So it has been a while.../My Beauty Favourites

This past 4 months have just flown by and in that time I have been one busy bee. I won't go into the details because frankly, they are not that exciting, but I did want to start this post by telling you all about my 2015 highlights so far.

Back in February, I went to see Lionel Richie in concert and I am not exaggerating when I say that it was the best concert I have ever been to. Mr Richie is the ultimate entertainer and I will forever be a fan, dancing on the ceiling, listening to his hits. 

In march, after not seeing my best friend since last June, I finally made the nine hour train trip to London for a long weekend with Rebecca. We had cocktails in Shoreditch, went shopping at Convent Gardens, Oxford Street, Harrods and Liberties, and had a Alice in Wonderland inspired Afternoon Tea at The Conrad Hotel. A weekend with Rebecca would not be the same without a lot of gin and a lot of Naps, so this was a perfect weekend away. 

This year looks to be filled with more exciting experiences and trips away with another trip to London planned, The Foo Fighters and perhaps a holiday in the sun.

The next part of this post is all about what I've been loving this year so far in the beauty department. I have been embracing no makeup days and my skin looks and feels better for it. My number one cleanser for the past few months has been Lush Ultrabland. This gentle and oily balm textured cleanser is made with beeswax and rose and is brilliant at taking off all traces of makeup and leaving your skin feeling cleansed but soft. The oily-ness really put me off to start with, but please give this cleanser a chance to work its magic. My breakouts are at a minimum and my blackheads are pretty much gone after using Ultrabland for just over a month. 

For days when I need a little coverage to keep redness at bay, I have been grabbing either my Dior Skin Nude BB Creme or Nars Pure Radiance Tinted Moisturiser. Both of these beautiful bases have featured on GS many times over the years and I still continue to love and repurchase them. Both are light coverage foundations and both give a healthy glow to my complection. 

The eye palette I have been reaching for most days is the Urban Decay Naked Basics 2. Six matte neutral shades to compliment my big blue eyes, I love putting stark all over the lid and cover in the outer V and in the crease to give a bit of definition. 

I recently spent five hours in the hair salon getting my hair bleached and toned and I am super happy with the results. I just love being a blonde! The product that I have been reaching for to keep brassiness at bay is, Lush Daddy-O purple shampoo. This hair care treat smells just like Parma Violets and the fragrance perfumes your hair all day. It also does a pretty amazing job at brightening, moisturising and strengthening my blonde hair using Violet Leaf Absolute, Lemon and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.

Both my hands and body have been needing some extra TLC these last couple of months after becoming quite dry, probably due to the change in weather. (Aberdeen tends to have all 4 seasons in a day.) The hand cream I have been keeping on me at all times, is the Morrocan Tea Hand Cream from And Other Stories, it smells delicious and keeps my hands from becoming scaley and sore. The body moisturiser I have been loving and repurchasing every few weeks is King of Skin Body Butter from Lush. (Surprise! Another Lush treat.) The Lush body butters are incredible solid bars made from butters and oils to moisturise and condition the skin. King of Skin is made with a blend of; Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter, Bananas, Avacado, Oatmilk and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated all day. 

I have been using and loving lots of other products but these are the stand outs that really deserve some recognition. I am wanting to blog a lot more from now on, time depending, but I would love it if you guys could give me some blog post ideas in the comments and inspire and motivate me to keep posting. 

Valentines Day 2015 at Lush

After seeing and smelling how amazing the Lush Christmas collection was, I was excited to see their special valentines day offerings, and I was not dissapointed. There is plenty of love hearts and glitter and sensual jasmine amongst the Lush Valentines Day 2015 launch, which is available from Friday the 9th of January. The collection includes, bath bombs, bubble bars, a shower gel, a beautiful soap, and some kissable lip products.

Love Locket

A huge Jasmine, Vanilla and Neroli scented Bath Bomb that is big enough for two baths, or use the whole thing for a luxurious treat. Love locket contains a smaller bath bomb within, filled with Agar hearts for an extra romantic touch. 

Floating Flower

This beautiful floral bath bomb creates a colourful spectacle when placed slowly into the bath. It shares the same fragrance as the Flying Fox shower gel, a favourite of those Jasmine lovers.

Unicorn Horn 

My favourite product from the Valentines collection is the Unicorn Horn, with its rainbow colours and silver lustre. This bubble bar contains Lavender Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil and Neroli Oil, which makes a relaxing, comforting and uplifting bubble bath. 

