January Favourites

Another month has passed by so quickly. 2016 will be over before we know it, but let's not dwell on that (as I may cry). Instead, lets focus on my January Favourites. I've made some great discoveries this month and I can't wait to talk about them.

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Highlighter

You've probably heard about this highlighter a million times but I'm going to talk about it because I have fallen in love with it. The packaging is the same as traditional Becca packaging for compacts. The actual highlighter is so soft and smooth. It has a lot of shimmer in it but it doesn't show up too intensely on the skin. Instead it gives the perfect glow that catches the light in such a beautiful way. It's limited edition and Space NK have started to sell it so get your hands on it before it's gone.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation

I have wanted this foundation for so long but couldn't justify buying a new foundation. Then my beloved Nars Sheer Glow ran out and I decided to go for a bit of a change. I went to Selfridges and got colour matched to shade 4. I feel like this shade is slightly too dark for me but I think I can just get away with it, my neck is very pale at the minute which doesn't help. The formula of this foundation is beautiful. It feels like there is nothing on the skin and it blends really easily but it has a lot of coverage at the same time. It is more matte than Sheer Glow which is much better for controlling my oily skin. I would definitely recommend this foundation. 

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Audrey

I picked this up on a whim at Sephora in the summer. I tested it while I was in the shop and thought the colour was quite unique so I bought it. When I got home and tested it again it was a completely different colour from what I remembered (I had tried on multiple lip products so the colours probably mixed a bit), so I didn't get much use out of it. Then this month I found it in my bag and gave it a quick swipe before I left the house and to my surprise I fell in love with it again. It's a beautiful deep rosy pink shade that isn't your typical everyday pink but isn't too dramatic at the same time. The formula is also great for everyday as it is creamy and can be built up to being pigmented. It's my go to lip colour at the moment and it's named after one of my favourite actresses of all time, what's not to love? 

Nars Steven Klein One Shocking Moment Palette

I debated about getting this palette Nars Blush and Contour Palette for a very long time. I told myself that I don't need more blushers and bronzers and that I could live without it. Then Jess bought it and it looked so nice and I was already buying something else on Space NK, so I just bought it impulsively. I regret nothing. The colours are really wearable with 4 different blush shades, I just pick the one I like best depending on my mood. This palette also has Laguna, the Nars bronzer to have, so it's really handy that it comes in a palette for when I travel.

Philip Kingsley Geranium and Neroli Elasticizer

This is my new favourite hair product. I have had mini versions of the regular elasticizer a few times but never purchased a full size one. I then found the new Geranium and Neroli one in the FeelUnique.com sale with a matching candle. The only difference from the regular one is the floral smell (which is divine FYI). I usually dampen my hair at night and apply mainly to my ends and then I put a shower cap on and sleep with it over night ready to wash off in the morning. This makes my hair so so soft and I have noticed my hair has a bit more life and bounce to it. 

Smith and Cult Nail Varnish in Lovers Creep, Shattered Souls and Kundalini Hustle

I'd heard a few reviews of this nail varnish from various bloggers and Youtubers and was intrigued. I then saw that one bottle costs £19 so decided not to buy any. Then when browsing the Space NK sale I found a pack of 3 full sized nail varnishes for only £23.50, reduced from £47. The shades are a deep purple, a classic red and gold glitter, and I knew I would get a lot of use out of them. They apply really nicely to the nails and the colours are really pretty, the packaging is also gorgeous with a unique metallic misshapen lid. I have noticed that they chip quite easily but I haven't used them that much yet so I will see if that is a recurring pattern or my inability to make nail varnish last.

Topshop Magic Liner in Engraved

I have been struggling to find a new eyeliner over the past few months. Recently I've tried some that have dried up quickly or are too stiff to get that perfect flick. I used to use the Stila eyeliner but I felt the black wasn't black enough, compared to the Marc Jacobs one I used to use, so I thought I'd try some drugstore alternatives. Then I found the Magic Liner in a set with some eyeshadow sticks in the sale and thought why not? It's not my favourite eyeliner ever but it is a pretty good one. The black is very black, which I love, and it lasts all day but the shape of the nib is a bit too elongated to create that perfect feline flick. 

Topshop Smoke Sticks

I don't usually buy Topshop makeup but when I was browsing the website I found a eye set with three eyeshadow sticks and the eyeliner I mentioned above. It was half price, a bargain at £10. The set includes the shades Conspire, a light pink shade, Deviant,  a shimmery champagne, and Dark Horse, a dark brown shade. These sticks are really easy to use and just sweep all over the lid for a quick day time eye. They are really long-lasting and blendable too. I usually apply one of the lighter colours and then apply powder eyeshadow over the top for a really intense eyeshadow look. 

