Fairy Doll needed to see products in the flesh to 'test consistencies'. Grace said 'for skin care it's nice to sniff them'. Bettina wanted to 'feel the products before purchasing'.

Lack of or misleading product information and photos: Five of you expressed concerns about the accuracy and depth of product information and photos. Orla wanted to see products first hand as she felt that 'sometimes the photos online can be very deceptive'. Ingredient lists were of high importance to Grace, who felt these were 'often not listed online'. Taylor wanted to try the products in store as she felt afraid products were 'going to turn out the wrong colour/different to the photograph'. RaRa said 'buying online can be misleading when it comes to exact shades'. Sheona felt that online stores don't provide 'full enough descriptions or show enough pictures for you to really get a feel of it'.

Swatches and colour matches: Swatching in person and making sure colours were right were top priorities for eleven bloggers. Sophie said she 'likes to see the colours in person'. Lil Fairy Doll wanted to see what colours 'REALLY are in the flesh'. Gem likes to 'be able to swatch the product and see it in the flesh'. Donna preferred to own something new that she had 'swatched in person'. If buying makeup, Grace likes to swatch items. Allie wanted to be sure colours matched correctly with her skin tone, as this can 'sometimes be hard over the internet'. Callie wanted to 'swatch the products there and then to ensure it's the product that's right for me'.

Getting it right for your skin type: Three of you wanted to check products matched your skin type in store before buying them. Ambarina said 'I like to try before I buy, especially as I have indian skin, so need to be sure colours/formulations look good on my skin'. Ebony said testing products for your skin type is 'beyond important' for a pale-skinned lady as 'foundations are so finicky'. RaRa felt buying online for fair shades was difficult and she didn't want to look 'washed out'.

Try before you buy: Nine of you wanted to sample products or use testers in store before investing in any beauty buys. Sophie said 'I like to sample all the products. It makes a huge difference rather than shopping for them online and not being able to try a sample'. Ebony likes to 'sample everything properly'. RaRa likes to 'use testers to get a better idea of the product'. Taylor wants to 'try products out and look at the colours'. Ambarina likes to 'try out before I buy'. Another beauty blogger likes to swatch before she buys. Callie likes to 'test the products there and then'. Bettina wants to 'test the products before purchasing'. Megan likes to 'try it out in store first, unless there are a LOT of good reviews'.

Cost of post and packaging: Annabelle raised an interesting point that shopping in store could 'save money on postage and packaging' and the money spent on this could 'go towards something else such as trying products you aren't sure about'.

Consultant advice: Two of you liked to chat to a consultant when looking into buying beauty products. Orla likes to 'take advice from the sales assistant, as long as they are not too pushy'. Helen wanted to get advice from a consultant also.

Money concerns: Gem wanted to make sure she was spending her money on the right products as she doesn't have a lot of her budget dedicated to beauty shopping and needs to be careful about what she buys.

Confirmation of choice and further exploration: The Ladida wanted to confirm her initial choice of product and look for different shades. She said she 'really enjoys browsing and seeing what is out there before I decide on my purchase. Most of the time I know what I want but am undecided about the brand or sometimes even the shade'.

Why do you buy online?
Niche, natural and organic products: Sarah felt limited by in-store shopping as she only likes 'natural and organic products'. She said 'it's a niche market and you won't find these products in Superdrug or Boots'.

Geographical barriers: RaRa Giggles felt online shopping enabled her to access a wider range of products as she only lives in a small town and works 9-5, making 'selection outside of drugstore brands very poor'. Being from Israel, Lorraine wanted to get 'American and European beauty products online' as this made her 'so happy'.

Convenience and choice: Gemma liked being able to 'shop around, look for discount codes and get the best deal'. Gemma Bolton loves 'browsing the newest brands and products any time of the day'. Sheenie said 'online purchases are time-saving and often cheaper'. Tolly Dolly Posh said shopping online was 'easier' and that there were 'cheaper brands in store'.

Gifts: Scott made the good point that shopping for beauty products online may allow you to get a gift as a reward for purchasing. He said that 'sometimes there are gifts with purchase online that are not in stores'.

Crowds: Gemma Bolton prefers to 'browse the newest brands at any time of the day without going to endless shops'. Gemma likes to shop for beauty products 'without having to deal with the crowds'.

Lack of resources and sold out product ranges: Another interesting point raised by Scott is 'sometimes products are sold out on the counter, other counters try to sell you stuff you don't want, or during busy periods someone from another counter will serve you who doesn't know the brand that well'. Sarah was concerned that stores do not 'stock the products I am looking for'.

