Top 5 Non-Beauty Favourites Of 2017 So Far

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Fast And Furious 8
Beauty And The Beast
Wonder Woman
Handbag

Last week I shared with you my Top 5 Beauty Favourites of 2017 So Far and thought it only fair I share with you, my Top 5 Non Beauty Favourites Of 2017 So Far.

 My first non beauty favourite has to be Pinterest. I can lose hours on it, scrolling through baking recipes/ideas, fashion ideas, tattoos, piercings and cute kitten pics. I am literally obsessed with it and will go on there to have a 'quick' browse and still be there a good half an hour or more later.

My next non beauty favourite so far this year has to be Beauty And The Beast. From the moment I saw the final trailer I just had to go and see it. I drove my mum mad singing the soundtrack repeatedly on the countdown to seeing it and even as I write this I'm singing Belle in my head. Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans and Josh Gad are absolutely amazing and really captured the essence of the original animated characters whilst simultaneously bringing something of their own to it. I can't wait for it to come out on DVD and know I'll be watching countless times when it does.

Another movie favourite of mine this year has to be Fast And Furious 8. Now a lot people said that they didn't enjoy this installment of the franchise but I thoroughly did. Sure I wasn't keen on the whole Dom has a kid storyline but I liked the idea of it being centered around bringing the family back as one, something that has been strong since Day One. I also really enjoyed the additions of Jason Statham and Scott Eastwood and I'm still looking forward to seeing what installment nine has in store for us.

And it wouldn't be a mid year favourites if I didn't mention one of the best movies to be released this year. I'm a Marvel girl at heart but when it was announced that Gal Gadot would be playing Wonder Woman I decided I could be a bit more lenient with my loyalties. And I'm glad I did. Wonder Woman not only is a brilliant, action packed, thrill ride that leaves you amazed by the end but also leaves you feeling empowered as a women and makes you feel like you can do anything. I left the cinema with such a girl power rush it seemed unreal. I loved it and can't wait to see Gal as Diana Prince in Justice League which comes out on my birthday later in the year.

And my last favourite so far this year has to be my bargain handbag from Primark. I'd spent ages looking for a Chloe-esque dupe but couldn't find any that were remotely the same or the right size. Until I saw this in Primark one day. Sure it's not exactly a Chloe dupe but it's structure and style reminds me a lot of  the Chloe and other designers styles I've seen. It's so spacious but not overly clunky or cumbersome. It's a leather like material around the base of the bag and the closing flap is more suede in feel. It gives it a more expensive feel and really adds a little something to an outfit.

Top 5: Holy Grail Products

The term Holy Grail Product gets thrown around a lot across the beauty community. Everyone has their own Holy Grail Products, products they can't live without and repurchase constantly. Now not everyone is going to agree on people's ideas of Holy Grail Products but that's beauty in general, what may work for one isn't going to work for everyone. And with that being said today I'm going to be sharing with you my Top 5 Holy Grail Products.

Clean and Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion
A product that has firmly had Holy Grail status for well over a decade now is this Clean and Clear Cleansing Lotion. This deep cleanses skin whilst the salicyclic acid in it helps remove any bacteria that could cause a blemish. It's aimed at sensitive skin and doesn't leave skin feeling tight or dry after use. In fact it leaves skin feeling clean, refreshed and ready for the rest of your skincare routine. It's also easy to use, perfect for people who are in a rush in the morning. Just pour some on a cotton and wipe across your face, it's that simple and you're be disgusted by how much dirt it picks up.

Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream
A night cream that I can't live without is this Sleeping Cream from Garnier. There's something in this cream that I just can't put my finger on that works really well with my skin. It looks like a cream but feels almost like a gel on the skin when you rub it in. And it has bounce back technology so instead of leaving a load of fingers marks in it, it bounces back and looks brand new each time you open it. You apply this at night before bed and as you sleep it works to make skin look brighter, refreshed and moisturised. Once you wake up your skin looks brighter, feels smoother and like you've had more sleep than you've actually had. Brilliant for big events or everyday use I always make sure I have a pot beside my bed.

