Wednesday 31 December 2014

Things I've Learnt This Year

As another year comes to an end I've been in a very reflective mood lately so why not share my reflections here on WLS. The quote 'everything is temporary springs to mind' regarding this year.

  • It's totally okay to watch every single episode of Gossip Girl in record time even if you do have more important things to be getting on with. Yes, all 121 episodes. 
  • Sometimes you have to sort out your priorities and cut certain things off but it's okay as long as you remember to go back to them. *cough* blogging *cough*
  • Nothing can't be fixed by putting on your favourite lipstick, wearing your highest heels and having one too many drinks with your girls.
  • Going on a holiday with ten other people will probably end in a lot of arguments, stick to a smaller group for a drama free vacation.
  • It really is fine not to have your life worked out and spending all your time attending gigs rather than focusing on a career that will bore you.
  • Buying a scallop edged top in three different colours from Topshop probably isn't the smartest idea but every girl needs basic staples. Right?
  • Bold lips do not suit me in the slightest. Damn you pale skin for making me look washed out if I dare to go near Mac's Lady Danger. 
  • I completely stand by my opinion that the male species become a lot more good looking when they start sporting facial hair - beard appreciation. 
  • Spend every single moment you possibly can with family and friends because sadly life really is too short.
Happy New Year!

Tuesday 23 December 2014

Bourjois Smokey Eyes Trio in Gris Dandy


Bourjois is a brand that right now I'm really enjoying having quite the collection of products in my make-up stash. It's been building up over the last few months and they've really won me over. I find sometimes it's quite nice to take a break from palettes and pick up a trio or quad of eyeshadows as a lot of the time the hard work is done for you. I'm talking which shades suit each other nicely all in one place. 


The Bourjois Smokey Eyes Trio in Gris Dandy does exactly what it says, creates a smokey eye. A pretty damn good smokey eye as well. Pigmented but can leave a little fall out if there's too much excess on the brush. There's all sorts of different colour trios to try and you can find what suits you best. It's become a little bit of my go to eyeshadow choice and it's so easy to use together. 

What do you think of Bourjois? 

Monday 22 December 2014

Christmas Nail Art In 3 Steps

Nail art can be tricky, very tricky. The best way to tackle it is just to keep it simple. As Blogmas nears an end I thought I'd better throw in one last Christmas themed beauty post as well..


Step 1 - Paint the base coat of your choice. I used Rimmel Lasting Finish Nail Polish in Pear Drop. Which is a lovely green pearl-like finish shade. I used two thin coats for best results.
Step 2 - Then using a red nail polish paint on a rough triangle shape. For this step I used thin strokes to build up an equal shape using Nails Inc by Kate Spade in Big Apple Red.
Step 3 - Using a white polish draw a thin line at the tip of the nail before spreading it out with random strokes to create a fur-looking effect. Repeat this at the tip of the triangle but in a circle shape.

And there we have Santa's hats for your nails!

Top Tips
  • Always use a top coat once dry to ensure it stays together well with no chips
  • Apply thin layers so it's quicker dry and less likely to smudge
  • Have a flat work surface with good lighting if possible
Have you given nail art a whirl before?


Sunday 21 December 2014

Current Favourites


I've realised that lately I've really been changing up a lot in my beauty routine. I've been shopping the stash a little and rediscovered a few old favourites. Last Winter I adored Sleek's Storm Palette and this year is no different. The shadows are creamy, pigmented and last ALL day - making them near enough perfect for the very little price tag. Another old favourite is Rimmel's Match Perfection Foundation. This was the foundation I used for years and then I deemed myself in a foundation rut and forgot all about it until a few weeks ago. The love affair continues as it's long lasting, medium coverage and ideal for every day use. Delarom are a brand I was unfamiliar with prior to my Birchbox subscription but I've been using this mini size of their Aquaconfront Mask and  it's really made a difference to my skincare routine. Priced at £24 there is probably cheaper options out there but this leaves me feeling refreshed and gives a nice radiance - exactly what is needed in the Winter. Finally a nail polish favourite in the shape of Revlon's Nail Enamel in Daring Graffitti. 2014 has the been the year I found a love for glitter polishes and this is perfect for the current festive period.

