Christmas 2016 Gift Guide for Girls - Girlfriend Mum Sister Friend Daughter

It still not too late to pick up those last remaining pressies, unless you're planning on posting them to Australia for Xmas day of course. I have put together a gift guide where there is something for female in your life.

Lush - Need I say more?  Unless she is highly allergic I'm sure you will find something in any Lush store, and the advisors are super helpful too.

Pyjamas - I love new pjs anytime of year but I think there's something snug about having a fresh set for winter.

Naked Palettes - Every year they bring another one out and every year I want to get it. Fabulous quality and is one of those presents that can be given as one main present or alongside a few smaller gifts.

Candles - Had to include it, I know they are literally burning money away but I think they make for great presents especially the ones that boarder more towards the luxury end as its not something everyone buys for themselves.

Jewellery - This can be quite an overwhelming task, my advise would be to keep it simple. Find out the colour jewellery she likes, for me I wear silver or white gold (if there is a certain stone she likes such as her birthstone that's a good place to check out too). If she's anything like my mum and would prefer something practical than something on trend and you really don't want to risk it for a chocolate biscuit, keep it classic.

Handbag - This can be another tricky one as some women can be quite particular especially if you are buying their 'everyday' bag.  Go with a brand you know she likes as she will be familiar with the quality and styling. 

Diary - As a stationary lover this would be a big winner in my book (no pun). Depending on the recipient there are some really cute styles around or the classic engraved are equally as lovely.

Tickets - Musicals, Concerts, Afternoon teas, for some people activities and days out are far more important that physical gifts. All about the memory making.

I have also shared my top tips on buying for guys here.

Merry Christmas

Favourite Christmas Songs - Blogmas

What would Christmas be without the songs to spread the festive cheer?  We all know come the Christmas party we'll be screeching 'all I want for Christmas is yoooooooooooooou' Standard.  Whenever I hear what other people's favourite festive song is its never the same as mine so thought I would share and would love to find anyone else that agrees to my top 5.

1. Driving home for Christmas - This always reminds me off old American Christmas films where someone is desperately trying to make their way through the blizzards to get home for Christmas day.  The sob in me loves the happy endings.

2. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - It's not Christmas until I have sung this at least 20 times (in November). Perfect song choice when putting up the decorations or wrapping the presents.

3. Christmas (baby please come home) - I know this is a random one but an upbeat one (even if a tad sad).  I think I just like yelling CHRISTMAS at random times

4. Fairytale of New York - A sad story again but so easy to sing along to even if you can't understand all of the words

5. Wish it could be Christmas Everyday - Whenever I hear this I have to sing its a brilliant party song and again a great one just to have on in the background while getting on with Christmas chores

Christmas Decorations 2016 - Blogmas

One of my most favourite things about Christmas are the decorations. The lights, ornaments and colour themes.  Every year I search through Instagram and Pinterest gathering inspiration.  I have also been fortunate enough to visit other countries around Christmas time and I never get bored of turning a corner and gasping at how 'lovely this building is'. 

I wanted to shared some of my finds that I hope you will like to.  As you can tell I'm still loving the grey theme.

Slogan Sign

Merry Christmas Sign

Reindeer Cushion

Reindeer Tealight Candle Holder

Christmas Gnome

Light Up Snowman

LED Wooden Star 

Rose Gold Baubles

Red Letter Baubles

Light Up Presents

The Christmas Tag 2016 - Blogmas

I love the blogging tags that do the round especially Christmas themed ones.  I have seen a couple floating around this year so I have mixed them together, such a rebel (don't tell Santa).  For you beady eyed folk I have included 12 questions and answers, this is the 12 days of blogmas after all.

1. What is your favourite Christmas Movie?  I can't pick just one. Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street and a new one is Arthur Christmas. Oh just remembered Elf. It's too hard to choose one. Top five anyone?

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Used to be Christmas morning when my brother and I were younger now its more midday.  Obviously only the naughty kids open their presents on Christmas Eve as Santa wouldn't have even been yet, right?

3. Favourite festive food? All the chocolate, so much chocolate. Though the thought of a good cheese board did nearly make me dribble slightly.

4. Favourite Christmas gift? My favourites are always the surprise ones, even when I think I know what I'm going to open I'm lucky enough for Santa to throw a special surprise out there for me.

5. Favourite Christmas song? I really like Driving Home for Christmas but I always sing 'It's beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas' so everyone thinks that's my fav.

6. Is your Christmas tree real or fake? I always had a real one up until recently when we got a fake one but it was a good quality one and I am so glad I don't get those needles stuck in my feet anymore. Anyone with a cat you'll know the pain.

7. Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably? I am definitely a pro. My dad is massively OCD about the wrapping which I seem to have taken over.  My boyfriend knows he is not to touch anything.  I couldn't even let him wrap his work secret Santa.

8. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions? I normally work during the day, but last minute present wrapping and a good Christmas drink. Actually I think I'm going out Christmas Eve Eve so I may just be chilling in bed this year.

9. What tops your tree? We had an angel for about 20 years but a few years ago my mum decided she needed to hang up her wings so we have a red star now.

10. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixon.  Oh blimey and Rudolph. I think there are more so nope soz. 

11. What's the best part about Christmas for you?  Seeing people's reactions to their presents, I love buying for other people so its great to see the look on their face.   I guess it must be wierd for parents when kids get to my age, its like role reversal.  Also I enjoy spending time with my family having a good time and normally playing board games. 

12. Do you make New Years resolutions? Do you stick to them?  I am quite a reflective person I like to look back on the year and remember what I enjoyed and also what I maybe didn't get round to doing and use those as goals rather than resolutions for the year new. 

Favourite Christmas Jumpers of 2016 - Blogmas

The Christmas jumper was a massive trend last year from the young to the old we all embraced the novelty not to mention the damn right crazy. For most people they will probably recycle last year's but I wanted to have a look and see how I can freshen up my Christmas game.  For what I found there is more of a cutesy, chic spin in this year's offering which I am loving.

Matalan Snow Jumper

H&M Snowman with Hood

Dorothy Perkins Rockin Around Jumper

Dorothy Perkins Sequin Reindeer

Topshop ho ho ho t shirt

Debenhams Penguin Jumper

New Look Dear Santa Tee

Marks and Spencer Festive Rabbit 

   

Gift Guide for Guys Christmas 2016 - Boyfriend Dad Friend Brother Son

Welcome to the 12 days of blogmas!  We are kicking off with a simple gift guide for the guy in your life, even for those difficult ones to buy for.

Aftershave - Pretty self explanatory, if you know he has a signature scent prove you know him well and pick him up a backup.  If not, pick one you like and hope he likes it too..

Men grooming - Whether he's got that lumberjack 'hipster' look or at soft as a baby's bottom the beard is a hot topic at the moment so will be on quite a few guys wishlists this year, even they don't admit it.  They like a good pamper as much as us girls.

Experience - Perfect present for someone who has it all or anyone with a hobby. There is such a wide range of experiences out there you are bound to find something they would enjoy.  And some can be for more than one person so you can always give him some company driving fast cars or skydiving. 

Coffee Machine - I feel like everyone bought their dad a coffee machine last year but I think they are great.  Once you go posh you don't go instant again. There are so many out there but Tassimo are great value for money and so many brands of coffee, tea and hot chocolate are compatible.

Trainers - I don't think there are a lot of guys that would turn their nose up at trainers are they?  Trainers aren't just for the gym buffs anymore, trainers are so on trend this can be seen as a cool trend piece as well as functional. 

Food & Drink - Doesn't necessarily have to be an alcoholic gift, you might be the favorite with a cheese hamper come Christmas day night.

Remote Helicopter/Drones - Little gadget like this are great socking fillers, plus will keep them entertained while you're off trying out your new liquid lipsticks from Kat Von D he bought you. 

Wallet - There are so many variations of wallets nowadays this is a great present for any guy.  Can be used as part of lots of smaller gifts or more premium wallets can be a really lovely, luxury present. 

Gloves - Perhaps a better idea for a dad or uncle , however anyone that has to brave the cold come the first day back at work would love to get hold of a pair of these.

Boxed Game - There's always a new boxed game floating around my house on Christmas day.  Such a great idea to get the family together before the big lunchtime feast. Everyone knows we all fall asleep after dinner.

Let me know what ideas you have for the guys you are buying for this year.

12 Days of Blogmas with Buttons and Bows - Christmas 2016

The countdown to Christmas is on and I know the 12 days of Christmas actually start on Christmas day but what's a minor technicality between blogging friends aye? I wanted to share a few more lifestyle type posts as well as gift guides, Christmas favourites and of course the all important Christmas day lipstick.  

Even though I am a year older I still really enjoy Christmas I still get just as excited and reading other people's blogmas has really got me in the festive spirit.  Let me know who's blogmas posts you've been enjoying as I would love to check them out.

Affordable Berry Lip

For me nothing says Winter makeup like a berry lip.  I have found two berry shades that I love and are from the great British high street so are super affordable at under £7.  These photos are from the archives so were taken probably two years ago and I have re purchased both shades since! The reason I am showing both in the same post is that I think the tones are very similar but the finishes are complete opposites.  Depending on your preference you may love one but hate the other yet for me I think the colours are dupes for each other. 

