Christmas Wishlist

This year Christmas is going to be a fleeting affair for me, I'll be working full time aside from Christmas Day and Boxing Day because everyone else managed to book time off before me...hurrah. I'm trying not to be Scrooge about it but 2 days off after building up to it for weeks probably isn't going to cut it; I'm probably going to end up sleeping for the majority of my time off as I'm so tired!

Moaning aside, I've managed to come up with a wishlist of gifts that if anyone would like to buy me, that would be FABULOUS.

I've gotten to the age where my parents and brother are the only people to buy me presents....it's a sad year for me indeed. I'm not materialistic obviously............but here's my wishlist if there was an unlimited budget and presents rained down on me on Christmas day:

1) I'll start off by stating the obvious. Soap and Glory. Who wouldn't want the big set for Christmas?!
It has been on my list every year and this year is no different, however I'm not quite so confident I'll get it. My mum knows how hard I've been working to get through my stash so I'm not so sure that I will be getting another 10/12 products to add to my collection! Especially as all of them are such good value and last a long time.....but rumour has it she went to Boots early to pick something up last Friday. Fingers crossed!

Image from lebeautygirl.com

2) Quite frankly I'd be ecstatic if anyone bought me the contents of Antipodes store. I drool every month at their products; even their website is a dream, the pictures are so mystical!

Image from antipodesnature.com

I've wanted to get my hands on the Juliet Brightening Cleanser, Manuka Honey Face Mask, Joyous Replenish Serum and their Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream.
I'm a big fan of the Divine Oil already, I can't possibly see what I wouldn't like from their products!



3) A pair of classic black heels. I'm talking Louboutins here obviously. Who on earth wouldn't want a classic black shoe which would go with absolutely everything with a flash of red on the sole?!
Here's a few ideas if anyone is feeling rich and generous:

 

(Images from Google)

Drool!


4) I'd like more clothing from Ralph Lauren and LK Bennett. I've started a (small) collection over the years from the outlet stores which is going quite well but I need more.
Whilst my cousin worked at an RL Outlet store it was great having the extra discount for family/friends but now she's gone off to uni the buying has dwindled down. I need more blazers, more jeans, and more dresses, Kate Middleton always looks good in hers and why not me too?! For example:

(Images all from Google)

Surely you can't go wrong with a bit of tailoring!


5) A bag. A black leather beautiful handbag to carry all of my worldly possessions on a daily basis would just be fabulous. Here's some bag porn:

All images from Pinterest

I'm quite a simple bag person it would seem! Any of the above would make me beam like a baby given its teddy bear.

6) Coats. I have a small obsession with coats. I hate being cold and love being all wrapped up in layers.

I'd absolutely love a cape, feeling like a chic superhero is definitely my thing!
I also think that details like the bow at the back and coloured coats with a belt at the waist are so easy but make a big difference.The ones above are all from Pinterest browsing so I've no idea how expensive they are!



7) I am a NARS virgin. I am yet to make my first ever purchase and to be totally honest I've no idea why. There's so many products they have that I NEED to own it seems a bit silly but nevertheless here are the specific ones I'm lusting after; any of those 4 blushes, any of the lip crayons and of course the amazing concealer they have, so creamy and buildable!

8) Urban Decay. Doesn't really need any introduction does it? We're all after the Naked 3 palette, I'm still after Naked 2 and Vice 2 along with all the others still available on the Debenhams website I was browsing earlier. Limited edition gets me every time, what a sucker!
Not only that but their eye crayons, primers, setting sprays and foundations are on my list too....neverending!

9) Holiday. Any where as long as it's hot! I'd like to lie on a beach drinking out of a coconut with nothing distracting my attention apart from my tan, my book and potentially my next meal/cocktail. Oh and soaking up some exquisite cultural experiences too!

 

If only.


10) Harry Potter Studios covered in snow. I've seen pictures and I've heard whisperings.....basically I'm uber jealous of anyone visiting the snow covered film sets.
I absolutely loved it when me and M went in March but I had to restrict myself when buying things and although I came out with a beautiful time turner necklace which is my pride and joy, I still want all of the additional book available in store, I want tshirts, wands etc etc. I especially want the map....HOW COOL!

 

So that's my wish list. I mean it's not too much to ask really is it?

L xxx

      

Christmas Shopping.....For Myself

Let's all be honest here, it's pretty damn hard to go shopping at any time of year without picking something up for yourself let alone at Christmas time.

