What I Got For Christmas 2017

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas, I can't believe it's all over! I'm feeling really refreshed after taking a break and spending time with family! I personally love reading 'What I Got For Christmas' blog posts, so I thought I'd show you what I got. Of course, this post comes with the usual disclaimer, I am extremely grateful for all the thoughtful presents I received and this post is not intended to be braggy!

My main gift from my Mum and Dad was some money and some Euros. As I'm off to Disneyland Paris in March so the Euros will be really helpful! I spent a little bit of the money I received from my parents and family members in the Boxing Day sales. I stocked up on perfume sets so I have enough to last me through the year.

They also got gifted me a Chloe perfume set, as they know this is my signature scent. I've lost count how many bottles I've been through! My sister gave me the new Sam Smith album and a lovely Zodiac mug from Marks and Spencers which has the most stunning gold detailing on it.

My boyfriend likes to think of his own presents for me instead of asking for hints, which is lovely! I'm always excited to see what he has thought of! This year he bought me a Pandora bracelet and two charms to put on it. The first charm was a dainty Eiffel Tower to mark our first trip away together to Paris last January. The second was a snowflake to represent where we are heading next, Iceland! This was such a thoughtful gift and every time I wear it, it makes me smile.

He also bought me some cute extras like sloth pyjamas and a sloth mug, as I'm obsessed with sloths! For last year's Christmas present he adopted a sloth for me at Chester Zoo which was amazing. He also gifted me a Blogger Journal from Paperchase, which I've already started to put to good use.

My wonderful friends bought me lots of cute gifts that I love! My best friend Alex got me the Aldi Jo Malone candle dupes, which came in a set of 3 containing Lime, Basil and Mandarin, Pomegranate and Blackberry and Bay. I'd also mentioned that I loved the Gingerbread Hot Chocolate in Cafe Nero so she picked me up a mini Monin Gingerbread Syrup so I can make them at home. She also popped a few Yankee candle minis and the most adorable cat mug in the gift bag. Lastly, she bought me the L'Occitane Almond Shower Gel, which is very luxurious!

One of my close friends, Ami bought me the Sleek Makeup Sleek Surprises Smoke and Mirrors gift set, which contains an eyeshadow palette, mascara and two eyeliners. There was also some bath time treats in the form of a glittery diamond shaped bath bomb and a Body Shop Shea Butter Soap.

My friend Sue bought me some a My Fragrance My Way mini perfume set. It has fragrance combinations to try on the back of the packaging which I thought was a lovely way to customise your scent. I also received a bottle of Chambord which will come in handy for New Year's eve as I love to mix it into champagne or prosecco.

I am extremely grateful for all the presents I received, I'm overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness! What was your favourite gift you received or gifted to someone this year?

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Best Glitter Eyeshadows for New Year's Eve

I can’t be the only one that goes crazy for glitter when New Year’s Eve rolls around?! I love an excuse to slap as much glitter as possible on my eyelids, so I’ve gathered my favourite products that I reach for when I need something a little sparkly.

Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadows

These mini glitter eyeshadows are a new addition to my collection, I’d be lusting after them since Stila launched them earlier this year. When I saw they had a Christmas set that had three mini versions of their Magnificent Metals Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadows, it had to be mine! The set contained Diamond Dust, a classic silver glitter, Kitten Karma, a rose gold shade based on one of their bestselling eyeshadows and Smoky Storm, a glittery mid-tone brown. The formula is a cream eyeshadow base that has glitter pigment running throughout, it’s doe foot application helps you spread the product over the eyelids, without fall out. The glittery flecks really catch the light, they are an excellent option for those who don’t want to try out loose glitter.

Illamasqua Broken Gel in Gold

This eyeshadow reminds me of gold foil. It has gold flecks suspended in a clear gel formula, which means that this doesn’t have a high impact effect. It’s fine brush simply distributes a small amount of the gold flecks over the eyelid. If you are after something a little subtler, this one is for you. Illamasqua also sell a silver version.

Collection Glam Crystals Dazzling Gel Liner in Funk

Similarly, to the Illasmaqua Broken Gel, this Collection Glam Crystals Dazzling Gel Liner has a thin brush, making it ideal for eyeliner. You could apply it on its own for a gold glitter liner, or over a black liquid liner for a more dramatic effect. I have also used it right over the lid previously, it takes a while to build up but it’s gel liner formula allows it to dry down quickly and it does not budge.

