New In | New Years Beauty Buys

CHANEL VITALUMIERE AQUA FOUNDATION | MAC LIPSTICK IN BRAVE | JO MALONE WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT COLOGNE

I'm not sure what it is about the festive period, but after Christmas and into the New Year I always get this overwhelming urge to splurge. I went sales shopping over the weekend and typically, my beauty haul consisted of full price only items. 

First up was an essential repurchase, of which I knew would never be in sale. Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation in 10 Beige is my go to everyday foundation and my current bottle is putting up a serious fight to give me product. At an eye-watering £33, this isn't the most purse-friendly option but I simply cannot be without - a light to medium coverage that looks, feels and glows like skin should. 

Like most girls, I've been sucked into the Kylie Jenner mauve lip craze thanks to her incessant Instagram postings and research showed that MAC was the brand I needed. Amongst the few products the interweb threw out at me, Brave Lipstick (£15.50) seemed a common theme and so to the MAC counter I went. I asked to try on the lipstick first to ensure the colour suited my skin tone and it was love at first swipe. Brave is a satin finish, packed with pigment, a comfortable wear and has become a fast favourite in my makeup bag already. 

On a previous shopping excursion (told you I've been #feelingspendy) I popped into Jo Malone. I have been lusting over the Wood Sage & Sea Salt fragrance since I happened upon a sample in a magazine. Unfortunately, they were out of the cologne but the consultant kindly gave me a generous sample of the Body Creme so I could at least try the fragrance on my skin. I cannot even begin to explain the commotion this fragrance has caused at home - I smothered my hands in it the minute I got through the door and my mum became obsessed with it too (Mother's Day present sorted). I went back in over the weekend and alas, they had restocked the Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne - destiny some (me) might say. Lets be real, I'm crap at describing scents but the JM website tells me this 'woody' fragrance it has notes of Ambrette Seeds, Sea Salt and Sage, but I also detect a hint of fig. Love. I will most definitely be adding the Body Creme to my birthday wishlist. 

Have you treated yourself to anything since Christmas?

Christmas Presents

I can't believe it's already been four days since Christmas. I hate how long it takes to get here, and hate how quickly it passes even more.  This year I was extremely spoiled by my family and got some great gifts, so I wanted to show you a selection of them.  Earlier this year, my Mum and Dad bought me tickets to see Girls Aloud on tour next year, which was a Christmas present, so I wasn't expecting to be getting much at all but they still bought me lots of amazing things!  This is by no means a bragging post, I enjoy reading these as I'm pretty nosey and I know some of you are the same! 

 I love receiving box sets at Christmas as I think they are just a great gift. This year I got the complete set of Laguna Beach, The Hills and The City which I've already begun watching from the beginning.  Running along the Lauren Conrad theme, I also got her latest book 'Beauty', which I've had a quick flick through and it looks interesting and a large curling iron to try and imitate LC's hair.  I got a couple of Cath Kidston tech cases, one for my iPhone and another for my iPad as well as some trusty Snow Fairy.  Another box set to add to my ever growing collection is The Vampire Diaries season three - I've completely shifted to Team Delena.  I also got some Soap and Glory goodies.  My parent's bought me the 'Showers that Glee' set and I loved it so much that I decided to use some of my Christmas money to get more.  I picked up the 'Best of All' set which was originally £60 but in the Boot's sale I managed to get it for £27 - bargain! My brother and his wife got me some Vans as my converse are looking a bit worse for wear - shame the weather has been so disgusting, I haven't been able to wear them out yet! 

What was your favourite Christmas present?

Merry Christmas!

A very Merry Christmas from me to you (and the girls)! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas filled with friends, family love and laughter and not forgetting, great food!

Christmas Beauty Checklist

It's finally Christmas Eve and whilst today is mostly about cleaning the house from head to toe and some festive baking, I'll also be completing my beauty checklist, Christmas style.  Every year I seem to do exactly the same routine, in preparation for the big day. I usually leave washing my hair for Christmas morning, so I can enjoy a bath with some Lush goodies but before that I like to take care of my skin, brows and nails.  

