Christmas sales haul

Hey I thought I'd share with you guys what I picked up in the sales, not much actually! I went to the Trafford Centre in Manchester and it was really busy, I didn't really feel like battling with everyone to try dresses on in clothes shops but I need a dress for New Year so hopefully I'll have more luck tomorrow.

I needed shampoo so I picked up these Aussie goodies on 3 for £10 at Boots

I picked up TBS cucumber cleansing milk and vanilla bliss shower gel for £2 each but I used the £3 card I got in Glamour Magazine so they cost me £1, bargain!

Excuse the picture quality but I also got these Muji drawers, make up storage post to follow!

What I got for Christmas 2012

I hope everyone had a very merry christmas, I certainly did.

I wanted to share some of the things I got for christmas, mostly beauty things!
Disclaimer: I know these posts are controversial but I love reading other people's and am not intending to show off, I just wanted to share some of the things that I got and will be reviewing in future.

here are my stocking pressies :)

Yay Lush!

My mum explained that the Revlon nail polish was free :)

MUA Pallette in Starry Night which I already love.

I was so excited by these, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey and Lovesick.

Soap and Glory Best of All set, yay!

And I was lucky enough to get three new pandora charms! The jewellery box, the snowflake and the present.

I look forward to reading your Christmas hauls and sales hauls, those of you who choose to post them.

Wonder Product: Nivea Express Hydration Primer

I know this product has been quite hyped up but I was looking for a good primer and having dry skin or dry patches on my face, I decided to give this a go.
I'm so glad I did! This works really well for me, it means I can skip moisturising in the morning and just use this and then apply my make up. As the box says, It's very quickly absorbed and this means it's very convenient because I don't have to wait before applying my make up.

one of the only products I can say 'does exactly what it says on the tin'

It's really easy to use and just applies like a moisturiser and then gives a good base for my foundation without it looking thick or cakey. This is also brilliant for making my make up last all day. The consistency is somewhere between a gel and a cream but not unpleasant.

As someone with problem areas on my face which tend to get greasy I have not found this to be anymore of a problem and the dry areas have improved through using this. I find this to be better than other high end primers that I've tried and would recommend it to anyone, especially as it's great value!

This primer is available for dry/sensitive skin or normal/combination skin for just £4.99 at Superdrug.

NOTD: Christmas Glitz

I decided to go sparkly with my nails today for Christmas. I used Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Plum then used the purple glitter polish I got in my Barry M goodie bag at the Clothes Show (it doesn't seem to have a colour).

What's your favourite christmas nail design/polish?

Christmas Decorations

I thought I'd share some of my favourite festive bits around the house.

Here is our lovely big christmas tree, It has a gold theme with a touch of red. The lights are quite...understated LEDs (we had a lot of debate about whether there was enough).

Here are some of my favourite decorations: 

Two gold lovebirds (belonging to my parents of course)

a cute little bell with ribbon

My ultimate favourite: My gold chair with glitter and a little velour seat. It's so random but I love it.

A personalised decoration from when I was little/ littler than I am now!

This year's addition, a little birdy with a woolen hat!

These are the decorations in my room, a little purple tree to match my colour scheme.

And attached to my rose lights is my little piggy with a santa hat.

And finally, my little New York snowglobe that I got a few years ago in NYC at Christmas.

NOTD: Models Own 'in the navy' and christmas nail art

Today's nails of the day are Models Own 'in the navy' which is a lovely navy blue which I got from the Clothes Show. I instantly loved this and only needed one coat as it gave perfect coverage.

I then had a brainwave and decided to do some snowman nail art. Here is how it turned out....

I was very pleased with it, and of course I did the same on the other hand. This was really easy to do, I used a white polish to colour part of the nail, then used my black models own nail art pen to add eyes and a mouth. I then used a cocktail stick in my new Barry M orange nail polish to make his little nose.

However, I had a bit of an issue with the white polish. As I'm home from uni at the moment I didn't have all my supplies and I'd left my white polish at home. The only alternative I had was the OPI white shatter polish I got at the Clothes Show. I decided to give it a go and thought a couple of coats might solve the problem. It started ok, the first coat started to crackle so I just went over it and it seemed relatively crack-free so I went on with the other details. However, I don't know whether this is because OPI is a particularly good brand (one I haven't tried before) but this crackle polish continued to want to crackle even after I thought it was dry! After I applied the topcoat and it was dry my snowmen appeared to become cracked so the look is not quite as good as above now.

Anyway, this nail art is really easy to try so I would recommend having a go yourself, just be sure to use normal white polish!

My Secret Santa Gift!

So you may know that I organised a secret santa swap for #bbloggers and really wanted to take part myself. Some of the girls are still swapping but mine was recieved and opened today by Jennifer so when mine arrived in the post today I just had to open it!

Something  that I established while shopping for mine was that it's quite hard to pick out make up shades for other people but looking at their blog gave some good clues. Jennifer hasn't blogged about her present yet but I really hope she likes some of the things I picked for her.

