What I got for Christmas 2013!

Hello everyone, I absolutely love reading these sort of blog posts so I thought I'd to my own! This Christmas has been the absolute best and I have been lucky enough to receive some gorgeous gifts from my family and friends. Just a little disclaimer..I'm not showing off! Just sharing what wonderful gifts I have received this year. 

Firstly, from my big sister and her lovely wife I got some amazing gifts! I received some Beats by Dr Dre in bright PINK! They are such good quality headphones and I know I'm going to get plenty of use out of them. I also got an amazing shower radio in the shape of a tap! I absolutely love listening to music in the bath and shower but no matter how loud I put my music on in my bedroom, I just can't hear it in the bathroom so this is perfect for me. I also love novelty bits like this, it'll brighten up my bathroom! I also received a lovely Along Came Betty Shower Treats set. It has some bath crystals, a body scrub, a head band, a bath soak and a body lotion in it. I absolutely love this brand so no doubt I'll get plenty of use out of this! 

From my twin sister, Hannah, I received these lovely goodies hidden inside a stack of cosmetic bags! There is a gorgeous little hand crafted mirror which is always useful for touch ups on the go, a mud facial mask (she knows I love a good mud mask, really calms down my redness!), and there was also some chocolate coins and some Haribo in there but I shared them with my family on Christmas day. 

My Mum and her partner got me some lovely Soap and Glory sets. I am absolutely obsessed with Soap and Glory recently so this was perfect for me! They also got me an electric toothbrush, which may sound like a strange Christmas present but I am a grown up now haha! It's a brand new one from Oral B (Don't even ask me to remember the name of it!) And so far it works a treat! They also got me some pajamas and slippers, because it wouldn't be Christmas without them. 

My Aunty Jane got me a lovely makeup bag with some makeup remover wipes inside, some alcohol (which was consumed on Christmas evening) and also a selection box (which was also consumed on Christmas evening!). I absolutely love the makeup bag because it reminds me of my big sister's hen party that we went on earlier on in the year together. We went to It's a Knockout based in Nottingham and we all dressed in an army theme! My little sister got me a huge box of Cadbury's Chocolate Fingers which I absolutely love with a cup of tea, bless her! 

Last but definitely not least is from my partner and his family! From Hugo's Mum I recieved some Beyonce - Heat. I absolutely love Beyonce and I absolutely love this perfume, to me it smells like Lush! So this is perfect! Hugo got me loads and I feel super spoiled! I recieved a Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Set. This is my absolutely favourite set from Soap and Glory, it smells so gorgeous, sugary and lime so a gorgeous mixture of both sweet and fresh. I absolutely love it! It comes with the Sugar Crush body wash, Sugar Crush body scrub (which is the scrub I am using at the moment and absolutely LOVING) and also the Sugar Crush body butter and a body puff. I can't wait to use the whole collection together! He also got me another huge Soap and Glory set which contains a big bottle of Clean on Me body wash, Scrub of Your Life, Hand Food, The Righteous Body Butter, Heel Genius and a body puff! I can't wait to use that either! I also got some makeup bits which I am absolutely chuffed with. I got the Best of Benefit set which is a set of all the best sellers from Benefit including Hoola Bronzer, Porefessional primer, Boing concealer in shade 1 and 2, They're Real mascara, Benetint lip and cheek tint, and also Highbeam highligher. It is an absolutely gorgeous set and the mini sized products will really come in handy when I'm on the go! He also got me a French Connection perfect eye set which contains loads of lovely eye makeup and tools such as eyelash curlers, an eyeshadow primer and a gorgeous mascara. And finally he got me some lovely little bits like a Bamboo hair brush from Babyliss, a retractable kabuki brush from Eco Tools, some gorgeous candles from Wax Lyrical and a big fluffy black snood! 

I am so utterly greatful for all of my gifts this year and I couldn't ask for anything more - I feel super spoilt! I can't wait to read all of your posts if you're posting about what you got for Christmas! 

Happy Holidays!! 