Lonely Heart

This little sparkly love heart packs a beautiful fragrant punch with its Bergamot Oil, Rose Absolute and Jasmine. As well as creating lovely fluffy bubbles, Lonely Heart contains Corn Flour as an ingredient, which helps to keep your skin lovely and soft.

Heart Throb Bubbleroon

I adore the look and smell of this Bubbleroon! Two red love hearts glued together with golden, glittery Cocoa butter. Bubbleroons contain many beautiful essential oils and skin softening ingredients and Heart Throb shares the same subtle scent as the African Paradise Body Conditioner. Organic Shea Butter, Fair Trade Vanilla and Frangipani Absolute, come together to create this beautiful fragrance. 

Cupid's Love

This is a lovely, fruity scented, heart shaped soap made with nourishing Coconut Oil and Soya Yoghurt to soften the skin. Fresh figs and passion fruit juice create a unique fruity fragrance, along with a Rosewood Oil, Cinnamon Leaf Oil and Bergamot Oil.

Prince Charming

Prince Charming is our Valentines Day Shower Gel, with a unique tart, yet sweet scent. Fresh Organic Pomegranate Juice and Grapefruit blended with Marshmallow Root, Fair Trade Vanilla and Almond Oil, create this special must-have shower gel. 

The Kiss Lip Scrub 

I am a huge fan of the Lush lip scrubs, with their Caster Sugar and Jojoba Oil base, they help to create perfectly buffed lips for adding a bold lipstick. The Kiss Lip Scrub is a lovely candy pink with a sherberty, sweet scent and taste, it reminds me a lot of Love Heart Sweets. When you open your little jar, it has edible red hearts and sugar sprinkles. 

There are also some amazing gifts that have been created and put together for Valentines day that I would love to receive. Lush always get it right when it comes to putting products together to create the perfect gift that will suit many different tastes. What product are you looking forward to most from the newest Lush Launch?

Lush Snow Fairy #Blogmas2014

Tis the season... To grab a bottle of the candy floss scented, bubblegum pink, glittering shower gel from Lush.

Every Christmas, Lush launch their highly coveted and much loved shower gel, Snow Fairy. Customers come in all year round looking for the shower gel, but it is only available during the Christmas period. (Although, there are some products from our permanent range that share the beautiful candy scent that everyone loves.) It is my favourite shower gel for a reason and I already onto my second bottle.

This year they have improved on the formula slightly and added an ingredient that helps the glitter to suspend throughout the whole shower gel, instead of collecting at the base of the bottle. Lush have also brought out a few familiar and some completely new products, for Christmas, that share the same sweet smell;

Christmas:

Father Christmas Bath Bomb

Snow Fairy Sparkle Massage Bar

Magic Wand Re-usable Bubble Wand

Permanent Range:

The Godmother soap

Mmmelting Marshmallow Moment 

Are you a big fan of Snow Fairy? Have you picked up a bottle this Christmas?

Lush Christmas Gift Guide #blogmas2014

For Blogmas day 3, I have put together my Lush Christmas gift guide. All of Lush's gifts are beautifully packaged and lovingly filled with carefully put together products! These are my top picks from the amazing Christmas gift range:

Nightingale £82.50

This gift is stunning with its packaging inspired by the Hans Christian Anderson story, The Nightingale. 

It contains an assortment of Christmas bath bombs, bath melts, bubble bars and soap all tied together with a velvet ribbon. Within the gift is my favourite bath bomb, Lord of Misrule, a spicy yet sweet green bath ballistic that turns a dark wine shade in the water.

Contents:  Dreamtime Bath Melt, Avobath Bath Bomb, Yog Nog Soap, Ceridwen's Cauldren Bath Melt, Star Light Star Bright Bath Melt, Sakura Bath Bomb, Snow Angel Bath Melt, Twilight Bath Bomb, Blue Skies Bubble Bar, Gold Fun, The Christmas Hedgehog Bubble Bar, Holly Golightly Bubble Bar, Lord of Misrule Bath Bomb, Cinders Bath Bomb, So White Bath Bomb, French Kiss Bubble Bar, Rose Jam Bubbleroon, Christmas Eve Bubble Bar, Sunnyside Bubble Bar and Snowcake Soap

12 Days of Christmas £49.95

Another gift with beautiful packaging is the 12 days of Christmas gift that opens up like a book to show 12 expose 12 special treats! This gift has a bit of every thing from bath to shower, to body lotion and soaps. Definatly one to pick up for the person that loves Lush. 