When it comes to skin, I go all out.  Firstly, to get rid of any dirt, I cleanse with my favourite cleanser right now, REN's Clearcalm 3 Clarifying Clay cleanser. It says to use around one to two pumps and wash off with warm water, but for an extra exfoliation I use a muslin cloth.  Now that my pores are open, I find it best to tweeze my eyebrows.  Once my face is clean and my brows are groomed I then move on to a proper exfoliation, using Liz Earle's Gentle Face exfoliator. I like this product as it uses jojoba beads rather than a more abrasive exfoliant, which can sometimes leave my skin completely stripped. Next comes a face mask, I told you I go all out.  My skins playing up at the minute so I'll be using my trusty Origins Out of Trouble mask.  This product smells odd but really does the trick when it comes to pesky blemishes.  By now, my skin could do with a good douse of Embryolisse moisturiser for rehydration, after a quick spritz of my Liz Earle Skin Tonic.  

After working on my skin, I like to relax a little and paint my nails. I'm currently undecided whether to go for Chanel's Rouge Noir or Particuliere (let me know your choice in the comments!).  I file and shape my nails using a nail file before moving on to polish.  As I'm currently trying to grow my nails, I've been using OPI's Nail Envy as a base coat. I have mixed feelings on this product.  Some of my nails have really taken to it and have never been so long, but my thumbnails are quite different. They have been splitting at the sides, which they never did before I started using Nail Envy.  I'll persevere for a little while longer in the hope for long and strong talons. After the base coat, I apply two coats of the chosen colour and follow up with a top coat.  

Once my nails are dry, I usually just relax for the rest of the evening.  
Do you have a pre-Christmas beauty routine?

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Guide

It's been a while since I last posted due to university deadlines and then being struck down with a horrible cold.  Being so close to Christmas, I decided to lie low until I felt better.  Speaking of Christmas, there's only six shopping days left, which may leave some of us in a panic.  If you're working, the easiest option is to do what you can online on your lunch break, but with each online retailers having different delivery deadlines, it can all get a bit confusing.  I've compiled a list of all the popular online retailers and when their last shipping dates (United Kingdom only) before Christmas are, as well as including any discounts that the brand are dishing out.

Amazon -  For free standard delivery order by end of today, for first class you have until end of Thursday 20th December and for One Day or Express delivery, order by 11am on Sunday 23rd December. 

ASOS - Order by 2pm on Sunday 23rd December and choose 'Next Day Delivery' at the checkout. - Up to 50% off in the ASOS sale -

Benefit Cosmetics - Order by the end of today and choose 'Express Delivery' at the checkout. Excludes UK Highland & Islands.  - Get 10% off certain items online - 

Boots - Order by 7pm on Thursday 20th December for 'Collect from Store' and 'Standard Home Delivery'. For 'Next Day Delivery', place your order before 3.30pm on Friday 21st December. - Save £10 when you spend £50 on selected gifts and toys - 

Debenhams - Place orders by 12pm on Thursday 20th December.  If you're ordering cosmetics, you have until midnight on Thursday 20th December. - Up to Half Price Gift Event - 

House of Fraser - Order by 5pm today and choose 'Next Day', 'Nominated Day' or 'Collect+' at the checkout.  For 'Buy & Collect' order before 5pm on Friday 21st December. - Up to 50% Off - 

John Lewis - Order by 7pm today and choose 'Free Standard Delivery' or order by 7pm on Saturday 22nd December for 'Click & Collect' in store.  - Up to 30% off Womenswear Brands -

Miss Selfridge - Order by 4pm on Friday 21st December and choose 'Express Delivery' at the checkout. 

Origins - Order by 12pm midday on Thursday 20th December for Free Premium Delivery. - Gift with Purchase of over £30 - 

Selfridges - Order by 12pm midday on Friday 21st and choose either 'Nominated Saturday' or 'Nominated Day'. 

Space NK - Order by 12pm midday on Thursday 20th December and choose 'Free Express Delivery' at the checkout.

Topshop.com - Order by 4pm on Friday 21st December and choose 'Express' or 'Nominated Day' delivery.  If you wish to collect from store, you have until 12pm midday on Sunday 23rd December to place your orders online. 