Netflix

Netflix has definitely been one of my favourite things this month. During the Christmas holidays and in between revision I have been binge watching TV shows to my heart's content. I started with Jessica Jones, which is a Marvel superhero series set in New York City that isn't that "superheroey", so if you aren't that into superhero films this is still a good one to watch. I caught up on Homeland which I haven't watched in a few years. I also watched Making A Murderer because I love documentaries, especially about criminals and the American justice system. Now I am watching Suits, about a New York City law firm, which I also can't get enough of (I may be over half way through in 2 weeks).

What have been your favourites during January? 

December Favourites

December is over which means this is the last favourites post of 2015! How has the year gone so fast? How have Christmas and New Years already been and gone? (Merry belated Christmas by the way). I've made a few new discoveries in December and I can't get enough of them.

TheBalm Nude 'Tude Palette

I love a good nude palette so when I saw the Nude 'Tude palette in the Birchbox shop I just had to have it, especially when I had enough Birchbox points to get it for free. It has 12 extremely soft and blendable eyeshadow shades that are mostly shimmery. I love all the colours, especially a pinky champagne colour and a bronze colour. The packaging is made from really light cardboard, making it great for travelling and carrying around too. 

L'Oreal Infallible Mattifying Primer

I used to use the Becca Ever-Matte Priming Perfector and I loved it but I ran out and needed a cheaper alternative. I picked up the L'Oreal Infallible Mattifying Primer in Boots while it was on offer and I haven't stopped using it since. At first the primer feels quite oily when it comes out the tube but once applied it dries out and makes the perfect foundation base without being too drying. At only £7.99 it's definitely worth a try.  

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick in Vega

After seeing a few reviews and videos on the limited edition Illamasqua Glamore lipstick in Vega, I fell in love. It seemed like the perfect dark berry lipstick. I eventually caved in and bought it online and I can't get enough of it. Illamasqua describe it as a deep claret red with a satin finish and it is enriched with Vitamin E making it moisturising on the lips. It's neither matte nor sheer making the colour pay-off great without being too drying.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

I have been on the search for a new mascara for a while now after getting into a bit of a mascara rut. I tried the L'Oreal Telescopic mascara and it wasn't for me and all the mascaras in boots didn't excite me. I then decided to try a new Maybelline one as they have always been my favourite drug store mascaras. I picked up the Lash Sensational Mascara and at first I hated it. It was too clumpy and thick and made my eyelashes stick together. However, I persevered until the mascara had dried out a bit and now I really like it. It lengthens and adds volume to the lashes without being too clumpy and it doesn't smudge throughout the day. 

Phillip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence 

I put my hair through a lot of heat and styling so I need good products that protect and repair my hair. Recently I've been using leave in conditioners as well as normal conditioners to keep my dry ends hydrated. I bought this with my Birchbox points as I love Phillip Kingsley products. I usually spray it on damp hair after heat protectant spray and my hair has been noticeably softer. I'll carry on using it for the next few months and see whether the results last.

Zara Scarf

Although the weather has been pretty mild this month, I've still been loving my huge Zara scarf. It's so big it could be a blanket (great for cinema trips) and it's made from a really warm acrylic material. The black and white checked pattern means it goes with most things I wear but isn't too plain. I can see myself getting a lot more use out of it once temperatures drop a bit more. 

Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte

I don't care if loving Starbucks makes me basic because their Toffee Nut Latte is my favourite coffee drink ever and have got me through a lot of gruelling library sessions. They are only available for a limited time every year for their festive drinks menu so I try to get as many as I can before they stop making them. If you love a good syrup in your coffee then try one of these while you can, it's rich and sweet with a slight nutty flavour that isn't overwhelming.

Christmas Beauty Gifts

I mostly receive money for Christmas presents and then I go on to buy beauty products with said money. This year, however, I received quite a few beauty treats that I love already. Here are the beauty gifts I received this Christmas.

Nars Killer Heels Mini Lipstick Set

The Nars Killer Heels Mini Lipstick Set was my Christmas present from Jess, and as always, she got me a great present. The Killer Heels Set is part of the Steven Klein collection and contains five mini lipsticks; Little Darling, Mayflower, Joyous Red, Jungle Red and Fire Down Below. Little Darling is a bit pale and doesn't really show up on my lips but I love the rest of them. Mayflower is a pinky rose colour and there's a brown red shade and a orange red shade, as well as a darker red shade. I can't wait to get some proper use out of them.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Varnish in Charivari

