Wednesday 6 January 2016

New Blogsale!

I've finally started uploading my blog sale! It's very tiny at the minute but there will be more items added over the next few days so keep an eye out for those! 
You can find the current items here :)
Happy Shopping!

Tuesday 5 January 2016

Top Products of 2015

Now that we're almost a full week into 2016, I thought that I would share my favourite products from the past year. There have been so many products that have impressed me throughout the year, but I finally managed to pick my favourites.


Nars Dual Intensity Palette
If I were to only ever have one palette, this would be it. The shade Himalia and Europa are perfect for a soft and delicate everyday look, whilst everything else makes for added drama. I love that you can use it both wet and dry too. 

Revlon Lash Potion Mascara
I first picked this up in the shade Blackened Brown by mistake but I loved the way it made my lashes look. So I picked up the Black version ad loved it even more. I love that I can layer this until I'm happy and it doesn't clump together. The brush is perfect for making even the teeny tiny lashes look amazing.

Bondi Sands Everyday Tanning Milk
2015 was the year I fell in love with tanning, but this was definitely the stand out product for me! The colour is so natural, there are no orange/red tones to it and it applies so nicely. There's none of the standing around like a puppet waiting for it to dry and it makes my skin super soft. Next on my wish list is the dark mousse tan from BS!

MAC Lipstick in Whirl
So I know that everyone has featured this at some point, but how could I not?! I've been loving brown lips this year, and this has been my favourite of them all. I find that on me, it has a slight grey tinge to it which I find really flattering and only adds to the 90s vibe. It seems to sell out everywhere, but if you get the chance to get it then do because you need it in your life.

MAC Fix Plus
I had this a couple of years ago and wasn't all that thrilled with it mainly because I didn't know what to do but now this is a complete game changer. I spray this onto my Real Techniques sponge to blend out my concealer so it makes it look flawless. It's also perfect for dampening my brush befor using the above Nars palette.

NYX Liquid Suede 
I have quite a collection of these and they are perfect for a budget liquid lipstick. Now that they're sold in Boots it makes it even easier to get hold of them. The shades Vamp and Sandstorm are my absolute favourites. The formula is so soft and creamy, yet dries to a matte finish which lasts and lasts.

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2
The slightly cooler tones in this palette were just calling my name. I love to original Naked Basics, but had to get this too. Perfect for a toned down every day look, or a full on smoky eye. Being matte shades, they also make great transition/blending out shades, and of course being from Urban Decay, the formula is buttery soft.

Redken Windblown Blowdry Spray
Having thick hair, it can often look a little fake when it's been styled. This lightweight spray adds just the right amount of texture, and makes it move a lot more freely which I love. I often get asked if I've just had my hair done when I use this, which is always a massive bonus. 

MAC Blush in Mocha
I had been after a blush that I could wear for the winter months and this is it. It's such a beautiful shade that suits everyone. The shade is quite dark, but never looks too much and I find that I use this to sculpt a tiny bit too. Despite being a matte finish, it isn't dry at all but is really soft and blendable.

LA Girl Pro Conceal
I really struggle with under eye concealers that don't crease but I have found my holy grail! This brightens and covers all my dark areas under the eye and blends out like a dream. It lasts all day, and there is such a wide range of shades which means you can buy a couple for contour and highlighting.

Jo Malone Blue Agava and Cacao
Jo Malone had been on my wish list for a while, so I finally picked this one. I think this one is perfect for all year round as it has some slight citrus notes but the cacao adds some warmth and depth to it. I love that it smells totally different as the hours go on


So those are my favourites from the past year. What have been yours? Have you liked any of these products?

Monday 21 December 2015

The Melt Crowd | December

I think that there is nothing more festive than filling your home with lovely fragrances at Christmas time and this months Melt Crowd box has helped me do just that. Each month I look forward to getting this in the post and seeing what the lovely people over at Flamingo Candles have put together for us.

This month there was a few little extras included in the box which is so cute. It was my sixth month of subscription and there was an extra tart melt which fitted extremely well with the theme of the box. As its Christmas, there was also a little flamingo tree decoration which is such a nice little touch. I'm going to find a place to have this out all year round.

Onto the melts included in this months box...


