Every Month Is Oktoberfest

I am in love with this colour! I got it from my sister this Christmas, and it was actually on one of my nail polish wishlists I have. I believe it is from the OPI Germany Collection.

It comes across as a burgundy shade in the nails and on the bottle. When you look closely, the reds, purples and golds really show up, but from afar it looks quite a flat deep purple. 

I really could have just done one coat of this, it came out beautifully opaque, but I did two just for good measure. 

These pictures were taken 3 days after application, and there is a bit of tip wear on a few nails, but I still have it on now and it is 5 days on, and still, the tiniest bit of tip wear. I am very impressed!

I can't wait to try it out matte, as I like matte polishes, but I can't find my matte top coat at the moment.

A big thumbs up to this polish! I don't own many OPI polishes, but I think I will start investing in more soon!

Boxing Day Outfit

'On trend' colour - berry, 'On trend' detail - studs. I love this jumper! I love the colour, and I really like the shoulder stud detail. Guaranteed to keep you warm on your boxing day walk, and will still take you to lunch and drinks. Jumper from here. Such a lovely clothing website and I would happily purchase from here.

Standard 'Leigh' skinny jeans from Topshop. Blue, supersoft. Will go with most things in any wardrobe. This colour goes beautifully with berry, autumnal colours. Comfy, and a bit smarter as well.

Some very lovely black leather boots. These beauties from Ted Baker will take you from walking in the countryside to taking you to the pub for a good lunch with friends. Really reasonable price, and you can guarantee these being a very good valuable purchase.

What better jacket than this one from Barbour. It is an original wax jacket and will keep you warm for walks in the forest on a lovely winters day. Will go perfectly with the boots, and you can't go wrong with this classic country jacket from Barbour.

Sunday Wishlist #3

On my wishlist is a city?! 

Yes, Venice, Italy. I have always wanted to go, and in the past week, I seem to have stumbled upon blog posts, magazine and newspaper articles, all to do with Venice. They are all fueling my want to go to Venice. I find it such a beautiful, historical, interesting city. I've never been to Italy, and what better place to visit than Venice. Oh, I really want to go!

Yeah, after all this 'onesie' hype, I still don't own one. And what better place to start than this gorgeous onesie, from Onepiece. Yes, it is on the rather expensive side, I could get an outfit for this price, but my word its beautiful. If you do it, you may as well do it right!

That concludes a rather short Sunday Wishlist, but I can't be too greedy, can I!?

If you have been to Venice, let me know! And if you can find a better onesie than this one, at a cheaper price, let me know!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Face Of The Evening

Well we survived the 'apocalypse' so what better way that to celebrate with a few drinks at the pub!

No, I'm joking, but this time of year is all about going out and catching up with friends.

Here is my make up I wore last night, second attempt at it. I put the wrong foundation on, thought I could go with it, then my liquid eyeliner, which I know I don't like, went wrong, so I had to start all over again!

Wow, it's so hard to take photos of yourself! I've never really been one for taking 'selfies' and now, it is just going to show!

These were the best photos I could choose out of about 20, so that's saying something! But I will learn how to use my camera properly, soon!

On my face is:

Lola Equilibrante Maquillaje Liquido RO36 Foundation Normally this is too dark for me, but I spent the day fake-baking!

Rimmel Sun Bronze 022 for a very subtle contour, and brushed lightly all over.

Accessorize Merged Blusher 4-Diva - the lightest application just to give my cheeks a glow.

Benefit Hi-Beam thank you so much Sophie ;)

MAC Mineral E/S for eyebrows.

Urban Decay Half Baked on lid.

Urban Decay Buck in crease.

Urban Decay Virgin on brow bone.

MAC Blacktrack Fluidline.

NYX Doll Eyes Mascara

Rimmel Scandaleyes 005 Nude (love, love, love!)

And on my lips is the matte lipstick from the Kate Moss Rimmel collection, the one that everyone loves, but I can't seem to find it now!!

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend before Christmas! 