Why do you prefer blog sales?
Good reviews: Although Annabelle was the only person to mention blog sales, she said that as long as the product had good reviews and was trusted, she would buy them from a blog sale.

BIG LOVE AND THANKS TO
Megan Lillie, thumbelinalillie.com, @meganjanelillie
Sheona Ranson, thebeautyobsession.com, @thebeautyboss
Sophie Halbert, dontwearitanymore.com, @dontwear
Sarah, sugarpuffish.blogspot.co.uk, @sugarpuffish
Ebony, ELNFashion.com, @ebzo
RaRa Reid, rarareid.wordpress.com, @rara_reid
Helen Gray, unevenlemmingbeauty.blogspot.com, @unevenlemming
Lil Fairy Doll, hazyfairyland.blogspot.ie, @lil_fairy_doll
Rara Giggles, raragiggle.blogspot.ie, @raragiggles
Sheenie Shaikh, just-nice-things.co.uk, @sheenieshaikh
Gem Seren, gemseren.blogspot.co.uk, @gemserenx
Tolly Dolly Posh, tollydollyposhfashion.com, @tollydollyposh
Donna, notjustinside.com, @vonfluffy
Lorraine, beautifulyou.blogspot.co.il, @beautifulyoul
The Ladida, theladida.com, @theladida
Taylor O'Callaghan, taylorjanway.wordpress.com, @taylorjanway
Grace, allthatslap.com, @allthatslap
Ambarina Hassan, beautypassionista.co.uk, @ambarinahasan
Gemma, missmakeupmagpie.com, @makeup_magpie
Annabelle John, annieshomemadeheaven.blogspot.co.uk, @annabellejohn
Allie Smith, rushandteal.blogspot.co.uk, @allieee_smith
Gemma Bolton, buff-beauty.com, @buffbeautyblog
Callie Rose, cllrs.blogspot.com, @catdicko
Orla Barrett, hallofmirrors.com, @orlabarrett
Bettina, beautyswot.com, @beautyswot
Scott, scottsbeauty.wordpress.com, @sbgblog
A yet to be identified beauty blogger! Will update this when I know your name!

Gorgeous giveaways you can't afford to miss!

I think you will agree that February is off to an amazing start in the bblogging world. The truth is, where there is a giveaway there is an amazing new blog to read, and the list of blogs I follow on Bloglovin is getting bigger by the minute! I just had to share these amazing giveaways with you so that you could check the blogs out and have the chance to win these gorgeous goodies! Here's my top 10...

1/Diary of a Makeup Geek, 300 Follower Giveaway
First on my list is Diary of A Makeup Geek's amazing giveaway to celebrate her 300 follower milestone! The first prizes on offer are Sleep-In Rollers, Tan and False Lashes. Second prizes are a Lush Bath Bomb (my fave!), Illamasqua Liquid Metal, a MAC lipstick of the winner's choice AND a Benefit Naked Basics Palette. Amazing right?! Such a good mix. Would love to win these beauties. Follow Aqeela on Twitter here.

2/Rush and Teal, 75 Follower Giveaway
First of all - how pretty is that header? I love the pics and style of this blog so much. To mark the big 75 milestone, Allie has given readers a chance to win the super cute Paul&Joe Foundation Primer. I'm on the hunt for a new primer and have always wanted to try this product. Such a good choice for a 75 follower giveaway. Follow Allie on Twitter here.

3/Dream Makeup, Sigma Beauty Essential Brush Kit Giveaway
I have come to realise that every beauty lover needs a quality collection of make-up brushes to perfect her look, making this giveaway one you really can't afford to miss! It's an international giveaway and there are many colours to choose from, including aqua blue, pink and purple. I went for classic black for a classy staple collection. Can't wait for the winner announcement at the end of March. This is one you cannot afford to miss for sure. Follow Dream Makeup on Twitter here.

4/Ramblings of a Beauty Bird, 500 Follower Giveaway
It's amazing that this blogger has 500 followers - congratulations to Sasha on this milestone! Had to mention this giveaway as there are fantastic beauty bits up for grabs here, including a Real Techniques Blush Brush (love this brand and have just bought the stippling brush), one of my fave mascaras Benefit They're Real and a Kate Moss lipstick. Also up for grabs is the sweet snow fairy shower gel from Lush, a MUA palette, Maybelline gel eyeliner and Rimmel Scandaleyes eye pencil. It's an international giveaway packed with essential products. Follow Sasha on Twitter here.