Contents: Star Light Star Bright Bath Melt, Snow Angel Bath Melt, Dashing Santa Bath Bomb, Honey I Washed the Kids Soap, Celebrate Body Lotion, The Olive Branch Shower Gel, Karma Soap, Holly Golightly Bubble Bar, Lord of Misrule Bath Bomb, Cinders Bath Bomb, Golden Wonder Bath Bomb and Hot Toddy Shower Gel

Christmas Candy Box £14.95

This has been such a popular gift this Christmas, due to its great price and even more amazing contents. A sweet candy smelling collection that includes the Snow Fairy Shower Gel, Candy Mountatin Bubble Bar, Butter Bear Bath Ballistic and the Rock Star Soap. 

Night Before Christmas £12.95

I love the concept of this little gift as it contains some of our lovely bath bombs and bubble bars that are perfect for making sure you have a good night sleep. The Night Before Christmas contains; the Twilight Bath Bomb with it's beautiful relaxing lavender and tonka scent, the Father Christmas Bath Bomb that shares the same scent as Snow Fairy Shower Gel; and finally the Christmas Eve Bubble Bar, that is made with jasmine and ylang ylang to create a magical scent. 

Mrs Frosty £12.95

Lush have a family of Snowmen gifts and my favourite is the Mrs Frosty set. She comes with two bath bombs and a bubble bar and wrapped up in a cute snow-woman knot wrap. A perfect present for those people who loves baths. 

Contents: Butterball Bath Bomb, So White Bath Bomb and The Comforter Bubble Bar

Festive Cheer £10.25

This is a small gift that packs a big punch! Hidden Within this little orange parcel is the Hot Toddy Shower Gel and a slab of the Yog Nog soap. Hot Toddy is a warm and spicy shower gel with ginger and cinnamon and is the perfect companion for those cold mornings and evenings. Yog Nog soap smells exactly like cinder toffee and is a rich and creamy soap which is great for sensitive, dry skin. The perfect winter duo! 

Stocking Fillers Under £10

Santa Lip Scrub £5.50

Lip scrubs are a perfect stocking filler for those beauty lovers out there. Lush lip scrubs exfoliate and hydrate the lips with castor sugar and jojoba oil, and make a perfect base for applying this bold lipsticks this party season. The Santa's Lip Scrub is a Cola Cube lip scrub, flavoured with cherries and dates

Snow Fairy Shower Gel £3.50

Everyone and their granny has heard of this shower gel and I know plenty of people that would love to receive this in their stockings.  Snow Fairy signifys Christmas time to me and the smell is so nostalgic and sweet. 

Dashing Santa Bath Ballistic £2.95

These little chaps are citrus smelling bath bombs that are meant to remind you of the satsuma that Santa always puts in your stocking. Dashing Santa has fast fizzing bath bombs on his feet so it looks like he is dashing around the bath.

Snowman Jelly £3.50

I love the Lush Shower Jellys and this year they have brought out this Snowman Jelly. carrot oil and Bushu oil combine to create black current scent, which smells delicious and I think he is a perfect stocking filler. 

Snowman Fun £5.00

Finally, we have Snowman fun! Fun is a sort of play doh product that can be used as a soap, as a shampoo and to make a beautiful bubble bath, but it's main appeal, is that you can create a wonderful snowman friend. Lush also have other colours so you could perhaps make a friend for your snowman.

Are you hoping to get any Lush goodies from Santa this year?

A Lush Bath Cocktail #2

I have had the most exhausting, stressful week ever and this weekend I am off work and my plan is to spend it doing nothing but relaxing, pampering and watching movies.

There is nothing more relaxing than a Lush bath and for this Lush Bath Cocktail I have chosen 3 of the sweetest, candy smelling bath products that Lush has to offer. 

Twilight is my favourite bath bomb from Lush and with its Lavender, Tonka and Malt scent it is one of the most relaxing and sweet bath bombs. Twilight starts off as a lilac colour when dropped into the water, and then turns the water a dark indigo blue to mimic the nights sky. It releases silver lustre, which is one of my favourite things about this ballistic as you are basically bathing in glitter and sparkles. 

