June Favourites

 Yay its monthly favourites time again! I'm not completely sure why this makes me so happy, possibly because I've been using makeup a bit differently recently (i.e. minimalist) and have rediscovered my love for some great products. Anyway, lets crack on....

 

 

Nina Perfume

 

This perfume is my ultimate summer scent. I am the worst person at describing scents so I won't embarrass myself or bore you by trying to, but its a lovely fresh scent that I use year after year. I have almost ran out of this bottle so I may have to make a little trip to Boots.

 

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Grapefruit and Greenberry

 

I love the Barry M Gelly nail paints as they are super shiny and are long lasting compared to other gel-like formulas. I have a few in my collection but this month I have been loving these two shades. I have been wearing Greenberry (a bright, mint shade) on my toe nails as it looks lovely with a bit of a tan and some sandals; and then I have been wearing Grapefruit (a bright, candy pink shade) on my finger nails. Both shades look great with a tan and are just perfect for the summer. P.S. keep an eye out for my Top 5 Summer Bright Nails coming soon.

 

Benefit Coralista Blush

 

I think I may have mentioned this in a previous favourites, but I have been loving it this month. Its only a sample size (yes I'm too stingy to buy the full size) but it has been lasting me ages. Its a beautiful peachy rose gold shade which looks perfect in the summer as it also doubles up as a highlighter so catches the sun on your cheek bones.

 

 

Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Lotion

 

I burnt a few weeks ago so my skin has been craving some moisture and this has definitely ticked that box. It smells of chocolate (funnily enough) and is just ultra creamy and smooth, and doesn't leave the skin feeling sticky or greasy. It has been a dream to use and has been very kind to my sun-exposed skin (naughty, I know).

 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

 

This is a bit of an old favourite but I have rediscovered it this month. During the warmer months in the daytime I don't like to wear a foundation as I find it too hot on the skin, so I have been using this beauty just to conceal any areas that need it. I have also been using it on my cheekbones and down the centre of my nose as, due to the light reflecting particles, it can work as a subtle highlight well.

 

 

L'Oreal Ever Riche Perfect Elixir

 

This is something I have had for ages but I've only just started using it. It did the blog and YouTube rounds quite a few months ago. It is effectively a spray on hair mask that you spray onto wet hair after conditioning, leave for 5 minutes or so, and then wash off. It leaves your hair feeling so soft, much more than any other hair mask I have used. Also, because it is a spray form, it doesn't weigh the hair down at all. I'll be popping a review up soon.

 

 

Topshop Magic Liner

 

This is my first Topshop makeup product and I'm in love. It is just a felt-tip style eye liner but its just brilliant. The nib is the perfect size, it doesn't dry up whilst your using it like some liners, and it lasts for ages without any smudging. What more can you ask for? And its super cheap! I am definitely going to try more of Topshop makeup so leave any recommendations below.

 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

 

A Micellar water is a staple in my cleansing routine and I have tried a few recently but this is definitely the best. The bottle (I have had troubles with the packaging of some Micellar waters) is great because it allows you to not put too much of the product onto the cotton wool, it removes all makeup easily and leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean. A winner for me!

 

So there we have it, a few gems that I have found and rediscovered this month!

 

What have been your monthly favourites?

 

May Non Beauty Favourites

Summer Dresses
As the weather has been getting a bit better (huge emphasis on the word 'bit') I have dug out all of my summer clothes and made a transition into my wardrobe. Obviously my favourite piece of clothing(s) to be retrieved for the summer has got to be my summer dresses. I have to admit, I am a slight hoarder when it comes to dresses, obsessed may be the word?! Anyway I have been loving throwing one on to go and meet friends or just to run about town getting jobs done. The only thing is now I'm going to have give fake tanning another go *scared face*.

Prison Break
How have I not seen this programme before?! I love it! A friend recommended it to me, and I haven't stopped watching it since! The idea behind the series is the main character (Wentworth Miller ;)) is trying to help his brother escape from Death Row by being given a prison sentence and hatching an escape plan. The twist is, is that he effectively helped design the prison so therefore has a huge advantage (he has the blue prints of the prison TATTOOED on his body). Each episode has been amazing and the series is incredibly addictive. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Yes, there are some gory and gruesome parts but just have a pillow handy and you'll be fine.