B xxx

E.L.F Haul & Review

Hello everybody! I've recently become obsessed with the makeup brand ELF (eyeslipsface). I've found that their products are such good quality for their price, I can't quite believe it. Being a student, it's hard for me to resist a beauty bargain. These products are all very affordable, in fact, this is my third order from ELF! They have recently had another 50% off sale to celebrate their 10th birthday, so I thought I would treat myself. Here is a review of all the products I bought on this order, hope you enjoy! (Please note that you can only order ELF online if you are in the UK so delivery charges may apply if you're ordering) www.eyeslipsface.co.uk

Swatches

The first thing I added to my basket was this gorgeous little eye shadow palette. There was a different one I had my eye on, but considering its almost Christmas, it was out of stock. So I ordered this little beauty instead. This is called the 'Little Black Beauty Book' in the colour 'Warm'. They also had one in 'Cool' which had loads of brights and another one called 'Festive' which I think is exclusive to this time of year. As you can see this palette has loads of wearable neutrals, but also some brights too. I was really impressed with the colour selection in this, I can see that I'm going to get plenty of use out of it! When I swatched them, I was also very impressed by the quality of the actual product. Some of the lighter colours may need to be built up in order to show the colour in the pan, but most of the medium to dark colours and also the brights are very pigmented, easy to blend and work with and not chalky at all. The actual palette came with a useful little mirror and also a double ended sponge applicator, although I really don't like them and are useless to me. Really impressed with this one! This palette retails for £8.00. Click here to buy.

The next thing I ordered is a lipstick from the Essentials range. On my first I order I got 2 of these just to try as the price is amazing. This colour is called 'Sociable' and is the most gorgeous hot pink colour. It has a little bit or red in it also, and it is a matte finish. The first two I ordered are the most pigmented lipsticks I think I have EVER tried. They're so creamy and glide on the lips like a dream, so it was inevitable that I want to build up my collection of these amazing finds. This particular colour is gorgeous and I don't own anything quite like it. I am definitely going to expand my collection of Elf Essential lipsticks, I can't get enough! These lipsticks retail for £1.50 each, click here to buy. 

Swatch of Blushing Rose 

I've recently decided that I want to expand my blush collection, I only have a couple that I actually like and use so I thought it would be nice to pick one up as a starting point. This blush is from the studio line and is called 'Blushing Rose'. It is a lovely muted rose pink colour with tiny flecks of gold shimmer in it, although I must say that it is barely noticeable on the skin, which is fine by me as I don't like to look like a disco ball. This product is really pigmented, and I think it is the perfect shade for a winter blush. I think I will get a lot of use out of this! The packaging for the blushes are also very comparable to the Nars packaging. This isn't a deal-breaker for me as it is whats inside that counts (haha) but I must say that I was impressed, it is very sturdy! Each blush retails for £3.75, click here to buy. 

The next thing I ordered is a pair of false lashes. I am really into false lashes, I love the way they look and they make me feel really 'done up' when I wear them, but I don't like them for every day makeup looks. I thought I would try a pair as they're super cheap and there is nothing wrong with trying something new! The lashes themselves look really lovely and fluttery. I like to wear eyeliner on my top lash line when I wear lashes so the black rim won't be a problem for me, but they may be to others. However, I tried the eyelash glue on my fingers to see how sticky it might be, and its a shame because it just dried and wasn't sticky at all. I normally wear lashes from EyeLure and I still have some glue from them so I will use that glue, but apart from that, I can't wait to try them! These lashes retail for £1.50, click here to buy! 

I ordered a couple more brushes, after being blown away by the quality of the previous brushes I have ordered from ELF. (Blogpost on previous ELF orders coming soon) This paricular brush, the Powder Brush, is so lovely. The bristles are lovely and soft, and it is so dense, I just know that it will be perfect for powder products, but also for buffing in foundation. It is a lovely size for both. It has a lovely handle and is really comfortable to use, it feels way more expensive then it is! By far one of my favourite purchases. This brush retails for £3.75 (a steal!) and you can buy it here. 

Finally, I purchased the Angled Contour Brush from the studio range. I actually didn't own a contour brush for my eyes so I thought it would be a lovely brush to add to my collection. The bristles are also very soft and dense, but not so dense that you can't blend with it. I've tested it a few times now and I am also very impressed with it! It blends powder eye shadow beautiful and fits perfectly in my crease for contouring and blending. I think that it is also a really good size for contouring maybe your nose or if you're wanting to do precise contouring on the cheeks. It may even be the perfect size for blending concealer under the eyes! I think I may have to stock up on a couple of these babies! This brush retails for £3.75 and you can buy it here. 

