2015 was the year that...

Before I get started, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and hope you have a great NYE whatever you're up to! Tonight I'll be heading to a friend's as normal for a few quiet drinks, lots of food and a spot of Cranium, Articulate and Cards Against Humanity. 

My Christmas Wishlist 2015

I've started thinking about Christmas quite late this year and have been struggling to find the Christmas spirit, but after heading to Bath Christmas Market last weekend, I'm feeling very festive! It's amazing what some twinkling lights, mulled wine and mince pies can do! Next step putting up the tree...

Review: Lush The Magic of Christmas Bubble Bar

I'm not usually one for buying a product purely based on its looks, but when it comes to Lush I get totally sucked in by pretty colours, quirky shapes, sparkles, cute accessories... oh hello The Magic of Christmas Bubble Bar! I first spotted this new Christmas release on Instagram and mentally added it to my wishlist pretty much instantly.

Black Friday Beauty Offers

Source

Black Friday is upon us and across the week my inbox has filled up with various offers for, well, pretty much everything! I've been especially interested in the beauty offers (obvs), but it's quite hard to keep track, so I've put together a selection of the Black Friday beauty deals and offers available. (Keep checking back for updates!)

Christmas Gifts from The Body Shop

When looking for gifts for Christmas, or even a treat for yourself, you can't go wrong with sets from The Body Shop. They're easy to get hold of online or in store and they're affordable yet great quality, with makeup, skincare and bath and body sets. I have three of these to share with you today.

Life: Barkbeats - The Monthly Treat Box for Dogs

If you have followed this blog for awhile or follow me on Instagram, you will know that I am the proud owner of a beautiful Springer Spaniel called Daisy, who is just over three years old. I don't have any children, but it doesn't matter because she is my baby - she is spoiled rotten and I can't help being a huge softie with her. You can find out a bit more about her in The Furry Friend Tag post I did awhile back here. Daisy was lucky enough last month to receive her very own treat box from Barkbeats, a monthly surprise subscription box for dogs with toys, treats and grooming products.

What I Bought in Italy

As some of you will know, not too long ago I went on my honeymoon to Italy for 2 weeks. It was inevitable that I was going to make some purchases, though I didn't go too crazy as a) most of my spending money was set aside for activities, eating out and transport (we hired a car and travelled from south to north, so had fuel, parking and motorway tolls to pay) and b) there just wasn't enough space to bring lots extra home! Especially when we also bought back 5 bottles of red wine, two big bottles of extra virgin olive oil and lots of sweets!!

September and October Empties #4

I haven't blogged in over two months (which was longer than I expected due to various factors) and I thought an empties post would be a good one to start back with as they're one of my favourite posts to write. As normal I'm bringing you the lowdown on what beauty products went in my bin in September and October, a mini review and whether I'd re-purchase.

August Empties #3

After a few months of using up mostly skincare, I've actually used up some makeup this month and for me that doesn't seem to be an easy feat. As always, I've shared a mini review of each and whether I would re-purchase it again.

Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation in NEW shade 05 Porcelain

I've harped on for years on this blog about the Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation, including it in so many posts from makeup menus to empties to hauls, as well as my initial glowing review many years ago here. If you are after a high coverage, mattifying foundation that will not break you out, then Vichy's foundation is one I will recommend until I'm blue in the face. However my only gripe has always been that the lightest shade is 15 Opal, which really isn't light enough for very pale skin and only works on me with very careful blending.

Mascaras on Trial

I have multiple blushers, eyeshadows, lip products, nail polishes... but when it comes to mascara, normally one is enough for me. Especially when they need replacing every 3 or 4 months! However, recently and unexpectedly, four new ones came into my life all around the same time and I've been rotating them daily to trial and compare. As judge and jury, it's now time to deliver my verdicts.

Currently Loving: Roger and Gallet Hand Creams

I have mentioned countless times over the years that my favourite hand creams are by the French brand L'Occitane and I'm never usually without one (I always stock up when Marie Claire give them away free every winter!). However recently I've been reaching for the Roger and Gallet hand creams in Fleur de Figuier and Bienfiats and do you know what, they are very close to knocking L'Occitane off the top spot.