YouTube
Man, I have been loving YouTube this month. It has become not just a habit but a routine to climb into bed about an hour before I want to sleep and catch up on all my fave YouTube channels. I watch mainly beauty videos but also love vlogs and health/fitness videos too. I am planning on doing a Top 5 YouTube Channels' post soon so keep an eye out for that to see exactly who I love watching!

Diet Coke
So this is very naughty of me! I used to drink 2 litres of Coca Cola everyday however I gave up about 3 years ago when I realised the damage I could be doing to my body, plus I knew that was preventing me from losing weight. However this last month or so I've been partial to the odd Diet Coke when I've been out for a meal or sat in the garden enjoying the sun. Naughty I know, but I have also been drinking copious amounts of water to make up for my treat.

Music
Another random selection of songs but these songs seem to be going perfectly with the nice weather, I have had Sigma on constant repeat in my car when driving around with my shades on and the windows down.
Rascal Flatts-Life Is A Highway
Sigma-Nobody To Love
Boyce Avenue-Speed Limit
Rita Ora-I Will Never Let You Down

So there we have it, my non-beauty faves! I like doing these posts, every now and then its nice to do a non-beauty-related post. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy creating them.

Does anyone else do these types of posts? I would love to read them so feel free to leave any links below!

May Favourites

May has absolutely flown by for me! Is it just me who thinks time goes so fast when you're living on a monthly pay check?! Anyway, I haven't got many new favourites this month as I've been testing out some new products so haven't had a chance to commit to too many products. However I have a couple that I just keep reaching for...

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation
This was my go-to foundation last summer as it sits so well on the skin when the weather is warmer and doesn't feel too heavy. I have been using this on nights out when I need my makeup to stay in place all night as it doesn't melt off. It is light coverage but my skin is in quite good condition at the minute so I can get away with using a lighter foundation.

The Body Shop Moroccan Rose Body Butter
This was in my first ever monthly favourites last year and I have been rediscovering it this month. The scent, for me, screams summer and its one of the lighter body butters that I have so absorbs really well into the skin. The only thing is I have nearly finished this tub so I'm hoping The Body Shop are still stocking this range!

Soap and Glory Mist You Body Mist
This is a fairly new purchase. As you may or may not know, I love the classic Soap & Glory scent and so when I discovered I could carry a bottle of it around with me all day for a sneaky fix of the good stuff, well, I pretty much jumped for joy. Ok I didn't, but you get my gist. The scent is quite strong initially however quickly tones down and, as it is a mist, is very light on the skin.

Collection Sheer Loose Powder
Another new product to my collection! I find Collection is a real hit and miss for me. I love their concealer (obvs) however I can't get to grips with their mascaras which have had rave reviews! I thought I would give their loose powder a go as I was after one and this was an absolute bargain so, if it didn't work for me then no worries, but I adore it and have been using it every single day. I lightly dust the powder over my t-zone, and also use it to set my concealer. It leaves a lovely airbrushed finished to the skin and is brilliant at keeping concealer in place.

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream
Ok so I have clearly been loving my base makeup this month! This is a fairly new release from Bourjois and as soon a it hit shelves I went out and got it. With colour-correcting properties and a very thin consistency, I have been loving using this for daytime wear as it hardly feels like you've got makeup on, yet makes the skin look flawless. I know CC creams have come under criticism recently and many have refused to jump on the bandwagon but I would seriously recommend giving this a go, it feels so much like a foundation but without the heaviness. Such a technical review there.

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 16
This lipsticks has always been one of my favourites as I think it is the perfect pink shade but this month I have been loving it lots and lots. Its perfect for both day and night wear, glides onto the lips like a dream due to its lovely creamy consistency and its staying power is fairly good aswell. I have been teaming this with a gloss at times too to add some extra shine.