Hair Care Routine

*Bumble&Bumble Let It Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, *Bumble&Bumble Texture Hair (un)Dressing Creme, Lee Stafford Breaking Hair Detangling Spray, Nourishing Moroccan Argan Oil

I freaking love this shampoo and conditioner! I love the smell of it, and the way my hair looks after it! It featured in my November favourites. I have had this since the middle of November, and have hardly made a dent in the bottles. I got it as a gift from my hair salon I used to work at, I was allowed to choose a couple of presents. 

The shampoo lathers up so nicely, really don't need to use much at all, and with the conditioner, a little goes a long way. 

It really does make your hair so shiny and soft, but not unmanageable, which can be the case with 'softening' shampoos and conditioners.

This is applied first, after I have got out of the shower. This is Breaking Hair Detangling Spray. I'm trying to be as nice to my hair as I possibly can, as it can grow pretty quickly when it's loved. I spray this quite liberally into my hair, as it's not heavy in the slightest, doesn't weigh my hair down. The smell is the same with all Lee Stafford products, amazing! It smells of a perfume I love, but I can't think of it right now! It really does do what it says, I spray it on, and have no difficulty pulling a comb through my hair.

Secondly, I use the Moroccan Argan Oil. I love this little bottle of heaven. It was such a reasonable price when I bought it about 3 months ago, and I've hardly made a dent in it. You only need the tiniest bit, and it covers all my hair. I put it on the mid-lengths and ends, and smooth it through. It's kept my ends in really nice condition, so I really recommend this product.

Last but not least, the product that stops my hair from feeling 'too clean'! This product from Bumble&Bumble, is kind of like a surf spray in a creme form. After using all those softening products and oils, I like my hair to feel a bit gritty, and this is exactly what this product gives.

 Bumble&Bumble say: "It gives hair that elusive undone-yet-done quality, with a hint of grit, extra lift and a tousled, shine-free finish."

I don't feel it takes away the shine, but it does everything else. I apply it to the mid-lengths and ends, and with the excess I rub it into my roots to give it a bit more oomph. 

There is my hair care routine, I love all these products, and, not only because I can't afford it, I will use these until there is not a drop left, as I love the result it gives my hair, and with a little bit more care, my hair is finally growing nice and quick and long!

What are all your favourite hair care products?

Fantasy Sapphire Nails

I apologise in advance the pictures, the lighting is so bad at the moment, as its early afternoon but looks about 5pm outside! And I just can't get the pictures right yet!

Max Factor Max Effect Mini Nail Polish in Fantasy Fire and Barry M Nail Paint in Pink Sapphire Glitter

What beautiful colours! They are so pretty on their own, and just as lovely paired together. I think I missed the whole Fantasy Fire hype, and found it in my sister's nail polish collection, so I thought I would give it a go. I was fully aware of the sheer-ness of the colour before I even started, but I didn't mind it too much. I was able to apply very thin coats, but they dried in no time, so managed about 6 layers in not much more time than a normal polish.

In the pictures it doesn't look like I've done enough coverage on the nails, but I think that was just the flash, as in person you can see full coverage. I put the Pink Sapphire Glitter on the thumb nail, instead of the standard accent nail. I think when this starts to chip I will put the glitter on every nail. These two polishes seem to go hand in hand. The pinks, reds, greens, purples and blues you get from the Fantasy Fire are so nicely accentuated by the pinks, reds, greens, purples and blues you get from the Pink Sapphire Glitter! These pictures do this manicure no justice, but I am trying to learn some new camera skills!

I highly recommend this manicure for New Years Eve, as I think it would go with any colour outfit, and the little bit of glitz on the thumb adds to the sparkle of the night! I'm so disappointed at how these pictures do not convey the beauty of this manicure, but definitely try it out, as the polishes aren't expensive at all. 

What nail combinations do you all recommend I try? I paint my nails probably every 3 days, so always open to new suggestions!

Sunday Wishlist #2 (Late!)

