These are a few of my favourite things

♥ NYX Round Lipstick in Fig

I think this is my must have perfect pink lippie. I've been on the hunt for a decent pink for a while and I adore this one. It applies like a dream with a lip brush, its well pigmented and the staying power isn't too shabby either.

♥ LA Colors Color Craze Polish in Jewel Tone

Something I picked up in my Cherry Culture order, I wore this on my nails over the festive period and it was absolutely beautiful and a real compliment winner!

♥ Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in 02

Applied with the right brush (Real Techniques Buffing Brush) this foundation gives me the most flawless looking complexion ever. And for me, I find this ridiculously hard to achieve! I don't even need concealer. It feels light whilst giving amazing coverage and its so long lasting. This is the first foundation I've tried that I feel like I don't have to powder although if I'm going out I will do just out of habit.

♥ Topshop Confession Lipstick
Oh girls, how could I forget that I had this beauty in my collection? Its the perfect slightly reddy pink shade. I could go on forever about the Topshop lippies - they are so moisturising and apply like an absolute dream, not to mention that they smell beautiful! I've been loving this with just the bare essentials - foundation, blush, brows and mascara. Perfect.

♥ Stage Line Professional Precise Liner
I've really gotten back in to felt tip style liner pens lately just because they're so easy to use. A quick swish and you're done. Hassle free liner in seconds without waiting for it to dry? Yes please.

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Are any of your favourites here? Which items have you been loving this month? Have you added a festive touch to your make up routine?

Shine bright like a diamond

Products Used

Illamasqua Base Coat

Essie Topless & Barefoot

Look Beauty Nail Pop in Bling

Illamasqua Top Coat

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I spent hours last night trying to decide which polish to wear. I fancied glitter, but I couldn't decide which colour to choose. Beauty blogger problems eh? After swatching several (and running out of nail wheels) I decided on Essie Topless and Barefoot with Look Beauty Bling over the top. However I just couldn't stop myself from layering the glitter on so you can't see Topless and Barefoot although it looked lovely swatched with a thin coat of Bling on top.

Are you loving glitter for the festive season? Which polishes are your favourites?

Meadowhall Treats

A few days ago I popped up to Meadowhall to finish my Christmas shopping. And as always I ended up treating myself - please tell me I'm not the only one that does this? I was incredibly restrained considering the offers that were running and I picked up these fab faves:

♥ Molton Brown Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower Gel ♥

Gosh that's a mouthful! I first mentioned this in a review post and I've finally gotten around to purchasing a full size bottle. I think I love this so much because it's not stereotypically girly. Pink Pepperpod has got a deliciously intoxicating scent that lingers on your skin for hours. I adore it. I nearly bought the matching body lotion after testing it in store but resisted. Just about. Its definitely on my shopping list for my next visit!

♥ Clinique High Impact Mascara ♥
I remember having a sample of this a long time ago and I used to take it everywhere with me and use it religiously every day. That spoke volumes to me when I was trying to figure out which mascara to purchase next. I duly parted with my money, took it home, and threw out all my other mascaras because I was convinced I'd found the one. Having used it for a week and a half, I'm trying to remember exactly why I loved it in the first place. Its nice and it does the job but it just isn't wowing me. My new Liz Earle Mascara seems to be new favourite. More to follow, watch this space.

♥ Illamasqua Skin Base ♥

Skin Base was the first higher end foundation that completely wowed me and made me realise it was worth every single penny. And when we're talking £25 a bottle, thats a lot of pennies. I've fallen into a foundation rut lately, bored of the formulas I have, loving each one a little less as the days go by. I'm becoming a fickle Fiona in the foundation stakes. I can't fault the formula of Skin Base. It applies well, its a good colour (Casper shade #02 if you're wondering), it evens my skin tone, hides blemishes and imperfections without feeling or looking heavy. And blimey does it have staying power. Sans primer. Colour me impressed.

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Have you treated yourself lately?

Liz Earle December Skincare Essentials

If like me, you need to stock up on skincare essentials, I'd really recommend visiting the Liz Earle website this month. I usually stock up on their skincare essentials every couple of months or so and I think paying £41 for 4 products is incredibly good value. If you're not familiar with this monthly offer, you get a 100ml Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser with two muslin cloths, a 200ml Instant Boost Skin Tonic, a 50ml Skin Repair Moisturiser (you can pick the right one for your skin type or upgrade to the Superskin moisturiser) plus a complimentary gift that changes every month. In December you get a 150ml Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion worth £10.25. In addition, the lovelies at Liz Earle are being even more generous and adding a second complimentary gift of their 8ml Lash Definition Smudgeproof Mascara in Black worth £14.50. This whole package bought individually would set you back £70.25 and you can get it for the bargain price of £41.00 with free P&P.

