Real Techniques: Bold Metal Collection - 201 Pointed Crease

This collection have been at the very top of my wishlist since I first heard Sam and Nic talk about their release. There was a lot of speculation surrounding the price of this new collection, if you would like more detail about the brushes Pixiwoo themselves they made a YouTube video which you can watch here. Within the video they state how since the release of the original line they have always wanted to bring out a line which is a little  bit more luxury. They explain the increase in price of the new line is due to the quality of these new brushes, and these are to essentially compete with the more expensive rather than drugstore brands. They are still sold  in Boots as they want them to still be widely available, which I think it great meaning everyone is able to get their hands on them. On the Boots website  you can have a more in depth look at each brush, and you can also order them and have them delivered if it is easier or your Boots does not have the stock currently in.

Due to the demand and the release of this range three weeks ago they have been sold out online and in store, but thankfully they seem to be restocking at the moment. I looked in the Trafford Centre store and they had the entire line stocked to the brim on the shelves, which meant it took me approximately twenty or so minutes to decide exactly what I wanted to pick up. For once I was good and told myself just to pick up one for now as I can always buy more. I finally made the decision and picked up the 201 - Pointed Crease Eye Brush. The price was £12 which is still much cheaper than the £18-£25 which most high end brands charge for a similar style of brush. The reason I went for this one was I thought it could be a perfect combination along side my staple 217 MAC eyeshadow brush. As this is a crease brush I am hoping they work like two peas in a pod along side each other. The brush is so soft and you can tell that the bristles are densely packed and different lengths going into the arrow shape. This collection of brushes to me do look more luxury and look great perched on your dressing table.

Whilst I was in Boots I also fell in love with the 300 - Tapered Blush Brush even my sister who likes make up but is not too fussed about brushes said that she really wanted it! It just looked so soft and the shape was perfect for applying blush to the cheeks. So I will definitely be picking that up come next month's payday which excites me hugely.

What is everyone's thoughts of the new line have you been liking it? Any recommendations to other
products I should pick up from the line?

Lucy
xoxo

Garnier Micellar Extra-Gentle Cleansing Wipes

When I saw these advertised in one of my weekly magazines I was instantly intrigued as I hadn't heard too much about the realise of this new Garnier skincare product. Now I currently had on trial before this, Garniers micellar water and the boat is still out on this at the moment. I have got a kind of love/hate relationship currently taking place. Previous to the Garnier wipes I have been using either the ever so loved Boots Essentials Cucumber Wipes or the Yes to Grapefruit Brightening Wipes. I have enjoyed using both of these so I was interested to see how these compare.

I have been trying these out every night this past week since I picked them up from Tesco as they are currently on an introductory offer of just £1.63 and it states that they are also currently exclusive to the supermarket brand.

My first night of trying out the wipes I had just face makeup on and no eye makeup that particular day. The very first thing I noticed was how smooth the wipe felt across the skin which makes its very soothing. I then noticed on the packaging it states that it contains silky fibres so I'm guessing this has something to do with it. I felt like it did give my face a good cleanse and it feels refreshing as the wipes are really moist. They definitely live up to their extra gentle status, which is great for at night time. The only negative aspect first noted was that after the wipe made my skin feel a little sticky and not quite as smooth as I expected. 

The second night I had had a gold shimmery eye going on that day with a few layers of mascara. The wipe gently eased over the eye and my eyes are sensitive and can sometimes sting and go red after using some facial wipes. This was such a relief! Taking the rest of my makeup off again, it once again emphasised just how soft the wipe is. It feels slightly foamy and glides around the skin effortlessly. 

After continuous use throughout the week the overall judgement is that these are a little gem which I have found. I will be popping off to Tesco to stock up whilst the half price offer is still on. They do the job perfectly and they have no overpowering fragrance. If you have sensitive skin like me I would recommend these, but I think all skin types would be fine. Like I said at the beginning the only downside it that it leave a slightly sticky residue to your face but nothing to off putting. 

