Birthday Wishlist

Every year, Joe, my family and friends struggle to get me presents for my birthday as apparently I'm really difficult to buy for... so I've put together a little wish list for them.

This year has been really hard choosing things I want or need because I usually buy everything myself anyway, and the things I want are really expensive... and I don't expect my family and friends to purchase any of the above, apart from maybe the John Lewis dressing gown, chloe perfume and aesop face mask.

To be honest I would just be happy with a nice meal, afternoon tea or an array of Lush halloween and Christmas bath bombs (I have been eyeing up Pumpkin and Shooting Stars in particular ;)) or I'd be really content with Estee LaLonde's Bloom book to read on my upcoming holiday. My mind is more focused on our wedding at the moment and my birthday has just crept up out of no-where if I'm being honest!

As always, feel free to follow me on Instagram: @zoeyoliviablog or tweet me: @zoeyoliviablog. I'm forever responding and interacting on those platforms :).

October Primark Haul

It's been a little while since I last filmed a Primark haul, but I recently popped in and got a few bits and bobs that I thought I would share with you.

Also, I apologise in advance that the lighting is a bit off. I'm looking rather blue which I can assure you I am not lol.

Any who, I tend to prefer Primark's clothing during Autumn and Winter, so expect more Primark haul's on my channel in the upcoming months.

As always, feel free to follow me on Instagram: @zoeyoliviablog or tweet me: @zoeyoliviablog. I'm forever responding and interacting on those platforms :).

Where to eat in London #2: Dishoom and Workshop Coffee

I'm back with another 'Where to eat in London' post, this time round we have an Indian restaurant review and a coffee shop review. So, if you're wanting to try the best indian food in London and what to hear my thoughts... keep on reading.

Dishoom. Dishoom has been seriously hyped up as the 'Best Indian Resturant' in London and I agree, it's up there with the best.

Me and my other half were pottering around London on a Friday evening, and I suggested Dishoom as I've always wanted to go but there's always a ridiculously long queue. So off we went, and to our surprise, no queue but a 'thirty minute wait' told by the door-man.  We went inside to book and the lady said the magic words (for a hangry person) 'we have a table spare for you...'.
We sat upstairs over-looking the floors, it was impressive. And, I didn't actually realise how big it was - three or four floors! Insanely big and packed.

We were greeted by a lovely blonde haired lady and she explained all the dishes to us. We decided to share a garlic naan, rice, spicy lamb chops, chicken tikka and the house special curry. All arrived pretty quickly. And boy oh boy, was this tasty! The chicken tikka melted in my mouth, it was so tender and delicious, and the lamb chops had so much flavour and was also super tender.

I loved our time here, the food was amazing, the staff were super friendly and helpful and the interiors were beautiful. Also, I know this is really random... but the loo's are really cool too!

So, if you're in the central London area, pop down to Dishoom for the best indian food and experience! I will say though, do book ahead of time if you want to avoid the queues! Or go early! We did get pretty lucky with our table...

Workshop Coffee. Whilst we were in the Farringdon area, we popped to Workshop Coffee for a little coffee break. As we entered, we were delighted with the pretty interiors and friendly baristas. This place is super cool and I'd actually like to go back for brunch at some point.

Any who, I highly recommend the mint tea, it's so refreshing and a great pick me up when you're not feeling too sharp. Joe had one of the espresso's and he said how creamy and delicious it was.

So yes a worth-while stop by if you're in a hurry. Or a pleasant atmosphere if you want to take it easy, sip some coffee and work on your laptop.

You may also be interested in my other 'Where to eat in London' review. And, feel free to follow me on Instagram: @zoeyoliviablog or tweet me: @zoeyoliviablog. I'm forever responding and interacting on those platforms :).

Double Denim

I was obsessed with the 'off the shoulder' trend this Summer, and I'm still loving it. I recently picked up this gorgeous denim off the shoulder frilly top from ASOS (£30) which is perfect for the autumn months as it's a little more warming. I adore the frilly detail - something that I wouldn't usually go for, but I feel that it adds a slight feminine touch.

I paired this lovely little number with my River Island Molly Jeans, my beloved New Look lace sandals and Chloe Handbag inspired ASOS bag.

Top - ASOS | Jeans - River Island | Sandals - New Look | Bag - ASOS

Feel free to follow me on Instagram: @zoeyoliviablog or tweet me: @zoeyoliviablog. I'm forever responding and interacting on those platforms :).

NEW Mac Lipsticks: Craving, Fashion Revival, Diva & Faux | Review

Another Mac Lipstick review... I know, I know. I have a problem. But I needed some new autumnal shades, so that's my excuse. That, and a girl can never own too many lipsticks!

So, I stumbled into Mac, tripped and fell in love with four shades. I picked up Craving, Fashion Revival, Diva and Faux.

