January Favourites

January Favourites 

This is my first ever monthly favourites, and hopefully the first of many. I have started trying out a few new products this month but for many of them, particularly skin care I wanted to keep using for a bit longer before giving my opinion. But these are the things that have really stood out for me this month. Hope you all had a lovely January. 

Urban Decay Naked Palette 2 
I seem to have got so much use of this in January, not just for evenings out but also for everyday. I have finally broken out of my "this is expensive so I should only use this on special occasions" and it feels good! For my detailed blogpost on this palette click here. 

Body Shop Shea Butter Lip Balm 
My lips got so dry this month and this is the product that saved them. It's so moisturising and it smells amazing. Plus I was wearing it like a nude lip colour and it never left any creases or lines on my lips. 

Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturiser SPF 30
I had been looking for a daily suncream that wouldn't be too greasy or make me breakout for a while. This one works really well and doesn't make my skin look white at all. I'm not totally in love with the smell but it works so I don't mind. 

Boots Tea Tree Witch Hazel Pore Nose Strips
These are amazing. And I only remembered how much I love them when I used them for my huge pamper evening. They really do get rid of the yucky stuff that builds up around your nose, but you do need to use a little bit of moisturiser afterwards. 

Boots Build Up Removal Expert Shampoo
While I do love all of my Aussie products I was looking for something that would really get rid of all the products and grease that build up in my hair. This does the job perfectly without leaving my hair feeling stripped or dry. I used it every 1-2 weeks and for under £3 it is a total bargain. 

Collect Deluxe Lipstick in 03 Charleston 
I wanted a natural looking slightly brown tinted lipstick that I could wear with a brown smokey eye look. I found this one in Superdrug for £3 and decided to give it a go, not really to see if the product would be good but to see if the colour would even suit me before I splurged. But this was a lovely surprise. I can look past the horrible cheap packaging becuase the lipstick itself is so lovely and smooth and glossy. This was such a bargain! 

CALA Angled Contour Brush
I got this for Christmas in my stocking and have used this everyday since. I use this to define my cheek bones with my Rimmel bronzer and love the look this gives. The brush is so smooth and I will definitely be looking into this brand more for makeup brushes.  

And finally I wasn't sure if I could count this but it is more of an obsession than a favourite. One day I was scrolling through Netflix and decided to give Vampire Diaries a go. Next thing I know I've watched the whole of Season 1 in a week! Not only are Damon and Stefan absolutely gorgeous but the storyline is so tense and really makes you want to keep watching. I'm having to limit the amount of episodes I'm allowed to watch now before my A levels begin to suffer! 

So let me know in the comments down below what you have been loving this month. And bring on February, with a little less rain please! 

January Favourites

January Favourites 

This is my first ever monthly favourites, and hopefully the first of many. I have started trying out a few new products this month but for many of them, particularly skin care I wanted to keep using for a bit longer before giving my opinion. But these are the things that have really stood out for me this month. Hope you all had a lovely January. 

Urban Decay Naked Palette 2 
I seem to have got so much use of this in January, not just for evenings out but also for everyday. I have finally broken out of my "this is expensive so I should only use this on special occasions" and it feels good! For my detailed blogpost on this palette click here. 

Body Shop Shea Butter Lip Balm 
My lips got so dry this month and this is the product that saved them. It's so moisturising and it smells amazing. Plus I was wearing it like a nude lip colour and it never left any creases or lines on my lips. 

Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturiser SPF 30
I had been looking for a daily suncream that wouldn't be too greasy or make me breakout for a while. This one works really well and doesn't make my skin look white at all. I'm not totally in love with the smell but it works so I don't mind. 

Boots Tea Tree Witch Hazel Pore Nose Strips
These are amazing. And I only remembered how much I love them when I used them for my huge pamper evening. They really do get rid of the yucky stuff that builds up around your nose, but you do need to use a little bit of moisturiser afterwards. 

Boots Build Up Removal Expert Shampoo
While I do love all of my Aussie products I was looking for something that would really get rid of all the products and grease that build up in my hair. This does the job perfectly without leaving my hair feeling stripped or dry. I used it every 1-2 weeks and for under £3 it is a total bargain. 

Collect Deluxe Lipstick in 03 Charleston 
I wanted a natural looking slightly brown tinted lipstick that I could wear with a brown smokey eye look. I found this one in Superdrug for £3 and decided to give it a go, not really to see if the product would be good but to see if the colour would even suit me before I splurged. But this was a lovely surprise. I can look past the horrible cheap packaging becuase the lipstick itself is so lovely and smooth and glossy. This was such a bargain! 