Has anyone else tried these yet? 

Lucy

xoxo

January Favourites

I usually start these posts stating how quick the month has flown by, but this month is different. I think January has been never ending, and I glad to be welcoming February.

 Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Yu and Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Descanso  are my two most worn since getting them just before Christmas. I snapped up the miniature set of Nars lip pencils as I have been lusting after trying them. I am glad to confirm that they are just as brilliant as everyone makes out. They are highly pigmented and the colours are so bright and vibrant with just one swipe. At £19 they are pricey but I have to say if there was a colour which I fell in love with I would definitely pick it up without hesitation. Charlotte Tilsbury Lipgloss in Sweet Stiletto is my other lip lover this month it is the perfect combination with the Descanco nude colour. At £16.50 its once again on the higher end of the spectrum but I love the texture of the gloss and this also has excellent pigmentation. La Roche-Posay Ceralip is my chapped lip saviour this month, this horrid cold and windy weather had taken a terrible hacking at my lips and they ended up so dry. I did a full post on this for further details which you can read here. Unfortunately it does not seemed to be widely stocked at the moment and Boots is out of stock at the moment, if you do manage to get your hands on it it will only cost you £7.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation in W1 Golden Ivory has literally been my best discovery of the last few months and its all thank to Amelia Liana. She has recommended it quite a few times either on her blog or on her YouTube channel and I finally managed to snap it up. People sometime ironically seem to have a problem with matching it perfectly to their skin tones and end up mixing two. But for me this colour matches my skin perfectly and for £9.99 it is the best drugstore foundation which I think I have ever used it is definitely on par with more high end brands which easily charge double to price.

This month I decided to treat myself to having some acrylic nails and I choose to have them painted in Naked by China Glaze. It is a lovely bright colour with a shimmer running throughout it so girly and cute. I loved the colour so much that I decided to by it myself so I can wear it once I get my nails removed. My mum instantly borrowed it and she reported back how long lasting it is, which means a thumbs up from her.

In the Selfridge's sale I picked up the Vera Wang Bejeweled Perfume  for £22.50. The scent is beautiful and fresh - perfect for the spring. I have been wearing it on a daily basis and it is very long wearing, it keeps the fresh cool fruity tones light on the skin.

What have been your go to products this month?

Lucy
xoxo

La Roche-Posay Ceralip

January the month where chapped lips is the fashion and there just so sore and cracked. I whipped out my La Roche-Posay Ceralip and it has been working wonders. This product is one of those no fuss, no scent, nothing fancy treatments but gets the job done and works fast. It instantly softens, and it helps with the cracks on your lips to repair as soon as possible. It is a handbag essential which is so easily to carry around and use whenever needed.

La Roche-Posay is fast becoming a brand which I am able to rely on in order to get the job done and done well. It is a French brand which has become increasing well known with the UK and I find the prices are somewhat between drugstore and luxury. I bought this from escentual.com it was early last year and it does not seem to be available anymore from their site. However, you can buy it from Boots as most now stock this brand, alternatively off Boots website. It was around £6 at the time I bought it which is such excellent value and the tube is not particularly small either.

Lucy
xoxo

Zara Ballet Pumps

Zara is one of my favourite high street stores out there and I miss having one on my doorstep whilst I am at uni. So I took a little late night trip to the Trafford Centre store, I am totally over the the sales now and usually all that is left is the tat that no one wants. But Zara still had a decent selection of sale items left, where I stumbled across these little beauts. Me and my sister both instantly picked up a pair as they were just £5.99!!!

I adore the pastel blue colour which will be perfect going into the spring, it is an incredibly easy colour to wear and matches pretty much everything. The black tip at the toes and the little bow add a pretty detail and makes them a little more formal. This kind of ballet pump style shoe is one of my favourites come the warmer months, when I am ready to firmly place my thick winter boots in the back of my wardrobe. I think these shoes are really versatile as you can coordinate them with jeans, skirt/dress and tights as well as with trousers, meaning you can easily get your wear out out of them throughout the upcoming spring / summer season. Unfortunately there sold online but I am sure that if your quick you might be able to snap some up from your local store.

