Beauty brand of the year

Hey guys

2013 saw me trying a load of new brands and as we come to the end I thought it would be interesting to try and decide which brand was my best for this year. 

It's a tough decision but I think I'll have to say MAC.

2013 was the year I finally gave in and bought some MAC products.

Everybody had been telling me how great their products were but I was just being cheap so kept putting off buying their products. 

Then I decided to buy a foundation as I was sick of trying cheaper foundations and none of them impressing me.

The studio fix pressed powder.

I returned like the next day to buy their skin base visage and studio fix fluid foundation.

A couple of months later I bought 2 lipsticks, translucent powder and concealer.

And I've need looked back.

I don't really have any complaints.

The prep+prime products in particular are life savers.
I am constantly battling the oiliness of my skin so I can remain shine-free for as long as possible.

The products I have from the prep+prime range (the skin base visage and translucent loose powder) have helped me achieve remaining shine free for much longer than I ever have.

And in these winter months it's basically all day!

Another brand worth the hype, but I secretly wish they would bring their prices down so I can buy the whole shop!

What has been your beauty brand of the year? Is it the same as mine? I'm always looking for new brands to try so please do let me know!

Thanks for reading!

x x

Hair product of the year

Hey guys

It's another best of 2013 post. This time it's all about the hair.

I haven't really talked much about hair on my blog but hair products also get a good chunk of my money spent on as well.

I've bought quite a lot of decent hair products this year. I can't remember actually buying a disappointing product so I'll probably review some in the near future.

This year I finally invested in Argan oil. I had heard loads about it but I'd also heard how expensive it can be.

You can buy shampoo and conditioners and sprays etc with Argan oil but I always worried that they contained a minimal amount and would be seriously watered down and wouldn't be worth the price.

Image from ebay.co.uk

So I bought a bottle of Argan oil. Had to make sure it was genuine as there are fakes out there. This didn't cost me as much as I was expecting and it's lasting me.

It has helped add shine to my hair. My hair feels so soft and just generally looks and feels healthy and

It's definitely worth the hype.

Have any of you tried Argan oil? What's has been your stand out hair product of 2013? I'd love to know!

Thanks for reading!

x x

Stand out product of 2013

Hey guys!

2013 is very nearly over so I thought I'd share with you my ultimate stand out product of the year.

I've bought a lot of stuff this year and I've had a lot of disappointment but this produce makes up for them. My stand out product has got to be Soap and Glory's 2 in 1 facial peel.

This was my first and only Soap and Glory product I've bought (shocking I know) but this is the best face mask I've ever used and I recommend especially to those with oily skin like me.

Every time I use this product I'm amazed at how clean and refreshed my face feels.

My skin feels totally cleansed and soft.

Can be used as a quick cleanse or kept on longer for a more deep cleanse. I like face masks to be used for a deep cleanse so I keep it on for a minimum of 15 minutes (although that's the maximum recommendation).

I love to use it before a special event to help minimise the appearance of pores and keep my skin as shine-free for as long as possible.

I'll definitely be buying more Soap and Glory products in 2014!

Thanks for reading! 

Any thoughts on this product? Any soap and Glory recommendations?

What has been your standout product of 2013? 

I'd love to know!

x x

Christmas Eve

Hey guys

So it's Christmas Eve. I've just got back from work. I'm so tired but I'm determined to stay awake and watch all the Christmas specials and movies and stay up to at least midnight like I used to do as a kid.

There's no real theme to this post.

It's just really to wish all you lovely readers a Happy Christmas!

Have a great day and I hope you get everything you were wishing for and more!

x x

Mani Monday- Christmas edition!!!

Hey guys!!

It's officially Christmas week!!!

Unfortunately I only have Christmas Day off from work but I refuse to let that stop me from getting into the festive spirit!

So what better way than to express my Christmas than to do a Christmas inspired mani!

I didn't have time to some fancy design with Christmas trees or candy canes but I just went with the red (it's actually pink but you can't really tell) and white theme and used my beloved striping tape to achieve this look.

Please ignore the smudges. I was so annoyed when it happened especially as I couldn't start again. I spent so much time and my patience was wearing thin but it paid off in the end.

What do you guys think?

Do you have any festive manis? I'd love to see them.

Please leave your links below!

Have a great Christmas!!!

x x

#theskinproject-serum

Hey guys!

It's time for another post for the skin project!

 This time it's about serum.

I must admit, I have never used a serum before and knew nothing about the topic so this post led me to do some research into it. 

From what I found the main reason to use a facial serum is to get added nutrients and vitamins into deeper layers of your skin that a regular moisturiser may not be able to reach.

There are many types of serums such as anti-aging serums, skin brightening serums and even acne preventative serums. It's best to apply the serum after your toner and before your moisturizer.

Serums can be oil based or water based. For drier skin, it would be advisable to use an oil based serum. As I have super oily skin I would run from the oil based and use a water based one.