Saturday 20 December 2014

Christmas Films You Just Have To Watch

What better way to post on Blogmas Day 20 than my favourite Christmas films that I have to watch every year without fail. It doesn't matter how many times you've seen them when the festive period hits you dig the DVD's out and recite half the script as you watch. 

  • Elf - SON OF A NUTCRACKER. Who doesn't love Elf?! If you want the film with continuous laughs but also realising the true meaning of Christmas then you can't go wrong. Buddy literally warms my heart with his naivety. You'll also find yourself quoting something every 15 minutes on twitter too. 
  • The Grinch - How could anyone want to steal Christmas?! More than likely you start out pretty anti-Grinch but soon warm to him as Cindy Lou befriends him. "Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps means a little bit more". 
  • Home Alone 1/2 - Let's just admit that Home Alone is just not the same without Macaulay Culkin. 1 and 2 though are both fantastic. Every time I watch Lost In New York though it makes me want to visit the city even more.
  • The Holiday - A classic Christmas rom com. I love Jude Law. I love Cameron Diaz. I love Jack Black. I love Kate Winslet. So you can imagine that I love this film. Also, how cool would a home exchange be?! The website they use in the film is real as well.
What's your favourite Christmas film?

Friday 19 December 2014

Avon Luxe Eyeshadow Palette in Cocoa Couture



Avon are a brand I find to be incredibly underrated. They're constantly having new releases with unique and exciting concepts. Plus they do some pretty nifty palettes and I'm a sucker for a good palette. The prices are pretty average but they are always having really good sales.


This is a palette I bought last year as part of last year's Christmas collection. However this year they have re released it as it was hugely popular. It is their Luxe Eyeshadow Palette in Cocoa Couture. Priced at £10 you could probably find a cheaper alternative in the drugstore but I really love these shades and how they work nicely together. In total there are 6 different shade collections available.


In terms of pigmentation the lighter of the shades needs more work than the others - but my pale skin doesn't exactly help that. With the right primer these shadows last all day and create a perfect golden smokey eye. I find that the soft pink shade makes a lovely blush colour rather than an eyeshadow which would make it a lovely palette to travel with. I've read a few bad reviews on the Avon website about this palette but I've had no problems with mine unless others have been using a different colour collection. I can definitely see why this was re released for the festive season as the colours are perfect for this time of year but can certainly be used all year round. 

What do you think of Avon's products?

Thursday 18 December 2014

The Ultimate Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas is just one whole week away - I'll give you just a second for that to sink in. If you're like me you may have the majority of your shopping done but there's those last few bits you need to grab for your loved ones. Luckily for you I've searched the internet for the best gift sets and unique gifts. I've sectioned it into four categories - beauty, food, home and miscellaneous. There's something in there for both genders too. Happy Holidays!

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There are some really amazing gift sets out this year with proper mint savings. A lot of things on this gift guide are currently on sale but order fast as they are selling out and last order dates in time for Christmas are approaching very quickly!

Wednesday 17 December 2014

The Winter Highlights


Winter is the season I reach for the highlighters the most. There's something about a product being able to take you from dull looking skin to a Winter's morning glow. Topshop's Highlighter in Sunbeam is my latest purchase. I've really been enjoying it lately - I wrote in full about it HERE. One product I loved last Winter that I have recently rediscovered is Seventeen's Skin Wow Highlighter. I adore this product so much because of it's multi uses. It can also be used as a primer or added to your foundation for a dewy finish. Not bad for one of the cheapest out there on the market. Recently I got my hands on a mini sized Benefit High Beam and it was like love at first sight. I love the finish it gives to the skin and tend to use it along the cheekbones to enhance them. More than likely I will be repurchasing the full size. Bourjois' Java Rice Powder isn't exactly your typical highlighter but it does have a shimmer to it. This gives a lovely radiance to the skin.