Have you been loving any of these products? Please leave any monthly favourites links below, they're my favourite to read!

April Non Beauty Favourites

Denim Jacket
In the middle of April, around the Bank Holiday's, we actually had some semi decent weather, so, of course, out comes my summer wardrobe! I think a denim jacket is a staple item for a summer wardrobe, you can literally wear it with everything (maybe not jeans though if you're not a fan of the double denim look #dodge). I've been loving teaming my Primark denim jacket with dresses, leggings and skirts, it makes any outfit ready for summer.

#supergorgeousapril
I have never done a photo challenge on Instagram but I really liked the look of this one so I thought I would give it a go. I did all the photos up to day 18, the only reason I stopped was because life got in the way a bit. I loved trying to think of photos to take to fit the title, I might look out for more photo challenges to do, its nice seeing what others have posted for it aswell. See my A Month In Instagram post or follow me on Instagram to have a look at my photos.
 
Greek Yoghurt
As part of my Healthy Living Diaries, I have been trying to make sure I eat breakfast every day. I like cereal but sometimes I don't feel like eating a bowl as it makes me feel quite full, so I have been opting most days for Greek yoghurt teamed with some clear honey. Its very light and doesn't taste too sweet but you can change that depending on the amount of honey you use. Its also a low-calorie option and full of protein which is great if you're looking to watch what you et or lose weight.

I Heart New York
I haven't read a book in yonks, I find I literally don't have the time to sit down with a book however I decided I would try to make the effort to get through a book this month and picked this one. I have heard great reviews about it from other bloggers aswell as a couple of friends. I have really liked this book, I have found it easy to follow and is a nice light read. It follows a 20-something girl's new start in New York after a horrendous breakup, where she meets lots of new people and gets a dream job. If you like light chick-flick reads then I would definitely give this a go.

Made In Chelsea
The return of one of my favourite programmes graced my television screen this month! I love Made In Chelsea for a few reasons. I'm a right nosy parker so being able to nose into others lives is a pretty cool idea for me, plus their lives are completely different to mine or anyone that I know. I get so caught up in the programme that when I catch up with a few friends who are also fans, I find we talk about the programme like we know all the characters personally. Its a highly addictive show but one I would fully recommend!

Music-
She's So Perfect-5 Seconds of Summer
Calling All Hearts-DJ Cassidy feat. Jessie J and Robin Thicke
Transylvania-Mcfly

So that is all of my favourites this month! Have any of you got a non-beauty favourites post? I would love to see!

April Favourites

Tresemme Cleanse & Replenish Cleansing Shampoo
I think Tresemme is a great brand, whenever I see their products on offer I end up buying something from their line. I have been using this shampoo now for a few weeks and I just love it! Its a deep cleansing shampoo but is gentle enough for regular use. The shampoo lathers up quite a lot so not too much of the product is needed, and the shampoo feels like its really cleaning your hair and getting rid of all of the dirt and product build up. It alo has a refreshing, salon-like scent, and come in this huge bottle! I have really enjoyed using this and am a bit sad that its almost empty.

Soap and Glory Lip Balm in Juicy Peach
This is the first product I own from Soap & Glory's cosmetic range and I am smitten. The balm is very sticky so if you don't like that then this isn't for you. The sent is very fruity and fresh without being too sickly like some peach scented lip products. In terms of keeping the lips moisturised, this actually does a really good job and seems to last an absolute age on the lips which is just great! They have a small range of lip balms so im thinking of adding another to my collection.

Collection Work The Colour Eyeshadow Pencil in Vintage Blush and Vanilla Sky
I got these last year when eyeshadow pencils were all the rage and they slowly worked their way to the back of my makeup collection to be forgotton about until I stumbled across them at the beginning of the month. I have been using these mainly for a highlight as I find them quite tricky to blend, but the pink shade (Vintage Blush) is lovely all over the lid too as it gives a beautiful shimmery effect.

