Lush Christmas Sale Haul

So on boxing day I was working until 2pm, and when I came out there seemed to be a fiasco which had erupted on Twitter regarding Lush and their sale. Basically the server could not cope with the amount of people trying to purchase products. I had a quick peek and I was 90,000 in the queue and I could not quite believe it. People had been waiting 12 hours so I thought I would just see how fast it moved, as Lush do my favourite bath products. It turns out the sale online finished at 10pm and everyone was outraged when I woke up the next morning. All in all, they are bath products and everyone loves a bargain. My thought was that I would go into my local store and see what they had left to offer, as you have to pay £3.95 delivery online so unless you are ordering a lot you are not saving that much anyway after paying the fee.

I waltzed into Lush Manchester Arndale on the 27th in the mid afternoon and they had every kind of Christmas bath bomb which you could ever want in the hundreds. I quickly grabbed a basket and started to fill up if you saw my recent Christmas Lush Haul you would have seen that I had already picked up quite a few, so I did not want to go over the top. In bath bombs I picked up Shoot For the Stars, Northern Lights and Never Mind the Ballistics which are all new ones to me this year. I also picked up another Butterbear as they are so soothing on the skin and only cost 99p. This was everything in my basket I then got into the queue which was rather long and then I saw all the giftbox displays and picked up the Buttercup gift set which contains Butterball and Honey I Washed The Kids, which are both new products to me. I then feasted my eyes on the Snowman shower jelly which I adore and I love to use these in the shower. Then finally the Sugarplum lip scrub which I did not know existed until my sister pointed it out, it smells of blackcurrant and will be useful as my lips are super chapped at the moment. 

I spent a grand total of £16.63 which I think is a great price for the amount of things I managed to pick up. I am super happy with what I got, and did not go too overboard as sometimes you can get sucked in and end up buying just for the sake of it. However, I can safely say I am not going to be buying any bath bombs for a good few months now as I am definitely well stocked up!

Have you grabbed anything from the Lush sale?

Lucy

xoxo

6am 6 products

Lots of us are early risers, but for many those extra few minutes in bed each morning makes everything turn into one wild rush and all plans of an early start go out the window. For me every morning I battle with getting my makeup on in some sort of uniform fashion as fast as possible, but still wanting it to look half decent at the end of the day. This post consists of my 6 go to products at 6am when I am waking up for work and I need to grab and apply without having to think.

My MAC Warm Neutrals Palette has such a variety of shades and colours it is great to grab when you can not make your mind up of what colour you want to wear. These shades are super creamy and blendable and this is always my go to palette when I have an indecisive morning (which is most days!). The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara has been a favourite of mine throughout the year, I add a few layers of this but I always take off an excess as it is easy for it to look over clumpy. My lashes need length and volume and this does both. I recently rebought this L'Oreal True Match Foundation in a lighter shade and I am so happy to be able to use it again on a daily basis. I do not like to use my high end bottles of foundation for work, and also this most importantly lasts on the skin which is exactly what you need when it is on your face for 15 plus hours a day. I am always trying out new concealers but the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer is always my go to on a morning as it covers exceptionally well. I need full coverage and this provides it, I always add two layers and it does not look cakey. My MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Powder is a powder which I have repurchased at least three times now and that is because nothing compares to it. It feels light and it sets my foundation and concealer into place. This MAC Blush is something which I grab from my stash often, the shade suits my fair skin tone and it adds the perfect flush of colour and shimmer to my cheekbones.

