Four Favourite Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses have been my obsession lately. Theyve been popular for years but Ive only just came round to the idea of them, mainly because I thought most of them would be miles too long for my lil' stumpy body! However Ive fallen in love with their flowy, elegant but still somewhat sexy ways and these are my favourites at the moment!

1. This khaki tie back dress is all about the detail in the back, which is what is shown here. The front is rather plain and scoop neck, which could quickly be spiced up with a statement necklace. I just love the back detail of this, its a really pretty way of showing some skin in an otherwise rather covered up outfit. £35 - Miss Selfridge.

2. Ive actually already bought this paisley strapless dress as I loved it at first sight. I love the print and like how it ties in at my smallest point, accentuating my figure so I dont look swamped in a load of printed material, fantastic! Its a really nice one r sitting out in the sun, no straps = good tanning dress! It is from the petite section so not for everyone but great to find a pretty maxi that will fit us shorter girls nicely. £33 - Miss Selfridge

3. Another one Ive already purchased and must do and OOTD with this one as its my new favourite. I find this to be a great day-night option with the darker print and thigh high split. its also rouched at the hip which is very flattering. I wear this with black sandals and my leather jacket in the daytime, and its long enough to wear with heels for the night. £35 - River Island

4. I could imagine wearing this orange ombre dress to a beautiful summer wedding (someone have one so I have a reason to buy it!). Its chiffon so would be very floaty and would feel very feminine to wear. Id love to air it with gold jewellery and a nice coral lipstick. £35 - River Island

So Ive already bought 2 out of 4, lets see how long I hold out before grabbing the others!

xoxo

Goodbye Google Reader

Hey Everyone!

As youre all probably aware, Google Reader is soon to be destroyed. For good. This of curse has been bad news for all of us bloggers and for the readers too. However, not all is lost as most blogs, including mine, can be followed over on bloglovin. The site looks something like this and is a really easy and userfriendly way of catching up on all of your favourite blogs.

All you have to do is set up an account, which will only take a few minutes, then it will ask you to import the blogs you already read and then its done. All of your blogs will now appear over on that site and you can carry on reading as usual.

For a more detailed and informative blog post on how to go about it Kimmie has a really helpful post here!

If you already have a bloglovin account please go and search for Dollymix962 over there and follow me via that account as I'd hate to lose you guys!

See you on the other side!

Advice for my teenage self

I do realise its been almost a month since my last blog post and almost two weeks since my last video. Anyone who has ever been to university will know how hellish April and May are for essay deadline after essay deadline. This is what has been consuming all my time and will do so for the next 3 weeks. Hell.

However I fancied taking some time out to type up a really rambly post, just like the old days. Beth from Birds Words recently posted about advice she would give her teenage self. I've seen this in video form too and sure I did a post years ago on it but feel like doing it again! So here's the top 10 tips I would give my teenage self...

1. The four girls in this photo will still be your very closest friends in five years time. There is really no need to cry that youll never see them again when you leave school. However, you should really cherish being able to spend every day of the week with them as once school finishes, you'll never get to do that any more.

2. Don't worry so much about what others think of you. Share your thoughts without thinking people wont like you. Raise your hand to answer the question that you know the answer to. Don't shy away from showing everyone who you are and hide in the background of everything. You don't need to feel like you deserve to be a nobody, and those people who are considered "somebodies", wont be a part of your life at all once you leave school.

3. Break up with that poisonous boyfriend in January when you feel like you want to, dont drag it out until June. All it does is make life a nightmare for everyone involved. You could be spending all the hours you spent with him with your girls!

4. You know you're not IN LOVE with your prom dress, so take it back. You'll only end up looking back at photos wishing you had worn a dress you liked better. Its a god job your hairdresser got the sack weeks later. Also, just because the dress is lilac does'nt mean your eyeshadow needs to match!

5. Try not to be resentful towards your parents, they're both going through a hard time and only want the best for you. They're human too and make mistakes like anyone else. There is light at the end of the tunnel and everything will be ok, and you and Mam will be best friends like you used to be.

6. Dream Matte Mousse does absolutely nothing for your spotty flaky skin!

7. I know it gets you down and its completely gross, but don't pick at the acne on your back and face, it will only leave you with scars you hate or years to come.

8. Enjoy the fun times you can have with Ben before he hits his teens himself and can no longer take a joke and wont be seen dead with you.

9. It isn't a crime to hate your A Levels, you'll start a new course next year that you love so quit before college have a go at you and your mam sends you to counselling, insisting you're depressed when really you just hate English Literature and Sociology.

10. Don't go on the sunbeds two days in a row, you end up having to stay of school with the most excruciating prickly heat from head to toe. In fact, just don't go on the sunbeds at all.