Nip And Fab+ Glycolic Fix Extreme Night Pads
A skin treatment that had Holy Grail status before I even finished the first tub comes from Nip and Fab.Their Extreme Fix Glycolic Pads changed my skin from the first use. Containing 5% Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid these pre soaked pads exfoliate and refresh the skin as you use them. I always feel a slight tingle after I use them but it doesn't worry me as I know that it's working. And afterwards my skin feels smoother, refreshed and softer to the touch. Not one for those who have extremely sensitive skin.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
I was introduced to Liz Earle as a brand last year and instantly fell in love with their award winning Cleanse And Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. This natural cream cleanser not only removes all signs of make up including waterproof mascara but soothes skin and leaves it feeling soft and soothed. I've gone through several bottles of this and am in dire need of a fourth as I absolutely love this stuff. If you have sensitive skin that doesn't agree with the more chemically based cleansers on the market then this is definitely for you.

Rosie For Autograph Lipstick in Lady Rose
A lipstick I can't live without which you can see from the bullet comes from Rosie For Autograph. Her signature shade Lady Rose is one shade I can't live without. It can easily put together a look or come to the rescue when your chosen lipstick doesn't quite work out. It's creamy formula and comfortable wear makes it a statement piece in my make up collection. I've nearly worked my way through my first tube and will definitely be repurchasing another when it's gone.

Top 5 Products From Maybelline

Back in October I started a series where I took you through my five favourite products from some of my favourite brands. The end of the year and the beginning of this year has been busy with new releases and creating new content so it's only now I'm getting round to adding the second post to this series. Today I'm sharing my five favourites from one of my favourite make up brands, Maybelline.

The Eraser Eye Concealer 
Let's start with my ultimate holy grail item from Maybelline. This concealer is one that never leaves my daily make up bag because it never fails to amaze me. It's sponge tip deposits the right amount of product and is a lot gentler on the under eye area than some doe foot applicators. It may only come in two shades but they suit a whole spectrum of skintones and undertones. This one tube can last a good three months as you only need a small amount of this to cover the under eye area. I've gone through countless tubes of this already and know I'll be going through even more in the future.

The Colossal Go Extreme Leather Black Mascara 
Maybelline have a fantastic range of mascaras. Their Lash Sensational, Push Up Angel, Push Up Drama and Falsies Ranges are brilliant but there is only one mascara from Maybelline that I've repurchased more than once. And that is the Go Colossal Leather Black Mascara. It's tapered end, barrel shaped bristle brush gives lashes such length and volume with such little product. It's drier formula means you can layer this without clumps and without removing any exsisting product. One layer gives a stunning natural day look but a second layer gives lashes a bigger boost and even rivals the look of false lashes. I'm always recommending this mascara to friends and customers alike because it's just one of the best out there. And once it's opened and begins the drying out process it only gets better.

SuperStay Make Up Locking Setting Spray 
Maybelline do really well throughout their entire brand. Their mascaras are good as are their base products and this setting spray is testiment to that. A part of their SuperStay Range this fine mist setting spray locks make up in place for up to 24 Hours whilst allowing skin to breathe and keeping oil and cakey-ness at bay. Everytime a high street brand brings out a setting spray I'm quick to try it but I always find myself coming back to this one. There's something about it's lightweight fine mist that just really holds make up in place but doesn't feel like it's clogging pores or weighing down skin. A little goes a long way but saying that I've gone through about three nearly four bottles already and am in serious need of a new bottle.

SuperStay Make Up Extending Primer
Whilst we're talking about their SuperStay Range let's move onto their latest release into the range. Their SuperStay Primer had to be one of the best primer releases in a while. This primer is ridiculoulsy lightweight in formula and texture. It's thin consistency hydrates the skin as well as prepping it for any base products you lay over top. It's skin coloured liquid blurs and perfects skin meaning you could get away with wearing this on a good skin day. It doesn't dry down but does leave skin feeling tacky which means it really grabs and holds onto foundation, concealer, etc. This was only released back in January but I'm already halfway through my second bottle it's that good.

Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipsticks
And this last one I'm kind of cheating with. I couldn't chose just one shade of the Creamy Matte Lipsticks so I decided to do them as a whole. These lipsticks are some of the best on the high street. Opaque in one swipe, long lasting and ultra comfortable to wear these lipsticks give any look that bold punch it can sometime be needing. Whilst these have a matte finish they're not drying or uncomfortable and if you need to reapply then you can without worrying about having to redo your whole lip look. I can't pick an all time favourite but I have worn Brown Sugar, Burgundy Blush and Rich Ruby more than a lot of the other lipsticks in my collection. Definitely give them a swatch when your at a Maybelline stand next.

