What I Got For Christmas

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and that you are loads of good food, had quality time with family and got spoilt rotten. Today I thought I'd share with you what I was beyond lucky to recieve for Christmas. This is no way me bragging or showing off, I just love hearing what other people got for Christmas and thought that there may be some of you out there that would like to know what I got.

Civil War 2017 Calender
I'm a massive Marvel fan so when I saw this calender it automatically went of my Christmas list. I wasn't sure if I was getting it as my list was only rough ideas/suggestions but I was really happy when I opened this. There's something about changing a calender over every month that feels so organised and personally put together. This is definitely going to hang in my nerd corner with pride.

Pop! Marvel Collage Puzzle
Whilst we're talking Marvel and the somewhat non beauty related things I got this puzzle. I have quite a few of the POP! Marvel Figurines (again nerd corner) and when I saw this it just had to go on my list. This is going to be something for me to do when I'm at home trying to save some money instead of spending it on make up and skincare. I also really like the fact that it has quite a few female characters in it, something that is rare with Marvel merchandise.

Underworld Quadrilogy
I'm a sucker for big boxsets that I can binge watch in one go. And one I've been dying to get my hands on for a while is the Underworld Quadrilogy. This has the first four films in it and is the perfect binge watch in time for the new Underworld film coming out next month. Plus Kate Beckinsale looks like a total babe in all of them.

Little Mix Glory Days
I went old school when I added this to my list. Yes it's a physical CD, yes I know that I could have downloaded it but my mum needed another present idea and I thought this was a good one. Glory Day's is probably one of the best albums of 2016 for me and I can't say I've enjoyed an album this much since Carrie Underwood's Storyteller album. Power, Down and Dirty and Touch are just some of the brilliant girl power songs on here and are catchy enough that soon enough you'll be singing at the top of your lungs.

Yankee Candle Midsummer's Night Reed Diffuser
This came from my nan. I'm not the best with candles so she got me the next best thing. I love me a room diffuser, they always leave my room smelling divine no matter what time of the day. At the moment I have a Cinnamon one spreading Christmas Cheer throughout my bedroom but once it's gone I'm definitey going to be using this.

Christina Aguilera EDP 
This is such a throwback for me but it's still so good. I couldn't decide on a perfume I wanted this year until I stumbled across this in Debenhams. There's just something about this scent, no matter how corny, how old school it is that just pleases me greatly. This is the original fragrance and is perfect for wearing any time of the day.

Christina Aguilera By Night EDP
Aswell as the original scent I also recieved the deeper muskier By Night scent. This is perfect for evenings/nights out. These scents last ages on the skin and a little goes a long way. Definitely old school but brilliant all the same.

Stila Naturally Nude Liquid Lipstick Trio 
Last year I recieved the bold liquid lipstick trio from Stila and loved it so when I saw their nude trio this year I just had to add it to my list. It comes with their best selling shade Patina along with two nude limited edition shades. I haven't tried these yet but if they're anything like the last trio I know I'm going to love them.

Sleek Say The Magic Word Liquid Lipstick Set
Another liquid lipstick set I asked for and was lucky to recieve came from Sleek. I haven't tried any of their liquid lipsticks before so this set is perfect for giving them a go. There are four shades in here and whilst I haven't tried them I don't think there is a shade I'm not going to like.

Liz Earle Winter Glow Gift
I've really gotten into my Liz Earle skincare this year so when I saw these sets in Boots they just had to go on the list. This one is the Winter Glow set and has a trial size of their Radiance Boosting Mask inside. I like that this are small enough to be able to test but not that small they're not worth the money. If they're anything like the other Liz Earle skincare I've tried I'm sure I'm going to love them.

Liz Earle Winter Nourishment Set
Along with the Winter Glow Gift I recieved the Winter Nourishment Gift. This is the same premise as the one above except this has a hydrating/nourishing mask inside. My lovely nan brought these for me even though she got confused at what she was looking for.

Pixi Best Of Bright Set
This came from my best friend Lee-Ann. She knows how much I like skincare so surprised me with this Pixi set. It's funny I'd only looked at it myself a couple weeks before but hadn't brought it. Inside you get a tube of Glow Mud Cleanser, a bottle of Glow Tonic and a tube of the Glow Mud Mask. I already love Glow Tonic but think this is a fantastic way to try out a couple more skincare products I've had my eye on.