(Craving Lipstick above)

Craving. I'll start with Craving as it's my favourite of the bunch. It's an amplified finish which are my favourite Mac formulas. Amplified finishes are super moisturising and comfortable to wear on the lips.

Mac describe this shade as a "burst of plum" which I agree with, it's more of a pinky-plum though.

It's super pigmented and opaque. And the longevity is fab. On me it lasts for around 4 hours.

(Fashion Revival Lipstick swatch above)

Fashion Revival. Up next we have Fashion Revival, which was part of the MAC Matte Lip Collection. I believe it's a limited edition shade and is sadly no longer available. Why must you do this to us Mac, why!!

Fashion Revival is a semi-matte finish, super long-lasting, beautiful berry tone. It's described as a "deep raspberry" colour on the Mac website. This shade is very similar to 'Rebel', so I would suggest that as an alternative option. 

The pigmentation is outstanding, I only need one or two layers to get an opaque finish. And, unlike a lot of matte's, this one is super creamy and easy to work with.

In total, this lippy lasted around 6-7 hours on me. Which is incredible!

Looking back on the pictures - I wish I had Mac's Burgundy or Beet lip liner to hand as it would of perfected the outer lines. But, never mind.

(Fashion Revival Lipstick swatch above)

Diva. Diva has been a shade that I've eyed up for years, and I've always hoped it would suit me, as it looks incredible on so many people. But, it just doesn't look right on me *sad face*.

Diva is another matte to add to my collection and is described as a "Intense reddish-burgundy" which is exactly that. I would say it has slight brown and purple undertones too. It's highly highly pigmented and works best with a lipliner - again in hindsight I wish I had applied before taking these snaps.

The formula is super creamy for a matte finish and applies like a dream.  It lasts for around 4 hours on me which is fairly good for a matte finish.

(Diva Lipstick swatch above)

Faux. And last but not least Faux... I decided not to take any pictures of this one as it really washes me out and makes me look like a dead person.

I was really hoping to love this at it looks amazing on so many people and it's the 'Kylie Jenner' shade, but unfortunately it just doesn't suit my skin-tone. It looks pink on some people, where as on me it looks like more of a nude-mauve-brown. So I will be giving this away to a friend.

On a positive note and for those of you interested, it's a satin finish and is super creamy. And, if you're into that whole 90's vibe, then I'd say go for it. 

I hope you've enjoyed my mini reviews of my new Mac lippys. I'm sure I'll be back some time soon with yet another Mac lipstick! But for now, have a lovely day or evening where-ever you are in the world.

Love, Zoey

You may also be interested in my other MAC lipstick reviews... Read my Men Love Mystery and Cosmo Review here. My Peach Blossom review here. My Brave and Bare Again Review here. My Plumful and Captive Review here. Rebel, Amorous, Ruby Woo and Velvet Teddy here. And last but not least, Lady Danger Review here.

Feel free to follow me on Instagram: @zoeyoliviablog or tweet me: @zoeyoliviablog. I'm forever responding and interacting on those platforms :).

Lancome Hynose Drama Waterproof Mascara Review

A couple of weeks back, I mentioned Lancome Hynose Drama waterproof mascara on my wedding beauty must-haves post. Well, I caved and I picked it up...

This mascara retails around £23.50, which is pretty pricey for your average mascara. But with my wedding coming up, I need to trial a few high end mascaras as I need it serve me well on my big day.

The claim: "Instant Full Body Volume Mascara, Extreme 24 hour hold." The convex brush gives full lash contact for a full impact volume look. A waterproof formula with up to 24 hour hold and a irresistibly voluminous look.

The verdict: Instant volume - tick. Extreme hold - tick. I haven't tried it for 24 hours but I don't doubt that this will stay put. It's seriously a pain in the ass to remove. You need a oil infused eye make-up remover and a dozen cotton pads.

I've been wearing this every day for about two months now and I do really like it. It instantly makes my eyelashes look amazing. But, I have noticed that it can clump up my lashes if I don't use a lash primer first.

It also holds a curl really well - in fact all day long which I'm super impressed with.

The packaging is really unique too, I like the waved effect and the simple sliver foil text. Very elegant. It's really easy to hold as well.

Overall, it has some wow factors, such as holding a curl all day and how big it makes my lashes look. The only downfall is the clumpiness. If it wasn't for that, I would have given this mascara a 10 out of 10, but I have to give it an 8/10. 

As always, feel free to follow me on Instagram: @zoeyoliviablog or tweet me: @zoeyoliviablog. I'm forever responding and interacting on those platforms :).

ASOS, New Look & River Island Try On Haul

Today I have a fashion haul for you... I haven't been clothes shopping in a little while and was in desperate need of some new things, so I thought I'd share them all with you. If you're into off the shoulder tops, jumpsuits and choker tops then this video will be right up your street!

Love, Zoey

As always feel free to follow me on Instagram: @zoeyoliviablog or tweet me: @zoeyoliviablog. I'm forever responding and interacting on those platforms :).