For a lot of people matte lips are a must for winter and if so you would love the Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish in 107. A Zoella favourite this can last all day. For those of you with dry lips this lipstick maybe isn't a wise choice as I have had some unflattering moments. But if you don't have that issue then this is a great one.

However if you prefer a more hydrating or shiny finish I would recommend you go for the Maybelline Moisture Renew in 470 Glam Plum Fulham. These were repackaged and reformulated a while back now and I 100% prefer the new shades they introduced. Not as long lasting on the lips but a great way to inject a bold lipstick.

I think the high street does some great berry shades so let me know which ones you have found recently. 

Mary-Lou Manizer Review

I like a good highlight, I mean I am no strober but I do know my Albatross from my Watts Up.  As you can see Mary-Lou Manizer is beautifully pigmented but blends out to a fine sheen.  The gold undertones work really nicely with my skin tone.  Pink toned gals I personally would go for Ciindy-Lou over this one.  The quality of the product is so much better than I expected to be honest, and unlike some other highend highlighters I very rarely get any fallout from this product. The powder is so finely milled it is so soft to the touch.

The packaging is lovely and very unique.  If you haven't seen any of The Balm products I would suggest you take a browse, its one of the quirkiest out there. The Balm is now really accessible on the highstreet in Debenhams and Superdrug and online at Feel Unique and Amazon. At £17.50 The Balm is that bridge brand that is slightly more expensive than highstreet brands but doesn't quite fit into that highend category either.  However highlighters last such a long time, especially as the Mary-Lou Manizer is so pigmented you hardly need anything, if you were to buy one treat for yourself I would chose this one.  A mini secret Santa to yourself if you will. 

I apply mine to the tops of the cheek bones and the smallest amount on the bridge of my nose.  Sometimes when I'm feeling adventurous I use to highlight under the brow and on my cupids bow. If you are feeling crazy though take whatever is left over and lightly dust above the arch of your brow it gives the most radiant finishes to the skin. 

Ultra 32 Shade Eyeshadow Palette FLAWLESS MATTE - Makeup Revolution Review

I had been eyeing this palette up online for quite a while when I strolled into my new local Superdrug and there, in all its glory, a Makeup Revolution stand. Being freshly stocked may I add.

Anyway although I love shimmery shadows I have small hooded eyes so I know that shimmer isn't always my friend. I am really into matte eye looks at the moment, I think they really help to give dimension and are great for giving the illusion I have bigger eyes than I actually have.  

With so many varieties of shades, the Ultra 32 Flawless Matte Palettefrom Makeup Revolution is great for creating new looks and trying new techniques. The shades blend really nicely together but they can be a bit powdery so be cautious of fallout especially with darker looks. This is a great palette and anyone that is a fan of the old school coastal scents palettes I think would really enjoy this.  For those of you that like shades to have names, each shade has indeed been named.  

There is also a large mirror so even though it is slightly too big to fit in your every day sized makeup bag, I wouldn't totally dismiss it for longer trips as there are so many looks that can be made. I only have one small negative and that is there isn't a dark black shade. There are some dark browns and a few grey shades but a true matte black would make this palette even better. 

Sleek packaging and of course the rose gold box it comes in makes it feel somewhat more expensive than it is. I don't think the high street has fully perfected a matte eyeshadow palette however I think Makeup Revolution has come quite close and at £8 you get a lot to play with for your money. I think this would make a lovely socking filler or secret Santa present. I am really glad I picked this up as I've been getting some good use out of it as I have been experimenting recently.

 

5 Brands I Want to Try - Dear Santa

As a lover of all things beauty I always have a wishlist of products. Recently I have noticed that I have been lusting over brands instead of specific products so I thought I would put it out there and ask what you guys would recommend from these brands.  Some can be quite hard to get in the UK so if when I make an order I want to make sure I am getting the gems. 

1. Sigma
I know I want to try out their brushes but there are so many to choose from.

2. Makeup Geek
Youtube's very own, better than MAC eyeshadows apparently I have started creating the perfect matte palette.

3. Charlotte Tilbury
What can I say it is just rose gold goodness. I imagine Charlotte Tilbury products to be to makeup what chocolate is to food.

4. Laura Mercier
I really want to try Laura Mercier products but I know I would get stuck and just panic buy.  I think I sway a bit more towards the bath side of the range.