Rosie For Autograph EDP Coffret Set
Also from Lee-Ann I recieved this Rosie For Autograph set. She knows how much I love Rosie H-W and her range with M&S so thought she'd treat me to this. Inside I got a 30ml bottle of the original edp, a candle and a 100ml body lotion both in the same original rose scent. I'm saving this until I've used up my exsisting bottle of EDP and then I'll crack this open.

And the last present I recieved was from my best friend, my sister from another mister Jasmin. And boy did she spoil me. I've been dying for a bottle of Gucci Bamboo since it came out but because it was too pricey I didn't buy one myself and didn't like asking for one. This year I did ask though and was told no because it was too expensive until I opened Jasmin's present and was shocked to find a Gucci Bamboo Gift Set. Inside there is a 30ml bottle of EDP and a body lotion. I was so shocked at Jasmin's generousity that I could have cried when I opened it. I'm so grateful and thankful for this present and for having a best friend like Jasmin.

New Year's Eve Make Up Look

Happy New Year Everyone! This will be my last post of 2016 and I'd just like to say thank you for all of your support this year. I have so many plans for 2017 and can't wait to share them with you. But today I thought I'd show you what make up I'll be wearing on New Year's Eve.

 Primer 
For primer I start off with the Barry M Hydro Fix Primer Water. This is good at giving skin an extra hydration boost before make up. I don't like to just this on it's own because it doesn't feel like it's going to give my make up something to grip onto. So I then go in with my Barry M Flawless Primer. This has a tackiness to it that actually feels like it clings onto the make up and keeps it in place. This is a cream so it doesn't have that horrible silicone feel that some primers have, plus it won't make foundation ball up or slide away when you're applying it.

Foundation
For foundation I'm going in with my Dior Star Foundation. This is a medium coverage foundation that covers all signs of redness, dark circles and blemishes whilst still looking natural and not over the top. Two pumps is enough to cover my face (chubby cheeks) and blends out flawlessly to give my skin a skinlike but well done face. I like to use either my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush or Buffing Brush to blend this in as they give such stunning results.

Concealer 
Time for concealer and first we start with the under eye area. To conceal my dark circles I'm going in with the Maybelline The Eraser Eye Concealer. This is brilliant for disguising those one too many late nights and gives the under eye area a more awake look. To blend this in I bop it with my damp beauty blender. This gives it a more natural look and stops it from creasing. And then to cover any blemishes or redness that's peaking through I go in with the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. This is very high coverage so is perfect for concealing any imperfections. A little goes a long way and once bopped in with a beauty blender is almost flawless in finish whilst still looking natural.

Setting 
To set everything into place I take my tried and tested Collection Pressed Powder in Ivory. This is very finely milled so it doesn't settle into fine lines, wrinkles and stops concealer from creasing. I take my Real Techniques Setting Brush and bop it under the eyes. Don't swipe or rub the under eye area as it's more likely to take away the product. Once my under eyes are done I take my big fluffy powder brush from B Beauty and swoosh it down the centre of my face and along the outside of my face. I don't take iton the cheeks as this is when it can look cakey and patchy.

Eyes
I really want my lashes to stand out with this look so I'm going to use my Benefit Tinted Lash Primer once I've curled my lashes. This works perfectly to not only condition the lashes and add a hint of colour but also helps to hold a curl and any volume your lashes have. One coat of this is enough and then I go in with my Maybelline Go Colossal Extreme Leather Black Mascara. This gives lashes a stunning fanned out effect without going clumpy or false looking. A couple of coats of this and my lashes are big, fanned out, volumised yet defined and clump free.

Lips
For lips I would normally go for a red shade especially because it's still so close to the festive period but right now I'm really feeling this dark burgundy lip. And this Maybelline matte lipstick is perfect for that. It's called Burgundy Blush and has a stunning red undertone to it but still comes across as a deep purple shade. These lipsticks are highliy pigmented, long wearing and comfortable to wear. However because it's such a dark colour to wear I had to go in with a lip liner and the one I've chosen to wear is the Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner in Midnight Plum. This just adds a bit more definition to the look and stops it from bleeding or feathering.