Oh My Peeptoe!

What a gorgeous pair of shoes these are! Guaranteed to perk up any outfit. I would feel happy wearing these with a pair of blue skinny jeans, or with a sexy LBD. Perfect for any occasion. I definitely want these! Plus I think you can guarantee on Office shoes being made to last, with good quality.

Return To Tiffany Heart Bracelet
Its Tiffany & Co. Its rose gold and silver. What more is there to say! A delicate bracelet, and the gorgeous heart tag in rose gold. I love me a piece of Tiffany jewelry! Its not too badly priced either, and would make a lovely gift. Hint Hint.

MAC Fix+
I have nearly finished my first bottle of this. I love this stuff. I know people are divided on this product, but I am all for it. I use it just before I apply my foundation, and again once I have finished applying my make up. It was especially handy when I was in Lanzarote, keeping my face cool and my make up all perfect!

Tom Ford Black Orchid
I bought the 50ml bottle of this last August at duty free. I think I am almost out. I love the intensity of this fragrance. I use about 2 squirts of this, and I can smell it all day long. I'm not one to use certain fragrances at a certain time of day. If I like the fragrance, I will wear it when I want. 
John Lewis say: The attention is captured by a sensuous blend of Black Truffle and Ylang mingled with fresh Bergamot and delectable Black Currant. Gorgeous Eau de Parfum, and can't wait for my next bottle.

A Little Spot of Shopping

I went to Southampton today, and got myself a few bits and bobs. Beautiful, beautiful things!

Barry M l-r Pink Sapphire Glitter 352 Pink Silver Glitter 337 £2.99 each
Two more glitters to add to mine and my sister's ever growing glitter polish collection. I couldn't resist. Both of the last ones left on the stand, so I could not say no! The price is such a factor for these polishes. Definitely one of the best polishes around! I have yet to try them But I'm excited to use them! I couldn't get a link to the sapphire glitter, but I'm sure you'll be able to find one in your local Superdrug.

Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo £1.95 (on offer)
I've read some good things about this dry shampoo. I haven't used it on my hair yet, but I have sprayed a bit on my hand, more to see what the smell was like, and the white didn't rub in that well, but I will give it a chance on my head. I got a saving of about £2, so I'm not going to complain too much if its a very white powder. But everyone needs a dry shampoo!

St. Ives Apricot Body Scrub Nourishing £2.49
Again I can't find this product on the Superdrug website. This body scrub was also on offer. I find a lot of body scrubs very harsh on my skin, but this one said it was specifically for sensitive skin, so I thought I would give it a try. Its quite a lot of product for the price I paid, so I'm always happy about that. I used it earlier, and my skin felt heavenly. I haven't moisturised yet, but I don't feel dry or tight, perfect!

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat £3.99
This is one of my Holy Grail products! I was in Superdrug in Southampton, and it had all sold out, but luckily there is one just down the road from me, so I managed to pick one up. I'm so tempted to go and get the other two that were there, as this is on offer for £3.99! My absolute favourite quick drying top coat. I love the shine I get, the protection I get, and the speed it dries. Definitely a favourite!

 FakeBake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid £15.29
I have been wanting this fake tan for a few months now, ever since I saw a couple of YouTube videos on it. I noticed Boots was having about a third of all its tanning lotions, but every time I went in, it was always sold out. I went into Boots in Southampton again today, and there it was!! The last box, just waiting for me. So of course in my basket it went. I will definitely do a review on it after I've used it for a while. I have applied it this afternoon. I already love it based on first impressions. There is pretty much no smell whatsoever, it has an instant colour so you know where it has been applied and how it is developing. It is so easy to apply, and it dries so quickly, so I could get dressed within 10 minutes of applying it. I'm so glad I managed to grab a bottle on offer! I saved £7.66, and got my Boots points too!

H&M At Home Silver Candles £1.50
Non-Beauty related, but as I was buying a Christmas present in H&M, they had loads of these by the till. On Christmas day we are having a silver and white theme on the dining room table, and these will go perfect. You cannot go wrong for £1.50, for two classy silver candles.