NYX Glitter Primer and NYX Makeup Face and Body Glitter

For a high impact glittery eyeshadow look, NYX has an amazing range of loose glitters. I also bought their Glitter Primer to help the glitter stick. I apply a gold eyeshadow as a base layer, then pat the Glitter Primer over the top gently, do not rub, it will take the eyeshadow off underneath. A flat eyeshadow brush is the best way to apply an eye glitter. The loose glitter sticks to the primer and looks amazing when it catches the light. Warning, this does have a little bit of fall out but I combat this by doing my eyeshadow first then applying my base products. You can also pack on loose face powder under the eyes to catch the glitter pigments and then sweep it away when finished.

Urban Decay Heavy Metals Metallic Eyeshadow Palette

Not everyone wants heavy glitter, perhaps you might be looking for something that provides a beautiful shimmer to the lids. I would 100% recommend the Urban Decay Heavy Metals Metallic Eyeshadow Palette, I have written up a full review here. You can either be daring and go for some colourful shimmer looks or opt for safer neutral shades.

I can’t wait for New Year’s Eve, I hope you have a good one whatever you have planned!

My New Year's Resolutions for 2018

As I’ve got older I’ve come to realise that New Year’s resolutions aren’t about dropping 10lbs in a week. I try and take a more well-rounded approach to resolutions now, it’s healthy to set life goals and the beginning of a new year is an excellent time to press the refresh button.

Self-Care

My mental health took a nose dive in December, bar my Grandad going into hospital, the rest was my fault. I ate bad foods and binge ate, didn’t try to do activities, had a motivation slump in work and didn’t practice any self-care. The result of my neglect was bad skin, mood swing and feeling low. Now I can see how much of an effect on me, I’m determined to get back into self-care. Small daily routines like drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, getting out for a walk and setting yourself mini targets can really lift your mood, so I’m promising myself to do them!

Think Global

During 2017, I began to think more about the environment, David Attenborough helped with this, his Blue Planet episode about the humans ruining the seas and wildlife really got to me. I know I can’t work miracles but every little helps as they say. I’m going to make more of an effort to recycle and lower my consumption by buying less of things I really don’t need, makeup included!

Keep Blogging

I’ve been blogging on and off for 7 years now, I really do enjoy it but my motivation does dip in and out. After taking a break at the end of December, I feel refreshed and ready to start blogging again. I want to share more insightful and engaging content so look out for new blog posts coming soon.

 Learn Something New

2017 felt like I stood still, not learning anything new. I’m comfortable in my job and in my relationship so there wasn’t anything pushing me to progress. I want to look back at 2018 and have learnt a few new skills, this includes work but also in my own life. I’m currently considering part time Marketing degrees, and I’m determined to improve my photography so I’m going to watch some Youtube videos and practice.

I’ve kept things simple but hopefully these resolutions will pave the way for a better year!

12 Tips on How to Party Proof Your False Lashes

With Christmas parties in full swing, I thought I'd share my tips on how to party-proof your false lashes. During my time at university, I must have gone through a hundred packs of lashes usually from Eylure or House of Lashes and I learnt some tricks along the way.

1. Lashes with thick bands are easier to apply
If you haven't ever tried false lashes, I recommend buying some that have a defined lash band and a style that are quite natural. It takes a little while to get used to the feeling of them on your eyes.

2. Try them on your eyes before your night out
Plenty of times I have applied my perfect smokey eye makeup, only to ruin it by not being able to stick my lashes on correctly. Take them out of the packaging and without applying any glue, rest them on top of your natural lashes.

3. Cut them to suit your eye shape
Once you have them placed on your natural lashes, you'll be able to see if they are too long. Always trim from the outside of the false lashes. Cut small sections, rest them back on the natural lashes each time to keep checking the size.

4. Wear them before your night out
I personally think eyelashes that have been worn once or twice go on easier. Even if you try them on without any other makeup, you'll be able to see how they look and feel, plus they will mould to the shape of your eye.

5. Flex the lash band
Once you have removed them from the packaging the lashes might be a little stiff. Some people curl them around a pencil, I just put each side of the lashes in between my fingers and then gently flex the band back and too. This makes them easier to apply.