No 7 Lipstick in Classic Rose
I have not stopped wearing this lipstick this month! A beautiful, matte lipstickwhich stays put for hours. The lipstick is also super pigmented and has a gorgeous creamy consistency making it easy to apply. I think this shade is such a perfect spring shade and looks lovely both during the day and at night.

Tea Tree Witch Hazel Peel Off Face Mask
I really like this brand (see my review of their Blemish Stick here) and this face mask has only increased my love for it. The facemask is very sticky and gel like on application, and then dries on the face. Once dry, you can peel the mask off (such satisfaction!) and then use some warm water to just rinse any remainders off. If you suffer from large pores then this is the product for you. Not only does it reduce the appearance of pores, it leaves the skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth, more so than any other face mask I have used. I find myself continually reaching for this.

Rita Ora for Rimmel 60 Seconds Nail Polish in Lose Your Lingerie
If you haven't heard of Rita Ora's Rimmel collection then where have you been hiding?! Rita Ora collaborated with Rimmel to create a line of nail polishes and lip stains. I picked up a couple of the nail polishes and have been wearing this shade ever since. This is a beautiful effervescent pastel pink which is the perfect pastel Spring shade. As the name suggests, the polish dries ever so quickly which is great if, like me, waiting for nail polish to dry is like waiting for rain in a drought. There are some really cool shades in Rita's collection si might try a few of the brighter shades out soon.

Maybelline The Colossal Volume Extreme Mascara
This has been a longstanding favourite mascara of mine for some time but I have been using it almost every day for the last month. The wand is thick but doesn't make application difficult and creates amazing full lashes. Some people have said they find this mascara quite messy and smudgy but I don't seem to have that problem, I just love the look that it creates.

What have been your favourites this month? Do you love any of these products as much as me?

March Non-Beauty Favourites

So starting with this month I'm planning on doing a 'non-beauty favourites' alongside my regular 'monthly favourites' posts. The reason behind this is because I really enjoy reading these type of lifestyle posts, it gives a glimpse into the blogger behind all the beauty.

Camis
So if you haven't noticed, the backdrop to my photos are 3 camis. These aren't the only ones I have been wearing, I actually have quite a few in my wardrobe. I have really been loving wearing camis recently, they go with everything! I've been wearing them with skirts, shorts and jeans. They are such a versatile piece of clothing as they are easy to 'dress up' or to keep casual. Plus they are great for layering with cardigans, scarfs and jackets. The ones I have featured in my photos are from Primark and Tesco.

Golden Wonder Tangy Toms Crisps
Ok so I'm not eating these anymore due to the fact I am back on my diet, but at the beginning of this month I was introduced to these by a local pub landlord who 'insisted' I try them. After that I have been well and truly addicted. They are small, tomato-flavoured corn balls that are incredibly moreish, and they are just 30p a bag!

Match the Dots App
I really am not one for apps or playing games but one day I was pretty bored at home so decided to download a few apps to give a go. I started playing Match the Dots and didn't think much of it but now I am well and truly addicted. The concept of the game is very simple, just match the different coloured dots to form lines that will then pop and make room for more dots and so on. I am now on level 300 and something and find myself trying to complete a level in any of my spare time! Oh good lord, it will be Candy Crush next!

New Girl
I've loved this programme ever since its release a couple of years ago. In a quick brief it is about single girl Jess (Zooey Deschanel) who moves in with 3 single guys and is about their day to day lives and mishaps. It is absolutely hilarious and every time I watch an episode it has me in fits of hysteric. All the characters have brilliant comedic traits, and with each episode it just gets better and better. My brother and sister bought me the DVD of the first two series for Christmas so I have been really enjoying rewatching those this past month.
 
Music
I used to be really up to date with music, however in the last few months I've been a lot slower with hearing the latest tracks. This has meant though that I have been really enjoying listening to a wide range of music from old to new. Here are a few tracks I have been loving this last month:
One Replubic Vs. Alesso-If I Lose Myself
Avril Lavigne-Rock N Roll
Sugababes-Push The Button
Willow Smith-Whip My Hair

So there we have it, just a little round up of the other interests I have in my life besides my beauty passion!

