No7 City Lights Beauty Collection

No 7 is such a unique brand to me.  Not because I have some emotional connection or a quirky anecdote that I can share but their products very rarely disappoint.  I haven't tried any of their bath products that I can remember but some of my all time favourite makeup and skincare are No 7.  I was lucky enough to receive the No 7 City Lights Beauty Collection from my parents this year.Included was 250ml No7 Beautiful Skin Blissful Body Wash, like all of the No7 products this has a really fresh, clean scent that I don't think very many people would find offensive.
Bath - 200ml No7 Beautiful Skin Perfecting Body Polish which has a good amount of scrub that you know this will help exfoliate that skin though as all body scrubs I would not recommend for the face.  200ml No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Body Serum, leave your skin feeling so soft you just want to walk around stroking your own arm.       
Skincare - 50ml No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advance Day Cream I have used this before and is a staple in my mums skincare routine too.  50ml No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advance Night Crream, I was in need of a good night cream and you can feel the difference between the two creams. Perfect for my dry skin I already have noticed a positive difference.
Makeup - 30ml No7 Airbrush Away Primer great for making your makeup last longer but not silicon based like most primers this one helps to moisturise the skin as it prolongs your makeup.  10ml No7 Gel Finish Nail Polish in Deep Wine for me a great Winter colour but for those that get their nails done professionally probably not going to be a winner for them. 7ml No7 Midnight Lash Mascara in Black No7 mascaras are my favourite, the wands are perfect for lengthening and the formulas always last well on me so really happy there was one included.  Double bonus its in Black and not a wacky glittery purple.  Finally 2.8g No7 Lovely Lips Lip Balm in Parisian Pink again a fabulous addition for me as I prefer something light on my lips.  I was surprised not to see a matte formula included as they are super popular at the moment but I guess they went with the bestseller.
I love the presentation of this gift, as the name would suggest its a mini city creating a skyscraper effect with the different shape boxes. I was slightly shocked my Dad picked this up for me as the outside box is covered in black glitter, he was probably washing his hands for a week afterwards. 

There it is the No7 City Lights Collection a great present and I am sure Boots will have similar ones for mothers day and Christmas.

Tanya Burr 12 Days of Christmas Beauty Calendar

The new year is here, resolutions have been made and fitness goals locked in. On the week of Blue Monday I refuse to let go of Christmas so I want to talk about the Beauty Advent calendar I was lucky enough to receive from my boyfriend this year. Beauty Advent Calendars have really up their game these last few years and there are so many varieties and brands.

As the name suggests Tanya's 12 Days of Christmas consists of 12 doors with Tanya Burr's own cosmetic products behind each one.  I was really excited to try out her brand as I have heard so much about it. As this is Christmas themed there was a lot of glitter and sparkle.  

The best find for me is probably the nail varnishes as they apply nicely, are opaque and lasted well.  I also like the lip products a lot the two glosses are not sticky and provide a good colour payoff.  I wasn't expecting a matte lip colour but the colour is lovely with a soft velvety consistency.

The little mirror and nail file are good additions to a beauty calendar as they are staples in everyone's makeup bag and perfect handbag size.

As mentioned there were products with a lot of sparkle in them which for Christmas is lovely but will probably be the items that I reach for less throughout the year.  I'm not too familiar with glitter liquid eyeliners, but I was pleasantly surprised that glitter was applied and wasn't solely wet liquid across my eye.  The little pots of eye glitter remind me of the old school Barry M Dazzle Dusts, I used MAC fix+ to get a solid colour but generally good payoff without the fix+.

I am really impressed with Tanya's collection for the calendar, and reasonably priced at £15 I think this is a great present to receive. However if you are buying as a present for someone I would be careful about that age range. Anyone that is just getting into more luxury brands might think this is slightly too young for them.

I think the main thing that is brilliant about this calendar are the colours that have been selected, being colour shy its something I always think about when I have seen releases of beauty calendars. Even though there is a Christmas colour palette I feel there was a good mix of silver and gold for the metallic element and a very wearable pink/red that a lot of people could feel comfortable wearing. 

Well done Tan!

The Beauty Calendar along with Tanya Burr Cosmetics are available at Superdrug.

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.

Aspinal of London Classic Travel Wallet

I am very luck to have received this beautiful black croc and red suede Travel Wallet a gift this year. Never did I expect to be opening anything from Aspinal of London let alone this beauty. Everything from the suede lining to the handles of the gift bag this is pure luxury at its best.  I am not one to show off about gifts but I thought it would be a crime against the blogging community to not share my new love.

Being the organised gal that I am I may have dropped the odd hint that I would like a travel wallet. Somewhere to keep passports, tickets and other documents. I had my eye on this one from Dune as its sleek, pretty and affordable and never imaged I would be lucky enough to receive the Aspinal of London one. 

Handmade from Italian leather and lined with stunning red suede the wallet comprises of four tabbed sections each titled for tickets, passport, documents and other bits you may need (insurance). There is also a large zipped compartment for currency. I don't usually get excited about gold font but even I have to say it is pretty amazing.  The large flap is fastened at the front making the wallet very compact and perfect for any travelling occasion.

Is it really sad I haven't even managed to give up the box yet?

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?

Favourite Christmas Decorations

I love Christmas decorations it's what really helps me get into the Christmas spirit.  There are so many beautiful baubles, wreaths, ornaments that I could post one of these a day.  I have found my favourites for 2015 and wanted to share them with you.

Deer Cushion

Fir and Snowberry Wreath

Rose Gold Baubles

Santa and Rudolph Baubles

Snowman Bouncer

Reindeer Wreath

Glass Polar Bear Decorations

Light Up Wire Reindeer

Gold Star Wall Hanging

Snowy Dancing Penguin

Snowy Reindeer

Fir and Snowberry Garland

Rose Gold Bow and Tree Bauble

What are your favourite Christmas decorations of 2015? I would love to know about colour themes as well, do you always have the same colours every year or do you change it up? 

Blogmas 2015

Is it too early to be wishing Merry Christmas?

Oh well Merry Christmas - this year I cannot wait for Christmas and even have all my Christmas shopping done and dusted (though not wrapped) before December 1st.  Yes I am Miss Keenbean and super organised, thank you Black Friday. I am going to let you in on a little secret, I already have all the Christmas emojis as my most used saved on my phone.

As I am so excited I have decided to blog throughout December.  I have a complete mix of Christmas themed goodness coming up for you.  I will be kicking it all off later today with top Christmas decoration picks hopefully to inspire you to get your Christmas trees up!

Like always please let me know if there is anything in particular you would like to see :)

I hope you have a fantastic Christmas and enjoy counting down the days with me!