Charivari is a rich deep purple shade. It applies so smoothly to the nails and looks so shiny and thick in texture. I've already received a few compliments on it and have only been wearing the shade for two days, someone even thought I had acrylic nails on. I have also noticed that it hasn't chipped as much as some of my other Chanel nail varnishes do.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Varnish in Orage

Orage is a deep indigo blue colour. It looks almost dark grey/black and has a very slight shimmer to it. It has a very similar texture and shiny look to Charivari. It's the perfect winter shade.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeliner in Barbarella Brown

I'm usually one to stick to black eyeliner but for Christmas I got a Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl eyeliner in Barbarella Brown. I wasn't sure what to expect but once I tried it I loved it. The brown shade is still dark but just something different. It's great for everyday makeup that isn't too intense. Also, the Rock 'n' Kohl eyeliners are the best pencil eyeliners I've tried as they last for hours without smudging.

Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara

This is one of my favourite mascaras and I was so sad when mine dried out. I couldn't justify spending £22 on a mascara again, especially when I couldn't just pick one up in a store when I was in America and at university. I was so happy that I got this as a gift and I can't wait for my mascara to dry out so I can crack this one open.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette in The Sophisticate

I love Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow quads. The colours are unique, the concept of prime, enhance, smoke and pop is ingenious and the texture is so smooth and blendable. I already have the Dolce Vita palette and the Uptown Girl palette, which I get a lot of use out of. The Sophisticate is equally beautiful with 4 earthy matte shades that can be subtle or smokey depending on how they are applied.

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre Lipgloss in High Society

I've always wanted a Charlotte Tilbury lipgloss since her collection launched but I always found something I wanted more. My sister got me this lipgloss in High Society and I love it. It's the perfect rosy pink shade and I know I'll be applying this a lot over the next year. The packaging is also so beautiful with Charlotte's typical pretty gold finishes.

What beauty gifts did you receive for Christmas?

Amsterdam

After spending a year in America, (I swear I will stop going on about it one day...) and doing a lot of travelling, going back to the realities of English university didn't exactly fill me with excitement. Therefore, my English study abroad friends and I decided to book a reunion getaway as soon as we broke up for the Christmas holidays. Our choice was the beautiful city of Amsterdam. Although it may have a reputation for being wild and sleazy, Amsterdam is actually a very pretty and peaceful place. I had already been once before with family but that didn't mean I was any less excited to go.

Day One

After a very short flight we arrived in Amsterdam and made our way to our fantastic apartment. It was located in the Canal Belt area of Centrum near an area called Rembrandtplein, basically a very central location with a great view of Amsterdam's famous canals. The apartment was huge with a beautiful living room and kitchen area upstairs and two spacious bedrooms downstairs. I could have lived there forever. After settling in we made our way to a cute little Italian restaurant. I ordered a four cheese pizza that was so delicious. Then we made our way to a cute little bar with an old style juke box and just one local sat peacefully for some beer and wine.

 Our Apartment

Quattro Formaggio Pizza from Pizzeria La Traviata

Day Two

The next day we made a quick stop for coffee then made our way to Museumplein, a square with Amsterdam's famous museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum. This is also home to the IAMSTERDAM sign. After a few photos and a watch of the ice skaters we headed to Bagels and Beans for lunch. I ordered an everything bagel with pesto and sun-dried tomato cream cheese and proscuitto, parmesan and rocket. Then we went to the Vondelpark, or bike park, where we hired bikes and rode around like true Dutch people, though we avoided the real roads at all costs. We then made our way to an area called Leidseplein, then went home for a nap. At night we went to an Indian restaurant, Memories of India, which was so delicious.

Museumplein and the IAMSTERDAM sign

Bagel and Cream Cheese from Bagel and Beans

Views in the Vondelpark

Christmas Decorations in Leidseplein

Day Three

Our first stop on day three was the Anne Frank Huis. We had been told that queues were usually ridiculously long, but we only waited around half an hour to get in. Unfortunately, many people had selfie sticks, taking pictures of themselves outside, which I found quite disrespectful. The same people then spoke very loudly throughout the museum, not really taking in any of the museum. However, the experience was still very moving and seeing actual handwritten pages from Anne's real diary was really good to see. We then headed for toasties in a really cute lunch place called Toastable, where I had a Dutch meatball toastie. Afterwards we went to a cheese shop and passed the Royal Palace, and then later on we went for a quick apple tart and coffee stop at Winkels 43. Once darkness arrived we headed to the Red Light District, which was a very bizarre place. After our busy day we went back to the area our apartment was in and tried some famous dutch chips in a cone and picked up a waffle from a Christmas stall for dessert.