Naturisimo Cleanse and Polish Discovery Box

When it comes to buying green and organic beauty products, Naturisimo is my one stop online shop. They stock a massive range of brands such as Green People, Oskia, Jurlique and Jane Iredale, covering hair, makeup, skin and more. Every so often they put together a one off themed beauty box and the latest is the Cleanse and Polish Discovery Box, which I couldn't pass up.

Little Ondine: The Peelable Nail Polish

When it comes to bad beauty habits I am the first one to admit that one of my worst is picking off my nail polish. I am just so lazy when it comes to digging out some cotton wool and Cutex. So the lazy girl's nail polish dream? Colour that lasts but comes off easily and quickly - introducing the solution: the Little Ondine range of peelable polish. 

The Perfect Pedi

When it comes to having a pamper and treating my skin, I am very neglectful of my feet. I always paint my nails when the sandals come out, but that's often as far as it goes! So when ClearZal, a footcare brand who have developed products especially for the care of your legs, feet and nails, sent me some products to carry out the "perfect pedi", I knew it was the chance to turn my "regime" around.

Prime Time

Primer: making beauty products last for longer and making little old me much happier. Who wants to be constantly touching up their makeup? Not me that's for sure. I also love the fact that many primers now are multi-tasking and come with additional benefits as well as longevity. I have quite a few different types that I rely on on a regular if not daily basis.

You Beauty Discovery Box August 2015

August's You Beauty Discovery Box has dropped and yet again it's another good one. After July's amazing box (here) I thought this month would be a bit of a let down, but I'm really happy with it. The theme for August is "Summer Essentials" and as usual is a real mixture of skincare, makeup and haircare from a mixture of brands. I found it quite easy to make my two product choices this month.

Review: Merumaya Luxury Facial Wash and Manual Cleansing Brush

Foaming face washes were never something I incorporated into my skincare routine until recently; it can be hard to find the right one when so many of them contain SLS and strip your skin of all its moisture. So when I came across the Merumaya Luxury Facial Wash, designed for blemish prone skin but yet so gentle that it is also suitable for dry and mature skins, I was very intrigued.

The First Impressions Follow Up: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

Last year I posted my first impressions of the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation after picking up a sample pot from Space NK when looking for a foundation to wear on my wedding day. I'm very fussy with base products and after finding that I really, really liked it, I dug out my bank card and splashed out £31.00 on the full size 30ml bottle. 

July Empties #3

This month's empties has a distinct skincare theme; no makeup finished whatsoever! I have hit pan on a few powders recently but that's it... I clearly have too many variations of the same items!! I could probably do with a sort out as I'm sure there are a few dried out mascaras lurking in my makeup boxes somewhere.

Superdrug Travel Essentials

I am so excited to be going on my first foreign holiday in four years this September to Italy, which also happens to be my honeymoon AND my first ever two week break. To be honest excited isn't really the word! For me, the airport shopping is part of the whole holiday experience - hello duty free! Plus of course those last minute buys after inevitably forgetting the essentials like suncream or insect repellent!

A Peachy Keen NOTD

The Maybelline Forever Strong Super Stay Gel Nail Colour range is one of my favourites; beautiful shades - check, super wide brush - check, long lasting formula - check. I have previously raved about the shade Uptown Blue here and now I'm raving about my latest addition, Sunkissed. 

5 Lighter Formulas for Warmer Weather

As the seasons change, inevitably so do my beauty products to suit. With the generally warmer and more humid weather around (well not all the time, it is England!), my skin becomes more suited to lighter formulas with both makeup and skincare. I've been trying out some new products alongside some old favourites and here's the current line up...

My Completed MAC Eyeshadow Quad

Don't you just love a blog sale?! When I spotted the MAC Nylon Eyeshadow in one back in February, I knew it was the perfect shade to complete my MAC eyeshadow quad. Coincidentally I had my makeup done by a MUA on my hen do the week before and Nylon had gone straight on my wishlist after she used it on the inner corner of my eyes and on my brow bones. 

Scentsational Bodycare

I am a sucker for a good scent and find it can often take a product from hmmmm to oooooh. I have to admit I've even bought products before just based on the scent. Now it's summer and there's a higher chance of more skin being on show, I've been concentrating on bodycare and they all happen to smell darn good.