6. Eyeliner
If you are new to applying lashes, add a touch of eyeliner to the base of your lashes, this will hide a multitude of sins.

7. Thin layers of glue
It's tempting to pile the glue onto the lash band thinking it will help stick them on, it's the opposite, it makes them more likely to slide during application. Try just a thin layer on the lash band.

8. Wait until they are slightly dry
You might have heard this tip from YouTubers before, but it is true that lashes are easier to stick on when the glue has started to go tacky.

9. Look down
I use a mirror in front of me and look down with my eyes still open. I simply place the lashes down on my natural lashes. You'll have a minute or so to play around with the lashes before they set. I press down the outer and inner edges of the lash band to make sure they are in place. These are the parts that are most likely to ping off so make sure they are stuck down well.

10. Mascara and touch ups
Some people prefer to add mascara to the top lashes before they apply their falsies, however, I find it more difficult that way. I usually do my eyebrows while I wait for the lashes to set, then I'll apply a thin layer of mascara. I simply press the mascara brush into my lash line, this binds the lashes and natural lashes together and if you have fair eyelashes it helps make them less noticeable. Although the lash glue should dry clear, sometimes I run my eyeliner over the false lash band just to neaten things up.

11. Don't sleep in them
I would always recommend taking your makeup and false lashes off before bed even if you are drunk. Your skin and eyes will thank you in the morning! Peel them off slowly and place them back in the pack.

12. Reuse
You don't have to buy a new set of false lashes everytime you go out. Peel any remnants of glue from the lash band gently. I usually wear mine 3 or 4 times before I bin them.

Falselashes.co.uk kindly sent me two sets of lashes, the Eylure Texture 117s and the House of Lashes Bambie set. They have an amazing range of lashes from popular brands including Ardell, Lilly Lashes and KoKo Lashes. There is free 1st class postage on all orders so your new lashes can arrive by the weekend.

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Can You Be A ‘Glossier Girl’ If You Love Full Coverage Makeup?

When I picture a ‘Glossier Girl’, I see a woman who has that effortlessly pretty look. She literally needs next to no make-up and has clear, glowy and glossy skin that everyone is envious. However, I am not that girl. I have acne scars and purple under-eye bags so I wouldn’t say I was the brand's target market.

I did, however, get sucked into the hype and I ordered a few key pieces from the range. Usually, I’d opt for a medium coverage foundation, heavy duty concealer and a liberal swirl of matte powder. Glossier has got me rethinking my makeup routine, do I really need to cake the makeup on? I’ve noticed that a matte base really sits in my fine lines and exaggerates any texture I have, with the help of Glossier, I have been opting for something a little more glowy.

I tried out my new minimal look by using the Dior DiorSkin Nude BB Crème as a light base. I’ve watched the Anna Edit use their pot concealer in videos plenty of times so I used the Stretch Concealer under my eyes, around the redness on my nose and over any pigmented areas.

The Stretch Concealer has a luminous look instead of the normal matte look I usually go for under the eyes. What I struggle with was not the glowy look under the eyes, it was a lighter coverage. My under-eye bags are purple hue so they do need a fair bit to disguise them. I slapped on 3 layers of the Glossier concealer before I was happy but surely that’s not the point of it?!

I’ve never been a fan of ‘Instagram brows’ where you use a brow pomade and concealer to carve out the shape, but I do use a brow pencil to create a shape to my unruly brows. I couldn’t forgo the pencil but I used a lighter touch and then added the Glossier Boy Brow over the top. The tiny brush combed through the brows and grabbed each hair creating a more ‘bushy’ look.

The last change I made to my makeup routine was a ‘just blotted’ lip. If I do wear a lipstick, I tend to line my lips or use the edge of the lipstick to create a defined shape. I picked up the Generation G Lipstick from Glossier in Crush. This is a beautiful raspberry pink, applying it straight from the bullet, it added a matte but moisturising colour to my lips. I liked the rawness and less groomed look to it. It's a product you can apply without a mirror which I love.

So I may not be a Glossier model just yet, but I have embraced glossy textures and avoided caked on textures. Have you embraced the 'Glossier Girl' look?

If you'd like to receive 10% off your first Glossier order, please use my affiliate link.