Setting Spray
And after all of that I like to set my make up in place with the Maybelline Superstay 24 Setting Spray. This is a very fine mist that doesn't leave a white cast over the face and sets make up whilst keeping it looking natural and stunning.

Mark's and Spencer Beauty Advent Calender Day Twenty-Four

Welcome back to the penultimate day of my Mark's and Spencer Beauty Advent Calender Unboxing.

In today's box I recieved a Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm. This lip balm contains beeswax, vitamin e and peppemint oil to nourishe, moisturise and refreshes the lips. It normally comes in a tub much like Carmex lip balms but for the purpose of this calender they've put it into a tube.

First Impressions: The first thing I did when I opened the box was put this on my lips. The peppermint is very strong but it doesn't sting lips or make them feel irritated at all. This is one of those lip balms that you can't really tell you're wearing until you press your lips together. It's not sticky, thick or gloopy like some and it leaves lips feeling smooth, moisturised and ready for that next matte lip product I'm sure to be wearing.

GRWM: Christmas Day

Merry Christmas Everyone! This is my last post this side of Christmas and what a better way to end the festive posts than a GRWM of what I'm planning on doing to my face on Christmas Day.

 Prime
For primer I'm going in with my Barry M Hydro Fix Primer Water. I like this as it adds hydration to my skin whilst priming my skin and creating a base for my foundation to grip onto. This is ultra lightweight so it doesn't feel like it's clogging up the skin.

Foundation
For my base I was going to go with the Bourjois CC Cream but I decided against it as it doesn't last as long on the skin as my Dior Star Foundation. The Dior Star Foundation has brilliant coverage and staying power. A pump and a half is enough to give my skin a decent coverage without looking cakey or overdone. Once I spread it over my face I take my Real Techniques Buffing Brush and buff it in until it looks as natural as possible.

Concealer
As my foundation such a good job for coverage I'm only going in with my Maybelline The Eraser Eye concealer. This is very yellow toned but has great coverage and covers any dark circles no matter how servere they look. The sponge tip is a great applicator and means I can be as heavy handed as I want. Once this is in place I take my damp beauty blender and bop it into the skin, making sure not to take away any of the coverage but not leaving that unblended that it'll crease or fade away. And as the Dior has such good coverage I'm forgoing my Collection concealer and letting my foundation cover everything.

Powder
Powder time and I'm going in with my trusty Collection Pressed Powder in Ivory. This is very lightweight in finish and feel. It's perfect for under the eyes as well as for setting the whole face. I take my Real Techniques Setting Brush and bop/press the powder into my under eye area so it doesn't cake or crease. Then I take my B Beauty Powder Brush and sweep this down the centre of my face and along the sides, avoiding my cheeks.

Eyes
Because I've kept my base pretty simple I want my lashes and brows to pop. Luckily for me I've had my brows tinted and waxed a couple of weeks ago so I don't need to do a lot to them except run a spoolie through them. Then it's onto my lashes. I want my lashes to look volumised and big but not clumpy and fake. So once they're curled I pop a layer of the Benefit They're Real Tinted Primer on and quickly afterwards pop a coat or two of the Maybelline Go Colossal Extreme Leather Black over the top. This works to give my lashes a big fluttery volumised look that isn't too over the top or clumpy. Plus the primer helps to hold my curl so they'll stay looking bigger for longer.

Lips
For lips this month I've been trying to wear a different red lipstick everyday. However there is one that I keep gravitating towards because it's amazing. And that's the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw. This is a stunning red shade that would look gorgeous on anyone. It's a liquid lipstick but it's one of the most comfortable liquid lipsticks I've ever worn. It doesn't leave lips feeling dry, reapplication is easy and best of all you can eat a greasy burger and it won't transfer. I'm pairing it with my PS Love Lip Liner in 03 to make sure my lips are crisp and precise.

Setting
As I want this to last all day long I'm going in with a setting spray to lock it all into place. And recently I've gone back to my trusty Maybelline Super Stay Setting Spray. This is very lightweight on the skin, locks make up in place all day and takes away any cake face or creasing you may have. Shake it well or the sediment at the bottom will spray all over your face but otherwise this key to keeping my make up on my face until bedtime.