Has anyone else done this kind of posts? Send your links as I would love to have a nose!

March Favourites

 

So last month I didn't do a monthly favourites purely because there weren't many new products I had been really loving, it was just the same things I have always used. However this month I have been loving some great new products, possibly because the weather has warmed up slightly so my makeup routine has changed a bit. But I made it my mission to break out of the rut of using the same products day in day out.

Lush Feeling Younger Skin Tint
I have recently posted a review of this product which you can see here. I have been loving using this highlighting skin tint as a primer all over the face to create an overall glow or as a highlighter on top of foundation to highlight certain areas of the face. I've been loving it because it creates a perfect dewy glow which I love at this time of year, it is also super pigmented so only a very little of the product is needed.

Scandaleyes Eye Liner in Taupe
In the last few months I have really started experimenting with eye liner, and recently I have been trying different colours out because sometimes black can be a bit harsh for the daytime. I have been using this taupe eye liner mostly on my water line as it creates excellent definition without being too over the top or striking. This eye liner is also really easy to use compared to other pencil liners I have tried.

Toni and Guy Classic Shine Gloss Serum
I received this a few months ago in a GlossyBox however I only started using it recently. After my hair has dried after washing, no matter whether I use a hair dryer or let it dry naturally, it will always become frizzy, ALWAYS. So in a bid of desperation, I thought I would give this a go. I apply a 50p size amount to the midlengths and ends of my hair and the frizz disappears almost instantly. Not only that, but my hair feels so much softer the following day and although the frizz may return slightly, its nothing compared to what it could have been. Now the weather is getting warmer this will no doubt be my best friend!

Barbara Daly Kabuki Brush
I may have mentioned before, but I have been really getting into contouring at the moment and been trying to create a perfect sculpted look. Although I love my Real Techniques Contour Brush and it is very good for creating defined contouring, recently I've rediscovered my love for my Kabuki brush when using bronzer. I use the brush to apply bronzer to the hollows of my cheeks and my temples, and it creates a much more natural sculpted look without looking too harsh.

Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me
I love the Maybelline Baby Lips range and I have all of the lip balms however this month I have found myself reaching for Cherry Me over and over again. First of all it tastes incredible, but also it has a beautiful soft red tint which is perfect for both during the day and in the evening for a more subtle lip. These balms are amazing at keeping the lips moisturised and stop them from drying out too, a real winner.

Sleek Blush in Life's A Peach
For me, Spring is all about looking and feeling fresh, and on a recent trip to Boots I was after a new blush to help me create that perfect fresh faced Spring look. The Sleek blushes are incredible anyway because they are super pigmented and apply like a dream, so when I saw this peach shade I knew this would be my perfect Spring time blush. And I was right. I learnt straight away to be careful on application as too much of the product can create a bright orange effect, not the look I am going for! However teamed with a good bronzed contour and this blush is just perfect! I have done a review that you can check out here if you wish.

So there we have it. Quite an in depth monthly favourites but I personally love these posts as it shows the reader exactly what the blogger has actually been loving using. I am also going to start doing a monthly non-beauty favourites so keep an eye out for that!

Has anyone else been loving any of these products? Or any similar? I would love to know!

January 2014 Favourites

I have been so busy the last couple of weeks, I can't believe I have only just got round to doing my January favourites! Lots of exciting things happening though, just not enough hours in the day! Anyway here is what I have been loving in January...

 

 

Herbal Essences Classics

I love Herbal Essences so when I heard they were going to re-release some of their classic products I got just a little bit excted. I went out straight away to get my hands on their classic conditioner, I think I would say its my all time favourite hair product. It has such a classic Herbal Essences scent and no other conditioner leaves my har this soft. I have been loving using this again.

Soap and Glory Shower Gel

I bought this a few months ago and use it almost every day. The first thing I love about it is how far the product goes! This shower wash has the Soap and Glory scent that I absolutely love and I feel so clean after using this.