Serums are meant to leave your skin leaving soft and smooth giving it a nice glow... 

I don't know if I'm totally convinced to use a serum as I feel that the more I add on my face, the higher chance there is to build up oil on my face.

However I would like to know any recommendations you have and maybe you can persuade me to try them.

Do comment and let me know! 

And if you're part of this project, do post your links. I'd love to read them!

Thanks for reading!

x x

Notd

Hey guys 

I was busy on Monday so missed manicure Monday so here's my latest nail of the day featuring striping tape of course!

If I'm totally honest it's a bit of a boring design but I kinda like the simplicity and the colours.

What do you guys think?

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me on twitter and bloglovin!

x x

I heart Christmas review

Hey guys

It's time for another book review and it so happens to be another from the 'I heart' series by Lindsey Kelk. 

Image from amazon.co.uk

This latest installment is called 'I heart Christmas' and as I'm sure you can tell by the title, is the perfect book to read during this festive period.

I must admit, I haven't been feeling totally Christmassy but this book definitely helped me to get more in the mood.

The book so happened to be set in New York. I unfortunately haven't had the chance to visit New York but hopefully one day I will especially during Christmas. This book, along with movies seem to describe it as the perfect place to spend Christmas. Maybe I'm just imagining it snowing and going ice skating in Central Park.

In this book, Angela, now being a married woman is dealing with the typical worries married women face (not that I would know anything about it). On top of that she's trying not to stress about her job and figuring how to deal with the return of her nemesis.

What I love about this book, and the series in general, is how while reading it I feel like I'm Angela's friend and I personally feel involved in the situations she goes through. Like I feel her frustrations or sometimes I myself feel frustrated with how she's reacting to a situation. Like I just want to be like "Wake up Angela! You seriously can't be doing this!"

I would totally recommend this book, especially for this festive period but it'll still be equally as good any time of the year.

This book had me laughing like a weirdo to myself on the train which is never a good look but a good reflection of the book.

Thanks for reading and if you've read this book I'd love to know what you thought about it! 

x x

#theskinproject- toning

Hey guys 

I know I'm a little late joining but when I read a few of the skin project posts going about I had to see if I could join in.

I emailed the lovely Lianne (you can find her blog here) and she let me join in mid-way!

Skincare is something I've been trying to get into. In my teenage years (I'm now 21), all I was trying to do was get rid of my spots and make sure they don't come back. After achieving that I kind of slacked on continuing to look after my skin. However, I now know the importance of having a good skincare regime so I thought this project would make me do a little bit of research and also allow me to gain some great tips from fellow bloggers also taking part in the project.

This week's project is all about toning.

I must admit I haven't always used a toner. It's only something I've used properly and consistently for about a year.

I had heard different opinions about how you don't need to tone or how it's a waste of time

I decided to find out for myself what toning really was all about which led me to find out that using a toner helps to reduce appearance of pores.

This is a good thing for me to hear as I have greatly oily skin so anything to help shrink pores is a bonus for me.

I currently use the tea tree toner from Body Shop and I think it's great and doesn't cost too much either (£5.00) especially as Body shop always have great offers. It's clinically proven to produce clearer looking skin and to be honest I must admit it's true. I've definitely noticed a difference since I've started using this product. It helps to remove impurities and if used regularly can help reduce breakouts.
I use it in conjunction with the tea tree oil facial wash which I think definitely helps (they compliment each other) but I missed the post on cleansers so I'll have to rave about that in another post.
I use the toner every morning after I've had my shower. It has to be shaken well, then put some on a cotton pad and wipe over the face. I put more focus on where gets most oily.

Image from thebodyshop.co.uk

I've previously used the seaweed toner from Body Shop which is quite good as well but I just prefer the tea tree toner as it helps to keep my face shine-free leaving my face more matte and is great for blemished prone skin.

Before going to bed, after I have washed my face I use Nivea's 2 in 1 cleanser and toner.

Image from boots.com

It helps to remove that little bit of make-up or dirt off my face. I use this as I find it quite moisturising and because I have oily skin I worry that I may not be hydrating my face enough as I run from adding too much moisture. However this doesn't leave my face greasy but I worry it doesn't help keep my face shine-free which is why I use it before going to bed.
I put some into my hands and rub on my face. I then remove it using a cotton pad.

Do any of you guys use a toner? If so, which one? If not, why not? I'd love to know!
Have you used this one and what was your experience with it?

Also, if you're taking part in this project let me know! I'd love to read your posts!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me on twitter and bloglovin!

x x

Mani Monday!

Hey guys

It's another short (and hopefully sweet) nail related post!

You may have seen my previous post on my recent Sally Hansen purchase. If not you can get find it (here).

Here's my recent nail art with the sugar coat polishes.

This look can be created using Sellotape which will produce finer edges but I couldn't be bothered with tape as it was a last minute decision to add the black effects right before bed so I used one of my nail brushes. 