CALA Angled Contour Brush
I got this for Christmas in my stocking and have used this everyday since. I use this to define my cheek bones with my Rimmel bronzer and love the look this gives. The brush is so smooth and I will definitely be looking into this brand more for makeup brushes.  

And finally I wasn't sure if I could count this but it is more of an obsession than a favourite. One day I was scrolling through Netflix and decided to give Vampire Diaries a go. Next thing I know I've watched the whole of Season 1 in a week! Not only are Damon and Stefan absolutely gorgeous but the storyline is so tense and really makes you want to keep watching. I'm having to limit the amount of episodes I'm allowed to watch now before my A levels begin to suffer! 

So let me know in the comments down below what you have been loving this month. And bring on February, with a little less rain please! 

What's In My Bag - Winter Edition

What's In My Bag - Winter Edition

This is what I have been carrying around in my bag lately. The bag that I have been using is one that I got for Christmas from Accessorize. It's a little out of my fashion comfort zone with the dark burgundy colour, but the classic design is so chic and I'm totally in love with it. So here is my what's in my bag. 

• Grey woolly gloves - these ones are amazing as they have a touch pad bit on the finger tips. So not more freezing hands while I'm trying to text. 
• 2014 diary - this is a must so I know where I'm meant to be and when and the small size means I can carry it round in my bag all day. 
• Pen - for writing in my diary on-the-go, plus I always seem to need one of these when I don't have one, it's best just to be prepared. 
• Purse - got this in the sale last summer from Accessorize. I've always been a big purse girl, I need one big enough to hold all my cards and receipts and in my opinion notes should be kept flat!
• Train card holder - for easy access and because I love the grey snake skin pattern of this one from Kurt Geiger
• Hand moisturiser - a particular must have in winter as my hand get so dry. Loving this lemon verbena one from M&S at the moment. 
• Compact mirror - this looks like a pretty hefty one to carry round but it's actually a light up one, and it amazing for nights out. 
• Phone - white iPhone 5
• Umbrella - because I live in England. 
• Tic Tacs - I HATE gum, but after eating somewhere I need these. 
• Lip balm - My favourite at the moment is Body Shop Shea butter lip balm as it is so moisturising 
• Mini perfume bottle - for during the day top up. I have a small collection of sample perfumes and I like to mix up different ones everyday. 
• Comb/hair brush - I don't actually brush my hair all that often, but sometimes it just needs sorting. 
• Headphone - perfect for when I'm trying to cram in some extra sleep on the school bus. 
• Keys - complete with a cute heart key-ring from Monsoon. 
• Day makeup day - only my essential that I will need to top up during the day make it in here. These are powder, concealer, mascara, black eyeliner, powder blush and whatever lipstick I'm wearing that day. 
• Tissues - always need these when I don't have them. 
• Vasaline - I'm not a lip gloss girl but I put this over my lipstick when I want a glossy look. 
• Hair ties and grips - these always seem to be floating at the bottom of all my handbags. But there is nothing worse on a bad hair day than not being about to tie your hair back. 

Hope you enjoyed reading this, comment below what your handbag essentials are. 

What's In My Bag - Winter Edition

What's In My Bag - Winter Edition

This is what I have been carrying around in my bag lately. The bag that I have been using is one that I got for Christmas from Accessorize. It's a little out of my fashion comfort zone with the dark burgundy colour, but the classic design is so chic and I'm totally in love with it. So here is my what's in my bag. 

• Grey woolly gloves - these ones are amazing as they have a touch pad bit on the finger tips. So not more freezing hands while I'm trying to text. 
• 2014 diary - this is a must so I know where I'm meant to be and when and the small size means I can carry it round in my bag all day. 
• Pen - for writing in my diary on-the-go, plus I always seem to need one of these when I don't have one, it's best just to be prepared. 
• Purse - got this in the sale last summer from Accessorize. I've always been a big purse girl, I need one big enough to hold all my cards and receipts and in my opinion notes should be kept flat!
• Train card holder - for easy access and because I love the grey snake skin pattern of this one from Kurt Geiger
• Hand moisturiser - a particular must have in winter as my hand get so dry. Loving this lemon verbena one from M&S at the moment. 
• Compact mirror - this looks like a pretty hefty one to carry round but it's actually a light up one, and it amazing for nights out. 
• Phone - white iPhone 5
• Umbrella - because I live in England. 
• Tic Tacs - I HATE gum, but after eating somewhere I need these. 
• Lip balm - My favourite at the moment is Body Shop Shea butter lip balm as it is so moisturising 
• Mini perfume bottle - for during the day top up. I have a small collection of sample perfumes and I like to mix up different ones everyday. 
• Comb/hair brush - I don't actually brush my hair all that often, but sometimes it just needs sorting. 
• Headphone - perfect for when I'm trying to cram in some extra sleep on the school bus. 
• Keys - complete with a cute heart key-ring from Monsoon. 
• Day makeup day - only my essential that I will need to top up during the day make it in here. These are powder, concealer, mascara, black eyeliner, powder blush and whatever lipstick I'm wearing that day. 
• Tissues - always need these when I don't have them. 
• Vasaline - I'm not a lip gloss girl but I put this over my lipstick when I want a glossy look. 
• Hair ties and grips - these always seem to be floating at the bottom of all my handbags. But there is nothing worse on a bad hair day than not being about to tie your hair back. 

