Happy New Year`s Tag

Hi guys,

I am not going to make any New Year Resolutions this year as I never stick to them. Instead I decided to give myself some challenges to complete each month, my first one being Jantastic and Dry January obviously. I like to give myself a break in January as I put so much alcohol away during Christmas and New Year plus I have been enjoying the gym this year so it will be nice to give myself a challenge this year.

I am also looking forward to finishing my HND this year and finding out if I have been accepted into 3^rd year university. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

1. Use 3 words to describe 2014

Challenging, Exciting and Rewarding. 

2. Best thing to happen to you in 2014?

I would have to say getting an A as my overall mark on my HNC and also being accepted onto the HND course. I would also have to say celebrating me and Liam’s six year anniversary. I can’t believe it’s been that long. Sometimes it feels like 6 months and other times it feels like 46 years ha-ha. It’s not all been plain sailing but you have to take the bad with the good don’t you.

3. Worst thing to happen to you in 2014?

Waking up on my birthday and Christmas Day without Liam. As you know, he was working which pays the bills obviously but it’s not nice celebrating when he isn’t here to enjoy it too.  

Losing people is always hard so I have to say losing my uncle in a sudden accident was heart-breaking.

4. Have you started anything new in 2014?

Yes, I started my blog. I always loved reading blogs and watching YouTube so I decided to take the leap and do it myself. I love talking about beauty and giving friends advice, plus I am a makeup collector so it would be rude not to share what wonderful things I have picked up with you lovely lot.

I have also started my fitness journey by going to the gym 4 - 6 times a week. I have been going strong since August and have already noticed a huge difference in my body shape, sadly I think I have to change my eating habits as I’m not losing anywhere near what I should be. Hopefully I can focus on that next year.  

5. What are your best beauty products of 2014?

I have a full post of my favourites in 2014 which you can find here. I have incorporated new treatments into my skincare such as the Una Brennan Rose Intense Moisture Mask (£8.99) which helps restore moisture levels and Alpha H Liquid Gold (£33.50) which has helped with scars on my chin from previous blemishes.

6. What has been your new favourite show of 2014?

It has to be The Fall with the absolutely sexy Jamie Dornan. Oh my days, this show totally captivated me from the very first episode. Both Liam and I watched every episode of season 1 in one day which was perfect timing as season 2 was about to begin.

7. What was your favourite Book of 2014?

I would have to say Gone Girl (from £0.01p). I adored this book, the ending was a bit bleurghh but I loved the concept behind it and the writing was amazing. If you haven't read it I suggest picking up a copy immediately.

8. What products are you looking forward to most in 2015?

I am looking forward to trying some Liz Earle products, the MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus range and I also want to get my hands on some Nars products too as I have heard great things but never tried anything more than a few lip glosses.

9. What are you most looking forward to in 2015?

Both mine and Liam’s 30^th birthdays are this year so I am looking forward to that. Liam will probably be working on mine as I have calculated it out but hopefully that changes. I have planned some days out and great presents for him as I am too organised for my own good sometimes. Liam doesn’t like a big fuss but he loves spending time with his friends so I have arranged a fun filled day for him where he can go wild. We will also have some meals with family so he should be well and truly spoiled this year. I don’t know what I want to do for mine, I will probably just have a meal with friends and then get drunk as a skunk afterwards and then have a big meal with family. I’m pretty much the same as Liam, I would rather it quiet and no fuss be made but we shall see on the day.

I am also looking forward to be finished my HND. I can’t believe I took the plunge to leave my job and go back to college but it seems to be paying off as my grades are fantastic. My lecturer said I was in the top 5 of the class when it came to my results, so I was very proud of myself.

That’s all for today guys, I hope you have an amazing New Year’s Eve with your loved ones.

Happy New Year.

I hope you all have a wonderful night and a fantastic 2015.

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Favourites of 2014?

I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |    

My Favourite Favourites of 2014

Hello guys,

Today I thought I would put together my favourites of 2014. I have been reading all of my previous posts to find out what ones I loved most but I have also included some items that I have been buying since I was a teenager.  

1. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (£36)

I adore this foundation. It is one of the best high end foundations I have ever tried. I love how light it is and how it makes my skin look. It doesn’t feel heavy but it covers just enough of my skin to make my skin look great.

