Friday 31 January 2014

Avon Haul #5

I know, yet another Avon Haul. As I have said many times before I am a big fan of the Avon brand and I have been putting in little orders for myself recently.



Avon Magix Face Perfector / Avon Light Moisture Gel Refreshing Face Gel Cream / Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argon Oil Leave in Treatment / Avon True Colour Eyeshadow Duo in Warm Cashmere and Enchanted Forest / Avon Blush Brush / Avon All Over Face BrushAvon Glimmersticks Eye Liner in Saturn Grey / Avon Ultra Colour Lipstick in Lava Love /

I have been using the Magix Face Perfector for a couple of weeks and I was very impressed to begin with. It does keep your makeup on for the full day which is an important factor in choosing a primer. However, it claims to reduce the look of pores and smooth the skin, yet I felt that this face perfector did not live up to these expectations. I still like to use this under a fuller coverage concealer because it is fantastic at prolonging makeup.

I chose the Avon Light Moisture Gel Refreshing Face Gel Cream because it was aimed at those with oily/combination skin. It contains Green Tea and Cucumber and is very cooling on this skin. After using this for a couple of weeks I have realised that you should pair this with a more moisture rich moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated.

This year I want to look into using more hair products. My hair care routine usually involves, shampoo, conditioner, towel dry and brush. As exciting as this sounds, I want to try out more products to make the most out of my blonde hair. I ordered the Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Maroccan Argan Oil Leave in Treatment and I have been loving it. I run it through the damp ends of my hair after a shower and then blow dry on the cool setting. I noticed a difference in my hair straight away, it looks and feels healthier and I now use this almost everyday. Finally on the hair oil bandwaggon!

I hold a special place in my heart for Avon eyeshadows and ordered the Avon True Colour Eyeshadow Duo's in Enchanted Forest and Warm Cashmere to add to my growing collection. The pigmentation of Avon eyeshadows are amazing and are buttery soft.

I love the Real Techniques Brushes but Avon had a special offer on their makeup brushes and I wanted to give them a go. I picked up the All Over Face Brush and the Blush Brush and have been enjoying using them for bronzer and blusher.

I don't really use eyeliner, as you know I am awful at applying the stuff. I will learn!! But a friend picked up the Glimmerstick Eyeliner in Saturn Grey and I thought it looked amazing on her and wanted to give it a try. My plan for this eyeliner is to apply it to the crease and blend blend blend to create a smokey eye look.

Finally, I picked up another Ultra Colour Lipstick. I love the formula of these lipsticks, very pigmented and moisturising. I have been sporting a red lip recently and picked Lava Love so that I could have an Avon offering to add to my lipstick collection.

Any Avon suggestions for me?

Sunday 26 January 2014

The Sunday Post

Sunday is my favourite day of the week, bacon rolls, cups of tea and a good old pamper session. Two of my New Years Resolutions were to make sure I took my makeup off at night and to wash my makeup brushes weekly. Both of these come into my Sunday ritual.



I begin the Pamper Session by removing my makeup and washing my face. I use the L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Micellar Water to remove my eye makeup and then follow with the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm. I love this balm, it smells incredible and removes any trace of makeup. 
I discovered the Soap and Glory Scrub Atomic at the start of January and it has been a regular step in my skin care routine. I have horrid skin right now with blackheads and blemishes and this is been a skin care saviour. After my face is squeaky clean, I then apply the famous Super Facialist by Una Brennan Tea Flower Pore Purifying Clay Mask. I usually watch an episode of Gossip Girl or Scandal while the Mask is drying and then remove the mask using a flannel and warm water.

Twice weekly I like to replace a moisturiser with a facial oil and my favourite is the Caudalie Devine Oil. This oil absorbs beautifully into the skin and leaves my skin feeling and looking amazing the next morning.

For lips, I love using the Lush Lip Scrubs. My personal favourite is the Mint Julips flavour which leaves my lips feeling soft and removes any dry skin. I then finish with lip balm to moisturise and my skin care routine is complete. 