Lucy

xoxo

Urban Outfitters Picks

Whilst shopping in Newcastle I took a visit to Urban Outfitters, I think it sells such fab things which other shops just do not come close to. I think the clothes are really stylish but I think you have to have confidence to wear some of their pieces. I am also a huge fan of their accessories department as their jewellery is so delicate and intricate. I picked up these three items which I just thought were so cute I could not leave them behind. They were in the sale at extremely excellent value and to top it off they had 25% off on top of the sales prices. The tray is cute and I could put all my favourite pieces on there and will look really lovely on my dressing table. The necklace is really interesting and I love how the shapes are all different colours so you can wear it with basically any items and it will match. The nail polish was just so sparkly and it has strands of actual gold glitter inside of it, it will great as a topcoat when your wanting to looking a little more fancy.

The my gems tray - £3.75
The three shape necklace - £3.75
The gold dust nail polish - £2.25

Lucy
xoxo

Starting my Scrapbook

I've always liked the idea of having a scrapbook but have just never got round to taking the plunge and actually starting one - like most things. But after watching Lily Pebbles YouTube video all about how much she loves scrapbooking and realistically how easy it can be once you get going. 

She used Project Life which you can buy from Hobbycraft, but when I went to the store and realised just how expensive it was I decided to just buy a Hobbycraft own version which worked out much, much cheaper. I also wanted a smaller scrapbook as I thought the larger ones could be a little overwhelming and very space consuming.

The design which I choose was the Vintage Large Floral Print 8x8 for just £6, and then I choose the design papers and more pages to fill the book with. I loved the idea of photo stickers to make things much easier and I bought the pretty silver outline stickers to put around the photos. Everything costs under £15 which I think is really good value. I am really looking forward to starting this little project of mine and slowly but shortly filling it with thoughtful memories, and I also think its going to be really fun and give me a little hobby to do.

I will do a future blog post letting you no how I get on with this, as I am really excited to get started! Do you have a scrapbook? if so please leave me with any advice or posts which you written or found useful.

Lucy

xoxo

My Mama's Potato Hash

Ingredients:

1 Onion
1 Potato
1 Carrot
1/2 Can of Corned Beef
2 x Oxo Cubes

This recipe will serve two people for a tea size portion, My mum simply doubles the recipe when shes feeding the four of us.

Instructions
1. Fill the kettle with 250 mls of water. Pour the water in the pan and put on highest heat so it is boiling.
2. Chop all vegetables into small chunks and put into pan.
3. Crumble to 2 oxo cubes into the pan, and stir.
4. Reduce heat to just above simmering (3).
5. Remove corned beef from tin, and chop into chunks.
6. Once the veg has been simmering for approximately 10 mins, add corned beef.
7. Turn down to simmering (2)
8. Stir every 10 minutes, to ensure it does not stick to the pan.
9. I usually leave mine for at least one hour, usually and hour and a half. It will thicken on standing.
10. Get a giant dollop of beetroot chutney on the side, I love Mrs Darlington's it is simply the best and you are ready to serve!

Let my know if you try this recipe, I love it and my mum makes it on a weekly basis. It is incredibly simple but so yummy, and it is healthy and contains barely any calories.

Lucy
xoxo

Sephora Haul

 

 This post has been a very long time coming but here it is. When I visited my first ever Sephora in Italy last year I felt completely overwhelmed by the amount of stock that was available. The store I was visited was no way a flagship store, but it had more than enough for my first ever visit. I think my mind went into overdrive and I grabbed a basket and was running around like they were giving stock away.