I'm a very big fan of the 'one for you, two for me' mantra and as I missed out on an advent calendar of any kind (not jealous at all....) I have seemingly bought myself a product for each day instead....now who's winning eh?!

Here's a quick photo montage of things I've picked up, what deals were on, whee you can get them and how much you need it!






The Latest in Beauty box - The Glamour Beauty Edit.

This was £14.95 from here (plus p&p) and worth every penny. With £65 of goodies in this box not only is it a bargain but a lovely gift and if I bought for friends I'd definitely get one as a Secret Santa gift!

They're limited number I think but still available when writing this post :)





Lancome mascara set from Boots was snapped up in a triple points offer as I'm yet to try a premium beauty mascara and thought a set was the perfect opportunity!

The Mane and Tail Conditioner for human and horse hair was a surprise find in Liberty when I went to London (see posts here and here). I've heard a lot and couldn't resist picking it up, it's a yellow colour and smells pretty good all for £7!







I went on a nail spree too....oops!
The Maybelline Color Show Brocades were a random buy but they're so glittery I couldn't resist them on 3 for 2 as well.

Essie are one of my favourite nail brands and their Luxeffects collection hasn't escaped my notice. The pink was bought individually but the blue and silver glitter were bought in a set. Guaranteed a post will be up soon!





Lastly I had a bit of a spree in Origins. The above 2 pictures show products bought at the same time; in John Lewis they had 15% off to match Debenhams prices and luckily for me still had a Morning to Midnight set of Ginzing related goodies for me to try out! At £34 I really couldn't leave it behind after one of the products retailing at £35 so it was super savvy to pick it up at 15% off.

I also picked up their Sensory Therapy in Peace of Mind because my mum uses it for her headaches and I've found it works amazing on me too. This is normally £13 but I got it for just over £10 which for me is much better than taking tablets for headache as I get them regularly with stress.

As I bought 2 products I also received a free goody set which was another reason for going there. They always seem to have deals on at Christmas where you can receive a few products in trial size to test out and this was so cute!





I picked the Best Brighteners as I really want to try the skin illuminating cleanser.

Not only that, my last item was also my final item in my Boots triple points internet order (along with the Lancome mascaras) and was the Merry Moisturisers set.

I'm a huge fan of the Make A Difference range and I know I will use all of the products in this bundle. For £29 from Boots (currently half price) where the moisturiser is normally around £34 you cannot go wrong!

I've definitely overspent this year.........my own present buying has been a little off the charts but let's be honest its only Christmas once a year!

I cannot resist the bargains and have gathered myself a whopping £15ish in Boots points from the triple points and 500 points vouchers. I didn't need most of the products but I'm now in the frame of mind where I will use everything up and I've been getting through my stash quite well recently so fingers crossed I haven't overindulged too much....


Only time and my bank balance/credit card bill will tell!


What have you been buying yourself recently? Have you been snapping up bargains in the Christmas sales?

I can't believe there's this many bargains BEFORE the Boxing Day sales, think I'll have to give my mum instructions to hold me back when that time comes......

L xxx

Tresemme Pro Shine Range

Hey

With Christmas just around the corner it means party season is well and truly with us. I don’t know about you but my hair is definitely something I tend to get stuck in a rut with. I either wear it in loose curls or straight and have lately been lacking inspiration.

Earlier in the year I was lucky to meet Anthony from Beauty Seen PR as part of their regional tour and he introduced me to some of the new products Tresemme has bought out in line with X Factor as they are one of the sponsors.

Jamie Stevens is the head hair dresser for X Factor. Little random fact he lived on my estate as a kid and I used to have his sisters clothes. Claim to fame right there haha! Jamie has done some amazing hair on the show and here I’ve got some of his top styles, how to achieve them and what products to use to make them work.

I find styling products is really something I forget to use. Heat protectant is a must for me but that’s usually it. I love that the tresemme range is affordable and designed to help make styles last as there is nothing worse than spending ages on your hair for it to all drop out. These tips show you how best to use them.

Through X Factor there have been some gorgeous hair styles. Some I've tried to recreate myself and some I’ll be trying out soon for Christmas Day and a friend’s birthday. I always think it’s good to get glam on Christmas Day.

The half up half down is one of my favourite styles to do to make normal curly hair look a bit different. I love how you can add hair accessories easily to make it festive and think the volume to the crown adds glamour! This is a style that easily works well with both long and short hair. I love the full fringe Tamera has here and the messy distressed curls! This would be perfect for nights out or Christmas day hair and would look gorgeous with a sparkly clip at the back. It’s a simple one that anyone can recreate. I really want to pick up the liquid texture mist to try as I think this style works when messy and my hair can be a bit too neat. This is also a great one to do on day old hair.

