The Autumn Tag

Image source

As I'm loving Autumn this year I thought I'd give the Autumn Tag a go.

1) Favourite seasonal drink from a coffee shop?
As I don't drink coffee I go for the seasonal hot chocolates, I like the Costa Black Forest hot chocolate and any Hazelnut hot chocolate. This year I'm looking forward to trying the Salted Caramel hot chocolate at Starbucks.

2) Accessories- Scarves, Boots or Gloves?
I never pull the gloves out intil it's snowing really but I love wearing boots all Autumn and Winter. I also love wrapping up in a scarf so I couldn't choose really.

3) Favourite music in Autumn?
My music choices don't really change by season but Bastille is great for those cosy nights in and nearer Christmas I love Kelly Clarkson's christmas album and Micheal Buble's.

4) Favourite scent of Autumn?
Well again, I stick to my Benefit Carmella perfume all year but the scents I do use more moisturisers/ shower products in the colder months so I tend to smell like Lush Snow Fairy or Cocoa Butter moisturiser.

5)Candles- Favourite scents?
My favourite is always vanilla but I also love christmas spice candles. My current favourite is a Homesense Grapefruit and Champagne jar candle, doesn't sound Autumny but it's great on a cosy evening.

6) What do you love most about Autumn? 
If you hadn't guessed already, Cosy nights in with a blanket, pyjamas, the heating on and candles and lamps lit. It feels even better to be in watching TV when it's raining outside.

7) Favourite Make Up look?
Not much changes for me apart from going for a darker lip and the occasional smokey eye.

8) What are you most looking forward to about Autumn?
Going out and about and putting on my boots, a coat and scarf and picking up one of those seasonal hot chocolates. I love being out in the cold and coming into the warmth for hot drinks and a warm meal.

Tag: The Seven Deadly Sins of Beauty

Greed

What is your most expensive beauty item?

I suck at spending money on beauty products, as much as I lust after high end brands! If you don't count freebies from events then I have nothing that exceeds about £6 like my Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation. Even when it comes to nail varnish I have Models Own and Essie but get them cheap!

Wrath

Which beauty item do you have a love/hate relationship with?

Definitely eyeliner, I love the effect it can have on your make up but hate applying it because I'm rubbish!

 

Gluttony

What brand makes up the biggest chunk of your make up collection?

Rimmel! The best lip products and foundation.

Sloth

What product do you neglect to use due to laziness?

Eyelash curlers, I just don't see the point!

Pride

What beauty product gives you the most confidence?

Mascara, my eyes just don't look the same without it. BB cream comes a close second, along with concealer but on a good skin day, mascara takes it.

Lush

Which item is at the top of your beauty wish list?

Nars Orgasm and Albatross blusher and highlighter.

Envy

What make up product/look is great on others but not on yourself?

Bronzer, I need a masterclass! It just doesn't seem to work on my pale skin, even for contouring.

Thanks for tagging me Emily, I tag:

Ellie

Sally

Joanna

Gemma

and Sophia

Ted Baker Spring Summer 2013

As most of you will know, I love Ted Baker at the moment and find myself spending a lot of time on their website looking at what I could buy if I had some extra cash!

Then I found out about the competition they're running to show your 3 favourite items of the collection, more info here.

If you saw my Birthday Wishlist you'll know I'm completely obsessed with the orchid print! So it seemed only right to go with the beautiful Treasured Orchid Print Dress as I love it and think it would be lovely for a summery day out or even a summer wedding. I thought it went really well with the Bow Ballet Pumps as I love the light green colour and have been loving the jelly-type shoes for a while now, they look so comfy! Last but not least, I think this Crystal Bow Clutch Bag is just beautiful with matching print inside but a lovely light pink fabric outside.

I simply love this outfit and lots of the Ted Baker spring summer collection. What are your favourites?

What's in my Travel Make Up Bag?

So I'm back home from Uni for a few days and I thought I'd share what's in my 'travel' make up bag.

I start with my Nivea Express Hydration Primer for Dry /Sensitive skin and skip the moisturizing step, I then use my sample size Benefit The Pore-fessional.

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Porcelain: This is a little light for me but I love the coverage and formula, I currently blend it with the Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation in Ivory as that's a little darker but a thicker consistency. The two together make a flawless finish that matches me better.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light: Loving this at the moment, especially with my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Peach Glow. I finish off with my Rimmel Blusher in Santa Rose.