Items:

1. Cream lip stain (06)

2.  Nail lacquer 5 day shine (not online)

3. Waterproof eye makeup remover

4. Rouge shine lipstick (27)

5. Precision powder shadow brush (61)

6. Formula X neon nail colour - Jolt

7. Cream lip stain (03)

8. Colourful shimmer - flirting game (46)

9. Long lasting powder blush - coral flush (06)

10. Mineral powder brush (45)

11. 10 hour wear perfection foundation - light delicate beige (14)

12. Long lasting kohl pencil - intense black (01)

13. Triple action cleansing water

As you can see everything I bought was from the Sephora Collection itself as I really wanted to try own brand out. I was so happy with everything I bought and could easily have bought double, the total amount for everything was just over 100 euros. This probably seems a lot but I had saved for this trip and considering I got 13 items I think its pretty good going! You can now order on the main Sephora website and they ship to the UK which is great I think the shipping is £10 so buy in bulk!

Lucy

xoxo

Blogging Goals for 2015

The thought of 2015 was rather exciting to me at the latter end of 2014. The idea of a new year to me makes the possibilities of new goals much more achievement. I am excited at the thought of what my blog can do and the variation of the posts which I am hoping to post across this new year. In particular there is a few blogging goals which I have my focus on.

1. More variation within my content -  my blog is mainly beauty focused, but I also have a huge interest in fashion so I hoping to include fashion type posts within the content more frequently than in 2014. I have also started to explore lifestyle posts, and I like these as I like relating to these types of posts on other people's blogs. I would like to include them in the content as they can be lovely when readers relate to your posts. The difference in content will be bring more excitement and add variation to my blog.

2. Improve my photography - Since getting my new camera in the summer I have loved being able to explore the difference settings and images which can be produced. I find my backgrounds of my photos to be quite plain/boring/simple so I am definitely striving to try add some colour and patterns to my photos and brighten and lighten up my posts. I had no previous experience with photography at all before starting my blog, so every post is a stepping stone for me.

3.Organisation and planning -  I see all these bloggers who are so organised with there blog posts within days in advance, with the photos edited and the social media links set up. I am very much spontaneous and I blog when a spot of inspiration has happened for a post. One purchase which needs to be made is just a simple notebook, dedicated to the blog where I can be organised and have some kind of routine of when I am posting. I know this would make life instantly easier and a lot less stress free. I think I may need a little trip to stock up on new stationary (any excuse!),

4. Involved in the blogging world - Basically try and venture out of my little own world and into the big world of blogging. I see lots of people who have made friends and regularly take part in the chats and I think I would very much enjoy participating, but its a little daunting to start with to just pop up and join in but I would definitely like to.

What's you blogging goals for this year?

Lucy
xoxo

New York Haul

My sister headed on a holiday of a lifetime not to long ago to New York. The first thing I did was reach for my notepad and started to jot down everything that I wanted. The list was so long so I narrowed it down to my three must haves.

Marc Jacobs Lolita Palette - My most lust after and most expensive item, this was talked about massively in 2014 I instantly loved the pigmentation of the colours. and the colour range couldn't be more perfect if they tried. I have used this so much over Christmas, you can create endless amounts of makeup looks from very subtle everyday to a smokey going out. I just love it and it is a definite must if you are heading overseas anytime soon.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Mascara - This has been a much talked about mascara, and I don't own many as I stick to what I know as a rule. Many beauty bloggers had picked this up and really recommended it so I thought I would. It is a really good day-to-day mascara I find the mascara brush picks up a lot of product so you definitely need to use it sparingly. It does what it says though and I do often reach for it on daily basis.

MAC Velvet Teddy - Seems a strange request, but with all the Kylie Jenner hype this is always sold out in the UK. It is a very natural nude matte that is perfect for all occasions. They are so much cheaper in America and I wish I had requested a few more!

Bloomingdale's Little Brown Cosmetic Case - A little addition from my sister for me to pop all of my new makeup bits into. This is such a handy size to fit into your handbag, and also if you off somewhere for the weekend I am able to fit my makeup in this to travel with.