Benefit Coralista Blush

I got this sample a few months ago but have only just started using it. I've never tried a Benefit blush so was quite eager to give it a go. The shade is a peachy coral shade which I love, the blush is amazingly pigmented so lasts ages! I'm almost running out of this sample however I have already convinced myself to purchase the full size.

Seventeen Eye Shadows

I picked these single shadows up just before Christmas as I was after a couple of good neutrals that I could use. I know they look extremely similar but Rose Quartz has a slight pink tone to it whereas Statuesque is more of a bronze hued neutral. This eye shadows are so easy to work with and blend, I've been wearing them nearly every day!

 

NYX Xtreme Lip Cream

They have recently started selling NYX in selected Next stores across the country, and as NYX is a brand I have wanted to try for a while I had to pick up a few bits including this lip cream. I love this product so much, it has become my favourite lip product I own. The lip cream is effectively a lacquer, similar to Rimmel Apocalips, but I find it to be much more pigmented and slightly more of a matte finish than the Apocalips. This lip cream also lasts ages which is another bonus!

 

Natural Collection Lipstick in Cranberry

I don't own many Natural Collection products but their Moisture Shine lipsticks are lovely so when I saw this beautiful cranberry shade I had to give it a go. Whereas the pigmentation isn't as great as other lip products, I love how easily this glides onto the lips and how it doesn't cling to any dry areas. I have been wearing this lip shade most days in January as I find it is perfect for this time of year.

 

Lush Popcorn Scrub

I have recently done a full review of this product that you can see here. However in brief, this is an exfoliator for your lips to help reduce dry areas. It has a delicious buttery taste to it and is fantastic at smoothing the skin on the lips. I have been using this most days before I apply lip balm and/or lipstick and I find the lips feel so much smoother and products are much easier to apply after using this.

 

Pro Strong Nail Strengthener

I got this as part of a set for Christmas, I do believe it was available on QVC. This product is a liquid nail strengthener that dries almost instantly. I have been applying this underneath OPI Nail Envy anytime I paint my nails and it has made such a difference! My nails are much more stronger, and the peeling that I used to get has almost completely disappeared!

 

Collection Jesy's Eye Shadow

Little Mix released a make up range for Collection based on their individual make up looks a few months ago. I loved the look of these loose eye shadow however this copper shade was the only one I thought I would get use of. This eye shadow is a beautiful copper shade that has a shimmer finish to it. As it is loose, it is extremely easy to apply and to work with, and the colour can be built up depending on the look you are trying to create. I have been using this a lot just with a champagne shade or as part of a bronze smoky eye.

 

Babyliss Curling Wand

I bought this in the Boxing Day sales as I have been after a curling wand for ages and this was an absolute bargain at £10! Its extremely easy to use, it has 10 different levels of heat although I tend to use the highest as my hair is so thick and long. I've been using this on sections of my hair to curl the whole head, or just picking individual sections to create a bit more of a relaxed, surf look. The curls last for ages and most of the time last into the following day with a little help of some good hairspray.

 

So there we have it, I didn't realise quite how many products I have been loving until I went to compile this post!

 

Has anyone else tried any of these products?

 

 

2013 Favourite Beauty Products

 

2013 is over! Am I the only one who thinks this year has gone waaaaaay too fast?! This year has been one of the hardest I've had to face yet, however one of the few good things that came out of this year was A Little Gem,  and with that my love for beauty has grown enormously! I have discovered a lot of amazing products this year, aswell as disovering some amazing bloggers along the way.  Some of the products I have featured in this post I have done full reviews on so I will leave links if you fancy checking those out. So I think I'll get straight to it...

 

Nivea In Shower Moisturiser

This product had a mix of reviews when it was released earlier in the year. It was a product I was keen to try but never got round to it till quite a while after its release. I suffer from very dry skin on the tops of my arms/shoulders so am always after a good moisturiser. Plus moisturising in the freezing cold is one of the worst things ever! I have continued to buy this and use it at most shower times and I have noticed a big difference in my skin, especially on the dry skin on my arms.

