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!

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.

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?

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'impératrice. 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.

Christmas Wish List

This is my favourite time of year and I do love giving and receiving presents to and from loved ones! This is my wish list/gift guide for those struggling to think of presents to buy. All of these things are items I have been lusting over for some time and would love to unwrap on Christmas Day!

Caudalie Devine Indulgence Body Gift Set

Benefit Groovy Kind-a Love Gift Set

Soap and Glory The Yule Monty

Korres White Tea, Bergamot & Freesia Eau De Toilette Spray 50ml

Soap and Glory Powder Trip Gift Set

Real Techniques Starter Set

Soap and Glory Once Upon a Lime Gift Set

Korres Vanilla, Freesia & Lychee Eau De Toilette Spray 50ml

Soap and Glory in the Bag Gift Set

Nails Inc Nail Polish Diary 

August Beauty Haul

I am going to split my August Haul into Beauty and Fashion because I have bought a lot this month! Surprisingly I also saved money for the first time in like 5 years... So August has been pretty good for me!

This is my beauty haul and I have purchased a lot of amazing products this month! I have had a chance to try out most of them because I have been shopping a lot throughout the month. Soooo here we go: 

I bought a few MUA products from my local Superdrug and I wanted to try out some new blushers. I got the MUA Shimmer Kisses in the bronzer and the blusher. Since I purchased these I have hit the blogs to see what other people thought and I've discovered they are more of a highlighter... But for like£3 I'm okay with that! I also got the MUA Mosaic Blush in English Rose, this leaves a very pale pinky colour on the cheeks but I've only used it a few times so I'm open to trying it some more! This was £2.25 I think which is a bargain! 

I have heard some amazing things about the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation and it was top of my wish list! I am a firm believer that the foundation you use on your skin must be of a high quality and for that reason I am usually drawn to luxury high end brands, however, bloggers have been raving about this stuff so I decided to pick it up! I've only been using it for a couple of weeks but I am head over heels in love with this! I got it in the shade 52 and it is perfect on my skin and feels so light weight and the coverage is perfect! Go get this foundation!! 

I already have the Maybelline Forever Strong Super Stay Nail polish in Mint for Life and it is actually one of my favourite formulas, so I picked up another colour to try called Hot Salsa and I Love it! It's a colour I would wear all year round and it is this pretty pinky red.

The Revlon lip butters get a lot of hype online so I wanted to see what all the fuss was about! I picked up the shade candy apple which is a sheer red which can be worn casually or on a night out! The formula is creamy so i did find that you had to apply a couple more coats throughout the day. I do like this product and I did pick up 2 more shades yesterday when I was shopping in boots, Sorbet and Strawberry shortcake.

It has been like 2 months since I had my eyebrows professionally waxed so I have been tweezong them to save me some money. I usually get them done at the Benefit Brow Bar and they do such an amazing job at creating that benefit arch! To fill in my brows on this low maintenance period I picked up the Maybelline Master Shape Brow Pencil in Soft Brown! I haven't really used this yet to give you a review but I will do very soon! One end has the brow pencil and the other has a brush for combing through those messy brows! 

One of my favourite purchases, which I have already done a blog post on, are The Real Techniques Powder Brush and Expert Face Brush! I can not rave enough about these amazing brushes so check out my full review of my brush collection in my other blog post! 

I also picked up these two soap and glory products this month on a 3 for 2 offer... Just realised I forgot to include the 3rd item, Scrub your Nose in it. That product is so amazing I think I will review it for you guys! Anyway, I picked up the Breakfast Scrub which is something I have wanted to try for ages! It smells delicious and I want to eat it every time I use it! I love it and I feel that it gives me skin a deep scrub without drying it out. 

The final beauty that I bought this month is the Smoothie Star Body Milk. This smells like cookies and cream and I can not wait to start using it! I want to finish off my body shop body butter first before I start using this one but I can tell it is going to be a favourite of mine.

Real Techniques Make-up Brushes

I was recently introduced to these makeup brushes by my friend Loren and started off my collection with the foundation brush. I have now built up my collection a wee bit more but I have no where near all of them! I'm just gonna talk you through my brush collection, which are my favourites and how I use them.

           

L-R: powder brush, buffing brush, expert face brush, foundation brush, contour brush, pointed foundation brush, detailed brush

  

I would say the foundation brush is the one I use the least! I don't enjoy blending my foundation in with this brush as it can look a little streaky! I sometimes use it to blend in concealer if my skin is particularly bad!

I then picked up the Real Techniques basic brush set which included a; buffing brush, contour brush, pointed foundation brush and the detailer brush. This set is perfect if you are just starting to explore makeup brushes and makeup application techniques.

I use the buffing brush for all my blusher and bronzers and I do love this brush! 

I use the contour brush for contouring and applying highlighters. 

The pointed foundation brush has turned into my eyeshadow brush! Perfect for applying eyeshadow to the lid and the crease and blending to make a natural eye look. 

The detailer brush is used to apply concealer to certain areas but I also like to use this brush to apply some lipsticks.

My newest Real Techniques brushes, which were added to the collection yesterday are the powder brush and the expert face brush. Boots had a buy one get one half price deal on and i couldn't resist! The powder brush is huge and perfect for setting my makeup! Automatic favourite powder brush! The expert face brush is my favourite brush beyond a doubt! I only got this yesterday and I love it! I have heard amazing things about this brush and Loren told me I must get it but every where I looked they were sold out! Well I was in luck yesterday! To be honest I prefer applying foundation and bb creams using my fingers as it leaves a better finish on the skin but... Not anymore! This brush is amazing at blending your base and my skin looks natural and airbrushed at the same time! 

                                         

  

Next I really want to get my hands on the Real techniques eye make-up brush set so I'll be saving my pennies for that! 

Every Sunday I make sure that all my brushes get cleaned because some of them can get a little grubby from being used every day! I use warm water and a little bit of Johnson's baby shampoo and I find this makes them super clean and super soft.