Tesco Direct - Order by 3pm on Friday 21st December for 'Express' and 'Click & Collect' delivery.

I hope this helps some of you out of a Christmas panic. Happy shopping!

Christmas Gift Guide | £25 and Under

It's that time of the year once again and some of you might be wondering what on earth you're going to buy for your loved ones.  While some may argue that it's easier to buy for girls than boys, all that choice can sometimes be overwhelming.  I've compiled the best gifts for her for £25 and under.  

1. Benefit Sexy Little Stowaway Gift Set - £25; Boots: Benefit is one of my favourite brands but can be a bit pricey when it comes to buying individual products. Incidentally, they always bring out some of the best gift sets and this is no exception. In this set you get 10 of their best selling products, perfect for the make up obsessed girl.

  

2. Ciate Caviar Mini Bar - £20; ASOS: Nail lovers rejoice, Ciate have released a Caviar mini bar which includes some of their caviar beads, as well as polishes that you can wear alone or with the beads.  A great gift for those who like nail art or just enjoy giving themselves a manicure.  

3. iPhone 5 Cases - £24.95; Cath Kidston and Joules: I for one have been waiting for brands to release their iPhone 5 cases since I got mine back in September.  Finally Cath Kidston have released their range just in time for Christmas. If you fancy something different to Cath Kidston, try Joules floral offering. They also have cases with a dog and striped print if she's not so keen on floral prints.  

4. Stila Limited Edition Long Wear Liquid Lip Set - £25; ASOS: Stila always bring out some great sets for Christmas.  This quartet gives you a mixture of nude and bright lip colours to fit any mood.  They also have eyeliner and lip glaze offerings for £25 and under.  

5. Coffee Table Reads: The Lady who was Beautiful Inside (£6) and 50 Shoes that Changed the World (£9); Amazon: I would never say no to a pretty coffee table book. 50 Shoes that Changed the World  is perfect if you can't quite afford Louboutins or Jimmy Choo's.  The Lady who was Beautiful Inside is described as a charming portrait of an amazing woman who turned Winter into Spring. These would also make good stocking fillers.  

6. Lindt Lindor Maxi Ball - £14.99; Ocado: Heaven in a Lindor shaped ball for chocolate lovers, need I say more?  I bought one of these for my Sister-in-law last year and it went down a treat (literally).  

What was your favourite gift you received at Christmas?

Christmas Presents!

Stocking essentials

Main goodies

I thought I'd show you the gorgeous things I received this Christmas as I've thoroughly enjoyed reading other bloggers posts on what they got.  I was lucky and got a lot of things I asked for as well as some other bits.  My stocking was extremely good this year, I had some Lush goodies and a iTunes gift card as well as the usual essentials.  I also received a Kindle, with giftcard, from my Mum and Dad, as well as another bottle of my favourite perfume, Chloe.  I got a couple of boxsets to add to my ever growing collection (it's huge, i'm a sucker for American TV), including True Blood 1-3 and The Vampire Diaries season 2.  Beauty wise, my favourite presents were my Clinique Chubby Stick and Benefit They're Real mascara.  

All in all I was very lucky this year! What was your favourite Christmas present?

Merry Christmas!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Just a quick post to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.  I hope you all got everything you wished for and more from Santa this morning!  Now go eat some Turkey and get merry on Sherry (or Eggnog/Snowballs) and I'll see you all soon!

Christmas Gift Guide: Tis' the Season of Giving

It's less than a month until the big day, Christmas.  As always it's come round incredibly quick and now everyone's beginning to get themselves into a bit of a flap over it all.  I'm pretty organised where Christmas is concerned and will tend to get all my shopping done on pay day at the end of November.  That way it's all done and there is no way I will spend the money else where. If you're looking for some giftspiration (gift + inspiration = giftspiration, get it?!) then look no further, for I have compiled a festive gift guide for you to feast your eyes on.  This will be a mixture of fashion and beauty and a few gadgets here and there!

Click to enlarge for prices and stockist information. 