Next is my MUA Professional Eye Primer then I packed my MUA trio in Chocolate Box to save me packing a palette, these three are lovely neutral brown and peachy shades. Then my trusty Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara.

I then have my Lush Sweet Lips Lip Scrub, because I can't live without it, and a twist up lipbalm from Flava Craze in Grape to save the mess.

Then, just because I like choice, I packed my Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 16, and my Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains in Honey and Lovesick.

No prizes for guessing my favourite 'drugstore' brand!

The brushes I packed were Ecotools eyeshadow, concealer and brush brush, Real techniques Stippling brush and some tweezers!

And that all fits nicely into my make up bag! Do you have any of these items in your make up bag?

25 Facts About Me

1. I'm a gadget geek. I love chatting to my Dad about specs and apps.

2. I love Dinosaurs. I don't know why.

3. My willpower when it comes to food is awful, I wake up thinking 'I'll be healthy today' then walk to the shop to buy chocolate or order a chinese!

4. I'm not scared of the future, I'm excited for it!

5. I cannot wait to have my own class, so much so that I dream about what lessons I will teach and what displays I will put up.

6. I cannot wait to decorate my own house/flat

7. I love action and superhero movies, especially The Avengers

8. I don't like 'all you can eat' restaurants

9. I'm an only child and hate the stereotype attached to it.

10. I don't really like animals. I'm also allergic to most of them.

11. I hate feet.

12. I like to think I'm pretty creative

13. I like arts and crafts projects when I have the time.

14. I feel very lucky to have amazing parents who I get on really well with.

15. I wish I enjoyed exercise more.

16. I passed my driving test second time and it really doesn't bother me!

17. I don't really like red meat, I used to be veggie but I guess now you'd say I'm just fussy!

18. I used to buy a lot of stationary and pencil cases as a child.

19. I watch a lot of youtube videos, mostly beauty related.

20. I'm not actually very good at spending money, but I'm really good at adding things to my 'wishlist', especially make up and beauty products.

21. I would really like a Mini.

22. I don't think I've ever lived in a house that doesn't have damp or mould :(

23. I'd like to bake cakes a lot more than I do

24. I used to go to drama school and was rubbish at the singing and dancing! I was good at public speaking and acting though.

25. My iPhone was the best gift I have ever received.

25 Facts About Me

1. I'm a gadget geek. I love chatting to my Dad about specs and apps.

2. I love Dinosaurs. I don't know why.

3. My willpower when it comes to food is awful, I wake up thinking 'I'll be healthy today' then walk to the shop to buy chocolate or order a chinese!

4. I'm not scared of the future, I'm excited for it!

5. I cannot wait to have my own class, so much so that I dream about what lessons I will teach and what displays I will put up.

6. I cannot wait to decorate my own house/flat

7. I love action and superhero movies, especially The Avengers

8. I don't like 'all you can eat' restaurants

9. I'm an only child and hate the stereotype attached to it.

10. I don't really like animals. I'm also allergic to most of them.

11. I hate feet.

12. I like to think I'm pretty creative

13. I like arts and crafts projects when I have the time.

14. I feel very lucky to have amazing parents who I get on really well with.

15. I wish I enjoyed exercise more.

16. I passed my driving test second time and it really doesn't bother me!

17. I don't really like red meat, I used to be veggie but I guess now you'd say I'm just fussy!

18. I used to buy a lot of stationary and pencil cases as a child.

19. I watch a lot of youtube videos, mostly beauty related.

20. I'm not actually very good at spending money, but I'm really good at adding things to my 'wishlist', especially make up and beauty products.

21. I would really like a Mini.

22. I don't think I've ever lived in a house that doesn't have damp or mould :(

23. I'd like to bake cakes a lot more than I do

24. I used to go to drama school and was rubbish at the singing and dancing! I was good at public speaking and acting though.

25. My iPhone was the best gift I have ever received.

John Greed Valentine's Day Blogger Challenge

This Valentine's day John Greed are giving one blogger the chance to win their Valentine's day jewellery wishlist to the value of £250 and four runners up a £25 gift card.
I scowled the whole site and picked out my favourites here.

Thomas Sabo silver and pearl charm bracelet: I love pearls and the natural uneven finish to these is so pretty! Adds a little elegance to any outfit.

Thomas Sabo Peace Charm: I love the simplicity of this charm and it would look lovely on the pearl bracelet.  I love the meaning behind this, a reminder that life is good and fighting isn't important.