I love that Tresemme haven’t gone with anything too much when linking the packaging to the X Factor and have kept it true to their packaging.

 

I love big hair, the bigger the better for me. I love how Tamera’s hair has been done here and the big brushed out curls look amazing! Tips like Jamie’s to let you know the product will make your hair feel stiff but this is what you want is really helpful as if I hadn't read this and used a product that made my hair go stiff I’d be tempted to wash it again. Once my hair is back blonde and matching my extensions this is a style I’ll be trying.

I've recently been testing the illuminating shine oil spritz from the range. Shine spray was never a product I used. Who doesn't want shiny healthy looking hair but for me I was too worried it would look greasy and it just wasn't a product I thought to buy.

I’I'm so glad I’I've been able to try it though as it really is good. I spray it on the bottom two thirds of my hair and has been really helping my hair look shinier. Lately my hair has been dyed a lot and is subsequently lacking lustre. The shine spray has really helped this and hasn't made my hair greasy.

I love how affordable the range is and can’t wait to pick up the liquid texture mist and the shine ultimate volume whip.

Have you seen or tried the new range of tresemme products? Will you be picking any up for the festive period? The range is limited edition avavailable exclusively in tesco until march.  I’ll be stocking up on the oil spritz.

Love M

xxx

FOTD Purple and Green Eyes

As I'm getting ready for my date and was just thinking about what eye make up to do I remembered I had these photos that I haven't shared yet.

I love wearing coloured eyeshadows but sometimes they aren't the easiest for everyday where. I quite often where purples and greens during the day and especially favour my Avon quad in nocturnal which is no longer sold unfortunately. It contains a deep warm purple and dark green shade. Both which are matte.

I love pairing the colours together and especially in winter time. As this is how I'm going to do my make up tonight I thought I'd share it now. I'm off to winter wonderland and wanted something pretty.

I start this by applying a neutral lid shade all over. I like something with a small amount of shimmer and tend to reach for Mac Naked Lunch or from Naked 2 bootycall.

Next I use a small brush to apply a dark purple shade into my outer v, crease and along the lash line. I blend it all and re apply till it's softly blended and the colour is strong enough.

Under the lower lash line I apply a deep green colour. I use a pencil brush as I find it easiest to give a soft wash of colour without it ending up too thick.

With this look I don't like to apply liner as I prefer the colours to be the main focus but I do like to use loads of mascara to get nice volumised lashes.

A combination of Liz Earle bronzer and Benefit Dandelion blush is a must for me. As the eyes are coloured I pair this look with my Kate Moss for Rimmel 113 and some lip gloss. I think a simple nude lip works best with this type of look.

Do you wear coloured eye shadows much?

Love M

xxx

Review: Lush Twilight Bath Bomb

Hey

Hope you've all had a great weekend. Mine has been spent moving. I've learnt the hard way never live in a fourth floor flat with no lift. My parents kindly came to move me but both got tired quickly and as they had a drive back to Somerset I did most of the second load. I'm now rather achy. But it was good training for Tough Mudder.

As I was so achy I decided to pop to Lush on Sunday and pick myself up a bath bomb as a treat and enjoy a relaxing bath. I tend to easily get stuck in a rut and not try new bath bombs and bubble bars in Lush so I decided to chat to one of the ladies and take a suggestion.

I fancied something relaxing and she suggested Twilight and Christmas Pud. I went for Twilight after it was demonstrated for me. I was so impressed with how bubbly it was.

Twilight is a pretty pink bath bomb with stars imprinted in the top. I wanted something lavender to really relax my achy muscles. I loved the soft smell of this and the fact it wasn't overpowering. 

When the Twilight hits the bath it fizzes away pink. It leaves an impressive foam for a bath bomb.

Once part of the outer core has cracked blue starts to fizz away. I love that on mine some of the shell stayed intact longer than the core so the blue really fizzed away.

The bath was left the colour of a Twilight sky with a silver glitter running through!! So So So pretty, but best of all for me. No staining on the bath or messy clean up.

This is a really big bath bomb and gave a nice effect in the bath as well as leaving it rather bubbly for a bath bomb. It left my skin really soft and with a subtle scent. It also doesn't leave you glittery.

This is definitely one I'll be repurchasing!! As it is one of the larger ones it does retail for £3.25.

Have you tried twilight?

I'm such a bath person and love to have a good relax once a week with face packs!

Love

M

xxx