So that's my face for Christmas Day. I hope you all have an amazing Christmas filled with love, laughter and good food. I personally am just excited to spend some time with my family and eat a lot of good food. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Mark's and Spencer Beauty Advent Calender Days Twenty Two and Twenty Three

Welcome back to Days Twenty Two and Twenty Three of my Mark's and Spencer Beauty Advent Calender Unboxing. It would have been up like normal yesterday but I was feeling really ill so decided that it was okay to add the two together.

In box twenty two I recieved the Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File. This is a crystal nail file that apparently never dulls or looses it's edge. These are good nail files as they last a lot longer than your standard file.

First Impressions: This is a good product but again feels like a bit of a filler product. I'll use it as I'm always in need of a good nail file but would have preferred something else in the box.

And in box twenty three I recieved the Studio 10 Miracle Effect Priming Serum. This is supposed to be a miracle serum that helps reduce the signs of ageing, hydration as well as the look of enlarged pores, dark circles and redness. A full sized bottle comes in at £68 and is extremely luxury in terms of skincare.

First Impressions: This doesn't really appeal to me. It's claims of reduce 16% of the look of wrinkles in fifteen minutes seem a bit ridiculous to me. Also the fact that a full sized bottle isn't much bigger than the sample I recieved is another con of this product. I may give this a go to see if it helps with the hydration in my skin but I don't think this will be one of my favourites from this calender.

Mark's and Spencer Beauty Advent Calender Day Twenty-One

Welcome back to Day Twenty-One of my Mark's and Spencer Beauty Advent Unboxing.

In today's box I recieved a tube of the PUR Correcting Primer. This is clear formula primer that is supposed to help correct skin issues whilst prolonging the wear of make up. This is oil free, silicone free and contains Salicylic Acid so it looks after the skin as you wear it. It comes in four different skin types so there is one for everyone.

First Impressions: I completely forgot to use this as I did my make up this morning. But from trying on the back of my hand I like it. It's very smooth to the touch and feels very lightweight. I'm not sure if I'm going to like as much as my Smashbox Primer but I'll give it a go and get back to you on how it wore.

Updated Evening Skincare Routine

Over the last couple of months I've shown you my skincare routines for the morning and for when I take my make up off. So it's about time I shared with you my evening skincare routine. There will be products you've see before but there will also be some you haven't seen as I do like to switch and swap products every now and again.

Cleanse 
For my intial cleanse I go in with the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. This not only helps to break down and remove my make up but also soothes and hydrates my skin. It contains Lavender, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E so it's really nourishing on the skin. Once most of my make up is off I go in with my Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm. This is a balm cleanser which feels like oil on the skin and then turns into a milky looking consistency. I really like how nourishing this is on the skin and how my skin looks and feels after I use it. However because of the price tag I only use this as my second cleanse every other night.

Treatments
Every now after I cleanse I like to in with a treatment. My favourite treatments come in the form of the Nip and Fab pre-soaked pads. My favourites are the Glycolic Extreme Fix Night Pads and the Bee Sting Toning Pads. The Glycolic Fix pads contain 5% glycolic acid and salicylic acid that work to together to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. The Bee Sting pads contain bee venom and witch hazel to firm and tone the skin without drying it out. I just grab a pad and swipe it across my face and with both pads you can feel them working straight away.

Facial Spritz
Once all that is done I go in with a facial spritz. I like facial sprays as they add a boost of moisture and help relieve any tightness or dryness that may occur after cleansing. My favourite for the evening is the B Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Facial Spritz. This is mainly made up of Hyaluronic Acid so it adds any lost moisture back into the skin. It leaves skin feeling refreshed and hydrated and because it contains hyaluronic acid it means that anything moisturising that you put over the top will locked into the skin and skin will be left feeling hydrated for longer.

Serum
After my spray I go in with a serum, usually one of the hydrating kind. My favourite is the Clearly Youthful Hydrating Day Serum. It contains Hyaluronic Acid as well as Salicylic Acid that helps keep skin clear of blemish creating bacteria as well as adding moisture to the skin. It's one of those thinner formula's that you can feel sinking into the skin and afterwars skin feels hydrated, soft and supple.