Love, your future, wiser self!
xoxo

Spending Ban/Project Pan

Anyone who has ever been a student and received student loans will know that March can be a tough month. In fact any of the months that come right before your loan arrives are difficult as funds are running low. With my bank balance looking a little unhealthy recently I thought a spending ban was in order to help me through until loan day, a day which feels almost as good as Christmas morning.

Ive set myself the challenge to use up or "hit pan" on the following products. Until I have completed every last one I hae banned myself from spending any more money on cosmetics. However I have hauled a few bits recently so if you see them pop up, I bought them before I started the ban!

I know it looks like a lot but a fair few of these are nearly finished so wont be too hard to complete. Ive put the details for everything below to help myself (and you guys if you wish) keep track of my progress.

Make-up

 Mured Skin Perfecting Primer - Use up. Done!

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in Light - Use up. Done!

Jemma Kidd Light as Air Foundation in Light - Use up. Done!

Nars Mini Orgasm/Laguna Duo - Hit pan on Laguna. Done!

ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Duo - Use up.

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner - Use up.

Soap and Glory Thick & Fast Mascara - Use up. Done!

ELF Hypershine Gloss in Vixen - Use up.

Avon Magix Illuminator - Use up. Done!

ELF Eyebrow Treat & Tame in Ash - Use up.

Avon Brow Pencil in Blonde - Use up. Done!
MAC Teddy Eye Kohl - Use up. Done!

Avon Supershock Gel Liner Pencil in Bronze - Use up.  Done!

Smashbox Double Exposure Cheek & Lip Colour in Speedracer - Hit pan. Done! 

Avon Pro to Go Lipstick in Provocative Plum - Use up.

Carmex Cherry Lip Balm - Use up. Done!

Skin/Hair/Body

Naturals Almond & Milk Body Cream - Use up. Done!

Bumble & Bumble Styling Creme - Use up. Done!

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub - Use up. Done!

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter - Use up. Done!

Nivea Creme - Use up.

Schwarzkopf Gliss Shine Tonic - Use up. Done!

John Frieda Go Blonder Lightening Spray - Use up. Done!

Milk_Shake Conditioning Whipped Cream - Use up. Done!

Garnier Ambre Solaire Self Tanning Dry Body Mist - Use up. Done!

Samples & Sachets

Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps - Use up.

Lady Gaga Fame Black Fluid Perfume - Use up. Done!

Juicy Couture Couture La La Perfume - Use up. Done!

Rodial 5 Minute Facial - Use up. Done!

Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum - Use up. Done!

Monu Warming Aromatic Mask - Use up. Done!

Dermalogica Clean Start Welcome Matte SPF15 Moisturiser - Use up. Done!

Vanitas Versace Perfume - Use up. Done!

Do you think Ill make it through all these before spending money? I think so, I find posts like this a real encouragement to cut down on my spending and use what I have first. 

xoxo

What's in a name?

One evening in November 2010 I was bored, discovered the beauty blogging world and decided to try my hand at it. "Dollymix962" was very randomly the first thing that popped into my head, and since then it stuck. My blog, youtube channel, twitter and instagram all run under the same Dollymix name. 

This was never my intention at the time and back then I probably should have given my blog name more thought. Then again I didnt expect to be sat here 2 and a half years later still pondering over blog posts. Ive never really loved my blog name, its meaningless and annoys me slightly. The numbers at the end actually get on my nerves...why did I even put them there?!

So heres my issue. Do I change my blog name to something more me, or do I stick with Dollymix962? I cant decide whether its a good idea or not to change my whole blogging/youtubing identity...after all Cheryl did keep the "Cole" for her stage name long after slimy old Ashley was gone, so maybe I should do the same with my far more modest "brand". 

Even if I was to change it Im seriously struggling on what I would change to. Perhaps something not too far different, "Hayley Dollymix" is my twitter name so I could stick with that. On the opposite side I could go completely different, but my imagination for thinking up something remotely individual and catchy just isn't working for me.

The few new ideas Ive had have been "Hayley's makeup mix-up" or "Hayley Talks Beauty". See, my imagination isnt the best!

So, Im aware this blog post is a load of ramble of my typing out my thoughts, but if anyone has an opinion on what I should do I would greatly appreciate any input or ideas.

Thankyou! 

xoxo

Benefit Hervana

Ever since I saw Benefit's Hervana blush launch I knew I wanted it. All of the more muted tones swirled into it were right up my street, only Benefit's price points werent so I waited and asked for it for Christmas just gone. I always feel that if you have to wait a long time for something you want you really appreciate it more when you eventually get it, and that was the case with Hervana for me. 