Disappointing Products #2

Most of the time I like to read lots of reviews of beauty products before making a purchase, but it's inevitable that'll I buy something on impulse or something that just doesn't live up to expectations, despite the research! Being disappointed by something you've spent your cold, hard cash on is not a great feeling; unfortunately this has happened to me a few times now. Here's the disappointing line up...

Review: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF50+ Dry Touch Gel Cream

I am pleased to report that facial SPF is now consistently in my skincare routine and the only time I skip it is if I'm planning to stay in all day. Over the winter I was using a SPF20 cream by the natural brand Jason, but now it's summer I've upped it to SPF50 in the form of the La Roche-Posay Anthelios  XL SPF50+ Dry Touch Gel Cream.

Review: Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser

After years of Lush bubble baths, I've only just dipped my toe into the world of Lush skincare, starting with the Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser. 

Blogging Around Full Time Commitments

For most of us, blogging is a part time hobby that we fit in around our usual full time commitments; whether it's working, studying, raising a family or a mixture of them all. For me it's mainly working - I work Monday to Friday 9-5pm (what a way to make a living...) and blog around this. To be honest it isn't easy, but I do it because blogging is my love and passion and for me, it's worth it. Over the last 3 years I've evolved and developed the way I manage my blogging time, which I'm sharing today - hopefully you will find it helpful if you're struggling with the same sort of situation.

Review: Collection Gorgeous Glow Block and Speedy Blush Stick

Last month Collection released some new cheek products in time for summer; the Gorgeous Glow Block in two shades - Blush and Bronze and Speedy Blush Stick in three shades - Tickled Pink, Cheeky and Pinch Me.

You Beauty Discovery Box July 2015

In honour of summer holidays, this month's You Beauty Discovery Box is dedicated to travel and offers a range of products suitable for your summertime beauty regime. It covers all bases; haircare, skincare, bodycare, makeup and nails. I am so, so happy with my box - it's an absolute cracker!

What's in my Handbag - The Wedding Edit

Just over a week ago I was Maid of Honour for my beautiful best friend. It was an absolutely amazing wedding day and I'm a little sad now that I have no more weddings scheduled for this year. My handbag for the day was a beautiful ivory lace clutch bag from BHS that matched the shoes that myself and the other bridesmaids wore. (Our dresses were floaty, mid length in a gorgeous peachy colour, with an ivory lace overlay on the top half.) The bag is a good size, though I only just managed to get all my essentials in that I needed wanted! 

A Spritz of Moisture: Hydrating Toners

One skincare step I never miss day or night is a spritz of hydrating toner. I use a hydrating toner after cleansing and exfoliating and also through the day if my skin needs a little pick me up. They're an essential part of restoring the pH balance of the skin, which is upset after cleansing and helps with the absorption of the serum or moisturiser that follows. Plus they're so quick and easy to use, they won't add much time to your existing skincare routine. These are my current hydration helpers.

June Empties #3

June - thank you for bringing the summer! Although I'll be the first to admit that I did say the words "too hot" once... or maybe twice! The end of another month means another empties post; one of my favourite posts to write and to read.

New Shoes

I often do hauls on this blog but it's rare I do fashion hauls (I think I've posted just one in 3 years!), so I thought I'd share with you some of my recent fashion purchases - and it's all about the shoes.

Review: Nanokeratin BeFri Brush

I remember a day when hairbrushes were boring and all looked the same - well that's definitely no longer the case. The new Nanokeratin BeFri Brush isn't quite like any other I've come across before in every respect; how it looks, how it works and what it does. 

A Flush of Pink - Blushers

When it comes to fashion I'm not really a fan of pink - I have the odd few pink jumpers but I tend to gravitate towards shades of white, grey and blue. However when it comes to other things, especially beauty, it's probably one of my favourite colours. I wear blusher every day as I'm not really a bronzer gal and although I do like peach and nude tones, most of the ones I own are all about the pretty pink hues.