2. Sanctuary Spa Thermal Detox Mask (£10)

I have a full review which you can find here. This mask does exactly what it says it will. I love the heat from the mask as it isn’t too warm, it’s quite comfortable actually. It draws out the impurities on my skin and doesn’t dry to a hard finish like a clay mask would.

3. Soap & Glory Orangeasm Range

I love this range. It is so clean and fresh. Perfect for the spring/summer months.  

4. Revlon Matte Balm (£7.99)

I have the shade Elusive which is perfect on my fair skin tone. This is one of the best lipsticks I have ever owned. It’s very creamy and doesn’t dry up my lips at all.

5. Maybelline Falsies Mascara (£7.99)

I have been buying this for as long as I can remember. It is a staple in my makeup collection. It really does create the look of false lashes without the hassle of glue and it slipping all over your eye.

6. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (£17)

I got a deluxe sample of this in my Naked on the Run Palette and have fallen head over heels. It is the blackest black mascara, coats every lash and makes my eyes really pop.

7. Makeup Rumours Face Powder in Nude (£1)

I wasn’t expecting much from this £1 face powder so I was blown away when it worked. It didn’t make me look cakey at all and stayed put all day.

8. Mac Immortal Flower Blusher (£14.99)

This is my all-time favourite blusher so it’s no surprise that it’s been included in my 2014 favourites. I absolutely love this subtle apricot shade which is perfect for my fair skin tone. I don’t think it would be great for darker skin tones as it really is quite light but pale/fair skin tones will look perfect with this. Sadly it has been discontinued but I did find it on Amazon for you.

9. Una Brennan Superfacialist Rose Intense Moisture Mask (£8.99)

My review can be found here. I love this mask. Its creamy and infuses my skin with a lot of moisture.

10. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick (£23)

My review of this lipstick in the colour Love Liberty can be found here. I adore this lipstick, its matte but very comfortable.

11. Urban Decay De Slick Make Up Setting Spray (£20)

Hands down the best setting spray I have used. It keeps my makeup stay put without disturbing it.

12. Radox Muscle Soak Bath Salts (£1.05)

I fell in love with these bath salts way back when my mum used to buy them so I must have been about 5 or 6 haha. I would not be without them. They create a really relaxing environment, help my muscles and leave me with really soft skin. 

13. Magnitone Lucid (£69.99)

This has been the best purchase of 2014 for me, it does everything it says on the tin. Review can be found here.

14. Alpha H Liquid Gold (£33.50)

Full review can be found here. This babe is a cult favourite for a reason. The wonders it has done to my skin over this past year has been absolutely amazing.

15. Urban Decay Naked On The Run Palette (£37)

Full review can be found here. This is a new purchase for me. I’m not too keen on the blusher or bronzer but everything else that was included was fantastic. I have worn this almost every day since I bought it because its that damn good!

16. Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (£36)

Hands down the best cleanser ever! I have used a lot of cleansers but I always come back to this one as it does the job perfectly! Absolutely amazing product which I will continue buying.

These are all my absolute favourites in 2014. I hope you enjoyed it.

What have been your favourites this year?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Me Time Tag?

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The "Me Time" Tag

   

Hi guys,

I hope you all had a great Christmas with your loved ones. I went to my mums this year for Christmas dinner and will see Liam’s family when he comes back home from work. I felt a little sad as I woke up alone which I’m not used to. We have spent every Christmas Day together since we met each other. But I don’t have it as bad as him I suppose, he is stuck in the middle of the ocean with his rig mate’s ha-ha.

I got up showered, dressed, put my glam face on and headed on over to my mums. It was a full house as my auntie, uncle and niece were all there. It was mayhem but bloody fun! By the end of the night, my belly was full, I hate chocolate all over my face and I was curled up on the sofa watching some Christmas movies before we had a bit of a party.  

I thought I would ease myself back into blogging today and as I was tagged by the lovely Alina from Beauty With Charm to take part in this tag, I decided to do this. I don’t usually get a lot of me time, I put some time by for a pamper night a few times a week but as far as sitting down and chilling out by myself, it’s not going to happen.