On to my presents.....
Well, I don't think I've ever been so happy with a Secret Santa, I love it!

Lovely packaging in a Joliebox!

all wrapped up...

Vanillary Lush Solid Perfume: I was so excited by this, Jen certainly read my blog! I love vanilla and lush.

MUA eyeshadow trio in Chocolate Box: Can't wait to try these as I've never tried MUA eyeshadow.

Sleek Blush in Life's a Peach: I've never tried Sleek either but have heard the Blushers are amazing.

GOSH eyeshadow in Burgundy: another new brand I wanted to try, I love this purple colour.

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Satsuma: I love my Gelly Nail Paint in plum so Jen did her research!

Primark false eyelashes: I want to try wearing false lashes again.

Montagne Jeunesse Mud Pac: I love these but haven't tried this one, this will be great for a pamper evening. Jen may know that I have spot prone skin because this one to deep cleanse- perfect!

Whittards Hot Chocolate Stirrer in White: I love these but don't think I've ever had a white hot chocolate so I'm excited to try it.

I was so pleased with what I got. It's great to try new things that I may not have picked because there is nothing that I don't like! I'm excited to try some new brands and am honestly so glad I organised this secret santa.

Can't wait to see how the other girls got on and I hope they're all as happy as me.

Winterlicious tag

This tag was started by MacBarbie07 on youtube but I wanted to take part even though I'm not a youtuber. Winter is definitely upon us now with freezing temperatures.

1. Favourite winter nail polish?

I've kind of delayed the winter nail polishes until the next couple of weeks because I've been struggling to get away from the pastels! However, I never tire of some silver glitter so I'll go with Models Own Juicy Jules, christmas is about sparkle after all.

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2. Favourite winter lip product?

For me, winter is about moisturising my lips lots. A lipbalm I have been using lots is my Models Own bubblegum lip balm from my Clothes Show goody bag, mainly because it's so tasty. Or trusty Vaseline.

3. Most worn winter clothing item?

Jumpers! This may be cheating but there isn't one in particular, just a few jumpers that keep me cosy.

4. Most worn winter accessory?

My accessorize striped mittens, no one likes cold hands.

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5.Favourite winter scent/candle?

Without a doubt, Vanilla. Whether it's french vanilla yankee candles or Benefit 'so hooked on Carmella' perfume, anything vanilla scented is a winner for me.

6. Favourite winter beverage?

Costa Black Forest Hot Chocolates, or any hot chocolate, yum!

7.All time favourite christmas movie?

It used to be miracle on 34th street but I think elf might be my new favourite. Or Love Actually, it's too hard!

8. Favourite Christmas song?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, or any Micheal Buble!

9. Favourite Christmas treat?

Gu Chocolate Puds or Chocolate log

10. Favourite Christmas decoration?

It's a little strange but a couple of years ago I got a gold chair decoration and I love it, not sure why. It has to be gold in my house because my mum has a strict theme.

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11. What's at the top of your Christmas list?

Lush goodies! I want to make the most of the bath at home before I go back to uni.

12. What are your Christmas plans?

Same as every year. Family come round and we sit in front of the fire, eat lots, watch tv and films, play board games and open presents.

I tag everyone!

NOTD: Models Own Thunder & Lightening

Today's polish is one of the Models Own polishes I got from the Clothes Show: Thunder & Lightening. This is a black polish with silver glitter suspended in it.

Having been very impressed with Models Own before, I have to say I wasn't quite as impressed with this one. Firstly, the polish isn't opaque as expected, even after two coats it still is more translucent that expected with a slight brown tinge.
Secondly, the polish remains tacky for a while resulting in smudging of my nails, I had to repaint some.

However, I love this colour and the overall effect is great for Christmas.

Review: Nip&Fab Spot Fix Anti-Blemish Gel

I've been having a lot of breakouts recently and I needed a targetted spot fixer! I was so happy to get this in my glamour goodie bag and give it a try.

This is a concentrated gel that is clear, I use it a couple of times a day on any spots I have around my face. It's quick drying so I put it on when I get out of the shower and by the time I come to moisturise and prime it's dry. It's also good to use before bed as there is no transfer or staining on the pillow.

This has done a great job at drying my spots and making them disappear quicker (in a few days) so I will continue to use it. There are similar products out there, some of which I have tried and some I haven't. I have tried a Boots tea tree spot stick roll on and found that didn't work as quickly as this. I would like to try Benefit Boo Boo Zap to compare but the price tag puts me off.

The only downside to this is the target areas go a little shiny but it really doesn't matter if you're using it before make up because it has no effect.  A good point about this is it doesn't have a strong smell as I don't really like the smell of tea tree but this is very usable!

I would recommend this product and will be looking out for more Nip&Fab products.

Edit: this product's packaging let it down, a couple of weeks into use, the nib snapped off meaning the cap would not secure and I had to throw it away when it had a lot more use in it. Disappointing.