Sunday Evening is also when I clean my makeup brushes. This is actually one of my favourite things to do. It is very therapeutic and rewarding and a I love the sight of all my Real Techniques lined up and looking and smelling fresh. Even typing this is giving me butterflies!

Can't wait for tonight now!

Thursday 23 January 2014

What's in my Makeup Bag?

The last time I did a 'What's in my Makeup Bag' post, it was summer and it's now that time of year where you swap tinted moisturisers for full coverage foundations and orange toned red lipsticks for the more muted nudey pinks. This is an updated edition of what makeup I've been wearing on a day to day. 
L-R / Mac Pro Palette / Bourjois Happy Light Foundation / L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara / Topshop Bronzer in Sandcastle / Mac Creme Cup / Benefit Browzings / Soap and Glory Kick Ass Concealer / Bourjois Colour Edition 24HR / Natural Collection Blush in Rosy Glow

Starting with foundation, I have been a big fan of the Bourjois Happy Light foundation. I have wore this foundation all autumn and winter and have had to repurchase it. It is a great medium coverage foundation that gives you a natural glow.

My concealer of choice is the Soap and Glory Kick Ass Concealer. This is a three step system that includes two concealer shades and a setting powder. The concealers are extremely creamy and are great at covering blemishes and brightening dark circles. The setting powder is the incredible and I am going to pick up the full size Kick Ass Setting Powder on my next shopping trip.

I discovered contouring in 2013 and the product that I've been loving to give my face angles is the Topshop Bronzer in Sandcastles. It's the perfect contour shade for me and I have been wearing this everyday. I feel like my face is a just flat without it.

My everyday blusher shade is the Natural Collections Rosy Glow Blush. It gives my cheeks a natural flush and I would recommend these blushes to everyone. They are only £1.99 each and usually on a special offer in Boots.

For eyes, my go to Eye shadow base is the Bourjois Colour Edition 24HR cream to powder eye shadows. I have the bronze and the silver one (I have no idea the name of these) and these our amazing at holding eye shadows in place all day and adding a beautiful shimmer.

The palette I have been reaching for recently has been my Mac Pro Palette. I have the shades, Naked Lunch, Satin Taupe and Blackberry and have been loving making a purple smokey eye with these colours. I think these shades are easy to wear every day shades and I can not wait to get my hands on more. 

I love the L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara and I picked up the waterproof version. This is great for everyday long, voluminous lashes and it makes my lashes stay perfect all day.

My Benefit Browzings Kit is my go to eyebrow product, I find that powder gives a more natural finish than eyebrow pencils and this one is great for keeping my eyebrows full and dark throughout the day. It comes with a powder, wax, slanted brush, powder brush and tweezers so it is perfect for chucking in your handbag.

The final product is for lips. I have been loving rocking Nude lips recently after wearing brights and berry's over the Christmas period. I love Mac Creme Cup for everyday lips and this colour can be matched with a lot of makeup looks.

What do you keep in your makeup bag?




Friday 17 January 2014

Soap and Glory Powder Trip

I love Soap and Glory products and this powder palette is no exception. I think this was a Christmas exclusive as it is not available online anymore, but you can buy each powder individually on the Boots website or in Boots stores.




Powder Trip contains:
  • Glow All Out Luminising Face Powder
  • Love at First Blush Multi Shimmer Blushing Powder
  • Solar Powder Multi Shade Bronzer
The packaging is typical Soap and Glory Style, cardboard packaging with cute graphics and their signature pink. I know someone people do not like the cardboard packaging but I am a big fan. Finally this palette includes a large mirror and a half moon powder brush.

Lets get to the goodness inside:

First up is the Glow All Out Luminising Face Powder. I have been lusting after this powder for a while now and was delighted to receive Powder Trip for my Christmas. Glow All Out is a pale pink highlighter that I like to brush onto the top of my cheekbones and down the centre of my nose using the half moon powder brush supplied. This powder is buttery soft and gives the wearer a gorgeous glow. Glow All Out can also be used as a setting powder after foundation but a little goes a long way with this. 