Hope you enjoyed reading this, comment below what your handbag essentials are. 

Ultimate Pamper Evening

Ultimate Pamper Evening

My idea of the perfect evening is soaking in a candle lit bubble bath with a face mask on reading a magazine. After a busy and stressful week, whether it be from school or work, or just life in general there is nothing better than having a bit of me time. This weekend I went totally all out with mine, so much so that I made myself a long checklist of everything I would possibly need to pamper myself. So here is my guide to the ultimate pamper evening. 

1. Candles - I have so many of these around my room and in the bathroom. Nothing helps me to relax more than some beautiful smelling candles. 
2. Take your makeup off - you can't even think about pampering until your makeup is removed. 
3. Wash your face - wash away all the grime that's clogged up your pores during the day this is a total must if you are going to be using a face mask or anything else on your face. 
4. Steam your face - fill a large bowl with boiling water from the kettle and then hold your face over the bowl with a towel over you head. The steam will really open up your pores so that any mask you use afterwards is much more effective. Make sure that you eyes are protected when doing this and the skin around you eye area is very delicate and this may weaken it. 
5. Face mask time - the type of face mask you use depends on your skin type and what you want the mask to do. I love using the Boots 3-minute clay mask to remove all the impurities from my skin. Be careful to read exactly how long you should leave your mask on for or this could irritate the skin. 
6. Bubble bath - I recommend lots of bubbles, dimmed lights and lots of candles but it's really whatever you fancy, if your more a shower person then go for that
7. Exfoliate - use a brush, rougher sponge, exfoliating gloves or a shower gel with exfoliating beads in. Scrub all of your dead skin cells away for beautiful smooth skin afterward. Don't be too harsh though as this may also irritate your skin. 
8. Moisturise -  once your out your bath/shower moisturiser is your best friend. This is such an easy step to skip during the week when your short of time but for a pamper evening this is a must. My favourite at the moment is the Body Shop Shea Butter body butter, in fact that whole Body Shop collection just smells amazing. 
9. Nose strip - these don't work for everyone but I find they are amazing for getting rid of blackheads around my nose. I like the Tea Tree Which Hazel pack of 6 from Boots. 
10. Pluck your eyebrows - this is something that I often forget about, but when I get round to really spend time shaping my brows I realise just how much it changes the way I look. I like to follow the pencil rule here.
11. Facial massager - I don't really know what this does but it is so relaxing and feels amazing. Mine is this one from the Body Shop. 
12. Tone up - don't worry, I not suggesting you start doing any exercise right now! After using a face mask, particularity clay, skin can feel tight or dry. Use a gently toner and then some moisturiser for smooth soft skin. My favourite is Boots Rose Water. 
13. Exfoliate your lips - coat your lips in Vasaline or lip balm and then gently scrub them with a tooth brush to make them super soft. Then rinse with warm water, dry them gently and more more lip balm on. 
14. Spot treatment - dab a little Tea Tree oil on spots that you can feel coming through and they will have shrunk by morning. 
15. Manicure - shape and file those talons, moisturise those cuticles, paint those nails. A pamper evening must, I have nothing else to say. 
16. Pedicure - I HATE feet! But just because they are gross, particularly since they have been hidden in winter boots does not mean you can forget about them. In fact with Spring on the way (not really, but I like to think so!) they need even more attention. I like to coat my feet in foot moisturiser and put some socks on so they are lovely and soft when I get to pedicure time. 
17. Chill - now make yourself a hot drink sit back, put your feet up and relax, know them you now look beautiful. This is when girlie magazines are read and chick flicks are watched. 

Hope you enjoyed my guide to an ultimate pamper evening and it inspires you to put aside an evening once a week to have a bit of me time. It's worth it, I promise. 