This month, my items arrived individually wrapped (such a cute touch!), with a Liz Earle Colour Cosmetics guide, a sample of the new Signature Foundation and a tester of the Botanical Essence in #15 which smells beautiful. I also love that you receive your invoice and a signed packing slip. Thank you Sarah :)

You can order the December Skincare Essentials until January 2nd.

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Have you tried the Skincare Essentials offer? Would you try it in the future? I'd love to know what you think!

Weekly Wishlist

1. Dior Addict Lipstick #745 New Look 2. Accessorize Wool Beret 3. Vichy Normaderm Total Mat 4. Accessorize Faux Fur Ear Muff 5. GHD Thermal Protector 6. Miss Mandeville Butterfly Teacup and Saucer 

1. I'm slowly branching out into the world of red lips and I'm loving a more sheer look rather than a full on statement lip. After seeing New Look on Lilit's blog, it quickly found its way on to my wishlist!

2. I am loving red lately and after my purchase of my numero uno wishlist item from last week, I need a matching hat of course. May as well look all chic in my winter attire, non?

3. I've decided I need a decent make up primer and after seeing Leanne's post I think I need to get my mitts on it.

4. It has been perishingly cold here of late and in the spirit of wrapping up warm, I've decided I need to regress to my childhood and have some stylish black ear muffs in my life.

5. I used to use this when I first purchased my beloved GHDs. It made protected my hair whilst making it smell amazing. A bottle lasts for ages and I really miss it. I've seen it appear in a few blog posts lately and I think I need it back in my life!

6. After my most recent spur of the moment purchase of a Tassimo machine, I've decided I need some beautiful cups to serve my beloved hot beverages in. Bombay Duck have hit the nail on the head with this beautiful range.

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Are you lusting over anything particular this week?

What's on my bedside table?

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser | sk:n Brightening & Firming Eye Cream | Queen Cosmetics Eyelash Cream | Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid | Book | Wallpaper

I've been loving reading all of the 'What's on my bedside table' posts so I thought I'd give you a peek at mine! I bought it from Ikea and I *think* it was part of the Hemnes range but I cannot find it online so can't be sure. I don't keep a lot of stuff beside my bed as I have a terrible habit of knocking it off. I stick to the essentials I reach for again and again. I'll start with the skincare products. I never go to sleep without moisturising and I reach for my uber fave Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser as it smells heavenly and never fails to help me drift off to a peaceful slumber. I like to use a good eye cream to combat my dark circles and I'm currently using sk:n's Brightening & Firming Eye Cream. I slather a good amount of Queen Cosmetics Eyelash Cream on my lashes to help condition and aid growth. Finally I pop some Lanolips Lemonaid on my lips and off I pop to dreamland. The coaster that the products are sitting on is from a set from Next that I picked up for around £5. If I've managed to get myself in bed at a decent time, I'll usually read a chapter or two of a book. On my trip to Meadowhall at the weekend, I saw the sequel to Meet Me At The Cupcake Café by Jenny Colgan and I had to pick it up as I loved the first one. Well worth a read if you're looking for something cute and easy going that involves cupcakes! My beautiful lamp is from Wilkinsons although its no longer available. The shade is from The Range although again unfortunately no longer available. If you've got a store near you, I'd really recommend checking it out. They do the most gorgeous home furnishings at amazing prices. I've got so many items dotted around my room from them. The photo frame is one I've had since being a child from a local store that unfortunately closed down many moons ago. It contains one of my favourite photos of a summers day during my first year at university :)

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What do you keep on your beside table?

Review: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

You know, I thought this product was a bit of a cheeky marketing ploy and an overall con to begin with. A mascara just for your bottom lashes? At £11 for 2ml? My cynical side comes out and says 'Pah!' However, I couldn't have been more wrong. Yes I know, a very rare occurrence ;) But I'll hold my hands up and admit it. And quite frankly rave at you about how good this mascara is. It is worth every single penny. 'Why?' you may ask. Well, I'll tell you why!