Clothes Show Live 2012 Haul

I had an amazing day with friends at the Clothes Show today and I'm excited to haul for you guys what I bought.

Highlights of the day: meeting Jamie Laing (Made In Chelsea) and the Catwalk show.

So starting off with my beauty goodie bags...

Barry M: £10 goodie bag containing a make up bag, three nail polishes, a glitter stack, lip gloss, three dazzle dusts, green mascara, gold glitter liner and three pastel eyeliners.
I was pleased with this even though some of the colours are ambitious.

Models Own goodie bag when you bought two nail polishes for £10

I bought 'Thunder and Lightning' and 'In the Navy' (excuse the flash and lighting). Unfortunately they had sold out of the Clothes Show exclusive glitter 'Showstopper'.

Goodie bag containing nail art pen, lip balm, nail file, two eyeliners, two eyeshadows, liquid eyeliner, lipgloss and nail scissors. I was pretty pleased with this actually, the lip balm is bubblegum flavour and smells yummy!

I also loved the carrier bag!

Company and Cosmo Goodie bag £3

contains: two magazines, chocolates, jelly beans, hair serum, kleenez shine away sheets, batiste travel size, Rimmel eyeshadow trio and OPI crackle polish. This also contained a packet of tomato ketchup crisps which I ate! A great deal, it's just a shame the polish is white!

Jelly Pong Pong/So Susan goodie bag £5

contains lip cushion, fairy lashes mascara, brazilian bronzer and wide awake concealer, highlighter and eyeshadow pallette. I think these products sound great and I can't wait to try them, the lip cushion smells gorgeous!

Then onto the shopping. I went into David and Goliath and fell in love with the dinosaur things so bought some pyjama bottoms and a T-shirt for £20.

How cute are these? He's drinking tea!

I also bought a Nica handbag for £29 reduced from £39. I love the teal colour and It's a good size.

Excuse the pictures as it was pretty dark when I got home but overall I love the things I got and I think I got some bargains. I may have to return next year.

Gift Guide: Stocking Fillers/ Gifts under £10

I've been meaning to do this for ages now but I'm here for you with a stocking filler gift guide. These are some lovely little things that I've found that I think would be great gifts for beauty lovers.

Balmi lip balm in Strawberry £4.99- These have been raved about and are on my list to try. I think this would be a great stocking filler and is available in coconut, raspberry and mint too!

Vaseline Lip therapy gift set £6.00- Who doesn't love/need vaseline? This set of four would last all year, I don't know about anyone else but the cocoa butter one would be used first and the aloe vera last!

Beauticology mini trio set £4.00- I've never tried beauticology but have heard that it's good. Caramel, chocolate and gingerbread sound yummy!

Jelly Belly Lip Balm selection £10.00- another yummy lip balm set. I love the sound of these flavours- cotton candy, blueberry, very cherry and watermelon.

Boots Cocoa Butter Mini mix- £6.00 This is one of my favourite body butters and smells yummy.

Accessorize owl purse £8.00- Although I'm not a fan of owls, a lot of my friends are and I think accessorize have some lovely purses.

Lush christmas pudding knot wrap £2.50-I think these knot wraps are a lovely idea and you can pick what bath ballistic you want inside!

Lush Golden Wonder bath bomb £3.25- I'm really intrigued by this bath bomb as it has lots of colours hidden inside. It's a christmas special so don't miss out. Everyone should be introduced to Lush!

Accessorize nail polish in Crystal Shimmer Illusion £4.00- I really like accessorize nail varnishes and everyone needs a glittery polish for the party season.

Barry M gelly polish in plum £3.99- This is my new favourite polish! It has a great finish and is a versatile colour.

Let me know what goodies you'd like in your stockings?

Review: Percy&Reed Shampoo, Conditioner and Hydrating Mask

As I've mentioned before I recently received some goodies free when I renewed my glamour subscription. I got these Percy and Reed products- Splendidly Silky Moisturising Shampoo, Splendidly Silky Moisturising Conditioner and Totally TLC Hydrating Mask.

I have to say that I was disappointed with these from the first use but not because of how the product works but simply because of the smell. It's hard to explain what these smell like but I certainly do not like it, it's quite floral but with an element of medicinal smell, not nice. I think this is very much an acquired taste but I could smell it on my hair throughout the day and had to swap back to my normal fruity smell.

Shampoo and Conditioner- These did have an effect on my hair and it felt soft and moisturised. I was pleased with this but couldn't get over the smell. I will continue to use it but wouldn't repurchase due to the price.

Hydrating Mask- the interesting thing about this is that you apply it to dry hair and use a towel to keep the heat in. I found I needed to use a lot to smooth it through my hair with it being long and wavy. The smell was the same as the shampoo which I didn't enjoy but my hair did feel nice as it was being washed out and then felt softer afterwards.

In comparison to other hair masks used on wet hair (like Aussie 3 minute miracle for example) I don't think it was any better in particular.

These are good products but for the price tag I would have expected more. The smell is a personal choice but unfortunately it's not for me.