What's your favourite highlighter?

Tuesday 16 December 2014

Accessories For The Party Season

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Following on from my recent Topshop Wishlist for the party season I thought I'd add some of the accessories I'm lusting after at the moment. It's no hidden secret that the right accessories can completely change the look of a plain and simple dress. Personally my favourite way to incorporate glitter, sequins and embellishment is through wearing accessories. If you can't wear lots of jewellery and killer heels over the party season then when can you?

What shops are offering the best accessories in your opinion?



Monday 15 December 2014

Music Monday: Gig Make-up


If you've ever been to a gig that can get a little lively then you'll know you can kiss goodbye to your make-up lasting. However after several attempts I think I've nailed down a make-up routine that's actually 'gig-proof' - I even put it to the test at Kasabian last week and there was a lot of jumping around involved there. 

  • Garnier Perfect Blur Primer
  • L'Oreal True Match Foundation
  • Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
  • Seventeen Skin Wow Highlighter
  • Benefit Benetint
  • Avon Eye Primer
  • Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in Gris Dandy
  • Elf Precision Liquid Eyeliner
  • Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara
  • Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Nude-ist



Sunday 14 December 2014

First Impressions: Smashbox


Smashbox is a brand I've wanted to try out for a long long time but have just never got round to it. So when I popped into Boots on that dreaded Black Friday morning to see what they had on offer I was overly excited to see this little treat on the shelves. It's Smashbox's All For Eyes Kit in a 'try-me size'. The product I've been enjoying the most is the Photo Finish Under Eye Hydrating Primer - hellllllo flawless under eye concealer application. I've heard good things about the Full Exposure Mascara but I found it just didn't match to expectations for me. It gives a nice length to the lashes but not so much on the volume side I found. However, I've liked using this as a bottom lash mascara instead. Finally in this kit was a Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Screen Shot which has amazing pigmentation that lasts all day. The shades wouldn't be my usual first choice but made a nice change to my everyday make-up routine. Now I've had a little taste of what Smashbox has to offer I'm definitely eager to explore more of their range - especially their primers.

Saturday 13 December 2014

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet In Nude-ist


I've fallen again for a hyped up product but what a product to fall for. Everyone is talking about this from Bourjois, including me. Lately it has become a bit of an every day essential for me.


The packaging is slick and a nice size for travel purposes too. It has the basic wand applicator and these create a pretty bold lip so you have to be very careful with application. I'm most impressed with the staying power of this product. It literally lasts until the moment you take it off at the end of the day.


The formula applies like your typical lip gloss but dries to a matte form. Usually I'm not the biggest fan of matte formula's but this one has been a hit with me. I'm particularly loving this shade in Nude-ist for the current festive period as bright reds don't suit me at all. This is somewhere bang in the middle of red and pink shades with a hint of brown tones to give it the name Nude-ist.

Have you tried Bourjois' Rouge Edition Velvets?


Friday 12 December 2014

Topshop Wishlist: Partywear

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I've been hunting high and low for different outfits for over the festive period as it is party season. Topshop have been winning the race - no surprises there. I'm stuck between something simple with glittery accessories or vice versa (look out for my accessories wish list too)! Here's my top picks from Topshop..

What pieces are you loving from Topshop at the moment?


Thursday 11 December 2014

Current Haircare Essentials


Today's Blogmas post brings you my current favourite hair essentials. Some are golden oldies that I've stuck with for years then we have the new products that have made a pathway into my collection.

  • Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Conditioner (£4.99) - Since this appeared in my life I'm yet to find a conditioner that matches up to this one. Every time I use this I feel a difference and the effect just doesn't seem to fade. Deep conditioners are a favourite of mine as I have thick, long hair.
  • VO5 Smoothly Does It Straightening Lotion (£6.25) - I'm quite prone to the dreaded frizz and to keep my locks straight and sleek I use this. It lasts up to three washes and acts as a heat defence. This product saves me time and also gives me a lovely shine which I find hard to achieve with having blonde hair. 
  • Shockwaves Ultra Strong Power Hold Hairspray (£2.75) - This is the one hair product I never even have to think twice about repurchasing. It's never let me down when styled hair needs a good all day lasting hold. It's incredibly strong without leaving the hair sticky (or looking like I've stuck my head in a tub of hair product). 
  • Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Leave-in Conditioner (£4.49) - Not only does this work amazingly at protecting the hair with the extra conditioning but also works equally as well at de-tangling hair. I always use this product after washing my hair before blow-drying. Multi use products always sit well with me. 
  • Colab Dry Shampoo in London (£3.50) -  This is the latest product in my hair care collection and an instant favourite. I love the dogtooth packing of this 'London' scent for starters. It gives me volume to flat hair as well as working as your typical dry shampoo. I'll definitely be trying out the different scents.
What hair products are you currently loving?



Wednesday 10 December 2014

New In: Repurchases


There are some products in my make-up stash that I don't think I will ever be able to part with (unless they were discontinued and I'd still have a hard time then). Quite conveniently the two products in the spotlight today work very well together and equally look great together. 
Bourjois's Java Rice Loose Powder has been my go-to powder for quite a while now. It lasts a really long time so priced at £9.99 you can't complain. Another one of those products where a little goes a long way. It's quite a pale shade to work with but I find it creates a soft look to the skin - which I love for Winter time especially. There is a slight shimmer to the product so it's also a party essential for me. I've never really spoken about Collection's Lasting Perfection Concealer mainly because we all know what it can do. It's the one product I go back to time and time again as I just haven't found another concealer that matches up it without spending a small fortune. The clue is in the name that it lasts, just what I look for in a concealer. 

What products do you always repurchase?

Tuesday 9 December 2014

The Essential Winter Highlight


If there's one season in the year where I love a good highlight then it's Winter. I find my skin just feels a little dull when it hasn't seen the sun for a few months. Finding a natural glow can be quite hard though. Especially if you don't want to look like you've chucked a pot of glitter over your face. I've found a winner though this Winter in the shape of Topshop's Highlighter in Sunbeam.


It has a golden-champagne shade to it which means it warms the skin tone rather than cooling it, erasing any dullness you might have. You have to blend quite a lot but that's a given with most highlighters. The pigmentation is pretty intense so you only need to lightly dust the product for a lovely looking Winter glow. I can imagine this will work well during the warmer months also for a sun kissed look. So at £10 this product is a steal for the amount of use you would get out of it.


What do you think of Topshop's make-up range?

Monday 8 December 2014

Music Monday: Albums Of The Year


Last year saw some of my ABSOLUTE favourite bands release albums so I was wandering what 2014 would bring in terms of new music material for my ears. It did not disappoint. It saw the return of some artists that have been missing from my life for quite a while. *cough* The Kooks *coughcough* Paolo Nutini *cough* Not to mention a cracking debut from Catfish and the Bottlemen. If that wasn't enough then let's throw in new records from The Courteeners and Kasabian for good measure. 

1. The Courteeners - Concrete Love | The fourth album from my favourite band has fast become my most played this year. It's a little different from their previous records to say the least. Liam Fray's lyrics are so relate able but can mean something different to anyone. 
Favourite song: Next Time You Call

2. Kasabian - 48:13 | Another band that have explored different sounds and another ear pleasing record has been created. This time around we've seen a softer side to the songs but still guarantees some top tunes that you'll want to catch live if you can.
Favourite song: Treat 

3. The Kooks - Listen | They are one of those bands that take me back to being 13 without a care in the world and not really appreciating the lyrics. I've really enjoyed having new material to listen to from The Kooks this year.
Favourite song: Bad Habit

4. Paolo Nutini - Caustic Love | The ultimate easy listening artist. He's won me over once again with his unique voice and that pretty face of his. Once again Paolo has mixed slow songs with a few upbeat tunes to make an all-rounder record.
Favourite song: Better Man

5. Catfish and the Bottlemen - The Balcony | If there's one band that have come into my life this year and opened my eyes up to new sounds then it's this one. Controversial but relate able lyrics. If you look out for one band next year it's got to be these lads. 
Favourite song: Cocoon 

What music have you been loving this year?