5. By Terry
I have one question. Are those eyeshadow sticks really as good as people say?

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick - Shade 5

I have been waiting for the opportunity to share possibly the most aesthetically pleasing lipstick I will ever own.  The Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick in the shade 5. A beautiful bright, yet sophisticated pink. The lipstick glades on so smoothly even with dry chapped lips I always find this instantly makes my lips feel perfect.

Due to this being the shine formulation it means these are quite sheer and has more of a gloss or sheen to them.  Depending on your confidence with brighter lipsticks, for me I can wear this in the evening or on a hot summers day.  But if you are looking for an easy way to wear a bright lip I would recommend the Volupte Shine lipsticks. It is light on the lips and very comfortable. This shade I will would work on a range of different people, warm tones as well as paler ones.

However I do remember the first few times of wearing this shade I was a bit worried that as the formula is so hydrating that it may easily transfer across my face.  Something I do not need when tucking into a hot dog at a friends BBQ. None the less I have yet to experience any such disasters only compliments when I wear it.

Encased in gold tubing and boxing I keep my collection on my dressing table, I really like the center of the tube where the shade of the lipstick is shown through the YSL logo.  I think these are such elegant lipsticks.  At £28 they obviously carry the highend price tag, and to be honest I think I have always bought mine a duty free. But I can see why they are that price, I don't think there is anything on the high street that competes with this at the moment.

If there is one lipstick that instantly picks me up it is this one.  A brilliant shade for the work Christmas party, and a lovely gift if you are looking for some inspiration for Christmas presents this year.  

I am hoping to show you my Rouge Volupte lipstick collection soon so please let me know if you would be interested in that.

No7 Extreme Length Mascara

If you look back at previous mascara posts you'll know I have been on a mission to find the perfect mascara for a long time. I have difficult lashes. They are short, straight and uncooperative. To make matters worse I have oily eyelids (a genuin thing) and hooded eyes. So even if I do get fluttery lashes it doesn't last very long as the mascara smudges all over my eyes making me look like I've been sweeping chimneys. 

By a funny turn off events I ended up being gifted this No 7 Extreme Length mascara by a family member, in waterproof. Perfect for oily Irene over here. 

The wand is a plastic comb style brush, perfect for separating and lengthening even the trickiest of lashes. It's only recently I have become a fan of this style of wand. There will always be a part of me that believes false lashes come from a tube and big volume is the only way. 

The waterproof element is a must have for me nowadays, I know some people can't stand them but for me there is no point even getting out of bed to put mascara on if it's not waterproof I just look stupid within 20 minutes. I use Cetaphil or micellar water to remove my makeup and I haven't had an issue with removing my mascara. There is a regular non waterproof version available but as I haven't tried it I can't comment on it. 

Hopefully you can see and appreciate the difference between my eyes in the photograph. The longevity is really good as well normally my lashes loose the curl and droop after an hour but with this one I was pleasantly surprised that they managed to keep going until lunch time. 

I think this mascara is great definitely one of the best I have tried. No7 is slightly more pricier than your average high street / drugstore brand but I think for this product in particular it is worth the extra money. No 7 is also great for anyone that has sensitive skin or eyes as all products are hypoallergenic.

With any mascara I would always recommend curling your eyelashes beforehand. If you are having issues with finding 'the one' then try curling your eyelashes before applying any mascara and see the difference.  Let me know what you're favourite mascaras are.

Kat Von D Shade and Light Contour Palette

Can we take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the shades in this palette.

Kat Von D Shade and Light Contour Palette

With three matte bronzers and three highlight shades this palette has quickly become a beauty cult favourite. One highlight shade is even yellow based, excellent for brightening under the eyes. Kat baby you have created something amazing. The texture of the powders are lovely soft and buttery that blend effortlessly on the skin. I have even used an eyeshadow brush to see if I could blend out a harsh line of contour and it didn't do a bad job. I seriously cannot express my love for this palette. It is beautiful and has quickly become one of my top 5 products ever! WOW I just went there.

The only downside is the packaging itself. Cardboard. Why oh why am I being charged $45 for cardboard packaging. However the massive mirror is one big plus in my book so I guess we can forgive. I also wish you could buy the individual shades, just in case one day I run out and by coincidence I am in America I might want to repurchase just one shade. Chances of it happening? Zero to none!

My personal two favourite shades have to be the two in the center Lyric and Shadowplay.  With this palette I find it so easy to create an effortless, defined base, wearable for day or night. I am so impressed with the quality of this palette that I have been eyeing up the eyeshadow palette as the colours look perfect for me and I want to get my hands on some other products from this range.

Have you tried any Kat Von D products - do you have any recommendations?