Asian Pear and Plum is so sweet yet with just enough floral in it to make it slightly more grown up. It makes for a really light scent that would be perfect all year round. 
Black Tea and Almond is one of my favourites. You can really smell the almond in this which makes the room smell like a lovely cake shop. The Black Tea is just so comforting, this one would be perfect for a snuggly night.
Christmas Pudding is a Melt Crowd exclusive and is one that I'm still not sure about. It's really not something that I have ever like so this would never be a hit with me, but there is no doubting that it smells exactly like a Christmas Pudding.
Cinnamon Sticks just screams Christmas to me. Whilst some cinnamon scents can be really overwhelming this one is just right. This will be my Christmas eve scent.
Mulled Wine and Berries is a really lovely twist on a classic. The mulled wine is spicy and warming, yet the berries adds a nice juicy and fruity element to it. Perfect if you're looking for something a little different.
Vanilla Milk Bottles is definitely the sweetest of the bunch. It's sweet, sugary, warm and smooth, whilst taking me right back to my childhood.
Black Cherry is another Melt Crowd exclusive and if this was available in full candle size, I would snap it up right away. You can smell this as soon as you open the box, it is so fruity and yummy that I just want to take a bite out of it.
Mistletoe, another exclusive is so fresh and clean smelling. It s exactly how I would imagine Mistletoe to smell. It's a welcome change from all of the strong scents featured in this box.
Finally, Snow Angel is the 6 month gift, and is just so beautiful. It smells like fresh air which I know is a little strange but growing up in the countryside and now living in the city, this makes me so nostalgic.

This month is just perfect and they keep getting better and better each month. Here's to seeing what January has in store.
Which is your favourite from this months box?
Sign up here, for just £10 a month.

Wednesday 2 December 2015

Christmas Date Ideas

Around this time of year, I use a couple of days holidays from work to enjoy a couple of days of festivities, and battling crowds for Christmas shopping. This year I have done exactly that but my fiance has also take some days off work so we get to spend them together. We have decided to have a couple of Christmas themed date days and I thought that it would be nice to share some of the ideas with you...



1: Ice Skating
I know that some people might think of this as cheesy or obvious but hear me out. If you are someone who has weekdays off, or has taken a couple of days off then an Ice Rink is the perfect place to go midweek. It is so quiet and peaceful rather than on a weekend and evening when it is usually so busy! You often get a better deal through the day too which is always a bonus! 

2: Christmas Cinema
Throughout the month of December, some cinemas often run classic Christmas films. We have done this quite a few years in a row now and it's always nice to get us into the festive spirit. This week, we went to see Miracle on 34th Street, which is a firm favourite of mine, and brings back memories of watching it as a child. Make sure to check with your local Cinema to see what they are showing.

3: Christmas Markets
Who doesn't love going to the Christmas markets? We always like to go and have a wander round whilst feasting on the goodies there and having a festive drink. I definitely recommend a Cherry and Amaretto Punch if you can get it. Again, try and avoid peak times as it does get very busy.

4: Tobogganing 
Surprisingly, there are quite a few toboggan tracks or slopes all around the country. This is so good for a fun date or family day out and something completely out of the ordinary. I have done it quite a few times in different places and have found that I much prefer the slopes as they really add to the authentic winter experience with the snow. Remember to wrap up warm! The best one I have been to is at Xscape Castleford.

5: Winter Forest Walks
Something that is becoming more and more popular is a Winter Forest. Many places now will have somewhere that has a magically transformed forest that looks just like a winter wonderland. I have been to some a few times and think they are absolutely amazing, and very romantic. One of my favourites is Stockeld Park.


What is your favourite Christmas Date?

Tuesday 1 December 2015

November Favourites

It's been such a long time since I've wrote a favourites post. I think it's probably because for the past few months I've been travelling between Manchester, Leeds and Kent, all whilst using the same products from the same tiny make up bag. November has finally seemed to calm down a little and I've had a chance to rotate some products and there are some that I've been loving.


Paco Rabbane Olympea EDP - Here
Working in Duty Free means that I am constantly surrounded by gorgeous fragrances, but this one really has got me smitten. It is so unusual, yet isn't too out there, and it is so beautiful for this time of year. It's categorised as a 'Floriental' fragrance with Mandarin, Ginger Lily and Jasmine, to give it a floral boost, whilst the Salty Vanilla accord, and cashmere give it a slight oriental scent. I am absolutely in love with this, and will definitely replace it once I'v finished this bottle.


MUFE HD Foundation - Here
I know that MUFE have now released the Ultra HD foundation but I am a little late to the party with this one. This foundation has been my holy grail ever since purchase for a number of reasons. It gives me such a smooth even base, that looks almost flawless even with just the tiniest amount. The coverage is medium and buildable without looking cakey on the skin which is always a bonus. 

