October Favourites

Welcome to another Monthly Favourites. Where has the month gone? It's feels like I was writing September Favourites yesterday. This month my skin has been having a lot of hormonal changes and I've been focused a lot on sorting that out so there are definitely more skincare favourites than any others.

When it comes to cleansing this month there have been two products I've really enjoyed. The first is the new Loreal Micellar Water. It's more of a purified water than a cleansing water and thoroughly removes all signs of make up, dirt and grime. And the best bit is that it hasn't caused any adverse reactions and actually makes my skin feel better after every use. I like to use this on days when I'm not wearing any make up before going in with the rest of my skincare routine. It leaves my skin feeling clean and soft without feeling dry or tight. A full review can be found here.

The other cleansing product I've been loving this month is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser. It's a water gel based cleanser that foams when it touches the skin but doesn't irritate or break skin out. It contains Hyaluronic Acid so it gives a moisture boost whilst cleansing skin. Two pumps is enough to get a good lather and it washes away easily with a warm flannel or muslin cloth. A full review will be coming soon so keep your eyes peeled for that.

For moisturiser this month I've been really loving this Garnier Moisture Bomb Moisturiser. It contains Hyaluronic Acid and Pomergranate Extract which gives skin the best kind of moisture boost. It's a runny cream like formula that sinks effortlessly into the skin and gives skin an instant boost. After every use my skin feels smooth, hydrated and plump. The night gel didn't work that well for me but the day cream is killing it at the moment.

For base products this month there has only been one I've been loving. It's the Dior Star Foundation. Now I only have a sample size of this but it's gone a very long way. It's a light to medium finish base that covers everything from blemishes to redness and still looks skinlike. It blends out flawless with a brush or a damp beauty blender and doesn't break up on the skin like some foundations can do. It comes with a hefty price tag which is the only thing putting me off of it but I think the results and how it looks on my skin is worth it.

And my last favourite for the month is a rediscovery for me. Benefit's Roller Lash was a firm favourite of mine when it was first released but then I moved on to other mascaras. It has a thin curved brush that gives lashes an astounding amount of volume and definition without looking clumpy or overdone. It holds a curl all day long and isn't hard to remove. I'll definitely be picking up a bigger version of this when I run out.

Halloween Week: Halloween GRWM

Welcome back to Halloween Week! It's only a couple of days away now and everyone is planning their outfits and make up looks for their various parties or what not. I however am not, I will be working on Halloween so no trick or treating for me. That's not going to stop me enjoying Halloween though so today I thought I would talk you through the look I plan on wearing to work on Monday.

After my skincare routine I go in with my Barry M Hydro Fix Primer Water. This adds a really nice moisture boost before foundation. Then I pop a little bit of the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer down the centre of my face. This helps keep my foundation in place as it usually disappears from there first. It also helps with my pores and means my foundation doesn't sink into any enlarged pores I may have.

Then it's on to foundation. My favourite at the moment is the Dior Star Foundation. I only have a sample but it's a very generous sample that just keeps giving. I dot this all over my face and then go in with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush. I love the coverage this foundation gives, whilst still looking natural and skin like. This covers even the worst of my redness and any blemishes that decide to pop up.

Moving onto concealer and I've fallen back in love with my Maybelline The Eraser Eye. It blends seamlessly in with my foundation, covers my dark circles and doesn't crease or fade. A damp beauty bops this into place flawlessly and leaves the under eye area looking brighter and more awake. Then I pop a bit of the Collection Lasting Perfection over any redness that the foundation hasn't covered and as a bit of highlight under the eyes. I go in again with the damp beauty blender to blend that all in.

Once my concealer is done I like to set everything in place. I take the Real Techniques Setting Brush and my Collection Pressed Powder to set under my eyes. I like how well this powder sets everything into place without making it cakey or dry, especially under the eyes. For all over my face I take the same powder and my large fluffy B Powder Brush and brush it down the centre of my face and along the edges.