My Future Listography Urban Outfitters £11.99
I can't find this on the website, which is a shame as I am loving this notebook. I am such a list maker, this book is perfect for me. Having a bit of a crap few days, so I bought this to cheer me up a little bit. It has titles in the book like 'List Fictional Characters You'd Like To Hang Out With', 'List Unique Sights To Visit' and 'List Moments In Your Life You Don't Want To Forget'. It's just a bit like a feel good notebook, and you can write your ideas down. When I'm feeling a bit rubbish I will look at this and hopefully smile!

That concludes my little haul. Needed it to cheer me up, so I was in Southampton so nice and early, and had a mosey around the shops.

Face of The Day

I'm sorry about the pictures, I haven't got the hang of taking these selfies yet!

Today I wanted a less make up look, and more dewy skin!

On my face is my 17 Shine Free foundation in Biscuit, mixed with Lola Equilibrante Maquillaje Liquido in the colour R036. I got this foundation when I was living in Lanzarote. The colour is now way too dark for me, as my English skin is back, so I mixed those two foundations with some of my daily moisturiser!

I used Benefits Hi-Beam on my cheek bones and on my brown bone. I contoured using Rimmel Matte Bronze in 022. I don't powder my face, but i just lightly brushed some of the Rimmel bronzer all over.

Eyes I have got on Sin by Urban Decay, from the original Naked palette, MAC's Blacktrack fluidline as my eyeliner, and NYX Doll Eyes Mascara - this mascara is a holy grail product of mine. I love it!!

And my lips I have MAC's Impassioned. The picture just doesn't do it justice. I love this colour, the richness and intensity of it, just adds a 'kapow' factor to an otherwise neutral face!

Sunday Wishlist #1

Bioderma Crealine H20

Jumping on the bandwagon here, but I cannot wait to get my hands on this product. I am going to France at the end of January so hopefully I can get it there. I just love everything I've heard about this product, and cannot wait to try it, plus with the hint of oil that is in this one, I know I will love it.

Nixon The Player

I have been wanting to find a rose gold watch that isn't a Michael Kors watch! Don't get me wrong, I love them, but everyone and their cat has one, so I'd like to find something a bit different. Cue Nixon watches. My boyfriend loves a Nixon watch, and I actually bought him one a few years ago for Christmas. Such good quality, and look the part too. I think this is around the same price as a Michael Kors watch, but I love the square shape, and the little diamond on the face.

North Face Nuptse Faux Fur IV

I'm going skiing in France at the end of January. I have never been before! I have no idea what to expect, but I am so excited! I need a pair of snow boots when we are walking around (especially for apres-ski!) I saw these boots on The North Face website. They're a little bit of luxury. I actually tried them on the other day, and it felt like someone had wrapped my foot up in warm and comfortable fur. It was so nice! So hopefully these will find their way onto my feet for the end of January!

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate

I have heard many wonderful things about this product. Its fabulous for the skin, especially at this time of year, when it has got so bitterly cold, my skin just seems to have dried out like a prune. I need something that I can just put onto the face and it will do all the work for me. I think the price is a little bit expensive, but if it works for my chapped thirsty winter skin then I am all for it!

Louis Vuitton Josephine Wallet

Something rather extravagant, but this is a wishlist! I am on the hunt for a new wallet, and have been for about 6 months now! I am so fussy, when I get an idea in mind, nothing compares to what I actually want. I love the Louis Vuitton brand, I have a Speedy 30 that I received for my 18th birthday. It is 5 years old, and I have used it almost every day since I have had it. Apart from the patina on the handles, it looks good as new. I know this is a brand to invest in, and will last a lifetime. If I had a small windfall of money, this would be a purchase!

What items are all on your wishlist this week?

Everyday Make Up

This is the make up I use for everyday wear, I haven't really been very creative for a while with my make up, so I know this works, is quick, and is sort of fuss-free.