 

Seventeen Wow! 3 Way Highlighter

Seventeen had a bit of a rebrand a few months ago and as part of this they launched a number of new products including this amazing highlighter. This highlighter is beautiful and so easy to work with. It leaves a lovely, natural-looking glow to the skin. I use it over my foundation on my cheek bones, forehead, bridge of my nose and cupids bow. I have heard some say they use this as a primer too as it gives a lovely radiant all over glow. I have done a full review of this lovely product here.

 

Tangle Teezer

As soon as I discovered Beauty Blogging, this was a tool that very quickly made its way to the top of my wishlist. This year I have worked hard to get my hair in better condition and tried to help it grow a bit more. Every blogger and their dog has this beauty of a hair brush so I had to try it, and oh boy am I glad I did! (Note to self-must use the phrase 'oh boy' more often.) Every three months I have my roots done with bleach and this leaves my hair awfully dry and therefore becomes tangled very easily, however with this baby its no problem! I have never used a brush like this that smooths any tangles without any pain or discomfort. If you have long hair I would absolutely give this a go! See the full review here.

 

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

This was my go-to product of the summer. I suffer from oily skin on my face and in the heat, liquid foundation has no chance. However teamed with this beauty, my make up stayed beautifully in place and kept the shine at bay. As you can see from the photos above, I have hit pan (*sad face*) however a new unopened powder is ready and waiting to be used. If you suffer from oily skin too, then I would definitely give this a go!

 

Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Blemish Stick

I don't tend to get many spots however when I do they seem to hang around forever! I picked this little gem up in Boots on a 3 for 2 and I haven't looked back since. As soon as I can see a spot or a blemish beginning to show, I put a bit of this on before bed and by the time I wake up the spot/blemish has disappeared. Its the best spot treatment I have ever used, if you're a teenager going through that dreaded spot phase then I would definitely recommend using this. Its cheap and extremely easy to use. I have done a full review on this that you can check out here if you wish.

 

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Real Techniques brushes have been one of my favourite beauty discoveries of 2013 and I found it very hard to pick just one that has been my favourite but I had to go with this one as it has changed the way I apply make up completely. I never used to think about using a brush to blend in foundation however using this brush, my foundation is left looking flawless and even. If you have never tried a Real Techniques brush then definitely give it a go. A good start would be the Core Collection. You can see my review for this brush here, and for the core collection here.

 

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

A bit of a strange favourite for 2013 as I don't pay too much attention to the mascara I use but I had to include this as I literally use it every day. It doesn't leave my eye lashes lumpy and doesn't flake so is great for every day use. It also has a lovely long wand which I find much easier to use, especialy for the lower lashes.

 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

This is definitely up there with beauty bloggers holy grail products and I can absolutely see why! For a cheap price tag, this concealer is pretty darn fantastic. It has a thick creamy consistency and yet is very easy to blend. I use this under my foundation for dark circles and any blemishes before I even out my skin tone with the foundation. This is the best concealer I have ever used by far, and I use it almost every day. I cannot fault it whatsoever.

 

Collection Fast Stroke Liquid Liner

Until about 4 months ago I never wore eye liner but after months of reading blogs and watching youtube videos, I decided to pluck up the courage and go for it! I wanted a good liquid eye liner but didn't want to spend too much in case I didn't like the finished look. Collection is a cheap and cheerful brand so that's the reason I picked this product up. Ok, I don't have anything to compare it with, but I love it! I have recently picked up the brown shade aswell. The liner is really easy to work with (I have even mastered flicks with it!) and stays put for ages!

 

Wella Oil Reflections

This has probably been my number one product of 2013. It has completely changed the condition of my hair. I started using it about 6 months ago and since then I have noticed a huge difference in the condition and length of my hair, and have also received a great number of compliments on my hair. My mum got this for me as she is a hairdresser, but I think it retails for about £14 or so. I use it after washing and towel-drying my hair. It has a beautiful scent to it and just feels luxurious when I apply it to my hair. To see my full review click here.