Mascara Time! And recently I've been loving Benefit's Roller Lash. It has a curved brush that fits well to the contour of the eye and one sweep of the wand gives mega volume and definition. Usually I need to use Benefit's Tinted Lash Primer to give my lashes that wow factor but with this mascara all I need is my eye lash curlers and a couple of layers of Roller Lash.

Finally onto lips and as it's Halloween let's get out of our comfort zone. Sure it's not that out of my comfort zone but it's something that I wouldn't dream of wearing any other time of the year. I start of with the PS Love Lip Liner in Hot Gossip. It's a vibrant purple shade that glides beautifully along the lips and makes lining lips a dream. Then I fill in the rest of my lips with the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Shameless. It's such a vibrant purple I don't think I could pull it off any other day than Halloween.

As I'm working I have to pair this look with an all black ensemble which just makes this look pop. I'd pair it with my cat ears if I could find them but alas I'm without them. Keep an eye on my instagram on Monday for a shot of this look more than likely sans cat ears.

Top 5 Halloween Songs

Welcome back to Halloween Week! As today is Friday and the start of the weekend I only thought it fitting to share a few Halloween based songs for any upcoming parties you may have.

Let's start with the most obvious song. Thriller by Michael Jackson is probably the most overplayed song during the buildup to Halloween but it's also one of the most fitting songs to date. And if you say you have never tried to recreate the dance with your mates then I will not believe you. Everyone has tried to do the dance routine one time or another. There may even be some of you brushing up your moves ready for you upcoming parties and with that I wish you good luck.

Another overplayed song is Time Warp, most popularly known from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. And it's another song that everyone has danced to at least once. Don't worry I'm not judging you on those dance moves, I've pulled a few of them myself in the past. I may even break a few out this weekend.

One song that doesn't have a distnct dance routine but does have a memorable sound is Monster Mash. It's like the holy grail of Halloween songs and if you don't know this song then you have never enjoyed Halloween fully. It's cheesy, it's fun and it's a fitting song for any Halloween Parties.

And finally we're onto my personal favourite. It's not one of the most well known or played Halloween songs but if you grew up on A Nightmare Before Christmas like I did then this is an integral part of any Halloween. Not only is this ridiculously catchy but it also perfectly describes Halloween in under four minutes. One that'll stay in your head for ages afterwards and will create a brilliant atmosphere.

Halloween Decor Ideas

Welcome Back to Halloween Week! As it's getting closer to Halloween and you may be thinking of decorating for upcoming parties I thought I'd share a few things I like to make my house look and feel ready for Halloween.

If you're not big on going all out on decorating your house for Halloween but want a little something to commemorate the holiday then window gels are the way to go. Fun, easy to do and a great way to get kids involved in as well. I got mine from local Poundlands and love the cute designs. These have filled up my window amazingly and are pretty eye catching as you walk past/leave the house. The skeleton's on the end have a little extra va va voom as they glow in the dark so as the day nears it end, they shine brighter on the window. Easy to apply, don't damage the window and a lot of fun, window gels are probably my favourite Halloween decoration.

If you're a parent and your kids want to decorate their room then the best way to go is string lights. They can be strung up anywhere, are battery operated and won't cause any harm. I picked up these uber cute pumpkins from my local Poundland where you can find a multitude of designs. I strung these over the canvases that over look my bed. There was just enough wire to make a nice dip in the middle but if your pictures are closer together you'll probably get it across both. These add a nice soft glow to a room as you relax and enjoy your favourite Halloween movie.

Another cute set of light I picked up is these uber cute ghost lights. They've been hung along my bookcase to give it a little oomph. They have the cutest expressions on their faces and give a quirky update to any room. These are also battery operated so they're easy for kids to turn on and off and won't cost the earth in electricity bills.