Pandora Liquid Silver Bubbles Drop earrings: I have the bubbles necklace already and would love some earrings to match!

Pandora Silver Blue Pearl Stud Earrings: I love the blue colour of these, they are so pretty for when drop earrings are too formal!

Silver and Swarovski Heart Necklace: This is so pretty and sparkly, this is currently free when you spend over £75 which I think is a great deal!

Pandora Silver and Sky Blue Enamel charm: I already have a pandora and think this is really pretty and great to add a little subtle colour. I already have this charm but with black mother of pearl and think a selection of different colours would like great together.

So those are my choices that come to a total of £244.85
If you would like to enter the blogger challenge or just browse John Greed's jewellery on offer click here.

January Wishlist

Marrocan Oil: I've heard rave reviews about this and would love to try it.

Urban Decay Primer Potion: Again, I've heard lots of good things about this and I'm struggling to find a cheaper alternative that's as raved about. Any dupes?

Benefit They're Real Mascara: This looks awesome, I love Benefit and I love mascara, shame it costs so much!

Real Techniques Brushes: Another blogging influenced want, I really want to see what all the Real Techniques hype is about. I particularly want to try the Buffing and Stippling brushes.

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara: I think this is a great idea and it is supposed to be really good for preventing dropout too.

Soap & Glory gloss sticks: I am loving Soap & Glory more and more and would love to try these as I love the Revlon Balm Stains.

Tangle Teezer: I think this would be good for my knotty, curly hair to prevent breakage.

OPI Rapid Dry Top Coat: I have a love hate relationship with top coats, I love how they make my nail varnish last longer but hate how they always smudge! I know OPI is supposed to be a good brand so would like to try this one.

Here's hoping I win the lottery! What's on your wishlists?

Recent Purchases

I went to town today and became disappointment with the stock in Superdrug and Boots. The two things I went to MUA for were not there, the gel eyeliner and the eyelid primer.

MUA Fur effect Nails in Fluffy Puff: I've been wanting to try these for ages and was suprised they actually had it since the rest of the stock was shocking. I liked this colour best on the swatches so went for it.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in Light: As you know I'm still catching up with the blogger favourites from the last few months so I had to tick this one of my list. I haven't tried it yet but from swatching on my hand I must say it lasted pretty well on the back of my hand. If you're interested, I ended up getting the Collection 2000 stuff from Wilkinsons.

Collection 2000 Lasting Colour Gel Eyeliner: This is my first gel eyeliner so I hope it's a good one!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush: I have been obsessed with these since christmas, especially the Honey shade. This one is quite similar and I wanted a darker shade that would suit me as Lovesick is a little too pink for me. These are £5 at the moment in Superdrug and Boots.

2012 Favourites

2012 was a big year for me, beauty wise. Before starting my blog in the summer I was in a bit of a rut with the products I was using. Since then I have discovered lots of things that actually work a lot better for me. It was difficult picking things I have used all year since some of the things in my everyday routine now I have only discovered in recent months. Anyway, on to the favourites....

Vaseline: since I have only recently got into lip stains and glosses, I had to put this as a favourite as I always rely on it.

Rimmel Stay Matte foundation: I have used this for years and it lasts all day and doesn't break me out.

Rimmel Stay Matte powder: this is an addition to my make up this year as my skin got greasier, it helps keep my skin matte and gives a nice finish.

Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer- this is my first dual colour concealer and I love it! Full review here.

Nivea Express Hydration Primer: this means I don't have to moisturise too much and my make up stays on beautifully. Full review here.

Benefit the Porefessional: great for greasy skin!

Soap & Glory Thick and Fast Mascara: definitely a favourite this year, full review here.

17 Blow Out Jumbo Eyeliner- makes applying eyeliner so much easier, full review here.

MUA liquid eyeliner: I have found when comparing this to other liquid eyeliners that it is no different, so why pay more?

ebay Blusher Palette: I have loved experimenting with this so much. full review here.

My one and only brushes are from ecotools, I don't honestly think I could live without my foundation brush and the eyeshadow brush is so useful. To see the brushes I bought, see here.

Sally Hansen Double Duty base and top coat: much needed when I paint my nails so many different colours and so often. I have to say I favour it more as a base coat as it stays quite tacky on top, but it does make my colour last longer.

Bourjois magic nail polish remover: Still so much in love with this as it's so easy and mess free. Shame I can't use it with glitter polish though, full review here.

Models Own Top Turqoise: this colour just cheers me up, I only discovered models own this year but love the formula.