Christmas Gift Guide for Skincare Lovers

You may have seen my Christmas Gift Guide for Makeup Lovers, but this one is focused on skincare and tools that your friends and family will love! I picked a cleanser, an exfoliator, a mask, a serum and a moisturiser. If you were feeling super generous you could gift the whole set as a new skincare routine. I have also added in some beauty tools for those who love gadgets!

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser - use this link for 10% off your first order.

The Glossier hype is real! Their products are simple yet stylish and they are also a pleasure to use. This seems to be the most wanted product from their collection, so grab one for a friend who loves a double cleanse!

Pixi Glow Tonic

Another blogger favourite, Pixi Glow Tonic promises to remove dead skin cells revealing glowy skin underneath. This would be a perfect treat for the New Year, starting 2018 with beautiful skin.

Origins Clear Improvement Mask

Face masks are the perfect gift to give skincare lovers. I adore the Origins Clear Improvement Mask, I reach for it when I have a few breakouts. It instantly reduces redness and the size of the spots, I can’t recommend it enough. Keep an eye out for face mask sets on offer so your friends and family can multi-mask!

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum

The Advanced Night Repair is a pricey item that is worth every penny. It’s suitable for all skin types and works miracles to heal scarring and leaves the skin plumped up. It comes in varying sizes so you can pick a price that fits your budget. I think this would be ideal for mums or aunts who want to invest in a good skincare routine.

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Clinique’s Moisture Surge range is a cult classic. Its products rehydrate parched skin making it perfect for winter. This moisturiser is beautifully light and the skin feels instantly soothed.

Magnitone Limited Edition Vibra-Sonic Barefaced Cleansing Brush

If I could recommend one beauty tool, it would be the Magnitone Cleansing Brush. You can honestly see results after a few uses. You’d be surprised how much dead skin builds up and texture you have, this works to remove this, leaving the softest, smoothest skin.

Magnitone Blend Up Vibra-Sonic Makeup Blending Brush

If your friends and family enjoy beauty gadgets, I can recommend the Magnitone Makeup Blending Brush. It’s Vibra-Sonic technology spreads and blends makeup and skincare with ease. This product would be ideal for those who want to get into makeup artistry as it can be used for foundation, cream blush, contour and highlight.

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Christmas Gift Guide for Makeup Lovers

Every year I always ask Father Christmas for something beauty related! It’s a time when you can ask for a little treat you’ve had your eye on for a while. If you have a beauty and makeup lover in your family or friends, I’m sure they’d be over the moon to find any of these items under the Christmas tree!

Without meaning to this gift guide became very Charlotte Tilbury orientated! I swear I’m not sponsored by CT (wouldn’t that be the dream, I purchased all of these products myself). These are my favourite Charlotte Tilbury products which would make amazing gifts.

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette

If the person you are gifting to has never tried Charlotte Tilbury products but would love to, I would thoroughly recommend their Instant Look in a Palettes. I have the Natural Beauty option, but they also have Beauty Glow and Seductive Beauty Palettes with different colour options. They have a lovely selection of eyeshadows, blushes and a contour and highlight. The perfect way to try out CT formulas. They are also amazing for travelling!

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow

This contour and highlight duo comes beautifully packaged in a gold Art Deco style compact. It’s stunning to look at but also has amazing powders inside. They are both easy to apply and blend so ideal for someone who has just started getting into makeup.

Charlotte Tilbury Lipsticks

Any beauty lover would be proud to pull out the little gold lipstick tube out of their bag. Charlotte’s lipsticks come in a beautiful variety of shades, so there is something for everyone. I currently have the shades Glastonberry, a dark vampy red, Very Victoria, the perfect brown nude and Amazing Grace, a lovely pretty pink.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadows

If you know someone who is just getting into makeup, I highly recommend the CT Cream Eyeshadows. They are so easy to apply, no brushes needed and you can just smooth out the edges with your fingertips. Perfect for someone who wants to start wearing eyeshadow but doesn’t have 100 shades and brushes to work with. See my review of the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadows here.

Urban Decay Heavy Metal Eyeshadow Palette

On the other end of the scale, if you know someone who loves to experiment with colourful eyeshadows and create different looks, they would love the new Urban Decay palette. The eyeshadows are split into two sections, the more colourful shimmers on one side and more wearable shimmers on the other side. See my full of the Urban Decay Heavy Metal Eyeshadow Palette

review here.