Lucy
xoxo

The Blogging Grotto

The Blogging Grotto you might read, and think hmm I have never heard of that. Well that's because it is brand new, it is a blogging magazine where the content is written only by bloggers with all different interests. The editor is the lovely Jessica Gutteridge who I met earlier this year at The Bloggers Blog Awards quite briefly whilst waiting for a taxi home! She was super sweet and I started to follow her across social media, when she first asked across Twitter if any bloggers were instantly in featuring in the magazine I jumped at the chance. I was not sure how this was going to turn out but Jessica has worked so hard and it looks fabulous. This first issue features everything from beauty, fashion, lifestyle, travel and craft. I have really enjoyed reading all the different features and getting to know more about some of my favourite bloggers, and also getting to know some new bloggers. The magazine features 29 different articles which is a hell of a lot of great reading to get through, and I have thoroughly enjoyed flicking through and indulging in all of its glory.

You are able to follow @blogginggrotto on Twitter to find out when the next issue is available. The first issue costs £5 and you can buy it here. I think the magazine is going to be seasonal as this is the winter issue, which is super exciting and it has given me some brilliant blogging ideas of my own going into 2017. Lets all support the smaller blogger community and buy this a-m-a-z-i-n-g magazine.

Lucy
xoxo

Having Bloggers Block

It is the end of the year and that means that throughout 2016 you have had to think of a lot of blog post ideas. This week I found myself feeling slightly deflated and lacking inspiration with my blog and I had no blog ideas at all. I was going to just miss a few posts in my schedule but then I started to think of ways to reignite my love and drive for my blog. I simply searched beauty blog ideas on google and I came across the lovely Sally's 100 beauty blog ideas post which definitely got me thinking, I took 2 or 3 ideas from her list and adapted them to work my own ideas. I also looked at posts which have been the most popular with my readers this year. I do this as it makes me realise what people most like to read, and I also find it helpful to see what have not had my best viewings and see if I can adapt them in any way. I also like to look at magazines for ideas of what is fresh on the market and new beauty releases which help to think of wishlists and upcoming possible purchases. I like to look in weekly magazines as they feature more affordable products, but also in luxurious magazines for high end products to add to my wishlist and something which I can save up for.

Within 10 minutes or so I had a long list of fresh ideas to finish of 2016 and also some exciting new ones for the start of 2017. I sometimes think that it just takes a tiny spark to get going again and feel free from the dreaded blogger's block. It can be really great to feel inspired again and get my blogging mojo back!

Lucy
xoxo

Sleek Eyeshadow Hidden Gems Palette Review

I bought this eyeshadow palette a few weeks ago when it was on a 3 for 2 offer in Superdrug (sold out online) and I was really intrigued by the new Rockstar Collection line. It has a really diverse selection of colours. I have used this a few times now and I have been impressed. The shades are pigmented and shine through onto the lid, I do have to say though the shades are quite intensely packed with shimmer which I like as I love a bit of glitter, but if you prefer something more natural then this is not the palette for you. I have used all of these shades in the palette which has surprised me as the golden and burgundy colours are what I always gravitate to. I have enjoyed exploring a bit more and the purple and green shades really compliment my eye colouring and makes them stand out which I really love. For £9.99 this is a really lovely palette and if you are wanting to add some more vibrant shimmery shades into your collection then I suggest you pick this up.

Lucy
xoxo

Christmas Makeup

The festive period is very much upon on and this means parties galore. Whether it is with family, friends or work it is the time everyone gets together for a good old merry time. I actually have quite a few nights out planned which I am rather excited about, and I always think about my makeup in advance. My friends think I am crazy but I like a bit of preparation and organisation when I am going out as I am very indecisive, so this makes my night out a lot less stress free by making the process alot easier.

Since repurchasing the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation it has not left my face! I have been using it on a daily basis as I just cannot get enough of it. It adds glow and radiance, and gives my dull skin some life. I like full coverage in order to cover my areas of acne and the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer definitely helps me to achieve this. If I am going out I usually apply two layers of this and it does not look cakey or too thick. For me eyes I have been loving the Urban Decay Shadowbox recently, I have been using this on a daily occasion. To my surprise I have been using the shade Mushroom a lot which is the dark silver as it has grey undertones in it which gives an easy smokey eye. 99% of the time I will use golden or rose toned shades so I have enjoyed venturing into more diverse colours and this palette is brilliant for that. I am looking forward to using the purple toned shades on my nights out. If I am going on a night out which is more casual I will add a few layers of my Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara which is amazing for length and definition. Sometimes however I want something more volumatic so I add Eyelure's Cheryl Lashes in Sexy Seniorita as they are not too thick or dark and give a very natural defined look to my lashes. For cheeks as always I use my ever-so-trusty Hourglass Blushes, and my MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighter in Iridescent Gold to add as much glow and sparkle as possible.