Next, I crumbled a Creamy Candy Bubble Bar under the running water which created amazing fluffy bubbles. This bubble bar smells of candy floss and marshmallows and contains Vanilla, Fair Trade Columbian Cocoa Butter and Almond Oil. As well as creating bubbles, it is really softening on the skin and great for a good soak. 

Finally, for added skin softening and moisturising, I added a Mmmelting Marshmallow Moment. This pink bath melt is perfect for people with sensitive skin as it contains many wonderful ingredients such as, Marshmallow Powder, Fair Trade Columbian Cocoa Butter, Almond Oil and Chamomile Powder. It leaves the skin feeling, silky soft and smooth. 

I am a big fan if this candy combination, with sweet and relaxing scents, fluffy bubbles and sparkles, it was just what I needed to relax. What Lush cocktail should I try next? 

Top 3 Facemasks

There is nothing better than taking 20 minutes out of your day to really treat your skin to a wonderful facemask. Two to three times a week I like to apply a deep cleansing mask that will help rid my skin of blackheads and general nasties that build up throughout the week. I have always been a fan of facemasks and these three masks are particularly great for my oily/combination skin.

The Super Facialist by Una Brennan Tea Flower Deep Clean Pore Purifying Clay Mask (longest name ever!) is an amazing mask for unclogging pores and cleansing the skin. It contains Salicylic Acid which helps remove impurities, and the Kaolin in this mask is fantastic at absorbing oil. Avocado, honey and Shea butter are fantastic at adding extra moisture to the skin as well as providing skin balancing vitamins. This applies as a thick clay that dries hard on the skin after 5 minutes and then needs to be removed using a warm, wet flannel. My skin feels fresh and clear after using this, without that squeaky clean feeling that some masks can give. 

Lush's Mask of Magnaminty is one of my all time favourite masks and I have been using this for years. They recently released a self preserving version of the Mask of Magnaminty and I must admit, I am loving this formula. They have taken out the safe synthetic preservatives and increased the amount of honey in the mask to make the mask self preserving. Due to the extra honey, this mask is not only cleansing and purifying, it is also extremely hydrating. It contains honey, kaolin, ground aduki beans, evening primrose seeds, peppermint oil and fair trade vanilla absolute. The peppermint oil is stimulating and cooling and gives a tingly sensation to the skin. The ground aduki beans act as a brilliant exfoliant when removing the mask with a warm, wet flannel and the kaolin is extremely cleansing. I will be repurchasing this again and again. 

The final mask in my top 3 is the Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask. I have heard a lot of hype surrounding this mask recently so I knew I had to at least give it a try and form my own opinion, and... I love it. I love the fact that it's only to be kept on for five minutes and is perfect for applying quickly before work on bad skin days. When I first applied it, it felt like I was applying warm melted chocolate to my face, which is a weird but satisfying sensation. It is easy and quick to apply with a thin layer spreads across the face and it is just as easy to remove. My skin felt instantly cleansed and the warming feeling slowly cools down after applying. I can not wait to try more from this range.

Is there any masks for oily/combination skin that you could reccomend to me?

The Reading List

I love books and my shelves at home are filled to breaking point with chick-lit and biographies but I have found a few books recently that I have been loving and haven't been able to put them down.

First up is the Lush Cosmetics To Go book which is a lovely, colourful book about the company that came before Lush. I am a big fan of Lush and Lush's values and this meant this book was a hit from the start. As a business graduate, I found the business model and ethics of cosmetics to go extremely interesting and the book just made me love Lush more than I already do. There are images from the Cosmetics To Go mail order catalogue and photos of old products that I wish I had a chance to try. If you love Lush as much as I do, this magical book is a must read. 

I recently picked up the highly coveted It by Alexa Chung and was not disappointed. Every Beauty and Fashion Blogger must own this book, so I knew I had to see what all the fuss was about. It is beautifully done with photographs and tit bits about Alexa and her likes and dislikes, her style inspiration and personal anecdotes that help you fall in love with her even more. She is one of my style icons and I'm so happy to have this book on my shelf. 

Last but certainly not least, is Mindy Kaling's hilarious book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me. Mindy is one of my all time favourite people and if I could invite any one to a fantasy dinner party it would Mindy (and Jennifer Lawrence). 'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me' is laugh out loud funny with touching personal stories that have inspired me not to take life too seriously and to laugh at myself sometimes. 

What books are you guys reading? Any I should pick up? 