Next up is Love at First Blush Multi Shimmer Blushing Powder. A wheel of different pink shimmer shades that can be swirled together with a blush brush to create the most beautiful blush colour. I have strong feelings for this blush. I usually like a more matte blush however this blush gives you a natural rosey glow with a lovely highlighting shimmer.


Solar Powder is a matte two tone bronzer that can also be swirled together using a powder brush. There is a slight shimmer on the Soap and Glory embossing but this does not transfer onto the skin and is gone after the first use. It gives you perfectly bronzed skin without the orange hue that some drugstore bronzers give and can be used all year round to give you natural warmth. I have extremely pale skin and this is perfect for my skin tone.


Overall, I love all the powders in this palette and would repurchase each powder individually when I hit pan. The powders are £11 each which I think is pretty good for a high end quality product. 

Wednesday 15 January 2014

The Blogger Made Me Buy It Tag

This Tag takes me back 2 years ago and reminds me a lot about my dissertation topic which focused on the effects blogs have on the purchasing decisions of consumers. I thought it would be interesting for me to answer these questions because I believe beauty and fashion blogs are very influential.



1. Who are your most influential bloggers? Who are the ones you really rely on for reviews and swatches?

Today, I am more likely to look to bloggers for fashion and beauty advice over the celebrities and fashion magazines I used to use.
I have certain blogs I check everyday and these tend to be the blogs I enjoy and trust the most. I love Lily Pebbles and Vivianna Does Makeup for beauty advice, makeup launches and new beauty brands.
I love Lily Melrose' beauty blog ECTLLYMLRS because she tends to stay away from blogger norms and discuss different products. I love Lily for swatches because we have similar colouring and I love to see what products work for us pale skinned, blonde girls.

2. Do you buy a product solely as a result from one review from your favourite bloggers? Or do you look for more reviews from others? 

I do trust the opinions of my favourite bloggers. However, some products work for some and not for others. Everyone has different skin types, skin tone, hair colour so I believe in making an opinion of a product for yourself.

3. What is your most favourite item you have ever bought in consequence of blogs?

The launch of the DiorSkin Nude BB Cream was an exciting one for me. Essiebutton blogged multiple times about her love for the amazing BB Cream and I had to have it in my makeup collection. I searched all over Edinburgh for this product and finally located a tube in Jenners and I have loved it ever since.

4. What is your least favourite item you have bought in consequence of blogs? 

The Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers had a huge amount of hype surrounding the launch and the Apocalips are continually seen in monthly favourites. However, I never got on with these. I still can't understand why these are so popular.

5. Name 5 products you have bought recently as a result of blogs

  1. Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm
  2. Mac Creme Cup
  3. Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey
  4. Soap and Glory Scrub Atomic
  5. Body Shop Honey Bronzer

6. Have you ever given in to blogger hype? If so, which hype?

The hype surrounding The Real Techniques has always been huge and influential. Designed by Makeup Artist sisters Sam and Nic Chapman, these brushes have a huge fan base within the blogging world and rightly so. I love these brushes and want to collect them all. My favourites right now are the Contour Brush and the Buffing Brush. I could not recommend these brushes more. (Review)


7. Have you ever avoided blogger hype? if so, which hype?

I have read many reviews about Bioderma and everyone seems to really love it. I have never tried this nor intend to unless it drops on my door step. There are many other cheaper and more readily available alternative and I am enjoying using the L'Oreal Micellar Solution.

8. Is everything you buy based on blogger reviews or are there some items you buy without checking out reviews?

I rely on blogs a lot for beauty and fashion inspiration yet I love to discover new Beauty products and trends for myself and to inspire others.

I found this Tag on the blog We Were Raised by Wolves and I would like to tag anyone that would like to take part.

Tuesday 14 January 2014

Lipstick Collection - Avon Edit

Avon is one of my favourite beauty brands at the moment and I love to spread the Avon joy. With their amazing quality and affordable makeup, Avon are a winner in my eyes. Avon have a HUGE collection of lipsticks with different finishes and formulas to suit every women's needs. I am a big fan of the Avon Ultra Colour Lipsticks and their Avon Perfect Kisses Lipsticks and I wanted to share my collection with you guys.