I like a defined set of lashes. I'm not talking long, spidery lashes because thats unattractive. I'm talking about adding subtle definition and a hint of a deeper colour. I used to use my regular mascara on my bottom lashes but always found that it clumped, it smudged and it transfered to beneath my lashes during the course of the day. Bottom Lash Mascara has such a teeny wand that its impossible to get too much product on your lashes. Also you don't poke your eye out and its fairly hard to make a mess. I can easily coat my bottom lash line corner to corner without the need of a cotton bud and make up remover. And who doesn't love not ruining their perfect under-eye concealer?! I find that this mascara lasts all day and doesn't fade or transfer which is an absolute god-send. No panda eyes for me! It takes a bit of elbow grease to get off but I think thats a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

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Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara is available at Clinique counters nationwide.

Have you tried Bottom Lash Mascara? What did you think?

Things I learnt in November 2012

Source

001. Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas ;)

002. Costa Coffee's Honeycomb Hot Chocolates are gorgeous!

003. I am losing the plot.

004. I have a love/hate relationship with Primark.

005. Society needs to learn what manners are.

006. Daniel Craig can save my life any day.

007. No matter how bad you think things are, there's always someone going through something worse.

008. I need more sleep. I'm becoming a yawner.

Source

009. I need a holiday. And some of that stuff Derren Brown was prescribing.

010. Ovaltine Hot Chocolate is good. Sleep inducing :)

011. So erm, One Direction are my guilty pleasure.

012. I am turning into a middle aged moaning Minnie. Le sigh.

013. A good night's sleep can make you feel ever so good.

014. Having a smile on your face all day feels so good. Positive Petunia for the win.

015. If you want something doing properly, do it yourself.

Source

016. Working on a PC all day with a migraine is not advisable.

017. Having a good clear out is so cleansing

018. Galaxy nails are so easy!!

019. Even brunettes have their blonde moments!

020. China Glaze Fairy Dust is the prettiest polish in the world. There I said it.

021. I need an MUA in my life to create perfect eyeliner for me every day.

022. Migraines suck.

023. Birthdays at work aren't as bad as I thought!

Source

024. Apparently you can have a Christmas party with no Christmas music.

025. I really do have a thing for older men. Oh dear.

026. Being part of a team is a really nice feeling.

027. Making cakes for other people is nice :)

028. I really do think BBQ sauce is the best condiment.

029. Shrimp sweets are awesome!

030. Not having a lie-in on your day off should be illegal. Let the Christmas shopping commence!

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How was November for you? Did you learn anything new?

These are a few of my favourite things

♥ Benefit Sunbeam
I bought a recent copy of In Style magazine because this was the free gift. I like to try out Benefit samples. The brand isn't one I've tried much of so these mini sample sizes are always helpful. I've been disappointed with previous samples of Benefit products in magazines (Posietint and Benetint I'm looking at you!) but Sunbeam is a fantastic product. I was so sceptical beforehand but I'm really impressed with the gorgeous natural glow it gives to skin. In this dull weather, anything that perks my skin up is a winner in my book!

♥ Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Illusoire
I always love an opportunity to use my beloved Illusiore and I've discovered this makes a beautiful smudgy purple eye liner! To be fair it does advise of this on the box but I hadn't tried it. I love to pair this with a simple shimmery nude shadow like Urban Decay Virgin or Illamasqua Slink to give a subtle definition to the eye.

♥ Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
I thought for ages that a mascara designed specifically for your bottom lashes was a bit of a con. Turns out I was wrong! The super tiny brush coats each individual lash to add definition without clumping. I love using this when I've used Illamasqua Vow on my waterline to accentuate my lashes which look beautifully defined with no smudging, fading or transfer.

♥ 17 Blush & Glow in Peachy*
I fell in love with the original Blush & Glow a couple of years ago whilst I was at uni. There are two new shades out now and this is right up my street. It gives such a lovely warm flush to the cheeks to give you that 'just come in from the cold' look. Perfect for this time of the year!

♥ China Glaze Fairy Dust
I adore this polish for adding a bit of sparkle to any nail design. A beautiful holographic glitter topcoat that adds a bit of bling to any manicure.

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Which products have you been favouring on these cold, dark mornings?

Weekly Wishlist

1. New Look Inspire Dark Red Snood Coat 2. Bobbi Brown Long Wear Even Finish Foundation 3. Accessorize Jet and Crystal Bracelet 4. Topshop Dark Side of Nude Atmosphere Eye Palette 5. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue 6. New Look Peter Pan Collar Shirt

1. Now the cold weather has well and truly settled in, I'm in need of a lovely warm coat to wrap up in to brave the nippy mornings and dark nights. This snood coat looks perfect :)

2. I'm on the hunt for a long-lasting foundation for Winter. I've seen so many reviews of this Bobbi Brown product that I've started lusting after it. Oh you enablers ;)

3. I'm loving art deco inspired jewellery and accessories at the moment and Accessorize has really hit the nail on the head. I think this bracelet may well find itself being added to my collection in the very near future!