My Lush Skin Care Routine

As a big Lushie, most of the products I use and try out are from Lush. It has been a while since I bought skincare from the likes of Boots or Superdrug and I wouldn't even say I miss it. 

The wonderful thing about Lush, is that they offer free consultations where they tailor a skincare routine to your specific needs and desires. 

My skin is oily/combination with the occasional hormonal blemish and redness around the nose. I was looking for products that would absorb oil, cleanse my skin, reduce redness and moisturise and the Lush team helped put together the perfect line up. 

First up is the wonderful best selling cleanser, Angels on Bare Skin. (100g £6.40) I had never tried anything like this cleanser before but was intrigued by the concept. Angels on Bare Skin is one of Lush's fresh cleaners and contains some lovely fresh ingredients, including, Kaolin, ground almonds, lavender and Rose Absolute. Kaolin is a natural preservative and helps to absorb oils and cleanse the skin. The ground almonds act as a gentle exfoliant to help buff away dead skin cells and the Lavender and Rose are great for calming the skin, reducing redness and restoring and balancing the skin.

I was then recommended to try adding a toner water into my routine and was advised that the Tea Tree Toner Water (100g £3.95) would work wonders on my skin. Tea tree is antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial so can help to keep away bacteria and help to prevent spots. It is also refreshing and cooling on the skin, great for after cleansing. 

Finally, I was looking for the perfect moisturiser and I think I have found it. Million Dollar Moisturiser (45g £32.50) is their newest moisturiser offering and it was love at first use for me. A thick, sweet scented cream that contains SPF 30 and some of their lovely 'Feeling Younger Highlighter.' Definitely a hit for me. It adds instant glow and protection and I have had so many compliments on my skin whenever I use this moisturiser.

After using these lovely products for the last month, I can honestly say my skin looks and feels so much better, oil and redness have been reduced, blemishes are a rarity and my complexion just looks healthier. Pop into your nearest Lush for a tailored-to-you skin consultation and you will not be disappointed.

A Lush Bath Cocktail

As a way of making sure that I take time to look after myself and take a well deserved break each week, I plan to have a lush bath; to relax, read a book and just treat myself to some alone time. This Lush bath series will also be an opportunity to review the many different Bath Ballistics, Bubble Bars and Bath Melts that are on offer at Lush.

I have recently discovered that more than one product can be used in the same bath to create a unique cocktail of aroma, bubbles and moisturising goodness. The first combination I tried is the Amandopondo Bubble Bar, with the Floating Island Bath Melt, a recommendation from a colleague at work.

Amandopondo is a rose and lemon scented bubble bar with a little rose bud embedded on the top. I took half of the bubble bar and crumbled this under hot running water. This created a lovely aroma and beautiful frothy bubbles. 

Floating Island is one of the amazing bath melts from Lush. It has a lemon and sandlewood scent which compliments the Amandopondo. The Floating Island contains Cocoa Butter and Almond Oil for adding lovely moisture.

I love bubble baths! They are so relaxing and a real form of escapism for me. The combination of the Amandopondo and the Floating Island was a treat. The bubbles were lovely and the scent created by both products was fresh, floral and uplifting. The scent does linger on the skin and my skin feels soft and luxurious. 

I can not wait for my next bath treat, any reccomendations that you guys love? 

Introduction: Lush's New Sun Care Collection

Lush has recently brought out a body and facial sun care range which I was so excited to try. As someone with fair and sun burn prone skin I tend to rely on sun cream and moisturisers with SPF's all year round, so these products were right up my street.

I have finally got my hands on them and wanted to share a first impressions post with you guys. 

The Sunblock- Solid Sunscreen Wash, 100g £8.95 SPF 30

This is a solid bar sunscreen that you apply to damp skin while in the shower or the bath. It is split into three segments and one segment will be enough for your whole body. You apply wet, rince of the excess and then pat dry your body after to lock in the sunscreen. 

I think this is a fantastic product to take away on holiday as an initial protective layer from the very start of your day in the sun. It feels lovely on the skin and smells better than your average sun cream. 

It contains Fair Trade Cocoa butter, therefore you know this product is also very conditioning on the skin as well as a protective from the sun's rays. 

Sesame Suntan Lotion, 100g £8.00 SPF 10

Sesame Suntan Lotion is a light lotion that can be applied all over the body adding some sun protection. It is described as having a toasted sesame seed scent, which to begin with is slightly odd but after a while I actually love it. 