I have three Ultra Colour Lipsticks:
Proper Pink- a pretty pinky/Nude
Perfect Red-a dark burgundy red
Fuchsia Fever- a sheer glossy hot pink


And three Perfect Kisses Lipsticks:
Make-out Red- a deep blue toned red
Berry Smooch- a blue toned berry 
Fuchsia Flirt- a bright pink with shimmers


These lipsticks have a very pleasant scent that I can not place... Maybe like marzipan or birthday cake?
My favourites of the bunch are Proper Pink and Berry Smooch, but all the shades are very wearable, pigmented and moisturising.

Any Avon Lipstick recommendations?

Friday 10 January 2014

January Beauty Haul

I know Christmas was like 2 weeks ago and I was spoilt with treats but I couldn't help myself when it came to beauty items. Most of these items were a must have or repurchases and most of them have been used so I can give you a mini review.



L-R - Batiste Light & Blonde Dry Shampoo - Lady Gaga Fame Perfume - Bourjois Happy Light Foundation - L'Oreal Skin Perfection -  Maybelline Lasting Drama Eyeliner Gel - Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm - Topshop Pressed Powder - Maybelline The Falsies Mascara - Topshop Nails in Green Room - Mac Creme Cup - Real Techniques Stippling Brush - Real Techniques Eye Brush Set

The Batiste Light and Blonde Dry Shampoo was something I purchased when I was visiting a friend because I didn't have time to wash my hair before our shopping trip. I loved it, my hair went from greasy to clean looking in seconds. I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't the typical white powder of other dry shampoo as i find some others make my hair look grey.

I picked up the Lady Gaga Fame perfume on Boxing Day, as if I hadn't received enough perfumes over the festive period. I really fancied a warm, night time scent as I usually gravitate towards fresh flower scents. This perfume is a black liquid with the ingredients:
Tears of Belladonna 
Crushed Heart of Tiger Orchidea
With a Black Vail of Incense
Pulverised Apricot
And the Combinative Essences 
Of Saffron and Honey
I am a little bit in love with this perfume.

The Bourjois Happy Light Foundation is one of my favourites from 2013. This is a repurchase because I just ran out and couldn't be without my beloved Happy Light. The coverage is light to medium but can be built up. Even though I discovered this in the autumn/winter time, I think this is a summer foundation. The colour range is not great but I have no. 50 porcelain and it is just a little darker than my skin tone but this does help my fair skin glow a little.

Another repurchase is the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Micellar solution. I really love this product for taking of my makeup before using my cleanser and after cleansing as a toner. 

One of my New Years resolutions is to learn how to apply eyeliner. I picked up the Maybelline Master Drama Gel Liner on a Boots spending spree. I have tried this before and managed to create an okay line across one of my lids. I am determined to master the technique of applying eyeliner. 

The Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm is something I have been lusting after for a long time. When Feel Unique had a 15% off event I couldn't help but pop this into my basket and click checkout. I have been using this for a week and have not noticed much of a difference. However, I have read reviews were people say that they notice a big difference when they stop using it. It smells amazing and I'm gonna keep using it in my skin care routine. 

My beloved Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot Powder has hit pan in a bad way and I went out yo seek a replacement. I picked up the Topshop Setting Powder in White Lies because I have been impressed with Topshops Makeup offerings. So far, nothing special, I will have to pick up another One Heck of a Blot.

I was a big fan of the Maybelline The Falsies the last time I had it. I picked up the Flared version and I'm not impressed. My lashes are average and don't have the wow factor they did the last time. Going to keep using it, maybe it gets better with age?

I love Topshop Nails and I had a voucher to spend so I picked up the Topshop Nails in Green Room. I  have this on my nails now and I love it. It's a very opaque bright mint green and I think it's one I will be wearing all year round.

