My moisturiser journey

When it comes to the topic of skincare, moisturisers, in my opinion, is a boring chapter that people just want to skim read. It's that final stage in the routine that we just have to slap on. Then again, there are so many questions that go into consideration before purchase - Does it need to have SPF? Should I have one for am and pm? How much money should I spend? It's just a faffy topic that doesn't excite me as much as cleansers.

My skincare journey so far has encountered a variety of brands and I thought it was finally time to share my thoughts on the moisturisers.

1. Origins Make a Difference + was one of the first moisturisers on my journey. SPF, hydrating, and amti-angling. However, when I bought this moisturiser I was only 17 so I'm not sure if the sales adviser advised me correctly... Nevertheless, I found this a great skin protector at the time and I don't remember suffering from dryness, spots or redness. 

2. Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream is a great, simple moisturiser. It's light, moisturising and is a great base for makeup. Whilst some people may complain that it doesn't have an SPF this really is a moisturiser that ticks lots of skin care boxes. Moreover, as advised by Caroline Hirons, SPF shouldn't really come from skincare...

3. Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins stands out as one of my favourite skincare products of all time. If you want to see impressive results quickly then I would definitely recommend this one! Big statement - I know.  If I remember correctly then my skin was absolutely blooming blemish free, hydrated and plump. I definitely can't wait to buy this again.

4. Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream. This is my current moisturiser and so far I'm pretty pleased. It's definitely one for the winter months/dry skin gals due its thick consistency which makes it very hydrating. If you're Vegan then this is also one for you - Antipodes is a very earth friendly brand with 'natural' ingredients. I have been using this as both day and night moisturiser as it just gives so much hydration - it's also the best smelling of the bunch. 

4. Super Facialist by Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Peaceful Skin Night Cream this is a moisturiser that generated a 'meh' response from me. Perhaps I was not a target customer as I don't actually like the overwhelming smell of roses. However, it was very calming and very moisturising. But if budget was no option then the Origins night cream will always be my true night time love. 

5. Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser is an absolute favourite and classic. No nasties, just simple, great skincare. This moisturiser comes in three variations for different skin types and I have always used the normal/combination formula. I find it super hydrating, it helps against redness and absorbs well into the skin. I would definitely  recommend this for younger skin types. Again this does not contain SPFs as Liz Earle similarly believes that sun protection should be a separate step in the routine. Overall I think if I was going to recommend someone a great, value for money moisturiser then I would put forward this one. 

What are your favourite moisturisers? 

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Christmas Gift Ideas

1. Out of all the Christmas candles this year my favourite has to be The White Company Winter Candle . When it comes to Christmas candles i'm not a big fan of the popular 'I want my house to smell like a forest' trend. Instead, I much prefer spice and vanilla undertones, which is what you definitely get with Space NK's annual Shimmering Spice candle. The White Company Winter Candle is very similar to these notes, creating a warming, Christmas feel. 

2. Charlotte Tilbury is always a great idea at Christmas, mainly because of her wonderful packaging. On my Christmas list this year is the Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eye Palette in the shade The Dolce Vita. Who hasn't used this in a tutorial yet? Fingers crossed it will be under the tree!  

3. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette is a rather luxurious item this Christmas - it's a whopping £65. These powders are absolutely beautiful - I own one of the blushers and powders - and the set is just so aesthetically pleasing! Whilst I think this is a great way to try all the powders it is a lot of money. So for now I will just look...

4. In my opinion, anything from Jo Malone is wonderful to receive. A few weeks ago my friend and I decided to go and choose our favourite perfumes to add to our Christmas lists. Mine was the new fragrance, Mimosa & Cardamon. If you haven't smelt this yet then PLEASE do, your nose will be very grateful.

5. This Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm is rather cute: a tiny version of the famous cleanser which can be hung on the tree. At £10 this is a great stocking filler for a skincare lover - it even comes with a mini cloth!

6. I have fallen in love with the Champney's repackaging. I love receiving shower gels or bubble baths so the Champneys Heavenly Days Relaxing Collection is definitely on my list. 

7.The Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection  has probably been one of my favourite beauty launches this year. They are some of the best brushes I own: the quality is amazing and the bristles are very easy to blend with, especially the creased shadow brush! I think one of these brushes would be a beautiful gift to receive. 

What's on your Christmas beauty list this year? 

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Christmas Gift Ideas

Whilst it may only be November, after a recent trip to Space NK and Instagram scrolling, I couldn't handle my excitement for beauty christmas sets any longer. So off I roll with my top Christmas Beauty presents…

1. Candles can never go a miss at Christmas. Every year I love to see what scents (and packaging) Diptyque will be introducing. My favourite out of the trio this year is Resin Scented Candle. However, if £45/£26 is a bit too much for a candle then Space NK's Shimmering Spice Candle is half the price, and the smell is wonderfully festive. And look at that Christmasy packaging!!