Lucy
xoxo

Secret Santa Ideas

This is my first year in a job where I am participating in secret santa. I was deliberating whether to get involved or not for a while, but I decided not to be the grinch and join in the festive fun. Our budget at work is £15, which I think is the perfect amount really. You can actually buy someone a decent present and it not be tat!

I had to do a little bit of investigating into what my person likes, by asking them some ambiguous questions and I found out that they really enjoying drinking coffee hence the mug. Therefore that is what I built my present around. In this post, I have included my secret santa present as well as other ideas. I think it is great to use a bit of imagination and not just choose a bog standard gift set which you might be unsure whether they will like or not. It is all a bit of fun, and finding someone the perfect present is exactly what it is all about.

Lucy
xoxo

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation Review

I have been wanting to repurchase a bottle of Nars Sheer Glow for months and months. When my first bottle finished I was really sad as it is simply one of the best foundations which I have ever tried. My previous bottle lasted me a good few months, but when it ran out I was a poor student and spending £31 on a foundation was simply not an option. However, now I have my full time job and therefore earning this means I am now able to treat myself when payday comes around. Last weekend whilst browsing the beauty hall of Selfridges I decided that it was time to splash the cash and finally repurchase it. 

I previously had the shade Monte Blanc (Light 2), and when I looked at it again in the shop it looked a little too pale for me. I swatched Deauville (Light 4) as I thought it was a better match to my skintone at the moment. I decided to take the plunge and make the change in colour. I have worn this a few times since I bought it and it is a pretty good match, maybe a tiny bit darker than my skintone but it works really well and was a risk worth taking. This foundation does exactly what it says it gives glow. It gives a natural radiance and luminosity to the skin. I would say the coverage is medium but it is definitely buildable. This would be great for normal and dry skin types as the formula is hydrating. There is one slight negative to this which is something which I find in most foundations, the longevity of it lasting on the skin. It does last a good few hours with it still looking as fresh as when it is first applied, which is why this is always my go to foundation for any night time events. However, if like me you do 13 hours shifts you are really able to put foundations to the longevity test. I do find that it starts to fade in areas which I need more coverage, but it does not lose the radiance. Just to let you know, I do always use primer and fixing spray when applying any foundation to help it last longer. 

All in all, this is always my top pick foundation and the only high end one which I have ever repurchased. I always think it is similar to L'Oreal's True Match (my second fave) but with more glow and life. If you are wanting to spoil yourself come payday then add this to your basket and you will not be disappointed.

Lucy

xoxo

Real Techniques

Whilst doing my shopping in Asda yesterday, I somehow ended up on the the cosmetics aisle. My eyes were instantly drawn to the Real Techniques stand and the offers which are currently available. They have a 1/3 off all products offer on which is fantastic and is a really big saving. I picked it the Blush Brush which costs £6.65. I have wanted this for ages, but I have always been put off as the brush always looks a little too big. I decided to take the plunge and buy it as I have never been disappointed in any of their products. I also picked up their Deep Cleansing Brush Gel for £4.65, I usually use the the No7 brush cleaner but I thought I would try this out as the offer was on and I have seen a few online reviews of this and people have been very impressed with it.

Lucy
xoxo

The Round up for November

November has flown by, and it has been a month which I have really enjoyed!