I hope you guys enjoyed this review and haul, let me know if you like posts like this and i'll be sure to post some more! Happy holidays! B xxx

Love Lettuce Face Mask by Lush

So I came across this face mask by complete accident whilst looking for a bath ballistic to treat myself with! The face masks in Lush all look so delicious but I was always put off by the short use by date on them as they're made with fresh ingredients. I have used 'Cupcake' before by Lush, but that didn't nearly compare to this new discovery! 

First off, I'd like to mention that I am one of those people who will go up to the counter and ask for a free sample of a product that I was to try, but don't want to splash out on. Being a student, its's sort of given that I have to be careful with my weekly treats so I found that this is a good way to try products that you are interested in before you hand over the cash! I'm currently house sitting in Lincoln so I was in the Lincoln Lush store, and the lady that served me was such a doll, so helpful and friendly! And she practically gave me a free tub of the face mask as they had run out of the small sample tubs. 

Love Lettuce Fresh Face Mask 

This face mask is so so sooo brilliant. I used it two nights ago and I noticed a huge difference in my complexion in terms of clarity, brightening and removal of dead skin. I loved it that much that I used it again the night after (I know you're not really supposed to but I was actually amazed by what a difference it made during one application) and even my fiancee tried it and loved it. 

The mask itself is a lovely bright green colour, with fine exfoliating beads in it, although I couldn't tell it was an exfoliate at first look as the beads are really fine and it looks so think and creamy in the tub. It has ingredients such as seaweed gel in it which is awesome for sensitive skin. It also says on the website that it smells like french lavender to balance the skin's sebum production, I did pick up on this but it just smells so fresh and clean and that is mainly what drew me to the product! 

I haven't used it for a couple nights, but my skin still feels super soft and clean, as if I've had a facial. I think I'm going to fit this into my weekly treat skincare routine as after using it only a few times, I am absolutely hooked! I'm literally amazed by the fast results!! 

Do you guys use any of the Lush fresh face masks? I'd like to know if there is any more that are as brilliant as this one!

Ciao for now! x.x.x

e.l.f cosmetics.. 50% off!

Just thought I'd let you guys know (if you didn't already) that e.l.f cosmetics is currently 50% off everything on orders over £20! So basically, spend £20 and get it for £10! Awesome bargain, and a great surprise considering I was ordering from there anyway. Keep your eyes pealed for some reviews coming up :) 

You can buy e.l.f cosmetics here.
Enter the code '5020000' at the checkout to apply, although bare in mind it doesn't include delivery cost.  

Enjoy! 

B x.x

My Current Everyday Makeup Routine!

Hello everyone! As I have already mentioned, I love makeup! Completely obsessed with it. I am forever watching YouTube videos on my favourite beauty gurus and whenever I go shopping I always find myself in Boots or Superdrug (UK Drug store type shops) checking out new products. I love reading/watching videos and posts on different people's everyday makeup. So I decided to do mine! Mine changes quite often, I like to try new products or go back to products that have really impressed me. When it comes to everyday makeup, I probably only have a couple staples that are permanently in my makeup bag. Hope you enjoy!

W7 Prime Magic Face Primer

So after I have cleansed, toned or exfoliated and moisturized my skin, I like to use a primer before I put any makeup on my face. The primer that I use is the W7 Prime Magic Face Primer in Camera Ready Purple. To start off with, I only used this if I was off on a night out. However I've found that it is a staple for my everyday makeup look and has sneaked its way into my everyday routine! Primer is great for creating a smooth base for your foundation to go onto. It also keeps your makeup in place for a long time. This primer promises to leave you with a smooth and flawless complexion, and I'd certainly agree! 

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow

After I have put primer all over my face, I put my foundation on. I'm one of those lucky ones that can get away without wearing concealer (although I do have them for emergencies). The foundation that I'm using at the moment is Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxgyen Wow in Ivory ("I'm pure 4 sure"). I love this product as it is really build-able and stays put all day. This foundation promises to brighten up your face. I'm not too sure if it does this, as I never just wear foundation on it's own (I use powder almost always) but it does give my skin a really nice, almost dewy finish. I'm not one for high end make up as such as I much prefer the array (and cost!!) of drugstore makeup. However, this was left at my flat from a friend and I have given a nice home in my makeup bag. I use my fingertips to apply this foundation as whenever I have used a brush, it is always streaky!! (Any good foundation brush suggestions will be highly appreciated!!) 