Firstly, I adore the packaging and love the quirky, fun names and themes that Benefit always seem to get spot on. I think this box and product design are my favourite so far. 

As you can see Ive actually used the little brush that comes free in the box. Usually these brushes arent up to much but I really like tat this is a little angled one and actually works perfectly well and will be great for travel.

Now getting down to whats important, the product. Its a gorgeous swirled patterned blush of four different shades, a cream, a mid toned pink, a more rosey pink and a purpley fuschia shade. I find the best colour is given by swirling all the colours together to give a nice fresh pinky glow to the cheeks. It gives a slightly shimmery finish but nothing too full on as only the two lighter shades appear to be properly shimmery.

Im so glad to have this added to my collection, its a great every day blush and goes with just bout any mke-up look I want to do so great value for money. Hervana retails for around £24, which may seem steep but these Benefit boxed blushes seriously last ages as you get 8 grams of product. With the likes of MAC blushes you get 6 grams so the high price isnt too bad really, especially with colours like this that will get a lot of use.

xoxo

My Skincare Basket

I like to keep a lot of my skincare in this handy little basket beside my bedroom mirror. Aside from bathroom related items (cleansers, masks, etc). I do most of my skincare in my bedroom so it makes sense to keep everything I use on hand. Here's a quick run down on each product and my thoughts. 

I have other toners that I prefer to The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating Toner, but I've had this bottle in my collection for a while now so want to get through it. Its nice as it doesn't strip your skin and feels hydrating without being greasy, just a nice little step between cleansing and moisturising.

I got the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with a Feel Unique order, and get the feeling its trying to be like the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, which Ive never tried so cant really compare. I just keep this here to use it up, its nice but I dont feel as though I ever need to reach for it.

I couldnt be without my Alpha H Liquid Gold, every blogger and their dog raves about this and for good reason. I use it every other night before bed as a treatment without moisturising after and the next morning my skin looks glowing and fresh. Magic.

The Anti-Blemish Skinetica is another sample product kept here to use up. I havent noticed any magical spot fighting results so use it as a toner when my face feels a little oily which it is alright at doing. Its nothing special to me though.

The Origins Super Spot Remover works like a dream at reducing redness and spot size, and fast. This iny bottle has lasted me forever, you only need a tiny bit. It gives that stinging feeling whic to me means its doing something and it quickly gives results, even reducing any soreness I may have from a spot.

The Dermalogica Clean Start Dream Matte Moisturiser is yet another sample to be used up. Im not the biggest fan of it in terms of how little moisture it provides, but like the matte finish for days in the house when Im not putting on makeup. This would probably suit those with much oilier skin than mine better.

You've probably heard me raving on and on about the Origins Vitazing before, so Ill keep it brief. Its a fab base for summertime giving a nice tint to the skin, Im even breaking it out now on sunnier spring-time days.

The Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser is a staple for me, its fairly basic and kind for my skin and can always be relied upon to give a nice hydrated feeling to the skin. I dont really feel the need to try anything other than this.

Im coming to the end of my tub of Origins Ginzing Eye Cream and will certainly be repurchasing. Its a great eye cream for mornings with its brightening, light reflecting formula which I find really brightens up my under eye area. 

I just use this old Batiste lid to hold a few cotton buds, I use these for so many things when Im getting ready so its just really handy to have a few on hand to get rid of any mascara smudges or other "emergencies". I like to keep a little mascara wand there too for when I do my brows, just so I always know where it is. 

I love the feeling the Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub gives to my lips, leaving them super silky and soft. I rarely use this though as it can be a bit of a faff and the sugar gets everywhere (maybe Im just clumsy). It tastes amazing too.

I rely so much on my Johnsons Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads. I only need to use them on days where Ive worn heavier eye makeup but just find theyre so convenient, especially after a night out! The pre-soaked cotton pads work wonders at breaking down mascara and liner and dont sting my eyes at all, fantastic.

The Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins is my absolute favourite night cream. It smells amazing and feels so nourishing when applied to the skin. Its a step I really enjoy before bed because it feels like Im doing my skin some good (wierd?). I always wake up with lump soft skin the next morning, another compete staple to my skincare routine. 

I keep this little tin of good old fashioned Nivea Creme handy as I sometimes use it as a moisture mask. I just whack a load of it on if my skins feeling dry if I have a few hours before going to bed and just let it soak in gradually. Goodbye pesky dry patches!

Another Origins product Im obsessed with comes in the form of Eye Doctor, my moisturising eye cream I use at night. I odnt need the brightening properties off Ginzing for bed so find this hydrating option more suitable. Another product where I feel Im being kind to my skin when applying it. 