Sunday 7 December 2014

Glitter Nail Polishes For The Festive Season


I'm not the biggest glitter nail polish lover but when those Christmas songs begin to play on the radio I have to make an exception. These are my favourite polishes I've dug out of my stash..




From left to right: Ciate Locket | Models Own Freak Out | Avon Rose Golden | Barry M Limited Edition to Superdrug | Seventeen Sequin Top Coat | Bourjois Vampire Vanity | Barry M Aqua Glitter | Revlon Daring Graffiti | Models Own Aqua Splash


Which is your favourite?


Saturday 6 December 2014

Shoe Wishlist

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There's a hole in my wardrobe that needs filling. It's a high heel shaped hole that's in need of a revamp. I could also do with a little bit more colour to my shoe collection. I take the saying 'black goes with everything' very seriously it appears.

So here are the shoes I'm lusting after right now:


What stores are stocking the best shoes right now?



Friday 5 December 2014

The Christmas Tag

One thing I love about December in the blogging world is reading all the Christmas themed posts. What better way to continue 'Blogmas' than with The Christmas Tag too!

Image Source: Tumblr

What's your favourite Christmas movie?
I love Home Alone 1 & 2. I am a typical chick-flick kinda girl so The Holiday is another favourite. Everyone loves Elf too don't they?!

What are your favourite Christmas colours?
Gold and silver are so pretty - especially when glitter and sequins are involved. I do love just the right shade of green as well though. 

Do you like to stay in your PJ's or dress up for Christmas?
I do try and stay all cosy for as long as possible but I split myself between family on Christmas day so I do actually have to get dressed up as much as I'd like not to I'm afraid.

If you could only buy one person a present this year who would it be?
My little brother. Everyone else who was close for this answer has had plenty of Christmas' so it'd have to be my favourite little person. I love seeing his cheeky smile when he opens gifts too.

Do you open your presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning obviously! Any earlier than 9am doesn't go down well with my parents.

Have you ever built a gingerbread house?
No! But I really want to this year.

What do you like to do during your Christmas holidays?
I work in retail so apart from the day itself I don't get a lot of time off but I like to spend as much as possibly with family and friends with good food, good drink and good music. 

Any Christmas wishes?
Can I have Liam Fray from The Courteeners waiting under my tree? No? Okay.. For all my family and friends to have a lovely Christmas just like they deserve. 

Favourite Christmas meal or treat?
PIGS IN BLANKETS! I know you can make them any time of the year but there's something extra special about just having them at Christmas time.

How excited are you for Christmas?


Thursday 4 December 2014

Lush Christmas Haul


I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in saying that I tend to go a little wild in Lush around Christmas time. This year once again is no different. I don't tend to have a lot of baths except for the Winter as I just prefer to jump in the shower. With Winter being the exception though as soon as the festive collection hits the shelves I'm in there like a shot.


Luxury Lush Pud (£3.50) - I purchased this one last year and I knew I wanted it again. Not only does it smell unreal but without sounding like a complete loser I love watching all the different colours fly around everywhere. This is one of the larger bath bombs on offer and definitely a stronger scent than others. 


Dashing Santa (£2.95) - I haven't tried this one before but I'm a sucker for citrus smelling products. It's really refreshing and not too scent heavy - just a hint of satsumas. It didn't blow me away but perfect if you're not in the mood for anything too fancy.


Magic Wand (£5.25) - I have wanted to try this one out forever. It's reusable and lasted me four uses in total. Pink bath water and bubbles?! Like a festive princess surrounding in the bathroom.

What Lush products do you recommend?