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.

*PR samples

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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