Tinsel! Now you may only think that tinsel is acceptable for Christmas but this Halloween tinsel is adorable and a great addition to an otherwise plain looking shelf or bookcase. These were only a £1 from Wilko's and easily fits an average sized shelf. As you can see I weaved it through my Marvel figurines to give it a different look instead of just draping it in front of them. The top shelf has silver skulls popping out at random intervals and the purple tinsel has black bats sitting randomly throughout it.

These solar powered dancing figurines are brilliant little additions to any room. They dance brilliantly when the suns out and make a nice decoration when it disappears. I have tons of these in my house for both Halloween and Christmas but this little guy is my ultimate favourite. He's wearing a bow tie so how can you not love him. These are inexpensive, self powering and uber adorable, perfect for kids rooms.

So that's it for my decor ideas. I hope these have helped you with any upcoming Halloween celebrations. I'll see you tomorrow for Halloween Week Day Five.

Top 5 Halloween Films For Grown Ups

Welcome back to Halloween Week! So far this week I've talked you through some cute Halloween Baking Ideas and My Top 5 Halloween Kids Films. And today I'll be talking you through my Top 5 Halloween Films that definitely not suitable for younger viewers.

Practical Magic is one of my all time favourite films but I always find myself watching it more on the build up to Halloween then any other time of the year. Whilst it's not the scariest of films out there it does have it's own feel about it that makes it a perfect movie for Halloween. Starring a young Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman this film will not only tick the appropriate boxes for the holiday but also has a lovely feeling of girl power and sees a lot of women supporting women. Definitely a good film to watch with your closest girlfriends.

Another brilliant movie to watch with your lady friends is The Craft. A bit more spooky than Practical Magic this movie is about the darker side of magic and what happens when it's abused. Starring Neve Campbell this will have everyone on the edge of their seats as it reaches it's dramatic finale.

Moving slightly to a creepier movie, it's time to delve into the wondorous mind of Tim Burton. Sleepy Hollow is a reimagining of the tale of the headless horseman. It stars Johnny Depp and Christian Ricci and has a creepier, darker undertone to it. It's not the same sort of scary as films like Saw or the Conjuring but it still has that edge that'll make you unexpectedly jump.

Another brilliant film from Tim Burton is Beetlejuice. It's not a jump out your seat horror film but still has a creepiness to it that makes it brilliant to watch at Halloween. Micheal Keaton is brilliant as Beetlejuice himself and his witty sarcastic manner will manage a few laughs. Plus the iconic dining room scene will bring smiles to everyone's face.

Finally it's onto the scariest movie on the list and whilst it's still a good ten years old it still provides a brilliant fright for viewers. Starring a whole host of well known faces, Scream is the film that spawned a thousand similar films. If you haven't seen this but have heard of the recent TV series then I suggest giving that a miss and finding this on netflix. It'll definitely give you a jump or two.

Top 5 Halloween Films For Kids

Welcome back to Halloween Week! Today's post is for all of us big kids out there and those horror films haters. Every year I pull out a select few films and watch them on repeat until Halloween comes. And the majority of them just happen to be kids films. So today I thought I'd share with you my Top 5 Halloween Kids Films.

Every year since I was probably about 4 The Nightmare Before Christmas has been a firm favourite of mine. It comes out at Halloween, at Christmas and anytime I need a little pick me up. This comes from the brilliant mind of Tim Burton and whilst it's got that gothic style and creepy characters, it's not too scary for younger children. Plus it has a brilliant soundtrack that'll get stuck in your head for hours, even days after you've watched it.

Up next is another yearly favourite that I happily pull out every October 1st. Hocus Pocus is a firm family favourite that'll yet again be entertaining for all ages. Starring Bette Midler and a very young Sarah Jessica Parker this film has a little bit of something for everyone. Laughs all round and a perfect mood setter for the upcoming holiday, Hocus Pocus is probably going to be my most watched film this year.