Ultimate Pamper Evening

Ultimate Pamper Evening

My idea of the perfect evening is soaking in a candle lit bubble bath with a face mask on reading a magazine. After a busy and stressful week, whether it be from school or work, or just life in general there is nothing better than having a bit of me time. This weekend I went totally all out with mine, so much so that I made myself a long checklist of everything I would possibly need to pamper myself. So here is my guide to the ultimate pamper evening. 

1. Candles - I have so many of these around my room and in the bathroom. Nothing helps me to relax more than some beautiful smelling candles. 
2. Take your makeup off - you can't even think about pampering until your makeup is removed. 
3. Wash your face - wash away all the grime that's clogged up your pores during the day this is a total must if you are going to be using a face mask or anything else on your face. 
4. Steam your face - fill a large bowl with boiling water from the kettle and then hold your face over the bowl with a towel over you head. The steam will really open up your pores so that any mask you use afterwards is much more effective. Make sure that you eyes are protected when doing this and the skin around you eye area is very delicate and this may weaken it. 
5. Face mask time - the type of face mask you use depends on your skin type and what you want the mask to do. I love using the Boots 3-minute clay mask to remove all the impurities from my skin. Be careful to read exactly how long you should leave your mask on for or this could irritate the skin. 
6. Bubble bath - I recommend lots of bubbles, dimmed lights and lots of candles but it's really whatever you fancy, if your more a shower person then go for that
7. Exfoliate - use a brush, rougher sponge, exfoliating gloves or a shower gel with exfoliating beads in. Scrub all of your dead skin cells away for beautiful smooth skin afterward. Don't be too harsh though as this may also irritate your skin. 
8. Moisturise -  once your out your bath/shower moisturiser is your best friend. This is such an easy step to skip during the week when your short of time but for a pamper evening this is a must. My favourite at the moment is the Body Shop Shea Butter body butter, in fact that whole Body Shop collection just smells amazing. 
9. Nose strip - these don't work for everyone but I find they are amazing for getting rid of blackheads around my nose. I like the Tea Tree Which Hazel pack of 6 from Boots. 
10. Pluck your eyebrows - this is something that I often forget about, but when I get round to really spend time shaping my brows I realise just how much it changes the way I look. I like to follow the pencil rule here.
11. Facial massager - I don't really know what this does but it is so relaxing and feels amazing. Mine is this one from the Body Shop. 
12. Tone up - don't worry, I not suggesting you start doing any exercise right now! After using a face mask, particularity clay, skin can feel tight or dry. Use a gently toner and then some moisturiser for smooth soft skin. My favourite is Boots Rose Water. 
13. Exfoliate your lips - coat your lips in Vasaline or lip balm and then gently scrub them with a tooth brush to make them super soft. Then rinse with warm water, dry them gently and more more lip balm on. 
14. Spot treatment - dab a little Tea Tree oil on spots that you can feel coming through and they will have shrunk by morning. 
15. Manicure - shape and file those talons, moisturise those cuticles, paint those nails. A pamper evening must, I have nothing else to say. 
16. Pedicure - I HATE feet! But just because they are gross, particularly since they have been hidden in winter boots does not mean you can forget about them. In fact with Spring on the way (not really, but I like to think so!) they need even more attention. I like to coat my feet in foot moisturiser and put some socks on so they are lovely and soft when I get to pedicure time. 
17. Chill - now make yourself a hot drink sit back, put your feet up and relax, know them you now look beautiful. This is when girlie magazines are read and chick flicks are watched. 

Hope you enjoyed my guide to an ultimate pamper evening and it inspires you to put aside an evening once a week to have a bit of me time. It's worth it, I promise. 

MaXfactor Meteorite Mini Nail Polish

MaXfactor Meteorite Mini Nail Polish

I bought this nail polish with a lipstick on a buy one get one half price in Boots. I know, I'm a total sucker for a bargain. The last thing I needed was another nail polish to add to my ever growing collection, but this colour really caught my eye. It's a metallic navy colour with very fine silver glitter in. And I know that party season and New Years Eve is long gone but I'm still suck in this glitter, stars and sequin phase!

This is the first time I think that I have bought and tried a MaXfactor nail polish and I was pretty impressed. The texture was nice and the colour was thick but I used two coats to get it really opaque. And the colour is just beautiful and looks lovely when the light reflects on it. I'm still a total Essie girl at heart, but for the £2 on offer this is a total bargain. And can we please just talk about the adorable varnish name, Meteorite and the tiny little bottle...aww! 

Also please excuse faintly blue hands, central heating is still not allowed to be turned on and I have bad circulation! At least it matches the nail polish, right?!