I keep the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream For Face With SPF 50 (such a mouthful) n hand to encourage me to apply SPF. I must admit I often skip this step but do like the product when I remember to use it.

The Clarins Facial Self Tanner is amazing for giving your face a lovely healthy tanned glow. Its not scarily dark, never goes patchy and can e slotted nicely into your skincare routine after cleansing. Theres nothing I dont love about it.

Im in the process of trying to use up the Soap and Glory Bright Here Bright Now. Its basically a brightening light reflecting cream. It does brighten my complexion if its feeling a little dull but I never really reach for it so am just trying to use it up and wont repurchase it.

The Bare Minerals Pure Transformation Night Treatment is a strange product, like a mineral foundation but for going to bed. It actually gives a nice coverage too and doesnt transfer onto pillows which I find strange. That isnt really its main purpose though, it generally improves and brightens your skin in your sleep with its mineral content. I really loved this before I discovered the Liquid Gold and now that does a similar job but on a much more intense level, so I often forget to use this now. I will use it up though as it was stupidly expensive!

Last but not least I have the Mavala Double Lash, which promises to lengthen, strengthen and thicken lashes with nightly use in just 30 days. Im now on to day 28 of using it and ave noticed good results so a review will be coming on this soon.

What products do you think Im missing from my routine and need in my life? Im always open to recommendations of new things to try!

xoxo

Sparkly Eyes and Pink Lip Date Night Look

On Friday I went with David to see This is 40 at our local cinema. I know its dark and nobody can see you in the cinema, but I always like to make a bit of an effort when we go out of an evening. I thought it was the perfect time to try out my new Illamasqua pigment in Beguile. Its amazing and Im going to try and get it to photograph properly in its own post.

Heres what I wore:

(Excuse the brows they really are a mess).

Face:

MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW15

Benefit Erase Paste

ELF Blush/Bronzer Duo

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

Avon Brow Pencil in Blonde

Eyes:

MAC Vintage Selection Paint Pot

Illamasqua Beguile Pigment

L'Oreal Superliner Carbon Gloss

Avon Supershock Black Gel Liner Pencil

Benefit Theyre Real Mascara

Lips:

Revlon Wild Orchid Lipstick

Ive tried to show the pigment better below...I think the slight blurriness actually shows the sparkle better somehow. Im actually in love with Beguile, so so pretty.

xoxo

Make-up of the Week

I couldn't think up a better title for this post, if you have one feel free to leave a comment! I go through phases with my make-up, using the same few products for a week or two in a row before deciding I should switch it up a bit. This is mainly down to being a little lazy but at least it shows I really like the products I'm using. 

This week my face has looked a little like this, only less puffy with not so greasy hair and normally wearing clothes rather than pjs (Id just woken up).

Ive been working a lot and just started a new semester back at uni, so this week my make-up has been quick and easy. 

I start with Origins Vitazing for a quick light coverage to tidy up any little imperfections and give a little glow. The Natural Collection blush in Peach Melba is so natural and easy, I find it just the right amount of pigmentation so I dont have to worry about going overboard. I finished off my skin with a sweep of Rimmels Stay Matte powder over the T-Zone to prevent any shine, as you can see Ive used this to death!

 For the eyes Ive been lovingthe Nars eyeshadow duo in Kalahari, either colour or both swept across the lid is such an easy eyeshadow look and still looks really pretty. For brows I go through them with my Avon Blonde Brow Definer, which again is a perfect product for quick makeup in the mornings and is a great colour match for my brows. I finish off with a touch of MACs Teddy eyeliner in the tightline and two coats of Soap and Glorys Thick and Fast mascara which Ive been really enjoying using lately with its huge brush and volumising formula. 

So thats been my routine over the past few days!

Yey for finally doing a blog post, let me know if you would like to see these kinds of posts more frequently when I find new little routines Ive been loving

xoxo

50 Things I Want To Do in 2013

To kick the year off in a positive way I always create a list of 50 things I want to do in the year. These can be one time things (a holiday), or a goal to be achieved across the entire year (drink more water). I love looking back on these throughout the year to see how I'm progressing. So without further ado, here's my list!