As well as having an SPF of 10 and protecting your skin from the sun with the sesame oil and walnut leaf infusion, it contains Aloe Vera which is soothing on the skin and excellent when applying to sun burnt areas. 

Life Saver Sunscreen Cream, 50g £15.00 SPF 30

The Life Saver Sunscreen Cream has a light mousse like consistency which I love. It absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn't leave an oily residue like other sun creams. 

The scent of this reminds me of summer, it is fresh and not atall overwhelming. It is the perfect sun cream. Life Saver has some amazing ingredients such as, Fair Trade Cocoa Butter, Fair Trade Shea Butter and Avacado Oil for nourishment and hydration and it also has a soothing eucalyptus and mint infusion that helps skin to feel fresh during the humid sunny weather. 

Million Dollar Moisturiser - Bionic Facial Moisturiser, 45g £32.50 SPF 30

Million Dollar Moisturiser is a lovely fast absorbing facial moisturiser with an SPF 30, so not only does it hydrate and condition the skin,nit protects against harmful UV rays. 

The smells good enough to eat and the list of amazing ingredients and has some incredible skincare benefits. The honey, Fair Trade Shea Butter and jojoba oil all condition the skin, as well honey having antiseptic properties. 

Remember to reapply your sun cream throughout the day to make sure your skin is properly protected. 

Lush Hair Heroes

I started my new job at Lush 3 weeks ago and I am now a converted Lushie. I loved Lush products before I started working there but having further knowledge and understanding of the products and companies ethics, I can honestly say that I will not be purchasing any body or skin care products from anywhere else any time soon.

This post is going to be an introduction to my current hair care routine, including the shampoo and conditioner I have been loving. My hair has never looked fuller or brighter and the condition of my hair is incredible compared to how it felt only a month ago. 

I have quite fine hair but I have a lot of it, so it's usually weighted down and lanky with very little volume, so I was looking for a shampoo that would help create bouncy, volumised hair without making it look dry or damaged. 

During a consultation on my first day, I was advised to try the Big Sea Salt Shampoo. It contains  chunks of coarse sea salt, fresh sea water, seaweed, lemon, lime and coconut oil and is great for adding volume, absorbing excess oils and adding a beautiful shine. A little goes a long way with this shampoo and you certainly do not need as much as you would think. It lathers up nicely and when massaged into the roots and ends, it feels very cleansing. 

I then like to condition the tips of my hair with a super conditioner because I find the sea salt can feel quite drying. I have been loving the American Cream Hair Conditioner. It is described as a double strength, creamy conditioner that I did fear would be to intense for my hair, however it is amazing and works wonders on the ends. There have been many occasions where I feel I have been rocking Disney Princess hair and I owe it this combination of Big and American Cream. American Cream Hair Conditioner contains, vanilla pod, fresh oranges, fresh strawberries, lavender oil and honey water and smells like a delicious strawberry milkshake which lingers in the hair all day. 

I can not recommend this combination enough and I am forever introducing customers to my favourite hair care duo. Are there any Lush hair products that you guys have enjoyed using? 

Lush Lip Scrubs

The Lush Lip Scrubs are one of my Holy Grail Products that I use multiple times a week and I could not live without these little pots of magic. I have three of the flavours: Mint Julip, Bubblegum and Popcorn and they smell and taste amazing.

All three lip scrubs are made from Caster Sugar to exfoliate and Jojoba oil to soften the lips. Each contains different essential oils to add flavour and scent and they come in cute little jars.

The Bubblegum Lip Scrub is bright pink and smells exactly like the Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel, which I personally am a big fan off. A very sweet and delicious smell which leaves the lips soft and tasting amazing all day.

My favourite of the bunch is the Mint Julips Lip Scrub. This smells exactly like After Eights and it always makes me crave minty chocolate. As well as leaving the lips soft and exfoliated, the peppermint oil within the scrub gives the lips a cooling and refreshing feel.

Finally, I have the newest edition to my Lip Scrub Collection and that is the Popcorn Lip Scrub. This contains sea salt, coconut oil and popping candy flavouring to give the scrub the salty and sweet taste of popcorn.

These have been a savour during the colder months, when my lips have been a little dry and flakey. After using the lip scrubs, I like to go in with a heavy duty lip balm to make sure they are super moisturised. I would reccomend the Body Shop Lip Butters because they are a favourite of mine.