 

So there we go, my top procuts of 2013! I've loved discovering beauty blogging and, with it, lots of lovely new products. Its hard to explain my passion for it to someone who doesn't frequently read blogs or blog themselves. It was very very hard to narrow down my favourites collection but thse are the products that I have continuously used and, as yet, I have not been let down by them.

 

What have been your top products for 2013? Have you been loving any of these?

December Favourites

December has been a month full of parties, and therefore, lots and lots of make up and beauty products have been used. In fact, I found it difficult to narrow down to just these products. Anyway, lets get started.
 

Simple Eye Make Up Remover

With all these different party looks, I've found some eye make up removers just haven't been good enough, they either sting like mad, or require a lot of wrist action (!) and I just cannot be doing with that. I love Simple products, and this product has joined many of their others in my favourite skin care list. Its very soothing and only takes a couple of swipes to remove all the eye make up, fantastic!

 

Katy Perry Killer Queen Eau De Toilette
I am probably the worst person in the world at descriing scents so instead I am just going to explain why I like this perfume so much. Firstly, although the packaging is a tad on the tacky side, I love it! Its very similar to the Loverdose by Diesel bottle in the shape. This perfume is my favourite type of perfume, in that it is perfect for wearing in the day or evening as it has a sophisticated yet light feel to it. I have been wearing it practically non stop since I bought it after receiving a sample in a glossybox. I'm a fan of celeb perfumes anyway, but this doesn't feel quite so 'cheap' as some of the others out there. 
 

No 7 Smokey Eye Liner Brush
I got this brush in a No 7 gift set a while ago. I instantly liked this brush but, because of the current party season, I have been using it all the time to perfect the smokey eye look! Its great at creating a smudged smoky eye liner, or for using a shadow to line the eye. The No 7 brushes are great, I would recommend them anyway, but this brush is like none I have used before and I would definitely recommend if you like heavier or smokier eye make up!

OPI Nail Envy

My nails have been absolutely awful for the last few months and everytime I took to twitter to seek advice, I was constantly having Nail Envy suggested to me. And I can completely see why. The idea is that you apply this every day so it strengthens your nails to prevent them from breaking/chipping/splitting. I didn't think it would be quite as good as it actually is. I have a few friends who have the same problems as me so I will definitely be recommending this to them! In the space of 2 weeks using this, my nails are unrecognisable from their previous state. I've loved having stronger nails again.

Seventeen Mirror Shine Lipstick in Beehive

I posted a make up haul (see here) where I picked up this little beauty, and I absolutely love it. It is the perfect nude and has a lovely glossy finish to it. Its great to wear either in the day with simple make up, or with heavy eye makeup on an evening. The only downside is the naff packaging (it has a compact mirror inside) however I can very quickly forget that issue when using this lipstick. I would say it is a good dupe for Mac Hue in case anyone is interested.

 

Maxfactor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Murano

I don't own many Maxfactor products, I just tend to skip past their stand. However I found this little gem hidden away in my blush collection and I've discovered a new found love for it. Its the perfect berry shade to give your cheeks that innocent flush of having been outside. The blush is very pigmented so hardly any is needed, and the consistency is easy to blend and work with. I have just been using my fingers, as I find a brush picks up to much of the product and then I end up with extremely rosy cheeks!

 

Collection Cream Puff Lip Cream in Fairy Cake

Out of all my favourites, this has been my number 1! I picked this up as it reminded me of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream and I wanted to see how they compare and, I have to say, I think this is a lovely product. It is described as a velvety soft matte finish lip cream which is exactly what it is, without being overly drying. The colour is subtle yet beautiful and works well with lots of other shades. If you are looking to try a matte lip product, I would definitely recommend these!

 

Emite Make Up Micronized Eye Shadow

I received this a couple of months ago in a glossy box and have recently been using it. Its a lovely pale, gold shimmery shade and is beautiful to use as a highlighter. I've also been loving using it all over the lid and teamed with a black eye liner flick, it has a classy finish to it. The eye shadow is very well pigmented and is very blendable, so all in all a lovely little eye shadow!

 

 What have you been loving this party season?