1. What do you watch or read during “me-time”?

I know I should say blogs but sometimes I need to turn everything off, curl up on the sofa and pop on Netflix or a good box set. I normally reach for Sex in the City, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Criminal Minds, Gilmore Girls or Grey’s Anatomy.

2. What do you wear during “me-time”?

Pyjamas, an oversized cardigan or jumper and my slipper socks!

3. What are your “me-time” beauty products?

I just put together my ultimate pamper night here so you can see exactly what I use when I want some me time.

4. Current favourite nail polish?

I have been wearing acrylics recently and using shellac polish so nothing really comes to mind at the moment.

5. What do you eat or drink during me-time?

A lovely warm herbal/detox tea such as a Green Tea with Cranberry, Dr Stuarts Detox Tea or Spiced Apple and Cranberry. I also love a hot chocolate with almond milk, whipped cream and marshmallows but if it has been a rough day then I grab a red wine.

6. Current favourite candle?

I’m all about the Lily Flame candles at the moment and I have been burning Ho! Ho! Ho! every night for the past couple of weeks, it just fills my whole living room and makes it seem like Christmas every day.

7. Do you ever have outdoor “me-time”?

No, not at all, home is the only me time I’m talking about!

8. Would you ever go see a movie alone?

Yeah if it was during the week and I bored then I would head in to my local cinema.

9. Favourite online shop?

Without hesitation it would have to be Selfridges. They have everything a girl can want and always have exclusive brands in their beauty section which I love.

10. Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time?

I normally do laundry, I know it may seem weird but I find it very soothing. I love loading the washing machine and hanging everything up. I always reach for a book but I have been reading college materials recently which isn’t the same. I also read blogs to find out what everyone is loving and what they are doing.

I tag the following:

Ellis from Ellis Tuesday

Gemma at A Day In The Life 

Carolin at Lunch Time Adventures

 

Have you checked out my latest post featuring Skincare Gifts?

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Christmas Gift Guide | Skincare

Hi guys,

I can’t believe Christmas Day is on Thursday! I started these Gift Guides in November and I am honestly shocked how quickly the time has flew by. As you know, there are guides posted every Thursday and Sunday so if this one isn’t for you, click the links below and it will take you to whatever you fancy.

Christmas Knitwear

Makeup Gifts > £50

Makeup Gifts Between £20 - £50

Makeup Gifts < £20 

My Wish List

Gifts for Men

The Christmas Tag

Food Lovers Gifts 

So I hope you enjoy this skincare focused post.

1. Magnitone Lucid (£69.99)

I have been using it nonstop for a few weeks now and my skin has never looked better. It has a deep cleaning function and also a sensitive setting too and I haven’t noticed any breakouts since using this. For a full review please click here.

2. Emma Hardie Introductory Kit (£21)

As you know, I love my EH Cleansing Balm and would urge you all to try it as it leaves you with the most gorgeous skin and clears off every piece of makeup on your face. I think I will pick this up for myself as it’s a great way to try out other products without buying full sized items which might not work. This kit includes the Moringa Cleansing Balm (50ml), Age Support Treatment Cream (15ml) and Signature Cleansing Cloth. 

3. Ole Henriksen The Magnificent Seven (£29)

This set includes 7 of the best from this range which are the Art Foaming Cleanser (1.5 oz), Truth Serum Collagen Booster (0.5 oz), Truth Revealed Super Cream (0.5 oz), Sheer Transformation (0.5 oz), Walnut Complexion Scrub (0.5 oz) and the Ultimate Lift Eye Gel (0.25 oz). If you buy these normally then it would set you back £89 so this is a great way to try all of these wonderful products without paying that hefty price tag. 

4 Clarins HydraQuench Collection (£35)

This kit contains: HydraQuench Cream 50ml, HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase 15ml and HydraQuench Cream-Mask 15ml.

5. Origins Superstar Minis Christmas (£35)

You can’t really say skincare and not think about Origins can you? This is one of the best brands out there and this minis collection is a good way to get started. The set includes a GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer 30ml, High Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-Enriched Renewal Cream 30ml, Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash 30ml, Modern Friction Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion 15ml, GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to brighten and de-puff 15ml, Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to clear pores 15ml and a Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment 15ml. I’m sure you can agree, that this is a lot of products for a reasonable price and it’s a great introduction to the brand. 