Eco Tools Bamboo Blush Brush

Eco Tools Bamboo Eye Shadow Brush 

Eye Lash Curlers (I have no idea where mine are from) 

I am pretty simple when it comes to brushes and tools for my everyday look. As I've said, I use my fingertips to apply my foundation and primer. A good quality powder brush is deffo a must for me..even application is key! I'm using Eco Tools Bamboo Blush Brush as it's a really good size and reaches in all of the corners. It is so soft and apparently eco friendly too! Bonus! The same goes with my Eco Tools Eye Shadow Brush. The bristles really grab onto the product until you apply onto your eyes, and the brush is quite good at blending too! I have no idea where I got my eyelash curlers, but using them makes my lashes look longer and perkier which is always nice! 

MUA Pressed Powder in Shade 4

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Translucent 001

When it comes to setting my foundation, Rimmel's Stay Matte Pressed Powder is my go-to product. It stays on for absolutely ages and when combined with my Eco-Tools Blush brush, it goes onto my face really evenly. During the summer when I am a little more tanned, I tend to use a darker pressed powder to either contour or bronze my face. At the moment I'm using MUA's Pressed Powder in shade 4 and it has become a very permanent staple to my makeup bag. After I have applied my foundation all over my face, I will evenly dust my Stay Matte Pressed Powder all over my face too. As you can see mine is very well loved and I am in desperate need of a new one! After that, I will get an angled face brush or the Eco Tools blush brush again, and lightly sweep MUA's Pressed powder into the hollows of my cheeks, up into my temples and (when I'm feeling brave) maybe a little down my nose and on my chin. 

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown

Collection 2000 Kohl Eyeliner in shade 1

For my eyebrows, I really love Rimmel's Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown. It is a wax based product so it stays on all day, but it has a really natural looking finish. I used to be really scared of doing anything to my eyebrows, but I've had my hair dark for a few years and having light brown brows did make me look a little odd. So I embraced the brow pencil! When doing my brows I literally just lightly fill them in with a sharp point on the pencil. Easy! However, if I want a stronger brow I might add the tiniest touch of a black kohl pencil. This one from Collection 200 (Now called Collection) does the trick. 

Ted Baker Beauty Eye Shadow "Can't Take My Eyes Off You"

Natural Collection Eye Shadow Duo in "Mocha/Latte"

These two products are what I always use on my eyes for my day time look without fail. My Ted Baker palette has a good mixture of matte and shimmer colours, although I hardly ever use the brights. I like to keep my eyes neutral during the day. The Natural Collection duo is a favourite too, I have repurchased it around 3 times now..and it's multi functional! The lighter colour 'Latte' I sometimes like to use as a highlighter. I'd sweep it over the tops of my cheek bones and underneath my brow on my brow bone. I'm not a huge fan of shimmery highlighters during the day. The 'Mocha' colour can also be used on my brows if I'm after a softer brow look. Together, they make a really gorgeous neutral smokey eye. 

Max Factor Clump Defy

Rimmel Scandal Eyes 

Mascara is a product that I'm always changing. I'm a little bit fussy when it comes to my lashes, I like them long, thick and even and I HATE clumps!! When Max Factor's Clump Defy came out, I knew I had to try it. It is the best mascara I have ever used to date. I love it! The wand is plastic and curved with tiny little bristles on, and the actual product - as promised- doesn't clump, no matter how many layers I put on! After playing around with different mascaras, I found that these two together work the best. My lashes look long and thick! I don't really have a special way of doing my mascara. Although I am prone to shake the wand a little bit through my lashes to separate them. 

Mac Viva Glam Gaga 2 in 'Amplified' 

Carmex Classics Moisturizing Lip Balm 

Keeping with the theme of neutrals, I tend to like a nude lip colour. One of my favourite combinations is Mac's Viva Glam Gaga 2 Amplified with Carmex underneath to make my lips nice and soft, and then on top again to add a glossy finish. Carmex is absolutely brilliant if you're prone to dry lips. It sorts them out within a minute and you can feel your lips tingling as soon as you put it on! It's also really affordable too. I'm in love with Mac lipsticks. I love their signature vanilla scent and their creamy finish. I don't have many lipsticks, probably around 3. But Viva Glam Gaga 2 is one that I find myself going to the most. 

And there you have it! Hope you enjoyed my everyday makeup routine. It was great to share with you which makeup products I use on a daily basis! If you've done a post like this, I'd love to see yours too! 

Ciao for now! :) .x.