I have started a new Mac Obsession. Whenever i go to a Mac Store or counter I have to buy something, eyeshadow or lipstick related. On this particular shopping trip I picked up Mac Creme Cup and I am in love with this lipstick. It's the most wearable Mac Lipstick I own and it's the perfect nude/pink. It is my go to lipstick of the moment. Any Mac Lipsticks you would reccomend for next shopping trip?

Last, but certainly not least are my new additions to my Real Technique makeup brush family. I picked up the Stippling Brush for using with my blushers. I was previously using a Claire's Accessories brush but I decided I needed this in my life. I also bought the Eye Makeup Brush Collection. I have wanted this for a long time and finally just decided to get it. I have been using the Deluxe Crease Brush and Base Shadow Brush everyday since I bought them. 

What have you been buying this month?

The Pink Edit - Nails

I've always loved wearing pink on my nails. Pastel pink is a shade you can wear all year round and these are my picks of the best marshmallow pinks.


Barry M Hi-Shine Gelly  in Dragon / Topshop Nails in Milkshake / Avon Nailwear Pro+ in Pink Creme / Seche Nail Laquer in Rose II / Barry M Nail Paint in Strawberry 

Bloglovin'

Every morning I like to make myself a cup of tea and use the Bloglovin' App on my Ipad.

Follow on Bloglovin

I love Bloglovin' and the whole blogging community. Bloglovin' allows me to search for other amazing blogs, read posts from my favourite bloggers and upload my own blog for others to read and enjoy.

Please follow me on Bloglovin' to follow my posts. Blogging, Beauty and Fashion are a passion of mine and I would love to share my passion with you guys.

Thursday 9 January 2014

The Pink Edit - Eye Makeup

One of the hottest trends for S/S14 is pastel pink and I've started seeing this colour everywhere, in clothing, accessories and of course makeup.


I want to get my hands on the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette so badly. I think the rose toned colours in this palette would compliment my skin tone and eye colour to perfection and it's just so beautiful. 

I raided my eye shadow collection and found the Avon Luxe Glamorous Roses Palette which you will find in my last Avon Haul. This holds 5 eyeshadows in luxury gold packaging, 4 shimmers and 1 matte.

For the pink inspired makeup look I have been sporting since New Year, I firstly apply the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Pink Gold all over the lid. I love this as a base because it brightens the eye and adds a shimmer that lasts all day. 

I then apply the centre shade in the Avon Glamorous Roses Pallete over the Pink Gold base. In the Crease I have gone for the top shimmery grey shade and blended. 

If I wanted to go for a more smokey eye look I add the dark purple to the crease and blend blend blend. 

I really love this look and think that I will be experimenting more with eye shadow looks this year. 

Tuesday 7 January 2014

My New Years Resolutions

I am one for always making New Years resolutions but never sticking to them. However, I have come up with a 5 achievable challenges for 2014.




1. Always take my makeup off at night. I am guilty of sometimes forgetting/being too lazy to remove my makeup at night and this has to stop. My skin has broken out and is really getting me down so I am making a vow to myself to go to bed with a fresh face. I read a post on Caroline Hirons blog about taking your makeup off as soon as you are home, why sit for the next 5 hours with makeup clogging up your pores, when you could be letting your skin breath. I love this advice and i can't believe it never crossed my mind sooner.

2. I promise to try and wash my makeup brushes at least once a week. I believe this is the other reason my skin is becoming spotty. I actually enjoy washing my brushes, it is quite therapeutic and I always feel a moment of joy looking at my clean makeup brushes all lined up. Perfection. 

3. 2014 is the year I am going to learn to apply eyeliner. I always get a friend to apply the fine black line across my lids and this year I am going to perfect this skill. I picked up the Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner after a friends reccomendation and can't wait to spend hours in front of the mirror making mistakes. 

4. I love this blog but felt that by the end of 2013 life had gotten in the way and has prevented me blogging as often as I would have liked. This year I plan to blog more often because it is something I enjoy doing for myself.