Stila Written in the Stars Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow Set

I’ve seen this little set featured in lots of blogger gift guides and I can see why! These glittery eyeshadows are the best I have ever used! They have a doe-foot applicator like a lip gloss, so you just smudge the formula over the lid and then blend the edges. It provides sparkling glitter that would be perfect for parties or New Year’s Eve.

Burberry Liquid Lip Velvets

If your friends are obsessed with liquid lipsticks they need to try the Burberry Lip Velvets. Not only are they in stunning packaging but they also feel comfortable and not dying on the lips. You can see my full review of the Burberry Liquid Lip Velvets here with swatches too.

Armani Eccentrico Mascara

Usually, people opt for drugstore mascaras, but as a treat, I recommend the Armani Eccentrico Mascara. I can’t be without this and no other mascara compares. Armani is such a beautiful brand, anyone would be pleased to receive this.

Marc Jacobs Air Blush Soft Glow Duo Blusher

Even though Marc Jacobs makeup is now available in the UK, I don’t think many people have tried their products. I picked up their blusher and the quality is fantastic. The sleek black packaging would look amazing on your friend’s dressing table. It’s such a pretty gift.

I’d love to know what beauty items you are gifting this year and what is on your beauty Christmas list!

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Very Blogger Christmas Party Event - #VeryParty

Shopping for festive party outfits is one of my favourite things to do at this time of year! Very.co.uk invited me to their #VeryParty at their headquarters to see their latest fashion launches.

The showroom looked incredible, it was beautifully decorated for Christmas and had sections for ladies partywear, menswear and children's clothing. The outfits were separated into colour coordinating pieces, making it easy to envision outfits and matching pieces.

There were plenty of gorgeous sparkly going out dresses, tops and jumpsuits, all perfect for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Some of my favourite pieces were the embellished blazer, sequin jumpsuit, embellished boots and a cute bee clutch bag.

You can see their full partywear collection here.

There were also some lovely suppliers on hand, Illasmasqua, Skin Doctors and Lola Rose Jewellery. It was amazing to speak to the team members of these brands and learn more about their products. Illasmasqua gave a half an hour smoky eye demonstration, which gave lots of helpful tips about creating that sultry look without the hassle. Skin Doctors were on hand to chat with us about skincare concerns, plus the goody bag had some of their products to try out. Lola Rose Jewellery provided stunning arm candy to go with the Very partywear.

I had an excellent time at the event and I can't wait to order a festive Christmas party outfit!

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GIVEAWAY - Mococo Thomas Sabo Together Forever Bracelet Worth £89

I'm super excited to be teaming up with Mococo Jewellery for my latest giveaway. If you haven't heard of Mococo before, it's an online jewellery retailer that stocks popular brands like Olivia Burton, ChloBo, Swarovski, Clogau and Thomas Sabo.

If you live in the North West of the UK, they also have stores in Wrexham, Chester, Liverpool, Birkenhead, Warrington, Wigan, Ruthin and Mold.

During the week leading up to Black Friday through to Cyber Monday, they have 20% off when you spend over £100 with the code SPARKLE20. Jewellery makes an excellent gift, so it's an ideal time to buy Christmas presents.

To celebrate their Black Friday offers, Mococo has kindly provided a Thomas Sabo Together Forever Interlocking Ring Bracelet, worth £89, to giveaway to one of my readers. This stylish piece is made of sterling silver and has two interlocking rings, one with the words 'Together Forever' engraved and the other with diamante sparkles.

All you have to do is enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. This is a UK only giveaway and over 18s. There is no cash alternative. Any false entries will mean you are disqualified. Good luck everyone!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

IT Cosmetics - Bye Bye Undereye Concealer, CC Cream, Super Hero Mascara and Brow Powder Pencil Review

I was first introduced to IT Cosmetics by Anna from The Anna Edit, she raved about the IT Cosmetics CC Cream and its lovely glow so I had to try it out. It’s been in my collection for a few months now and I frequently reach for it when I want to opt for a lighter, radiant finish to my base makeup.