1.       Cleanse my skin every morning/night rather than using face wipes.

2.       Complete the 30 Day Shred all the way through to the end.

3.       Go back to Ibiza.

4.       Go somewhere new with David where we haven’t been before.

5.       Say “yes” more.

6.       Find 5 new foods that I like.

7.       Avoid fizzy drinks apart from nights out.

8.       Pass 2^nd year uni.

9.       Get my ears pierced.

10.   Be more positive.

11.   Keep on top of keeping the house tidy

12.   Have one day a week completely laptop free.

13.   Do at least one blog post per week

14.   Clean up the back yard so it can be nice for summer.

15.   Learn how to cook more nice meals from scratch.

16.   Have a car boot sale of all my old things and put the money towards New York

17.   Keep on top of uni work and attend uni much more often

18.   Go to the races on a summers evening again

19.   Learn a new craft, maybe knitting.

20.   Get up earlier in the mornings.

21.   Drink water every day.

22.   Complete two project 10 pans throughout the year.

23.   Read 5 non uni related books.

24.   Find the perfect picture for my red bedroom wall.

25.   Have a girly day once a month with my Mam.

26.   Walk to work more often, especially as the weather gets better.

27.   Try my hardest to keep my job after the temporary contract, if not find a new job!

28.   Keep my eyebrows under control!

29.   Invest in some lovely bed sheets.

30.   Stop buying food from the uni vending machines and take healthier options.

31.   Use a face mask once a week

32.   Continue uploading one youtube video per week.

33.   Add at least two more Disney films to my collection.

34.   Make an effort to get into jogging properly.

35.   Go to at least two concerts/gigs.

36.   Have some nice days out with David in the spring/summer.

37.   Have a girly sleepover like its still 2004.

38.   Make an effort to be more sociable with my uni friends.

39.   Try three new restaurants that Ive never been to before.

40.   Order something off a menu that Ive never tried before.

41.   Take Molly (the dog) for walks whenever I get the chance.

42.   Try not to get as stressed over little things.

43.   Bake more often and more new things.

44.   Fill the last 3 spaces in my MAC palette.

45.   Take driving lessons again.

46.   Don’t eat McDonalds or takeaways more than once a week.

47.   Climb a mountain in Scotland or the Lakes.

48.   Go camping

49.   Feed the reindeer in Aviemore

50.   Take a city break again, London or Paris maybe.

i   If you set yourselves any similar goals Id love to hear what they are and maybe get some ideas for improving mine xx

Did I Achieve my 2012 Goals?

So each year I set myself sort of a "To-Do List" for the coming year. I usually fail miserably, and always write up on the blog with how well Ive done. What better way to end 2012 than to see how well Ive done?..or not as the case may be!

1. Pass 1st year of uni 

Done, Yey!

2. Finish decorating my bedroom

Yes, apart from I need a nice bedside lamp...but we can still cheat and say yes.       

3. Learn how to make a Sunday dinner.

Not really, I make lovely bangers and mash though. Just need to get the roast beef down to a tea.

4. Give David an amazing surprise for his 21st

Yes! I took him to London for the weekend and we went to the Capital Summertime Ball and Wicked :)

5. Rejoin the gym and actually start going at least once a week.

Big fail, I rejoined and went TWICE. I give up on the gym I hate it.

6. Get stuck in to uni work, stop being lazy and actually attend lectures!

Hmm. No. I tried for the first few months back at uni but let it slip recently.

7. Find my driving theory pass certificate

Nope. Its gone forever :(

8. Pass my driving test!

Another big fat no.

9. Make cupcakes to fill my cupcake tree

No! I cant find my little tree so havent been able to do this one

10. Visit Grandma much more often

Yes and no, I do see her more now which is good.

11. Do youtube videos more consistently

Yes! Ive been doing at least one a week for over a year now.

12. Take more of an interest in fashion and accessorising my outfits

Taking an interest, yes. Funding it, no.

13. Watch The Sopranos with David

Nope :( And I bought the boxset as well we just never have the time.

14. Watch all of The OC again from beginning to end

Not this year, Ive been way too obsessed with Gossip Girl instead.

15. Do something really good and memorable for my 21st

I just had a lovely night out with all my nearest and dearest, so yeh it was really good!

16. Go on holiday with the girls (eventually)

Yep, Ibiza was AMAZING. Cant wait to go back.

17. Finally watch the Bourne Trilogy

Watched the first one, so 1/3 of this done.

18. Go back to America

Ha, I wish!

19. Get a job

A big YES finally!

20. Ride a rollercoaster

Unfortunately yes, it was awful!

21. Read at least 10 books, preferably on my kindle or ones I already own

Ive read six. Which sounds like nothing over a year but its good for me.

22. Grow my hair without caving in and getting loads chopped off

Yeeeeees! My hair i supper long now for me (past nipple length haha). But it definately needs a trim. Just not loads off :) 

23. Learn how to do a fishtail braid

Yep, long hair = better fishtails.

24. Watch The Godfather films

Nope.

25. Drink more water, anything would be an improvement as I dont drink it at all now

I was better at this over summer, not so great now but better than I used to be.