These are available in all Lush Stores and Online, and are only £5.50.

What is your favourite flavour?

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!

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.

Early August Favourites

I know I am posting this a little early but I feel like I haven't posted anything in ages and I wanted to let you guys know what I have been loving this month! I have been super busy and I've had trouble finding time to blog but hopefully that busy time will settle down now summer is over!

I'll start with my make up favourites and I have been loving a few products this month! 

Diorskin Nude BB Cream in the shade 002: I love this BB cream and when it runs out I will run out and repurchase it! When I first got it I would wear either my Nars tinted moisturiser or my Clinique CC cream underneath it just to add a little more coverage but recently I have been wearing it on its own and it is just beautiful on the skin! Dior do bases really well and this has been one of my summer essentials! I wear it every day!! 

Benefit Fine One One: I bought this a while ago when it was first launched and i am still loving it! It's a cream blusher, bronzed and highlighter trio in a handy roll up stick! The colour is a gorgeous coral colour that really suits my pail skin tone! I have heard that it hasn't been everyone's favourite product but I still love it! 

Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24 Hr: This is my first one of these and it certainly won't be the last! I bought it in the colour On and on Bronze and it is the perfect everyday cream eye shadow! I have used this everyday and its barely made a dent in the product! The colour is a beautiful bronze colour with a little shimmer, great for wearing during the day and out at night! 

Chanel Ombré Essentielle in Safari: I got this for my 21st from my best friend Rebecca and I loved it at the time and then I kinda forgot I had it. I've recently discovered it again and it's made it's way back into my makeup bag! Safari is a slightly grey toned bronze with a shimmer through it and I would really recommend it! 

For skin care this month I have been trying really hard to stick to a routine, morning and night! I have been watching Lily Pebbles' skin care routine series on YouTube and was inspired to keep it up. My skin right now is horrendous and I have a lot of stress spots around my chin so I'm aiming to come up with the perfect skin are routine and products to fight these spots! 

Loreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution: I was excited to try a Micellar water and really wanted the Bioderma one but I found this cheap alternative in Boots! It's perfect at dissolving my makeup as the first part of my skin care routine! 

Balance me Pure Skin Face Wash: I got this as a freebie in one of my fashion magazines and was really excited to try it! I have heard other bloggers rave about this product and I will be another to discuss it! I love it! After I have used it my face feels really clean and I just want to try more from this brand!

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Oil free moisturiser: My sister bought this moisturiser and I was stealing it like everyday so I decided to buy my own tube! It smells amazing and does leave my face moisturised and feeling really fresh! The cream soaks I'm the skin really well and I'm really enjoying using it! 

This month my hair got the chop and is now back to its blonde blunt hair style! I have been looking for the perfect hair product that will naturally mess up my perfectly straight hair! 

Bamboo Style Boho Waves: I received this Texturising spray in my July Glossybox and it has been a handbag essential this month! It creates a naturally messy look without drying out my hair like salts sprays do! Try and get your hands on this little miracle! 

Loreal Hair Expertise Everstrong Shampoo and conditioner: I picked this up because I had heard Essiebutton say great things about the Loreal Evercreme or Everriche and I rushed down to boots to grab some for myself! I realised when I got home it was for brittle and fragile hair which I do not have but I can not fault it! It makes my hair feel clean and thick and just beautiful! The shampoo is Rosemary and juniper scent and the conditioner is rosemary and mint scent and they smell delicious! You can smell the mint in my hair all day and that deserves favourites recognition! 

I have been loving painting my nails this month and I have picked the three colours I've been wearing most!

Maybelline Forever Strong Super Stay 7 hours in Mint for Life

Topshop in Milkshake 

Essie in Meet me at Sunset 

Finally I have been loving too scrubs/exfoliating products this month! One for lips and one for my body! 

Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub: This smells of After Eights chocolates and tastes good too! Big fan of the Lush lip scrubs but I'm loving this one! Really helps my lips feel super soft! Just don't or get to put a lip balm on after to keep your lips moisturised! 

Soap and Glory The Breakfast Scrub: I ran out of my Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Scrub which smelt like key lime pie so I picked up this alternative to try! It smells amazing! Very sweet! The ingredients list looks good enough to eat and it also is a brilliant exfoliant! I use this every two days to help my skin feel soft and refreshed!