2. I'm always a sucker for a Christmas Edition eyeshadow palette and this year Bobbi Brown need a round of applause for their collection. The Warm Glow Eye Palette is rather darn beautiful. They also have a cute Mini Eyeshadow Palette which would be a great stocking filler. Both feature gold shimmery eyeshadow goodness which is a makeup essential at Christmas. Bravo indeed Bobbi.

3. Now this is what I would like under the Christmas tree . The Nars Digital World Lip Pencil Coffret. Five of their famous lip pencils in one beautiful Christmas theamed box. Do I need to say anymore. Perfect.

4. If you're thinking of asking for something extra-luxurious this year then I think the Laura Mercier La Petite Pâtisserie Soufflé Body Crème Collection  fits the bill perfectly! It's rather pricey but you do get all of the body creme's I'm miniature form. What a perfect way to end Christmas day with a bath and one of these moisturisers.

5. The Charlotte Tilbury Mini Lipstick Charms are up there this year in top Christmas beauty gifts. Three mini lipsticks in the beautiful rose gold packaging, what's not to love?! At £29 this is a lovely way to share the joy of Charlotte Tilbury…!

6. At £32 I'm not sure if everyone will be having one of these around the dinner table, but the Jo Malone Christmas Cracker is a great way to treat someone to some Jo Malone mini treats. Each features a moisturiser, a shower wash and a perfume. 

7. The perfect Christmas scent for me has to be Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium. Its such an unusual scent in that it's almost "woody" yet with a vanilla, sweet undertone. You really do have to try a spray of this next time you're near, it's heavenly!

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Spring Picks

I decided not to do a March favourites due to the fact that it would have been a pretty boring post. Throughout March I have continued to use all of February favourites and other products from my vast stash. To make up for it I have decided to treat you with an insight into my Spring picks.

Last year I purchased the Diorskin Nude BB Creme. A lovely, light consistency this is one for warm Spring days when you don't want your face clogged with a heavy base. As you will have seen from my last post, my most recent purchase of the Clarins Instant Light Radiance Booster will be an essential for my spring makeup bag. It can be used as a highlight or mixed in with your foundation/BB creme/whatever to create a radiant, dewy finish. Finally, an even more recent purchase is the recently launched Estee Lauder Double Wear All-Day Glow BB creme. If you know the lengths I have been to, to find this you may be surprised. I searched a gaazillion Estee Lauder concessions to find that shade one (darn fair skin complexion) had not be launched. However, I'm finally united, and I'm seriously happy. Expect a detailed post soon. 

When it comes to Spring I prefer a lighter finish on my lips. I will always reach out for a balm textured product. I love the Bourjois Color Boost Balm and Revlon Just Bitten Kissable stains (see my review here) for a subtle pop of colour. However, if I want something more prominent then Topshop Lipstick in Pillowtalk is a lovely, light shade of pink that just screams Hey, I'm a Spring shaded lipstick!

As it gets warmer I will always tend to reduce the thickness of my base. If I'm having a good complexion day I may even go naked: no BB cream, nothin'. As a result I will apply a cream blusher, usually Stilla Convertible Colour in gerbera. A warming, peach-pinked tone that perks me up just finee. At the moment I am still in the honeymoon stage with my Hourglass Blusher in dim Infusion. As a light pinken gold it is the perfect shade to take me forward into Spring. 

Last but not least, the nail varnish shades. Will I ever find a nail varnish I like that's not Essie or Nails Inc? I apologise if you're bored by my repetitive brand taste. However, I think these shades are pretty Spring perfect. Firstly, (left to right) is Essie in the shade Maximillian strasse her. Whilst this doesn't photograph well, it is a lovely green shade of blue; a more detailed review will be up soon! I'm always a blue kind of gal - I explained it all in my Blue post - and so this Nails Inc shade in Chelsea psychic garden will make me happy just from the sight of the bottle. Although I will be a truthful fan to my shades of blues, I will make this (two if I include Essie Watermelon) exception for Essie's Lilacism, what better way to introduce Spring than a shade of lilac. 

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Body Shop Camomile Eye make-up remover

With my oily eyelids waterproof mascara is a necessity.  An odd feature I know, but if waterproof wasn't applied I would look like I was going for a halloween/mascara run down look everyday. Now, nobody wants to see that look do they! 