NYX Liquid Suede Lipstick in Sandstorm - Here
At the moment I'm all about brown lips, so this was always going to be a winner with me. This colour is quite unusual as it has a little grey undertone to it which is surprisingly flattering. The formula is so smooth and long wearing, with a fully matte texture. I find some liquid lipstick to stay a little tacky but this fully dries down and is so comfortable on the lips. I'll definitely be picking up more shades.

MAC Blusher in Mocha - Here
I love having a slightly darker blush in the winter months, and had lusted after MACs Mocha blush for a while. When I finally picked it up, it was definitely love. I find it gives me just the right amount of warmth and colour to my face without being too pigmented. It lasts all day and the matte finish is lovely, I can see this one getting a lot of further use.

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 - Here 
Urban Decay are one of my favourites for palettes, and as a big fan of the original Naked Basics palette, I had to get this one. I find that the cooler tones are much easier to work with and you can create so many eye looks from just six shades. As with all UD shadows, the pigmentation is insane and the shadows are so buttery soft so they blend like an absolute dream.

So those are my favourites for November, and I reckon that most of them will still be my favourites in December too! 
What have you been loving this month?


Saturday 21 November 2015

Winter Time Tanning

Okay, so I think it's fair to say that we are definitely in winter now. The weather has got much colder and as much as I do love the winter season, I still long for summer. All year long, I like to keep a little bit of a tan. In summer, I will more often than not be sporting a deeper tan, but in winter I do like to have more of a softer glow rather than the deep bronze shade that goes hand in hand with the summer months.

It was only when I was discussing tanning with some friends at work, when I had the idea that I would share my favourite tanning products to use for that Winter Glow. 


This is by far and away the easiest tan to apply I'v ever used. It goes on extremely smoothly, and streak free. Out of the four in this post, this is the one that gives me the deepest tan, but is still very very natural. It dries down very quickly, so there's none of that waiting around like a puppet waiting to dress. It's not the most purse friendly tan product out there, but I guarantee it's one of the best you will try.

If you don't like instant tans, but want something with a very quick application time, then this is the one for you. This is an invisible spray, which is super easy to apply. Just spray directly onto your skin and that's it. I like to quickly run over it with a tanning mitt just to ensure that there are no streaks or patches.

When I'm in a hurry, or there are some spontaneous Christmas outings, this is the one I reach for. It's instant colour and quick drying time means I can get my glow on in next to no time. One thing with instant tans is that they often get patchy if you'r caught in the rain or they transfer onto clothes. However, with this one despite being medium/dark, you get a very soft tan, which stays put even in the wintery showers. 

My most used has to be this offering from Bondi Sands. Keeping soft skin in winter can be difficult due to the harsh weather and central heating, so using this gradual tanner which is moisturiser based helps to combat that. It includes cocoa butter which smells divine and is a god send for my skin. The tan that it gives is very natural, which is what I love about this tan.

Do you still enjoy to tan in the winter time? Which is your favourite?

Saturday 7 November 2015

The Melt Crowd | November

At the start of every month I get really excited because I know that my Melt Crowd Box will be arriving any time soon. Every single month, I say that it is my favourite one yet, but this one really does live up to that claim. It's every thing I look for when buying candles, with such beautiful scents perfect for this time of year.



This month included a mix of delicate, fun, and fruity scents all of which are stunning for autumn/winter. 
The more delicate scents are Darjeeling Tea, Blackberry and Bay Leaf and Warm Vanilla Sugar. Darjeeling Tea is very soft and fresh but still packs a punch, whilst Blackberry and Bay reminds me very much of the Jo Malone fragrance of the same name. Warm Vanilla Sugar is a Melt Crowd exclusive, and is absolutely perfect for snuggling up on a cold winters night. 
Fruity scents are always a winner with me and Blackberry Jam has to be my absolute favourite in this box, it reminds me of when my grandma would make jam when I was younger and the sweet smell would fill the house. Violet and Lime is the perfect way to hang on to summer with the floral violets coupled with the fresh lime, they make a stunning pair. This next one was always going to be a winner with me as they are some of my favourite childhood sweets, the Parma Violets scent is beautifully sweet without being too sickly. 
Finally, to get us all in the Festive mood there are two Melt Crowd previews, for the new Christmas 2015 collection. Bah Humbug smells exactly like a bag of mint humbugs which will always remind of the festive period. Christmas Tree-O is a very strange yet lovely scent. It is fruity and spicy, like mulled wine but has the freshness of pine, which will be perfect for when I'm putting the christmas decorations up.

I really couldn't love this box any more, the scents are exactly what I would pick if I were to creat my own box. You can subscribe to The Melt Crowd here. 
Which would be your favourite?