The Royal Palace

The Meatball Toastie from Toastable

Dutch Apple Tart from Winkels 43

Day Four

Our fourth day was our most relaxed day. After a late wake up and a long trip to Starbucks we wandered around the Bloemenmarkt, or flower market, and had a look in another cheese shop. We then went to a chain lunch spot in Amsterdam called La Place where they have a wide variety of cuisines all under one roof, which are then made in front of you with fresh ingredients. We went for soup and a sandwich with some lemonade. In the evening we went to a burger place called Burger Fabriek before going to the Amsterdam Ice Bar. We got a cocktail and two ice drinks included in our ticket which was pretty decent. It was a lot colder than I expected so we didn't spend too long in there. Afterwards, I had a raspberry beer at a craft beer bar with a large selection of beers from all over the world before going home.

Inside the Amsterdam Ice Bar

Lights over the Canals

Day Five

On our final day we did some souvenir and cheese shopping and then stopped for lunch at a cute café where I had a warm mozzarella and pesto baguette. We then went on a canal cruise all around Amsterdam where we got to see the city's sights from water level for around an hour. We then went to a bar and browsed a few shops before going to the airport to go home.

View from the Canal Cruise

The bikes that have been retrieved from canals

I'll miss you Amsterdam!

October Favourites

It's now way too far into November already and this year seems to be flying by. However, the end of a month means a favourites post. Here is what I've been loving throughout October. 

Maybelline Colour Sensational Mattes Lipstick in Divine Wine

This has been my favourite lipstick of the month. It's the perfect autumn/winter dark, berry shade and the matte formula stays for hours and hours while still being creamy and easy to apply. I've gone to restaurants and gone to the cinema with it on and it's lasted the entire time, while eating and drinking. It also works really well as a day or a night shade. I would definitely recommend this lipstick and I can't wait to try some other shades.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze

I bought this bronzer a while back and instantly loved it. It's pigmented but not too over the top and gives you an instant sun-kissed look. There's a bit of shimmer in it but it doesn't make your face sparkle, it just adds a nice glow. I bought the lighter shade luminous bronze as I like a more subtle bronzer/blusher look and it's the perfect shade for me. I sweep it along my cheekbones, along the jawline and on my temples to complete my makeup look of the day. 

Stila Soul Eye Palette

I've mentioned this Stila palette in a favourites post before but I haven't loved a palette like this in a very long time. I use it nearly every day and when I don't use it I wish I had. It has a mixture of shimmers and mattes that are so highly pigmented. The colours last all day and blend seamlessly together. I also love the variety of shades in the palette that can be used day or night. My two favourites are Kitten, a champagne colour that is available as a single shade, and Thought, a shimmery taupe shade. 

Kiko Dark Tide Eyeliner in Black

I had heard of Kiko Cosmetics a few times on blogs and Youtube videos but never thought about buying anything or trying to find where to get items. Then a shop opened in my local shopping centre. They have so many products to choose from for a very reasonable price. After a lot of browsing, I picked up the Dark Tide Eyeliner from their latest collection. I wanted an eyeliner that could go on my waterline but could also stay put like the Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl pencils but for a lower price. A sales assistant showed me swatches on the back of her hand that hadn't budged all day and it had more of a waxy consistency. I have used it pretty much everyday since and it stays put all day and is great for lining the waterline. I haven't really used it for my upper lash line yet on its own but it seems like it is a long lasting, easy to use liner.

Kate Moss Rimmel Nail Varnish in Venus

In my last favourites I was loving the Kate Moss Rimmel Nail Varnish in Hip Hop. It was a really summery coral red so I thought I'd buy a more autumnal shade. I chose Venus, a dark purple colour, and I can't get enough of it. It lasts a really long time on the nails, which is quite the accomplishment for me. I can see myself getting a lot of use out of this nail varnish. 

Kerastase Masque Force Architecte

For years and years my hair has been extremely damaged. I have naturally curly hair that I don't know how to deal with. It's often frizzy and the curls are uneven. From a young age I have straightened my hair and probably won't stop, no matter how much my mum and hairdresser tell me to. I try to use products that will restore damage and keep my locks as healthy and strong as possible so I invested in a Kerastase hair mask. I'm not usually one to buy a high end hair product but everything Kerastase was on sale and I've always wanted to try their products. This mask really makes my hair feel healthier. I leave it on for 5-10 minutes in the shower before washing it out and my hair instantly feels smoother. It also smells incredible which is always a bonus with a hair product.

Zara Necklace

It's been a while since I bought a good bit of jewelry. I tend to stick to the same minimalistic and simple pieces everyday. I saw this gorgeous necklace in Zara and thought it would make a great day time statement necklace over basic jumpers. I've received loads of compliments when wearing it and it really dresses up an everyday outfit, and is great for going out too. 

What have your favourites been this month?