As a girl with expensive taste the Clarins make-up remover has been on my wish list for sometime. Why? Because my cheap simple remover, which claims to remove waterproof mascara does not work. I am left constantly rubbing my eye with a drenched cotton pad of remover and nothing is budging....However, this was my old routine.

 I heard a rumour out there that the Body Shop's Camomile make-up remover does the same job as Clarins and at half the price. I was, obviously, sold and went out straight away to purchase this needed item. I am pleased to announce that this boy does the trick. It is a dream to use. Simply shake to activate, squeeze a bit on a cotton pad, place over the eye for about 5 seconds and Voilà: all my eye make-up, yes my tough to remover waterproof eye make-up is gone!! Safe to say I have since removed the Clarins number from my wish list and replaced it with my replen of this. 

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Nails Inc Piccadilly Circus

Last night I was searching for the perfect shade for my nails. After a freeeezing few days I was getting into the Autumn mood. However, could I find any appropriate fall shade in my nail draw? Not at all. So off I went to my mums draw. Now, if you thought I was a nail varnish addict then you haven't met my mother. She counted her nail varnishes once. Eighty Four. Yes, that's right ladies and gents. Eighty Four. Enough said.

So, with that collection it is no surprise that I managed to find my desired shade. Say hello to Nails Inc Piccadilly Circus. This, in my opinion, is the perfect autumnal shade. Mullbery/damson-esque: it perfectly sets the tone.

Now all I need is to add it to my collection.

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What I wore on my face #3

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in shade 150 nude was the choice of base on Friday. I don't use foundation often but always select this as my luxury choice. It blends in really well, creating a better version of your skin look. It's a little thick so I don't lick to use too much but find its finish very satisfying!

Brows is undoubtedly Benefit's Brow Zing's in the set medium.

On my eyes I started off with Estee Lauder Pure Colour Stay on Shadow Paint in the shade cosmic: a beautiful cooper shade of medium brown with a hint of shimmer. I love to use a cream shade as my base on a night out as I find everything stays in place quiet nicely! Over this I then applied the dark brown shade from my Clarins limited edition palette. To enhance my creases I, carefully, applied Nars eyeshadown in Mekong. This is a VERY dark brown and always takes me time to apply as it can almost look black. Despite this I find it the perfect shade for creating a smokey dark look. All blended out with a trusty MAC 217 the shadow is complete! Next I used Bourjois Volumizer Mascara. An incredible drug store mascara that gives amazon volume, it really does what it says. With a quick flick from Barry M Blink Waterproof precision eyeliner and an underlining from Mac eye pencil in Coffe the job was done!

Nars blusher in Orgasm swooshed my cheeks whilst being accompanied by its partner, Nars Laguna Bronzer. The perfect duo.

Finally to finish the look my new Mac Lipstick in 'O' bought out the need to express the berry lip trend. And thus I was ready to go out and pardy with my friends.

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Birthday makeup haul

On Wednesday I turned the ever so sounding grown up age of twenty! As a makeup lover it was quite natural that I would just share with you what I received. Please note this is not in a show off way, its just an excuse to me to talk about all things new and show how well they photograph together!

Firstly my wonderful friend Chloe or Style Scout (please check out her blog as one day she will have an influence over what is published in Vogue) got me a lovely goodie bag from Liberty's which included...

Nars Blusher in Orgasm. Why I have never purchased this myself I will never know. It is the perfect, peach, pink just oooooh-wow shade. I love my Nars blusher in Deep Throat but now I realise why this is there best selling blusher. I know this will be the perfect pick me up in the cold days of Autumn.

Bobbie Brown Cream Shadow Stick was the second surprise. I have been a huge fan of the Clinique Chubby sticks but, ironically, have been disappointed by how chubby they actually are; making them difficult to apply completely and neatly over the lid. This Bobbie Brown number however has resolved my problem. With a smaller stick this has answered my problems. In the shade Golden Pink Chloe chose my favourite shade!

Then finally I had in the Bobbie Brown Face Touch Up Stick in shade sand. This is my saver throughout the day when I need the pick me up around the eyes and pesky blemishes.

I have the kindest and most generous friend in the world right? Love ya if you're reading this!!

My second best friend, my mother, then treated me to my final two items.

A MAC 217 brush. Perhaps the only makeup brush a girl ever needs. It applies, its blends, it smudges. It is the all-rounded tool for applying eyeshadow. After receiving a fake from ebay I needed the real thing in my life!

A few Christmas' ago my mum bought me a lovely tartan Mac set which included a limited edition lipstick. Great that there aren't many of these shades in the world but a bit of a bugger when you need to replenish you're favourite dark shade! So after much swatching in the MAC concession I finally found its replica in the shade 'Oh'. A beautiful deep set, bronzy, burgundy red which will be making an occasion more often on my lips now that I know I can repurchase!