17 Skin Perfecting Shine Free Foundation in Biscuit

This foundation I think was bargain of the century! I've had it for about 2 months now, only just half way through, and it cost me £1.99! Found it in the 'bargain bin' in my local Boots. The shade is a bit too dark for me now, as I bought it when I still had my tan, but i just mix it with a bit of moisturiser. The foundation itself is lovely! Very smooth to apply, has a pump so its easier to control how much is coming out. Its not as full coverage as I would like, but it does the job, and for the price I got it at, I can't really complain!

Looking on the Boots website, I think it may have been discontinued, as I can't find it anywhere!

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer in Medium

I have a love hate relationship with this concealer. I love the coverage it gives, and the colour match, but I hate how drying it can be. I think I got this on offer, as I don't think I'd be too happy if I had paid full price for it!! Not a lot to say about it, going to use it up before I get a new concealer, as I just don't have money to waste at the moment!

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess in Amber Bronze Rich

I only bought this about 2 weeks ago, and haven't been wearing a lot of make up, but I love this! When I was living in Lanzarote, I ran out of my trusty Rimmel bronzer, and it wasn't cheap out there to repurchase it, so I thought to myself I would treat myself and get a more luxury brand. So I bought this one. We had tiled floors all throughout the apartment we were living in, and one day it just slipped out of my make up bag and smashed all over the floor of the bathroom. It was shattered so much I couldn't even save a tiny bit! I paid about 35 euro for it, so it was more expensive, and I was devastated!

We went to Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth the other week which is an outlet shopping centre. I found it at the CCO for £19, and had to buy it! I love it, one of my favourite bronzers around. Its so smooth to apply and has a lovely colour about it.

E.L.F Blush and Bronzer Compact

I love this compact. I use it every day, as you can tell, even if I'm just using the blush, and not always contouring. Its such good value for money, and I've had it a long while. I think you take a chance ordering off the ELF website, as some products can be such a hit or miss, but I think with the priced of the products, its not so much of a big deal, but I really recommend this product.

MAC Eyeshadow in Mineral Emanuel Ungaro Collection

This was a limited edition product a few years ago, so I know you won't be able to get it on the website. I use this eyeshadow on my eyebrows. It has a nice natural brown colour, it says its a satin finish, but I find it quite matte, so the perfect shade for eyebrows. I just apply it with a flat angled brush.

MAC Paintpot in Bare Study

I use this nearly everyday as an eyeshadow base. I love the shimmer you get from the paintpot, but its nice and neutral to be used with any eyeshadow. I just apply it with my fingers, and its such a smooth application.

MAC Pressed Pigment in Beaming

I love this pressed pigment! I got it as a present about a month ago from my parents. I hadn't even heard of it until they bought it home. Its such a beautiful colour. I just use it all over my lid and then blend the edges out. A beautiful solo eyeshadow colour. On first inspection I saw so much glitter, and was worried about an awful load of fall out, but you hardly get anything. I spray my eyeshadow brush with a bit of Fix+ and it just works so well. Beautiful colour, and I'd like to collect the whole lot of them.

MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

The standard gel eyeliner that I think everyone uses! I've nearly ran out, but don't know if I would get this one again, I'd quite like to try the Bobbi Brown one. Its a nice eyeliner, nice deep black colour, seems to last for ages! I just apply it with my MAC 210 brush.

L'oreal Volume Million Lashes excess

When I first bought this, I had to wait about a month until it dried out a little bit. It was just too wet to use straight away. I prefer drier mascaras. But now it has dried out a bit, I really like it. I can't really say I have ever come across the best mascara in the world, so my journey will continue!

My Brushes. L-R

MAC 239 eyeshadow brush. ELF Powder Brush (which I use for my foundation). MAC 217 blending brush. MAC 109 contour brush. MAC 210 eyeliner brush. MAC 168 angled brush. H&M double ended brush, I use the flat angled brush side. Real Techniques Powder Brush.