4. There's something about Topshop makeup that just keeps me coming back for more and I've decided I want the whole of the Dark Side of Nude collection. My bank balance is going to hate me...

5. Light Blue has been a fragrance I have been loving since my mid-teens. The beautiful citrus scent never fails to keep me coming back for more. I certainly hope Santa feels I've been a good girl this year.

6. I'm trying to give my workwear wardrobe a much needed update and I'm loving gorgeous neutrals with statement accessories. I think this shirt would look great with long necklaces.

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Are you lusting over anything in particular? Are you all wrapped up for Winter?

NOTD: Galaxy Nails

I've been eyeing up so many photos of Galaxy Nails and dismissing the design because I thought it was too complicated and would take forever. How wrong could I be? When my BBBFF* Leanne posted a tutorial I thought I'd give it a go. Even if I did think her 30 minutes was a bit of a stretch ;)

* That's short for beauty blogging best friend forever don't ya know?

I couldn't have been more wrong. 30 minutes later I had amazing galaxy nails.

Products Used

Illamasqua Base Coat

Rimmel Lasting Finish Black Cab

LA Colors Tropical Storm (sponged)

ELF Party Purple (sponged)

LA Girl Metal Nail Polish in Alkaline Blue (sponged)

China Glaze Emerald Fitzgerald (sponged)

LA Colors Nail Art Brush in White (dotted)

China Glaze Fairy Dust

Illamasqua Top Coat

Foam eyeshadow applicator
Dotting Tool

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Have you tried Galaxy Nails? Would you like to see me do a tutorial post for this design?

Review: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters

Today I wanted to show you my two newest additions to my Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter collection, Berry Smoothie* and Raspberry Pie*. They are the perfect update for my winter makeup. Who doesn't like to embrace a trend? *Hops on bandwagon*


L-R: Berry Smoothie Lip Butter, Vixen Nail Enamel, Raspberry Pie Lip Butter


L-R: Berry Smoothie, Raspberry Pie


L-R: Berry Smoothie, Raspberry Pie

One of the most exciting cosmetic launches of 2012 was undoubtedly the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters. I've got quite a few in my collection and they're something that I reach for time and time again over a regular lipstick.

I love how hydrating they feel thanks to the mango, shea and coconut butter formula. The finish is the reason that I really love the Lip Butters. The hydrating gel formula feels very much like a lip balm with their gorgeous glossy sheen but they have the colour intensity of a lipstick and a much better longevity. Anything that doesn't leave me reaching for my lip balm on a frequent basis is a winner for me, especially in these cold winter months when my lips need the extra hydration.

I'm loving the matchy matchy berry trend at the moment and what better way to do it than with a gorgeous berry shade on your nails? I've been in search of a perfect rich, deep berry shade because I don't seem to own any - how ridiculous is that? I have about 200 polishes and no berry shades. Luckily Revlon's Vixen* came into my life and I'm in love! Two coats gives a beautiful opaque coverage et voila! Your on trend winter nails. What more could you ask for?


I have some exciting news for you ladies! 

Revlon's Sweet Boutique is back!

Launching today, the Sweet Boutique is back on the Revlon Facebook page. Revlon will be giving away 100 Lip Butters every day until 4th December. So what are you waiting for? Pop on over for your chance to win!

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Are you embracing berry shades into your winter makeup?

Review: Dr Renaud Peach Hydrating Body Milk

With the change in weather usually comes a change in the condition of my skin. A few weeks ago, our weather went from fairly mild to quite cold very quickly and I certainly noticed the difference in my skin. All of a sudden it was rather lacklustre and dry. I was definitely in the need of a good moisturiser.

I'm not a fan of thicker moisturisers as I find them really heavy and I personally don't like that. I much prefer a lotion that's light and sinks into the skin quickly and effortlessly without leaving it greasy or sticky. Step forward Dr Renaud's Peach Hydrating Body Milk* which is described as an incredibly silky smooth moisturising body lotion which combines the softness of Peach (organic Peach Pulp extract and Peach Butter) with nourishing plant oils (Sweet Almond and Jojoba) and a gourmand moisturising complex (Honey, Pear, Passion fruit and Prickly pear). Intended for use every morning and/or evening depending on your personal preference, this body milk leaves skin appearing more hydrated, softer and suppler and feeling comfortable.