6. Alpha H Liquid Gold Discovery Collection (£39.95)

This is another amazing range as it helps with skin pigmentation and also helps out blemish prone skin. This is an introductory collection which includes the cult Liquid Gold (30ml), Liquid Gold Intensive Night Repair Serum (15ml), Liquid Gold Perfecting Daywear (15ml), Essential Hydration Cream (15ml) and Balancing Cleanser (30ml). If I wanted to buy something for someone who wants to fight against the first signs of aging, keep their skin looking flawless and help with blemishes then I would suggest buying the full sized version of the Liquid Gold.

7. Omorovicza 6 Piece Introductory Kit (£42)

This is very high end and the prices on individual products reflect that. I would never buy this brand as I don’t feel it’s worth it. I have tried the Gold Hydra Mask and it was great but 50mls for £110 is not something I could live with I’m afraid. If you are, then all power to you, but I wouldn’t spend that kind of money on a mask. If you wanted to try some of their products without paying over the odds, then this 6 piece set would be great.  It includes a Thermal Cleansing Balm (5ml), Cleansing Foam (30ml), Queen of Hungary Mist (30ml), Illuminating Moisturiser (20ml), Instant Plumping Cream (5ml) and Deep Cleansing Mask (15ml)

8. Glam Glow Gift Sexy (£49.99)

This is a cult classic and for good reason too. These little beauties will combat any problem with just a 10 to 15 minute application and I promise any beauty lover will love this.

9. Perricone MD The Science of Plasma Skincare Gift Set (£79)

I have heard so many good things about this range and after sampling some of their products I am under no illusions about how good the full range would be. This range would be great for anyone with mature or aging skin so your mum/auntie/granny may appreciate it. It includes Blue Plasma Orbital (7.5ml), Photo Plasma (30ml), Blue Plasma (30ml) and Cold Plasma (15ml)

10. Eve Lom Perfect Partner (£80)

I know this is expensive but it is an absolute classic in the skin care world and rightly so. The products are very luxurious and they are full sized unlike any other set in this post. This set includes Eve Lom’s Cleanser (100ml) the best-selling Rescue Mask (100ml) and a Muslin Cloth in a chic gift box.

Well that’s all of my recommendations guys, I hope you find something amazing for that skincare lover in your life. I also hope you have an amazing Christmas day with your family on Thursday and I hope you get everything you wished for.

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Perfect Pamper Night?

I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |  

My Perfect Pamper Night

Hi guys,

Winter is the perfect season to get your pamper nights in. The horrible rain, chill in the air, snow, central heating and pollution really do a number on my skin so I am up my pamper nights to three rather than two. I have a bath almost every night and it is more to heat me up but I usually through in some Johnsons Baby Bath (£1.99) to give me silky soft skin or Radox Bath Salts (£1.05) to soothe my muscles but on pamper nights, I through in a luscious Lush bath bomb such as Honey Bee (£3.50) to start the night off well. This bath bomb has a trio of honey, aloe vera and rhassoul mud which thoroughly cleanses and soothes.

Once I am well and truly heated up I get to work on my skin. I start off with The Body Shop Glazed Apple Body Polish (£10) which exfoliates my skin and leaves me smelling of Christmas. I have a full review which you can find here. I then wash the rest of my body and dry myself off before slipping into some warm and comfy pyjamas before getting to work on my face.

I cleanse my skin with the Alpha H Balancing Cleanser (£25) to wash off that days makeup. I then add a little more to my Magnitone and give my skin a deep clean. Whilst my skin is still damp, I apply the Sanctuary Spa Thermal Detox Mask (£10) and leave on for a good 15 minutes to draw out the impurities in my skin. Once I have removed this with a damp face cloth I use a moisturising mask such as the Una Brennan Rose Moisture Mask (£8.99) to infuse my skin with much needed hydration. I leave this on for about 30 minutes or so. I have been using the Omorovicza Gold Hydralifting Mask (£110) as I got a couple of samples from a recent order with Cult Beauty and I have to say, it’s wonderful. It helps to plump my skin and hydrate it. It is very expensive so I don’t think I would buy a full size of this but it has been a nice treat. i thought i would try this out. After the masks have been removed, I move onto a skin treatment such as Alpha H Liquid Gold (£33.50) or Peter Thomas Roth  Glycolic Acid 10% Toning Complex (£27).