Top 5: Liquid Lipsticks

Liquid lipsticks have been big for a while now and don't look like their going anywhere soon. A lot of brands are attempting to create their own versions. Some brands fail spectacularly whilst others shine bright. So today I thought I'd share five of my favourite liquid lipsticks so you all have an idea of where to spend and where to save.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw
Kat Von D has to have one of the best liquid lipstick formulas I've tried. It's lightweight, long lasting and comfortable to wear. It's doe foot applicator has enough flexibility to it that it makes application easy but it's not that bendy that it goes everywhere. One thin coat of these liquid lipsticks is enough for a completely opaque finish that once dried down doesn't budge. I only own Outlaw at the moment but am definitely going to be picking up a few more shades in the future.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso 
Another red liquid lipstick that I absolutely adore comes from Stila. This has a slightly more dry formula but it's still stunning and long lasting. It can be uncomfortable to wear but it all depends on your lips when you apply this. I always make sure to exfoliate and prep my lips thoroughly before I apply this. It's a bright tomato red shade that I reach for all year round. I've actually worn this that many times I'm already on my second tube.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Serenata 
Another Stila liquid lipstick I adore is Serenata. Unfortunately this is a limited edition shade so whilst I absolutely adore this shade I have to wear it sparingly. If you're looking for a twist on the normal nude shade this is perfect. It has a greige undertone to it that just adds something a little extra to it. Again it's a slightly drier consistency and can be very unforgiving on the lips but if you prep your lips well enough then this will sit perfectly in place all day.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Rome
Now I don't know if this counts as a liquid lipstick but I consider it to be one as it does dry down and doesn't budge once in place. The NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams can be slightly hit and miss all depending on the colour you chose but if you get a good one then you're onto a winner. The shade Rome is a stunning neutral shade that even as a nude shade makes any look pop. It's long wearing, opaque in one coat and comfortable to wear. I love popping this on with a bit of BB Cream and mascara to just pull it all together.

NYX Lingerie Liquid Lipstick in Exotic 
And finally the NYX Lingerie Liquid Lipsticks are some of the better liquid lipsticks the high street has to offer. If you're into your ultra nudes then this range is perfect for you. I have the shade Exotic and sometimes find this can be a struggle to wear color wise but when I manage to pull it off I absolutely love it. It's more a dry consistency than the Soft Matte Lip Creams but with enough prep it looks gorgeous on the lips. It's doe foot applicator reminds me a lot of the Kat Von D applicator, flexible but not to the point where it'll end up everywhere.

Top 5 Red Lips For The Festive Period

When Decemeber rolls around there is only one lip colour I'm interested in wearing. Red. I don't want to wear neutrals or pinks or those really beautiful burgundy shades. No it's all about the red lip. When I think of Christmas and make up looks for the season I just think of a classic bold red lip. So today I'm sharing with you five of my favourite red lip products that I'll be wearing a lot throughout the month.

MAC Russian Red 
No Christmas period can go by where I don't wear Russian Red. It's like the ulitmate Christmas Red. A classic blue toned red this will suit so many skintones and compliment so many make up looks. It's a matte finish lipstick but unlike others it's not ridiculously drying on the lips or hard to wear. It's surprisngly creamy to apply and won't transfer easily unlike other 'matte' lipsticks on the market. I would advise beforehand to wear a bit of balm before application just to make sure your lips are in the best conditon they can be.

Urban Decay Matte Revolution in Bad Blood
If Russian Red isn't for you then try Bad Blood from Urban Decay. It's the same deep blue toned red shade that makes teeth look whiter and suits a multitude of skintones. It's a lot creamier to wear than Russian Red and doesn't leave lips feeling dry or cracked. It's more rounded shaped bullet makes it look like application would be harder but because of it's smooth texture this actually applies easier than some standard bullet lipsticks.