I always apply after showering and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it sinks into the skin. I adore the peach scent which is light and doesn't seem to linger too long after application if you're not a fan of scented products. A little goes a long way and I can see this bottle lasting me a while. Using this body milk has really helped improve the condition of my skin and it has perked it up a treat!

Dr Renaud Peach Hydrating Body Milk (400ml) is available from Dr Renaud for £22.45 (£3.50 P&P) or M&S for £22.50 (£3.50 P&P or free in-store collection)

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Do you have a favourite moisturiser for winter skin?

Blog Sale

Hi everyone! Just a quick heads up about my blog sale! I've popped it all on one page so please feel free to pop over and have a look and snap up some bargains.

I've got so many duplicates and products that just weren't for me so I thought it was about time I offer them to good homes.

The brands range from YSL to Illamasqua to Benefit to MAC and there's a few high street bits and bobs on there too. I've tried to price everything generously but I am open to offers. This stuff is just taking up valuable space after all!

Rules and info are up on the page so have a nosey, leave a comment on the page and I'll do my very best to respond to comments as soon as I can (I am at work today) but I aim to get everything sorted out this weekend so it can be shipped early next week.

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Happy shopping :)

Avon Arctic Goddess Collection

I was recently invited to the launch of Avon's Winter 2012 collection, Arctic Goddess at the very lovely Mayfair Hotel in London with the gorgeous Alesha Dixon, my favourite YouTubers Sam and Nic from Pixiwoo and the talented nail artist Marian Newman.

Sam (left) snapping Nic through the Avon Ice Sculpture!

Alesha Dixon wearing H&M and looking absolutely flipping stunning!

Products

I was lucky enough to receive a goody bag of items from the new collection including the Arctic Goddess Palette*, the three new polishes, the lipgloss and some super cute and yummy snowflake biscuits. I spent a LOT of time checking out the cosmetics counter and a lovely member of the Avon team offered to let me take home and try the new Ideal Flawless foundation as well.

Arctic Goddess Palette

I have never failed to be impressed by the Avon True Colour Shadow Quads. For the price (usually £8.50 full price) the colour payoff and quality is amazing. The Arctic Goddess quad has two light shimmery shades and two darker matte shades. The swatches above are on bare skin. Amazing huh? The shadows apply beautifully and the matte shades are not the slightest bit chalky.

Ultra Colour Rich Brilliance Lip Gloss in Pink Icicle

I have been a fan of Avon glosses since I was in my teens. I had this one gloss that I was obsessed with and repurchased countless times until it was discontinued. They are beautifully glossy, delightfully sweet scented and not in the slightest bit sticky. Pink Icicle* is no different and it'll definitely be stowed away in my handbag this season. I always love a neutral, frosted lip so this is right up my street.

Arctic Goddess Nailwear Pro+ Polishes

L-R: Chilling Teal, Arctic Waters and Green Goddess

I don't own many of the Avon polishes so to see three new shades released with the Arctic Goddess Collection were a nice way to try more. These aren't colours I'd usually go for I'm always up for trying something new and since I saw Leanne's fab Mirrorball mani, I've had a few ideas so keep your eyes peeled for some Arctic Goddess inspired nail posts! Chilling Teal* is a peppermint green with a silver shimmer running through it infused with silver and blue micro glitter. The photos above of Arctic Waters* doesn't really do the polish justice. It's a good solid opaque blue with a metallic blue/silver almost duochrome finish to it. Green Goddess* is a metallic green polish with a beautiful antique gold finish.

Ideal Flawless Foundation

The Ideal Flawless liquid foundation launched toward the beginning of 2012 and is part of the permanent Avon cosmetics range. Ideal Flawless claims to be a full-coverage foundation which creates a virtually undetectable veil of natural-looking, flawless perfection. I wouldn't say this is a full-coverage foundation, its definitely more of a medium coverage that you can build on if required. I liked the finish of the foundation, it wasn't dewy but it wasn't completely matte. It left my skin looking like skin and didn't feel heavy or cakey which is always a bonus. It contains SPF15 so it will help to protect your skin year round. For reference, the shade I have is Light Pink which I do believe was the lightest shade available.

~*~

I'll leave you with this view from the Penthouse Suite!

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Avon's Arctic Goddess Collection launches in November 2012 with prices starting from a very purse-friendly £6.00. Have you seen anything that takes your fancy?