26. Get dressed up and enjoy an evening on Newcastle Quayside with David

No! Skint students cant afford this.

27. Learn how to make bread

Another no, oops!

28. Save up and make plans to go to New York

The plans are there, the saving...not so good.

29. Meet a friend through blogging

Nope :( Maybe if I actually blogged a bit more though.. 

30. Visit a city in the UK Ive never been to before

Yep, I went to Manchester in March. Really loved that city :)

31. Get my ears pierced

Oops, no! Wimp!

32. Sleep earlier and get up earlier

Failed this too...Im practically nocturnal 

33. Watch more Audrey Hepburn movies aside from Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Ive bought and seen Roman Holiday so I did this one!

34. Become less shy

Definitely, Im still very shy but much more confident than I used to be.

35. Get my parents to meet Davids parents

Still hasnt happened, beyond a joke.

36. Visit a new country

Yep, Ibiza

37. Buy a stranger a drink in a bar just to be nice

Haha, yes actually.

38. Make genuine friends with the people I know at Uni

Sort of.

39. Make a gingerbread house from scratch

No :( I so want to do this.

40. Try every Lush Bubble Bar

Most of them, at least the scents I like. So I'd tick this one off.

41. Get my eyebrows threaded

Nope, looks too painful!

42. Get a spray tan

Another no.

43. Stay back in Room 105 of The Langdale Hotel again.

I wish...maybe one day.

44. Buy my Mam flowers for no reason

No! Again Im the most skint haha

45. Do one of Jamie's 30 Minute Meals

Nope but I got his book for Christmas so I intend to!

46. See a show in London

Yes, Wicked. Its amazing.

47. Visit my friend Amy in London

Visited London, but Amy moved back home anyway so this didnt really make sense anymore.

48. Do one full review a week on my blog

Sadly a massive fail. I miss blogging almost every day.

49. Get a facial

No but I still really want to.

50. Take my mam somewhere for a beauty treatment

Nah we havent done this yet, maybe for her birthday.

So Im  big fat failure haha, but did achieve most of the big important ones I guess. Now to think of what I want to do in 2013...

The Christmas Tag!

Having so much time away from blogging recently, Ive find it hard to come up with any decent posts I could do. Cue The Christmas Tag, what could be more festive and simple to ease me back into it!

 1. What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

The whole mixture of everything creating festive cheer. The feeling of good will everywhere you go is really heart-warming  everyone in my family becomes slightly giddy and were all in high spirits. Its the little things like mince pies, hot chocolate with cinnamon, and Christmas themed everything that make me warm inside.

2. What is your favourite make up look for the festive season?

Definitely red lips and simple eye make-up  Also, if you cant do a touch of sparkle at Christmas, when can you? This is the only time I feel its appropriate to whack on the sparkly eye liner for a good Christmas night out.

3. Real or fake tree?

Real all the way. Theres nothing quite as special as picking out the perfect tree then unwrapping it in all its glory in the living room. The smell alone is enough to sway the real vs fake argument. Ive had real trees my whole life, apart from this year we have borrowed a fake one to save pennies...I must say it isnt quite the same!

4. Giving or receiving presents?
Lets face it, its always very exciting receiving presents, and often seems slightly cliche to say we prefer giving to receiving. However I have t say this is definitely true for me, even my boyfriend has commented on how I get more of buzz from giving him his gifts than I do from opening my own. I can get very stressed doing Christmas shopping, but seeing someone get excited over a surprise youve given them is totally worth it.

5. Do you open your presents in the morning or evening?

The morning of course! Weve always been allowed to open just one on Christmas Eve night, along with our new Christmas Eve pyjamas! 

6. Handmade or bought Christmas cards?

Handmade cards are lovely, but Im rubbish at crafts and Im not sure people really appreciate the effort that goes into them, so I always buy my cards but make sure to find nice ones.

 7. What is your favourite Christmas film?

I love all Christmas films, watching them is by far one of my favourite festive things to do. I have to say the original Santa Claus The Movie with Dudley Moore, Ive always watched that before bed on Christmas Eve with my family and its just the best tradition we have. I get just as excited watching this as I do on Christmas day, we still do this every year.

(Image from Pinterest)
 8. What is your favourite Christmas food? 

Im a big foodie so Christmas is such a good excuse to eat constantly. I do love my Christmas dinner but Id have to say my favourite part of it is pigs in blankets. I literally pile them onto my plate...my family make extra just so theres enough for everyone else. Theyre amazing and Im kind of upset I only get them one day a year, but I guess they wouldnt be so special if I had them year round.

Ive seen this tag so many times on loads of blogs so I tag anyone to do it. If you do be sure to link it below!