I don’t normally use a moisturiser after this step as I don’t want the treatment to be disrupted while it works but if my skin feels a little sensitive then I will throw on a little Nivea Crème (£0.95) to soothe my skin. I always finish off with the Nivea Raspberry Rose Lip Butter (£2.05) to hydrate my lips and then I pour myself a nice glass of red wine or a cup or peppermint tea, depending on how I feel.  

What products are in your perfect pamper night?

Have you tried any of these before?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Christmas Fragrance Gift Sets?

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Christmas Gift Guide | Fragrance Gifts

Hi guys,

I took a little break from blogging as I wasn’t well and it took me a while to get over it. I am back today with a new Christmas Gift Guide and I am focusing on fragrances. If you want to check out some of my previous posts then click the relevant post:

Christmas Knitwear

Make Up Gifts > £50

Make Up Gifts Between £20 - £50

Make Up Gifts < £20 

My Wish List

Gifts for Men

The Christmas Tag

Food Lovers Gifts

Let’s get on with my top 10 fragrance gifts and hopefully you find something that will make someone very happy. 

Dolce and Gabbana Miniatures (£39)

Gift Set includes: set of 5 eau de parfums including The One, Desire and DG Dolce, all 5ml, Pour Femme and Pour Femme Intense, both 4.5ml 

Gucci Miniatures (£35)

This gift set contains: Gucci Guilty, Gucci Guilty Black and Flora Gucci Gorgeous Gardenia 5ml Eau de Toilettes and Flora Gucci and Gucci Premiere 5ml Eau de Parfums

My Burberry Gift Set (£95)

This gift set includes: Eau de Parfum 90ml + Moisturising Mist 100ml

This is also available in the 50ml for £68

Fragrance Notes: Top Notes: sweet pea, bergamot. Heart Notes: geranium, golden quince, freesia. Base Notes: patchouli, rain-tipped damask, centifolia roses. 

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb (£73)

This gift set includes: Eau de Parfum 50ml, Body Cream 40ml and a Shower Gel 50ml

Fragrance Notes: Top Notes: Bergamot, Tea. Heart Notes: Jasmine, Freesia, Orchid. Base Notes: Centiflora Rose, Patchouli.

Giorgio Armani Si (£64.50)

This gift set includes: Eau de Parfum 50ml + Shower Gel 75ml + Body Lotion 75ml

Fragrance Notes: Top Notes: Sicilian Bergamot, Mandarin Oil, Liquer de Cassis. Heart Notes: Rose de Mai Absolute, Neroli Absolute, Egyptian Jasmine Absolute. Base Notes: Patchouli Oil, Blond Woods, Amber, Orcanox™, Vanille Absolute.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream (£47)

Gift Set Includes 50ml EDT, 75ml Body Lotion and 75ml Shower Gel 

Fragrance Notes: Top Notes: Blackberry, Grapefruit, Pear. Heart Notes: Jasmine, Lychee, Blue Wisteria. Base Notes: White Woods, Musks, Coconut Water.

Stella Gift Set (£52.50)

Gift set includes: 50ml EDP + 100ml Body Lotion 

Fragrance Notes: Top Notes: Mandarin Essence. Heart Notes: English Rose Accord. Base Notes: Amber Accord.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Collection (£68)

Pomegranate Noir Cologne (30ml), Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Wash (100ml) and Pomegranate Noir Body Crème (50ml)

Jo Malone Cologne Collection (£68)

Lime Basil Mandarin Cologne (9ml), Blackberry & Bay Cologne (9ml), Peony & Blush Suede Cologne (9ml), Amber & Lavender Cologne (9ml) and Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne (9ml)

Tom Ford Black Orchid (£52)

Black Truffle, Ylang, Bergamot, Black Currant, Lotus Wood, Patchouli-incense, Vetiver, Vanilla,

Balsam and Sandalwood

I hope you enjoy these gift ideas and I hope you have a great Christmas when it comes.

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Christmas Tag?

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