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Blue Rules

I am a lover of the colour blue. A love which is perhaps most expressed by my room: blue bedsheets, blue walls, blue carpet... When it come to beauty I therefore also love to express it through my nails. It was only the other day when I realise I own eleven blue nail varnishes. Eleven. Indeed, I have every blue shade you could possibly think of. Yet I still have a need to buy more blues. I just love blue ok??

Today I decided to choose my 'top five' and hopefully you will see why. 

1. Chanel Blue Boy
This was a pricey number, but a special one I bought for my leavers ball. I wouldn't normal recommend Chanel as I find they chip straightaway. However, I have, somewhat, found a way to save this: an application of seche vite top coat.

2. Essie Button Lapiz of Luxury
I cannot find a better word to describe this colour than luxury. A beautiful deep set blue

3. Essie Bikini so Teeny
With a touch of sparkle this is one of my all time favourite nail varnishes. It is just the perfect blue.

4. Bourjois 1 seconde Nail Enamel in Blue
This really does apply in 1 second. You need no second coats. The wide brush makes it also very easy to apply.

5. Nails Inc Chelsea Psychic Gardens.
A dream baby blue. It needs a few top coats but I love wearing this when my nails are in good, long condition with lots of silver rings. My fingers seem to look quiet expensive...they like it!

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August Favourites

After a depressing moan about the dry and awful condition of my hair I decided to purchase L'oréal Ever Riche No Sulphates shampoo for Dry Fine Hair. For the price of this shampoo it should almost be described as miraculous! After one wash I couldn't get over how smooth and healthy my hair felt to touch and it's noticeable added shine. I thoroughly recommend this shampoo if you have currently fallen out with your un-manageable locks!

I love a good skin care regime and bought the Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask a while back now. However, throughout the month of August I made a conscious effort to use this one a week rather than every now and again. I have definitely noticed the difference: smaller pores, a clear glow and not to mention NO SPOTS throughout the month. NO SPOTS AT ALL. I mean it, hence capitals.

When YSL discontinued my favourite liquid eyeliner I have been searching the shelves for a similar dupe. What I so loved about this eyeliner was how thin the pen/brush was. If you're a eye-liner flick amateur like me then you'll know that a smaller brush is easier to create a flick. This month I discovered the Barry M Blink precision eyeliner. This is the first time I have bought something from Barry M and have been seriously impressed. It was easy to use and stayed on my eyes all day/evening; a big achievement when it comes to my non-stick eyelids!

August has been a pleasant summery month and to translate this summer hype I have been regularly using a highlighter. For this I have turned to MAC Mineralise skin finish in the shade Soft & Gentle. On first glance this product can look far too shimmery but applied to the cheek bones it creates a soft and natural shimmer that can cheat and make you look energetic and healthy!

Finally, I've been using my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush all summer to apply my cream blushers. I realise I hadn't given it enough hype and thought this would be the best opportunity to declare that this is the perfect brush to create the natural, apple of the cheeks blush!

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What I wore on my face #2

Last night I went out with some friends. Once again I opted for a classic Emily natural make-up selection but tweeked it slightly by trying to create more of a smokey look.

Face: Surprise, surprise Diorskin Nude BB Creme. My most recent favourite when it comes to wanting an all over colour, glow and healthy dew! For a bit of bronze I went for Nars Laguna Bronzer. Unfortunately I'm running low on this little number. When I think of a bronzer this really is the perfect, dreamed of bronzer. It sculpts, it tans, it glows and all without being too shimmery: it does what a bronzer should. Perfection. Applied with a MAC 163 brush I contour and bronze it up! On my cheeks I used Stila Covertible colour in Gerbera, a warm peachy-pink, followed by a bit of Mac Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle for a bit of cheeky highlight. 

Eyes: Firstly I used my go-to primer, Stay Don't Stray by Benefit and then applied Mac Woodwinked all over the lid. This is a warm gold colour which is brilliantly pigmented so you're colour actually shows and stays.  In the crease I then used a bit of Faint from my Urban Decay Naked Pallette to create a bit of shadow, followed by Nars Mekong, a very dark glittery brown, just to top the shadow I off. I then used a sample of Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme mascara which, as you can see, gives incredible length. With a bit of Rimmel scandal-eyes waterproof kohl in 012 bronze and BarryM Blink precision eyeliner I felt a natural smoke was achieved!

Lips: In highsight I perhaps should have chosen a red, but some reason chickened out last night. Instead I used Kate Moss for Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick in shade 101 with a touch of Revlon Colourburst Lipgloss in shade008 Peony to create a shimmery blend of pink.