Glam Glow...The Wonder Mask

Hello! I feel slightly odd typing up a blog post, its been so long. Ive always had a rule with blogging that I will never force myself to do it if I dont feel like it, and that is evidently what happened. However, Im back today to ramble on about my new favourite product....Glam Glow.

At first I was hesitant to splash the cash on this mask, which costs around the £50 mark for 50ml. It sounds insane but a little really goes a long way, and its the most effective product Ive ever used on my skin (bold statement). I compare it to buying those £1 one use face masks. It doesnt seem too bad shelling out £1 for one use of a face mask, but I think I would get at least 30 uses out of this pot fr the £50...which really doesnt make it too expensive per use considering its a million times more effective.

With that little rant over...what's so great about it anyway?

Basically it has a ton of amazing ingredients that work wonders. Im not going to go into depth about what it contains, I just know it has the same amazing acid that Alpha H Liquid Gold does that works to resurface you skin and make you look ten times healthier. 

The product itself as you can see is a thick greeny sludge which actually contains pieces of green tea leaves which can look quite strange once applied. I apply it with an old flat foundation brush to get it on evenly and thinly - I find I use less product this way rather than caking it on with my fingers. The mask has a strange but fresh scent, I cant put my finger on what it is but I dont think its an added perfume, just the smell of the ingredients. 

Once on the skin the mask is quite an experience. You have to leave it to set on your face for around 5/10 minutes. As it dries it tightens on your face and feels really wierd. It also tingles while its drying, which can get quite intense. Personally I found it stung a little but my Mam said she barely felt it so maybe it just depends on your skin type. Once it dries I scrub it off with a damp flannel cloth in a circular motion so the little grains within it really exfoliate as its removed which I find is really effective and makes a difference.

The result I get once my face is dry is without a doubt the smoothest my skin has ever felt. I was taken aback by how great the instant results were the first time I used it. Generally I find cheaper facemasks dont make a huge difference but this is amazing and worth every penny. My skin feels squeaky clean and my pores look way smaller. My skin does feel a little tight but not dried out - but a layer of moisturiser sorts that right out. I agree with almost everything the box says are the results of the mask. My face is glowing for days afterwards and is much brighter, clearer and softer. My pores are definitely minimised and are barely noticable compared to what they once were. As for wrinkles I cant really comment but even without that aspect I think its such a good product.

If you couldnt already tell Id highly recommend this mask to anyone as I think it would help with all manner of skin issues. Maybe stick it on your Christmas list - I know I'll be asking for another pot as I couldnt be without it now

xoxo

4 Years...

to the day since two little 17 year olds agreed to be in a relationship with one another when they barely even knew each other. By some miracle were still here today. Keeping mushy sicklyness to a minimum, I couldnt be happier! Cue cringey photos...

 Underage, bad eyebrows and no makeup on my behalf, and drunk off about 3 WKDS.

4 years later, still the same but this time way more lipstick and sambuca, blergh!

xoxo

Moroccan Oil...Late on the Bandwagon.

The Moroccan Oil craze was something that never really interested me. Neither did any of its oily competitors. Having fine, thin hair that looks limp and greasy easily, hair oils seemed like a big no no to me. However I received a small bottle of Mhagrabian Hair Oil in a recent Glossybox which totally made me change my mind - I loved it. The combination of this and receiving lots of lovely money for my 21st birthday lead to purchasing this full size bottle of the highly acclaimed Moroccan Oil totally on a whim.

The one I purchased is the Moroccan Oil Treatment for all hair types. They also make one that is specifically targeted towards fine and light coloured hair, which is probably what I should have purchased. However this works perfectly well for me, I think the other formula is probably less rich and thick.

Lets just start by saying, I'm fully addicted to this now and totally understand why people rave about it so much. I use this mainly after washing my hair and before drying it. A pump or two warmed up in my hands and rubbed through the ends and lengths of my hair does the trick.  I find this makes my hair so silky smooth and sneakily disguises my awful split ends. On top of that I find it makes my air smell amazing. I know many people arent too fond of the smell and find it quite masculine, but I personally love it. 

The other way I use this is after styling when my hair is dry. I don't always do this but find that if my hair is looking quite brittle and dry on the end a little drop of this really helps to make it look way healthier. After straightening or curling my hair it just gives that extra something to the style and makes my hair look more polished and "done". 

Theres only a few minor negative points I can think of for this product. The first being that its fairly easy to go overboard with it and make your hair look like a lank greaseball. Ive only done this once and learned my lesson. Less is definitely more and only apply a small amount at a time, if you think it needs more you can go back for more but putting to much on to begin with is a much harder issue to resolve. The only other problem I can see is that I dont feel it is actually doing anything for the actual condition of my hair. I find it to be just a really great styling product, rather than a conditioning treatment. Over time I may see a difference but for now my hair hasnt changed an awful lot. 