5/Shayy In Wonderland, Welcome Back Giveaway
I just love coral blushers, lipsticks and nail polishes. Shay's MAC Blusher giveaway to welcome her back to the blogosphere is one not to miss for Spring/Summer 2013. The Peaches product would do wonders to lift a nude look and is the one I would love to get my hands and cheeks on! Follow Shay on Twitter here.

6/Pooches and Cream, MAC Giveaway
Another coral beauty is the MAC Lip Look Bag in Lavish Coral, which the lovely Robyn is kindly giving away on her blog. The giveaway includes 4 items - a lip pencil, cremesheen lipstick and lipglass and a cute purse. It's UK only and you can follow Robyn on Twitter here. She is great to have beauty banter with :)

7/Glad Rags and the Handbags, 200th Post Soap & Glory Giveaway
Ask any beauty blogger what products they have in the shower, and Soap & Glory will be in the top 10, if not 3! That's why this giveaway to win the Best of All set is truly amazing and one not to be missed. Mel is offering readers the chance to win 9 products, including the Hand Food Hand Cream, Clean on Me Shower Gel and Sugar Crush Body Scrub, plus the branded bag. Enter immediately and also follow Mel on Twitter here.

8/Dippy Writes, One Month of Blogging Revlon and Essie Giveaway
I love a good nail and lip combo, and Dippy is offering readers two special treats as part of her One Month of Blogging Giveaway. Up for grabs are an Essie nail polish of the winner's choice (I chose Beyond Cozy) and a Revlon Lip Butter (I chose Raspberry Pie). Really nice products on offer here and I would like to congratulate Dippy on one month of blogging! Follow her on Twitter here.

9/Little Bo Blab, 20k Views Giveaway
20k blog views is an amazing milestone! My love of Body Shop bath and body products makes me adore this giveaway. Kerys Marie is giving readers the chance to grab a pink box of goodies, including a pink grapefruit shower gel, watermelon and raspberry lip balms, mango soap and Rimmel London nail polish in Azure (so gorgeous). You must enter this one! Follow Kerys Marie on Twitter here.

10/Makeup-Pixi3, Impulsive Giveaway
I'm terrible for shopping for beauty bits on impulse, so welcomed this giveaway from Makeup-Pixi3. Georgina is offering readers the chance to win a MAC lipstick of their choice - and the choices are endless! Nude, red, vampy or pretty pink? Don't miss your chance to win - it's an international giveaway. You can follow Pixi3 on Twitter here.

Favourite blog posts of February (so far)

I have loved reading everyone's best blog posts of January, but as today marks the first day of February I think it's time to do something a little different. So, instead of writing about my favourite entires from last month, I have taken the time to browse through today's blog posts and share my favourites with you to set the second month of the year off to a shining start!

The first blog post I would like to mention is Winter Essentials: Super Hydrating Products by @makeup_savvy. My skin definitely suffers from dehydration in the winter season, and I have been told many times to invest in skin care products that will work underneath a moisturiser to boost my skin's hydration. This blog definitely opened my eyes to some affordable options - I want to try Botanics 100% Organic Facial Oil and Weleda's Skin Food.

Second on my must-read list for 1 Feb is By Terry Lip Expert Hydra Shine Gloss - Mythic Shine by Grace (known on twitter as @allthatslap). For some time I have been in love with purple shades for the lips, and so this would make a great addition to my collection. It's a product I haven't heard of before, but with moisturising, plumping and collagen-boosting ingredients, I think you would agree it has all the great qualities that a top lipgloss should have.

Next is a post that I thought was brilliant and followed on nicely from my post on five questions to ask before investing in skin care. New to My Skincare Routine by @fluttersparkle was fab. It definitely sounds like she has had a similar experience to me, and we have the same skin type. I have started using the Dermalogica Daily Microexfoliant and I really love it. The Vichy Normaderm Micellar Water also sounds amazing.

Number four on my list is Maybelline Moisture Express - Cool  Watermelon on MaSucree's Make-Up Musings. It's a good honest review of this Maybelline lipstick and a cute shade as well. There's nothing like looking at a lipstick on someone to see what it would be like - and this one looks super moisturising and not too out there.

Last but not least is Clarins New! Rouge Eclat in True Aubergine: Get the Look! by @poutoutproud. I have to confess I haven't tried a Clarins lipstick before, but I love the brand's skin care products and foundations. This shade looks really lovely and the lipstick protects against hydration which is great. I love how she has made a whole look around it - even her hair is done. Go girl.

Did you enjoy reading my best blog posts of 1 February so far? Would love to know your thoughts and if you have any to add to the list. Leave me a comment below :) Happy friday!