5. I simply want to be happy in 2014. Last year was a roller coaster of emotions and an overall stinker of a year. I am determined to make this year one of my best. I am doing the 100 Happy Days Challenge on my Instagram where you post a photo everyday of something that makes you happy. At the end of the challenge, if you complete the 100 days they send you a book of your 100 happy day memories. Follow me on. Instagram to check out what makes me happy @gbenzo 

Friday 3 January 2014

What's in my bag?

I love these posts and I am always curious to know what other people keep in their handbags. I did one of these posts in June and thought I would do an updated version because it is the New Year and I have a new bag.

I ordered the Combined City Bag from Zara on Christmas Eve and it arrived shortly after Christmas. I needed a bag smaller than my other bags but still big enough to hold all stuff.


During the winter, there are a few essentials that are not kept in my bag all year round. 
I keep my pom pom wooly hat from New Look in my bag when I'm not wearing it, just incase it gets a bit chilly. I picked up this amazing tartan umbrella from New Look the other day to try and avoid bad hair days due to surprise showers. Tissues are a must have this time of year and I love these festive ones from Tescos.

I take my little Alphabet Bags makeup pouch with me most places to store my powder, bronzer and brushes. I am in love with Soap and Glorys One Heck of a Blot and Topshops Bronzer in Sandcastles. These are great for travelling or taking to work to just freshen up my face.

If you read my blog you'll know that no handbag of mine is complete without a hand cream of some sort. I love this rose scented hand cream from The Body Shop. It is very hydrating and a little goes a long way with this product. I also pack the perfume I'm wearing that day to top it up later. Right now I'm loving the Korres White Tea, Bergamount and Fressia Scent, which is a perfect travel size bottle.

I keep my lipstick of choice for that day (I am wearing Rimmels Moisture Renew Lipstick in In Love With Ginger today) and a lip balm. The Body Shop lip balms are a favourite of mine and the Mango scented lip balm reminds me if my holiday to Cuba.

In terms of gadgets I like to take my iPod and iPad with me, to keep me entertained on the bus and before work. My iPad case is a floral accessorize case from Tescos.

Last but certainly not least I always keep my diary, pens, my purse and keys. Everyday nessesities that carry everywhere with me. My diary is just a boring red day to day one from a bargain store that I covered in stickers. My purse is one that I had for like 5 years that I still love from River Island.

So there you have the contents of my lovely Zara bag.

Thursday 2 January 2014

2013 Beauty Favourites

I have always been a makeup lover and enjoyed using beauty products, but 2013 was the year I started Georgina Sparkles and discovered a whole new world. From bases to blushers, to storage to brushes. This is my 2013 Beauty favourites:

Bases

My most loved foundation of 2013 has been my Bourjois Happy Light Foundation. although this foundation was launched quite late into the year, I fell in love. I have just ran out and I will be repurchasing this as soon as I get to a Boots. As the name suggests it is a light coverage foundation but it just looks flawless on the skin and gives you this glow from within. 

Highly recommended base goes to the DiorNude BB Creme. This was a summer staple of mine and I have started applying it again recently over foundation. I searched high and low in Edinburgh for this amazing BB Creme and finally found a tube in Jenners. 

At the start of 2013 I was not a powder girl, I loved the glow and warmth that tinted moisturisers and BB Cremes could give to my face. Since then my skin has become oily in certain areas and I have been reaching for a powder. My award for best powder goes to Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot. I have hit pan on this wonderful setting powder and will be heading out soon to get my self another. 

Cheeks

This year I bought my first ever Bronzer and have delved into the world of contouring. Since then I have purchased many different bronzers and they have their own home in my makeup storage. My favourite Bronzer of 2013 has been the Topshop Bronzer in Sandcastles. I use this to add warmth and define those cheekbones.

Blusher is something that I tend to wear all year round and I have picked two favourites for this category. My favourite powder blusher has been the Natural Collection Blush in Rosy Glow. This little pot of joy only costs £1.99 and I have been wearing it everyday. It is one that I can see myself wearing all year round as it gives me the warmth that my pale skin craves. The cream blusher I have been loving is the MUA Cream Blusher in Dolly. This was £2!! Amazing value! This is a coral blush that I've enjoyed wearing in the summer and even in the winter to pair with a smokey eye.