Lucy
xoxo

Top 5 Posts of 2014

It is always interesting to see the most popular posts on my blog, I love having a sneaky peak at the stats of each post, to see what people have most enjoyed reading.

1. Pollo Pesto Pasta  - My by far most read post of this year is my recipe to my pollo pesto pasta which I posted back in January after I had made it a few times and completely fallen in love with it. I still use this recipe every time I make it and its always as good as the last time.

2.  Zara Mini City Bag - is my favourite fashion purchase of this year and since buying it back in April I have used it none stop.  Fashion posts seemed to have quite high viewing this year, although I have not featured that many recently as I seem to have been more beauty focused. Something to differently try and do more of come 2015.

3. Escentual.com - An order which turned out to be a very important one as I finally placed an order on Escentual.com.  I bought the Real Techniques Sam's Pick's which turns out to include some of the best brushes I have ever owned. The multi-task brush is a definite staple within my beauty stash. I also stocked up on my Bioderma which is an everyday must within my skincare routine.

4. Rimmel Sun Shimmer  -  A post simply explaining how much I love the formulation, price, longevity and my go to everyday instant tan.

5. Birthday Presents  - Turning 20 and receiving such lovely presents was such a lovely day for me. For the first time on the blog I decided to share what I had got with my viewers and it turned out to be the right move. I love reading these on other people's blogs so why not do it on your own?

 I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone who had read my blog throughout 2014 and would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, bring on 2015!

Lucy
xoxo

Kate Spade

A few months ago way before my sister headed to New York I casually showed my mum a sneaky picture of this bag and purse stating how beautiful I thought they both were. I had asked my sister for a new purse for Christmas and I was so excited when come Christmas morning I opened it and it was the exact purse I had wanted. My mum let me open all my presents and then told me there was an extra present behind the chair and within 5 seconds of ripping open the wrapping paper the bag was there in all its glory!

The style of the bag is the Cedar Street Maise, and the purse is the Cedar Street Stacy. They do not seem to sell the vivid pink in Selfridges or katespade.co.uk. Seeing as they were bought in New York I think they were quite a bit cheaper than over here as within the UK the bag costs £245 and the purse is £80. The quality of them both is high, and I have simply fallen in love with the brand and have had them displayed as arm candy ever since Christmas day.

Lucy
xoxo

Manchester Christmas Markets

 

Every year for the past few years, Manchester has put on their annual Christmas Markets which are set up from around mid November. They have become such an monumental celebration within the city, and they are a truly festive site. They are dotted around the streets of the city in lovely wooden cabins all decorated in festive decor, they go on for miles and miles. The markets feature all different types of stalls from crafts to decorations and most of all the greatest selection of food you will ever see. There are food stalls from Dutch mini pancakes to the famous German wursts. As well as lots of sweets, chocolate covered fruit and a wide selection of cheese stalls. A main feature are the beer halls located in the main section next to the town hall where the giant Santa is placed. The beer houses feature all different types of local beer from within Germany and there are seating areas and bars within the wooden cabins. If you prefer you can get a mulled wine and they come in festive mugs featuring the markets logo with the year, which you can pay to take away as a little memoir.

Today is actually the last day they are set up before the markets close and all of the workers head back home for Christmas. I suggest if you live in the city or in the surrounding area to get yourself down there today! A little tip is that we went as a family on the last day last year and they sell everything off for half price to get rid of the stock. It is a really lovely day out and I guarantee you will walk away in the most cheeriest, festive spirit.

Lucy
xoxo

Skincare Routine featuring Clinique

I have been trying to keep up with a morning and evening skin care routine as much as possible recently in order to try and keep my skin clear. Clinique are one of the most well known beauty brands when it comes to skin care due to the vast amount and highly rated products which they sell. A few weeks ago I picked up three new products which I have never tried before, but have heard that they work wonders. Two products come from their anti-blemish solutions line the Cleansing Foam (£17) and the Acne Clearing Gel (£14). From reading a few blogs I have heard that Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (£22) is an excellent and cheaper alternative to the Emma Hardie version. I have slotted the products into my morning and night routine and I love how clean and fresh they make your skin feel and they don't have a fragrance.  I am hoping that these will work there wonders and keep my acne at bay over the festive period.