As far as pricing goes, this is pretty expensive at £30.45 for this 100ml bottle on Feel Unique. You can aso get a 25ml bottle for just £12.85 which will last for ages and is much friendlier to the bank balance. I would highly recommend giving this or even any hair oil a go even if you think they wont suit your hair. I thought that too and now I couldnt be without it in my hair routine! 

xoxo

Saturday Night Smokey Eye

Ive been really ill the past few days, so these pictures from Saturday have taken a little while to make it into a blog post. Its been so long since I did Face of the Day posts but Im going to start doing them again. On Saturday night I had intended doing something a little different with my makeup but when it came down it the good old smokey eye made an appearance.

I used...

Skin:

Loreal Studio Secrets Resurfacing Primer

Revlon ColourStay Foundation

Collection Lastng Perfection Concealer

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel

Nars Laguna

MAC Azalea Blossom Blusher (ltd edition)

Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow in Iced Gold

Lips:

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 700 Nude Delight

Nars Turkish Delight Lipgloss

Eyes:

Benefit Creaseless Cream in Skinny Jeans

MAC Eyeshadow in Club all over lid

Urban Decays Eyeshadow in Blackout (from Naked 2 palette) through the crease

Maybelliene Gel Liner

Benefits Theyre Real Mascara

Avon Perfect Brows Blonde Pencil through brows.

Sorry for the rather blurry eyelid shot!

So thats about it :)

I cant wait to start experimenting a bit more when Im better and making more FOTD style posts

xoxo

Liz Earle Eyebright

I have to admit I was always slightly baffled as to what this product was even meant to do. I'd seen a fair few   reviews of it all saying it was a great product, so I added it to a Liz Earle order to give it a go.

The Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion claims to soothe and refresh tired, puffy eyes and remove light eye make-up. My eyes are always very puffy when I get up in the morning, and I usually like to let my face "settle" before leaving the house otherwise I may frighten small children. This was the main reason I thought to try this and it does actually work.

 The first thing I noticed about this is that it is most definitely soothing. A soaked cotton pad laid on the eyes feels very cooling and refreshing, the perfect thing to wake you up quickly on a morning. It really does reduce puffiness too. Ive even used it a few times after Ive shed a few tears (Yes, Im a crier...I cry at everything), and it really helps settle your eyes down after crying. This is great if you have to face people after watching PS I Love You!

The eye make-up removal part is something I had never considered using it for until I found myself eye-makeup removerless. I found this in my stocks and thought it was worth a go at taking off a few coats of mascara and it really did the trick well. I dont think it would hold up so well against a smokey eye and gel liner, but for the last few bits of mascara or liner you missed when cleansing, its perfect.

I wouldnt say this is really an essential product to own, but it is useful for a number of reasons and its really rather handy to have around. This handy 50ml size would be great for travelling, but its also fab for if you want to give it a go but dont want to commit to buying the full size. This size has lasted me months of on and off use and is still going strong. It costs around £5. The full size is 150ml at around £10, which I think is really fairly priced.

I love Liz Earle products and this is just another to add to the list of little gems she has in her range. 

xoxo

Lustlist #21 Shoes Shoes Shoes!

Over the past week or so Ive been lusting after shoes...constantly. With the weather turning bad, boots have been on my radar so Ive been searching every website's shoes section...leading to looking at every type of footwear and wanting everything. Now Ive came across all of these shoes on ASOS (all of which are black, by accident) that I now think I must own...

River Island Western Stud Ankle Boots - £75

Ive always enjoyed the western boot, but never owned a pair. These are subtle enough to not scream "cowboy", and give a nice little nod to the studded trend I love so much right now.

ASOS Deny Wedge High Top Trainers - £36
Im a little late to the party on this trend, but for ages I didnt really like high tops. For whatever reason Ive came round to the idea, and especially like the thought of a sneaky concealed wedge to make my legs look longer and nicer! I love these ones particularly because of the cute floral detail, someone treat me to these! :)

ASOS Abbi Chelsea Ankle Boots - £38

I think if I actually purchase any of these shoes, itll be these. Flat chelsea boots dont look great on me, so these heeled ones will be way more flattering and go with so many things over winter. I see them as more of an investment rather than a naughty purchase, maybe.

ASOS Little Miss Ballet Flats - £25
I know these are a bit of a rip off of the Marc Jacobs mouse flats, but in reality I can never afford the originals...and these are SO cute and way way cheaper.

Which of these do you think I should buy? I wish I could get them all!

xoxo