This next film is a little harder to come by but can always be found on iTunes. Halloweentown is more of a older child's film but won't scare any younger viewers if they happen to watch it. An old school favourite that'll still entertain kids these days, Halloweentown also has several sequels that'll keep everyone occupied and entertained for hours. Definitely my favourite throwback movie.

The Addams Family is another family classic that I've watched time and time again. Not creepy, full of laughs and suitable for the whole family. It's catchy theme song will be stuck in your head for a long time after you've watched this. Another film that comes with sequels so are perfect for a movie marathon. Another brilliant throwback movie.

Paranorman isn't your normal Halloween movie but considering it's narrative is based on zombies returning then it fits in well with the holiday. It looks a lot like it would come from Tim Burton with it's stop motion animation but alas it's not. There are a fair few laughs, loveable characters but some scenes may be too creepy so may just be best for older children.

Halloween Baking Ideas

Welcome Halloween Week. From now until Halloween I'll be posting everyday with everything from Halloween GRWM, Decor Ideas and Film Favourites. Today I'm starting with some Baking Ideas. Full recipes of each of these can be found on pinterest.

These Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats are beyond adorable. They'd make a great treat for parties and will get everyone talking. Plus from reading the recipes they'll be easy and fun to make, a perfect treat to make with the kids. I'll definitely be making these before Halloween has passed. You can find the recipe here.

These melting ghost brownies from Betty Crocker are another fun and easy recipe to make. This is a packet mix recipe but if you prefer to make things from scratch then brownies are quite easy to make. If you're having a Halloween party or get together then these will definitely add a little something else to dessert. You can find the full recipe here.

Cake pops are a brilliant treat to give kids (and adults) at Halloween. And these adorable little ghosts from Bakerella are almost too cute to eat. These are a little bit more difficult to make but under a watchful eye I'm sure kid (and again adults) would enjoy making these. The full recipe can be found here.

For a more savoury snack try these Mummy Pretzel Sticks. The white chocolate and the salt will make an interesting combination. Plus these are quick and easy so if you've forgotten to create something spook worthy these won't keep you in the kitchen all day. And if the idea of pretzels and chocolate doesn't sit right with you, try Chocolate fingers. They'll give you the same look but with the weird sweet/savoury combo. A full recipe can be found here.

And finally another brilliant recipe for kids or us adults. Gingerbread skeletons are brilliant as a bit of fun amongst friends or as a an afternoon for kids. If you don't know how to make gingerbread men then buying these in the shop is more than okay. Piping Icing is pretty easy to come by in most supermarkets or craft shops, but if you're feeling creative you can make your own. The full recipe can be found here.

Full picture credit goes to the original owners. All recipes and pictures were found on Pinterest.

Review: Loreal Micellar Water

When it comes to micellar waters I've only ever been able to use the Simple Micellar Water. I've tried everything from Garnier to Bioderma and they've done nothing but irritate my skin. So when Loreal released their new version of their Micellar Water I was wary of trying it but curious. And clearly my curiosity got the better of me.

This is a brilliant micellar water. It's advertised as a purified water that gently cleanses and removes make up, including stubborn eye make up. And boy does it cleanse. Whether used on make up or bare skin this will deep cleanse skin and remove any signs of dirt or grime. I like to use this at the end of the night, especially when I'm not wearing make up. It's fascinating in a grim way to see the results on the cotton pad.

Because this doesn't contain as many ingredients/chemicals as other micellar waters so it's more suited to people who's skin is a little more sensitive to products. This means that people with sensitive skin can use this and not worry about having any adverse reactions. I usually break out after the second use but I've been using this for a couple of weeks now and there's been no reactions.

If for any reason they discontinued my favourite Clean And Clear Cleanser then this would easily take it's place. It's just as good at removing any dirt from my face and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or stripped of moisture. If you've had trouble finding a good micellar water I definitely recommend picking this up when you're in your local Boots or Superdrug next.

Top 5 Products From Garnier

When it comes to brands I'm not a one brand does all person. I have a whole range of brands that I love and whilst they're mismatched, they work for me. However when it comes to one particular brand I find myself buying more and more products from them. That brand is Garnier and today I'm sharing with you my Top 5 Products from them.