Lucy
xoxo

One Year of Blogging

I posted my very first post in October 2013 and it was such a daunting experience uploading on my blog. It is strange because you do not have a clue of what is about to happen or the kind or reaction (if any) you are going to receive. I am not afraid to admit that I thought that it was going to be a lot simpler than it is to attract a growing audience, it terms of the blogging world mine has a small readers. I think that you have to be prepared that your not going to be the next best known blogger around, because whenever everyone sets out they deep down would like to achieve this and good on them. It can take up a lot of time and effort to try and make your blog the best that you want it to be. For me it started it out as a hobby and it still is I loved reading other people's blogs and thought I would give it a shot myself to see what it was all about. I have truly loved delving into the blogging world and community, and meeting so many smaller bloggers who blogs I find truly inspiration and deserve a lot more recognition.

I started out with this huge aim of posting a post every day, and at the start I managed this. However, it got to a point where it was totally impossible for me to juggle my time with blogging and doing everything else like university and working at the weekends. It frustrated me that I was unable to reach this aim that I had set out for, but then I realised that most of the 'big' bloggers do blogging as their full time jobs so therefore they had so much more time to dedicate themselves to achieving daily posts. It hit me that it was okay to just post two or three times a week, and fit it around everything else going on in my day to day life. I am now happy with the routine that I am in, but I do think that it can be a barrier to a growing audience. I also stumbled across the idea of starting my own YouTube channel as I thoroughly enjoy seeing my favourite bloggers having their channels as well. I feel it makes you be able to relate more to their posts on their blogs, and it is a much wider audience for you to reach out too. But for now I would not be able to fit this in, but it is definitely something I would consider in the future. However, YouTube is way more scary than having your own blog and you have to be prepared for all the criticism which unfortunately comes along with posting videos.

All I can say if I have thoroughly enjoyed it and it was the best but scariest thing that I have done in a long time. The slight issue which still seems to bother me is posting on my Twitter page which is lucyalanaxo. I use this as my personal and blog twitter as I thought it would be nice to integrate them both. I do feel though as if some of my followers might get sick of me posting my posts on that username as it is the one that I have had since I first signed up so I have all of my old friends on there. However, I think that it is easy to unfollow so if they get bored they can do with a click of a button. Twitter is such a big platform for your blog, and it is where I go to get the links to my favourite bloggers including Essie Button, Amelia Liana and ViviannaDoesMakeup. As well as being on Twitter to promote your blog and posts, bloglovin' is definitely a site which helps others to discover your blog, and for you to find new blogs which you love to reading.

I have loved doing a variety of posts, from beauty, fashion and lifestyle. Looking at my top 5 posts:

1. Pollo Pesto Pasta
2, Zara - Mini City Bag 
3. Escentual.com 
4. Rimmel Sun Shimmer 
5. Birthday Presents

It is easy to see that people enjoy reading all different aspects of my blog, and I definitely think bringing a variety of different posts brings in audiences from different places who have a wide scope of interests.

If you are considering starting a blog all the advice I can give is to just go for it! Honestly there is absolutely nothing you can loose. I am always striving to achieve a wider audience and I am not going to lie it is hard, really hard but if you passionate about it you will keep going!

Lucy
xoxo

Letting Off Lanterns

I have never let lanterns off before which seems a little strange, but as a celebration me and my friends decided to. It was such a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion and watch them lead off into the night sky along side the stars was a beautiful affair. We bought all different colours which was lovely and it really brightened up the occasion.

Have you ever lit lanterns?

Lucy
xoxo

Marc Jacobs - The Lolita Palette

The second my sister mentioned she was going to New York the first thing which entered my little brain was Marc Jacobs! I think this is a little bit sad but my god am I glad to have my hands of this goddess of a palette. It is The Lolita Palette (206) coming from Marc Jacobs beauty range.