Aussie 3 minute miracle reconstructor: I love this product for lots of reasons, it's great for my hair and smells amazing.

Benefit So hooked on Carmella: I think I found my signature scent this year, this lovely vanillary perfume is my favourite!

That brings me to the end of my 2012 favourites, I would love to see other people's so send me your links in the comments below.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my readers and fellow bloggers since this is still all quite new to me. I have a new found love of beauty products and have found lots of great things that work for me via other people's reviews and advice. Next year I imagine it'll be so much harder to decide on my favourites as if I carry on the way I'm going I'll have a much bigger stash and will have tried many more brands and products!

What I got for Christmas 2012

I hope everyone had a very merry christmas, I certainly did.

I wanted to share some of the things I got for christmas, mostly beauty things!
Disclaimer: I know these posts are controversial but I love reading other people's and am not intending to show off, I just wanted to share some of the things that I got and will be reviewing in future.

here are my stocking pressies :)

Yay Lush!

My mum explained that the Revlon nail polish was free :)

MUA Pallette in Starry Night which I already love.

I was so excited by these, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey and Lovesick.

Soap and Glory Best of All set, yay!

And I was lucky enough to get three new pandora charms! The jewellery box, the snowflake and the present.

I look forward to reading your Christmas hauls and sales hauls, those of you who choose to post them.

My Secret Santa Gift!

So you may know that I organised a secret santa swap for #bbloggers and really wanted to take part myself. Some of the girls are still swapping but mine was recieved and opened today by Jennifer so when mine arrived in the post today I just had to open it!

Something  that I established while shopping for mine was that it's quite hard to pick out make up shades for other people but looking at their blog gave some good clues. Jennifer hasn't blogged about her present yet but I really hope she likes some of the things I picked for her.

On to my presents.....
Well, I don't think I've ever been so happy with a Secret Santa, I love it!

Lovely packaging in a Joliebox!

all wrapped up...

Vanillary Lush Solid Perfume: I was so excited by this, Jen certainly read my blog! I love vanilla and lush.

MUA eyeshadow trio in Chocolate Box: Can't wait to try these as I've never tried MUA eyeshadow.

Sleek Blush in Life's a Peach: I've never tried Sleek either but have heard the Blushers are amazing.

GOSH eyeshadow in Burgundy: another new brand I wanted to try, I love this purple colour.

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Satsuma: I love my Gelly Nail Paint in plum so Jen did her research!

Primark false eyelashes: I want to try wearing false lashes again.

Montagne Jeunesse Mud Pac: I love these but haven't tried this one, this will be great for a pamper evening. Jen may know that I have spot prone skin because this one to deep cleanse- perfect!

Whittards Hot Chocolate Stirrer in White: I love these but don't think I've ever had a white hot chocolate so I'm excited to try it.

I was so pleased with what I got. It's great to try new things that I may not have picked because there is nothing that I don't like! I'm excited to try some new brands and am honestly so glad I organised this secret santa.

Can't wait to see how the other girls got on and I hope they're all as happy as me.

Winterlicious tag

This tag was started by MacBarbie07 on youtube but I wanted to take part even though I'm not a youtuber. Winter is definitely upon us now with freezing temperatures.

1. Favourite winter nail polish?

I've kind of delayed the winter nail polishes until the next couple of weeks because I've been struggling to get away from the pastels! However, I never tire of some silver glitter so I'll go with Models Own Juicy Jules, christmas is about sparkle after all.

source

2. Favourite winter lip product?

For me, winter is about moisturising my lips lots. A lipbalm I have been using lots is my Models Own bubblegum lip balm from my Clothes Show goody bag, mainly because it's so tasty. Or trusty Vaseline.

3. Most worn winter clothing item?

Jumpers! This may be cheating but there isn't one in particular, just a few jumpers that keep me cosy.

4. Most worn winter accessory?

My accessorize striped mittens, no one likes cold hands.

source

5.Favourite winter scent/candle?

Without a doubt, Vanilla. Whether it's french vanilla yankee candles or Benefit 'so hooked on Carmella' perfume, anything vanilla scented is a winner for me.

6. Favourite winter beverage?

Costa Black Forest Hot Chocolates, or any hot chocolate, yum!

7.All time favourite christmas movie?

It used to be miracle on 34th street but I think elf might be my new favourite. Or Love Actually, it's too hard!