1.  If you've got a bit of a bookworm in the family, the newest Kindle from Amazon is just for them.  Slimmer and more lightweight than the average book, the Kindle downloads books in 60 seconds.  for more information or to go buy, click here!

2.  This NYLA Boutique chunky, spiked chain bracelet is a perfect gift for someone who loves accessories with a bit of edge.  Seen on the likes of Leighton Meester, it's a sure fire hit for fashion fans. Click here for more information, or simply to buy!

3.  Another gift for the accessories fans are these star rings from Regal Rose.  Perfectly festive for the holiday season and a statement piece for any LBD.  Take a peep here!

4.  Pyjamas for the reemest of your friends.  These 'Well Jel' pjs are a massive hit at Topshop so get your hands on them here before they all sell out! 

5.  I'd be lost without my Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish.  If like me you've been raving to your mum or sister how amazing this product is, you can now get hold of the Limited Edition 150ml pump, exclusive for Christmas.  Click here to purchase!

6.  If you've bought someone a Kindle or maybe an iPad, why not customise a case for them as well? Caseable allows you to design your own case for all of your gadgets.  If you're not sure what they'd like on their case, get them a gift voucher instead.  To get creative, click here!

7.  After all that Christmas shopping, you deserve a sneak present for yourself!  The holiday party means party central and also a winter chill so accessorise your outfit with this Limited Edition embellished cape from 18ANDEAST.  Grab yourself one before they all sell out here!

8.  For the beautyaholic in your life, get them Benefit Cosmetics best kept secret.  They're Real! mascara has sold more than YSLs Touche Eclat in it's first few months of sale.  The innovative 'hedgehog' allows you to grab and coat each lash without leaving them clumpy.  Click here to see what all the fuss is about!

9.  Is your best friend a Gossip Girl addict or just a nail polish junkie? Grab her the Gossip Girl Nails Inc collection, available at ASOS, in three shades Lily, Serena and Blair.  Each set gives off a different effect, click here for more information or to grab one for your BFF (and yourself!)

10.  These Kevin Murphy colour bugs are perfect little stocking fillers for the girl who likes to experiment with her hair. They come in three different colours (purple, pink and orange) and work on any coloured hair.  See how FleurDeForce uses hers, here.  Fancy giving these a go or giving one away as a gift, click here!

11.  The ultimate gift for anyone, the iPad.  Brilliant gifts for on the go bloggers, yummy mummies or, well, me (hint hint) these start at £399 depending on what size you'd prefer and if you want the added bonus of 3G. I'm sure you don't need to be pointed in the right direction, but incase you do, click here!

That's it for Christmas giftspiration.  I hope this gift guide has left you raring to go out shopping.  What's on your wish list this year? Leave a comment below!

Tis' the Season to Look Gorgeous

Party season is fast approaching, with only 8 weeks until Christmas to go.  Most normal people would be starting to think 'what would so and so like this year' or 'should we stick with turkey or maybe goose instead?'.  I'm not most people.  The only thing I'm thinking about is the christmas parties at work and the dress I want to wear.  The only problem in shopping for the dress is that there is a high chance someone else would have bought the same gown.  What a better way to ensure you're belle of the ball than a limited edition collection of party dresses? Coast have answered our party time prayers and are to launch The Party Dress collection on the 3rd November.  

Interested? Well I've got a sneak peak at the five stunning dresses up for grabs.  

Elita Maxi

Florissa

Florissa Maxi

Marissa

Perla

My favourite has to be the Florissa Maxi.  It has the perfect combination of sparkle and elegance, but for the true party girl in me I'd have to go with Florissa.  What's your favourite dress?

If you want more information, click here to go to the Coast website where you can sign up to hear the latest on the launch day.  

Topshop Lust List

Every time pay day looms, my web browser miraculously puts me onto Topshop.com and I'm left wanting EVERYTHING.  Having to budget in order to save up for Christmas presents and also seeing The Saturdays in December (SO excited, obvs), screen shopping isn't a good idea, but what the hell... 

£20

These are amazing! Prints are big news this season and I think this would look great with an oversized top and chunky cardi on top.  