IT Cosmetics sent me a cute makeup bag filled with mini samples of their cult products to try. Inside was two mini sizes of the CC Cream, which will be handy to have for travelling. There were also two shades of the Bye Bye Undereye Concealer, a Brow Power Eyebrow Pencil and a Superhero Mascara.

Reviews I’ve read online say that Bye Bye Undereye Concealer literally erases dark circles and I can agree with that. It’s a super thick, slightly tacky paste. You only need a drop the size of a pinhead under each eye and this can be worked into the skin with a beauty blender. I think the consistency would be hard to blend with a traditional concealer brush.

I am very impressed with the coverage of this concealer, I used the shade Light and it really illuminated the eye and hid any unwanted purple tones from my dark circles. I used a very thin powder over the top to matte down the slightly tacky texture. During the testing period, I applied the concealer before a long day travelling to Manchester and shopping and lasted brilliantly.

Although the Brow Power Eyebrow Pencil is labelled as a universal shade, I don’t think it is truly suitable for all. I have ombre hair, dark brown at the roots down to a light blonde on the ends. I usually use a medium brown shade on my brows but the IT Cosmetics one is too dark. I can make it work by using the spoolie on the other end to distribute the colour. The pencil is shaped into a fine line which makes it easy to mimic brow hairs as you draw them in. 

Finally the Super Hero Mascara, this has natural bristles and grabs every lash. It both volumises and lengthens my eyelashes and lasts all day without smudging or flaking.

Have you tried anything from IT Cosmetics? They now have their own UK website and you can get 10% off if you sign up to their newsletter.

*PR Sample

Urban Decay Heavy Metals Metallic Eyeshadow Palette Review

I’m still not over the fact that Urban Decay sent me their Heavy Metals Metallic eyeshadow palette and a rainbow light!

Since I was a teenager I’ve lusted after their Heavy Metal Eyeliners, adding them to my Christmas list each year (sadly I never received any from Santa haha). I was excited to see they have transformed their cult glitter eyeliner concept and sparkle into an eyeshadow palette.

The eyeliner range has gorgeous golds and silvers but also vibrant shades like blues, purples and pinks for those who like to experiment with colour. They have reflected this in the chosen shades for the palette. One side is more ‘wearable’ shades, silvers, golds and bronzes. The opposite, on the other side of the mirror in the middle, are more colourful metallics. These include purples, greens and blues.

I’ve talked about UD eyeshadow palettes on my blog many times as there really isn’t a formula that compares. Unlike the Naked palettes which has mattes and shimmers, the Heavy Metals Metallic palette only have shimmers/metallic eyeshadow options. The latest palette provides the same buttery soft, pigmented formula, consistent with its sister palettes. When applied with a fluffy brush the eyeshadow is a beautiful shimmery, diffused colour. If you use your finger or a flat brush, the pigment and sparkle is amped up providing a non-patchy, glittery eyeshadow look.

My most reached for shades are on the more wearable side, I can’t get enough of Maiden, a ‘suits all’ gold shade. ‘Acoustic’, a shade between gold and silver, and ‘Bass’ a shimmery brown, are also well loved. There is also some beautifully vibrant golds and reds, perfect for an Autumn look.

Left to right - Scream, Roadie, Afterparty, Demo, Bass, Acoustic, Maiden, Angelfire, Starfire and Glory

I’d love to do a festive green look with the shade ‘Mullet’, which is on the more colourful side of the palette. For me, the shades on this side aren’t for everyday wear, but I am glad to have them in my collection for nights out, especially with the party season coming!

Left to right - Twisted, Mullet, Metalhead, Spandex, Ground, Glamrock, Amp, Punk Rock, Dive and Aluminum 

The only gripe I have with this palette is that you must put it back in its purple sleeve the correct way, it has grooves and stoppers so if you try and slide it in another way it won’t go in. I don’t mind the mirror being in the middle but I have seen reviews stating this is a little bit inconvenient.

The Urban Decay Heavy Metals Metallic palette is priced at £42 and has 20 eyeshadow shades. That works out as £2.10 per eyeshadow! The pan size isn’t huge but the pigment is concentrated so you don’t need to use as much to build the colour and glitter. With the Christmas party season coming, you need to get your hands on this palette!

*PR sample

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Busy B 2018 Perfect Planner Review

I’m the person who forgets an event or appointment, so I’m trying to get my sh*t together and get organised. Que the Busy B 2018 Perfect Planner!