What do you guys think? Any of you obsessed with nail art like I am?
Do let me know. I love to see people's designs as mine can be quite basic at times.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!
x x

How much is my face worth tag?

Hey guys

I've been seeing quite a few of these how much is your face worth tag and thought it would be fun to do my own.

Moisturiser

Simple Oil Balancing Moisturiser- £4.25

Primer

MAC Prep+Prime Skin Base Visage- £20.50

MAC Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder- £20.00
 

Foundation 

MAC Studio Fix Fluid- £21.50

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus- £21.50

Concealer

MAC Select Cover-up- £15.00

Eyebrows

Collection eye definer- £2.79

Eyeshadow

MUA Undress me Too- £4.00

Eyeliner 

Collection Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner- £2.99

Helen e Eye Pencil- £8

 Eyelashes

Maybelline Colossal Volum' Cat Eyes Mascara- £7.99

Lips 

Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss- £7.99

That all totals at £136.51!

 That's a lot more than I was expecting but thankfully I don't buy it all in one go!!!

Have you done this tag? Do let me know. I would love to read them and if you haven't I tag you now! It's interesting to see how much you actually spend on your everyday face.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me on bloglovin and twitter!

x x

Christmas chocolates!

Hey guys

It's been a while and since I'm having a bit of a fat day I thought I'd write about my must have chocolates for the festive period. It was difficult to just pick 3 as I am a chocolate junkie but here's what I chose:

1. Ferrero Roche

My ultimate favourite is Ferrero Roche.
I can't go through Christmas without eating these.
I would class these as 'premium' chocolates as they do cost a bit more than I would like to pay for chocolates which is why I get others to buy it for me :)
Debenhams do some really cool Ferrero Roche collection presents with the different flavours but to be honest I'm a fan of the original, gold wrapper chocolates.

Image from Debenhams.com

2. Chocolate coins

These have been a favourite right from childhood. My parents always bought my brothers and I countless bags of these. I'm surprised we haven't gotten sick of them yet.
Too bad it wasn't real money.

Image from asda.com

3. Celebrations 

Out of all the festive chocolate collection tins this one has got to be my favourite.
It's the tin where I eat most of the chocolates and now they've added Twix!
In my house we're always fighting for the Maltesers.
Milky way and Mars always get neglected and are left till last. We eat them when we have no more chocolate in the house.

Image from flickr.com

What are your favourite Christmas chocolates?
Any of them include these?
Do let me know!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me on bloglovin and twitter!

x x

Christmas tag

Hey guys!

It's December! The month of Christmas! So my first post of this month has to be a Christmas themed one so what better than the Christmas tag?

1) Do you prefer a real/synthetic Christmas tree? 

Synthetic. I'm not the biggest fan of nature and I don't really like the smell.

2) You're in a coffee shop, its December, what do you order?

It has to be a hazelnut hot chocolate. Starbucks do the best!

3) What's your favourite colour scheme to decorate the Christmas tree?

I love the classic colour scheme of red, gold and silver with loads of tinsel and baubles.

4) Do you prefer to give or receive gifts?

I can't pretend I don't love to receive gifts. Who honestly doesn't? So I'm going to say I prefer to receive gifts. However, you can't beat the feeling you get when someone opens a present you got them and they genuinely like it.

5) Do you like mince pies?

I've tried to like them but it just doesn't happen. I love the pastry though but nobody wants to eat the filling by itself and give me the pastry. Lol.

6) What's your favourite Christmas lunch?

I don't really eat traditional Christmas lunch. Don't get me wrong, I do eat Christmas dinners at like work and uni Christmas dos but on Christmas Day I don't eat the traditional as some members of my family aren't keen on it. But I love pigs in blankets and that is somehow incorporated into my unconventional but delicious 'Christmas lunch'.

7) What's your Christmas day fashion?

If it's just my family at home I'll be in something comfortable like leggings and a big jumper (not a Christmas one- I actually don't own one...). Loads of room for me to eat as much as I can :)
 If we're having guests then I'll wear a more presentable jumper and skinny jeans. (That way I eat a more reasonable amount...)

8) What's your favourite Christmas song?

There are a lot to choose from and after posting this I'm sure I'll remember others. I'm a big fan of Last Christmas and Rocking around the Christmas tree.

And you can't forget the classic 'all I want for Christmas is you'. 

(I hope those are their titles lol)

9) Favourite Christmas film?

I love Home alone or the grinch. I can't choose one. It's impossible.

I also love Merry Madagascar, a short but funny Christmas themed film from the Madagascar series.

10) Open presents before or after lunch?

I'm not waiting till after lunch! It's a struggle to wait till Christmas Day!

Hope you've enjoyed this tag and I tag you all! It's Christmas and I think you should all do it! If you do, let me know. I'd love to read it!

x x