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What I wore on my face

Last night I went on a little date out with one of my friends.  As you know how much I love talking about and reviewing products I thought I'd finally show you what it looks like when applied!

Although quiet simple and nothing too ultra glamorous I personally like a natural, glowing (yes, the overuse of that word again!) finish.

At the moment I am LOVING the new Dior BB creme. A luxury item at £30, however it certainly gives a high class finish. I'm not too keen on foundations and I'm a thorough believer of the no-spots-or-redness-then-you-don't-need-foundation- look. I find this BB creme is best applied with fingers so as to ensure correct blending and dewy finish..

I then used Bourjois Volumizer mascara, a product I immediately go to for length. It's two step wand allows you to create super volume, hence the volumizer with a Z title. Therefore 'hello-Big eyes' is always the effect. As for my un-feminie sweaty eyelids I use Benefit's stay don't stray primer with a sweep over the top from my favourite Clarin's palette of brown followed by a lining of Mac Coffee eye pencil. An essential for a subtle smokey hint. 

Being a lover of YSL's touche èclait for so long I was OVERJOYED when I found it's dupe. Rimmel wake me up concealer is AH-MAH-ZING!! Seriously girls, I would never, ever turn to a high end concealer again...I think! It definitely does the job of hiding those sneaky dark circles!

For my cheeks just a sweep of Clarin's bronzer to give a subtle healthy glow followed by a pinch of Stilla's cream blush in the colour Gerbera. 

Simple I know, but a subtle healthy look for Summer always goes a long way I believe. 

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July Favourites

July was an absolute scorcher! Hurray, we were finally able to celebrate summer. The perfect weather had, after what seemed like a wait of eternity, arrived in the England and one could top up the tan and chill with a British BBQ and pimms!
On the makeup front however, problems were soon to arise, such as 'aaaah, how is this stuff not going to melt off my face' scenario!

Therefore, the top of my list has to be Diorskin Nude BB Creme. Now I know some of us may all disregard the BB and CC nonsense but this really is a beautiful product. It provided me with a light coverage that was so needed in the hot weather, whilst also creating a healthy glow. I couldn't help but notice my skin in the mirror and, apologies, have a good old vain stare!

In the summer months I always tend to stay away from powder blushers and so I brought this product back up from the depths of my makeup bag! Bobbie Brown Sheer Colour Cheek tint in the shade sheer pink is the prettiest, cheeky pink that I can only describe as giving you the cute, little girl colour. Blended into the Dior it worked a treat on my skin!

To keep up the tan I purchased (after a Tanya Burr recommendation of course!) the  Clarins Bronzing Duo. This has been a wonderful number which has allowed me to finally put the Nars Laguna down. I have found the Clarins the perfect bronzer for a daytime look. Applied with a Mac 236 brush it has created shape and a lovely summer time glow!

On my nails I have been using Bourjois 1 second nail gel in the shade turquoise block. After the Vivianna Does make-up post I couldn't not say no. Easy to apply and a brilliant, vibrant colour. This shade has wonderfully enhanced my tanned hands!

For Lips I have returned back to my Revlon Colour burst lip butter's, particularly the shade Strawberry Shortcake. These lip butters give wonderful shine and colour and are not as heavy as lipsticks which I prefer for nights out or the winter!

Finally, my July scent has obviously had to be Esteé Lauder Bronze Goddess. I purchased this at the airport (duty free savings and all that!) and enjoyed a luxurious spray a day on holiday. It smells of all things holiday. It really is just summer in a bottle. I thoroughly recommend giving it a sniff next time you are near a concession!

Enjoy the sun while you can and let me know what your Summer Staples have been. I love a good beauty discussion!

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Hydraluron Rave

My rave throughout this post should be credited to the one and only Caroline Hirons: skin-specialist,  all knowing face expert, in my opinion skin goddess (check out her blog here). There is nothing about skin that this lady does not know!

So with my investment and growing knowledge for skin-care I had no alternative (sorry piggybank) in purchasing the Hydraluron Moisture Booster Serum. 

Caroline states that the majority of skin is dehydrated. Now don't shrug this off so soon! Can you personally claim to drink 8 pint glasses of water a day? If yes, then congratulations you fish-like human! However, for the majority of us busy ladies out dare, drinking the required daily water intake is a challenge. This is where the wonders of hydraluron serum step in.

Its a hydraronic acid-gel based formula. Indeed, I was slightly frightened by the word acid too, and have nightmare visions of my face burning off. However, this is DEFINITELY not one of the outcomes. The acid binds to the skin, therefore attracting double the amount of moisturiser, and ultimately resulting in more moisturised skin! Immediate hydration is therefore guaranteed. 