I’m now an ambassador for Busy B so I thought I’d share my thoughts on their planner ahead of Christmas, as lots of people put them on their Christmas list.

The Busy B 2018 Perfect Planner is a lovely pale teal colour with gold embossed numbers. It’s a week to view diary, which displays the week over two pages. You’ll also find a section for notes and a mini month calendar on the same page.

There is plenty of space for me to fill in meetings, birthdays and events. I don’t plan my day by hours, so space is ample. A month to view is also available, with a square for each day. Organisation lovers will love the pages dedicated to birthdays, expenses, reminders and contacts.

I love that there are handy pockets to slot papers and tickets as well as a tear off notepad on the back page. Sticker lovers will be happy to know that the planner comes with metallic planning stickers included.

Busy B also kindly sent me a set of pens and some fun sticky notes which I can use inside the planner. I’m very impressed with the quality of the planner and I adore the design features. I can’t wait to get planning 2018!

The Busy B 2018 Perfect Planner is £14.99. You can get 25% off your order with the code CHERRIESXMAS.

My code CHERRIESXMAS gives you 25% off everything at BusyB.co.uk, minimum spend £15, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, including gift sets of two products or more. Valid from 1st – 31st December 2017. Discount cannot be applied after order has been placed.

*This post contains PR samples

Ideal World Bloggers Box - Ideas for Christmas Presents - GIVEAWAY

It’s not often I discover a new way to shop online for beauty products. I’m glad that I’ve been shown Ideal World for beauty shopping, the site is filled with beauty brands and products that are completely new to me.

The blogger box arrived just when I was starting to think of Christmas gifts. Everything included in the box would make a great gift for a beauty lover, whether that be your mum, sister, aunty or a friend, there is something for everyone.

First up in the box was a perfume, Change by Lisa Riley. The clear square bottle would look great on anyone’s dressing table and I adore the orange box that it is presented in. This would be ideal for those who don’t love overly floral fragrances as it has a sexy masculine note running through it. Lisa Riley also has her own clothing line on Ideal World, if you wanted to check it out.

Next up is something that is perfect for the party season. A white smile can really boost your confidence, the Nano Tooth Whitening Kit is perfect for this! I find continued use of a tooth whitening toothpaste really does help keep my teeth looking fresh.

The Strictly Come Dancing Show Stopper Gradual Tanning CC Cream would also be great for nights out during the party season. Gradual tans are the most foolproof way to tan, you can build the layers for an even glow.

Elizabeth Grant products were also featured in the blogger box I received. There was the Face Mask Collection and the Day and Night Cream. The mask set is so handy to have, my skin changes throughout the season so you can switch up which formula you use.

The Blogger Box also contained the Elizabeth Grant Supreme Cell Vitality with Gold Day and Night Cream. The product is housed in beautiful tubs with diamante detailing. They even come with a mini spatula which you can use to hygienically take the cream out of the pot before applying. 

I think there is something for everyone in this box, Ideal World has plenty more fantastic beauty products online.

I'm giving away the contents of the Ideal Beauty Blogger Box to 1 lucky winner. Please use the Rafflecopter giveaway form below. Over 18s and UK only.

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The Beauty Box That Changed My Mind

When beauty boxes first launched they were an exciting concept that all beauty bloggers wanted in on. However, the market quickly became oversaturated with options and it was hard to tell which brands had the best deals and products.

I personally haven’t subscribed to a beauty box before, as I’m not a huge fan of not knowing what is in each monthly box, you could end up with some duds! This is where Latest in Beauty comes in.

LIB provides monthly beauty boxes where you can choose the products that come inside. Yes, the surprise is gone but you are guaranteed to receive products which are suitable for your skin and the best value for money.

There are 3 types of subscriptions, Beauty Novice, Beauty Enthusiast and Beauty Guru. Beauty Novice allows you to choose 3 products for £9, Beauty Enthusiast is priced at £15 for 6 products and the Beauty Guru, which I received is £18 for 9 products. All boxes come with free delivery and there is also an option to receive a beauty box as a one-off for a little bit extra. 

There was plenty to choose from when I made my selection. Samples differed from sachets to 30ml sizes. I picked out products that I hadn’t tried before from brands I recognised. Here is what I select in my Latest in Beauty ‘Beauty Guru’ box.

Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Hair Healer Leave-In Conditioner

The 30 ml sample should hopefully cover 2 usages. I’ll be adding this to my pamper routine as my hair has become drier since I have had ombre added to my hair.

La Roche Posay Redermic Anti-Wrinkle Care

This comes in a tiny 5ml size but enough for a few applications to test out the formula. It contains 0.3% retinol, an ingredient famous for its anti-ageing properties. Now I’m in my mid-twenties I’m eager to start adding products to my skincare routine that will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the long term.

Sanctuary Spa Foaming Micellar Cleansing Water

This is a bit of an odd product, as I’ve never heard of a foaming micellar water before. It also says it’s suitable for removing eye makeup, I have sensitive eyes, so I’ll report back. The sample size is 50ml.

Aromatherapy Associates Support Breathe Bath and Shower Oil

I always add these bath oils to my Christmas wishlist but I’m yet to try one out. The fragrance has eucalyptus, pine, tea tree and peppermint notes. It’s refreshing and would be amazing to clear the sinuses if you had a cold, just add a few drops to your night time bath. The sample is 3ml.

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

This cleanser will be excellent in the winter months, the AHA’s and BHA’s will work together to remove dead skin cells, leaving a glowy, clear appearance to the skin. The sample is 30ml.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

You might have seen my Jurlique facial review, where I discussed my love for their facial mists. I’m glad to have this little travel-friendly version, it’s only 15ml.

Omorovicza Refining Facial Polisher

This brand is raved about by skincare bloggers, but I am yet to try anything from their range. It’s a dark cleanser with natural pumice particles to help exfoliate the skin. The sample provided is 30ml.

Masque Bar Pore Refining Crème Mask

Another refining skincare product I selected, this one comes in a 15ml sachet. The only problem with sachets is that you can seal the product back up if you hadn’t finished the mask completely.

Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb

I’m already a huge fan of the Origins masks so I thought it was about time I tried one of their serums. It’s lovely and lightweight and smells zesty and refreshing. The sample is 15ml.

I’m very impressed with the selection of brands available to choose from within the Latest in Beauty boxes. If you selected a one-off box, you could pick a few products a friend might like a personalised pamper box.

Have you had a beauty box from Latest in Beauty?

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Jurlique Chester 25 Minute Facial Treatment Review

Jurlique is a brand I've wanted to know more about for ages. I've seen lots of bloggers talk about their products especially their mists, so when I was invited to try their new 25-minute facial treatment at my local Debenhams store.

I met with the lovely Amelia who is the Counter Manager in Chester, her counter is beautiful. She chatted to about the brand's Australian history and their natural ingredient ethos. I was very happy to hear that all their skincare ingredients are grown and collected on their farm in the Adelaide Hills.

Amelia asked me about my current skincare routine and any concerns I have. At the moment, with the change in seasons, my skin is super sensitive and dry. I do get the occasional spot, but the tight, overly sensitive state of my skin was the aspect I wanted to work on.

The 25-minute facial treatment takes place away from the shop floor in a quiet room with a treatment bed, spa music and candles burning, a very relaxed environment. I was asked to choose between three essential oil scents, I liked the fragrance of the revitalising one, this was used to scent the treatment.

The treatment began with cleansing the skin, Amelia opted for skincare products from the line that were tailored to sensitive skin. The routine included the Soothing Foaming Cleanser, this was used twice as a double cleanse, Purity Specialist Compress as a detoxing treatment to be used weekly, Daily Exfoliator, which softens the dead skin cells, in a more gentle way than chemical exfoliators. This was then followed by the Calendula Mist, Restorative Treatment Serum, Herbal Recovery Advanced Eye Serum, Herbal Recovery Advanced Day Cream.

The mist felt wonderful on the skin, it instantly helped to soothe the skin. She also gave me a hand, arm and shoulder massage which was incredibly relaxing. I also loved the feeling of the Herbal Recovery Advanced Day Cream, it felt lightweight and very hydrating.

I left the treatment room feeling very calmed and revitalised. My skin was calmed and soothed and the quality of my skin had instantly improved. I can highly recommend the Jurlique 25-minute Facial Treatment, especially if you like to use natural products and ingredients in your skincare routine.

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