Maybelline Creamy Matte in Ruby Rush 
This is the newest addition to my collection but as soon as I swatched this shade I knew it would be the perfect Christmas Red. It's another blue toned red (sense a theme?) that works beautifully on most skintones but looks particularly striking on people with farier skintones. It's ridiculously creamy to apply and one swipe leave behind a highly pigmented opaque colour. Wear wise this is probably one of the more comfortable mattes to wear and your lips won't be crying out for moisture whilst you wear it. It does transfer but because it's so creamy, reapplication is simple, quick and easy.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam 
Moving more towards liquid lipsticks this soft matte lip cream from NYX is perfect if you don't want a full matte finish but still want something that'll stay for a while. Whilst it doesn't budge from the lips, this stunning orange based red doesn't leave them feeling dry or looking cracked. It's doe foot applicator distributes product evenly for a smooth opaque finish. The perfect option for a no fuss lip.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso
And finally we have my personal favourite. Beso is a stunning red that is has hints of orange running through it but at the same time as the deepness of a blue toned red. This a true liquid lipstick and can be very drying on the lips if their not in the best condition. However if you look after your lips before you wear this then it's a stunning long wearing colour that you'll no doubt recieve compliments on. It has a standard doe foot applicator that is just a bit more flexible than others so it sort of bends as you apply it and creates a more even line. If you've never swatched this shade I highly recommend you do, it's gorgeous.

Top 5 Red Lipsticks

It's December and to me December means two things. Christmas and red lips. As it's coming up to the festive season I find myself wearing red lipstick everyday as I find it makes me feel more christmassy than I already am. So today I thought I'd share with you my Top 5 Red Lipsticks that I will be wearing up obsessively until Christmas.

MAC Russian Red
It wouldn't be a Top 5 Red Lip post without this lipstick. This is one of my holy grail lipsticks. It's matte, it's red and it looks gorgeous on, what more could you ask for from a lipstick. If you treat yourself to one slightly higher end lipstick this year I recommend it be this one. A long wearing matte formula that doesn't dry lips out, you can eat, drink, kiss and much more with this on and it won't budge. It's one of those beautiful classic blue toned reds that suits so many skintones and makes teeth look whiter when worn. Definitely one to swatch when you're in MAC next.

Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in Standout 
My second red lipstick is one from the high street. It's the Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in Standout. It's more a tomato shade than a blue toned shade but I love how this wears. It's long lasting, non drying and is so forgiving on the lips. They can be the driest lips in the world and this will still glide beautifully across the lips and leave them looking hydrated and saturated with colour. It also comes in a chubby stick form so it's easy to apply and you don't have to worry about wearing a lip liner underneath if you don't want to.

MAC Ruby Woo 
Now this is probably the most unforgiving lipstick in the world and I advise only wearing it when you have ultra moisturised, smooth lips. It's MAC's Ruby Woo another tomato red shade that looks beautiful on a host of skintones. Unfortunately it's a bit of a pain to wear as it's a Retro Matte finish and is like putting powder on your lips. I love wearing this colour but hate the dragging sensation on my lips when I apply it.

Maybelline Color Drama Lip Pencil in Red Essential 
Up next is another high street lip product that gives high end results. Meet the Maybelline Color Drame Lip Pencil in Red Essential. It's another blue toned red shade that suits every skintone, especially all you fair girls out there. I love how creamy this is to apply and how it doesn't dry lips out when your wearing it. Being in pencil form means it's easy to apply and can even be used a lip liner if you don't have one at hand but need to line your lips. It's an brilliant inexpensive dupe for the Nars Matte Lip Pencils so if you've had your eye on them these a good alternative at half the cost.

Urban Decay Matte Revolution in Bad Blood 
And finally my latest red lipstick has well and truly made it into my holy grail lipsticks. This is the Urban Decay Matte Revolution in Bad Blood. It's a mixture of a classic blue red and a tomato red which makes it such a unique shade of red. The bullet itself isn't shaped like most lipsticks which I thought would make it harder to apply but it's just as easy and the creamy formula of this means it glides on and gives lips a rich pigmented colour that doesn't streak or bleed. It's a long lasting formula that isn't extremely drying on the lips but at the end of the day you do know you've been wearing it. I know this is one I'm going to be getting a lot of wear out of.

So that's it for my Top 5 Red Lipsticks. Have any of you tried any of these? What are your top 5 lipsticks? Let me know in the comments.

Top 5 Christmas Films

It's gotten to that time of the year where I want nothing more than to curl up with a hot chocolate and a movie. And what's better this time of the year than a Christmas movie. So today I thought I'd share with you the Top 5 Christmas Movies in my collection that I rotate for the whole of December every year.