I have 100% noticed the difference with using this product. I have realised that without this stage my moisturiser was just sitting on the surface, rather than being absorbed. With this stage now added in, my skin looks immediately hydrated, and my makeup application has been far more successful, even resulting in a dewy, healthy finish which I have been desiring for far too long.

At only £25 from Boots this stage NEEDS to be in all ladies handbags. 

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February Favourites

How can it be March already?! 2013 is going far too quickly, though I'm sure I say that every year. My new busy uni/reading schedule has meant a recent rejection of my blog: I apologise. However, here I try and make amends and share with you my February faveourites...

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Stay on Shadow Paint in the colour Cosmic - This eyeshadow really does what it says on the tin. An excellent stay on shadow, and they definitely mean one that stays on. Praise the lord for those of us with oily eyelids! Although in the photo Cosmic looks very burgendy toned, when painted on it creates a lovely, dark, glittery-brown effect. I have been wearing this just by itself for a daytime natural look and then making it more smokey in the evening with the addition of a darker brown such as Nars Mekong.

Soap and Glory Scrub Your Nose In it Exfoliator - I came across this product after a Sunday Girl recommendation. I don't have a particularly oily T-zone (which the product says it helps) as so was slightly apprehensive that it might be too strong and making me come out in blemishes! However, this product really is worth a GLORY award!! For £8 it is fantastic. I have been a user of the Clarins exfoliator for a while now, and believe this does the exact same job if not better! It works really well; deep cleaning and helping to refine those pesky pores!

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara - We know I love this (see why here) I'd be lost without this one!

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair - When I had my Estee Lauder haul I was given a few samples to try out. At the time I had quite a few cheeky blemishes on my face and they advised me to use this serum. Despite it's worldwide beauty hype I have never wanted to bring a serum into my skin care regime. I have constantly believed that they are unnecessary and would clog up my pores resulting in more blemishes. However, I was wrong. Indeed I have been far too stubborn. This serum has worked wonders. Not only have my blemishes disappeared but my whole complexion has dramatically improved. The only unfortunate outcome now is I need to save up to by the proper sized bottle..

Illasmasqua Speckle Nail Varnish - My last post saw my hype about this polish. Since then and the wider recognition of this uber-cool polishes ASOS have now sold out the collection. If you are lucky enough to find one of these varnish's please do. Your daily compliments will be never ending!

Nars blusher in Deep Throat - During the colder months I like to stay off the bronzer and up the blusher. Deep throat has been able to substitue my bronzer addiction. It is a lovely pink/coral tone with a slight hint of shimmer. This blusher definitely provides you with a daily pick me!

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Illamasqua Speckle

Illamasqua's new S/S 13 range has taken off with a bang. The collection takes its inspiration from our imperfections, and thus campaigns to stand up to these self conscious features: our imperfections should infact be our most beautiful and unique qualities.

There is not one beauty blogger that hasn't hyped over these beautiful speckled beauties and I now add to the the rave!

These limited edition polishes come in five pastel shades, Scarce, Mottle, Speckle and Freckle and are inspired by the imperfection of freckles, or some say the irregular markings of birds eggs. Ironically  these nail varnishes do in fact remind me of mini eggs, not only for their aesthetics but for their delicious quality!

I have been trying out the colour Speckle (as seen in the photos) and have fallen instantly in love. It's pale, blue lavender tones have become my new outfit accessory. It is so unique from any nail varnish I have seen before. It is great for that every day extra sass: not too over the top yet not too subtle! Worn under my Seche Vite topcoat (click here for my review) they have so far gone nearly five days without chipping: very promising!

I am new to the world of Illamasqua nail polishes but have to truthfully admit that I am very impressed by the quality. It has an easy brush for application and a quick drying speed, which is definitely a bonus. Now the only negative is that I need to order the rest of the collection...

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January Favourites

Bare Minerals Original Foundation - I am not a huge lover of foundation but over January I fell in love with this raved about product. It sits really well on the skin, and being a of a mineral consistency it had a lovely lightweight coverage. Moreover, with spf 15 this product also acts as a moisturiser. This foundation is perfect if you are looking for a light, natural coverage.

Clarins Ombre Minerale 4 Couleurs Palette in Odyssey - I was treated to this bad boy palette for Christmas, and it really has lived up to my excited expectations. This palette was part of Clarins' Christmas collection and (unsurprisingly) sold out instantly! Being a lover of natural eyeshadows these colours create the perfect day time and night time smokey look! They are beautifully pigmented and of corse the packaging makes me feel like Im unwrapping a present every time I use it. 