Moisturisers
Finally it's time for moisturiser and the one thing that hasn't changed from any previous routines is the Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream. It still gives my skin the same look and feel after every use and hasn't changed in a way thar doesn't agree with my skin. It contains a mixture of rejuvenating and hydrating ingredients that gives skin the look of being more awake even if you have very little sleep. I like how it helps with the look of my dark circles and redness and how it leaves my skin feeling moisturised even after I've had a full nights sleep.

Mark's and Spencer Beauty Advent Calender Day Twenty

 

Welcome back to Day Twenty of my Mark's and Spencer Beauty Advent Calender Unboxing.

In today's box I recieved the Formula Absolute Ultimate Sleep Cream. It's one of those creams that designed to make skin look like it's had a good rest even if it hasn't. Garnier do a very similar cream but this one has a couple of ingredients that a little more potent than in the Garnier one.

First Impressions: I like these types of creams, the Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream is a favourite of mine and if this is half as good as that one I'll be happy. I'm definitely going to be trying this tonight. My skin is just crying out for a bit more moisture and a more awake look. If I like this then a full review will appear on the blog at some point.

Mark's and Spencer Beauty Advent Calender Day Nineteen

Welcome back to Day Nineteen of my Mark's and Spencer Beauty Advent Calender Unboxing.

In today's box I recieved a 30ml tube of the Percy and Reed Wonder Balm. This a pre styling balm that helps with hold, control and definition. This can only be used on towel dried hair before blow drying or styling.

First Impressions: This is one of those products I won't be using from this advent calender. I like to keep my hair routine simple and this would just be an unnessecary extra step. If it wasn't for that I think I would probably quite like this product but because it's not really what I'm looking for I think I'll give it a miss.

Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide

There are only six days left until Christmas and I can guarantee there are still some of you out there that haven't finished shopping and are starting to panic. So today I thought I'd share with five last minute gifts that'll help stop that last minute panic.

Too Faced Merry-Kissmas Melted Lipstick Set £22
For the beauty lovers in your life try this Too Faced set. It includes three of their Origingal Melted Liquified Lipsticks and one of their Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick. It's only £22 and is limited edition which only make it that more special to recieve. If Too Faced isn't for them, I'd advise heading down to Mark's and Spencer they have some great beauty gift sets, most of which are half price or three for two at the moment. They include brands such as REN, Emma Hardie, Pixi, Rosie For Autograph and Stila.

Yankee Candle Medium Jar Candle Two Set £20.99
If beauty isn't their thing then try a candle or in this case two. Yankee Candle have so many scents to chose from including a ton of festive scents. And brilliantly they've put two festive scents into a pack that was once £29.99 but is on their website now for £20.99. The two scents in the set are All Is Bright and Berry Trifle but there are probably other scents that you can get in the same set style. A single medium jar is £19 on it's own so this duo is brilliant value for money. Yankee Candle also have some brilliant savings on their large jar, medium jar and small jar candles so take a peek if your looking for inspiration.

Stella McCartney POP Fragrance Gift Set £29.99
Fragrance is always another great way to spoil family or friends. This Stella McCartney Pop Fragrance Gift Set screams luxury but actually right now doesn't cost more than £30. It's perfect for the ladies in your life and will guarantee you an extra roast potato come dinner time. If this isn't for you make you look around to see if any stores have already reduced their fragrance gift sets. And if fragrance gift sets aren't what you're looking for then look for deluxe sizes of their fragrances as at the moment a lot of them are save a third or even better half price.

Grey's Anatomy Seasons 1-11 £49.99
If you know someone who loves themself a good TV show or even binges on their favourite show reguarly, boxsets are a brilliant gift idea. This Grey's Anatomy boxset contains eleven of it's seasons and comes in at under £50. HMV is brilliant for these deluxe size boxsets and a lot of the time they don't break the bank and give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Yamazaki Tosca Mirror With Storage £25
And if none of those ideas will work for you go down the practical route and get them something you know they need. This mirror would be a brilliant gift for any beauty lover. It's a nice sized mirror that would be perfect for them to do their make up but it also comes with it's own storage so they can store brushes, make up or even jewellery in their. It's only £25 which is less than what you would pay for some plain beauty mirrors. The brand Yamazaki have some really good storage ideas so if a mirror isn't needed there will surely be something that'll catch your eye.