My first film is my one of my favourite Christmas films of all time. It's The Muppet Christmas Carol and to me it's not Christmas if I don't watch it at least one (or twenty) times. I've grown up watching this film so it's like a Christmas tradition for me now as I think it is for quite a few people who were little in the 90s. If you haven't seen it then I say that you should definitely check it out this year.

My next film is another film I've grown up watching. The Grinch is brilliant for the whole family with themes within it that resonate with every age group. Plus it stars Jim Carey and a young Taylor Momsen who is beyond adorable as Ciny-Lou. I could watch this over and over again and never get bored of it. This is another film that will be watched about twenty times in the next month.

SANTA!!!! Sorry couldn't hold that in. And of course my next film is Elf. I love Elf, it never gets old and I know all the lines but still find the funny bits hilarious. Will Ferrell is brilliant as Buddy and everytime after I watch this if I see Will Ferrell in anything else all I can think of is him as Buddy. Definitely another film that's going to be getting a lot of screentime this month.

My next film is a newer favourite of mine, one that my whole family gather together to watch whenever it's on. It's Polar Express and when I first saw this I didn't like it. I've always had my favourites and this one didn't fit into it. However the more I've watched it over the years the more I've grown to love it. Starring Tom Hanks as the train conductor this festive family film is like every child's wildest dream at Christmas.

And my final pick is a film I only picked up last year but automatically fell in love with. Arthur Christmas was a film I'd seen advertised a lot when it came out in cinemas but it didn't really grab my attention as much as it did when I saw it in HMV last year. This film is brilliant and I can see I'm going to watch it a lot over the next few years. Lots of laugh out loud moments which will be loved by the whole family. Definitely one I recommend checking out if you haven't already.

That's it for my Top 5 Christmas Films. What are yours? Were any of them the same as mine? Let me know in the comments.

Top 5: Halloween Films

This Saturday coming is Halloween and if you like me have no plans except a cup of tea and popcorn while watching a film or two then I thought I'd share my top 5 Halloween Films. You can probably tell from the picture above that I'm more a fan of the kids Halloween films than the scary ones that make you jump every five seconds.

My first pick for this top 5 is a film that has been one of my all time favourites for as long as I can remember. The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favourite Tim Burton films and I can watch this repeatedly without getting bored of it. It has a brilliant range of characters and the soundtrack is amazing, I always have a good sing along when watching this much to my neighbours dismay. If you haven't seen this one I recommend you check it out, it's one that will keep you entertained for years. Plus you can break it out at Christmas as well as you get the best of both holidays in it.

My next pick is Hotel Transylvania. Yes I know it may seem silly and childish but around this time of year where work gets busy and I start to see the first Christmas rush of the year I just love turning to this film. With a host of recognisable voices, this feel good film gives a twist to the monstrous side of Halloween. And if I'm honest I watch this throughout the year, purely for the feel good vibe it gives me everytime. Plus if you've seen the advert for number two and weren't planning on seeing it as you hadn't seen the first then this is a great time to watch it.

My third pick is a film I only discovered this year but instantly fell in love with. And too be honest who wouldn't fall in love with Bette Midler as one of the main characters. It comes across cheesy but that is exactly what I fell for. Good laughs, a brilliant cast and a young Sarah Jessica Parker has put this well on truly on my Halloween Film List.

My next pick is another that I've loved for as long as I can remember. It's just a shame though that it can't be brought on DVD in the UK. I remember loving it every Halloween when Disney would show all these films in a row. If you haven't seen Halloweentown, it's about a girl called Marnie who's a witch but doesn't know it until her grandma comes home from Halloweentown one year. Then and only then does Marnie find out about her powers and the existence of Halloweentown. And of course from then on, there is a villian who's out to get Marnie and her family. However I won't go into too much detail in case you plan on watching it this Halloween.

And finally my last pick of this top 5 is The Craft, the only grown up Halloween Movie in the mix. I was torn between this and Practical Magic but this I've seen more so it had to be part of this. I think the main appeal of this movie to me is that instead of being the damsels who end up being killed, the female characters are woman not to be messed with and to me that says a lot. Not one I've watched this year but definitely one I'll be breaking out before Saturday.

So that's my Top 5 Halloween Movies. What are yours? Were any of them the same as mine? Let me know in the comments.