Scents to Burn This Summer

I'm obsessed with candles and wax melts and just like perfume, I tend to switch between candle scents as the seasons change. In Winter I tend to go for warming spicy and woody scents and in Summer I gravitate towards refreshing floral, fruity and citrus scents. I've been burning some delicious ones recently that are the perfect addition to my summer evening.

Recent Beauty Buys #4

I love a good beauty haul, though to be honest the products in today's post have been purchased over the last few months, rather than all in one go. I haven't bought much makeup at all recently, it's been mostly skincare, which is what I needed. Aren't I sensible.

You Beauty Discovery Box June 2015

Every month I excitedly await the product preview for the You Beauty Discovery Box and its subsequent arrival. I've been subbed for quite awhile now (it's just £6.95 per month) and have discovered so many amazing products through it, such as the DHC Cleansing Oil and Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts.

Review: Vichy Purete Thermale Beautifying Cleansing Micellar Oil

I am a big fan of micellar waters and lately I've noticed the benefit of micellar being incorporated into other skincare products. I've been testing one of these such products for over a month now; the Vichy Purete Thermale Beautifying Cleansing Micellar Oil. Bit of a mouthful isn't it?!

Green Festival Beauty: Conscious Skincare Organic Mini Festival 'Be-Clean' Kit

Say summer and so many things spring to mind - the beach, sunshine, BBQs... and of course festivals. Unfortunately I'm not heading to any festivals myself this year, but if I was, I would definitely be taking with me Conscious Skincare's Organic Mini Festival 'Be-Clean' Kit.

Beauty Bites #1

Beauty Bites is a series I've wanted to start for a long time and finally the first post is here! Every so often beauty bites will round up the latest beauty news, launches, discounts, offers and more. Here are 10 of my favourites from the last few weeks or so.

Review: Living Nature Radiance Night Oil

I am obsessed with face oils and use one most nights; lately I've been reaching for the Living Nature Radiance Night Oil. I've tried a few Living Nature skincare products before in the past and am a big fan of the Vitalising Cleanser. Originating from New Zealand, Living Nature use only natural ingredients, many of which are unique to the country itself. 

May Empties #3

The end of another month means another empties post - they're one of my favourite posts to read and write! The only thing is they have a habit of reminding me of how time flies - I can't quite believe we're nearly half way through the year already! Without further ado let's go through all my empty pots, bottles and sachets and find out whether they're re-purchase worthy...

My Wedding Makeup, Hair and Nails

As many of you know I recently became a Mrs (two months ago today to be exact) and I realised that the "happiest day of your life" cliché really isn't exaggerated! It had been 18 months of a rollercoaster of planning (almost seems crazy for one day doesn't it), but it all came together just as I'd hoped and was everything I wanted it to be. I'd been with my other half 11 years prior to the wedding and now I can't to spend the rest of my years with him as his wife. Anyway, enough of the soppy stuff, this post is really all about beauty - my wedding makeup, hair and nails! 

50 Things That Make Me Happy

I first saw this post over on Vicki's blog Let's Talk Beauty and thought it was such a lovely, personal post to read - so positive and inspiring. I'm definitely a person that tends to look at the glass half empty, so this was the perfect challenge for me!

NOTD: The Must Have Essie Polish for Summer

Essie have some real gems in their huge shade selection and many of them have been well documented in the blogging world - Mint Candy Apple, Bikini So Teeny and Bahama Mama are a few that spring to mind. The latest on my radar is courtesy of Essie Button; Splash of Grenadine.

Beauty Wishlist #7 - The Skincare Edit

When it comes to my (never ending) beauty wishlist, more often than not it's primarily skincare products. I'm always subconsciously on the lookout for new products that might up my skincare game and I do like to invest in them, because at the end of the day, makeup will always look better when your skin does. I'm currently eyeing up...

Review: Vichy Dermablend Corrective Stick Foundation in Opal

Despite being an avid fan of the Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation for many years, I haven't until now tried any of their other makeup products. I've been trying out the Dermablend Corrective Stick Foundation for awhile now, which offers all of the benefits of the liquid formula, just in a different form. This includes high coverage, all day wear, non-comedogenic ingredients, SPF30 and no fragrance. I have the shade Opal, which is the lightest in the range.