Ojon Rub Out Dry Cleansing Spray - I have a love hate relationship with one. Its a fantastic product in that it does what it says on the tin. It really is a FAB dry shampoo - it instantly cleans your hair and does not leave the overwhelming white remaints. However, the smell is really not to my liking. It describes its smell as 'Soap Bark Tree', and this really is not my thing. Yet, please don't be disheartened. This product does its job, and in my opinion, is better than Batise dry shampoo.

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter - I think we can all admit that the Body Shop have had a rocky road with marketing over the past few years. I was given this product in my complimentary bag at the Company Magazine event and I really have fallen in love with it. It gives AMAZING moisturisation and lasts all day. It has made me remember why we used to love the Body Shop butters in the first place! 

Benefit Brow Zings - Im sure I mentioned about this product in my favourite products of 2012 post...I cant remember. If so, I am emphasising my brow love. In my process of trying to grow Delevigne brows (don't mock me now) this has helped create that look. More importantly, it has helped to recreate this look NATURALLY. It does not create a drawn in with permanent marker look but creates a natural finish. With a how-to-guide this is, in my opinion, the best brow product out there!

Dior Blush in Sugar & Spice - I have had this product in my makeup draw for a while now, but fell in love with it again over January. In the winter months I don't particularly like a light, coral colour for my pale tones. This Dior blush however created the perfect balance between giving me a bronze and plum look; giving my face the warm lift my complexion so needed from the cold!

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Revlon Grow Luscious mascara Review

Have you ever stumbled across a product and thought 'Wow, it really does what it says on the tin?' For me, this was my response to Revlon's Grow Luscious Plumping mascara. Seriously, it really is rather 'lushful'!

I came across this product after running out of my Clinique High Impact Mascara (tragic times for my student purse) and felt like I should give this a go. And, I'll admit I was surprised to say it achieves the same, if not more than Clinique! I have been using this mascara for about two months and have definitely noticed a difference in the length of my eyelashes. I would have done a before and after if I had known how miraculous the growth would be.

Moreover, it seperates, defines and most importantly does not leave clumps. As soon as I apply this mascara I notice that my eyes dramatically look more big and awake. As you can see I really cannot rave about this mascara enough. For the price (£9.99) it really is a genius in a tube! Click here to read more and maybe even purchase!

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New Year, New Skin!

We may welcome in the New Year with celebration but without a doubt it can be a time of blues. We feel fat, unhealthy, spotty....You know what I'm talking about. But it's a great opportunity for CHANGE. If you are like me then every January will be time for Pre-Spring organising; sorting out my wardrobe, makeup and health. Basically getting 'clean', however weird that may sound...!
So with the popularity of my origins post I decided to share my top skin tips for 2013. Recommending products that will help you say welcome along a clean, healthy, pore-free, radiant face!

Skin Routine

So...
My first tip is make sure you scrub that dirt off. The most common problem with unclear skin is that people don't know how to clean! Im sorry but just using soap and water really isn't going to do the trick! Now if you haven't heard about the hype of Liz Earle Cleanse and polish, my number 1, then where have you been?! This product really cleanses your skin. With the use of hot water and the action from the Muslin Cloth (which comes with the cleanser) it really works to unclog your pores and get rid of the dirt!

After a good cleanse you then need to use a toner. I like to use Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner. This helps to balance your skin's phd level. You don't really need to know the science behind this, but it basically helps to reduce the size of your pores and ensure your skin has been removed of daily impurities.

Then you want to MOISTURISE. This is such an important thing. You may not bother, but you really will have to suffer later in life. Everyday our face has to suffer from impurities within the air. It faces factors such as pollution/cold weather/poor diet/stress which remove moisture from the skin. Moisturising twice a day helps to repair and protect. It boost collagen levels, protects from spf and basically just makes your skin feel lovely ok?! Please just moisturise guys!!

A weekly step which we probably most forget is exfoliation. This will help to get rid of the build up of dead skin cells and overall helps your skin to feel fresh and renewed. I like to use this one from Clarins.
This step is also similar to using a mask. When your skin is feeling dry, tight or you're suffering from a black head break out then just relax and put on a mask! One such as this Origins one will help to revive a bright complexion and hydrate the skin.

My last tip is a solver after nights out: a face full of makeup that we simply cant be bothered to take off. I know the feeling! My ultimate product for this is no other than Witch Hazel foaming cleanser (just £3.99 I might add) or Clarins' Milk cleanser. In just one quick flash they quickly remove everything...and I mean everything! So there really is no excuse to go to bed with a full face of makeup that will just clog your skin up and lead to blocked pores and spots!