Eyes

My most used palette of 2013 has been the Avon True Colour Eyeshadow Quad in Mocha Latte. This is the perfect naturals palette and is great for creating different looks. It's the palette I would take travelling or away for the weekend because it is compact yet holds all the natural shades you will need. 

This year I discovered cream eyeshadows and have never looked back, I have been so impressed with the high street offering that I have never reached for a high end brand yet. The Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze has been a daily staple in my makeup routine since I popped it in to my basket at Boots. The pigmentation is incredible and I have never experienced the dreaded crease with these eye shadow wonders.

The mascara that has given my lashes length, volume and separation this year has been my beloved L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara. They say, when you find the one, you know and I certainly knew, that this was going to be my mascara of choice.

This was the year I discovered that eyebrows needed more than just waxing and shaping. At the Benefit Brow Bar in John Lewis, Edinburgh I discovered tinting and my beloved Benefit Browzings kit. I have dabbled in pencils but I always go back to wax and powder. I would never dream of going out without my eyebrows filled in now. Oh 2013, year of discoveries. 

Lips

It is very hard to narrow down my favourite lip products of 2013 because I have become a little obsessed with lipsticks this year. I have picked three overall winners that have brought me lipstick joy throughout this year.

First up is the Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake. This is my, my lips but better choice and it has fast become my most worn lipstick of 2013. If you have not tried these bullets of lip loveliness, get on this!

My red of choice is an oldie but a goodie! Topshop Rio Rio is the perfect blue toned bright red. The pigmentation of this lipstick is out of this world and it was my first ever Topshop lipstick from back when they launched their makeup line. It is love! 

My final favourite lip product of 2013 is a new launch by Rimmel. I have been loving the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks and there is a place in my heart especially for As you Want Victoria. It is a bright berry shade that compliments my skin tone and is super pigmented yet moisturising. 

Brushes

I am a huge fan of the Real Techniques makeup brushes and I recommend them to everyone who will listen to me. My two most loved and well used brushes of 2013 have been the RT Buffing Brush, to apply and blend in foundation, and the RT Contour Brush, to add cheek bones and angles to my flat face. Try these out and you will not be disappointed.

Nails

I have discovered so many amazing nail polish formulas this year and have realised that it is definitely substance over style in the nail polish stakes. My favourite nail polishes of the year go to the Maybelline Super Stay Forever Strong Gel Nail Colour. I have loved every shade I own and a special mention goes to Mint for Life. Just go and get this colour. 

Skincare

I have expanded my skincare collection and have come up with a skincare routine that works for my skin. (If I stick to it) A recent skincare purchase that was recommended to me by a friend, is the Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser. This stuff is amazing, it cleared away my spots and actually makes your skin feel clean and fresh. This is a winner and is so inexpensive that it's worth giving a try. 

My moisturiser of choice has been the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturiser. I have been using this for years as part of the Clinique 3 step system but can not afford the rest of the products so have just been using this to moisturise my skin after the Biore Ice Cleanser. It's a really nice formula and is great for when you have dry areas.

My favourite Face Mask Ever is the Lush Magnaminty Face Mask. It is a peppermint mask that smells incredible and helps fight blemishes. I have very spot prone skin and this has been a saviour over the years. It is green and gross looking but I assure you, it is heaven in a Lush Tub.

A new discovery of 2013 has been multipurpose oils. Twice weekly I like to substitute my moisturiser for the Caudalie Divine Oil when I feel that my skin could do with a little extra. This smells crazy good and just leaves my skin feeling amazing. 

Body

The body lotion I have been reaching for all year has been the Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Butter. This smells like chocolate and just makes my skin feel soft. As for the firming properties of this lotion, I have noticed a difference in my legs and would really recommend this to those looking for a toning lotion product.

My shower gel of choice will come of no surprise to those of know me. I am head over heels in love with the Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash. The lemon meringue pie scent of this body wash makes it smell good enough to eat. 

The body scrub I have been loving this year has been the Sugar Crush Body Washes Partner in Crime the Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub. Same amazing Scent and the perfect texture to rid me of my scaly dry legs. 