This month I took a trip to the Manchester Christmas Markets, it is a family tradition to go each year and I love everything on offer. I wrote a whole blog post here a few years ago and if you can it is definitely worth a visit as they are great. There are a variety of food, drink, craft, art, plants, jewellery and much more. It is a brilliant day out with friends and family and somewhere you can spend the entire afternoon or night. We always go for the food and drink mainly as it is a lovely way to catch up with friends over a burger and some mulled cider.

The biggest event of the month was definitely my graduation which you can read all about here. It was a fabulous day of joy and celebrations, and for once I felt really proud of myself. It was great to see all of my friends and hear how much everyone is loving their new jobs. It was held at Carlisle Cathedral which was an amazing venue and I felt very overwhelmed and super nervous when I met the Archbishop of York to collect my certificate. Thankfully, I did not slip, trip or fall at any point along the way which was such a worry. Something I will say is honestly I found the gown so annoying it was falling down all day, and making me even more anxious as I wanted it to look right. The lady told me it was because I have small shoulders, but the gown was so heavy on me it just kept slipping backwards!

One thing which put a grey cloud over everything at the start of the month, was finding out my Christmas shifts for work. It is my first Christmas at this job, and I have definitely drawn the short straw. I am working the 22nd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 29th, and the 31st of December. I don't think there is anyone who could have worse shifts than this, I was angry for a few days but I have dealt with it now as I did not want to make a huge fuss as I knew they were not going to change it. I have learnt that sometimes you just have to work with what you've been given, and that is exactly what I have done. I have made plans around my shifts and on my days off and I am determined to still have a fabulous Christmas.

I have started my Christmas shopping, which is unknown for me to be this organised. However, I wanted to split things up into my paydays and not be running around last minute. I still have a few things to buy, but I have a list and it should not take too long. I want to buy some lovely gifts this year, as this is the first year I can afford to spoil my loved ones.

I am sooo excited for December as I have lots of exciting things in my diary, which is exactly how I like it to be. I like to be super busy and have events to look forward to. I cannot believe when I write next month's round up it will be 2017!

Lucy
xoxo

November Favourites

In my last favourites I wrote at the start of the post how I felt that October had dragged. However, November has literally flown by and cannot believe we are now into December. For me Christmas starts as soon as December hits and then I can start getting into the festive spirit.

I have had super dry lips this month with this freezing weather. I bought the Blistex Medplus, and it has worked perfectly. It has a very soft consistency of petroleum jelly and contains menthol which is cool and soothing on the lip. It also comes in such a small tub that I have misplaced it numerous times! However, it is perfect to throw into your handbag for whenever you need it.

My trusty L'Oreal True Match Foundation, got pulled out of my drawers and put back into my daily makeup routine this month. If someone asks me for a drugstore recommendation this is always my suggestion. It is perfect for everyday wear, it has a medium to high coverage, lasts well, sits nicely on the skin and blends super easy. Most of all I like the finish as it does not feel drying or too matte on the skin, and does not feel heavy which is one thing which I always look out for.

I bought the Urban Decay Shadow Box at the start of the month and it featured in my recent Debenhams haul. I am a fan of Urban Decay eyeshadows, but I have previously found that they can have some downfall when applying them. I have been really impressed with the shadows in this palette, and I think it has a really great selection of colours. Don't get me wrong I am all about those golden toned shadows, but this has allowed me to be a little more creative.

On my graduation day I wore MAC Fabby, and I totally fell back in love with it. This was not what I was originally planning on wearing but I decided that I did not want anything too over the top. It is a beautiful mid-toned pink with a pearlised frost finish. It is not too sparkly or glittery, it just gives a lovely sheen to the lips. I am definitely going to start wearing this for work, and I need to invest in more 'everyday' shades as I am definitely missing some in my collection. Since I jumped aboard the liquid lipstick hype, I have not looked back but I am struggling to find shades which I can wear on a day to day basis.

What have you been loving in November?

Lucy
xoxo