8. Favourite Christmas song?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, or any Micheal Buble!

9. Favourite Christmas treat?

Gu Chocolate Puds or Chocolate log

10. Favourite Christmas decoration?

It's a little strange but a couple of years ago I got a gold chair decoration and I love it, not sure why. It has to be gold in my house because my mum has a strict theme.

source

11. What's at the top of your Christmas list?

Lush goodies! I want to make the most of the bath at home before I go back to uni.

12. What are your Christmas plans?

Same as every year. Family come round and we sit in front of the fire, eat lots, watch tv and films, play board games and open presents.

I tag everyone!

John Greed Pandora Challenge

John Greed are running a blogger challenge to design a Pandora bracelet to the value of up to £250. Having a Pandora bracelet myself that I wear all year round, I find that I avoid the cute Christmas charms because I wouldn't want to wear them all the time.
This got me thinking that it would be nice to have a simply Christmassy bracelet. You could get it out every year with the decorations and the tree and be reminded of previous festivities.
Since Pandora bring out different Christmas charms each year it would be nice to keep adding to it.

So here is my bracelet design:

Clasp bracelet- as a prefer this fastener and like the dangle charm

House charm- as Christmas is about being wrapped up warm with family in the house

Gingerbread man- this little man reminds me of coffee shop special hot chocolates and lattes (eg. Gingerbread Latte) when shopping in the cold.

Christmas Tree- this one is so cute

Present- giving and receiving

Wings- this makes me think of children's nativity plays 

Snowman- I like his smiley little face!

Grand Total- £245

My current collection of charms on my bracelet represent me and my family and I continue to love the new charms being bought out.

To enter the challenge to see the Pandora jewellery sold by John Greed click here

My Christmas Wish List

On my Christmas list this year:

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey and Lovesick: I still haven't tried these and really want to!

Benefit Porefessional: Love this primer but the pricetag means I need to wait until Christmas.

Converse: converse always seem to be on my list but the geek in me loves these batman ones!

Lush Snow Fairy: The girly smell of Christmas that I love!

Benefit 10 Bronzing and Highlighting powder: I would like to start experimenting with contouring and this one doesn't look too dark to try.

Body Shop Vanilla body butter duo: because I just love vanilla!

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub: because it's yummy.

MUA starry night palette: I struggle to get away from smokey eyes and want to try MUA eyeshadows.

Lush 9 to 5 cleanser: Because it's lovely and gentle

Pandora Double Decker Bus charm: This seems like a good year to be proud to be British!

What's on your Christmas list this year?

My Autumn Essentials

My Red Duffle coat- I love this, It's so cosy and warm.

Navy Bird Snood- loving wearing mine with plain tops to jazz it up.

Vaseline- essential for the cold to keep lips soft.

My Biker Boots- cosy and great for the rain.

My Grey Pashmina- Also lovely and warm and I like the pattern.

Soap & Glory Hand Food- avoid chapped hands in the cold.

Accessorize ear muffs- great for the walk to uni.

Body Shop Duo Vanilla Body Butter- I love the two sides and it smells yummy.

Fluffy socks- lovely for watching tv, to keep your feet cosy.

As, you can probably tell, autumn where I am is already cold. I'm quite liking being able to get the jumpers out again though to cover up. What is your favourite thing about autumn?

What's in my handbag?

I've seen a few 'what's in my handbag posts' and find they interest my nosey side! So for all my nosey readers I thought I'd do one. I think you can tell a lot from a person  by what's in their handbag, so let me know what you think it says about me!

So firstly, my handbag. This is a Jasper Conran satchel from Debenhams which I have used everyday since I got it for my birthday. It's a good size to stop me carrying around things I don't need! I also have a Lush Emotional Brilliance badge from when I had my reading.

Contents:

My Purse- from River Island, shown in top picture properly, sorry.

iPhone headphones

Chewing gum

No7 High Shine gloss in Smile- reviewed here, my current favourite. Only problem is I need a mirror to use it!

Soap&Glory hand maid- a handbag must have, it smells much better than most sanitisers too!

Soap&Glory hand food- a nice little hand cream 

Accessorize union jack sunglasses- I love these but haven't had much chance to wear them this summer, this week I replaced them with an umbrella!

Tissues

Vaseline- for when I don't have a mirror!

Nail File- accidents happen :(

Pen

and then my Keys with Mr Pricklepants, blockbuster card, uni trolley thing and a bottle opener. My phone would normally be in my bag too but that was taking the pictures.

What's in your bag? I think mine is pretty minimalist, don't you?