I have to add a hand cream in here because they are my saviours all year round. The hand cream that I have been reaching for most is the Soap and Glory Hand Food. This smells of marshmallows and does an amazing job of keeping my hands moisturised. I have a tube in all my handbags just to be on the safe side. 

Perfume

I am a Marc Jacobs Daisy girl forever yet I have been branching out in 2013 and discovering some more irresistible scents. My other top favourite perfume that I wore a lot during the summer months was the D&G L'impĂ©ratrice. It is sweet and fruity yet very fresh and is one I have always gone back to throughout the year. I even picked up a bottle for my friends birthday because she loved the scent so much. 

So there we have it, my 2013 Beauty Favourites. I am looking forward to the makeup and skincare discoveries I am going to make in 2014.

Wednesday 1 January 2014

The Year of The Christmas Gift Set

Happy New Year!!
I hope you have all had a Wonderful Christmas and a wild NYE. One of my 2014 resolutions is to blog more and give you guys the amazing content you deserve.

I received a lot of amazing beauty gift sets this Christmas from some wonderful friends and family. I feel so grateful for the gifts as well as having such beautiful people in my life.

*Disclaimer: I am in no way bragging about the items in this post, just sharing my joy for each gift.*

- Beautifully Feet Treats - Soap and Glory Yule Monty - Soap and Glory Once Upon A Lime - Lush White Christmas - The Body Shop Gingerbread Gift Set - Lush Buttercup - Marc Jacobs Daisy

I couldn't possibly pick a favourite out of this beautiful bunch but I do look forward to receiving my favourite perfume every year. 
Marc Jacobs Daisy comes in this beautiful gift box this year and I was so happy to get this. The gift set includes a Daisy scented shower gel and body lotion as well as the amazing fragrance.

This is one of my favourite festive scents and this gift set comes in the cutest gift tin. Included are, the gingerbread shower gel, gingerbread body polish, gingerbread body butter and a gingerbread soap. Delicious!

This cute wee set from Beauticology is a treat for your feet! Complete with cosy socks, Vanilla foot lotion and gingerbread foot soak salts.

I got two Lush gifts sets this festive period and first up is the White Christmas set. I was so excited to receive this because I am a big fan of lush goodies and this contained products I wouldn't usually go for but I have discovered I love. There were 7 amazing lush treats wrapped in the beautiful blue and white paper; It's Raining Men Shower Gel, Popcorn Lip Scrub, Vanilla Dee-Lite Body Lotion, Honey I Washed The kids Soap, Ro's Argan Body Conditioner, Soft Coeur Massage Bar and Snowcake Soap. This box smells like cookies and cream. Can not wait to try all these goodies.

Buttercup was the second Lush gift set I was given. My sister knows what I like!  This wee cutie came with a bar of Honey I washed the kids Soap and a Butterball Bath Ballistic

My mum spoilt me with Soap and Glory gift sets this year. I love all the Soap and Glory Products but this has to be my favourite collection. Once Upon a Lime contains the Sugar Crush Body Wash, Sugar Crush Body Scrub, Sugar Crush Body Buttercream and a Poofy for the bath. I am in love with everything about this set. It has the most amazing scent, think lemon meringue pie. If I could bathe in this scent for the rest of my life I probably would...


Last, but certainly not least is the queen of all Christmas gift sets:

These photos do not to the Soap and Glory Yule Monty justice. This amazing box of amazingness was a gift from Santa. The Yule Monty comes with all my favourite Soap and Glory products all snuggled in this amazing limited edition bag that was designed by Jonathon Saunders This super gift set includes; Sugar Crush Body Scrub, The Righteous Butter Body Cream, Heel Genius Foot Mask, Hand Food Hand Cream, Thick and Fast Mascara, Peaches and Clean Face Wash, The Scrub of Your Life, Butter Yourself Body Lotion and a Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Plumping Gloss. All a girl really needs in a gift set.

I have been extremely lucky and I can not wait to use and try out all these amazing gift sets.