The pictures definitely do not do this beauty justice, but it features seven beautiful shades which are all easily wearable depending on your desired look. The colours featured in the palette are a matte off-white cream, matte nude, matte dark coffee brown, metallic warm pink with iridescent glitter, iridescent champagne pink seen, light peach sheen and rosy copper sheen. All the colours compliment each other perfectly and with a swipe over of the eyelid it creates a beautiful natural look which you can blend together to create a day or night look.

I could not go without mentioning the packaging, it is so slim and slender and looks so sophisticated on your make up desk, and as part of your collection. It also means it is easy to pack when you are travelling as it easily fits into your makeup bag with little fuss or space. Marc Jacob its renowned for it's fancy perfume packaging, and the black shiny shell to the palettes has not let us down! The price tag attached to this is $59.00 which is approximately £37, I would say this is good value in comparison with the Urban Decay Naked Palette which has the same price tag. You cant buy this from Sephora in store or online currently.

Will you be adding this to your Christmas list this year?

Lucy
xoxo

Lush Northern Lights Bath Bomb

After my post featuring the launch of the Lush Christmas Collection, I just had to do an individual  post featuring my new favourite bath bomb it is Northern Lights. I just could not resist taking a photo, as it fizzled into a purple delight.I actually only used half of the bath bomb which I think is such good value. I was so surprised at how soft my skin felt whilst in the bath, as it contains jasmine absolute and ylang ylang oil which was so smoothing on the skin.

I am totally in love with this product, and will definitely be stocking up on these as soon as possible. This is perfect for a night when you need to de-stress after having a ridiculously busy day. It costs £3.50, but as I said you can make it last for two baths which I think is really good value.

Lucy
xoxo

Primark Candles

In my recent Primark Purchases post I featured these candles as autumn essentials. They are just £2 and they have some really lovely scents in the collection. I had not tried this scent before which is Red Berries and Orchid but it smells lovely and is perfect for these colder months. I have previously purchased a different candle from the same collection in the scent Rose and Orchid, it is currently standing on my mantle piece but there is barely anything left in it. They have 30 hours of burning in them, which I would say is very good value considering the price. I understand that obviously the scents are not going to as exotic as more high end brands such as Jo Malone, but I think that they look pretty and the packaging doesn't actually look too cheap.

What is your favourite candle at the moment?

Lucy
xoxo

Christmas Lush Collection

I no its only October and I am a firm believer that Christmas can not start until at least November, but I just could not resist picking up two of Christmas bath bombs from Lush. There window displays are always magnificent and it simply drew me into the shop. I have never tried either of these products before so I was intrigued to see what they do. They are both £3.50 which is not cheap, but as a little treat and relaxation to yourself I think it is perfect.

I picked up Northern Lights which is a long purple stick of a bath bomb. The colour of this is what simply drew me in, it was so bright and vibrant. The lady told me that it will turn my bath water bright purple with blue running through it. It contains jasmine and ylang-ylang oil which is calming. The best feature of this is definitely the little silver stars which is contains which get scattered around your bath.

The second bath bomb I picked up was Luxury Lush Pud. I loved the holly in the middle and all the different colours speckled around the outside. The back half of the bath bomb is pink so that is the main colour which your water will turn  but then as it fizzes each colour will add to each making a rainbow in your bath! It contains lavender which will soothe and relax whilst your in a little world of you own enjoying the peace and quiet.

Have you picked any of the Christmas Collection up yet?

Lucy
xoxo

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder

If you are thinking have you seen this product before, don't be worried it is the same brilliant Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder from MAC, it has just had a makeover and now features a new stylish black packaging. I love, love, love when powder's come with a mirror so I was very happy about them adding this in. This is my third lot of this little beauty, and I just cannot get enough of it! The powder is light in texture but has great lasting powder to keep those shiny zones of the face at bay. I got it in the colour Medium and it is a great match to my skin, there are 15 colours in the collection so there is hopefully one for everyone. It is not the cheapest product on the market and definitely belongs in the high range category as it costs £23, but I have to say that these last a good 6 months and you really do get your moneys worth.