Ultimate Blends Restoring Body Lotion: When it comes to body lotions this is one of the best on the high street. This is aimed at dry skin and it's thick but not greasy and actually eases any dry skin issues. It applies evenly and doesn't make everything sticky. Not only does it moisturise the skin it also soothes skin and smoothes away any dry patches. It comes in a pump bottle which makes it a lot easier to apply and you don't have to worry about spilling it on the floor or the bed. A full review can be found here.

Ultimate Blends The Sleek Restorer Hair Mask: When it comes to hair masks there has never been one that works as well as this one has. It contains a mixture of cocoa butter and coconut oil that helps to smooth away frizz and flyaways. Slathered from mid lengths to ends and left on for five to ten minutes this washes away to give hair a smooth, sleek finish. When it comes to styling frizz prone hair this will become your best friend. Because it smooths hair to sleek finish means it's easier to style and there won't be a ton of flyaway hairs trying to escape. A full review can be found here.

Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask: This is the latest release from Garnier and they've totally put every other brand to shame right now. Sheet Masks are a big thing at the moment and most budget brands have either no sheet mask to their name or really bad sheet masks. This mask is infused with hyaluronic acid and pomegranate and promises to provide a week's worth of hydration in one thirty minute wear. And boy does it work. After one use my skin felt smoother, softer and definitely well hydrated. It didn't cause any problems for me with occasionally sensitive skin and my friends with oily skintypes have said it works well for them as well. And the best bit about it. It doesn't break the bank. At £1.50 full price you can't go wrong. A full review can be found here.

Miracle Wake Me Up Cream: One of my favourite products from Garnier comes from their Miracle Cream Range. Their Wake Me Up Cream is one of the most unique day moisturisers I've ever tried. Enriched with rice proteins, soya extract and a skin loving complex that awakens skin, this not only alleviates any signs of tiredness but also softens, soothes and helps combat signs of ageing. A little bit too thick to be worn under make up, this is the perfect cream to slather on, on no make up days or even after you've taken your make up off. A full review of it can be found here.

Miracle Sleeping Cream: This is my all time favourite product from Garnier. I've gone through pointless pots of this and will definitely go through more in the future. This is a very thick, nourishing cream that works overnight to help combat signs of fatigue and ageing. It softens skin and smooths away any fine lines, even helping diminish signs of dark circles and redness. It's perfect for putting on before an early start or at the end of a late night. The results are that astounding that I've recommended to several of my friends and they all love it. A full review can be found here.

Review: Maybelline Brow Drama Pomade

For months I've been looking for the perfect brow product. The pencils I've tried have either been too hard, too scratchy or too powdery and easy to transfer. That's until I tried the Maybelline Brow Drama Pomade. And ever since I haven't used another brow product.

I don't fill my brows in a lot; having them tinted every six weeks helps with that, but when I do I find myself automatically reaching for this crayon. It's soft but not too soft, it's pigmented but not that pigmented you have a really heavy looking brow and it doesn't scratch or drag against the skin/brow. It can produce very light strokes or darker, more prominent strokes but either way you can't go over the top with this product. It creates both definition and natural looking shading to the brow without making it too obvious that you've filled in your brows.

Because of it's soft consistency any mistakes you make or overdrawing can easily be wiped away. And it won't affect the rest of your make up either. It will look like it was never there and you can go in and carry on with the rest of your brow. Now some may think that it's soft consistency means that it would transfer easily or run when it rains but no. It does not budge until you put a cleanser or eye make up remover over it. Then it disappears as easily as it applied.

If you're someone who doesn't like spending too much on brow products because you don't feel the need to fill them in but sometimes need a little something extra then this is right up your street. It doesn't cost the earth, is easy to use and will make your brows look that bit more perfected without making it look obvious that you've filled them in.