£16

I live in these types of tops all year round and these come in all sorts of colours.  £16 isn't a bad price for Topshop, although I still think it's a bit pricey.  

£28

I've been lusting after these for a while and as they are always out of stock, I think the next time I see them I will just have to buy them! These are great during the day or for a night out when you don't want to be wearing gigantic heels (i'll always wear heels though...)

£30

This is a bit of a festive number but i'm loving velvet at the moment.  This would look nice layered up with a chunky aran knit cardi and chelsea boots.  The dress also comes in a gorgeous navy colour.

£45

I was originally drawn to this skirt, thinking it was one of mullet persuasion (have no idea what i'm going on about, read my blog on mullet dresses here).  I was a bit disappointed when I realised it wasn't but thought it would still look cool with a chunky jumper and slippers with a few accessories.  

So those are a few of my Topshop lustings, have you got any you want to share with me? 

I've just received a gorgeous chunky knit cardigan from Joe Browns which i'll be telling you all about later this week! If you follow me on twitter you might have seen a sneak peak already! 

Here's the song of my week (no it's not The Saturdays but it's One Tree Hill related...)

Quote of the Day: Renee and Colin

Bridget: "Wait a minute, nice boys don't kiss like that."

Mark: "Oh yes they fucking do." 

I thought this quote summed up my Christmas movie blog special, along with the fact that Colin Firth is pretty sexy when he swears.   

 

Bridget Jones - Fashion Hero?

Around Christmas all the TV channels tend to play rom-com movies that include Hugh and Colin.  Whether it be Love Actually or either of the Bridget's, they are considered TV gold. 


Tonight I was reminded of just how wonderful Bridget Jones' Diary is.  Infamous for her big knickers, Bridget defies all the odds and bags the nice boy.  A film is all about the (cliche) main characters 'journey' and Bridget certainly goes through a fashionable one.  


Although she's not your go to film character when it comes to fashion, Bridget has this likeability and vulnerability about her that deep down, every girl has.  Her big pants are an on going theme and at the end of the film when she finally bags Mark Darcy she runs into the bedroom quoting to herself "this is definitely a time for genuinely tiny knickers".  Is this the writers way of showing a confidence boost within the character, who once deemed herself as a spinster and unattractive to all males?  


Fashion, whether it be lingerie, couture, designer or high street brings out confidence in us all when we know the garment looks good on us.  What's your fashion confidence boost, Bridget's knickers for every occasion or something entirely different? 

I know, where have I been?

So deadlines are coming down on me fast and I apologise massively for the lack of blogging. Christmas is coming, and that can only mean two things. Presents and the Tesco Girls and Gays night out.  Naturally, the thought of a night off work and a night out with the work lot has excited me to no end. It's a twenties themed evening, but after our 20s fashion lecture, I don't think a curvaceous girl like me could pull off a flapper dress. 

So instead i'm going to take the glamorous aspect of the 20s and use it to my advantage.  I've bought killer heels and a lovely dress (see below).  I have never been so excited about a pair of shoes before and although i'll probably fall to my death saturday night, at least it will be in style.

I've decided to go smokey with the eyes and i'm not sure whether i'll be wearing them with vamp-esk lips.  I should be having my hair cut tomorrow, providing the snow isn't too bad.  Will post some pictures Sunday.  

If you're interested - the shoes and dress are from dressrail.com 

Vogue to Host 'Fashion Night In'

Vogue is answering ebuyers dreams with Fashion Night In on November 1st from 5pm-midnight.  After the success of the recent Fashion Night Out, Vogue.com plans to host the biggest and most stylish online retail experience.  With popular etailers Asos.com, matchesfashion.com, SpaceNK.com and many more being added as we speak, it is sure to be a night which truly celebrates fashion.

It wont all be maxing out those credit cards though although Donna Ida is making the spend a little less with free shipping over £200 and if that wasn't enough, they are chucking in a Splendid layered tank worth £60 for free!  Liberty, a London department store, also plan to arrange a series of events all night long to keep you entertained if you are watching the pennies.

With Christmas looming it's a great way to get some goodies for friends and family.  I'll be there, will you?

Check Vogue.com regularly for updates on this upcoming event.