What is your current favourite powder?

Lucy
xoxo

October Favourites

October has been a five week month meaning that I have had even more time than usual to round up my favourites from this past month. In a recent MAC Must Haves post, it featured Peachykeen and I explained how much I was in love with the colour, and it has become my go to everyday colour this month. Also featured was the Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer  in NW15, I love the smooth texture of this and it is great long-wearing concealer to cover pesky blemishes. The MAC eyeshadow in Sea Worship came from a specialist collection a few months back so is unfortunately not still available. The colour is so pigmented and applies such a pop of colour to your eyes.  My absolute favourite product from the month is the Real Techniques Multi Task Brush  I use it for applying for powder, bronzer and blusher, its just so good for all three! The Ultimelt by Soap & Glory is the best drugstore hot cloth cleanser out there, it feels like it is really digging deep into your pours and my skin feels so clean after application. My first favourite lip product comes from Revlon in the colour in Barcelona Nights. It is from the Colourstay Moisture Stain range and is a real steal at just £7.99. Finally, a good old favourite which still features regularly within my makeup routine is Tanya Burrs's lipgloss in Picnic in the Park.

What's been your must have product throughout October, I would love to know?

Lucy 

xoxo 

Primark Purchases

I took a trip to Primark last week and picked up a few new bits and bobs. I thought that the Little Mermaid makeup bag for £3 was so adorable and is perfect for travelling or to pop into your bag for day to day use. The candles are always so lovely and such a great price, the smaller one was just 80p and the larger one was £2. For winter essentials, Primark always allows you to stock up on this seasons must haves. I just could not leave the Christmas themed cosy socks on the shelf they just had to come home with me, they were just £2.50 for two pairs. The platted headband will be great for those freezing winter mornings to keep your ears nice and toasty and also looks cute in your hair, and for just £2 it is a total steal.

Lucy
xoxo

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet

A month or two ago, I was browsing the huge Boots in Manchester when I saw a huge introductory offer on a new Bourjois lip product. I had seen these feature on a few people's blogs of those who had received samples of them, and I was intrigued as they looked very pigmented. I firstly picked up the colour Frambourjois which is red with a hint of orange to make it more accessible to way to wear day to day.

Then I saw Pink Pong on my next visit and instantly fell in love. I wear this often as it is such an easy way to create an intense coloured lip which instantly brightens a simple day to day look. They are now £8.99 to buy and they come in 8 colours featuring a variety of different colours.

Lucy
xoxo

MAC Must Haves

I've done a bit of MAC shopping over the last few weeks and picked up some of my essentials.
First up the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder has had a makeover and comes with some new fancy black packaging with a mirror in side which is very useful. My previous one lasted my for at least a year so you are definitely getting your moneys worth as it costs £23. I love the coverage of this, but best of all it feels so light on the skin and the application is simple.
Lingering Eyebrow Pencil is my most re bought item from MAC, I think this must be my fourth re buy of this just because I prefer a soft pencil as it makes application so much more easier and you can get your desired effect with little fuss, this costs £13.50.
It was time to add a new blusher to my minimal blush collection as it is one of makeup item where I have a few favourites and I just stick to what I know. The colour is Peachykeens and it suits my fair skin tone beautifully and costs £18.
Last up I wanted more of a cover up blemish product so I picked up the Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer in NW15. I have been previously wearing this product in NC20 as I was advised that this was best for my skin tone even though my foundation which is a perfect match is NW15. On application I have always found it a bit too yellow for my skin, even though it does work lovely as an undereye brighten. So this seemed liked the perfect solution to all my problems, and I am hoping it is at it's price tag of £15.50.

Lucy
xoxo