All of these steps/products really can't be recommended enough and I promise will help towards clearer skin.
HOWEVER....
If you really do want to have extra-beautiful skin then you need to remember...
1. You are what you eat. Im sorry to be blunt. But what you put in will reflect on your face. If you like to eat chocolate and sweets then the amount of saturates and refined sugar WILL eventually lead to horrible skin. Sorry, but its the truth girls!
2. Water, water, water.
Water helps to flush out toxins of the body, resulting in a brighter complexions and hydrated skin.
3.Green/herbal tea.
Studies have proven that it helps hydration levels thus resulting in a gloooowing complexion.
4. Don't use makeup wipes to clean your skin. Want to know why? Then read here

I hope you find that useful. If you have any 'holy grail' products that help you achieve clear skin, then I would be delighted if you leave me a comment!

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Favourite products of 2012

 I know we have a few days of 2012 left to go, but with exams looming I wanted to write this before I was overwhelmed by pre-exam stress! As my friends know I am cosmetic obsessed. I could talk about makeup and beauty related products for hours, so it is no surprise that the majority of the post is makeup related!

So in no order I will start off with Real Techniques brushes. I only own two myself but they really are well worth the beauty-blogging hype! Whether you believe it or not, whatever branded product you have, you will only achieve an effect and long-lasting look by the application from the right tools! These brushes not only provide that excellent application, but are affordable!
I know my friends and I will preach that the 'stippling' and 'buffing' brush are essential if you are trying to achieve a flawless foundation look.


Next is my Nars Laguna bronzer...

Nars Bronzer in shade 'Laguna' 

This really is a one-pan wonder! On first glance it looks quite shimmery and orangey, but if you are looking for a natural, healthy glow then look no further than this bronzer. It's a classic that a makeup bag CANNOT be without. It is no surprise that it's Nars' best selling product. For £25 I promise this is not a regretful purchase.

Mac Cremeblend Blush 'Something Special' £17.50

Now yes I know you will be thinking how awful this product looks. Unfortunately the brush I use for likes to leave its bristles behind! However, this is normally the beautiful cream blush in 'Something Special' by MAC. I believe that it is essential to NOT slap your face in foundation every day if you want clean, blemish free skin. If you are still looking for a nice colour on your cheeks then make sure you use a cream blush. For me, my go to product will always be this! Although it looks quite dark, indeed when I received this I though what the hell have I ordered, but once applied on to the skin it creates a lovely natural pink colour.

Mac eyeshadow in 'Woodwinked' £14

My next favourite product (another MAC) is their eyeshadow in the shade 'Woodwinked'. A brilliantly, pigmented colour, it really is gold in a tin! This shadow blends really well and so it works well as just one shade for a day time event, or blended into a darker brown for a smouldering smokey eye evening look!

Then we have the Marrakesh High Tide Conditioner. When the Morrocan oil hype came about, my student budget would unfortunately not stretch. When researching for an alternative I eventually decided to try this. If you have long hair, enjoy heated styling and thus suffer from dry hair then this really should be your go-to conditioner. It smells wonderful and its thick consistency really gets to work on those slip ends, resulting in a shiny, healthy hair look...what better result could you want?!

Apologies again for another MAC product, but here is their eyeliner in coffe.

Mac Eye pencil in Coffe £13.50

 I have always had quite pale skin and have come to the decision that black eyeliner just doesn't suit me. It is far too dark and I end up looking ill or gothic...both of which are not looks I'm trying to achieve. So for me I will NEVER look no further than coffe. A pencil which achieves a dark-brown shadow and is just (without sounding big-headed) perfect!

Here we have the Yves Saint Laurent .Now I'm sure there are other products that achieve exactly the same effect for half the price. But if you are like me and love slick packaging and want to feel like Bardot and Hepburn when applying your eyeliner then this is the product! This was the first liquid eyeliner I bought. I remember being so nervous when trying to create the famous flick, but this product seems to make it so easy! The liquid is not heavily black like maybelline and it is not fidley like a pot gel liner.

Finally, though (apologies) my photo doesn't show it clearly, is the Benefit brow zing kit. For 2012 Cara Delveigne took the modelling world by storm. Who hasn't fallen in love with her and her beautiful eyebrows?! Now I have never been one for colouring in my brows and I cannot stand seeing someone who has coloured them in so much that they achieve a sharpie-like style! No, if you are looking for a natural way to just make your eyebrows look thicker then this clever kit will help you achieve that. One side is a power to help you colour in, the other a wax to help you set. With brush and guide provided you will not be having an eyebrow disaster!

Now I know that was a long post but I love recommending products, and these really have become my every-day makeup bag essentials! I promise you they are worth the hype. I would love to know what have been your 2012 loves so as to discover some hidden gems!!

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